The Southern Torch — Vol. 4, Issue 50

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The Fyffe Red Devils brought home the Class 2A Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Championship last Friday. The Red Devils defeated Luverne in the final match, 21-19, at Auburn University's Jordan-Hare Stadium. For our complete coverage of this big victory, see our sports section. (Photo by Kristy Gallagher | Southern Torch)

SIGNS SPARK CONFUSION SMALL EARTHQUAKES

By Marla Jones Reporter

marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Building contractors have expressed concern regarding new code enforcement signs that are popping up in developing subdivisions in the City of Rainsville.

David Snay, part-time Rainsville Revenue Officer, spoke with Southern Torch concerning the city ordinance referenced by the signs, which addresses

driveway specifications for new subdivisions. The yard signs state that all driveways must meet city code within 60 days of the installation and listed the city hall phone number.

Snay stated that he had received numerous calls regarding the signs, but called it a street department issue.

Ricky Dobbins of the Rainsville Street Department said there are

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COMMISSION PRAISES ALERT DeKALB

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

PHOTO BY MARLA JONES

TORCHCAST

By Marla Jones Reporter marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Commission met on Tuesday, December 11 for

FRIDAY 12/14

46 • 46

SATURDAY 12/15

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SUNDAY 12/16

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their last regularly scheduled meeting of 2018. It will be the Commission’s only meeting this month due to the Christmas holidays.

Michael Posey of the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency

updated the Commission on the missing teenager last week.

The EMA employed a helicopter and search dogs and used their ALERT

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Two small earthquakes shook the Southeastern part of the country on Wednesday morning.

Data from the United States Geological Survey stated that the first earthquake was a magnitude 4.4 and occurred at 3:14am. The second was a magnitude 3.3 at 3:27am. Both quakes were centered in Decatur, Tenn., which sits around 50 miles north of Chattanooga.

According to the USGS, there were reports of feeling the earthquake across Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama and Georgia.

The DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency said that there were several reports of ground shaking on Wednesday morning that this was the likely cause.

The Tennessee Valley Authority is conducting inspections to check for damage, but no issues have been found. No injuries had been reported at the time of press.

> COMMISSION, P4 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 — DECEMBER 14, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FPMS ROBOTICS HEAD TO STATE TEMPERS FLARE OVER SICK BANK

By Marla Jones Reporter marla@southerntorch.com

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne Middle School Robotics teams pass on to the FIRST Lego League State Championship on March 2, 2019.

The 5th grade team, High Voltage, won the Core Values award at their Qualifier this past weekend. This was their first time competing. The members are: Merritt Chapman, Jamie Helms, Joseph Hernandez, Alejandro Bautista, Nikolai Fowler, Drew Ashley, Yvette Tambunan, Trent Guice, and Isaiah Morgan.

The Short Circuits took home the highest award by winning the overall Qualifier championship and will pass on to state as well. The members are: Lane Whited, Chloe Goggans, Rowan Shugart, Brycen Buffington, Adriano Jimenez, Lillie Moses, Anita Jose-Sebastian, and Wesley Edwards.

In a previous Qualifier, the Gigawatts won the Project award and passed to state as well. Their members are: Caitlyn O'Shields, Omar Figueroa, Maryana Figueroa, Kendall Binkley, Ruthie Jones, Nathan Simpson, Logan Hairell, Barrett Bible, Sophie Hood, and Aubrey Evans.

For the fourth year in a row Fort Payne will have multiple teams representing at the FIRST Lego State Championship.

SIGNS, PAGE 1 plans to amend the ordinance to include the 60-day rule at the next meeting of the Rainsville City Council. The changes are likely to be presented

by Councilmember Ricky Byrum.

Dobbins said that the 60-day rule didn’t apply to the entire driveway, but just the ends of the driveways’ tile. He stated that usually the ends get mashed in when the big trucks come through bringing materials onto the site, and the damage never gets fixed until the City has to come in and repair it.

Additionally, Dobbins said the enforcement efforts were due to a lot of out-of-town contractors coming into town and not following the city codes.

