The Southern Torch, Vol. 2, No. 30

LOCAL ELECTION EDITION!

THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016 / VOL. 2, NO. 30 / $1.00

COMMUNITY

POLITICS

SPORTS

LIGHTING UP THE NIGHT: CLOSE TO 500 ATTEND CRICKET THEATRE… > PAGE 3

FORT PAYNE BUSINESSWOMAN, LYNN BREWER ANNOUNCES…

ALL-AMERICAN MASTOT

> PAGE 7

> PAGE 11

Candidates finalize in INSIDE THE HUDDLE DeKalb local elections A SNEAK PEEK AT THE IDER HORNETS

Candidate qualifying for local elections in DeKalb County ended on Tuesday afternoon. Turn to page 2 to see a complete list of candidates from your town.

By Joseph M. Morgan Editor and Publisher joseph@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.— On Tuesday July 19 at city governments throughout DeKalb County finished

candidate qualification this afternoon at 5 p.m.

Municipal elections in DeKalb County and all but a handful of communities across the state will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016.

As of the municipal candidate qualification deadline at 5 p.m. today, July 19, the following individuals have qualified to run for their respective mayoral and CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

TURN TO PAGE 10, FOR MORE!

Southern Torch announces expansion, finalizes retail distribution agreements with Mapco, Delta fuel stations

Southern Torch Publisher Joe Morgan and Operations Manager Diego Reynoso survey a map to notate the geographic locations of each Mapco and Delta fuel station. The Torch recently entered into distribution agreements with the companies.

By Joseph M. Morgan Editor and Publisher joseph@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.—Southern Torch announced today that they have finalized retail distribution agreements that will further expand their reach.

DeKalb County’s newest and fastest growing newspaper, the Torch has reached a distribution agreement with all Mapco and Delta (formerly branded Discount Food Marts) fuel stations in DeKalb County.

Within the next two weeks, the Torch will begin gradually adding 17 new inside point-of-sale locations at the Mapco and Delta fuel stations throughout DeKalb County where their readers can pick up a copy of Southern Torch each week.

“Our latest retail distribution agreement with Mapco and Delta fuel stations is incredibly exciting,” Southern Torch Editor and Publisher Joseph Morgan said. “Mapco and Delta are major players in the fuel industry in

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Alabama, but specifically in DeKalb County. This new contract will allow Southern Torch to significantly expand our footprint and provide 17 new inside point-of-sale locations for our readers throughout the county.”

Morgan said the credit for closing the deal goes to Southern Torch Manager of Operations Diego Reynoso.

Morgan said Reynoso was the first employee he hired when Southern Torch restructured last May after rolling out the print newspaper to supplement online news and cutting edge video production.

“I’ve known Diego my entire life and rely on him a great deal to help keep our operation running smoothly,” Morgan said.

“He’s the guy that makes sure all the trains arrive on time and he is good at what he does. Other than myself, he is currently the longest-serving employee on staff and he has single-handedly locked down major contracts with

Wal-Mart, Walgreens, every Dollar General in DeKalb County, and now every Delta and Mapco (former Discount Food Marts) fuel station in the county as well. Diego has done an excellent job of helping to grow the Southern Torch brand.”

Southern Torch is available for purchase in every community in DeKalb County via the 24 coin-operated newsstands across the region. The Torch can also be purchased at Wal-Mart, Walgreen’s or any of the 12 Dollar General stores in DeKalb County. And now, thanks to the recent finalized contracts with Mapco and Delta fuel stations, the Torch will soon be available for purchase at the counters of 17 new locations at the former Discount Food Marts.

Southern Torch would like to thank our readers and advertisers who have helped make the latest in a series of exciting expansions over the past 14 months possible.

The Southern Torch – Southern Torch, Inc. News every Friday.

For Subscriptions: Call (256) 638-4040 or email subscriptions@southerntorch.com

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

Mentone awarded city planning grant from Appalachian Regional Commission The city of Mentone will chart a course for future development with the help of a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commision, Gov. Robert Bentley announced today.

The $12,600 grant will help Mentone complete comprehensive plans that will set…

Page 4 THIS WEEK IN FAITH

The Shirt off my back: 1996 Atlanta Olympics Twenty years ago we were all excited about the Summer Olympics. In Atlanta.

Gloria, John and I all volunteered. Gloria with gymnastics. John at the stadium for track and field.

And I volunteered for a month in downtown Atlanta at the Main Press Center just across the street from Centennial Park…

Page 6 THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

Collinsville All-Stars take 9th in Dixie Youth State Tournament The Collinsville 8-under Dixie Youth All-Star team recently took 9th place in the Alabama Dixie Youth State Tournament, coming up just shy of a bid to the big stage and the Dixie Youth World Series.

As Alabama Dixie Youth All-Stars District 8 Champions, the Collinsville 7-8 All-Stars…

Page 11 PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 60 RAINSVILLE, AL

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Friday–July 22, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

Rainsville council approves repairs, maintenance to city property

By Joseph M. Morgan Editor and Publisher joseph@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— The Rainsville City Council met Monday night to discuss a number of matters, including completing repairs and maintenance to a number of city properties.

The council voted to allocate $3,768.41 from the correctional facilities budget to repaint and repair damages to the city jail that occurred during an extensive cleanup that was required to safeguard the facility and protect personnel after it was determined that an inmate at the jail might be carrying

an infectious disease.

The council also voted to hire C&C Asphalt to seal and stripe the asphalt parking lot at the police department and stripe and seal the asphalt parking lot at Rainsville City Hall.

Also included in maintenance and repair projects was the approval to pay an outstanding bill for $4,800 charged to the city to replumb the city’s Olive Branch pumping station.

In other business, the council voted to: • Donate $500 to local non-profit group, Addicts for Christ, an organization that works to cure drug addiction on Sand Mountain.

The $500 is enough to pay

the entire cost of drug rehab for an individual in the area suffering from drug addiction.

• Appoint Eric Samples to the Public Building Authority Board.

• The city also received an update on the progress of Rainsville’s ongoing sewer construction project. It was reported that phase 1 of the construction project is roughly 95 percent completed and that the city would be ready to begin receiving leachate in the next 21 days.

The Rainsville City Council will hold its next regularly-scheduled meeting on Monday, Aug. 1, 2016.

Simply Original Boutique Ribbon Cutting

Simply Original Boutique and Handmade Consignment in Rainsville recently had their ribbon cutting.

Simply Original Boutique is located at 30 Dalton Street in Rainsville beside Ed’s Wholesale.

