The Southern Torch — Vol. 4, Issue 25

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2018 / VOL. 4, NO. 25 / $1.00

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BREAK-IN AT KELLY'S KITCHEN

TALKS BEGIN FOR RAILROAD OVERPASS At Tuesday's meeting of the Fort Payne City Council, talks began regarding the steps to be taken in order to build a new railroad overpass. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Reporter marla@southerntorch.com (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Reporter marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On June 15, after closing for the night, Kelly’s Kitchen in Rainsville was broken into through the back entrance.

After both cash registers were damaged, an undisclosed amount of money and a firearm were taken.

After over three-and-a-half years of business, Kelly McCurdy Lawrence (owner of Kelly’s Kitchen) reported that this was the first incident to occur since she began her restaurant. “I’m angry that someone would do this,� said Lawrence. “I guess I’m just too trusting.� A new security alarm system has just been ordered for the company.

Since this is an open investigation, the Rainsville Police Department said that they could not comment at this time.

Lawrence is offering $1,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the people involved.

If you have any information regarding the break-in, please contact Kelly at (256) 638-2880 or the Rainsville Police Department at (256) 638-2157.

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Full video on our website) The Fort Payne City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on June 19, 2018.

The Council discussed ongoing talks with Norfolk Southern regarding the

marla@southerntorch.com

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MONDAY 6/25

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TUESDAY 6/26

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THURSDAY 6/28

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available with the Railroad to build overpass. “I am glad that Norfolk Southern was willing to sit down and meet with us to give some possible solutions to the train issues that we have been facing, and also offered some support along with local. State and Federal funds that might be

>> OVERPASS, P2

By Marla Jones Reporter

marla@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The DeKalb County VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 3128 recently honored Lieutenant Joshua Michael Jennings with the National VFW Firefighter of the Year Award.

Jennings was chosen over 10,000 other VFW Post nominations across the nation.

Jennings is a lieutenant, paramedic, and

training officer with the Fort Payne Fire Department.

"Since his first day of work, he has pushed to further his abilities and knowledge and hasn't looked back. [Josh] sets one of the best examples for new recruits through his time as an instructor at the Fort Payne Regional Training Center/Alabama Fire College," said Fort Payne Fire Chief Ron Saferite. "I appreciate the job [he] does for the citizens of Fort Payne."

Clifton Honored at Cornerstone Beta wins Nationals!

Council Meeting

By Marla Jones Reporter

FRIDAY 6/22

overpass for the City. A possible site for the overpass would be at the South end of town near the South Y off Highway 11, passing over Godfrey Avenue to 8th Street. Norfolk Southern offered to assist with $35,000 for the closing of the 23rd Street South crossing. This money will allow the Council to research what options including possibile grants that are

National VFW Honors Jennings

(Submitted Photo)

TORCHCAST 6/22 - 6/28

problems arising due to trains that are stopped downtown, blocking traffic.

According to Council President, Brian Baine, the situation could only get worse. Plans were made to designate First Street as the place where the trains will break if the trains would tie up traffic for longer than two hours.

At the meeting, a plan was discussed regarding a

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — (Full Video on our website) The Rainsville City Council met on Monday, June 18, 2018 for their regularly scheduled meeting.

During the work session, Rainsville Freedom Run Race Coordinator, Jerry Clifton addressed the Council regarding the success of the recent run.

State Representative, Nathaniel Ledbetter was on hand to present a

Resolution to the Freedom Fest, Freedom Run and to Jerry Clifton, honoring him for his service to the community.

Councilmember Bejan Taheri updated the Council regarding the Chavies Bridge. The proposed cost of project will be 1.7 to 2.4 million. The State will take over the construction and inspection of the bridge and upon completion will turn back over to the City. This will be an 80/20 match between City and State.

>> CLIFTON, P2

Congratulations to the Senior Beta Club from Cornerstone Christian Academy on a job well done! The club won 1st place at Nationals in Savannah, Ga. in group talent!

Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Friday.