Councilmember Ricky Byrum said that he would present a breakdown on the purpose of the ordinance amendment at

the Council’s meeting on Monday night.

He said that the City has spent over $100,000 on tiles because they were bent and wouldn’t allow water to flow through properly. Byrum stated that he believed that the amendment would increase property values in the City and would stop out-of-town contractors from coming in and not following the rules.

Byrum said that this was not an attempt to stunt the City’s growth, but to protect the citizens from carrying the burden of repair. He also said that Rainsville’s regulations were much less restrictive than neighboring cities like Fort Payne and Scottsboro.

Southern Torch could not determine why attempted enforcement of the proposed ordinance changes occurred prior to the city council formally

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adopting those changes.

Southern Torch reached out to local contractor Trampas Shankles regarding the signs that were recently put up.

He stated that he wished the City had given him a call to let him know instead of putting a sign up in the yard that suggested a violation of a city regulation. He said the signs might affect potential home buyers who are considering a home purchase in Rainsville.

The issue is set to be discussed on Monday night at the Rainsville City Council workshop, which begins at 4:15pm. All home builders and contractors currently building within the City limits are encouraged to attend.

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 4.

The Council was asked to consider annexing two parcels containing approximately 50 acres and located on Roden Drive by property owner Marlon Blalock. The Council will consider the offer and resume talks after the first of the new year.

Ordinance 2018-07 sets the salary and benefits for the Mayor and Council for the 2020 administration was set aside for the second meeting of the month, which will fall on Tuesday, December 18.

The motion carried to pass Resolution 2018-47 declaring the 1974 fire truck as surplus property, which makes it no longer needed to public or municipal services. It was placed for sale on govdeals.com.

The Council approved Resolution 2018-48, which authorizes an expense account for the Council President and Councilmembers for $100 per month as a refundable expense for the 2020 administration.

In new business, Human Resources Officer Don Fisher addressed the renewal of the Sick Leave

Bank. He stated that after months of review, he felt that there were two competing policies: the sick leave bank and the catastrophic relief clause.

Fisher said that he would like to do away with the sick leave bank and if the employees were still employed by the City, then the hours would be returned to their sick leave account and just use the catastrophic relief clause.

“It’s just a lot of redundant work with no need,” said Fisher. “In the next few months, I will be taking a closer look at the catastrophic relief clause and cleaning that up.”

Employees expressed their concerns over how the elimination would affect the cap on their current built sick leave hours. One employee, who had worked with the City for 37 years,

stated he did not want to lose the 45 days that he had accumulated.

Mayor Larry Chesser suggested to Fisher that he write his plan, let the Council review it and then they could take action at the next meeting.

The Council discussed Ordinance 2013-08 pertaining to the picking up of leaves.

Parker recommended that the City either pick up all leaves or none at all. The Council elected to give Parker the authority to clean up the ordinance and passed the purchase of a new leaf blower.

In order for the City to pick up your leaves, they must be on City property, which is the street.

The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held on Tuesday, December 18 at 12pm on the second floor of City Hall.

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FRIDAY — DECEMBER 14, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

3

COMMUNITY

UPCOMING EVENTS Every Monday, By His Hands Outreach Ministry - The By His Hands Outreach Ministry will host a soup kitchen beginning on Mondays at 6pm. The Clothes Closet will be open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Both are at 2494 Church Avenue in Rainsville. Donations are greatly appreciated!

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 Avenue 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.

December 14, Vulcraft Holiday Market - Come enjoy a night of food, crafts, clothing, jewelry and a silent auction at the Vulcraft Holiday Market in The Building in downtown Fort Payne! It will be held on Friday, December 14 from 4pm to 9pm. All proceeds go to the DeKalb

County Children’s Advocacy Center. Everyone is invited to attend.

December 14, Wilburn/Wilburn and The LeFevre Quartet at the Pickin’ Post - Join Wilburn/ Wilburn and the LeFevre Quartet at the Pickin’ Post on Friday, December 14 at 7pm for a special Christmas show! Tickets are $15 per person and can be bought at Black’s Tire in Rainsville and Roger’s Pawn in Fort Payne. For more information, please call 256-845-4115, 256-657-3817 and 256-996-8910.