Pictured from L to R: Tim Eberhart, Malorie Griffith, Sandy Hallmark, Ed Culpepper, Mayor Nick Jones, Samantha McKinley and Casey McKinley (owners), Debbie Nickelson, Linda Samples, Sandy Goff

Page 1, Candidates finalize city council seats in the communities of: Collinsville, Crossville, Fort Payne, Fyffe, Geraldine, Hammondville, Henagar, Ider, Mentone, Powell, Rainsville (candidate list unavailable at press time), Sand Rock, Sylvania and Valley Head: (Contested elections are italicized in bold) COLLINSVILLE Candidate for Collinsville Mayor: Johnny Traffanstedt – (incumbent, running unopposed) Collinsville City Council Place #1: Kathy Jelks (incumbent, running unopposed) Collinsville City Council Place #2: Fred Shankles (incumbent) Collinsville City Council Place #2: Donna G. Jones Collinsville City Council #3 – David Bowen (incumbent, running unopposed) Collinsville City Council #4 – Janet Osborn (incumbent, running unopposed)

Collinsville City Council #5 – Jeff “Rat” Chandler (incumbent, running unopposed) CROSSVILLE Candidate for Crossville Mayor: Vicky Calhoun Stone (incumbent, has challenger) Candidate for Crossville Mayor: Tera Fortenberry (previously sat on Crossville City Council Place 4) Crossville City Council Place #1 – Nelson Ferrell (unopposed, open seat) Crossville City Council Place #2 – Brad Hood (incumbent, running unopposed) Crossville City Council Place #3 – Samantha Morton (unopposed, open seat) Crossville City Council Place #4 – Bryan Ray (unopposed, previously sat on Crossville City Council Place 1) Crossville City Council Place #5 – Connie Brothers (open seat) Crossville City Council Place #5 – John E. Word (open seat) Crossville City Council Place #5 – Cody Webb (open seat)

FORT PAYNE (Council is at-large, top five vote recipients will be named to council) Candidate for Fort Payne Mayor: Larry Chesser (incumbent) Candidate for Fort Payne Mayor: David Beddingfield (challenger) Candidates for Fort Payne City Council Brian Baine Jimmy Ballinger Lynn Locklear Brewer Tim Dobson Johnny Eberhart (incumbent) Windy Freeman Dana Goggans (incumbent) Randall Ham (incumbent) Wade Hill Roger Ingle Freddy Johnson Robert Paris Gerald “Red” Taylor (incumbent) Walter Watson (incumbent)

#4 – John Wayne Moore (open seat, unopposed) Hammondville City Council Place # 5 – Tammy L. Brown (open seat, unopposed)

FYFFE Candidate for Fyffe Mayor: Paul Cagle (open seat, running unopposed) Fyffe City Council Place #1: James Spears (incumbent, running unopposed) Fyffe City Council Place #2: Katy Woodall (former mayor, running unopposed) Fyffe City Council Place #3: Gerald Green (open seat, running unopposed) Fyffe City Council Place #4: Fred Works (incumbent, running unopposed) Fyffe City Council Place #5: Dale Wooten (incumbent, has challenger) Fyffe City Council Place #5: Pamela Gifford (challenger)

IDER — There are no contested municipal government seats in Ider.

Therefore there will be no municipal elections in 2016.

Candidate for Ider Mayor: Wendy Hammonds Lassetter (unopposed) Ider City Council Place #1: Mark Brown (unopposed) Ider City Council Place #2: Albert Phillips (unopposed) Ider City Council Place #3: Dwayne Chapman (unopposed) Ider City Council Place #4: Sharlyn Huber (unopposed) Ider City Council Place #5: Larry Tilley (unopposed)

GERALDINE Candidate for Geraldine Mayor: John “Chuck” Ables (incumbent, running unopposed) Geraldine City Council Place #1: Larry “Punch” Lingerfelt (incumbent, running unopposed) Geraldine City Council Place #2: Stanley Rooks (incumbent, running unopposed) Geraldine City Council Place #3: Tim Guest (incumbent, has challenger) Geraldine City Council Place #3: Orvil Bearden (challenger) Geraldine City Council Place #4: Jackie Rogers (open seat, has challenger) Geraldine City Council Place #4: Tim Turner (open seat, has challenger) Geraldine City Council Place #5 Sherrie Hiett (open seat, has challenger) Geraldine City Council Place #5 Terry Harris (open seat, has challenger) HAMMONDVILLE — There are no contested municipal government seats in Hammondville. Therefore there will be no municipal election in 2016.

Candidate for Hammondville Mayor: Susan L. Akes (open seat, running unopposed, former member of Hammondville City Council) Hammondville City Council Place #1 – Brandy S. Akes (incumbent, unopposed) Hammondville City Council Place #2 – Jennifer S. Barker (open seat, unopposed) Hammondville City Council Place #3 – Kenneth R. Frazier (incumbent, unopposed) Hammondville City Council Place

HENAGAR Candidate for Henagar Mayor – Lamar Whitten (open seat, has challenger) Candidate for Henagar Mayor – Lee Davis (open seat, has challenger) Henagar City Council Place #1: Winston Bugsby Henagar City Council Place #2: Loretta Shankles Henagar City Council Place #3: Dale Callahan Henagar City Council Place #4: Tyler Murdock Henagar City Council Place #4: Robert Trottman Henagar City Council Place #5: Jeff McCurdy

MENTONE — There are no contested municipal government seats in Mentone. Therefore there will be no municipal elections in 2016.

Candidate for Mentone Mayor: Rob Hammond (unopposed) Mentone City Council Place #1: John Paul Verdon (unopposed) Mentone City Council Place #2: Wesley Griffith (unopposed) Mentone City Council Place #3: Hobson Kirby (unopposed) Mentone City Council Place #4: Ray Padgett (unopposed) Mentone City Council Place #5: Gerald Bailey (unopposed) POWELL — There are no contested municipal government seats in Powell. Therefore there will be no municipal elections in 2016.

Candidate for Powell Mayor: Eugene Byrum – (incumbent, unopposed) Powell City Council Place #1 – Ronnie Helton I Powell City Council Place #2 – Joey Haymon Powell City Council Place #3 – Aaron Wilbourn Powell City Council Place #4 – Reggie Byrum Powell City Council Place #5 – Gurlon Lands RAINSVILLE Candidate for Rainsville Mayor: Nick Jones (incumbent, has challenger) Candidate for Rainsville Mayor: Rodger Lingerfelt (challenger, previously city council place #5) Rainsville City Council Place #1: Joey Graham (incumbent, has challengers) Rainsville City Council Place #1: Marshall Stiefel (challenger) Rainsville City Council Place #1: Tina Pike (challenger) Rainsville City Council Place #2: D.L.

Stiefel (open seat, has challenger) Rainsville City Council Place #2: Bejan Teheri (open seat, has challenger) Rainsville City Council Place #3: Gary Hartline (open seat, has challenger) Rainsville City Council Place #3: Ricky Byrum (open seat, has challenger) Rainsville City Council Place #4: Brandon Freeman (incumbent, unopposed) Rainsville City Council Place #5: Jeff Young (open seat, has challenger) Rainsville City Council Place #5: Derek Rosson (open seat, has challenger) SAND ROCK — There are no contested municipal government seats in Sand Rock. Therefore there will be no municipal elections held in 2016.

