The Southern Torch, Vol. 4 — Issue 30

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PLAINVIEW LOSES A LEGEND

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On July 24, 2018, the DeKalb County Board of Education accepted the resignation of Plainview Head Girl Coaching Duties from Heather Powell.

Powell was a hero on and off the court. While at Fyffe High School, she set scoring records and

lead the Fyffe Lady Red Devils to three State Championships. She was an all-star performer in softball and volleyball as well. “My greatest awards are counted in the relationships I have made and the lives of which I have been a part,� said Powell. “God also blessed me with being there to see the girls win the school’s first ever women’s

county championship and with being there to see our ladies make it to three Elite Eight appearances. I have seen many all county, all area, and all region players and have been lucky enough to be a part of several tournament victories. We have sent three players on to play basketball in college, and we have seen countless players receive academic, leadership,

sports, and other types of scholarships.

Moreover, I have seen young girls mature into women of great character who are some of the best people that I know. I am forever thankful.�

Powell began her tenure at Plainview in 2004. Off the court as a Coach she received top

>> LEGEND, P2

(Submitted Photo)

"Expecting More Today and Educating for Tomorrow"

The City of Rainsville, Rainsville Industrial Development Board and DeKalb County Board of Education held a joint ribbon cutting for the new bus garage last Thursday.

(Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Zach Hester Reporter

(Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Reporter marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — (Full Video on our Website) The DeKalb County Board of Education held their regular monthly meeting on July 24, 2018.

In the work session

of the meeting, Chairman of the Board, Jeff Williams stressed that the DeKalb County Board of Education were “Expecting More Today and Educating for Tomorrow.� That was shown true when the Rainsville Fire Department, presented information regarding a

two year, three part program that will be offered thru the DeKalb County Technical School that will be taught at the Rainsville Fire Department. Chief Willimac Wright and Recruitment and Retention Office, Jason Brannan advised that the program will specialize in

EMS, telecommunications and the fire fighting program.

In the regular session the Board approved the following retirements/ resignations: • William Pat Vinson, Plainview High School

>> BOE, P2

zach@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The DeKalb County Board of Education, in conjunction with the City of Rainsville and the Rainsville Industrial Development Board, announced the official opening of the new DeKalb County bus garage last week.

The project has been ongoing for the past 18 months to ensure plenty of time for planning and construction. “Working with the City of Rainsville and the Rainsville Industrial Development Board to provide a new home for our bus garage has been a great exercise of

>> BUS, P2

Road Work WORLD'S LONGEST Scheduled for County YARD SALE

By Zach Hester Reporter

zach@southerntorch.com

TORCHCAST

DeKalb County Commission President Ricky Harcrow proudly displays a check received from the State to aid in road projects. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Reporter marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — (Full Video on our Website) The DeKalb

FRIDAY 7/27

90 • 69 SATURDAY 7/28

86 • 69

SUNDAY 7/29

84 • 70

County Commission held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, July 24.

>> COMMISSION, P2

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The World’s Longest Yard Sale will make its way back to DeKalb County next Thursday, August 2 and last until Sunday, August 5.

The sale begins each year on the first Thursday in August and continues for 4 days (Thursday through Sunday). This great tradition gives participants the

opportunity to travel almost 700 miles from Gadsden, Ala. all the way to Addison, Mich. over the course of those four days and see yard sales as far as their eyes will allow.

The portion that will run through DeKalb County stretches from Gadsden to Chattanooga along the Lookout Mountain Parkway. You can find everything from antiques to fresh produce and furniture at the more than 5,000 vendors (with 1,000 in Alabama alone)!

The event is free to

the public and on sale times at everyone’s homes typically begin around 8am and operate until late into the evening.

For more information about the World’s Longest Yard Sale, you can visit visitlookoutmountain.com’s events calendar or 127sale.com for instructions on how to become a vendor or anything else that you could think of.

Good luck to all the bargain hunters!

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

FRIDAY – JULY 27, 2018

LEGEND, P1 (Submitted Photo)

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Bear coach, I wish the girls and the program the best in the future. I have had the pleasure and blessing of knowing some amazing young women and good people while at Plainview.”

“I will cherish these relationships and memories always. I would like to express my appreciation and thanks to all the good people at Plainview for all of the young ladies who always worked so hard and gave of themselves, and to their families who let me be a part of their lives.

Few people are as lucky as I to be a part of something so grand.

Thank you all. “ With the knowledge of the game, Powell will not be easily replaced.

We will miss her on the court!

honors as Coach of the Year and led the team to the most season wins in school history with a 33-1 record, but she is not one to reflect on her own achievements but chooses to highlight her team.

Powell continued by saying, “My time at Plainview as a coach and a teacher has been filled with blessings and

wonderful memories. It has been an excruciatingly difficult decision and a decision that was not taken lightly. After much prayer and deliberation, my husband and I decided that it was best for our family that this part of my life’s journey come to an end.”

“Even though my course is run as a Lady

BOE, P1

Crossville Middle School • Rebecca Dean-Pre K Auxiliary at Plainview High School to Secretary Bookkeeper at System Pre-K • Brittany Martin-Elementary Teacher at Crossville Elementary School to Elementary Teacher at Fyffe High School • Amber TraylorItinerant Special Education at Henagar Jr High School to Elementary Teacher at Henagar Jr School • Steve Street- 12 month Principal at Geraldine High School to 12-month Supervisor for the System • Brad Bruce- P E Teacher at Crossville Middle School to Social Science Teacher at Plainview High School Scott ThompsonAssistant Principal at Crossville Middle School to 11-Month Jr. High Principal at Ruhama Jr. High School The following placements were made: (Certified) • Marc Walsh, Elementary Teacher at Moon Lake Elementary • Ian Richards, P.E. Teacher at Crossville Middle School • Jacob Malone, Secondary Social Science Teacher, Crossville High

School • Brandon Terrell, Band Director, Ider High School (Support) • Tracy Lawrence, Itinerant Special Education Aide-Fyffe Special Services Center • Angela Bell, Pre-K Auxiliary-Valley Head High School • Shantelle Strickland, Pre-k Auxiliary- Henagar Jr. High School • Holly Dupree, CNP Worker- Henagar Jr High School The following Coaching Supplements were approved: • Christa Blevins- Jr. High/Middle Cheerleader-Crossville Middle School • Jesse Martin-Varsity Head Baseball Coach-Crossville High School Dr. Jason Barnett asked permission from the board to: • Sale 0.2 acres that adjoins Fyffe High School • Sale 2.17 acres adjoining Geraldine High School • Place pending board approval The next DeKalb County Board of Education will be held on August 16, 2018 with work session beginning at 4 p.m.

The members of the DeKalb County Board of Education were pleased to see the project come to a close.

DeKalb County Board member Matt Sharp said, “I would like to thank Dr. Barnett, Mayor Lingerfelt, the Rainsville City Council and the Rainsville Industrial Board for working so cooperatively with [us] in helping us build the new DeKalb County Bus Garage.”

Fellow board member Mark Richards interjected that he was, “proud to see the teamwork and effort that went into making this a reality. This will serve as a wonderful facility for our

school system and should improve operations tremendously.”

DeKalb County Board chairman Jeff Williams stated, “This centrally located facility will save us time, money and increase efficiency. It will give us ample space to park our entire fleet in one secure location.”

In addition to the City of Rainsville, Rainsville Industrial Development Board, Superintendent Barnett also thanked the Fort Payne Waterworks Board for their willingness to work with them during the construction of the new facility.

• Tori Hilburn, Crossville Middle School • Veronica Rogers-Horton, Fyffe High School • Frank Posey, Crossville High School • Rodney Fike, Ider High School • Jessica Hayes, Ruhama Jr. High • Heather Powell, Plainview High School • Jerry Smith, Collinsville High School The Board approved the following Leave of Absences: • Ashley Sibert WIlliamson-Sylvania • Yolanda Lopez-System • Lisa Murdock-Geraldine • Stacey Dover-Plainview • Shea Bruce-Fyffe • Paula Nance-Central The Board made the following transfers: • Sandra TreadawayItinerant Special Education Aide at Fyfe Special Services Center to Itinerant Special Education Aide at Geraldine High School • Lisa Thayer-Pre K Auxiliary at Crossville Middle School to Pre-K Lead Teacher at

BUS, P1 teamwork,” said DeKalb County Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett. “It has been a pleasure to work together on this project and I look forward to the benefits it will provide our school system and ultimately our students.”

The garage, which has the capability of housing more than 100 school buses, sits on 10 acres of land in the centrallylocated Rainsville, just off of Roy Sanderson Drive.

The location should be a huge asset to the school system.

COMMISSION, P1 DeKalb County Engineer Ben Luther addressed the Commission regarding the July 17 open bid for the triple-layer treatment portion of the CBGD Project. He requested that the Commission award the bid to Charles E. Watts, Inc. in the amount of $158,262.82. The roads involved in this project are County Road 608 from Highway 11 to the Interstate overpass. It also involves County Roads 1000, 1001, and 1002. County Road 1003 will receive treated base as well. This will be paid for with the CBGD grant money that the County

received last year.

The other end of County Road 608 has received work through an 80-20 match between the state and county. The Commission was awarded a check for $256,000 for this project.

Work should be completed in the next four to six weeks.

The Sheriff’s Department requested a hire Andy Wilkie as a part-time dispatcher. He will replace Ryan Whitmore who recently resigned.

The Commission also accepted the resignation of Barbara McSpadden who had been serving as the Fort Payne Center’s

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Director of the Council on Aging. The Commission will post that position as they seek to hire a good replacement.

The Commission accepted the resignation of Sara Venable, who has served in housekeeping.

They will also post this job to be filled. The Commission offered a congratulations to Mrs. Venable on her retirement.

The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on Tuesday, August 14 beginning at 10am in the Fort Payne Activities Building.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

Big Names Recruited for Benefit The Jacksonville State University Marching Southerners practice at Burgess-Snow Field where the benefit concert will be held this September. (Bill Wilson | The Anniston Star)

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — Last April, a pair of devastating tornadoes tore through the City of Jacksonville, Ala. and caused severe damage to both the city and university. Fort Payne’s own Grammy-award winning group Alabama announced a benefit show on Wednesday, September 26 and last week, they announced a few more special guests for their only headlining show in the state this year.

The local supergroup will welcome Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, John Berry, Gordon Mote, and SiriusXM’s Storme Warren to the show as special guests. They join previously announced guests The Charlie Daniels Band, Shenandoah, Darren

Knight of Southern Momma, and Jamey Johnson.

Jason Isbell, lead singer of Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, is a four time Grammy winner who took home two prizes for last year’s album The Nashville Sound and its lead single, “If We Were Vampires”. The album is currently nominated for four Americana Music Association Awards.

Gordon Mote is an ACM-award winning Christian/Country artists who has eight studio albums under his belt. He has toured alongside artists like Trisha Yearwood, Porter Wagoner, and the Gaither Vocal Band across his career.

John Berry is a country music artist that boasts more than twenty studio albums over his long career that began in 1979. Since 2017, Berry has hosted Songs and

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Stories with John Berry for the The Country Network, Heartland, and AMGTV. “We are so thankful and blessed that friends of ours, and some from our great state of Alabama, have offered to help raise funds to repair the damage from the horrific tornado a few months back,” said Randy Owen, Alabama frontman and JSU alumnus. “The university has been so wonderful to work with helping us set up the concert. From the looks of ticket sales and strong support from sponsors, this will be a very special night for the attendees.”

The event is sponsored by Nationwide Insurance (Randy Jones & Associates, Inc.), Dr. Pepper, Alabama Power, Alfa Insurance, Marc and Mary Angle, Ken and Jenny Howell, and Trycon Tufters.

More than 90 percent of tickets for the event have already been sold and these new additions will only make the tickets go faster. The rain or shine concert begins at 6pm on Wednesday, September 26 at Burgess-Snow Field at JSU. Ticket prices range from $25 to $100 and are available at ticketfly.com or by calling (877) 435-9849. A limited number of general admission tickets are available for purchase in person at the JSU Athletics Ticket office in Kennamer Hall. All proceeds from this show will benefit the Jacksonville State University disaster relief fund.

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

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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!

for those classes who have been out of Fyffe High School for 50 years or more! That would be the class of 1968 and all the classes before that.

The class of 1969 is invited, and they will host next year. The reunion will be potluck.

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 on under the age of 18 may attend and child care will not be provided. For more information, visit palgroup.org.

August 1, Art 4 Kids - The Mentone Arts and Cultural Center will host Art 4 Kids, their summer art series featuring music, art and drama on August 1 from 1pm to 3pm! Ages 5-12 are welcome. All supplies will be provided, but seating is limited. Call (256) 635-8986 for information or to register.

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.

July 27-29, Tigers for Tomorrow Community Tours - The July community tours of Tigers for Tomorrow will commence THIS WEEKEND, July 27-29!

No reservations are needed. Visitors can get an up-close visit with all the animals!

July 28, Fyffe 50 Club Reunion - The Fyffe High School 50 Club Reunion will be on July 28, 2018 at the Fyffe Senior Center from 11am to 3pm. This reunion is

LOTHA KILGORE

Free at every location:

August 2-5, World’s Longest Yard Sale - The World’s Longest Yard Sale returns to DeKalb County this year. All locations in the County can be found along the Lookout Mountain Parkway. The yard sale will begin on August 2 and last until August 5.

August 3, DERA Meeting - The DeKalb Education Retirees Association (DERA) will meet Friday morning, August 3 at Kelly’s Kitchen in Rainsville at 10am. The program “Imagination Library” will be presented by the Fort Payne Main Coordinator, Mrs. Jana Cagle Groghan. All DeKalb County and Fort Payne City Schools retired education employees, active and support, are invited and encouraged to attend.

August 4, Pete the Cat Kids Parade - Join Fort Payne Main Street and the City of Fort Payne as they cut the ribbon for Pete’s Alley, a place connecting with Wi-Fi, friends, shopping, parking, and of course

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— Pete the Cat! The parade will begin at the crosswalk on Gault Avenue at 9:30am with the book signing beginning at 10am at the Coal and Iron Building.

August 11, Backing The Blue Poker Run Come out and support your Rainsville Police Department! This is a kid-friendly event and family friendly. Come out and let’s hang out and have a great time!

After the run there will be a motorcycle show, food, auctions and raffles. It begins at 9am on August 11 in the City Park. It is $25 for single riders and $30 per couple.

August 18, 2018 Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament - The Rainsville Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual golf tournament on August 18 with sign-in/ registration at 7am and Shotgun Start at 8am at Rainsville Country Club.

Cost is $50 per player.

The format will be a 3-person scramble with 2 flights. Contests will be held on several holes.

Come meet for a $1000 hole-in one prize plus nice prizes for closest-to-the-pin and longest-drive on select holes.

August 23, Women in Business Luncheon The Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce will host its Women in Business Luncheon on August 23 from 11am to 1pm at The Building. The event is presented by Heritage Wire Harness and recognize these distinguished local women: Dr. Aimee Skelton, Brandi Lyles, Dana Grimes Brewis. To purchase tickets or a table, visit www. fortpaynechamber.com.

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FRIDAY – JULY 27, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS

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DCTC wins National Award

Contributed by Rainsville Chamber

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The DeKalb County Technology Center in Rainsville has won the 2018 Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) James E. Bottoms Pacesetter Award. The technology center was nominated by the state coordinator and by the SREB national director for this noteworthy accomplishment.

DCTC was awarded this achievement for a significant increase in

the percentage of students meeting college-readiness standards or in the percentage of students passing state-approved employer certification exams. The SREB Pacesetter Award is highly competitive with only 3,000 high schools and tech school centers in the nation meeting the requirement to be considered for the award.

The Pacesetter Award is the highest recognition a high school or tech center can

(Submitted Photo)

receive from SREB and one of the top awards within the field of education. Focus of this recognition was for the Career Coach Initiative and Dual Enrollment Program through Northeast Alabama Community College, along with Industry Certifications that lead to meaningful career opportunities before graduating high school.

DeKalb County Career Teach Director Jonathan Phillips stated: “Four years ago, we

developed a more focused approach in career tech dual enrollment. The plan was for our students to leave us with a short term certificate from Northeast, along with at least two nationally recognized certifications in their field of trade and be within a semester or two of an associate degree from Northeast Alabama Community College.

What makes us unique is that our instructors teach our

dual enrollment courses through Northeast Alabama Community College at DCTC. Russ McFall — Welding, Becki Reeves — Medical, Tim Barksdale — Industrial Maintenance/Robotics, and Tim Turner — Pre-Engineering/ Drafting. Our Career Coaches, David Holt and Jessica Blalock, do a great job of helping our students find their passion and instructing those students individually in the right direction best suited for

them whether it’s straight to work or post-secondary education. Phillips went on to say that he was extremely proud of the instructors and students who have contributed to make this national recognition possible.

I have always felt we have the best instructors and students in the country, and now we have the national award to validate that statement,” said Phillips.

“I also want to thank Northeast Alabama Community College President Dr. David Campbell, Dr. Mike Kennamer, Dean Sherri Grace, and staff, along with Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett, the DeKalb County Board of Education and our business and industry partners for their continual support.”

