The Southern Torch — Vol. 4, Issue 26

Bobby Ledbetter’s

SAVE BIG THIS SUMMER! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2018 / VOL. 4, NO. 26 / $1.00

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By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — It’s time to break out the folding chairs and blankets and celebrate the fourth of July with spectacular events across

DeKalb County!

The Rainsville Freedom Fest is big fun for the entire family. It boasts over six hours of live entertainment including Still Kickin’ and the Sweet Tea Trio, beginning at 1pm! From car shows to food, arts and crafts, inflatables, a magic show

from Doctor Osborn AND live music, this year’s Freedom Fest promises to be one of the best events yet.

The night will close with a huge fireworks show at a NEW LOCATION at the Field of Dreams! In case of inclement weather, Southern Torch will

update about a new location online.

The City of Fort Payne will host an Independence Day Celebration on Monday, July 2 at the Fort Payne Sports Complex.

Gates will open to the

A Tornado in Ider?

>> FIREWORKS, P2

Fort Payne Welcomes Robin Brothers

(Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Zach Hester Reporter

marla@southerntorch.com

zach@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Monday morning signaled the beginning of a new chapter of the Fort Payne Parks and Recreation department. Robin Brothers, a native of DeKalb County, officially began her tenure as the new director of Fort Payne Parks and Rec. Brothers succeeded Greg Conkle, who boasts more than 30 years in parks and recreation with 20 of those years spent in Fort This week’s TorchCast is brought to you by

Payne. Conkle officially retired on June 1. “The great thing about recreation is that everyday is different. Different challenges, different encounters, different smiles and different fun,� said Brothers. “We plan on being different, not normal.

Normal is just a setting on a dryer. We want to be different — offering new programs, thinking out of box and being on the cutting edge of recreation.�

Brothers brings

>> BROTHERS, P2

By Marla Jones Reporter

IDER, Ala. — A possible tornado caused damage to a barn located on County Road 886 in the Ider area.

Grady Dalton is no stranger to tornadoes. In 2010, he lost his home to a twister. On Wednesday morning, he woke up to notice his shed from his barn in his cornfield.

After a brief investigation, he noticed that his whole lean-to on his barn had been uprooted and his corn crop was laying down flat. The 24-inch deep concrete posts were pulled straight out of the ground. Luckily, the over 250 tomato plants that he grows for the Fort Payne Farmers’ Market were untouched.

Dalton stated, “Barns and produce can be replaced, but lives cannot. I’m blessed that there was no damage to my home or loss of life to any of my neighbors.�

>> TORNADO, P2

(Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

Alabama AG's DeKalb BOE Discusses Safety Wife Passes Away (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Reporter

Your friend, Your drugstore!

TORCHCAST

(Submitted Photo | Facebook)

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch. com MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Sympathizers across all of the major social media platforms have showered

FRIDAY 6/29

88 • 72 SATURDAY 6/30

86 • 73 SUNDAY 7/1

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the family of Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall with love after it was reported yesterday that his wife, Bridgette Marshall, had passed away.

The Office of Alabama Attorney General stated:

>> AG'S WIFE, P2

marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The DeKalb County Board of Education held their regular meeting on June 25, 2018.

During the work session, safety was the main concern. Chris Hairston of the Central

Office, addressed the need for buzz doors and fencing at several schools. “Our goal is to provide the safest and most secure campuses that we can,� stated DeKalb County Superintendent, Dr. Jason Barnett.

The county is in the process of getting pricing for items needed and are in hopes that new fencing and

security measures will be in place before the start of the new school year.

In the regular session, the Board approved the following resignations: • Paige Machen, Elementary Counselor, Plainview School-Declined position • Jana Scroggins,

>> BOE, P2

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 29, 2018

BOE from Page 1 Itinerant SPED Paraprofessional, Geraldine-Resignation • The Board approved the following transfers: • Megan Gilbert from Secondary Science Teacher at Collinsville High School to Secondary Science Teacher at Ider High School • Matthew Henderson from Secondary Science Teacher at Ider High School to Secondary Science Teacher at Collinsville.