Candidate for Sand Rock Mayor: James Ricky Mackey (incumbent, unopposed) Sand Rock City Council Place #1 – Julia Campmire Smith (incumbent, unopposed) Sand Rock City Council Place #2 – Jonathan Ray Cash (unopposed, open seat) Sand Rock City Council Place #3 – Hoyt Eugene Farmer (incumbent, unopposed) Sand Rock City Council Place #4 – George R. Mackey (incumbent, unopposed) Sand Rock City Council Place #5 – Steve A. McMeekin Jr. (incumbent, unopposed) SYLVANIA Candidate for Sylvania Mayor: Gerald R. Craig (incumbent, has challenger) Candidate for Sylvania Mayor: Mayor: Tony Goolesby (challenger) Candidate for Sylvania Mayor: Mayor: Tom Miller (challenger) Sylvania City Council Place #1 – Ashley Graham (unopposed) Sylvania City Council Place #2 – Thomas Hale Sylvania City Council Place #2 – Jerod Sharp Sylvania City Council Place #3 – Denny R. Smith (unopposed) Sylvania City Council Place #4 – David Smalley Sylvania City Council Place #4 – Gary Ferguson Sylvania City Council Place #5 – Edward Wilbanks Sylvania City Council Place #5 – Larry R. Bailey VALLEY HEAD Candidate for Valley Head Mayor: Scott Gifford (incumbent, has challenger) Candidate for Valley Head Mayor: Lamar Bray (challenger) Valley Head City Council Place #1: Michael Key (incumbent, has challenger) Valley Head City Council Place #1: Roger Sharp (challenger) Valley Head City Council Place #2: Adele Phillips (unopposed) Valley Head City Council Place #3: Billy Bailey (unopposed) Valley Head City Council Place #4: Jacob Brown (unopposed) Valley Head City Council Place #5: Linda Turner (unopposed)

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Friday–July 22, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

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

Lighting Up the Night:

Close to 500 attend Cricket Theatre marquee lighting

Almost 500 residents recently turned out to attend the ceremonial lighting of the new marquee at the historic Cricket Theatre in Collinsville.

By Joseph M. Morgan Editor and Publisher joseph@southerntorch.com

COLLINSVILLE, Ala.— Close to 500 residents from all over North Alabama and beyond turned out to attend a ceremony last week to celebrate the official lighting of the newly-restored marquee sign at the historic Cricket Theatre in downtown Collinsville.

Hosted by the Collinsville Historical Association (CHA), the unveiling of the new marquee and building front marks the completion of the latest phase of the Cricket’s restoration.

After purchasing enough concessions to feed 200 for the Cricket ceremony Thursday night, members of the CHA were concerned that they had overdone it. But instead of having to worry about taking home leftover popcorn and Coke, the CHA ran the

popcorn machine for over an hour straight and eventually had to go out during the ceremony to purchase more beverages for the large crowd in attendance.

The CHA also presented commemorative medallions to the first 200 attendees at the event to celebrate the lighting grand marquee sign. By 6:45 p.m. (the event kicked off at 7 p.m.), the CHA was out of medallions.

“I think everyone in attendance shared a sense of pride and excitement for our town,” Dr. John Morgan, pastor of Collinsville Baptist Church said. “It was overwhelming to see such a large outpouring of support from so many.

It’s obvious that the restoration is important to our entire town and is an exciting time for Collinsville.”

Located in the heart of downtown Collinsville on Main Street, the Cricket’s restoration is much more

than a milestone to the people of Collinsville. To many it marks the resurrection of a building that has served as the proud symbol of the town for almost 70 years.

Prior to hosting the first major public event at the Cricket in decades last November, CHA Treasurer Martha Barksdale told Southern Torch that the importance of saving the building and working to restore it was far greater than the financial cost that will be required to make it happen.

“I’m a preservationist,” Barksdale said.

“This building was the central focal point of our town at one time. It even became a part of the image that represented the entire town of Collinsville.”

Restoration work began in 2010 with a new roof.”

In addition to the marquee lighting, Thursday night’s celebration featured live

STAFF Joseph M. Morgan, Editor and Publisher Marla Jones, Sports Editor Angie Reynoso, Office Manager Diego Reynoso, Operations Manager Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor Amy Thrash, Advertising Executive Dwayne Adams, Art Director

Southern Torch (Permit no. 1) 203 Main St. East P.O. Box 614 Rainsvile, AL. 35986 256-638-4040 Published each Friday by:

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entertainment, including a special performance from the "Little

Collinsville Rockettes," a troupe that includes dancers from ages 3 to 11 years old, directed by Madison Chamblee from Auburn University and Allie Wills Jones, a teacher at Collinsville High School.

The performance was followed by remarks from members of the theatre's founding family and community leaders and elected officials.

The CHA has literally spent thousands of hours over the past six years to slowly bring the Cricket back to its former glory.

While the restoration of the marquee is a big step towards the theatre’s restoration, there is still a good deal of costly work to be done.

Next on the restoration agenda will be work to replace the air conditioning and ceiling inside the Cricket.

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Friday–July 22, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

Mentone awarded city planning grant from Appalachian Regional Commission

The town of Mentone was recently awarded a grant from ARC to develop a long-term plan for the city.

By Joseph M. Morgan Editor and Publisher joseph@southerntorch.com

MENTONE, Ala.— The city of Mentone will chart a course for future development with the help of a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, Gov. Robert Bentley announced today.

The $12,600 grant will help Mentone complete comprehensive plans that will set goals and serve as a guide for long-term community improvement and economic development initiatives. The Top of Alabama Regional Council on Governments (TARCOG) will help

complete the plan, which will involve input from community and business leaders and residents.

“A comprehensive plan is an important blueprint for a local government to improve the quality of life in their community,” Gov. Bentley said. “As with our Great State 2019 Plan, strategic plans are an important component to ensuring success of a community.

With the grants awarded today, community leaders in Mentone can work on setting important goals for the community.”

Mentone – a frequent tourist destination on Lookout Mountain – will

develop a plan to guide town leaders as they invest in infrastructure to support and grow the outdoor recreation tourism economy. The plan also will guide the town as it seeks to collaborate with nearby communities on recreational trails and other projects.

The ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties, including 37 in Alabama, across the Appalachian Region. The agency’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) manages the ARC program in Alabama and is administering the grant. ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.

“ADECA continually looks for opportunities to help communities attract jobs and development to improve the quality of life for residents,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. “I am pleased this ARC grant will help

Mentone and Woodville cast a positive vision for the future of their communities.”

Bentley notified Mentone Mayor Rob Hammond earlier this week that the grant had been approved.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 5

Friday–July 22, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

THE FISHERMAN SOUTHERN GOSPEL QUARTET For bookings call: Glenn Smith (256) 572-6146 Check us out on Facebook

ADVERTISE here for only $1250/week!

CHAMBER CHATTER

July 20, 2016 Carol Beddingfield, Executive Director Women are starting 1,200 new businesses each day in the United States. They are inventing products, solving problems, creating jobs and supporting their communities.

There are many reasons for this surge in women entrepreneurs.

Women serve women consumers better. This fact is important because women consumers control the majority of purchases.

Women are responsible for approximately $7 trillion in spending power in the US. Since they represent 51% of the population, the needs of women as consumers are vital to our overall economy.

Of the 161 million women in the US, 74.9% of women are the primary shoppers while “controlling” over 72.8% of the household spending.

90% of women seek out goods produced by women-owned businesses. In fact, according to a study by Walmart, 90 percent of female customers would go out of their way to purchase products from women because they believe they would offer higher quality.