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FRIDAY–JUNE 22, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Rainsville PD makes arrests

By Staff Reports

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — According to the Rainsville Police Department: On June 18, 2018 around 4pm, the Rainsville Police Department, DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and DeKalb County Major Crimes unit executed a search warrant at Kirk Road mobile home park.

This stems from an investigation concerning narcotic sales.

The search warrant

was executed and the approximately 20 grams of suspected methamphetamine was seized, along with marijuana, various pills, and two firearms.

There were eight arrests made in the home during the execution of the warrant, including one arrest for a felon in possession of a pistol.

The charges for the arrests were as follows: 1. Unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute 2. Unlawful possession

of a controlled substance 3. Unlawful possession of prescription drugs 4. Unlawful possession of marijuana 2nd 5. Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia

Chief Smith said, "I would like to thank the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and the Major Crime Unit for there assistance and support on this investigation.

From left to right: Ricky Byrum, Bejan Taheri, Brandon Freeman, Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter, Jerry Clifton, Laura Lewis Hulgan, Rodger Lingerfelt, Derek Rosson, and Marshall Stiefel. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

CLIFTON from Page 1 Patriot Landscaping was awarded the bid for new landscaping at the TBEC in the amount of $11,296.00. After much discussion on the bidding procedure it was determined that the City was not required to advertise bids for less than $15,000.

In a comment made to Southern Torch, Councilmember Marshall Stiefel stated, “I am happy that the TBEC is going to receive a much needed facelift. My only concern was that everyone who was interested in bidding the job, had the opportunity. It is my responsibility to help maintain a transparent government and I always want to be the watchdog for the people.”

In other business, the City:

• The Mayor brought forward a lease agreement with Cornerstone for the use of the Sports Complex for a 6-man football team.

• Approved Resolution 6-18-2018 to rebid the Hwy 35/Scott Street Pumping Station • Adopted the Tornado Memorial into the City • Approved Ladder Testing for the Fire Department at a cost of $950.00 • Councilmember Ricky Byrum updated the Council

on the bridge project located on George Wallace Street. The bridge will be replaced, therefore, it will be closed for approximately three months.

• Hired Jasmine Wilson as Part-Time Dispatcher at the Rainsville Police Department The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on July 2, 2018.

Workshop will begin at 4:15 and regular session beginning at 5:00 p.m.

OVERPASS from Page 1 available for this project,” said Council President Brian Baine.

Terry Locklear and Amanda Landstreet, who are committee members for Third Saturday Downtown, addressed the Council regarding issues with parking for the event.

A letter was placed into two cars that park in places before businesses open for the day in order to get a good spot.

The letter was drafted

by Councilmember Lynn Brewer. The letter was signed "Fort Payne City Council", but the whole council was unaware of this issue.

Brewer apologized stating, "I didn't know for sure that you guys didn't know what was going on. I was asked to compose the letter, I did compose the letter. It was my understanding it was put on two cars."

Locklear and Landstreet said they did not want to do anything that could jeopardize the success of the Third Saturday Downtown.

"I think the Third Saturday event is a great event and I feel that Terry and Amelia have done an awesome job with [it]. I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy and get involved," said Councilmember Baine.

In other business: • The Council presented Steve Barkley with a retirement plaque.

• Jay Grubbs provided the Council with information from three architectural firms for consideration for upcoming capital projects.

• Robin Brothers was introduced as the new Parks

and Recreation Director for the City. Brothers worked for the City of Anniston, for over 19 years in the Aquatics and Fitness Center • City Clerk Andy Parker advised the Council regarding a resolution that must be passed before before July 17,2018 in order to apply for grants to assist in the demolition of the old hospital site, if owner will turn over to the City.

• Discussed formally asking the DeKalb County Landmarks to transfer ownership of the Fort Payne Opera House to the City.

• Gave Sam Blevins and the Fort Payne Fishing Team $1,000 to use for expenses for their upcoming 4-day fishing tournament in Florence • The Council discussed the disposition of the vacant Cobble Building, at 8th Avenue and Gault Avenue North that is in need of repair. Vicky Kirby addressed the Council about the steps need to acquire the building for an entrepreneurial center. Kirby will meet with the Council during the next work session to discuss her plans.

