The Southern Torch, Vol. 2, No. 3 by Southern Torch

THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016 / VOL. 2, NO. 3 / $1.00

COMMUNITY

BUSINESS

POLITICS

MERRILL TO SPEAK AT FORT PAYNE CHAMBER BANQUET > PAGE 3

BOOM DAYS GETS A NEW CHAIRPERSON

SHELBY, SESSIONS AND ADERHOLT RESPOND TO STATE OF THE UNION

> PAGE 5

> PAGE 8

Judge grants Thrash a hearing in front of DeKalb BOE

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

DEKALB CO, Ala.— Ninth Circuit Judge Jeremy Taylor ruled yesterday that former Fyffe Coach Neal Thrash be granted a hearing before the full board of the DeKalb County Schools BOE to discuss the events leading up to

his dismissal as Fyffe’s head coach by DeKalb County Superintendent Hugh Taylor in April 2014. Judge Taylor ruled that Thrash should have been given the opportunity of a hearing before the full board. Superintendent Taylor dismissed Thrash as

Fyffe’s head coach, citing allegations of misconduct and bullying that he said were uncovered by an internal investigation following one of the most successful seasons in school history. Taylor placed Thrash on administrative leave. Traditionally, such a matter would be taken before the full board of DeKalb County Schools for a hearing, allowing the employee in question an opportunity to defend themselves and have their voice heard. As he was not given such an opportunity, Thrash filed a civil suit against Taylor and the BOE for improperly placing him on leave and depriving

him of the right to a hearing before the board. Judge Taylor also presided over the original case in 2014, Thrash vs. DeKalb County BOE. After hearing the case, Judge Taylor ruled that Thrash was improperly suspended gave an order that he be given a full hearing before the board and set an official hearing date for Nov. 17, 2014. BOE attorneys immediately filed an appeal to the Alabama Supreme Court, asking for a dismissal and delaying any court proceedings pending the higher court’s decision. It would take almost an entire year for the Alabama Supreme Court

Mail Carrier Honored Mentone requests help from legislators for wet/dry vote

to make their ruling, eventually dismissing the BOE’s appeal in late 2015. The case was recently sent back to Judge Taylor in the Ninth Circuit where he heard oral arguments from attorneys on both sides last week in a summary judgement proceeding. After hearing argument from each side, after almost two years of legal wrangling and waiting, Judge Taylor announced that his original ruling would stand and Thrash would be given the opportunity to state his case before the full BOE. If the board rules in his favor, Thrash could be reinstated immediately as Fyffe’s head coach. THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

NACC President’s and Dean’s List During the fall semester at Northeast Alabama Community College, 396 students were put on the President’s and Dean’s List. The total on the President’s List was 195 students and the total for the Dean’s List was 201 students… Pages 3

THIS WEEK IN FAITH

I Want Hair Like That

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

MENTONE, Ala.— The Mentone Town Council is calling on local legislators to help in their efforts to make the sale of alcohol in Mentone legal. The council recently passed a resolution formally requesting assistance from Alabama Sen. Steve Livingston

(R-Scottsboro) and Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) to introduce legislation in Montgomery that would allow the town to call for a wet/dry referendum and hold a local election to decide whether or not to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages. “Mentone is a tourist CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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watch

RAINSVILLE, AL — For mail carrier Tanya Lyons, January 6 was just like any other day on the job delivering mail, that is until she noticed a fire in the yard of a residence along her route. The home on County Road 866 belonged to Rainsville resident Weston Culpepper, who was sound asleep due to working third shift. An electric heat lamp used to keep Culpepper’s pitbull warm had ignited,

engulfing the plastic dog house in flames. The dog house was located in close proximity to the residence, putting Culpepper and the whole house in danger as well as the dog. Lyons, thinking quickly, kicked the burning dog house away from Culpepper’s residence and alerted him to the fire in his yard, which wasn’t easy. “It took a few minutes of banging and yelling to wake him up. He works nights so he was in a deep sleep,” Lyons CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

The Southern Torch – Southern Torch, Inc. News every Friday. For Subscriptions: Call (256) 638-4040 or email subscriptions@southerntorch.com

David was in my church’s youth group. But he picked a strange role model. I was a Youth Minister in the Louisville area for four years while I was in seminary. The church I served was just across the Ohio River in Clarksville, Indiana… Page 6

THIS WEEK IN OPINION

Ted Cruz Letter to the Editor By now voters across Alabama are tuning in to receive coverage on the 2016 presidential election. Citizens are taking a close look at who best represents their conservative values and beliefs. Who will stand up for them? Who will stand on principle and lead our nation with courage? The answer: Senator Ted Cruz. What we are seeing across the entire country is nothing short of amazing. Courageous conservatives are rising up and declaring that they have had enough of business as usual in Washington… Page 7 PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 60 RAINSVILLE, AL

Friday–January 15, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

Alabama GOP asks Hubbard to step down as House Speaker

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.— The Steering Committee of the Alabama Republican Party passed a resolution earlier this week formally asking Rep. Mike Hubbard to step down as Speaker of the Alabama House. “The Alabama Republican Party strongly

believes the needs of our state must be the first priority of our elected officials,” Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan said. “The GOP controlled legislature needs full time focused attention on the people’s business. The distractions of Representative Hubbard’s legal situation will make it extremely difficult for

him to meet the demands of his role as Alabama Speaker of the House of Representatives. “At this time, we recognize that Representative Hubbard remains innocent on the charges brought against him. We wish only the best for him and his family. We reached out to Representative Hubbard numerous times to meet with a small group of GOP leaders to discuss our concerns, to no avail. As a servant of the people, we urge Representative Hubbard to put the larger interest of Alabama first.” A grand jury indicted Hubbard in October 2014, charging him with 23

felony ethics counts of using his office as speaker and former position as chairman of the Alabama Republican Party for personal gain. Hubbard has pleaded not guilty and stands to go to trial to face the charges on March 28, 2016 in Lee County. Hubbard released the following statement in response to ALGOP’s request to step down: “With several motions to dismiss yet to be ruled upon, and discussions of a continuance taking place in court just last week, Lathan’s request is both ill-advised and premature, but this effort on her part is about something else entirely,”

Hubbard said. “During last year’s budget crisis, Lathan was pushing for a shutdown of state government, and when the Legislature did the responsible thing and funded essential taxpayer services, she and a small group of her followers became angry. Her request is simply a symptom of lingering resentment against the leadership. The fact that Lathan’s resolution was approved in a hastily called Sunday night telephone call with less than half the Steering Committee voting in favor shows she was desperate and lacked widespread support.”

vacancy be filled no sooner than a week after the vacancy is announced. Wooten also stated in her resignation that she regrets, “that I cannot finish the term in which I was elected by the fine

citizens of Sylvania.” She also expressed pride in her accomplishments during her term, which included recently receiving a grant from the state for repairs to their aging sewer system. During the the remainder of the meeting, department assignments were made

to each council member. Larry Bailey was assigned duties to the police department, Cal Deemer to Parks, Kimberly Roberts to Fire, and Dana Kling to Public Works. More information on the mayor’s replacement should be available at the following council meeting.

Sylvania’s mayor resigns By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

SYLVANIA, Ala.— On Thursday, January 7th, the Sylvania City Council held a special meeting to discuss departmental responsibilities for each council member. At this meeting, Sylvania Mayor Emily Wooten announced that she would be resigning. Reading a resignation letter aloud, Mayor Wooten cited, “events that have taken place in my family life and not one related to town business.” This left councilman Gerald Craig

to serve as Sylvania mayor pro tem until the regularly scheduled council meeting on Jan. 19, 2016. While no definitive plans have been announced to fill the mayor’s position thus far, according to Section 11-43-42, Code of Alabama 1975, the council can fill the vacancy from it’s own ranks, or from outside the council. The only requirement is that this individual must meet all the qualifications prescribed for the office of mayor and that the

Continued from page 1

Mentone requests help destination and currently people can drive five miles from here and buy alcohol in Georgia, but they can’t buy it here,” Mentone Mayor Rob Hammond said. “We’re not only sending money out of town, we’re sending it out of state. Tax revenues from alcohol sales would be a significant help to our town.” Hammond said Sen. Livingston and Rep. Ledbetter happened to be present at a town meeting a few weeks ago when the issue came up and expressed their willingness to help if they could. Hammond said the resolution was a symbolic gesture to recognize and officially request the help of Ledbetter and Livingston and generate awareness for the issue.