The time to invest in women is now. Their entrepreneurial desires are at an all-time high.

Too many of us believe that new businesses initiated by women are less likely to succeed than those initiated by men. However, there is no difference in performance. Women should not be discouraged from seeking their goal to become involved in the business world.

Fort Payne is fortunate to have many women who take the risk to open their own business. Letters have been sent to the business community by the Chamber seeking to recognize them.

If you have not received the Chamber’s invitation to join us to celebrate Women in Business on August 23rd at 11 AM at the DeKalb Theatre, please call 256-845-2741.

Companies are encouraged to honor women who have advanced the efforts to create a successful business. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber for $20.00 each. Program ads can also be bought to express the company’s gratitude.

More information about the keynote speaker, Patricia Barnes, better known as Sister Schubert, will follow in the next Chatter.

RECORD SUMMER FOR TOURISM

July 22, 2016 John Dersham,

Director of Tourism & Economic Development We are well on our way to a record summer in tourism in the United States according to the U.S. Travel Association. Early reports say the July 4th holiday was the largest in history as far as number of people travelling. Alabama is reporting record numbers, as well, and so are we. We are nearly 10 percent above last year, using our year to date numbers and our numbers come in from the state revenue office 60 days in arrears. This means we do not have our June and July numbers yet. I am expecting, judging from the visitors seen and reported by attractions and lodging partners throughout DeKalb County, that the growth over last year will be well over 10%… we hope.

Some of the contributors to this growth are due to an overall strengthening of the U.S. economy and lower gas prices than the last number of years. Our travel industry is hopeful the trend will continue and growth will continue. Both Alabama and DeKalb are growing at a steady rate. As the state of Alabama continues to become an increasingly popular destination, every area of our state will benefit from the publicity and added national and international attention the state is receiving.

In a few weeks we will end our summer travel season with our largest single attendance event of the year with the World’s Longest Yard Sale (WLYS). This event is held this year from August 4-7, officially, but many vendors and a lot of activity on our section of the yard sale (located on the Lookout Mountain Scenic Parkway) will begin as early as the weekend prior. Event promoters estimate the total number of visitors along the WLYS route from Gadsden to the Georgia state line should exceed 25,000 -30,000. Despite the size of this number many people agree the WLYS is not as big as its peak in the late 90’s thru 2005. The reason is demographic. The biggest portion of support for the yard sale has been the Mature/Silent (sometimes known as the Greatest Generation) and the Baby Boomer population both of which are aging out of the collector buying process and the X-Generation and Millennia’s, as a whole, do not have a material driven culture. They tend to accumulate less with an emphasis on engagement in travel, entertainment and culinary pleasures. None the less, the WLYS will continue to be a major tourism event for the foreseeable future.

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Friday–July 22, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FAITH

The shirt off my back: 1996 Atlanta Olympics

By Dr. John E. Morgan

Pastor–Collinsville Baptist Church

Twenty years ago we were all excited about the Summer Olympics. In Atlanta.

Gloria, John and I all volunteered. Gloria with gymnastics. John at the stadium for track and field.

And I volunteered for a month in downtown Atlanta at the Main Press Center just across the street from Centennial Park.

That put me in the middle of a lot of action. I worked the night shift so I arrived as journalists were flowing in from events to write stories. And the free music in the park was blaring away. Things didn’t die down until about three in the morning, and then things started up again about five.

I was on the main help

desk at the main entrance, just inside the door. My job was to help. To do whatever someone in the press needed to have done. And to update all the material we had available for them.

Lots of carrying messages.

Lots of looking up scores.

Lots of helping people find their way around the building. And lots of helping people who lost their credentials. Or people who had a few hours off and wanted to visit a local attraction. Several were shocked to learn that no, there is no actual Tara plantation even though you saw one in Gone with the Wind.

I did not do a lot of sitting around, but there was time for some conversations. Some people even talked with me after they learned I was a Baptist preacher.

One of my co-workers was from London. She was not a regular church attender. She had some struggles in life, but she felt like things were working out for her now. She thanked me for talking to her and said “so tas to God”.

Near as I could understand that meant thank you Lord.

I like that. Tas to God. I talked with a Georgia student who had

volunteered almost as a joke. We talked about football (of course), her major, her life. Just a little talk as she tried to figure out her future.

The journalist from up north who was angry about the transportation system.

He had lost his pass. We calmed him down. I gave him my pass and he walked away embarrassed.

A man from the suburbs who was riding the bus for the first time ever. He thought it was pretty good.

I suspect he never rode it again.

The night supervisor was from Pennsylvania. He laughed at me for saying that I was “fixing to go upstairs”. Seemed like good grammar to me. We were there the night the bomb went off next door in the park. In our building, the pressure that night became great. We had to arrange a quick press conference in the building for leaders to announce on world-wide TV that the Games would go on as scheduled. We had to find translators and pass out equipment for people to hear the translation. The supervisor and I stood together as the conference broke up. He told me how thankful he was to have been able to depend on a

few of us. And that he had thought about how close we were to the bomb. And who he should depend on from then forward.

It is amazing how often God will use you to share His Good News if you give Him a chance. On the bus and the subway going back and forth. In the park where people were trading pins. Little words of encouragement to workers who were blamed for computer failures.

But the woman I will remember the most was a day shift worker who came in an hour before I left. I only talked to her once.

Learned she was about twenty years older than me.

Retired. Lived in a very nice area of town. Had lots of stuff. Was a little bored by the Press Center.

I asked her about her spiritual background. She said that she used to go to church but that she did not see a need for it so she quit.

She told me that she was quite satisfied with her life.

I asked her about what she did with problems or times when she needed forgiveness. She said she did not have those times. I was puzzled. Time was running out. So I got blunter.

“But we all sin”, I said.

“We all need forgiveness.”

She replied, “Oh, I never sin. I don’t believe in sin anymore.”

I was shocked. How could any human being not believe in sin? We are all sinners. I mentioned Romans to her. She smiled at my ignorance. She told me she had learned that she was not a sinner by listening to people from some group whose name I have forgotten. She truly believed that she did not sin.

When I talk to someone about becoming a Christian, I begin with talking about those Romans passage – all have sinned, because we sin we have earned death, but Jesus has given us the free gift of eternal life if we give our lives to Him. What do you say to someone who is sure they do not need sin and do not need Jesus?

I said a few more words to her then I had to leave. I never saw her again. I often wonder what happened to her. But I will always remember her because she is the first person who ever told me that she did not sin.

Talking to people about Jesus can be scary. You can feel inadequate. It can leave you wondering. But it is the right thing to do. In Atlanta. And in Collinsville. Just try. Talk.

Go for the gold.

Compassion That Sticks

By Lucas Pruett You know what is one of the main things we seek in our lives on a daily basis?

Compassion. We don’t realize it at all but we want so badly for someone to have compassion on us.