• Discussed allowing employees to “cash out” current vacation times twice a year. City Clerk Andy Parker, Treasurer Jessica Moses and Human Resources Director Don Fisher will draft a resolution and present to council at a later date.

• Approved a streetlight request for Rebecca Dellinger and curbing requests for Robert Davis and Robert Joe Faulkner.

• Awarded bids for the Plant Mix and Binder to Wiregrass Construction The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held on Tuesday, July 3 at 12pm.

RAINSVILLE SUMMER SHOPPING DAYS Summer Shopping Days is a city-wide promotion for Rainsville Chamber members! Shopping are encouraged to shop locally at gift shops, boutiques, and speciality retailers during the month of July!

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Shoppers can register to win $250 worth of Chamber Bucks! Bucks can be used like cash at any participating Chamber member!

While you’re out, stop to eat at one of these great Chamber restaurants: 50 TATERS • KELLY’S KITCHEN • CASA POBALNO’S • LITTLE JAMES BBQ Danny “Bud” Murdock Manager

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FRIDAY–JUNE 22, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

Stevens places at state FFA

Submit your community events to: zach@southerntorch.com

UPCOMING EVENTS NACC Fall Registration - Northeast Alabama Community College registration for the fall semester is going on now!

Visit nacc.edu, call (256) 638-4418 or (256) 228-6001 or download the free app for more information!

Sylvania's Andrea Stevens placed 4th in the State of Alabama for FFA Public Speaking and won 1st place in the state for FFA Agricultural Fair. (Submitted Photo)

By Trevor Carson Reporter SYLVANIA, Ala. — Sylvania student Alexis Stevens won fourth place in the state FFA public speaking competition.

Stevens previously won first place at the district competition.

“This is the highest that the school has ever gone,” said Sylvania Ag teacher, Joey Haymon.

The Sylvania FFA was selected as a gold chapter. A gold chapter is a fairly prestigious honor as only twenty out of the state’s 400 chapters are selected to hold this title.

“We’ve had a really good [team] from top to bottom,” said Haymon.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR!

Runners from across the world came together at Broadway Baptist Church last Saturday to compete in the tenth annual Rainsville Freedom Run. (just4running.com)

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — It was another successful year for the Rainsville Freedom Run as residents of DeKalb County sweat out the warm morning with fellow racers from all over the United States and five other countries around the world.

More than 900 showed up early on Saturday morning to support this great cause.

Runners came in all ages, shapes, and sizes to run for the many charities that the Run benefits: The Summit, Running for Uganda, On My Own 2 Feet, Running

for Joy, Kids Bolt, Turning Point Pregnancy Center, DeKalb County Animal Shelter, and the the Safe Haven No Kill Animal Shelter. Even former Olympian Rob Mullett, who represented Great Britain in the 2016 Summer Olympics, found a place to run amongst the many participants.

Freedom Run Race Director Jerry Clifton shared this statement via Facebook: "THANK YOU. Thank you for registering, for showing up, for cheering on runner, for participating, for inviting or encouraging a friend, for volunteering, for welcoming others, for

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stuffing race bags, for preparing food, for manning a water station, for directing people where to go.

Thank you for providing a door prize or sponsorship money, for offering your resources.

Thank you for your help, effort, energy and time.

Thank you for BELIEVING in and SUPPORTING our race.

YOU have made our ten year anniversary our biggest and best year yet.

YOU are what makes [the] Rainsville Freedom Run GREAT and we appreciate each and every one of you more than we can say. You are our race family!"

Clifton was recognized on Monday night at the regular meeting of the Rainsville City Council for exceptional achievements as the race's director.

All of us at Southern Torch look forward to another great Freedom Run next year!