Mentone and the DeKalb legislators could be facing an uphill battle, however. Current state law requires a minimum population of 1,000 residents for a municipality in a dry county to become eligible for a wet/ dry vote. The most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau (USCB) estimates a population in Mentone of 364 residents, meaning the legislation would need to significantly decrease the current minimum population. Repealing or circumventing alcoholrelated wet/dry laws and Sunday Blue Laws has often proven a difficult task in Alabama. The legislation that lowered the population minimum from 7,000 to 1,000 residents failed numerous times before finally passing in 2009.

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Mail carrier honored said. January 12 also seemed to be a normal day on the job for Lyons. The only abnormality was that she had been summoned to the Rainsville post office by Postmaster Pamela Kirtland along with other employees. This also seemed fairly routine until she arrived and was greeted by Rainsville Mayor Nick Jones, Henegar Postmaster

Mary Jo Crabtree, and members of the local media. Her husband and a strawberry cake were also in attendance much to her surprise. Postmaster Kirtland had called everyone together to honor Lyon’s selfless act that saved a dog and possibly its owner. Mayor Jones also honored her with a proclamation from the city declaring January 6 to be

Upon passage, former Gov. Bob Riley promptly vetoed the bill, requiring an override from the legislature before finally being enacted. Also, during the last legislative session, a measure to decrease the population requirement for a wet/ dry vote to a population of 500 was unable to make it through both houses of the Alabama Legislature. If Ledbetter and Livingston are able to successfully usher a bill through the legislature and Mentone becomes eligible for a referendum Alabama law requires a petition to be signed by residents who are registered voters and total at least 30 percent of the number of people from the town who voted in the previous general election before a wet/dry referendum can be called. “Tanya Lyons” Day in Rainsville. “Tanya Lyons, through her efforts, saved someone’s life, their home, and their pet from destruction by fire,” the proclamation read. Lyon’s was completely surprised and touched by the community’s recognition. “I had no idea they were doing this,” she said tearfully. For Lyons, not only does she deliver the mail “rain or shine,” but also shows this same dedication in coming to the aid of others.

Friday–January 15, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY Merrill to Speak at Fort Payne Chamber Banquet

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce announced that their

annual Chamber banquet will be held Jan. 21. Fort Payne’s Chamber meeting will take place at the DeKalb Theatre. Secretary of State John Merrill will be the guest speaker for this event. You can pick up tickets at the Chamber office for $15 each or 2 for $25. The event will begin at 6 p.m. For more information, call the Chamber office at 256-845-2741.

To submit community news, contact: news@southerntorch.com Tel. 256 638 4040 www.southerntorch.com

Rainsville Chamber Honors Person of the Year By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— Rainsville Chamber of Commerce announced that it will be holding its annual meeting on Jan. 21. Rainsville’s Chamber

meeting will take place at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center and will begin at 6:30 p.m. A steak dinner will be served and there will be music from Jacob Stiefel. This year’s Person of the Year, D.L. Stiefel, will be

the guest of honor. Tickets are $25, but there is limited seating. Ticket deadline is Jan. 15. For information or to purchase a ticket, call the Chamber office at 256-638-7800 or email chamber@farmerstel.com

NACC President’s and Dean’s List By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.—During the fall semester at Northeast Alabama Community College, 396 students were put on the President’s and Dean’s List. The total on the President’s List was 195 students and the total for the Dean’s List was 201 students. The requirements for the President’s List are to have a semester grade point of 4.0 and completion of a minimum semester course load of 12 semester credit hours of college-level work. Requirements for the Dean’s List are to have a semester grade point of 3.5 or above but below 4.0 and completion of a minimum semester course load of 12 semester credit hours of college-level work. Developmental courses do not count toward the minimum course load requirement.

Students making the President’s List were, by city:

Name City

MARTIN SALOMON MORALES..............................COLLINSVILLE MARIA FERNANDA MORENO................................COLLINSVILLE SYDNEY BROOKE STONE........................................COLLINSVILLE PHILLIP TYLER ALLEN...........................................CROSSVILLE ZACHARY TYLER EAKES........................................CROSSVILLE SKYLAR BROOKE PAINTER.....................................CROSSVILLE CHASITY ANNLYNN PURVIS..................................CROSSVILLE KENDRA SHAY AYERS............................................DAWSON JERALDINE SUZANNE ALLERTON..........................FORT PAYNE JOSEPH DEREK ALONZO........................................FORT PAYNE DONNA LYNN ARTHER..........................................FORT PAYNE MARIANA BAUTISTA.............................................FORT PAYNE ABIGAIL ZOE BROCK..............................................FORT PAYNE ASHLEY DIANNE BROYLES....................................FORT PAYNE LEAH DANIELLE BYRUM........................................FORT PAYNE YULIANA MONTES CEDILLO..................................FORT PAYNE ISAIAH BLAKE CUZZORT.......................................FORT PAYNE MARILU MARTINEZ DOMINGO..............................FORT PAYNE KANDI NICOLE DUNCAN.......................................FORT PAYNE JESSICA NICOLE EARNEST.....................................FORT PAYNE BRITTANY ELISABETH EVANS...............................FORT PAYNE LEXUS TAYLOR EYMAN.........................................FORT PAYNE MEGAN ELIZABETH GARDNER..............................FORT PAYNE SAVANNAH TUESDEY GREGORY............................FORT PAYNE LESLIE GUERRA.....................................................FORT PAYNE AMANDA KAY HAYNES.........................................FORT PAYNE PEGGY JANE HUGHES............................................FORT PAYNE JOANNA CARLA HURLEY.......................................FORT PAYNE MAKAYLA LYNN JACOBS.......................................FORT PAYNE CHRISTINA JUAN ANDRES.....................................FORT PAYNE JENNY H KELLY......................................................FORT PAYNE HOLLAND TAYLOR LARUE.....................................FORT PAYNE JACY LEE MCPHERSON..........................................FORT PAYNE ANDREA ALBERTO MELCHIORRE..........................FORT PAYNE IRVINE MONTEBELLO ALVAREZ............................FORT PAYNE ADAN MORALES....................................................FORT PAYNE KANSAS AUDRIANNA OWEN................................FORT PAYNE SAVANNAH ANNE PALMER...................................FORT PAYNE BRADLEY WILLIAM ANTHONY PILGRIM...............FORT PAYNE SHAWN MICHAEL REDFORD.................................FORT PAYNE MIRIAM CLARE SHULTZ........................................FORT PAYNE OLIVIA ANGELEE THURMAN................................FORT PAYNE BUNNY VILLANUEVA............................................FORT PAYNE TAKICIA MARIE WALKER......................................FORT PAYNE SARA JESSICA WHITE............................................FORT PAYNE KYLIE ALEXIS WILBORN........................................FORT PAYNE LOGAN FORREST WRIGHT.....................................FORT PAYNE YULIA ALEKSANDROVNA YUSHKOVA..................FORT PAYNE CAYTIE GAIL DIXSON............................................FYFFE CASEY LEIGH EDDINGS.........................................FYFFE VERONICA MANUEL GASPAR................................FYFFE NICOLE LAFAYE GUNTER.......................................FYFFE CASSANDRA MARIE HEAL....................................FYFFE LEAH DANIELLE HITCHCOCK................................FYFFE JENNY LEE LASSETTER..........................................FYFFE KATELYN NICOLE BRADLEY...................................GERALDINE RAMSEY BROOKE KNOTT......................................GERALDINE WHITNEY JO MALONE...........................................GERALDINE EMILY CHARLENE CALVERT..................................GROVE OAK ASHLEY SUZANNE JONES......................................GROVE OAK BETHANY RENEA DIXSON.....................................HENAGAR LATASHA MCCLENDON DOVE...............................HENAGAR GRIFFIN SCOTT HORTON.......................................HENAGAR AMANDA BETH JOHNSON.....................................HENAGAR BENJAMIN RYAN PONTES......................................HENAGAR DANIEL LEON SMITH.............................................HENAGAR JULIANA HOPE SPEARS.........................................HENAGAR KELSIE LAKESHA STINSON....................................HENAGAR JEREMY SHAWN TAYLOR.......................................HENAGAR EMMA GABRIELLE WINKELS.................................HENAGAR HANNAH EMILY WOOTTEN...................................HENAGAR KENNEDY NICHOLE WOOTTEN..............................HENAGAR MALEAH ANN PARMER.........................................IDER MICHAEL DAVID WARNER....................................IDER JASON LEE BABER..................................................MENTONE WILLIAM DUANE BLALOCK...................................MENTONE ZACHARY TYLER FOSTER.......................................MENTONE JOSHUA TREY OTTING...........................................MENTONE HANNAH SKYE BLANSIT.......................................RAINSVILLE SAMANTHA JOYCE CULPEPPER.............................RAINSVILLE LAURA LEANN ELLIS.............................................RAINSVILLE MADISON ADAMS HAGLER...................................RAINSVILLE ABIGAIL CHERYL HAMPTON.................................RAINSVILLE AVERY DALELA HOLT............................................RAINSVILLE AMY JEAN JOHNSON.............................................RAINSVILLE JOSEPH RAYMOND MARKOWSKI...........................RAINSVILLE PAIGE MARIE MCGULLION....................................RAINSVILLE TAYLOR BROOKE PACK..........................................RAINSVILLE MICHAEL ANTHONY SAULS..................................RAINSVILLE ERICA DANIELLE SCOTT........................................RAINSVILLE JAMIE LYNN SMITH...............................................RAINSVILLE CAROLINE GRACEN SPIGNER................................RAINSVILLE KATHRYN RILEY TITSHAW....................................RAINSVILLE KELSEY LYNN TITSHAW.........................................RAINSVILLE BRIAN DAVID WALDROP.......................................RAINSVILLE JOHN QUAID WESTMORELAND.............................RAINSVILLE AMANDA LASHELLE WHITLEY.............................RAINSVILLE DAKOTAH REY WRIGHT........................................RAINSVILLE BRITTNEY ALEXIS ZACARIAS................................RAINSVILLE HUNTER LAMAR FURGERSON...............................SYLVANIA HALEY DANIELLE HERRIN.....................................SYLVANIA NATALIE KATE HITCHCOCK...................................SYLVANIA ALISSA SHARAE TILLEY........................................SYLVANIA SHERRY PATRICIA BARKLEY..................................VALLEY HEAD ALISHA NICOLE BUSBY..........................................VALLEY HEAD AMANDA ROCHELLE FLOYD BRYANT....................VALLEY HEAD KATELYN MARIE POE.............................................VALLEY HEAD