That is why we seek help from others during our times of trouble or that we are so quick to pick up the phone when we are feeling down. We want someone to come into our narratives and help. We also sometimes want someone to come into our narratives and just let us know that they care. Humans desire compassion. Luckily for us, our savior Jesus has an endless amount of compassion for us. His compassion for us is also powerful beyond our imaginations. Let us look at this through the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead. John 11:33 states, “When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who

had come along with her also weeping, he was moved and troubled. ‘Where have you laid him?’ He asked.” I could never in a short article even begin to express how much this verse moves my heart. In this story, Lazarus has died while Jesus was a mere two miles away. When he finally arrives to Mary and Martha’s house, Mary greets him outside the city gates and is justifiably upset. She falls at his feet and weeps.

Jesus is moved in a huge way by his compassion. We see the famous verse two verses after this that describes Jesus’s action of weeping(Jesus Wept- John 11:35). However, I love his quote in verse 33 and the significance of it. Jesus powerfully asked “Where have you laid him?”. This is a question of action that is driven by his compassion.

His compassion is powerfully ignited when he experiences Mary and the crowd weeping in front of him. We see that compassion burst forward when he ask this quesiton. He wants to know where Lazarus has been laid where he can go and raise him from the dead. Jesus doesn’t think twice. He knows what he is capable of and what he is going to do. We see later in the story that Jesus arrives at Lazarus’s tomb and ask

for the stone at the entrance to be rolled away. He then commands Lazarus to come out and Lazarus is raised and comes walking out of the tomb. This is a powerful story. The resurrecting power of God is amazing and it is hard not to stay right there. However, for the sake of this article, we need to note that the compassion that drives all of this is available to us daily. Jesus walks with us and journeys with us throughout our lives. He responds to us just as he does his disciples and those that he loves such as Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. We have the ability to come to him in our weeping and hurt and fall at his feet just as Mary does. When we come to him vulnerably, Jesus’s compassion drives him to weep for us and drives him to action. His compassion is so much better than that we seek from others because his has the ability to change things in our lives. The compassion of Christ is such an irristable quality of his. It is qualities like this that make Jesus real to us. He is your real savior. He is not a picture figure in the children Sunday school bible. He is not just a historical figure that changed the landscape of history. He is your real

savior. He has compassion for you during your struggles, troubles, and pains. He has full knowledge that their will be trouble on this earth (John 16:33). His response to that fact is that he journeys with us and he offers us real support in the form of compassion, love, and rest.

Please lean into him this week. He is everywhere

with you. He wants you to turn to him instead of turning to everyone else.

He has the power to change your life. One touch from him can change your life. Get to his feet this week! Have a great week. If you have any thoughts or comments then please feel free to reach out to me at

writingonpurpose@gmail.com.

7

Friday–July 22, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS Fort Payne businesswoman, Lynn Brewer announces candidacy for FPCC

FPCC candidate Lynn Brewer

By Joseph M. Morgan Editor and Publisher joseph@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— Fort Payne businesswoman Lynn Locklear Brewer recently announced her intention to run for Fort Payne City Council.

Brewer is the owner and manager of Vintage 1889 Restaurant and the Big Mill Artisans & Antique Mall in Fort Payne and played an instrumental role in the efforts to gain the city's acceptance to the Alabama Main Street program.

Following Fort Payne's acceptance to Main Street a little over one year ago, Brewer was elected to the design board of the newly-formed Fort Payne Main Street program.

Brewer said that her involvement with Main Street for more than the past year has inspired her to take a more active role in city government and she believes that she would be an asset to local government if elected to the Fort Payne City Council

when the city holds municipal elections on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016.

As a child, Brewer grew up in the restaurant business, spending many years in and around her father's restaurant, Jack's (not associated with present day Jack's hamburger chain), a local fast food restaurant with a 50's era drive-in vibe famous for "the Bonanza Burger" and the unique a-frame style building that housed Jack’s on Gault Avenue in downtown Fort Payne.

"I’m a hometown girl, who graduated from FPHS, left for a few years to attend and graduate from Auburn University (BS in Art Education), returned home and has been in the workforce and a part of this community for the majority of my life," Brewer said. "I raised my children here and now I want to leave a legacy for my grandchildren. I hear people complain or want to make changes to things here, but they aren’t willing to get involved. Someone has to care and try to make a difference.

Brewer also worked for almost 10 years in the local manufacturing industry at Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. and for parent company, Wolseley, PLC, where she specialized in human resources. Brewer’s undergraduate degree is in art education, and prior to her

work in personnel at Ferguson’s she spent a year working in the Fort Payne City School system as a classroom aide, receiving “Aide of the Year.”

“The diversity of my work experience gives me the unique ability to see things from both an industry standpoint and and small business point of view,” Brewer said. “My background in education also means that I will place a very high priority on making sure our schools and Fort Payne schoolchildren receive the best educations possible.”

Brewer sees the city’s involvement in the Alabama Main Street program as key to Fort Payne’s long-term future success.

“It’s not just about downtown, it’s about a lifestyle improvement for our entire city,” Brewer said.

“Alabama Main Street’s motto of “Creating Jobs, and Maintaining Character”, has already begun to change downtown. New businesses are opening and there is a sense of excitement and pride for our city.” Let’s keep that momentum going all over our city, in every aspect.

“To ensure that this energy continues, we need to have a plan. I want the votes of people who are passionate about what they want for our city. Visionaries that can see the future and dream a little bit with me. It doesn’t always

Gary Hartline announces run for Rainsville City Council

Business owner Gary Hartline is officially announcing his campaign for Rainsville City Council Place #3.

By Tyler Pruett

Managing Editor tyler@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Small business owner Gary Hartline is announcing his run for Rainsville City Council Place #3. Hartline is a longtime resident of Rainsville, and said he is excited about the prospect of serving its citizens.

Hartline and his wife Tammy have been married for 28 years, and have two children, Kisha and Thomas. Hartline is the son of Jerry D. Hartline and and Shirley Hall Mitchell. He graduated from

Plainview High School in 1986.

Hartline and his wife are the owners of an inflatables company, number1party.com, a business the couple founded in 2004. He also works for the DeKalb County Board of Education as a bus driver for the Ider Special Service Center.

Hartline currently serves the community as the missions pastor at Rainsville Community Church and as the Church Relations Coordinator for Operation Christmas Child. Hartline received his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification from Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) and is a member of the DeKalb County Amateur Radio Club.

Hartline is a conservative Christian that believes an elected official’s first priority should be to the people who elected them. To achieve this, Hartline believes officials should work together towards

achieving goals instead of against each other.

“Elected officials should be the voice of the people,” Hartline said.

“We should be as servants to the citizens we serve.

We should take on our roles as councilmen to see that the will of the people is done.”

Transparency is also important to Hartline. He said he believes that important issues should be made public. He also wants to focus on improving city services and infrastructure.

“We need a strong and well-equipped police and fire departments,” Hartline said. “We need a strong infrastructure which includes a great sewer system (which we have) and great roads. A city that is equipped with all of these things will attract businesses, and that, in return, will produce more jobs!”

Hartline asks for the citizen’s support on August 23 in campaign for Rainsville City Council Place #3. His opponent for the position is Ricky Byrum.

have to be business as usual….let’s push the envelope and see what we can accomplish together as a community. We need to band together and make a difference for our city.”