Staff: Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is

Eloise Smith, Business Manager Marla Jones, Sports Editor

published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 203

Zach Hester, Graphic Design Artist

Main Street E, Rainsville AL, 35986. POSTMASTER:

Amy Thrash, Advertising Representative

Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614 Rainsville, Alabama 35986-0614.

(256) 638-4040

Lindsey Jones, Office Assistant Membership rates: Regular yearly rate–$30 Senior or Veteran yearly rates–$25

3

Every Wednesday, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones - A new support group for Parents of Addicted Loved Ones is starting in Fort Payne at Word of Life Ministry, located at 3610 Gault Ave North. The meeting will be held every Tuesday from 6pm to 7:30pm. Any adult family member over 18 is welcome to attend these PAL meetings, however, for insurance reasons, no one under the age of 18 may attend and child care will not be provided. For more information, visit palgroup. org.

Every Wednesday, Breakthrough Church free meal - Come and enjoy a free meal and hear the Word of God on Wednesday nights starting January 3 at 5:30pm.

If you need a ride, please contact: Lynn Haas at (256) 605-7854 or Connie Holdem at (256) 605-1776.

June 22-23, Estate Sale at New Oregon Methodist Church - New Oregon Methodist Church on Lookout Mountain in Fort Payne is hosting an estate sale in the Keith Davis Family Life Center directly behind the church on Friday, June 22 and Saturday, June 23 from 8am to 4pm each day. All proceeds go to help complete the construction of the center.

June 23, Collier Blood Drive - A blood drive will be held on Saturday, June 23 from 10am to 4pm at Kuts 4 Curls in Rainsville. Help save lives in honor of five-year-old Collier Foote, who is currently being treated for stage 4 neuroblastoma at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham! All blood donor will receive a recognition item and a free cholesterol screening. Donors must be 16 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and show photo ID.

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Free at every location:

16-year-olds require written parental permission.

July 4, Independence Day - Celebrate the birth of our great nation by spending time with family and enjoying one of the many fireworks show or festivals across DeKalb County!

June 30, Cops & Kids Day - The Geraldine Police Department invites you to Cops and Kids Day! Meet the local police force on Saturday, June 30 from 11am to 2pm behind Geraldine Town Hall. All ages may join the fun with a bounce house, water slide, police cars, train, shaved ice, fire truck, and free hot dogs, chips, and drinks!

July 4, Sand Mountain Potato Festival - Celebrate the rich heritage of Sand Mountain’s diverse agricultural products with live music, arts and crafts, entertainment, games, fireworks, and of course, potatoes. The festival will be located in Henagar City Park from 10am to 9pm on July 4!

June 30, Rainsville Freedom Fest - This annual festival will be held at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center for the first time! Activities will include a huge car show, a great music lineup and a beautiful fireworks show!

Check back for more details as they become available.

July 2, Independence Day Celebration at Fort Payne - The City of Fort Payne will present its annual Independence Day Celebration on July 2 at 5pm with music starting at 5:30pm. If it rains, the event will be moved to Tuesday, July 3.

July 4, Stars and Stripes Celebration - The Town of Crossville will be hosting its annual Stars and Stripes Celebration on July 4 from 5pm to 8pm in Crossville Town Park! It will feature entertainment like Soul Survivor and Fall Into Grace.

There is a free swim day from 12pm to 4pm, a cornhole tournament, lots of food and craft vendors with free bounce houses! A fireworks show will end the evening.

Bring out your lawn chairs and enjoy time with family and friends!

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FRIDAY–JUNE 22, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS

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DEATH NOTICES

LEGALS IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

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KERBY Louise Ott - 85 of Henagar, passed away on Saturday, June 16 at Crossville Health and Rehab. Visitation was held on Sunday, June 17 from 5pm to 8pm and Monday, June 18 from 10am to 2pm at the funeral home. Funeral services were held on Monday, June 18 at 2pm at Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Darrell Sears and Bro. Brian Harris officiating. Burial followed in Mountain Home Cemetery.