Students making the Dean’s List were, by city:

Name City

KAYLA ANN MARIE HENDERSON..........................COLLINSVILLE MARIA ISABEL REYES............................................COLLINSVILLE MARK LEWIS BUTLER............................................CROSSVILLE BRANDON ALAN CARD.........................................CROSSVILLE ANGELICA FRANCISCO ANDRES...........................CROSSVILLE THOMAS ANDREW GARDNER...............................CROSSVILLE AMY ELIZABETH LYONS........................................CROSSVILLE PEDRO LEMUS TORRES..........................................CROSSVILLE JON BRODY HOUSTON...........................................DAWSON ANDREA JOANN ADAMS.......................................FORT PAYNE ASHLEY NICOLE BELL............................................FORT PAYNE DILLON CLINT CAMBRON......................................FORT PAYNE YEIMY CONTRERAS CEDILLO.................................FORT PAYNE TRACIE LEE DAVIS.................................................FORT PAYNE JESSICA PAIGE DENDY...........................................FORT PAYNE BRIONA ELIZABETH DOLLAR................................FORT PAYNE LACEY MARIA DOLLAR.........................................FORT PAYNE RACHEL LEE ELLIS.................................................FORT PAYNE ALEXIA ALEJANDRA ESCOBAR.............................FORT PAYNE AUSTIN THOMAS EVANS.......................................FORT PAYNE MARY NOEL FLANNIGAN......................................FORT PAYNE MARIA FRANCISCO...............................................FORT PAYNE REBECCA LASHEA GOLDIN...................................FORT PAYNE JOSH VAN GRAVITT...............................................FORT PAYNE BEATRIZ ADRIANA GUZMAN................................FORT PAYNE STEVEN LEE HENDERSON......................................FORT PAYNE SADIE BREANNA HESTER......................................FORT PAYNE CHRISTOPHER ALLEN HOLLOWAY........................FORT PAYNE KATELIN DANIELE HOWARD.................................FORT PAYNE TELETHA LEAH DEANNE LAHAYNE......................FORT PAYNE ALEXANDER JACOB LAROYE WESTLAKE..............FORT PAYNE JUAN DANIEL MORALES ROSAS............................FORT PAYNE CHRISTOPHER NEAL PHILLIPS..............................FORT PAYNE MYRANDA ANN PRINCE........................................FORT PAYNE DERIAN ESTEBAN ROJO LARA...............................FORT PAYNE TIESHA MARIE SALVADOR....................................FORT PAYNE JUANA ELIZABETH SEBASTIAN.............................FORT PAYNE SHANNA NICOLE SMITH.......................................FORT PAYNE KAITLYN MARIE VEAL...........................................FORT PAYNE MEGAN LYNN WALDROP.......................................FORT PAYNE AMBER LEANN YOUNG..........................................FORT PAYNE LAUREN ASHLEY ANDERSON................................FYFFE LORA JASHEN BAILEY............................................FYFFE RANDY JOE BLACKWELL........................................FYFFE KRISTINA JOAN AUDREY DEAN.............................FYFFE HAIYDEN FAITH DOBBS........................................FYFFE ELIZABETH TYRE DOUGLAS..................................FYFFE DAKOTA LEE NEWSOME........................................FYFFE SONIA CRISTINA SANTAMARIA............................FYFFE DRAKE RYAN THRASHER.......................................FYFFE DALTON SIERRA VAUGHAN..................................FYFFE JACOB THAD BOLIN...............................................GERALDINE JOHN WILL MARTIN..............................................GERALDINE ELIZABETH ASHTON KENNAMER.........................GROVE OAK ASHLEIGH NICOLE BRYANT..................................HENAGAR BRITTANY ALEXIS CARROLL.................................HENAGAR JAMEY KADE CARSON...........................................HENAGAR ANNA FAYE FREEMAN...........................................HENAGAR JONNIE ELIZABETH FROST....................................HENAGAR MORGAN LEE HUGHES..........................................HENAGAR MALACHI NATHAN BLAKELY SPEARIN.................HENAGAR DANIELLE MARIE SWEETING................................HENAGAR ASHTIAN HOPE TEMPLE.......................................HENAGAR EMILY DAWN THOMAS..........................................HENAGAR JENNIFER BROOKS WRIGHT..................................HENAGAR KATIE MARIE HATFIELD........................................IDER DARLENE HATFIELD JOHNSON..............................IDER CHASTITY NICOLE LEIDERMAN............................IDER SARAH ELIZABETH MERCIERS..............................IDER OLLIE ANN VAUGHN.............................................IDER LAURA BETH ANDREWS........................................RAINSVILLE MCKINNA JADE CLIFTON.......................................RAINSVILLE KYLE MATTHEW CROWELL...................................RAINSVILLE SYDNEE PAIGE GRIDER..........................................RAINSVILLE TRISTAN SCOTT HAIRSTON...................................RAINSVILLE JOHN NATHANIEL HALL.......................................RAINSVILLE LASHAI ELIZABETH HIXON...................................RAINSVILLE HANNAH BROOKE KEEL........................................RAINSVILLE COLTON HEATH MILLER........................................RAINSVILLE MEGAN ANNALISE MITCHELL...............................RAINSVILLE IAN AUGUSTUS RICHARDS....................................RAINSVILLE PERI BROOKE SMITH.............................................RAINSVILLE KAYLA ANN WILBORN..........................................RAINSVILLE KYLEIGH DECOLE WRIGHT....................................RAINSVILLE CHELSEA BROOKS DUNN.......................................SYLVANIA CRYSTAL PAIGE FURGERSON.................................SYLVANIA CARL JACK PRESTWOOD........................................SYLVANIA LUCAS DEWAYNE WOOTEN...................................SYLVANIA DIANA LAURA ZAVALA.........................................SYLVANIA DANIEL STUART DOBBS.........................................VALLEY HEAD JACKIE DEWAYNE GRISHAM..................................VALLEY HEAD HUNTER ADAM GUFFEY........................................VALLEY HEAD

Friday–January 15, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

Howling at night actually a coyote/wolf hybrid While most of the new breed’s DNA makeup is both wolf and coyote, a small part is also dog. Genetic testing indicates that the average make up of a coywolf is a quarter red wolf and a tenth canine, with the remainder being obviously coyote. The two separate breeds also combined with some stray canines. This further allowed it to move east, as the dog characteristics gave the coywolf a decreased fear in humans. The new breed has even been found living in urbanized areas such as Boston and New York. The relative explosion of this new species has surprised wildlife experts who have studied the new animal, as it normally takes thousands of years for new species to emerge. Roland Kays of North Carolina State University, in an interview with The Economist called it an, “amazing contemporary evolution story that’s happening right underneath our nose.” The coywolf is not currently an official species, that could change in the future.