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FRIDAY – JULY 27, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS

5

Inside the Statehouse

By Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The storyline of last week's GOP Primary runoff was the extremely low turnout. The big surprises to me were the big victories by Steve Marshall for Attorney General and Martha Roby for Congress. Their winning was not a surprise; however, their margin of victory was impressive.

Going into the runoff my guess was that whichever one won between Marshall or Troy King, would win by a narrow margin. After all they had arrived at the runoff in a dead heat of 28 percent each. It is hard to tell how Marshall was able to trounce King by a 62 to 38 margin. The only logical theory would be that he got a sympathy vote from his wife's death during the

runoff.

King's filing a suit over Marshall's campaign fundraising, days before the election, hurt the former Attorney General. It made him look like a loser.

Also, it became apparent to me during the campaign that both Marshall and King were polarizing figures. Folks either liked them or they really did not like them.

King obviously made some enemies and detractors during his tenure as Attorney General. As George Wallace used to tell me, "More folks vote against someone than for someone." King will probably be residing in Buck's Pocket, politically, for the rest of his life.

However, he personally will be a lot better off, especially financially. Just ask Jere Beasley.

The Lt. Governor's race ended about like I expected. I thought it

would be close and it was.

It was really the only nip and tuck battle of the night. Will Ainsworth was the big winner of this 2018 political year. He went from being a one term state legislator from Sand Mountain to Lt. Governor of Alabama. At age 37, he is now the youngest among the major players on the state political scene. His narrow but impressive victory supplants Twinkle Cavanaugh as the heir apparent to governor. This race attracted more money and attention than is usually the case, and for good reason.

Our Lt. Governor has ascended to Governor more times than not in recent decades. If Kay Ivey is elected Governor, as expected, she will more than likely only serve one four-year term. Will Ainsworth with his victory last week has emerged as one of the favorites in the

2022 Governor's race.

How did young Ainsworth pull off his victory? If you are an observer of Alabama politics, you can see the path clearly. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Ainsworth's calling card from the get-go was that he had family money to spend. Sometimes people have money and tout that as an advantage but, when push comes to shove, they won't spend it. Ainsworth put his money where his mouth was. He spent it.

Money is the mother's milk of politics. Ainsworth did a good days work when he hired whoever ran his campaign. His polling and media were dead on and outstanding. His polling and media people knew when to go negative and how much to spend and what ad would work. Thus, the truisms came into play.

Number one — money

talks. It is the mother's milk of politics. Number two is more people vote against someone than for someone. Thus, negative advertising works. Thirdly, people in Alabama vote for someone from their neck of the woods. Especially in secondary races.

Folks, there are a lot more people and votes in North Alabama than South Alabama. There was a distinct regional delineation that Ainsworth was from the north and Twinkle's base and home was in South Alabama.

North Alabama will beat South Alabama every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Finally, don't ever run statewide in Alabama without the Alfa endorsement. Make no doubt about it, folks, Alfa is still the big dog in Alabama politics. They ran the table on all the statewide races in last Tuesday's runoff.

The Alfa endorsement was the common thread that appeared in the final results of all races.

Ainsworth's name, as the endorsed candidate of the Farmers Federation ballot was without a doubt the difference in the 10,000-vote margin by which he edged Twinkle.

In a low turnout race, the Farmers Federation endorsement becomes ever more pronounced and accentuated. Farmers vote.

They vote Republican.

They vote the Alfa ballot.

They not only won every legislature race in the state that they wanted, which is their bread and butter, in addition they won the statewide offices.

So, you might say they got their dinner and dessert.

You can probably bet the family farm that property taxes will not be raised in the Heart of Dixie this next quadrennium.

See you next week.

Monday, July 23 from 11am to 12:30pm at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Monday, July 23 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Laymond Willoughby officiating. Burial followed in Burnt Church Cemetery.

at Wilson Funeral Home with Rev. Carl Partain officiating. Burial followed in Adamsburg Cemetery.

Michael Posey - 36 of Fort Payne, passed away on Friday, July 20. A private memorial service is planned.

Karen Flarity - 61 of Fort Payne, passed away on Thursday, July 19.

Visitation was held on Saturday, July 21 from 9am to 11am at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 11am on Saturday, July 21 at Wilson Funeral Home.