• Shawn Wigley from ISS/ACCESS Teacher at Fyffe High School to P.E. Teacher at Sylvania High School • Josh Moon from P.E. Teacher at Sylvania High School to ISS/ACCESS Teacher at Fyffe High School • Darrin Bell from Elementary Teacher at Henagar Jr. High School to Elementary Counselor at Plainview High School • Heather Powell from Secondary Social Science Teacher at Plainview High School to Itinerant EL Teacher- ½ Plainview High School/ ½ System The following placements were made: • Vanessa Williams, Secondary Science Teacher-Geraldine • Theodore Whitmire, Secondary Science Teacher-Fyffe • Danette Townson,

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Secondary Mathematics Teacher-Ider • Kim Norwood, Elementary Teacher-Geraldine • Autumn Coffey, Itinerant Special Education Teacher-System • Heather Prince, Interinant EL Teacher-Collinsville • Michael Davis, P.E. Teacher-Sylvania • Jonathan McGill, Mathematics Teacher-Sylvania Support: • Troy Mueller, Bus Driver-Plainview • Perla Crump, Itinerant Translator/ Transliterator-System • Sherry McLaughlin, Pre-K Auxiliary-Valley Head • Lisa Thayer, Pre-K Auxiliary-Crossville The Board approved a Coaching Supplement for: • Russell Higdon, Varsity Boys Basketball-Ider The DeKalb County School System New Employee Orientation will be July 30, 2018 from 8:00-12:00 p.m. The first ever, Substitute Training will be July 30, 2018 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Both orientations will be held at the DeKalb County Facilities Building.

The next DeKalb County Board of Education meeting will be held on July 24, 2018 at the Facilities Building. Work session will begin at 4:00 p.m. and the regular meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m.

Resolution to WIFE change speed limit AG'S from Page 1

By Marla Jones, Reporter • marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The DeKalb County Commission held their regularly scheduled meeting on June 26, 2018.

EMA Director Anthony Clifton updated the Commission on an EF-1 tornado that occured on June 22 at approximately 6:25pm. The cyclone touched down one mile northeast of Higdon.

The Commission was updated on road maintenance, bids for engineering, personnel by the Sheriff's Department. They also made a resolution to lower the speed limit on County Road 356 to 35mph.

The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on July 10, 2018 beginning at 10am.

BROTHERS from Page 1 nineteen years of experience in service with the City of Anniston as the director of their aquatics and fitness center. Brothers interviewed alongside two other candidates on May 30 before being publicly announced as the new director at last week’s meeting of the Fort Payne City Council.

Brothers is originally

TORNADO from Page 1 DeKalb County Commission President Ricky Harcrow came to observe the damage and said that no other property damage had been reported.

Harcrow also noted that he had contacted rescue squads to aid Mr. Dalton in

from Collinsville. She attended Etowah High School before moving on to study at Gadsden State Community College and later, Berry College in Rome, Ga. where she majored in health, sports performance, and physical education.

“I am looking forward to working with our parks and recreation team at the City of Fort Payne to be different and stand out as one of the best parks and recreation agencies in the state of Alabama,” she concluded.

“We are saddened to report that Bridgette Marshall, wife of Attorney General Steve Marshall, passed away this morning after a long struggle with mental illness. Bridgette was a devoted and much beloved daughter, wife and mother. We ask that the people of Alabama keep the Marshall family in their prayers during this most difficult time.”

Marshall was appointed Attorney General in 2017. He is currently in a runoff for the Republican nomination for Attorney General with former AG Troy King, who suspended campaign activity in the wake of the news of Bridgette’s passing.

“Today we are not in different political

protecting his property with tarps.

DeKalb EMA Director Anthony Clifton will be on site today to examine and determine whether this truly was a tornado or straight-line wind incident.

Potential for severe weather will be in effect through next week.

Southern Torch will have updates as they become available.

campaigns or camps. We are husbands and wives, fathers and mothers. We cannot imagine the deep sense of loss and grief the Marshall family must face,” King said in his statement.

“We offer our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers for Attorney General Steve Marshall and his family and pray that God’s grace and peace and hope will enfold and sustain them.”

All of us here at Southern Torch want to extend our thoughts and prayers to the family of Attorney General Marshall.

We hope that he and his family can find some comfort in these hard times.

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FRIDAY – JUNE 29, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

Celebrity Magician Stops in Fort Payne

Mason Chandler celebrated his eleventh birthday with a special magic show from illusionist Jaden Maxwell. Both are pictured here with Mason's father Nathan. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Amy Thrash Reporter amy@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Most eleven-year-olds want a swimming party for their birthday, but

Mason Chandler had a different idea for his special day.

Mason’s dad Nathan contacted celebrity magician/illusionist Jaden Maxwell, who has appeared on America’s Got Talent to come to his son’s

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birthday party.

Partygoers were treated to the motivational speaker and world class sleight-of-hand manipulator and stage illusionist’s routine on Sunday afternoon.

Maxwell also fuses pop dance and mentalism with stage illusions and urban stunts.

As a huge fan of magic, I was so excited when we were contacted

by Nathan Chandler to visit his son’s party. It was such a great show!

Maxwell used his gift of illusions to spread the love of our Lord and Savior as well. It was such an inspiration to see someone use their God-given gifts to magnify Him as well as entertain! If you ever get the chance to see Maxwell live, do it!

Cornerstone Beta wins National Talent

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Senior Beta team from Cornerstone Christian Academy will be heading home from the national competition in Savannah, Ga. with an extra piece of luggage.

That extra piece will be a first place trophy for their spectacular win in Group Talent.

Since 2016, Cornerstone Christian Academy has been devoting countless hours and amounts of energy in producing some of the best group talents at the state and national level conventions.

Their first show at the Alabama State Beta Convention in 2016 actually took first place, and they took that performance to a top ten spot at the national

convention in New Orleans.

Since July of 2017, Cornerstone had been brainstorming new ideas after a loss in Orlando.

“We left Orlando discouraged and questioning whether or not we wanted to sacrifice so much of ourselves again to this competition,” said Cornerstone student Maggie Wilks. “We realized it was not up to us to disregard and not use the amazing talents [God] has given our small club.”

After deciding on a Pirates of the Caribbean themed show, the ambitious club had a renewed sense of excitement for their talent.

Instead of going with normal painted backdrops, they built a full pirate ship, a project led by sophomore Tanner Gatewood.

The twenty-foot-long wooden frame was wrapped in canvas and painted like wood and

quickly became the show’s focal point.

“In order for our show to win, we knew that each and every person on stage had to become their character,” said Wilks. “We had the famous characters of Captain Jack Sparrow, Davy Jones, and Calypso, but our show required much more than three main characters.”

After winning the state competition in April, Cornerstone was invited to compete in Savannah.

“Since April, we have worked on perfecting and detailing our show and working on becoming more like our characters. At nationals, this was our strength on stage. We were able to truly become our characters and make the audience believe who we were,” Wilks concluded.

Congratulations to the Cornerstone Beta team on this great honor!

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

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Submit your community events to: zach@southerntorch.com

FIREWORKS

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!

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 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 1, Rainsville Community Church Fireworks - Rainsville Community Church will host a wonderful fireworks celebration at their church at 9pm! Hotdogs and chips will begin being served at 6pm! Come out and enjoy!

July 8, Salem United Methodist Church Singing - There will be a singing at Salem United Methodist

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Free at every location:

from Page 1

Church in Geraldine on Sunday, July 8 at 6pm featuring the Fortner Brothers for Christ! All are welcome!

July 8, Chavies Baptist Church Singing - There will be a singing at Chavies Baptist Church on Sunday, July 15 at 6pm featuring the Fortner Brothers for Christ! Everyone is welcome to attend!

July 14, Cornerstone Christian Academy BBQ Cook-Off & Car Show - Cornerstone Christian Academy will host a fundraiser on Saturday, July 14 with the official KCBS Car Show, Ribs and Chicken Cook-Off, BBQ lunches, live music and much more! It will begin at 9am and last until 3pm at Cornerstone Christian Academy. Entry fee for the cook-off is $100, $25 entry fee for the car show, and the BBQ lunches will be sold for $5 each. Contact Melissa Mays for more details at (256) 899-5454.

public at 5pm with the Rock Candy Band beginning at 6pm.

Fireworks will start at 9pm! The rainout date will be Tuesday, July 3.

The City of Henagar will host the 36th Annual Sand Mountain Potato Festival at Henagar City Park on Wednesday, July 4!

There will be a parade, car show, live music, food of all kinds, a craft show, children’s games, rides and of course, fireworks!

The parade begins at 10am with opening ceremonies starting at 11am.

The Town of Crossville will host its annual Stars and Stripes Celebration on Wednesday, 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!

Celebrate the birth of our great nation this weekend and next week by spending time with family and enjoying one of the many fireworks shows or festivals across our area!

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FRIDAY – JUNE 29, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS with Marla & Marshall

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$12.50 DEATH NOTICES CORNER STONE Rosa Lee Wooden Gentle - 98 of Flat Rock, passed away on Saturday, June 23 at her residence.

The family received friends from 1pm to 8pm on Sunday, June 24 and Monday, June 25 from 10am to service time at the funeral home. Funeral services were held on Monday, June 25 at 2pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bros. Thomas Wallace and Jeremiah Griffin officiating. Burial followed in Pleasant View Cemetery.

Patricia Ann Logan 75 of Stevenson, passed

away on Sunday, June 24 at her residence. A graveside was held on Wednesday, June 27 at 2pm CT at Lafayette Memory Gardens with Bro. Floyd Kilgore officiating.

WT WILSON Jerry Don Green - 63 of Fyffe, passed away on Wednesday, June 20. The family received friends on Thursday, June 21 from 4pm to 8pm at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Green’s Chapel Cemetery with Bro. Cates Noles officiating.

Mark Alan Stanford

- 46 of Fyffe, passed away on Friday, June 22. The family received friends from 10am to service time on Sunday, June 24 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held on Sunday, June 24 at 3pm at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Rodney Powell officiating. Burial followed in Beulah Cemetery.

Bobbie Rex Miller - 74 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, June 23. The family received friends on Wednesday, June 27 from 5pm to 8pm at the funeral home.

Cecil Don Patton - 62 of Dawson, passed away on Sunday, June 24. The family received friends from 5pm to 8pm on Monday, June 25 at the funeral home. A graveside service was held at 2pm on Tuesday, June 26 at Clayton Cemetery in Gadsden.

Lola Ruth Wooten - 91 of Fort Payne, passed away on Monday, June 25.

Visitation was held from 5pm to 8pm on Wednesday, June 27 at the funeral

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LEGALS home. Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 28 at 11am at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Revs. Charles Wilmon and Ricky Wooten officiating.

Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery.

Vester D. Ledbetter 84 of Geraldine, passed away on Monday, June 25.

Visitation was held from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, June 30 at the funeral home.

John Glass - 80 of Rainsville, passed away on Monday, June 25. Visitation was held from 1pm to 3pm on Thursday, June 26 at the funeral home. A memorial services with Marine military honors was held at 3pm on Thursday, June 28 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel.

James Melford Stephens - 78 of Fyffe, passed away on Tuesday, June 26. Visitation was held from 3pm to 5pm on Thursday, June 28 at the funeral home with Air Force military honors.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. DR-2016-900176.01 CLEM HAWTHORNE, Plaintiff v.

SHARRON CARROLL HAWTHORNE, Defendant NOTICE OF COURT ORDERED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY This sale of real property having been ORDERED under and by virtue of a Court Order in the above-styled cause dated May 31, 2018 and rendered by Honorable Shaunathan Bell, Circuit Judge of DeKalb County, Alabama, notice is hereby given by Pam Simpson, Circuit Clerk of DeKalb County, Alabama that on August 14, 2018 at 11:30am, the DeKalb County Circuit Clerk shall proceed to sell the following described real estate with the sale being conducted on the front steps of the DeKalb County Courthouse: Commencing at a point on the North section line which point is 23.76 chains (1,568.43 feet) East of the Northwest corner of said Section 1, Township 7 South of Range 9 East in DeKalb County, Alabama, which said point is 190 feet West of the East margin of the

public road loading South from Fischer’s Crossroads and from said point run South 4° 49' West and parallel with the East margin of said public road for a distance of 3,132 chains (206.8 feet) to the point of beginning. (hence continue South 4° 49' West and parallel with the East margin of said public road for a distance of 1,566 chains (103.4 feet), thence West and parallel with the North line of the Northwest Fourth of said Section 1 for a distance of 1,008.4 feet; thence North and parallel with the said public road for a distance of 1,566 chains (103.4 feet), thence run North 89°34' East and parallel with the North line of the Northwest Fourth, said Section l for a distance of 1,008.4 feet to the point of beginning, and lying and being in the Northeast Fourth of the Northwest Fourth Section 1, Township 7 South of Range 9 East. In DeKalb County, Alabama.

The above-described property shall be sold for cash to the best, highest and last bidder for cash. This sale is subject to confirmation by the Court.

Done this the 25th day of June, 2018.

Publish: June 29, July 6, July 13

FRIDAY – JUNE 29, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS

Inside the Statehouse

By Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist The best races of the year have been for Attorney General and Lt. Governor, as well as Agriculture Commissioner and for the 2nd Congressional district.

The Attorney General post is considered the best stepping stone to Governor and U.S. Senator.

It is very high profile and prosecutes bad guys who go to jail and cannot vote against you, and you look like a good guy to the rest of the law abiding voters in the state. Therefore, in recent years it has attracted ambitious politicians rather than veteran dedicated prosecutors. These aspirants were novices at being lawyers, much less prosecutors. They sought the position for political posturing rather than the job as the state’s top law enforcer. We have not had a tough former DA since the days of Bill Baxley and Charlie Graddick.

As the race began, there were three major candidates with prosecutorial experience.

Troy King had been Attorney General, Alice Martin had been the U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Alabama and had handled numerous major high-profile convictions. Even the Bentley appointee, Steve Marshall, had been a district attorney.

Troy King had begun the race as the front runner simply because he had some name

identification from having been Attorney General.

Early polls showed him with around 27 percent with Martin and Marshall at 10-12 and Chess Bedsole at 5-6.

The final results wound up mirroring the amount of money spent by the candidates. There was an amazing correlation to money equals media equals name identification, which results in votes. “Money is the mother’s milk of politics.”

Troy King and Steve Marshall ended up in a dead draw with 28 percent each. Alice Martin got 23 percent and first-time candidate, Chess Bedsole, got a surprising and impressive 21 percent. He got a great vote in Mobile and Birmingham, especially in the silk stocking boxes. His $1 million media buy did not hurt.

The runoff between Troy King and Steve Marshall will be interesting. Again, it will probably boil down to money. Marshall made the runoff by outspending Alice Martin significantly.

He used the power of incumbency to strong arm contributions. Both candidates will have to go negative. Marshall is more vulnerable. He campaigned for Obama and was a Democrat only a few years ago. He was appointed DA by Democrat Don Siegelman and was appointed Attorney General by Robert Bentley.

These are not good calling cards in a GOP Primary runoff. King will be the

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favorite on July 17.

The winner will not get a free ride in November.

The aforementioned Don Siegelman’s son, Joseph Siegelman, won the Democratic nomination on June 5 and will be a viable opponent in the Fall.

The Lt. Governor position has very little power. However, over the past few decades the Lt. Governor has risen to Governor quite a few times. Therefore, this race has gotten a lot of attention from voters and campaign donors. Twinkle Cavanaugh entered the race as the favorite simply because of name identification. Will Ainsworth and Rusty Glover had very little of that. However, Ainsworth came to the dance with the ingredient to buy name ID. Money is that recipe. He had it and he spent it.

Twinkle wound up with 43 percent to Ainsworth’s 37 percent and Glover’s 20 percent.

Twinkle will be a slight favorite in the runoff.

However, if Ainsworth spends another million and stays with negative or some say comparison ads, it will be close.

Rick Pate bested Gerald Dial 40 to 30 in the Agriculture Commissioner race despite Dial outspending him with a catchy jingle ad.

Alabamians inexplicably have a way of ascertaining who is the farmer in that race. Pate was the only farmer. The Alabama Farmer’s Federation Endorsement helped him in the first primary.

Over 61 percent of the 2nd Congressional District GOP voters voted against incumbent Martha Roby.

Bobby Bright may very well win this rematch, which has been years in the making. Bright is well known and liked in the District, especially in the Wiregrass where he was born and raised as well as in Montgomery where he was Mayor for 10 years.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

Join us at the Fort Payne Sports Complex for our

Independence Day Celebration Presented by the

City of Fort Payne

Monday, July 2, 2018 Gates open to the public at 5 p.m.

Rock Candy Band will start at 6 p.m.

Fireworks start at 9 p.m.

Bounce houses for the kids FREE popCoRn and SoFt dRInkS (while supplies last)

Shaved Ice, BBQ, Funnel Cakes, & Much More This is a free event presented by

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FRIDAY – JUNE 29, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

inside the huddle

By Marla Jones Reporter marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On my second stop of Inside The Huddle, I visited with the Plainview Bears and new coach Nick “Rudy” Ledbetter.

The Plainview Bears were always my rival when I was in school. As I have got older, and maybe a little wiser, the Bears have turned into one of my favorite teams. I own a Plainview Football shirt and wear it with pride.

Everyone treats me like I am part of the team and I am sure that they are considering adding me to the coaching staff.

I was excited to visit the team and possibly teach them a few things.

Walking up to the practice field, I was amazed at the size of the football team. The Bears have several talented players to chose from this year. After watching the Bears practice, I know they

possess what it takes to a powerhouse in Class 3A this season.

The Bears practice Monday through Thursday beginning at 8am and going strong until 11am. They split their time between the field and weight room.

Strength training is very crucial to any team and the Plainview coaching staff have really worked hard to provide a top notch workout facility.

The 2017 record for the Plainview Bears were overall 9-2 and perfect in region play. The Bears will have 20 seniors on the team this year with five returning starters on offense and four returning on defense.

The Bears are led by Nick Ledbetter. The coaching staff also includes: his brother Nathan Ledbetter, Josh Clements (who transferred from Sylvania to assist in strength and conditioning), and Chase Parker, who will return to the sidelines this season.

The Bears will begin the 2018 season away at Collinsville on August 23.

They will continue to play away at North Jackson on August 31 and at Geraldine on September 7. Their first home game will be against Susan Moore on September 14. They will face rival Sylvania away on September 21. They face another rival at home on September 28 against the Fyffe Red Devils. The Bears battle Brindlee Mountain on October 12 at home after an off week on October 5.

The Bears will travel for their final away game at New Hope on October 19.

Their final two games will be played against local teams Pisgah and Crossville on October 26 and November 2, respectively.

My prediction for the Plainview Bears this season is that they will go deep into the playoff season and possibly make an appearance at the state championship!

TOO MUCH BLUE!

SPOTLIGHT ON COACHES

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — This week’s Spotlight on Coaches is shining on Nick Ledbetter, Head Coach for the Plainview Bears Varsity Football Team.

Ledbetter is a Rainsville native and alumnus of Plainview High School. He played for the Bears as an all-state linebacker during his senior season in 1999. He began his coaching career at Plainview as a volunteer coach in the fall of 2000. He is a graduate of Northeast Alabama Community College and the University of Alabama.

He then came to serve as coach at DAR before returning home to Plainview as a defensive coordinator to Coach Dale Pruitt for eight years. He then moved to Scottsboro as a baseball coach before landing at Sylvania as a defensive coordinator to Coach Matt Putnam.

Ledbetter will begin his tenure as Head Coach this fall at Plainview. He is married to Melissa Ledbetter and they have twin boys: Tripp and Major.

FRIDAY – JUNE 29, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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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!

WIN $250 CHAMBER BUCKS!

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

Never the same store twice!

Manager

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Ph: (256) 638-2569 Fax: (256) 638-4690 Cell: (256) 638-5841

140 Main St W • Rainsville, AL magnoliastore@gmail.com

P.O. Box 939 1090 McCurdy Ave S Rainsville, AL 35986

(256) 638-8502

Furniture, Clothing, Art, Vintage, Antiques, and more!

CC CREAM! Merle Norman Rainsville *additional parking in the back*

Farmhouse decor, white ceramic vases, clocks, candlesticks, and more!

5436 AL Highway 35, Section AL 35771 • (256) 228-3103 475 AL Highway 75N, Rainsville AL 35986 • (256) 638-8558

Across from Rainsville Foodland

Wednesday & Friday 9:30am - 5pm Thursday 9:30am - 6pm Saturday 9:30am - 3pm

Outstanding performance in a lightweight foundation with skin care benefits! Now in 7 shades!

© 2016 Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc.

Check out our new merchandise!

285 McCurdy Ave N. Rainsville, AL 35986 (256) 638-9232

AND THE AWARD GOES TO ...

82 East Main St, Rainsville, AL 35986 • (256) 638-7789 Mon.-Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-5

VICKI’S

Flowers & Gifts

BARGAIN’S 4 U

THRIFTY NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD!

Consignment/Booth Rental

BARGAINS 4 U

(256) 638-1193 • www.acehardware.com 698 Main Street E • Rainsville, AL 35986

Aim’d to Please, Think Stevi B’s NOW WITH OUR NEW TAKE-OUT PRICES YOU CAN GET EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT!

UP TO TO 55 TOPPINGS TOPPINGS FOR $5 ANY MEDIUM UP UP TO TO 55 TOPPINGS TOPPINGS FOR $8 ANY LARGE UP

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Rainsville `µ`_`_`

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June

3200 18

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fest

Free Admission • Festival begins at 1 p.m.

New Location !

The festival will be held at the Field of Dreams located behind the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center 1571 McCurdy Ave., N., Rainsville, AL 35986 Pony Rides • Inflatables • Food • Arts & Crafts • Photo Booth Freedom Fest Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show begins at 3 p.m.

Headline ACt

Sweet Tea Trio

Magic Show featuring Doctor Osborn Six hours of live entertainment including Still Kickin’ and headline act Sweet Tea Trio Bring your folding chairs or blankets to sit on as you enjoy the entertainment.

Please note that no pets or animals are permitted at the festival, with the exception of service animals accompanying handicapped individuals.

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For more information, call 256-638-7800.

The evening will conclude with a spectacular FIREWORKS SHOW after dark.

Co-sponsored by City of Rainsville & Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative.

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FRIDAY – JUNE 29, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

GRAND PRIZE*

WIN $20,000 CASH 2nd Prize 50” Flat Screen TV

3rd Prize Apple Laptop

4th Prize Brinkmann Flashlight

5th prize Apple Watch

To play simply scratch off the silver circle. If you have matching symbols, you qualify to win one of these prizes listed. The proced to the TENT EVENT with your mailer and confirmation code to claim your prise from our brize board!