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

Many Dekalb County residents probably notice the ominous howling late at night. What many probably do not know is that what we typically identify as coyotes are actually a hybrid of a few different species. Coyote genes make up a large part in the DNA chain of the eastern coyote, or “coywolves” as they are being more commonly

called, but these animals are also mixed with red wolf. The red wolf once freely roamed the forests from the Mississippi River to the Atlantic Ocean. As Europeans began to settle in the new world, they slowly eradicated the majority of their population. By the 1950’s, the red wolf only existed in small numbers in the coastal region of Louisiana and East Texas. During the period of time that the these wolves

were being driven to near extinction, coyotes adapted and spread east from their natural habitat. While human settlement was so detrimental to the red wolf population, the western coyote thrived off of it; using roads and bridges to cross obstacles and inhabit eastern forests. Along the way, the coyotes cross-bred with the red wolf, creating the hybrid known as the coywolf.

Chambers host seminar By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

SCOTTSBORO, Ala.— Glenn Shepard Seminars, one of the newest members of the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce, is providing Northeast Alabama with an opportunity to take part in a special seminar co-hosted by the

Scottsboro, Fort Payne, and Rainsville Chambers of Commerce. Speaker Glenn Shepard will present a half-day seminar based on one of his books, “How to Manage Problem Employees.” The seminar will take place at Bynum Auditorium in the Page Administration Building in Scottsboro.

Event organizers encourage businesses to send one employee to the event from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Shepard will be giving away prizes at the event and will answer questions following the program. Executives from across North America paid $1,295 to hear Mr. Shepard speak at the Performance Management Forum at the University of Chicago. Chamber members are eligible to attend the event for $129. Non-Chamber member’s tuition is $149. For more information or to RSVP, contact any of the three chambers hosting the event. Deadline for RSVP is Feb. 3, 2016.

While they retain many “wolflike” traits, most are not easily distinguishable by appearance from a purebreed western coyote. Coywolves posses longer legs, a larger, more powerful jaw, smaller ears, and a bushier tail. The howling we hear at night is even a sign of their wolf traits. Pure coyotes are mostly loners; spending most their time hunting alone and only howling for mating and when in distress. The hybrids that we hear communicate frequently and maintain loose packs, more like traditional wolves. And while they may sound erie, coywolves are still frightened of humans. Although they can be a danger to pets late at night, especially smaller dogs. According to Kays, we can’t expect the howling to stop anytime soon, as their population, “now numbers in the millions.” While having a more evolved predator in their backyard may be unnerving to some, it’s an interesting story on how an almost extinct species can find a natural way of living on.

Upcoming events for January By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

January 16–Book Signing with Michael Lackey: Local author Michael Lackey will be holding a book signing at The Book Shelf. 11:30 A.M. to 1 P.M. Call 256-844-8663 for more information. January 16–Kamama Music Series with Terry Hutcheson: Enjoy some western, country music from Mentone singer/ songwriter, Terry Hutcheson. Admission is $10 and seating is limited. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Dinner from Chefs Jimmy Rogers and Fontana Stinson is served between 6 P.M. and 9 P.M. Music at 7 P.M. Call 256-634-3001 for tickets and information. January 20–22 - Open House at North Pointe Apartment Complex: Come and take a tour and see what North Pointe has to offer. 10 A.M. to 7 P.M. Call 256-273-0082 for more information. January 21–Fort Payne Chamber Meeting: The Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce Annual Award Banquet will be held at the DeKalb Theatre. Secretary of State John Merrill will be the guest speaker. Tickets are on sale at the Chamber office. Tickets are $15 each or $25 for two. Call the Chamber for more information. 6 P.M. 256-845-2741 January 21–Rainsville Chamber Meeting: The Rainsville Chamber of Commerce Annual meeting will be held at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center. Rainsville Person of the Year D.L. Stiefel will be honored and will have music by Jacob Stiefel. Tickets are on sale at the Chamber office. Tickets are $25.00 each and the deadline is Jan. 15. Please call the Chamber for more information. 6:30 P.M. 256-638-7800. January 28–Kamama Music Series with Matt Downer: Enjoy pre-1930 string band music from Matt Downer. Admission is $10 and seating is limited. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Dinner from Chefs Jimmy Rogers and Fontana Stinson is served between 6 P.M. and 9 P.M. Music at 7 P.M. Call 256-634-3001 for information and tickets.

Friday–January 15, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS

Boom Days gets a new chairperson By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— Boom Days in Fort Payne began ten years ago as an event to celebrate the history of Fort Payne. The event is held the third weekend in September with food, fun, and music. However, this event can’t go on without help from the city. Maurey Roberts was recommended by the Boom Days Heritage Celebration Committee to

become Boom Days’ new chairperson. “It’s an honor to be recommended for the Boom Days chair,” Roberts said. His position became permanent on Jan. 5. Roberts has had experience when it comes to events in the community. “The first event I became apart of was the Earth Day Celebrations at The Dreamfield in Lebanon. I worked with Donnie James, the owner, as well

RAINSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE January 14, 2016 Tim Eberhart, Executive Director With our annual meeting coming up next week, I know it’s the time of year when we closely examine our established and potential activities and initiatives before committing time and resources to what’s next. One thing that is always on my mind, particularly in January, is coming up with ways to make Chamber membership a greater value. While it’s largely up to leaders at each business to make the most of their membership, I believe the Chamber should still continually seek ways to make membership worth more. But, coming up with new things that are beneficial to our members is challenging. Getting members to actively participate in proven programs is challenging, too. Networking events such as Business After Hours are proven programs that provide opportunities to meet potential clients or forge business alliances. But these days few care to make the most of old-school networking opportunities like those. Discount benefit programs have proven to be an effective way for larger chambers to provide greater value, but they have never really taken off at our chamber. I’m not complaining. The world has changed a great deal in the past 12 years, and I’m pretty pleased with how the Chamber and I have responded to the changes. And, I’m confident we will continue to provide a good value through referrals, publications, websites, and networking events while also coming up with things to make membership worth more. In the past three years, Facebook has emerged as an effective tool for us in regard to membership value. Maybe we’ll explore other social media tools this year. We’ll soon have eight new board members who have never been on our board before. They’ll be working with established board members and our small staff, so the outlook seems very good for fresh ideas. Things look good for adding membership value, improving the local business climate or anything else we should be in the business of doing. If you have ideas to share, feel free to look one of us up at any time. Join us for our 49th Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 21 (please order tickets by January 16). We’ll have dinner, the Person of the Year award, and a concert at the end. There will also be some time for networking if you would like to share ideas face-to-face in a cordial setting.

as Ed Turner on the technical side of the events. I continued working alongside each of them for the Boom Days Heritage Celebrations. It was not until the City of Fort Payne hired me to manage the DeKalb Theatre and be the City Event Coordinator that I began the business side of events. I also worked closely with the Park & Recreation Department on the 4th of July Celebration.” Even though Boom Days isn’t until September, Roberts said there have already been actions taken for the 11th annual event. “The committee has discussed several ideas that we believe will be a great success,” Roberts said. “I’m most excited about working with the Boom

Community Leaders! Days committee.” The Boom Days Committee makes a recommendation to the mayor and the mayor has the option to approve or deny the recommendation. However, Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser was unable to announce his approval of Roberts due to surgery recovery.

Chesser approved City Councilman Randall Ham to notify the Boom Days Committee that Chesser had approved the recommendation. Collins Kirby, the previous chairman, had a contract with the Boom Days Committee and he had not renewed it.

CHAMBER CHATTER January 13, 2016 Carol Beddingfield, Executive Director The Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize The Children’s Place as the recipient of the 2015 Large Business Award. Founded in 1969, the first store was opened by two graduates of Harvard Business School, David Pulver and Clinton Clark, in Hartford, Connecticut. Today the company is owned by the Gitano Group. Jane Elfers is the President and Chief Executive Officer. Under her leadership, 1000 plus stores have opened in North America as well as in Puerto Rico and the Middle East. The company built a state of the art distribution center in Fort Payne which opened in August, 2007. A huge expansion of the facility has been completed since then. Over 600 of our local citizens are employed. The Children’s Place has created a great position in the specialty retail marketplace. The company is the number one specialty children’s retail brand in North America and is expanding that recognition globally. They have achieved this distinction on the basis of a very simple principle – trust. Their customers can count on the quality, value and fashion that are suitable for children. The customer’s trust is developed at every level of the company. From the management leadership to the employees who work at the Fort Payne distribution center, integrity is the major component of all operations. Their work ethics demonstrates tremendous respect for each other. I encourage you to support The Children’s Place that chose Fort Payne as their headquarters for distribution. They have certainly made a difference in the daily lives of many of our citizens. Tickets are available at the Chamber office for $25 each or 2 for $40. The banquet begins at 6 PM with a catered meal.

Friday–January 15, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FAITH

I Want Hair Like That

By Dr. John E. Morgan Pastor–Collinsville Baptist Church

be active in local church ministry. If you could not get a paid position, you did volunteer work in one of the local churches. I was fortunate to find a part time position at Howard Park Christian Church just six miles away. I did all those things other youth ministers do. Weekly meetings, Sunday School classes, retreats, recreation, sitting around talking. Going ice

skating, going to a movie, going for a walk. Camping trips, youth softball and basketball teams. Lots of retreats. Some for the weekend close by. Some for a week far away to Florida or Colorado. (You know what Indiana kids did first when they got to the Rockies and there was several feet of snow? The cleared off an outside court and played basketball.) I loved my “job”. What I really loved were my kids. In the high school group we had about 25 regulars. That means there were all kinds. Some loved sports, some loved music. Kids with good grades and kids with bad grades. Kids from strong homes and kids from broken homes. My job was to lead them all to Jesus and then to lead them all to a strong Christian life. You do that with activities. And Bible study. And service projects. And you do it by loving them. David was one of my youth. And David loved music. He became a

great organist and still sends Gloria and me a cd of his music each year at Christmas. Great, great talent. Great person. After I had been at the church for about three years, I noticed that David was letting his light blond hair grow out. It was a time when most guys had longer hair, so it was not surprising he was adopting the mop top most of us had. I mentioned it casually to his parents. “Hey, what’s up with David and the long hair? Quite a change.” His mother looked at me as if I was the dumbest person on the earth. She asked me, “Well, who does he know with long hair that he would be copying?” I was confused. Then I realized that she meant me. David let his hair grow because I had long hair. He was imitating me. I went from confused to startled. No, no, no. Why would anybody imitate me? I knew how unworthy I was. I knew I should not be a role model for anybody. After a while, I

realized I had no choice. I was a role model. Part of my job was to show my youth what a Christian life is. The only question was whether I would be a good example or a bad one. That was over thirty years ago. And the need for Christians to have good role models has only increased. People desperately need to see somebody who is a Christian and lives like it. I am unworthy. And so are you. But we have no choice. So we strive to follow Jesus who is worthy. And do it so consistently that we can sing, “let others see Jesus in me”. Paul was not bashful about telling people to imitate him. As he imitated Christ. You ought to imitate us…give you in ourselves an example to imitate…join in imitating me…and those who walk according to the example you have in us. II Thess 3:7-9, Phil 3:17, II Tim.1and others.

A Moment with Megan: Pick ‘Em Back Up

By Megan Blansit

Founder of The Beautiful Movement - a youth ministry for high school girls. For more information, visit The Beautiful Movement’s Facebook page, where I post the time, place, and activity for each month

Do I have any big dreamers reading this today? Perhaps you want

to be a doctor, a mother, write a book, and the list could go on and on! These are all great dreams and there is absolutely nothing wrong with having dreams. I think where we mess up as Christians is “erasing” those dreams from our heart if they

aren’t accomplished in the time frame that we think they should come true in. Before writing this I was flipping through my old journals and was in awe at the goodness of God and how his hand has been in my life every step of the way. There are things I dreamt (wrote) about in my journals four years ago that I am just now seeing come to fruition… and that’s okay! I think it is important to remember that just because we may give up on things doesn’t mean that God does. Time does not intimidate God; he is never late. I would assume a lot of you laid out some dreams that you want to pursue in 2016. I want to pose the question- Are you making new dreams this year because you gave up on the ones you made last year? I would beg you to pick your old dreams back up and cling to them with expectancy. God wants the absolute best for you friend and wants nothing more than to give you your hearts desires. In order to have these hearts desires, we have one job, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalms 37:4). Lets think about a garden for a second. One cannot simply plant a few

seeds and then vegetables magically appear the next day or even hours later. There is a process, right? Weeds have got to be pulled, the seeds need to be watered, and so on. Sometimes, before God can give us one of our biggest blessings our heart must be “pruned.” He may need to remove some pain, fear, insecurities, anger, or even some distractions (people). This pruning may be a painful process but it will be worth it! Sure, some of God’s blessings can happen in an instant but some things take a process. Friend, I beg you not to grow weary in the process. When you pray for something, expect it to happen! Speak positivity over your life. Believe for the impossible; it’s fun. One of my favorite preachers (Steven Furtick) said in his book, Sun Stand Still, “If you’re not daring to believe God for the impossible, you may be sleeping through some of the best parts of your life.” He goes on to say, “ If you want to experience God’s blessings, audacious faith is not optional.” I also love this quote, “Our God is not intimidated by long-shot prayers.” Think about the audacious faith Joshua had when he prayed, “O

sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon” (Joshua 10:12). Joshua wanted more daylight so that they would have a chance to defeat the Amorites. According to scripture, God gave Joshua what he asked for… “”the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.” That’s pretty incredible! I wonder how the story would have ended if Joshua did not pray such a bold prayer. I also wonder how many dreams we are missing out on being fulfilled because we lack the audacity to believe/ask God. In closing, I challenge you to reevaluate your prayers and your dreams. We serve a big God who loves big, audacious prayers. Don’t ever be intimated to believe God for miracles. Just because something doesn’t happen on your time frame does not mean it will not come to pass. I am reminded of the song, “On Time God.” The lyrics are, “He may not come when you want him, but he will be there right on time; He’s an on time God, yes he is.” Pick up an old dream, pray bold prayers, and lastly have patience, friend.

Friday–January 15, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

OPINION / EDITORIAL

Ted Cruz letter to the Editor

Contributed to Southern Torch by Dylan Smith

Dear Editor, By now voters across Alabama are tuning in to receive coverage on the 2016 presidential election. Citizens are taking a close look at who best represents their conservative values and beliefs. Who will stand up for them? Who will stand on principle and lead our nation with courage? The answer: Senator Ted Cruz. What we are seeing across the entire county is nothing short of amazing. Courageous conservatives are rising up and declaring that they have had enough of business as usual in Washington. Senator Cruz has committed his entire adult life to fighting for the constitution and our God-given liberties. He has argued and won landmark cases before the Supreme Court. He fought to keep the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance. He has been honored by the National Rifle Association for protecting our right to keep and bear arms. Ted also successfully fought to save the Mojave Veterans Memorial Cross

from being taken down; a huge victory for religious liberty. As a Tea Party senator from the great State of Texas he has valiantly stood for our conservative principles. He has time and time again shown that he will never compromise on principle. Washington absolutely despises this man. Why is that? It is simply because he always tells the truth and actually does what he says he’s going to do. He’s lead the fight to repeal Obamacare, to defund Planned Parenthood and stand for life, to stop President Obama’s illegal executive amnesty, and to abolish the IRS. He’s been the only voice speaking up for traditional marriage. His truth-telling ways have caused him to receive vilification by career politicians in BOTH parties in Washington. What will a Cruz Administration look like? Ted has promised that on day one he will rip to shreds President Obama’s Iranian nuclear deal, he will move America’s embassy in Israel to Jerusalem (Israel’s forever and eternal capital), Ted will open an investigation into Planned

Parenthood and prosecute for any and all criminal violations, and he will instruct all federal departments and agencies that the persecution of religious liberty ends today. You can count on the liberal media and democrats losing their mind over this because Ted means what he believes and does what he says. We live in uncertain times - ISIS terrorists are waging jihad against America, religious liberty is under assault., the Constitution and Bill of Rights are being ripped to shreds by an out of control federal government, and we are approaching nineteen trillion dollars in debt. In times like these the United States needs a courageous leader. We need someone we can count on and trust. We need Ted Cruz. If you would like to join the movement to reignite the promise of America, visit www. tedcruz.org and like ‘Jackson County for Cruz’ on Facebook. Thank you all and God bless you! In Liberty, Dylan Smith

Jackson County Chairman Ted Cruz for President

Friday–January 15, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS

Shelby, Sessions and Aderholt respond to State of the Union

U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL)

U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

WASHINGTON, D.C.— DeKalb County’s representatives in Washington D.C.—U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions and U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt—each offered responses to President Obama’s State of the Union speech earlier this week. Sen. Shelby released the following statement in response to Obama’s speech: “Tonight’s address was another political speech full of empty rhetoric that offered no real solutions to the issues facing American families and businesses each day. While the President used the podium tonight to tout his record, Americans at home know that he is poised to leave behind a legacy of failed policies that have damaged our economy and made America weaker across the globe. “The American people deserved to hear from the President tonight about his real, comprehensive plan to defeat ISIS and radical Islamic terrorism. They also deserved to hear that he will not circumvent Congress, unilaterally infringe on law-abiding Americans’ Second Amendment rights, or allow thousands of improperly vetted Syrian refugees into our nation. “The American people are sick and tired of this President’s blatant disregard for the Constitution, policies that prioritize what is

U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL)

best for Washington over what is best for America, and speeches to score political points. While I’m pleased that this is his last State of the Union address, the American people would be better off if it were his last day in office.” Sen. Sessions issued the following response: “President Obama’s policy agenda on trade, crime, immigration, spending and debt all have one common feature: they make life harder for working Americans and put the country at needless risk. With wages down, record numbers not working, and crime rising in cities across the U.S., the next person to occupy the oval office will have to chart a dramatically different course.” That course must include: immigration control and reduction, a dedicated effort to reduce crime and prosecute armed career criminals and drug dealers, cancellation of the sovereignty-eroding 2 million-word TransPacific Partnership, and rebuilding our manufacturing core, welfare-towork: celebrating the dignity of work, and helping our own people move from welfare to good-paying jobs, adoption and implementation of a balanced budget plan, repeal of Obamacare, creating a smaller, leaner and less costly bureaucracy, streamlining the tax code, making it easier to keep jobs and wealth in America, tapping into our vast energy resources, restoration of

the constitutional rule of law.” Congressman Aderholt released the following statement: “The good news is that this was the President’s final State of the Union address. The bad news is that just like his previous seven addresses to Congress, it was unfortunately filled with the rhetoric, partisanship and divisiveness the American people have rejected. “President Obama is probably now worried about his legacy and exactly how he will be remembered. I do not think history will be kind to President Obama. We have seen that Obamacare is an abject failure. There is still no plan for defeating ISIS. The Iranian deal has isolated our allies while emboldening our enemies. And it is not fiction that our economy actually remains stagnant both in terms of growth and take home pay. “The focus of my conservative colleagues and I is to spend the next year focused on restoring a confident America and getting back to the basic principles of the Constitution. An America where people are empowered to make their own decisions and go after their own dreams and get government out of the way.”

Friday–January 15, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

CRIME Date: 1/13/2015 Title: Press Release Posted By: Chief Randy Bynum

Shooting in Kilpatrick

Sheriff Jimmy Harris reports a shooting in the Kilpatrick community on January 6th at around 8pm. When DeKalb County Deputies, Geraldine Police, Crossville Police, and Alabama State Troopers arrived on the scene the victim had been shoot in the upper left thigh area. The victim told deputies it was two Hispanic males with black and white bandanas on their face and wearing hoodies that knocked on the door. When the victim went to answer the door the two men tried pushing the door open which scared the victim’s wife who ran to the bedroom trying to find a weapon. The two men shoved the door open and came into the house and shot the victim in the left upper thigh. The victim was transported by DeKalb Ambulance Service to Marshall Medical South where he was

air lifted to UAB hospital in Birmingham. Deputies, Officers and Drug Task Force have been out all night looking for these suspects. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office have contacted the FBI and DEA for their CI’s to help with this investigation. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has a $1000.00 reward for the information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects. If you have any information regarding this investigation please call the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office at 256-845-3801.

Two Arrested for Sodomy

Sheriff Jimmy Harris states that the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office received a tip leading to the arrest of Donald William Thomason, 19 and Renae Wynn Kenyon, 18 both of Fort Payne. Thomason and Kenyon were charged with Sodomy 1st. Pending the investigation there could be more victims and more charges. This is still an ongoing investigation. Sheriff Harris says “We would like to thank the Child Advocacy Center and DHR for their help with this case.”

OBITUARIES Mrs. Barbara Askew McKelvey Age 79, of Langston passed away Sun., Jan. 3,2016. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thurs., Jan. 7, 2016 from the Mtn. Lake Resorts Chapel with Bro. Ronnie Murdock officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service on Thurs. from 11p.m.-1 p.m. at the Mtn. Lakes Resort Chapel. Survivors: Daughters, Deborah (David) Rotroff & Terrie (Danny) Dingler; Son, Peanut (Blanche) Askew; Grandchildren, Thomas, Daniel, (Missy) Dingler, April (Jason) Cole, Joseph (Sherry) & Travis (Ashley) Askew; Great Grandchildren, Mackey, Millie, D.J. and Kambri Dingler, Seth, Tyler, and Alex Cole, Jakob and Waylon Davis, and Morgan Coppit; Sister-in-Law, Jean (Terry) Epps; Several Nieces & Nephews

Mrs. Janet Marie Armstrong Shores Age 52, of Fort Payne passed away Mon., Jan. 4, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Wed., Jan. 6, 2016 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Welcome Grove Cemetery. Bro. Jerry Bryant & Bro. Edward Dover will be officiating. The Family will receive friends from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. on Tues.. from the WT. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Survivors: Husband, Marty Shores; Mother, Carol Hammond; Sisters, Pam Hartline, Tina Armstrong Barkley, Toni Armstrong; Brother, Byron Armstrong; Grandchild, Emelia Shores

Mrs. Brenda Bailey Lanier Age 64, of Fyffe passed away Mon., Jan. 4, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wed., Jan. 6, 2016 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Town Creek Cemetery. The Family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Tues.. from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Mr. Jeffery Scott Brown Age 49, of Albertville passed away on Mon., Jan. 4, 2016. Funeral services are set for 11 a.m. Tues.. Jan. 5,2016 from the W. T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Mon.. Burial will be in the Poplar Springs Cemetery. W. T. Wilson Funeral Chapel is in charge. Survivors: Daughter, Payton Brooke Brown; Son, Jeffery Luke Brown; Mother, Betty Pearce; Father, Harold Brown; Brother, Mark(Shannon) Brown; Grandchildren, Ryder Luke Brown; Grandmother, Olga Burgess Preceded in death by Grandfather Rayburn Burgess: Brother Jason Seymour Brown.

Mr. Verbon Ray Gilbert Age 72, of Grove Oak passed away Tues.., Jan. 5, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Fri., Jan. 8, 2016 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Beulah cemetery. The Family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Fri. prior to the service. Arrangements Entrusted to W.T.Wilson Funeral Chapel. Survivors; Sons, Rodney & Bobby Gilbert; Sister, Ruth Stevens; Grandchildren, Blake, Dusty, & Jordan Gilbert; Great Grandchildren, Blakely Gilbert & Rylee Billingsly

Mrs. Linda Robinson Age 69, of Albertville passed away Wed., Jan. 6, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Mon., Jan. 11, 2016 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in New Home Cemetery. Bro Preston Weston will be officiating. The Family will receive friends on Sat. from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Sun. from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted to W.T Wilson Funeral Chapel. Survivors: Boyfriend, Frank Smith; Daughter,

Jana Young (Husband Danny Young); Son, Scott Robinson (Husband James Robinson); Sister, Virginia Hays Mrs. Robinson was preceded in death by her Husband, Robert Robinson

Mrs. Leann Sue Sorenson Age 53, of Fyffe passed away on Fri., Jan. 8, 2016. Funeral services are set for 5 p.m. Wed., Jan. 13, 2016 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with bro. John Oliver officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Tues.. and from 2 p.m. until service time on Wed. at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

death by his Wife, Helen West; Parents, Thomas Duke & Betty West; Brother, Herbert West.

Mr. Kenneth Lee Boggs, Sr. Age 61 of Rainsville, passed away on Sun., Jan. 10, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Wed., Jan. 13, 2016 from the Broadway Baptist Church with Mr. Charles Warren, Mr. John Garrett, and Bro. Don Spears officiating. Burial will follow in the New Home Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m.-8p.m. on Tues.. from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Mr. Boggs will lie-in-state from 2 p.m.-3p.m on Wed., at the church, prior to the service.

He was a great man and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A memorial service will be planned at a later date.