Burial followed in Antioch Cemetery.

Kelley Dan Burt - 77 of Fort Payne, passed away on Friday, July 20 at his home. Visitation was held on Monday, July 23 from 9am to 10:30am at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held at 11am on Monday, July 23 at 11am at Walker’s Chapel Cemetery.

DEATH NOTICES WT WILSON Dale Junior Cobb - 78 of Fort Payne, passed away on Thursday, July 19. Visitation was held from 5pm to 8pm on Saturday, July 21 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 3pm on Sunday, July 22 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bros. Donnie Hylier and James Maples officiating. Burial followed in Union Hill Cemetery.

Travis L. Carr - 84 of Fyffe, passed away on Thursday, July 19.

Visitation was held from 12:30pm to 8pm on Saturday, July 21 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Sunday, July 22 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bros. Billy Helton, Don Brown, and Ertis Ray Hill officiating.

Burial followed in Green’s Chapel Cemetery.

John Edward Cain 82 of Fort Payne, formerly of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Friday, July 20.

Ronald Dean Birmingham - 58 of Fort Payne, passed away on Friday, July 20. Visitation was held from 5:30pm to 8pm on Saturday, July 21 at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held at 4pm on Sunday, July 22 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bros. Carl Partain and James Grindstaff

officiating. Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery.

Owen Lewayne Colquitt - 60 of Scottsboro, formerly of Geraldine, passed away on Saturday, July 21.

Visitation was held from 5pm to 8pm on Monday, July 23 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 11am on Tuesday, July 24 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bros. Joe Crider and Kenneth Sisk officiating.

Burial followed in Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church Cemetery.

Brian Edward Miller - 51 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, July 21.

Visitation was held from 4pm to 8pm on Monday, July 23 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Tuesday, July 24 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Jamie Bailey officiating. Burial followed in Miller’s Chapel Cemetery.

Shirley Cooper Griffin - 82 of Boaz, passed away on Sunday, July 22 at her residence. A graveside service was held at 2pm on Tuesday, July 24 at New Life Christian Center Cemetery.

RAINSVILLE Stephen DeWayne Norris - 46 of Summerville, Ga. passed away on Thursday, July

19 at Floyd Medical Center. A graveside service was held on Wednesday, July 25 at 3pm at Longshore Cemetery in the Mount Zion Church Community.

Scott Holleman - 55 of Henagar, passed away on Friday, July 20 at his residence. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

CORNER STONE Perlie Mae Ogle - 81 of Flat Rock, passed away on Thursday, July 19.

Visitation was held from 1pm to the service time at the funeral home on Saturday, July 21. Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 21 at 2pm at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel.

KERBY Willodene Crow - 92 of Ider, passed away on Friday, July 20 at her residence. Visitation was held on Sunday, July 22 from 10am to 2pm at the funeral home. Funeral services were held on Sunday, July 22 at 2pm at Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Rayford Brown officiating. Burial followed in Head Springs Cemetery.

Porter Weaver - 85 of Henagar, passed away on Saturday, July 21 at EMHC in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Visitation was held on Monday, July 23 from 7pm to 9pm and Tuesday,

Jared Gore - Sales

July 24 from 2pm to 3pm at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 24 at 3pm at Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Tommy Turner officiating. Burial followed in Henagar Methodist Cemetery.

WILSON Bea Crow - 101 of Mentone, passed away on Wednesday, July 18.

Visitation was held on Saturday, July 21 from 4pm to 8pm at the funeral home in Fort Payne. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Sunday, July 22 at Wilson Funeral Home with Dr. R. Pat McFadden officiating.

Isaac “Ike” Bledsoe - 77 of Fort Payne, passed away on Wednesday, July 18. Visitation will be held from 11am to service time on Saturday, July 28 at Asbury United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 28 at the church with Rev. Paul Messer officiating.

Larry Joe Speer - 59 of Gaylesville, passed away on Wednesday, July 18 at his residence. A graveside service was held on Friday, July 20 at Needmore Union Hill Cemetery in Gaylesville.

Cheryl Lanier Link - 56 of Baileytown, formerly of Fort Payne, passed away on Thursday, July 19.

Visitation was held on

Office: (256) 878-1050 www.howardbentley.com Cell: (256) 558-3166 Email: jared@howardbentley.com

Bobby Lee Henderson - 69 of Fort Payne, passed away on Thursday, July 19. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Saturday, July 21

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6

FRIDAY – JULY 27, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

inside the huddle

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

IDER, Ala. — For my sixth stop of Inside The Huddle, I headed up Highway 75 to meet with the Ider Hornets!

As I walked up to the field house, I could not help but notice the number of athletes at practice.

They were players jumping on boxes and jump ropes, some doing a series of pushups, some lifting dead weights and some doing agility training.

Come to find out, at Ider, all student athletes workout together during the summer. If you play football, baseball or basketball, you still get up bright and early Monday thru Thursday to do summer workouts. Varsity and junior varsity athletes work out together.

The Hornets went 6-5 last season and made it all the way to the state playoffs before falling to Lamar County in the first round. Due to realignment, the Hornets were moved to Region 6.

Just like the previous two years I’ve done Inside The Huddle, when I went to Ider, it rained.

The team was forced to practice in the parking lot due to the wet field.

The Ider Hornets graduated 14 seniors in May, but this year they will start with ten returning seniors. They have four returning players on offense and three on defense.

The Hornets have been coached for sixteen years by Brent Tinker. His coaching staff includes: Coach Russell Higdon (Defensive Coordinator), Coach Rod Hannah (Offensive Coordinator), Coach Chris Boggs (Special Teams), Coach Adam Watkins (Tight Ends and Defensive Tackles), and Coaches Billy Black and Casey Gaddis as Offensive Line Coaches.

The Hornets have a packed season this fall.

They begin on August 31 against Holly Pond at home. They continue with another home game on September 7 at Sand Rock. The Hornets’ first away game is against Section on September 14, before having another home game against Collinsville on September 21. Ider faces Valley Head and Asbury away on September 28 and October 5, respectively.

They face North Sand Mountain at home on October 12 and then play against Cedar Bluff away the following week. The Hornets take on the Fyffe Red Devils for their last away game on October 26.

Their final game is at home against Spring Garden on November 2.

I look forward to seeing the Ider Hornets go the distance this year. I think it may be their moment this fall.

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

Coach Tinker is a 1987 graduate of Ider High School and attended the University of Tennessee (UTC) where played on the football team. He earned degrees in business management and human resources. He received his teaching degree from Jacksonville State University.

Coach Tinker is returning for his sixteenth season with the Hornets, where he has spent fifteen years as Head Coach and one year as an assistant.

Tinker has been married to his wife Shannon for seventeen years and they have two children: Carter, age 12 and Kirb, age 7.

FRIDAY – JULY 27, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

7

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Rainsville Chamber Golf Tournament This year’s Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on August 18th at the Rainsville Golf and Country Club. Registration begins at 7am (you may pre-register by calling the Chamber at 256-638-7800), tournament begins at 8am. They are looking for corporate, apparel, and hole sponsors as well as golf teams.

Fee for a 3-person team is $150. This includes 18 holes of golf, cart, tee shirt, visor, and towel, plus breakfast, drinks and snacks, and lunch. The first place team will win $450, second place is $300 and third place is $150. Make a hole in one at Hole 6 and you will win $1,000! There will also be plenty of door prizes.

CATCH OF THE WEEK

This week’s Catch of Week is Hasten Jones, age 13! He caught this monster while fishing at Guntersville Lake!

The 2018 University of Alabama and Auburn University Golf Shootout will be held Thursday, August 23 at Terrapin Hills Country Club.

The annual four man scramble tournament will tee off at noon and proceeds will benefit scholarships for both universities. The tournament is set up by the local alumni chapters and benefit local DeKalb County students.

The tournament's entry fee is $60 per player and includes dinner after golf. To register, call Terrapin Hills at (256) 845-4624. Come out and support your favorite team and local scholarships!

Submit your photos to marla@southerntorch.com to be our next Catch of the Week winner!

Join us for our

ANNUAL MEETING!

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 4

CONNECTED

DeKalb County Schools Coliseum

are you living?

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8:00 A.M. — Registration begins 11:00 A.M — Business Meeting begins ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP: 8:45-9:30 A.M. — CAC’s Singing with the Stars winners

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GRAND PRIZE*: 2007 Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab *Must be a cooperative member and present to win

HOW MANY CONNECTED DEVICES DOES YOUR HOUSEHOLD HAVE? The average connected home in the U.S. has 13 devices, and that number is growing daily.

Source: comScore, March 2017

8

FRIDAY – JULY 27, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

1015 Gault Ave S, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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