Lynn Locklear Brewer is married to Dr. Stephen Brewer with whom she has four children: Dr. Michele Hill, Stephen J. Brewer, Jr, Brittany Watts King, and John W. Watts, Jr.; and three grandchildren: Bella King, Robert and Jacob Hill. Brewer attends Philips Episcopal Church and is active in two weekly bible studies in downtown Fort Payne.

“If the citizens of Fort Payne choose to elect me to the Fort Payne City Council, I can promise that I will work every single day to do my best to make this city a better place to live, work and go to school,” Brewer said. “Whether you want to operate a small business—a mom-and-pop restaurant in historic downtown, or big industry or heavy manufacturing—Fort Payne will be open for business, our historic downtown will continue to improve and I will do all I can to make sure the Fort Payne City Schools remain some of the best in Alabama.”

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Friday–July 22, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS

Sylvania Mayor Gerald Craig announces re-election bid

Acting Sylvania Mayor Gerald Craig announces bid for reelection

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor tyler@southerntorch.com

SYLVANIA, Ala. — Acting Sylvania Mayor Gerald Craig recently announced his intent to run for re-election. Craig was appointed mayor in January 2016 after former Mayor Emily Wooten resigned. Craig has elected to continue serving Sylvania and will

be on the ballot as a candidate for mayor on Aug. 23.

Gerald Craig was born in Rainsville and is a lifelong resident of Sylvania. He graduated from Sylvania High School in 1964 and attended Northeast Alabama Community College before studying at Jacksonville State University. Craig has been married to his wife Patsy for 47 years, and they have two children and three grandchildren.

He and his wife are longtime members of Trinity United Methodist Church.

Craig spent 30 years working in industrial plants as both a supervisor and materials manager.

He also ran a

full-scale livestock operation for 15 years and currently has a smallscale cattle operation.

Craig has served a total of nine years on the Sylvania Town Council; from 1975 until 1980 and from 2012 until present.

Since assuming the role of mayor, Craig has continued the programs put into place by the previous mayor. Last year, the Town of Sylvania was awarded a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for a new sewer system. Craig has continued stewardship of the project and construction is expected to begin in October 2016.

“Thanks to former Mayor Emily Wooten, the town was awarded a Community

Development Block Grant (CDBG) for a sizeable sewer renovation project,” Craig said.

“We’ve continued moving the project along and are hoping to begin construction in October.”

In his plans for the future, Craig wants to improve the town’s infrastructure, not only by completing the new sewer system, but by also resurfacing existing roads that are in bad shape.

“The wheels are turning to get quite a bit of paving done,” Craig said. “Several streets are in dire need of it. We may not get it all this year, but we’ll get the worst of it.”

When Craig took over as mayor in January of this year, he sat down for an interview with

Southern Torch to discuss plans for the city and his own plans for the future.

At the time, Craig stated that running to remain in the position was not his plan, but now after being in office for seven months, Craig said he wants to see Sylvania stay on the right path.

“It’s the desire to see continuity on what’s been started, and the desire to see things continue and expand,” Craig said.

“When you change administrations, things can easily be lost or interrupted.”

Craig is asking for the citizen’s support on August 23 when municipal ballots are cast. He will face Tom Miller and Tony Goolesby in his run for Sylvania mayor.

Sylvania H.S. senior Jerod Sharp qualifies for council run

Sylvania High School senior Jerod Sharp qualified on Monday to run for Sylvania Town Council!

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor tyler@southerntorch.com

SYLVANIA, Ala. — Earlier this week, Jerod Sharp qualified to run for Sylvania Town Council Place 2. Sharp is starting his senior year at Sylvania High School, and just turning 18 made him eligible to run for the council seat. Jerod has a lot of pride in his community, and is eager for the chance to serve the citizens of Sylvania.

Sharp is the son of Matt and Cherrie Sharp, and is a very active student at Sylvania High School. He served last year as the Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President, President of the Beta Club, and played varsity basketball as well as tennis. He also served as the National Beta Club Reporter from 2013 to 2014.

While running for Sylvania Town Council, Sharp also plans to seek a position on the SGA at Sylvania High School.

Sharp is among the youngest candidates to qualify for office in DeKalb County history.

The State of Alabama defines the guidelines a candidate must meet to run for municipal office: a person must be at least 18 years of age, a U.S.

citizen, a state resident for at least 90 days, and registered to vote.

Sharp sat down for an exclusive interview with Southern Torch after qualifying. He said one of the reasons for deciding to run for city council is to serve the citizens of his town and motivate younger citizens to get involved with local government.

“I feel like Sylvania has been very good to me,” Sharp said.

“Everyone was very supportive when I ran for National BETA office and got that office. Growing up in Sylvania has had a significant impact on me, and I want to have a significant impact on it.”

When it comes to his personal philosophy on government, Sharp said he believes the government, even at the

local level, should be for the people and to serve the people.

“When you are elected to any office, your biggest priority has got to be your constituents or your citizens,” Sharp said.

“It’s a public service.”

Sharp said he wants to focus on generating revenue not just for the town, but the citizens of Sylvania as well.

“We can always generate better revenue by paving the way for new small business,” Sharp said. “I also want to look into the possibility of bringing in chain restaurants to create jobs.

These things will also help us create better revenue and improve the infrastructure for all citizens.”

Sharp said he would also like to see more public involvement in his

local government. Sharp is hoping his campaign and election to the town council will help increase involvement from younger generations in city government and politics as a whole.

“I’d like to better get the community involved in town hall meetings. I’d also like to get the younger generation involved,” Sharp said.

“Like for example if a student receives an award at the high school, let’s honor them in the council meeting to increase the involvement.”

Jerod Sharp will be on the municipal ballot for Sylvania on August 23 and will face Tom Hale for the seat. For more information on Sharp, visit his Facebook page at http://www.facebook. com/JerodSharpCouncil/.

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Friday–July 22, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

DEATH NOTICES 7/22/16 W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel

Phillips; daughter, Donna Jo Phillips; and brother, Mach White.

Mr. Kenneth David Wade Sr. - Age 87 of Scottsboro passed away Monday, July 11, 2016. A graveside service was held on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at Pinehaven Memorial Gardens in Hollywood. He is survived by daughter, Chandra (Walter) Nerche; sons, David Bannister, Darwin Banister, Kenneth David Wade, Jr.; stepdaughter, Kathryn Miller; sister, Joyce Kitchens; grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Mr. Wade was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Ann Wade; parents, Horace and Geneva Wade; granddaughter, Summer Pearl Bannister and 6 sisters.

Mr. James Melvin Culbert - Age 80 of Geraldine passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at his residence. Funeral services was held on July 16, 2016 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. He is survived by his daughter, Vicki (Charles) Hice; sons, Kenny Culbert, Dan Culbert and Jeffrey Culbert; 12 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Mr. Culbert was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Shelby Jean Downs Culbert; second wife, Clara Yates Culbert; granddaughter, Haley Crooke Nance and 1 sister and 3 brothers.