Mrs. Lavada Ann Pope Age 81, of Fyffe passed away Mon., Jan. 11, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thurs., Jan. 14, 2016 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in the Corinth Cemetery at Fyffe. The Family will receive friends from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on Wed. from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Survivors: Daughter- Julie Diane (Jeremy) Needham; Sons- Bobby Andrew Boggs and Kenneth Lee Boggs, Jr.; Grandchildren- William Cade Needham, Jesse Brett Needham, Morgan Diane Needham, Kenneth Lee Boggs III, Kaleb Nathaniel Boggs, and Keegan Phillip Boggs. Mr. Boggs was preceded in death by his parents, Ilus and Glendora Boggs

Arrangements Entrusted to W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel

She was preceded in death by her brother, Dale W. Manley; grandparents, Sue Reed and Eugene Reed; and father-in-law, Oscar John Sorenson

Pallbearers will be Bobby Wofford, Rick Dixon, Garry Gibson, Josh Wigley, Darryl Gopher, Cade Needham, Jesse Needham, and Ricky Joe Blackwell.

Mr. Robert Donald Henson

Age 66, of the Pleasant Grove community passed away Thurs., Jan. 7, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sun., Jan. 10, 2016 from the Pleasant Grove Holiness Church. Bro. James Burgess & Bro. Nick West will be officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Arrangements Entrusted to W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. The Family will receive friends from 2 until 8 p.m. on Sat. at the Pleasant Grove Holiness Church. Survivors: Daughter, Staci & Cole Bain; Son, Jody & Debbie West; Sisters, Brenda & Tommy Dalton; Rita & Donald Thomas; Phyliss & Steve Golden; Grandchildren, Ella Grace Bain & Walker Bain Mr. West was preceded in

Age 61 of Crossville, AL passed away on Jan. 11, 2016. He was born on Sept. 28, 1954 in Plant City, Florida. He later moved to Crossville. He was a Boilermaker with Local 433 in Tampa, FL for many years. He is preceded in death by his parents Dorothy Mae Johnson and Hosea Lee Johnson and brother Lonnie Johnson. Survivors: One son, Michael Hall of Chandlersville, OH, three daughters: Jennifer Hall of Temple Terrace, FL; Angela Hall of Plant City, FL, and Jayda Jo Stewart of Geraldine, AL. One grandson, Zach Hall of Plant City, FL. Also, brother Dale Johnson of Crossville, AL and sister Jewel Newhouse of Mount Pleasant, PA.

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Survivors: Sons, Jerry (Hieidi) Pope, Terry (Pat) Pope, Phillip Pope; Grandchildren, Julie Pope McKenzie, Brian Pope, Travis Pope, Brittany Pope, Nicholas (Nicole) Pope; Great Grandchildren, Jordan McKenzie & Conrad Pope

She is survived by her husband, Oscar Jeffery Sorenson; sons, Kyle Jeffery Sorenson and Eric William Sorenson; granddaughter, Kylie Jo Jones-Sorenson; mother, Jeannie Broyles; father, Tiny Broyles; sisters, Kelly Diane Manley and Joyce L. Gorneault; brothers, Donald W. Manley and Michael Todd Broyles; and mother-inlaw, Violet Pauline Sorenson.

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Age 65, of Grove Oak passed away Mon., Jan. 11,2016. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thurs., Jan. 14, 2016 from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Guntersville. The Family will receive friends from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on Wed. from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow the service in Mt. Pleasant cemetery in Grove Oak. Wife, “Kat” Henson; Daughters, Kristina Nichol Henson Adams & Monika Manuela Henson Matthels; Sons, Erich Robert Henson & David Karl Henson; Mother, Gay Lafern Wilburn Henson; Sister, Gay Annette Henson; Brothers, Paul Cleveland Henson, Jonathan Michael Henson, Douglas Bruce Henson; Numerous Grandchildren Mr. Henson was preceded in death by his Father, Donald Grover Henson

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Friday–January 15, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Sweet Sixteen By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Alabama 45Clemson 40 GLENDALE, Ariz.— Before a crowd of 75,765 fans the No. 1 ranked Clemson Tigers took on the No. 2 University of Alabama Crimson Tide for the National Championship, Monday night. The Clemson Tigers won the toss and deferred. Alabama got the ball first. The Tide was unable to convert a third and 6 and was forced to punt the ball with 11:06 remaining in the first. JK Scott punted the ball 44 yards and Clemson’s Artavis Scott caught the fair catch ball on the Tiger’s 9-yard line. Clemson was unable to convert a third and 8 and punted the ball. With 7:55 remaining in the first, Derrick Henry scores for the Tide on a 50-yard run, Clemson scores with 5:18 remaining in the first on a 31-yard touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson to Hunter Renfrow. Alabama has the ball with 5:09 left in the first. The Tide goes for the field goal but the kick by Adam Griffith was wide right. At the end of the first, Deshaun Watson throws a 11-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow on third and 9. Going into the second quarter, Clemson

leads the Tide 14-7. The second quarter started with Alabama Quarterback Jake Coker making a 29-yard completion to Richard Mullaney to the Clemson 46-yard line. Derrick Henry lost four yards on the first down. Coker was sacked on the second down and Alabama was unable to convert on third and 18. Alabama punts to Clemson with 12:55 remaining in the second. With 11:55 remaining, Eddie Jackson intercepts the Clemson ball. With 9:35 remaining in the half, Derrick Henry scores on a 1-yard run. Score is tied 14-14. Clemson goes three and out. Alabama was unable to convert a third and 10 and had to punt. Clemson was forced to go for the field goal. Alabama’s, DJ Pettway blocks the Clemson 45-yard field goal attempt. Going into halftime, the score was 14-14. With 12:53 left in the third, Jay Coker throws a 53-yard pass to OJ Howard to make the score, Alabama 21, Clemson 14. With 10:10 left in the third, Clemson was in scoring position when Ronnie Harrison for the Tide, knocked a pass out of Clemson wide receiver, Artavis Scott’s hands. Clemson settles for a 37 yard field goal. Alabama goes for three and out and has to punt.

With 4:48 remaining in the third, Clemson running back, Wayne Gallman scores on a 1-yard touchdown capping a 9-play, 60-yard drive. Score is Clemson 24, Alabama 21. With 2:56 remaining in the quarter, Alabama is forced to punt after Richard Mullaney drops a pass on third and 9. With 1:04 remaining in the third, Clemson has to punt after Rashaan Evans sacks Deshaun Watson on third down. Starting the fourth quarter, Alabama goes three and out and is forced to punt. With 13:15 left to play, Clemson punts after being unable to convert the third and 10. Alabama ties the game, 24-24, with a 33-yard field goal by Adam Griffith. With 10:34 left in the fourth quarter, Alabama’s Marlon Humphrey recovers an onside kick. Jake Coker sails a perfect 51-yard touchdown pass to OJ Howard, making the score, Alabama 38-24. With 7:47 left in the game, Clemson settles for a 31-yard field goal. With 7:31 left in the game, Kenyan Drake has a 95-yard kick return to score for Alabama. With 4:40 left on the clock, Clemson quarterback, Deshaun Watson connects with Artavis Scott for a 15-yard touchdown pass. The Tigers go for two but failed. Alabama 38, Clemson 33. With 1:07 left in the game, Derrick Henry brings one in from

the one yard line for the Crimson Tide. With :12 left in the game, Deshaun Watson connects with Jordan Leggett on a 24-yard pass. to bring the score within five. Alabama recovers the onside kick and takes a knee. Alabama 45, Clemson 40. Alabama has its 16th National Championship, the fourth one under Coach Nick Saban. Alabama Tight End, OJ Howard was named the Offensive Player of the Game. He caught five passes for 208 yards and

scored two touchdowns. Alabama Safety, Eddie Jackson was named the Defensive Player of the Game. Jackson had the interception in the second quarter with Clemson leading by seven. The interception gave perfect field position for the Tide and led to the score that tied the game. To learn about upcoming events for alumni and fans in the area, like the Dekalb County Chapter of the University of Alabama Alumni Facebook page.