December 14, Fort Payne Christmas Parade - The City of Fort Payne will host their annual Christmas parade on Friday, December 14 in the downtown area. We will be LIVE on location, broadcasting the parade for everyone on Facebook!

December 15, TVRA at the Agri-Business Center - The Tennessee Valley Roping Association will present the Team Roping Competition at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center in Rainsville on Sunday, December 15 at 9am.

December 15, New South Pro Wrestling at the DeKalb Theatre - New South Pro Wrestling will return to the DeKalb Theatre in downtown Fort Payne for their annual “Winter Rumble” featuring WWE Superstar Adam Rose! The event will be held on Saturday, December 15 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Front and second row cost is $20 per ticket in advance. Third

row and beyond are $15 each.

December 15, Breakfast with Santa - Come out and help support Relay for Life!

Tickets are $5 per person.

Each ticket will get you a photo with Santa, 3 pancakes with sausage and your choice of coffee, tea or water. See an ABC Plus Relay Team member to get your tickets or come by their office at 1825 Everett Drive in Fort Payne.

December 31, Courtyard Concerts: New Year’s Eve - Come ring in the new year with your favorite cast of local talent at The Courtyard (located next to the DeKalb Theatre). Bowling Stone magazine (a magazine by and for primitive bowlers) has already called this the event of the year. So you definitely don’t wanna miss out. $10 cover includes party favors and champagne at midnight (when we drop the bowling ball). Cash bar is available as well as food and merchandise. Doors open at 8pm and the event will take place inside the theater.

Staff: 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

REVIEW: THE GRINCH FINALLY FEELS FRESH PHOTO BY UNIVERSAL PICTURES | ILLUMINATION

December 22, Courtyard Community Christmas - Come join The Courtyard (located next to the DeKalb Theatre) for a special seasonal event as we celebrate the holidays with the courtyard family.

This will be a potluck dinner, so everyone bring a dish! Following the meal, the Courtyard crew will be performing your holiday favorites. The meal begins at 6pm and admission is free.

30 Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is

at the movies

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

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

This new iteration of the classic Dr. Seuss tale is something I’ve been looking forward to all year.

Despite being a little disappointed that they had Benedict Cumberbatch use his American accent to voice the titular Grinch. I was ready to walk out of the theater saying #NotMyGrinch, but 2018’s The Grinch felt like a breath of fresh air into this story that almost everyone already knows.

As usual, The Grinch follows the titular character, now voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, and his dog, Max, as they attempt to steal Christmas from all of the Whos down in Whoville.

While the film mostly sticks to the same script as the classic 30-minute special (with extra padding of course), this tale adds new details and dynamics especially surrounding Cindy Lou Who. She’s given friends and more character development as we see how truly selfless and pure she is, even in the face of the Grinch’s animosity.

I can really appreciate

the animation and editing here. The movie shifts very well from the current time to its flashback sequences without a single misstep. It uses those perfectly placed sequences to tug on your heartstrings at just the right time each time they’re used.

In spite of The Grinch’s bad attitude, this movie really gets you to empathize with him. From sequences involving his upbringing as a lonely orphan to scenes that depict him interacting with new friends, his character seems to open up more to sympathy than either the original cartoon or the Jim Carrey-version does.

All in all, The Grinch does a good job at what it set out to achieve. It’s supposed to be a non-stop kids’ comedy that can be enjoyed by little kids who are learning the story for the first time and by parents who have grown up with the story all their lives.

I’ve seen plenty of reviews that insist that the film fell flat, but as we approach the Christmas season, I think The Grinch is the perfect dose of comedy and kindness that bring us all together.

It's a perfect experience for children and families to enjoy over their Christmas break.

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FRIDAY — DECEMBER 14, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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COMMISSION, PAGE 1 DeKalb system in order to find the child.

ALERT DeKalb has also been a crucial tool for weather conditions this month. Posey reported that due to freezing fog and icy conditions, the system was able to alert of the 3-hour school delay on Tuesday morning.

Next Wednesday, December 19, there will be an open house at the newly-renovated DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency from 12pm to 2pm.

Harcrow was proud to report that our EMA has capabilities that no one else in the state has.

The Commission congratulated the Fyffe Red Devils on their victory last week in the AHSAA Class 2A State Championship. The team will join the Commission sometime early next year for a special ceremony.

Lucas Blankenship of the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) reported on the High Falls Park Grant Resolution, that the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs offers once per year. The

grant is an 80-20 split that must be applied for by December 21.

DeKalb County Road Superintendent Tom Broyles gave a maintenance update regarding the bad weather that occurred over the weekend. He also gave an update on the JW Wood Auction proposal. The firm will be offering DeKalb County $2,650,000 (minimum) for their surplus trucks. With a 6% auction fee, the county will receive $2,498,520.

DeKalb County Engineer Ben Luther asked the Commission to initiate the County Road 116 Federal Aid Project for fiscal year 2019. Luther proposed a widening and resurfacing project of approximately 3.9 miles on 116 from County 27 in Sylvania to its intersection with County Road 85. The Commission passed a resolution informing the State of the intent to apply for the project.

Cynthia Hancock of the DeKalb County Library asked the Commission to hire Charlotte Neysmith as circulation librarian, at 32 hours per week.

Jonathan Langley of

the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office presented the resignation of Brandon Dupree, Chris Rogers, and James Shavers from the DeKalb County Jail staff. Langley asked the Commission to replace the jail staff with Robert Chesnut and Matthew Daugherty. In dispatch, he announced the termination of Brian Whitmire Jr. as a full-time dispatcher. He will be replaced by part-time employee Daniel Willkie as a full-time dispatcher.

Stephanie Summerford will take over Willkie’s part-time position.

DeKalb County Revenue Commissioner Tyler Wilks announced the position he posted at the last meeting be filled by Jaycee Palmer. He also announced the retirement of Rachel Davis, who has been a valuable employee for 25 years. Wilks asked

to post Davis’ position so someone could be trained by the time she leaves in late-January.

County Administrator Matt Sharp shared the 2019 holiday calendar, which was approved.

DeKalb County Commission President Ricky Harcrow announced the opening of a fleet manager position to take care of maintenance, damage and repairs for the County’s fleet of vehicles, which will headed by Commissioners Chris Kuykendall and Shane Wooten. The job was posted on Tuesday and will run through December 28, 2018.

The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held at 10am on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 in the DeKalb County Activities Building.

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

LEGALS IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALA.

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALA.

CASE NO: CS-18-900115

CASE NO: CS-18-900116

HERMELINDO GONZALEZ VELASCO, Plaintiff/Father v.

ALICIA MENDOZA SANTIAGO, Defendant/Mother

ANA MARTIN TOMAS FRANCISCO, Plaintiff/Mother v.

TOMAS ANDRES TOMAS DOMINGO, Defendant/Father

NOTICE OF CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS

NOTICE OF CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS

ALICIA MENDOZA SANTIAGO, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Complaint and other relief by the 25th day of January, 2019 or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against her in Case No.: CS-18-900115, in the District Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

TOMAS ANDRES TOMAS DOMINGO, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Petition for Paternity and Custody Determination and other relief, by the 25th day of January, 2019, or thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No.: CS 2018-900116, in the District Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

To Be Published: November 30, December 7, December 14, December 21

To Be Published: November 30, December 7, December 14, December 21

Attorney for Plaintiff: Gabriela Watson, Esq WATSON & WATSON P.O. Box 1068 Albertville, Ala. 35950 Phone: 256-660-1280 Fax: 256-660-1541

Attorney for Plaintiff: Gabriela Watson, Esq WATSON & WATSON P.O. Box 1068 Albertville, Ala. 35950 Phone: 256-660-1280 Fax: 256-660-1541

FRIDAY — DECEMBER 14, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

Inside the Statehouse

By Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist MONTGOMERY, Ala. — In Alabama political history, the office of Probate Judge was the most powerful and prestigious position. In the old days, in every county in Alabama, the probate judge was not only judge, he also appointed all county positions, hired all county employees and was Chairman of the County Commission. He was essentially the “King of the County.”

In bygone days, gubernatorial candidates ran grassroots campaigns.

There were no televisions, therefore, the first and maybe the only stop they would make in their quest for the Governor’s mansion, was to kiss the ring of and get the endorsement of the probate judge. The omnipotent probate judge would endorse them and that endorsement usually meant that that they would carry that county.

The local folks would follow the lead of their judge. They and their county would be on the right side of the governor’s race.

The last vestige of the era of vintage Probate Judges will end this year

RAINSVILLE

Rebekah HarrisWatts - 22 of Fort Payne, passed away on Tuesday, December 11. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 13 from 3pm to 8pm and Friday, December 14 from 11am to 2pm at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 14 at 2pm at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Cates Noles officiating. Rebekah is survived by her husband Dylan Watts; parents Joe and Beverly Harris; sister, Tinika Rothell; grandfather Bill Laney; and nieces Kaitlyn Rothell and Laney Rothell. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Faye Laney.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Sarcoma Foundation of America.

with the retirement of Tuscaloosa Probate Judge, Hardy McCollum.

Judge McCollum is only 71. However, Alabama law disallows judges from running for reelection after age 70. He has been the longest serving probate judge in the state, and at the time of his first election in 1976, he was the youngest probate judge in Alabama. Hardy was elected at age 28, and took the coveted office of Probate Judge at the ripe old age of 29. Hardy McCollum has served his home county as Probate Judge for 42 years.

During that time, he has consistently been considered the most popular political figure in his county. He has always run as a Democrat. When the tide turned and the state went Republican in the 1980’s and 90’s and most of the state’s prominent politicians switched to the Republican Party, Hardy refused to change. He withstood the tidal wave and remained the most revered public official in Tuscaloosa County.

The anomaly of his popularity is that he continues to hold the title of Chairman of the County Commission, a rarity in

this day and time, especially for a large county like Tuscaloosa.

There are only 15 counties in the state left where the Probate Judge still serves as Chairman of the County Commission and, only two populous counties, Lee and Tuscaloosa.

Hardy McCollum was born and raised in Tuscaloosa. He learned at an early age how much the Goodrich and Gulf States paper plants meant to Tuscaloosa. Druid City was also dependent upon public employees.

Tuscaloosa was home to the state mental health institutions, Bryce and Partlow. The University of Alabama has always been Tuscaloosa’s mainstay.

Hardy grew up selling peanuts, popcorn and programs at Denny Stadium.

Hardy married his high school sweetheart, Juanita. They both graduated from Tuscaloosa High School and they both continued on and graduated from the University of Alabama.

They have three children, Jay, Jason, and Joy. Hardy and Juanita are fortunate that all three live in Tuscaloosa. They are able to enjoy their five grandchildren. Their

second son, Jason, and Tuscaloosa mayor, Walt Maddox, grew up together as neighbors and best friends.

After college, Hardy began work in Tuscaloosa and became active in the Jaycees, which was a normal training ground for aspiring politicos in those days. His first political experience was campaigning for Richard Shelby for the State Senate in 1970.

In his first race for office, he was elected as Probate Judge. After that initial election in 1976, he was subsequently reelected to six more six-year terms, serving from 1976 through 2018.

He had opposition every time but dispensed of his opponents easily each time.

Hardy’s last reelection in 2012 was the one that caught the eye of most political observers throughout the state.

President Barack Obama was heading the Democratic ticket. It was a tsunami wipeout of almost every white Democrat in the Heart of Dixie. This red tidal wave also swept through Tuscaloosa. Hardy McCollum stood out like a sore thumb. Hardy McCollum, who had

refused to change parties, withstood the tidal wave and won reelection as a Democratic Probate Judge with 67 percent of the vote against a Republican Sheriff.

There is an old saying in Alabama politics that home folks know you best.

Hardy attributed his longevity and success to always doing the right thing regardless of whether it is politically popular. People will respect you if you are doing the right thing.

Hardy McCollum has done the right thing for his home county for 42-years.

It’s time for him to go to the house and, hopefully, he will enjoy his retirement years. You can rest assured they will be spent in his beloved Tuscaloosa County. He will be replaced as Probate Judge by a Republican. It marks the passing of an era in Alabama politics.

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.

THE FISHERMEN SOUTHERN GOSPEL QUARTET

For Bookings call: Glenn Smith (256) 572-6146

DEATH NOTICES WILSON Kenneth Harold Smith - 80 of Sand Rock, passed away on Wednesday, December 5.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on Saturday, December 8 at the church with Revs. Nick Deweese, Jonathan Whisenant, and Kenneth Lasseter officiating. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery.

Hazel Morris - 93 of Chattanooga, Tenn., passed away on Wednesday, December 5.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on Friday, December 7 at Wilson Funeral Home. Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery.

David McMichen - 61 of Dogtown, passed away on Friday, December 7.

Funeral services were held at 1pm on Tuesday, December 11 at Wilson Funeral Home. Burial followed in Walkers Chapel Cemetery.

BURT Daisy Lackey Wooten - 88 of Fort Payne, passed

away on Friday, December 7 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held on Sunday, December 9 at 2pm at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne with Rev. Ron Johnson officiating. Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery.

Michael Anthony Jones - 62 of Fort Payne, passed away on Wednesday, December 12 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. A graveside service was held at Walnut Grove Cemetery on Thursday, December 13 at 11am with Rev. James Grindstaff officiating. Burial followed.

CORNER STONE Sarah Magalene Underwood - 92 of Ider, passed away on Tuesday, December in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Delbert Eugene Smith - 68 of Flat Rock, passed away on Wednesday, December 5. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Thursday, December 6 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Jeff Pike officiating. Burial followed in Green Haven Memorial Gardens.

Nancy Lucille Ellis - 97 of Henagar, passed away on Thursday, December 6 at Crowne Health Care. Funeral

services were held at 3pm on Friday, December 7 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bros.

Franklin Waldrop and Danny Stewart officiating.

Burial followed in Mountain Home Cemetery.

Kathy Ann Dalton Porter - 59 of Ider, passed away on Friday, December 7 at Erlanger Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 3pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bros. Ben Young, Cates Noles, and Rodger Whitehead officiating. Burial followed in Brown Gap Cemetery.

WT WILSON Ricky Lee Davis - 62 of Crossville, passed away on Wednesday, December 5. A graveside service was held at 1:30pm on Friday, December 7 at Skirum Cemetery with Bro. Doc Shell officiating.

services were held at 1pm on Monday, December 10 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. DJ Smith officiating.

Nancy Sue Barnes - 76 of Crossville, passed away on Friday, December 7. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Sunday, December 9 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bros.

Brad Smothers and Larry Camp officiating. Burial followed in DeKalb Memorial Gardens.

Byron Brown - 90 of Fyffe, passed away on Saturday, December 8.

Funeral services were held at 3pm on Monday, December 10 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Burial followed in Straight Creek Cemetery.

Frances Lou Albright - 75 of Rainsville, passed away on Sunday, December 9. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Wednesday, December

Randy Taylor - 70 of Gadsden, passed away on Wednesday, December 5.

Funeral services were held at noon on Saturday, December 8 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Kyle Sullivan officiating.

Burial followed in Skirum Cemetery.

David Wayne Otto - 61 of Scottsboro, passed away on Thursday, December 6. Funeral

12 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bros. Larry Haynes and Bill Rodziwicz officiating. Burial followed in New Home Cemetery in Henagar.

KERBY Bertie Doylene Sargent - 69 of Henagar, passed away on Tuesday, December 4 at her residence. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Friday, December 7 at Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Eddie Owens officiating. Burial followed in Friendship Cemetery.

Linda Sue Millican - 71 of Pisgah, passed away on Wednesday, December 5 at her residence. Funeral services were held at 12pm on Saturday, December 8 at Kerby Funeral Home with Bro. Josh Little officiating.

Burial followed in Henagar Memorial Park.