Tina Fairbanks - 53 of Pisgah, passed away on Saturday, June 16 at Erlanger Medical Center.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Town of Fyffe has applied for financial assistance through USDA Rural Development to purchase police vehicles and equipment, through the Community Facility Loan and Grant Program for the Fyffe Community. A public meeting will be held on Monday, July 9, 2018 at 5pm at Fyffe Town Hall to discuss the project. All interested parties are invited to attend.

Visitation was held on Sunday, June 17 from 11am to 3pm at the funeral home. Funeral services were held on Sunday, June 17 at 3pm at Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ralph Silver officiating. Burial followed in Green Haven Memorial Gardens.

WILSON Rita Jean Hill - 87 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, June 16 at her residence. Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 23 at Minvale Baptist Church from noon to 2pm. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Saturday, June 23 at the church with Rev. John Keef officiating.

Betty Ruth Harris - 77 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, June 16 at her residence. A graveside service was held on Tuesday, June 19 at 2pm at Glenwood

Cemetery.

WT WILSON John William Scull - 73 of Rainsville, passed away on Wednesday, June 13. Cremation services are provided by WT Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Richard Sentell Busby - 87 of Paint Rock, passed away on Friday, June 15. Visitation was held from 5pm to 8pm on Sunday, June 17 at Paint Rock Baptist Church. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Monday, June 18 at the church with Bro. Johnny Johnson officiating.

Burial followed in Paint Rock Cemetery.

Ray Crawford - 86 of Fort Payne, passed away on Friday, June 15.

A celebration of life service was held at 4pm on Sunday, June 17 at the Gault Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Payne

with Dr. Mike Mitchell officiating.

Oz Winslow Aldrich - 76 of Sylvania, passed away on Saturday, June 16. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Carl Franklin White - 86 of Dawson, passed away on Monday, June 18. Visitation was held from noon to 2pm on Wednesday, June 20 at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on Wednesday, June 20 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Dr. Roger White, Bro. Daniel Lawson, and Bro. Brian Harris officiating. Burial followed in Mt. Tabor Cemetery.

Minnie Lou Turner - 71 of Albertville, passed away on Tuesday, June 19. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

FRIDAY–JUNE 22, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

Facebook invests in North Alabama

A concept design of the new Facebook data center that will be built in the Gig City. (Facebook | Huntsville Data Center)

By Staff Reports HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Governor Kay Ivey announced last Thursday that Facebook will invest

$750 million to build a data center in Huntsville, creating 100 high-paying jobs for north Alabama.

Ivey was joined for the announcement by

Know your

neighbor?

Facebook representatives and local leaders.

"Every day, millions of people around the world use Facebook's products, and this new Alabama data center will soon play a role in keeping the company's popular platforms

running flawlessly," Governor Ivey said.

"Facebook has found a great location in Sweet Home Alabama, and we'll do our best to help the company grow and prosper here."

The company said it chose Alabama and the Huntsville area because of quality of life, a pro-business environment, and a talented and available workforce.

"We are excited to be joining the Huntsville community. As one of the fastest growing tech hubs in the country, we knew it would be a great location for our newest data center," said Matt VanderZanden, director of site selection at Facebook.

"We are committed to having a positive impact at the local level and look forward to a strong partnership with the Huntsville community."

Once construction is complete, the Huntsville data center will employ approximately 100 people with an average annual salary of $80,000.

“Huntsville’s Gig City

strategy to sustain our position as a leader in the knowledge economy has brought us a company that knows something about creating connections,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “Facebook has built its business on connecting friends to family, businesses to customers, and people to the world. Huntsville is proud to be the center of these connections with

the construction of this data center.”

Facebook has established a new Page for this project: Facebook. com/ HuntsvilleDataCenter.

Please ‘Like’ the page for updates specific to the Huntsville data center, including job postings, information on how to join in the construction process, and more.

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Inside the Statehouse

By Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist This is not just a gubernatorial year in the Heart of Dixie.

We have every constitutional office up for election which includes Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor and Agriculture Commissioner.