Player of the Year:

Plainview

2015 All County Football Dillian Kilpatrick Offensive MVP–Ethan Jones Defensive MVP–Ivan Benitez

Collinsville

Tyler Blakely LB Steven Wash DL Montreal Hill DL Arnoldo Martinez DL

Crossville

Brantley Bruce FS Addison Dismuke TE

Fyffe

Cole Hosch DL Garrett Butts DL Ryan Martin LB with a 26-yard field goal Cyle Collins DB by Rouleau. With :20 left Hank Oliver OL in the third, NDSU kicked a 31-yard field goal Tyler Ashley LB Seth Benefield QB to make the score, 27-10. Daniel Martin LB With 7:45 left in the

Jacksonville State falls to North Dakota By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

North Dakota 37Jacksonville 10 FRISCO, Texas— The Jacksonville State University (JSU) Gamecocks took on the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bisons in the Football Championship Subdivision Division title game, last Saturday before a sold out crowd of 21,836 at Toyota Stadium. With 8:36 left in the 1st quarter, the Bisons puts points on the board with a 29 yard field goal by Cam Pedersen. During, the 2nd quarter, the Bisons scored three touchdowns. With 12:39 remaining in the

half, Andrew Bonnet scored on a 8 yard pass from Quarterback, Carson Wentz. The extra point kick by Cam Pedersen following the touchdown was good. Wentz scored on a 11-yard run with 11:13 remaining in the half. The kick by Pedersen was good. With 6:12 remaining in the quarter, King Frazier scored on a 1 yard run. The PAT by Pedersen was successful. Going into the half, NDSU led the Gamecocks, 21-0. JSC scored with 11:04 remaining in the third with a 6 yard run by Eli Jenkins. The extra point by Connor Rouleau was successful. With 3:41 left in the third, Jacksonville added points to the board

4th quarter, Wentz scored on a 1-yard run for NDSU. The point after attempt by Pedersen was good. With 4:22 left in the quarter, NDSU scored once more with a 38-yard field goal by Pedersen. Final North Dakota State 37, Jacksonville State 10. JSU’s John Grass was named the FCS National Coach of the Year. Grass led the Gamecocks to a 13-2 record, the second straight Ohio Valley Conference Championship and a berth in the FCS title game.

Two from Fyffe selected as Player of the Year finalists By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

MONTGOMERY, Ala.— Two players from the 2015 Fyffe Red Devil football team were invited to the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) Player of the Year Banquet on this week in

Montgomery. The event is sponsored by the Alabama High School Directors and Coaches Association. Each year 48 finalists are selected from across the state. Dilan Kilpatrick, a Junior from Fyffe was nominated as a finalist for Class 2A Back of the Year. Ethan Jones,

a Senior also from Fyffe was nominated as a finalist for Class 2A Lineman of the Year. The ASWA’s Super 12 team, Mr. Football and Back and Lineman of the Year honors will be awarded at the banquet. Southern Torch wishes the best of luck to these players.

Geraldine

Alex Richards DT Steven Hood RB Austin Willoughby RB Chance Sparkman DE

Ider

Jacob Higdon RB Ryan Adams S

Ethan Johnson DL Saul Jose OL Sam Mueller RB Will Kirk DB

Sylvania

Blaine Warren DT Phillip Dendy G Caleb Roebuck S

Valley Head

Amren Case DE Ethan Harrison FS Lucas Nix FB

Honorable Mention Collinsville: Jacob Walls, Dominick Brockitt Crossville: Blake Owens, Tristan Bowling, Rolando Jiminez Fyffe: Drew Sims, Seth Owens Geraldine: Jiear Garcia, LeBryan Jiminez Ider: Braxton Lassetter Plainview: Jacob Boone, Kolton Farmer, Jacob Wooten Sylvania: Ethan Dover, Paul Griffin, Dylan Discus Valley Head: Aaron Cole, Devin Leps, Roger Kirby, Blake Blevins

Box Scores January 8, 2016 thru January 12, 2016 January 8 • NSM @ Sylvania Boys NSM 70, Sylvania 65 Girls Sylvania 63, NSM 51 • Pisgah @ Plainview Boys Plainview 72, Pisgah 71 Girls Pisgah 87, Plainview 71 • Collinsville @ Fyffe Boys Collinsville 71, Fyffe 58 Girls Collinsville 44, Fyffe 43 • Hokes Bluff @ Crossville Boys Hokes Bluff 47, Crossville 44 Girls Crossville 45, Hokes Bluff 44 • Fort Payne @ Scottsboro Boys Scottsboro 59, Fort Payne 53 Girls Fort Payne 31, Scottsboro 30 • Geraldine @ Brindlee Mountain Boys Geraldine 65, BM 59 Brindlee Mountain 48, Geraldine 34

January 9 • Collinsville @ Plainview Boys Plainview 57, Collinsville 35 Girls Collinsville 73, Plainview 64 January 12 • Section @ Collinsville Boys Collinsville 74, Section 68 Girls Section 54, Collinsville 52 • Asbury @ Plainview Boys Plainview 67, Asbury 39 Girls Plainview 78, Asbury 43 • Crossville @ Cherokee County Boys Cherokee County 58, Crossville 35 • Southside @ Fort Payne Boys Fort Payne 68, Southside 54 Girls Fort Payne 69, Southside 51 • New Hope @ Geraldine Boys New Hope 69, Geraldine 59 Girls Geraldine 54, New Hope 30 • Fyffe @ Ider Boys Fyffe 59, Ider 45

Friday–January 15, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Bears edge past Eagles

Jeffery Armstrong scores for the Bears. By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Plainview 72, Pisgah 71 RAINSVILLE, Ala.— In a nailbiter, The Plainview Varsity Boys defeat the Pisgah Eagles, Friday night. The Eagles jumped to an early lead in the first quarter, outscoring the Bears 21-15. Going into the half, the score was

tied 38-38. In the third quarter, Plainview led by 2 points. The Eagles caught back up in the fourth and at the buzzer, the score was tied 62-62. Overtime play was back and forth with Plainview managing to outscore the Eagles by one point. Plainview had three players who scored in the double digits for the night. Jeffery Armstrong led the Bears with 20 points. He made four, 3-pointers and had seven rebounds. Jake Slay added 18 points on the board for the Bears. He made three, 3- pointers and had seven rebounds. Caden Millican had 12 points for the night. Dylan Scott led the Bears with 10 rebounds.

Rams fall to Bisons

Senior Phillip Dendy, tries to sneak past the Bisons for the score. Photo Credit to Kristy Gallagher Photography By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

North Sand Mtn 70Sylvania 65 SYLVANIA, Ala.— The Sylvania Varsity Boys faced North Sand Mountain, Friday night. The 1st quarter was an evenly matched game

between the two teams. At the end of the 1st, NSM led the Rams by three, 17-14. The Rams took over the game during the 2nd, outscoring the Bisons 22-15. Going into the half, the score was Rams 36, Bisons 32. After the half, the Bisons picked up the lead outscoring the Rams 17-11 in the 3rd quarter. Going into the 4th, the score was 49-47. In a bitter back and forth between the two teams in the 4th quarter, NSM pulled off the 70-65 win. Sylvania had two players who scored in double digits. Will Batey had 12 points and Anthony Jackson added 10 points, to the board for the Rams.

Lady Rams take down the Bisons

Jennifer Sweeting struggles to get the ball back for the Rams. Photo Courtesy of Kristy Gallagher Photograph By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Sylvania 63-NSM 51 SYLVANIA, Ala.— Before a home crowd, the Lady Rams defeated the North Sand Mountain Bisons. Sylvania 63, NSM 51 During the first quarter, it seemed like it could be anyone’s game.

At the end of the first quarter, the score was Sylvania 19, NSM 16. The Rams held on to their lead during the second quarter. They outscored the Bisons, 18-5. The halftime score was Sylvania 37, NSM 21. The Bisons came out from the half with one thing on their mind, to play catch up from the first half. It was back and forth between two deserving teams during the third. The Rams put up 13 points during the third and the Bisons added 12 points. The Rams finished the game strong and captured the 63-57 win. Morgan Frazier led the Rams with 30 points She had six, 3-point shots for the night.

HUNTER OF THE WEEK! Chris Andrews, from Sylvania, killed this pile of ducks on a recent hunt. Submit your pictures to marla@southerntorch. com to be our next Hunter of the Week

FAN OF THE WEEK! The Southern Torch fan of the Week is Tate Jones. Tate is the son of Justin and Courtnie Jones. He is two years old and he enjoys going to football and basketball games. He especially likes helping his GrandMarla take pictures and write sports stories. Submit your photo to be the next Southern Torch Fan of the Week.

Friday–January 15, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Look in our upcoming issues for a special

Valentine's Day giveaway for two!!!

Pick up your copy of The Southern Torch at any of the following locations: FORT PAYNE: Jacks North Foodland The Strand The Spot South End Market Western Sizzlin Carters Beverage South Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant IDER: Foodland

COLLINSVILLE: Piggly Wiggly Jacks DAWSON: Dawson Gas Station GERALDINE: Jacks FYFFE: Jacks Fuel City MENTONE: Mentone Market

VALLEY HEAD: Gas Station HENAGAR: Texaco SYLVANIA: Gas Station RAINSVILLE: Southern Torch office McDonald’s Foodland Fuel City Hardee’s