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STATE CHAMPIONS, PAGE 1 Southern Torch

By Marla Jones Reporter

marla@southerntorch.com

AUBURN, Ala. — The Fyffe Red Devils defeated the Luverne Tigers, 21-19 to claim the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 2A State Title.

The first quarter of the game was a defensive battle with neither team putting points on the board.

With 8:56 remaining in the first half, Payton Anderson bulldozed his way into the endzone on a 7-yard run. The kick by Brody Dalton was good, giving the Red Devils the 7-0 lead. Luverne down the field and with 5:28 remaining in the second

quarter scored a touchdown. In what was only the second time in Super 7 Championship history, the touchdown was overturned after watching the instant replay. The Tigers were forced to kick a 31-yard field goal to make the score 7-3. With 1:10 remaining in the first half, the Red Devils held Luverne and forced them to settle with a 28-yard field goal, to go into the half trailing Fyffe 7-6.

Payton Anderson broke one up the middle for a 33-yard touchdown with 3.27 remaining in the third quarter. The kick by Brody Dalton was good, making the score 14-6 to close out the third quarter.

The Luverne Tigers answered back with a

8-yard run for the score.

The Tigers went for two but were shut down by the Red Devils, to make the score 14-12.. Payton Stoner got on the board with a 19-yard pass connection from Zach Pryon, with 4:18 remaining in the game,to make the score 21-12.

With 2:34 remaining in the game, Luverne dashed into the endzone on a 1-yard run. The extra point attempt was good, narrowing the Red Devil lead to 21-19. With :10 remaining in the game, the Red Devils held the Luverne Tigers on the 49 yard line to claim their third State Championship in five years.

Fyffe had 192 yards on the ground to Luverne’s 202 yards. The Tigers passed for a total of 237 to Fyffe’s 72 yards.

Senior, Payton Anderson ran for 177 yards and scored two touchdowns in the game.

Anderson finished the season with 2,114 rushing yards and 44 touchdowns.

Anderson was named the Game MVP, running the ball 29 times and averaging 6.1 yards per carry.

Ninth grade quarterback, Zach Pyron completed 3-of-4 passes.

He had a 56-yard punt and made five tackles.

Payton Stoner had two catches for 43 yards, one touchdown and six tackles.

Tyler Kinard recorded 10 tackles and one sack.

“The kids played with courage and heart, and persevered through a lot of bad times this year,” said Fyffe Head Coach Paul Benefield. “I’m so proud of them, I don't even know how I can express in words.”

This win gave Benefield his third state championship in five years and improved his overall coaching record to 282-53.

Fans across Northeast Alabama have called him the DeKalb “Nick Saban”.

This sportswriter would have to agree.

FEATURED BASKETBALL TEAMS FYFFE BOYS

• Fyffe moved to 8-0 with a 68-32 win over Ider • Tucker Goolsby led Fyffe with 20 points • Micah Johnson recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 13 points and ten rebounds

SYLVANIA BOYS

12-8-18 at Ider High School • The Rams halted their two-game losing streak and improved to 5-2 by traveling to Ider and beating the Hornets 71-30 in a DeKalb County Schools contest.

• Grant Atchley scored 25 and had 9 rebounds • Jaxen White, who recently returned to the line up after sitting out with a knee injury, scored 14.

• Trevor Butler recorded a double double 10 points 10 rebounds 12-10-18 vs Crossville at SHS • Sylvania Junior Jaxen White was the difference maker in the Rams 68-62 win over DeKalb County foe, Crossville. White paced the Rams with 17 points behind 4/7 shooting from the behind the three point line. At a key moment late in the 4th with the score tied, White was fouled on a three point attempt and made the shot and converted the free throw giving the Rams a four point lead which they would not lose. With the win the Rams move to 6-2 on the season.

• Last night's game with Section was postponed.

• Jaxen White 17 points, 3 rebounds 3 steals • Jarred Higgins 16 points 7 rebounds • The Rams travel to Pisgah Friday for a 3A Area 15 match-up.

SAND MOUNTAIN TOURNAMENT BRACKETS

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