Mrs. Paulette Burt - Age 66 of Fort Payne passed away July 12, 2016 at her residence. Funeral services were held on July 15, 2016 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. She is survived by daughters, Regina Hartline (John), Shelli West (Shane); sons, Joe Veal (Emily), Brian Veal (Christina); sisters, Jewel Veal, Ruby Burr, Ovilla Seay, Carolyn Miller; brother, Kenneth Bryan; 33 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Burt was preceded in death by husband, Frank Burt; parents, Andy and Emma Bryan and granddaughter, Tamara Veal.

Mr. Joseph D. Phillips - Age 76 of Scottsboro passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2016. A graveside service was held on July 14, 2016 at Beulah Cemetery. He is survived by daughter, Teri (Tony) Lands; son, Joseph D. (Nicole) Phillips, III; granddaughters, Amanda Willmon, Megan Phillips, Jacie Harbin, Marlee Phillips; grandsons, Caleb Willmon, Skyler Phillips, Joey Phillips, Chase Lands, Hunter Lands; great-grandson, Aydon Willmon; friend, Joyce Frazer; sisters, Lynda Wright, Martha Wright, Jerry (Sharon) Phillips, James Ray Phillps. Mr. Phillps was preceded in death by mother, Jewel Veal; father, Joseph D. Phillips, Sr.; grandson, Nathaniel Charles

Mrs. Lois Annie Steele - Age 81 of Scottsboro passed away Saturday, July 16, 2016 in Cloverdale Healthcare.

Funeral services were held July 19, 2016 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

He is survived by daughters, Patricia Ann Eakins, Janie Ruth Odom; son, Howard Edward and Cheryl Bradford; sisters, Nellie Mary Eakins Lands, Edna Eakins Grimstad, Pearl Eakins Hayes, Faye Eakins Mays; grandchildren and greatgrandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Corner Stone Funeral Chapel & Crematory Mrs. Judy Blevins - Age 62 of Ider passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at Erlanger Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held on July 14, 2016 at Cornerstone Chapel.

Survivors include husband, Kenneth Blevins; daughter, Valerie Blevins; brother, Earl Albertson; sisters, Frances Norrel; Joyce Bryant and great-great niece Lillian Goodman.

Mrs. Blevins was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Wilbur and Lona Mae Adkins Albertson and sister, Carrie Sue Albertson.

Mrs. Edna Fowler Johnson - Age 70 of Flat Rock died in an automobile accident Thursday, July 14, 2016. Funeral

services were held on Monday, July 18, 2016 at Cornerstone Chapel.

Survivors include son, Corley (Kristy) Johnson; daughters, Cindy (Brian) Townson, Christy (Lucas) Moody; 7 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty (Ed) Wilcox, Dianna Blanks; brothers, David (Gayla) Fowler and Herman (Patsy) Fowler.

Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by parents, Albert Eugene and Iola Mae Stiefel Fowler; husband, James Verlon Johnson.

Rainsville Funeral Home Mrs. Jane Shelton - Age 54 of Bryant, AL. passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at her residence.

She is survived by her husband, Carl Shelton; daughter, Amber Amend; parents, Gene and Betty Landau and sisters, Mary Ballard and Marji Bryant.

Mrs. Ruth Akins - Age 98 of Fort Payne passed away Thursday, July 14, 2016 at South Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services was held on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at Wesley’s Chapel. She is survived by daughter, Maxine Marie Newsom and husband, Terry H; foster son, Bill Fowler; brother, Edgar Hardeman; 6 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and 1 great-greatgrandchild. She was preceded in death by husband, Raymond Akins; son, Paul Akins; 6 brothers and sisters.

Wilson Funeral Home & Crematory Mr. Ray H. Ramage - Age 64 of Fort Payne passed away July 14, 2016 at his residence. Funeral services were held on July 16, 2016 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Linda Ann Johnson Ramage; sons and daughters-in-law, Pete and Ashley Ramage, Will and Meagan Ramage; grandson, Liam; brother and sister-in-law, John and Brenda Ramage.

Crossville Memorial Chapel Mr. Byron Leman Gilbreath - Age 82 of Crossville passed away July 16, 2016. Funeral services were held on July 18, 2016 at Crossville Memorial Chapel. He is survived by wife, Maxine Gilbreath; son, Stan Gilbreath (Sherry); grandchildren, Chris Gilbreath, Katlin Harris, Madison Gilbreath, Whitney Gilbreath, Karlie Gilbreath, Savannah Hall, Melissa Elders, Matthew Hall; 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Peggy Whisenant and a host of nieces and nephews.

Kerby Funeral Home Mrs. Ruby Mae

Hairston - Age 79 of Valley Head passed away July 18, 2016 at her residence. Funeral services were held on July 20, 2016 at Kerby Funeral Home Chapel. She is survived by husband, Talmadge O. Hairston; son, John Hairston and wife, Donna; son-in-law, Jonny Allen; brother, Andrew Hairell; sisters, Irene Terrell and Laura Steele; 5 grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. Mrs. Hairston was preceded in death by daughter, Debra Allen; parents, Clifford and Bula Hairell; brothers, Charles and David Hairell and sisters, Dorthy Badgett and Mayden Lea.

10

Friday–July 22, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Inside the Huddle-A Sneak Peek at the Ider Hornets

The Ider Hornets focus on strength training

By Marla Jones

Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

IDER, Ala.—The Ider Hornets have what it takes to be a powerhouse in Class 2A this season.

The team has several

talented players that will help the Hornets succeed this year. Ider finished seventh last year in Class 2A Region 7, with a 1-5 region record. Due to realignment, Ider will change to Region 6 this

Warmups before hitting the weight room

SPOTLIGHT ON COACHES Marla Jones, Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

IDER, Ala.—The Southern Torch Coach of the Week is Brent Tinker, Head Coach of the Ider Hornets Varsity Football team.

Coach Tinker graduated from Ider High School in 1997.

He attended University of Tennessee in Chattanooga (UTC) where he played on the football team. His major was Business Management and Human Resources. He received his teaching degree from Jacksonville State University.

Tinker has been married to his wife, Shannon for fifteen years. They have two children, Carter age 10 and Kirby, age 5.

Coach Tinker will return for his fourteenth season as Head Coach of the Ider Hornets Varsity Team. He was Assistant Coach for the Hornets for one year before taking over as Head Coach.

Tinker said his favorite quote would have to be “When you give maximum effort and have a great attitude, it results in success.”

Southern Torch would like to wish Coach Tinker and the Ider Hornets the best of luck in their upcoming season.

year. The Ider Hornets are putting last years season behind them and are looking forward to the opportunities that this season will bring the team.

Early in the morning on what has been one of the hottest days of the year, I travelled north to watch the Ider Hornets in action. When I arrived at practice, the team were beginning their strength and agility workout. The players did not seem to notice that it was already 90 degrees at 7 a.m. but this Sports Editor sure did. I watched them as they lifted weights, jumped boxes and did “dead lifts”. I was very impressed at the amount of encouragement and support that each player gave to one another.

There was excitement and anticipation in the air as the players were talking about the approaching season.

STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS: The strength of the Hornet team is the will to succeed. They certainly have the determination and the talent. The weakness would have to be only having two returning seniors. They will have to step up and help shoulder the load of the young team.