We also have a good many of the State Judicial races on the ballot. We have nine seats on our State Supreme Court. We have five judges on the

Court of Criminal Appeals, as well as five seats on the Court of Civil Appeals. All of these judicial posts are held by Republicans.

Therefore, it is more than likely safe to assume that the winner of the Republican primary will be elected to a six-year term and can be fitted for their robe, at least by July 17. In fact, Democrats usually do not even field candidates in state judicial races.

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races. In fact, it was safe to say that if you put two candidates on the ballot for a state judicial position, one named John Doe and the other Jane Doe, and neither campaigned or spent any money, Jane Doe would defeat John Doe. However, for some inexplicable reason, this prevalence reversed itself on June 5 in the Republican primary. In the much-anticipated race for the extremely important Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, position two of the sitting members of the Supreme Court were pitted against each other.

Justice Lyn Stuart, who is the longest serving member on the State Supreme Court, had moved into the Chief Justice role after the departure of Judge Roy Moore. She was running for Chief Justice for the full six-year term.

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Justice Tom Parker was Roy Moore’s closest ally and is now the most socially conservative activist on the court. Parker and Moore dip from the same well.

Parker chose to challenge Stuart for Chief Justice. The Lyn Stuart vs Tom Parker contest was billed as one of the Titanic battles of the Primary season. Stuart was the darling of the business community. Parker openly was carrying the banner of the social conservatives.

Parker bested Stuart 52 percent to 48 percent.

Most of Parker’s financial backing came from plaintiff trial lawyers.

Parker does have Democratic opposition from Birmingham attorney, Robert Vance, Jr. However, he should win election in November.

Judge Brad Mendheim was facing two prominent female Circuit judges, Debra Jones of Anniston and Sarah Hicks Stewart of Mobile, for Place 1 on the State Supreme Court.

Mendheim has been a longtime popular Circuit Judge in Dothan. He was appointed to this Supreme Court seat by Governor Kay Ivey earlier this year.

Mendheim decisively outdistanced his female opponents by garnering 43 percent of the vote. He is expected to win election to a full six-year term on the

high tribunal on July 17.

Another example of the male uprising in the court contests occurred in the race for a seat on the Court of Civil Appeals.

Judge Terri Willingham Thomas, who has been on this court since 2006 and has served with distinction, was shockingly defeated by her unknown male opponent, Chad Hanson.

Pickens County Prosecutor Chris McCool forged to the front in the race for a seat on the Court of Criminal Appeals. He led 43 to 35 over Rich Anderson from the Montgomery/River Region.

In the other court races, the candidate who raised the most money and was able to buy some TV time prevailed.

In the State Supreme Court race in Place 4, two Birmingham attorneys, John Bahakel and Jay Mitchell, were pitted against each other.

Mitchell significantly outspent Bahaked and won 73 to 27.

Christy Edwards of Montgomery and Michelle

Thomason of Baldwin County are headed for a runoff for a seat on the Court of Civil Appeals.

Richard Minor defeated Riggs Walker overwhelmingly 66 to 34 for a seat on the Court of Criminal Appeals. In the seat for Place 3 on the Court of Criminal Appeals there was yet another display of male dominance in the court races. Bill Cole bested Donna Beaulieu 60 to 40.

On Saturday before the Primary, legendary Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, Clement Clay “Bo” Torbert, passed away at 88 in his beloved City of Opelika.

His funeral was on Election Day. Judge Torbert served as Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court for 12 years, 1976 to 1988.

He had previously served two terms in the State Senate prior to his election as Chief Justice.

Steve is Alabama's leading political columnist.

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

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FRIDAY–JUNE 22, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

inside the huddle

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FYFFE, Ala. — What better way to kick off my third season of “Inside the Huddle” than with a visit with the Fyffe Red Devil football team?

Coach Benefield and his staff are always eager to let me take the reins and help lead the practice. The Red Devils welcomed me, once again, with open arms.

I called out drills, timed runners and even showed the players a thing or two. I do not want to let the cat out of the bag but there are talks of adding the “Marla Play” to their offense. Having this opportunity is a dream come true for me. I am sure that my parents never thought their unathletic child would someday be on the football field praying she would not get ran over. This is where all the kids in elementary school, that picked me last in dodgeball, are regretting their decisions.

I learned a lot from my time with the Red Devils.

They taught me many lessons and I taught a few

lessons back. I’m not going to call out any names, but let’s just say that if football doesn’t work out for star player Payton Anderson, then he could excel in ballet.

The Fyffe Football team finished the 2017 season with a 12-2 record and were perfect in region play.

The Red Devils practice four days a week, beginning at 5 p.m. because champions aren't made overnight or in a couple of practices. “Stinkin’, rotten, and lazy players” don’t win championships. That’s according to Coach Benefield. I’m not sure if that comment was meant for press, but maybe he won’t make me run hills.

The Red Devils have 8 Seniors this season. The team has four returning offense starters and six returning on defense.

Coach Benefield will return for his twenty-second season as Head Coach for the Red Devils. His staff includes: Steve Edge - Defensive Line, Tim Cochran Offensive Line, Brad Thomas - Defensive Backs, Brad Martin and Teddy Whitmire - Junior Varsity and last by not least, Marla Jones-Honorary Coach.

SPOTLIGHT ON COACHES

FYFFE, Ala. — The Southern Torch Coach of the Week is Paul Benefield, Head Coach for the Fyffe Red Devils Varsity Football Team.

Benefield is a Fyffe High School alumni and received his degree from Jacksonville State University. His career spans over thirty-seven years. In 1997, Benefield returned to Fyffe to lead the Red Devils. While at Fyffe, the football team have qualified for playoffs every season but one.

Under his leadership, the Fyffe Red Devils have won twelve region championships and two State Championships. In 2007, Benefield was named Coach of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. In 2012, he celebrated his 200th win as head coach. This past fall, he celebrated his 250th win.

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

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

The Fyffe Red Devils will kick off their season with a jamboree on August 24 at Piedmont. Regular season play will begin at home against next door neighbor, the Geraldine Bulldogs on August 31. Fyffe will host Section on September 7 before travelling to face the Collinsville Panthers on September 14. On September 21, Fyffe will return home to host Asbury before facing rival Plainview on the road on September 28. They battle against Sand Rock in Leesburg on October 5.

They face Cedar Bluff at home on October 12 before going to NSM for a game on October 19. The Red Devils close their season with a game against Sylvania on November 2 for the first time in many years.

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

FRIDAY–JUNE 22, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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By Staff Reports

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The Northeast Alabama Football Officials Association is gearing up for the 2018 season.

The association’s kickoff meeting is scheduled for July 25 at 7 p.m. in the Fyffe High School cafeteria.

Persons who want to join the association should contact booking agent Bud Moore at 256-582-4685.

It’s best to call him at night.

“If they are interested in joining us, they can call me or come to our first meeting,” Moore said.

“We had an extremely good year last year. Several schools contacted us, and we’re going to have almost twice as many schools this year.

“We’re going to be loaded with games this

year, and we’re going to take care of our coaches, our schools and our players.”

The Northeast Alabama Football Officials Association has contracts with teams in Marshall, DeKalb, Etowah, Blount, Jackson and Madison counties.

“Persons who want to officiate need to have an interest in football,” Moore said. “If they can’t coach or they can’t play, this is an option for them. It’s a way to stay around the game.”

The association officiates games on the varsity, junior varsity and middle school/junior high levels. Officials usually work two nights per week, but Moore said some will work three nights a week this season due to the volume of games on the schedule.

“If they’ll come out we’ll work them as much as

they want to work, and we’ll work around their schedules,” he said.

Most high school games require seven officials — five on the field, a game clock operator and a 25-second clock operator.

The officials who operate the clocks must be licensed and certified.

“Fort Payne, Buckhorn and Hazel Green actually want seven-man crews on the field,” Moore said.

The association’s second meeting is Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Rec-Com in Scottsboro. The third meeting is slated for Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. in the conference room of the Guntersville Public Library.

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