2015 RECORD: Ider Varsity Football finished the 2015 season with a 4-6 record. The team faced several tough opponents and their record did not reflect their strengths and talents.

PREPARATION: The Ider Hornets practice Monday, Wednesday and Friday beginning at 7 a.m.

Grades 7-12 practice together. The practice is comprised of field exercises and inside workouts. Official practice with helmets

Strength is the main focus of the Ider football team.

and shoulder pads will begin the first week of August.

PLAYERS: The Ider Varsity Football team have two returning seniors. The

Speed and agility workouts.

team boasts five returning defensive starters and six returning offensive starters for the 2016 season.

COACHES: Coach Brent Tinker will return for his fourteenth season as Head Coach for the Ider Hornets. His coaching staff consist of: Coach Russell Higdon as Defensive Coordinator, Coach Rod Hannah as Offensive Coordinator, Coach Chris BoggsSpecial Teams, Coach Adam Watkins-Tight Ends and Defensive Tackles, Coach Billy Black and Coach Casey Gaddis as Offensive Line Coaches.

SCHEDULE: The Ider Hornets will play a Jamboree Game against Dade County, Georgia on August 19,

2016. They will kick off their regular season play on the road facing the Valley Head Tigers for the 55th time on August 26, 2016. They will travel again to face Collinsville Panthers on September 2, 2016. They will have their first home game as they face Sand Rock on September 9, 2016. The Hornets will travel to face the Fyffe Red Devils on September 16, 2016. The North Sand Mountain Bisons will come to Ider on September 23, 2016.

The Hornets will play at home for the second week in a row when Section Lions come to town on September 30, 2016. Ider will travel to face Gaston on October 7, 2016. Ider will have homefield advantage as they host Asbury on October 14, 2016. On October 21, 2016 they will travel to face Westbrook Christian. Ider will finish out regular season play as they take on the Sylvania Rams on October 28, 2016. The Ider Hornets have the determination and talent to succeed this year and will definitely be a team to watch.

Players get flexible before hitting the field.

FANS OF THE WEEK! The Southern Torch Fan of the Week is Heather Bell Andrews. Heather teaches at Ider High School. She and her husband, Tyler are anxiously awaiting the birth of their son. Heather will be on maternity leave and will miss most of the 2016 season but she wanted to show her support and say “Go Ider Hornets!!!” Submit your photos to marla@southerntorch.com to be our next Fan of the Week!

11

Friday–July 22, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Collinsville All-Stars take 9th in All-American Dixie Youth State Tournament Mascot

(L to R): Back Row: Coaches Nick traffanstedt, Reggie lang, Seth Adams, Brent Killian, and Cody McAteer; 2nd Row: Gavin Lang, Marc Anthony Hernandez, Sam Stewart, Tyde Traffanstedt, Mason McAteer, Yensi Flamenco, Perry Stewart, Tony Henderson, Issac Basurto, Sylas Adams

By Joseph M. Morgan Editor and Publisher joseph@southerntorch.com

COLLINSVILLE, Ala.— The Collinsville 8-under Dixie Youth All-Star team recently took 9th place in the Alabama Dixie Youth State Tournament, coming up just shy of a bid to the big stage and the Dixie Youth World Series.

As Alabama Dixie Youth All-Stars District 8 Champions, the Collinsville 7-8 All-Stars were the only team in DeKalb to win their District Championship outright.

South DeKalbCollinsville’s 8-under All-Star team was made up of the combined Collinsville-1 and Collinsville-2 regular season teams from District 8. Both Panthers teams went undefeated through the regular

season (other than losses to each other) and the combined all-star team went undefeated through the district tournament, advancing to sub-state where they would ultimately finish the tournament with 1 win and 2 losses.

The 2016 Collinsville 7-8 All-Star team is the first team in more than 40 years of Dixie Youth Baseball in Collinsville to win their District Championship outright and advance to the state tournament.

Teams in 1986 and 1993 made it to the District Championship finals, but ultimately fell short of state championship play. The 1993 Collinsville 11-12 All-Star team by 1 run to a team that would go on to place 2nd in the Dixie Youth World Series that year.

Former director of Collinsville’s Dixie Youth Baseball program James

Coker said this year’s 7-8 all-star team was among the best that he has ever seen in Collinsville. Coker has been involved in Dixie Youth Baseball for the past 37 years and currently sits on the Collinsville Parks and Recreation Board.

“This year’s team was one of the best groups that has ever come through our Dixie Youth program,” Coker said.

“There’s not a single member of the team that does not have strong support both on and off the field. They all have parents who work individually with them to make them better and are actively involved in their lives to show that they care a lot about the team and the Collinsville community as a whole.

Our entire community is very proud of these boys and they no doubt have a bright future.”

Sylvania Volleyball gets ready for 2016 season

Sylvania Volleyball Team attended camp in Auburn last week. They will play in a preseason game on July 29, 2016 at South Pittsburg, TN. The regular season games will begin on August 25, 2016.

Bottom row, L to R: Kylie Moore, McKenzie Carter, Sierra Murdock, Makayla Bullock, Baylee Blevins, Kaitlyn Bullock.

Hannah Atchley was recently awarded "All American Mascot" at The University of Alabama Mascot Camp.

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

SYLVANIA, Ala.—The University of Alabama held their annual mascot camp July 11-15, 2016.

Hannah Atchley, of Sylvania won the Leadership Award and Superior Mascot Award.

She also made All American Mascot. While at camp, Hannah received superior ratings in field evaluations. For making All American Mascot, Hannah won a trip to the Citrus Bowl.

Southern Torch would like to congratulate Hannah and “Rowdy”!

ISA State Men's Champs

KO Foam recently won the ISA State Men's Championship at a tournament held at The Fort Payne Sports Complex Bottom left to right: Casey Woods, Devan Totherow, Jake Willoughby, John David Willoughby, Isaac Scroggins, Jake Pittman.

Top left to right: Corey Mize, Levi Guffey, Brad Brownfield, Bradley Bearden, CJ Jones, Keylon Harris, and Dallas Reed

Team ABS–Coed ISA State Champions

Bottom left to right: Brant Middlebrooks, Ryker Cence, Zane Calhoun, Justin Tripp, Chris Saint, Lee Burket, Daniel Deffenbaugh Top left to right: Taylor Burt, Kristina Frith, Lisa Shaddix, Meredith Barbee, Tiffany Saint, JP Abercrombie

Back row, R to L: Tanika Eason, Hannah Paddock, Hannah Brown, coach Kittle, Lyndsey Bullock, Sarah Smothers, Meghan Graham.

Catch of the Week!

The Southern Torch Catch of the Week winner is Candi Smith. Candi recently caught this monster while fishing with her husband Luke. As you can tell, Candi was very happy to catch the fish, that her husband had been trying to catch all day. Submit your photos to marla@southerntorch.com to be our next Catch of the Week!

Congratulations to Roger Wigley and his team, Winner of the Pro ET at the Sand Mountain Dragway in Section, on July 9, 2016. Josh Powell and his team were the runners-up.

12

Friday–July 22, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH