The Southern Torch — Vol. 4, Issue 51

Bobby Ledbetter’s

SEASONS GREETINGS FROM TWIN CITY 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 / VOL. 4, NO. 51 / $1.00

It's HIS Birthday!

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

By Megan Blansit ST Faith Contributor The day many of us have anticipated is among us! Christmas day is only days away! If you’re anything like me, this is both exciting and slightly stressful. I absolutely love Christmas time and I absolutely love buying presents for people. Mix those two things together and you’ve got a broke girl who is sad that she can’t go out and buy loved ones MORE presents! There is something so fulfilling, as well as fun in giving!

As a young girl I always dreamt of giving people vehicles as gifts, a Hummer to be exact (slightly humorous looking back at how I was so specific and how our taste changes.) To fast forward many many years, I am a broke graduate student working on a masters, with 2 jobs. Maybe one day I will be making the “big bucks” and can make those childhood dreams a reality!

Sadly, as I have gotten older, I feel as though the spirit of Christmas is dwindling. As a child things were so special and exciting. Yet, as an adult Christmas can tend to be stressful and almost rushed. For example, trying to make it all the family dinners and/or work parties can be overwhelming. Aside from all

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Merry Christmas from all of us here at Southern Torch: Amy Thrash, Zach Hester, and Marla Jones!

By Marla Jones Reporter marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — (Full Video on our Website) The Rainsville City Council held their last meeting of 2018 on Monday, December 17.

In the absence of Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt, Mayor Pro Tem Ricky Byrum conducted the meeting.

Councilmember Marshall Stiefel reported

Improved Understanding on Employee Benefits

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SATURDAY 12/22

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SUNDAY 12/23

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Byrum stated that Stiefel had spoken with the accountants several times and wondered what they had told him. Stiefel rebutted that the accountants told him that the Mayor had sent a letter of engagement; however, they did not receive any official numbers until June 21 of 2017, which virtually put the accountants behind the schedule.

Stiefel also said that

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The Fyffe Red Devils Cheerleaders competed at Wallace State Community College on Saturday, December 15 for the Class 2A State Championship title. For the seventh year in a row, the squad won the 2A State Championship!

Juvenile DeKALB AMBULANCE SERVICE flees scene NAMEs EMT OF THE YEAR of FP wreck

By Staff Reports

HR Director Don Fischer updated the Council on the meeting he had to discuss the new Sick Bank policy. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Reporter marla@southerntorch.com

TORCHCAST

that he had just seen the receipt for the final payment of the audit but stated that he had not seen the audit itself. Stiefel stated that the Council had yet to be presented with the annual audit of city accounts by the mayor. The audit for the 2016-2017 fiscal year has yet to be made public and now the 2017-2018 fiscal year audit is due as well. The city recognizes a OctoberSeptember fiscal year for their budgets.

SEVEN YEARS IN A ROW

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne City Council held their last meeting of the year on Tuesday, December 18. To open the meeting, the Council received public comments from citizens regarding the rezoning of Hixon Road.

Jane Montgomery, who owns 23 acres on the other end of Hixon Road, expressed her concerns regarding the timeline of Hixon’s rezoning.

Montgomery thanked the Zoning Committee for their tireless work on the matter, but wondered about traffic control, accessibility of water and the situation’s overall safety.

She requested an

understanding of what the timeline and improvements would be regarding the road. Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser that it would likely be two years or more before construction starts for the new 56-unit apartment complex which will be geared towards tenants that were 55 years and older.

Councilmember Wade Hill assured Mrs. Montgomery that the Council would address the traffic issues by obtaining additional right-of-ways and relocate utilities to be on the east side of the road.

“It’s a three-pronged attack, but it would be something that we would have a couple of years to get started on,” said Hill.

The Council moved to

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FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On December 13, at approximately 5:30pm, a 2007 Ford Explorer driven by a 16-year-old juvenile male of Fort Payne, struck a female pedestrian, Kerian Celeste Hughes, 19 of Higdon, who was walking north near the intersection of Godfrey Avenue and Lee Street.

Hughes was transported to DeKalb Regional Medical Center for what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.

The 16-year-old driver left the scene of the accident to go tell his parents who in turn returned with him to speak with officers.

This serves as a strong reminder for parents to teach their children to stay at an accident scene to speak with authorities. This accident remains under investigation with possible charges forthcoming, Chief Randy Bynum stated.

The DeKalb Ambulance Service named their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) of the Year, Mr. BJ Hayes (pictured above in the middle). (Submitted Photo)

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb Ambulance Service has named their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) of the year.

Mr. B.J. Hayes was chosen by his fellow employees as the best EMT of 2018. Mr. Hayes has been an employee of the DeKalb Ambulance Service (DAS) since August 2015.

He is pictured above with DAS Director Cheryl Turner and DAS Deputy Director Mark Haygood who presented Hayes with the award this week.

“B.J. has been with DAS since 2015. His constant striving for excellence in all he does along with his outstanding dedication to public service makes him an invaluable asset to DAS as well as to the citizens of DeKalb County,” said Director Turner. “We consider ourselves blessed to have B.J. as part of the DAS family.”

Hayes’ name was also submitted and chosen for the VFW’s EMT of the Year award, which consisted of a plaque and monetary award.

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 21, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

CHRISTMAS FORT PAYNE from Page 1 that, it saddens me that for many, the Christmas story has been labeled familiar and that perhaps we aren't inspired anymore. Maybe you’re not moved by the story of Jesus being born in a manger anymore because you've heard it your entire life. Been there, done that, you know all the songs, etc.

However, when we become too “familiar” with something, it can be easy to miss the beauty of it.

It is very easy to focus on giving or receiving gifts from family or friends and forgetting the true meaning of Christmas. Thanks to television, it can even be easier to focus our attention on “Santa Claus” and all the gifts he will bring us more than the real reason for the season. This may sound harsh, but I say this with love, it’s not our birthday December 25th, it Jesus’. What are we giving HIM? In my opinion, His birth is the most important birth that the world has ever known! December 25th is the day we celebrate a true King being born. A King who grew up to have such courage and love to be nailed to a cross and take a punishment for OUR sins. A King who shares his inheritance with his sons and daughters, you and I. Nothing ordinary came from the birth of Jesus.

Friend, our King deserves to be celebrated! I long for the day we are all in Heaven and get to partake in the birthday celebration in person with Him! How beautifully amazing will that be?! So friend, like I mentioned earlier, it’s easy to get carried away in the hustle and bustle, but I challenge you this Christmas to step back from the busy schedule, take a breather, and mediate on the beauty of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Will we acknowledge the birth of our Savior, or will our mind be consumed with parties and gifts? There is absolutely nothing wrong with parties and gifts but I pray we are all mindful that without Christ there would be no Christmas. I hope you all have a very blessed and merry Christmas!

from Page 1 accept Ordinance 2018-06 on the recommendation of the Planning Commission to rezone nine acres on Hixon Road from Rural Farm to R-3 (High Density Residential District).

In committee reports, Council President Brian Baine stated that he and fellow councilmember Lynn Brewer had met with Parks and Recreation Director Robin Brothers regarding the direct needs for her department. They said that they would be meeting with an architect soon to address those needs.

City Clerk Robert A. Parker announced that the Industrial Development Board had presented the City with a check in the amount of $21,035 for the pavement that was sold beside AP Plasman.

Ordinance 2018-07, which sets compensation and benefits for the Mayor and Council beginning in the 2020 administration, was brought up for approval.

Councilmember Lynn Brewer stated that the pay has not been changed in 18 years.

“I know none of us do this job for the money,” said Councilmember Brewer. “But it is a difficult job and I think to get quality candidates...it’s something that needs to be done.” The motion passed for the 2020 administration.

Bids were opened under Resolution 2018-49 for the first phase of the Police Department renovations. Four companies bid for the job

with Boatner Construction coming in with the lowest bid of $855,000.

Human Resources Director Don Fischer updated the Council regarding the meeting he had with department heads to address the changes to the Sick Bank policy. He stated that after explaining his upgrades to the policy, the department heads were in agreement that this is something that should be passed. With these recommendations, the City Council voted to abolish the Sick Bank in order to move further in the process. Fischer will streamline, clean up, and add to policy that upon retirement, employees could receive half of their balance in pay. The employees will lose nothing, but will virtually gain some days. The new policy will be voted on in the next meeting.

The Council voted to surplus the Cobble Mill Building to Fort Payne/ DeKalb E Center in the amount of $30,000.

In new business, the Council made a budget adjustment to public works in the amount of $137,851 for the purchase of a new leaf machine and various other needed items.

The Council made the following Board Appointments: • Randy Moses to the Fort Payne Improvement Board • Jo Dean, Vicky Kirby and Steve Eberhart to the Fort Payne Industrial Development Board • Wade Hill to the Fort Payne Water Board The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held on Tuesday, January 15 at 12pm on the second floor of City Hall.

RAINSVILLE from Page 1 he was still researching the changes at the Agri-Business Center, but was interrupted by Byrum who stated that this was a City Council meeting, not a meeting of the Agri-Business Center Board.

Stiefel replied back that he knew that this was a City Council but that the City subsidizes the Agri-Business Center in taxpayer money with approximately $1,000 per day. Byrum asked Agri-Business Board Chairman Bryan Thomas if he had anything to say.

Thomas addressed Stiefel regarding his statements that the PBA had a raw deal, which Stiefel replied that he meant that they did not receive any pay even after taking over the financial duties of the Agri-Business Center. Thomas laid blame to the City’s previous administration and former mayor Nick Jones. Jones and previous council left office in November of 2016.

Last week, Southern Torch sent letters to the PBA Board members, Mayor Lingerfelt, attorneys for the City and PBA Board, Agri-Business Center director Mike Sweat and City Clerk Kelly Frazier in an effort to obtain financial information pertaining to

the PBA. At the time of print, no information has been provided.

Thomas appeared to be unhappy with the information request, however, the official requests were made pursuant to Alabama law that governs disclosure of public information and documents.

Thomas said that the letters should have been sent to the last City Council and Mayor, not the present administration. He stated that the last administration and mayor, “set us back ten years.” Thomas told Stiefel that, “we will get you all the information you need, buddy.”

Jones was contacted for comment and added, “that subsidizing the Agri center to the tune of $360,000 a year has certainly put the City in worse financial condition when compared with the total annual budget for the Civic Center which was $120,000 a year. Plus, with the Civic Center, Plainview (High School) had unfettered access to a facility that Rainsville taxpayers built and paid for.” When asked about criticism of his management style Jones said, “I stand by my record.

The facility was built and and is still managed on fairytale economics and good ole boy politics. And I’ve never let criticism from the good ole boys bother me.”

The full video of the discussion can be found on southerntorch.com.

Southern Torch will update our story as more information becomes available.

In other business, the council: • Set a special called meeting with a planned executive session to discuss the good name and character of a city employee; the meeting will be held on Thursday, January 3 at 5pm • Approved the surplus of 48 pieces of office equipment in the police department • Approved calendar sales money ($2,160.41) for police evidence program • Moved to open a new account for seized drug money • Accepted the bid for new emergency communication equipment for the police department in the amount of $123,253.77 • Approved renewal of the Children’s Advocacy Center sponsorship in the amount of $1,000 • Approved a two-percent raise for City employees; cost were not stated • Approved the repair of sewer lines in the Orchard subdivision The next regular meeting of the Rainsville City Council will be on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 5pm with a workshop beginning at 4:15pm.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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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 18-January 6, DeKalb County Schools Christmas Break - Students who attend any DeKalb County

school will be relieved from class work for the Christmas holidays from December 18 to January 6.

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.

December 25, Christmas - Celebrate the Christmas season with family, friends and loved ones! Merry Christmas from all of us here at Southern Torch!

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 want to 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.

January 1, First Day Hike at DeSoto State Park - Hike along the DeSoto Scout Trail on New Year’s Day 2019! DeSoto State Park is starting off the new year with a first day’s hike. Join DeSoto, the Little River Canyon Preserve (National Park Service) and JSU Field Schools staff on a beautiful outdoor adventure along the West Fork of Little River on the rugged DeSoto Scout Trail. See historic Civilian Conservation Corps-built structures, waterfalls and wonderful views of Little River. The hike will be roughly two miles and begin at 1pm at the DeSoto State Park Country Store.

January 17, 52nd Annual Rainsville Chamber Banquet - Join the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce for their 52nd Annual Banquet! It will feature a catered dinner, live entertainment with Tommy & Dennis George and more. The 2018 Rainsville Person of the Year and Business of the Year will be presented.

The new Chamber board members will be introduced as well. The banquet will be held at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center at 6:30pm on Thursday, January 17. The seating is limited and tickets will be $25 each. To purchase your tickets, contact the Rainsville Chamber at 256-638-7800 or email chamber@farmerstel. com.

Miss Merry Christmas Congratulations to all of the Miss Merry Christmas winners!

BABY MISS MERRY CHRISTMAS

Harper Guffey (Queen), Carlee Powell (1st Alternate), Alyssa Davis (2nd Alternate), Serenity Mae Posey (3rd Alternate)

TINY MISS MERRY CHRISTMAS

Eden Guffey (Queen), Frankie Hilyer (1st Alternate), Harper Hughes (2nd Alternate), Madalyn Kelly (3rd Alternate)

MINI MISS MERRY CHRISTMAS Lolah Hilyer (Queen), Rowan Simpson (1st Alternate), Lily Beason (2nd Alternate), Harbor Wilson (3rd Alternate)

LITTLE MISS MERRY CHRISTMAS

Eden Guffey (Queen), Frankie Hilyer (1st Alternate), Harper Hughes (2nd Alternate), Madalyn Kelly (3rd Alternate)

YOUNG MISS MERRY CHRISTMAS

Marlo Thwaits (Queen), Aliyah Lukah (1st Alternate), Lindsay Davis (2nd Alternate), D'sya Dukes (3rd Alternate)

PRE-TEEN MISS MERRY CHRISTMAS

Emory Phillips (Queen), Kinsley St. John (1st Alternate), Bailey Blevins (2nd Alternate), Alexis Wigley (3rd Alternate)

JUNIOR MISS MERRY CHRISTMAS

Shelby Johnson (Queen), Haylin Veal (1st Alternate), Emma Campbell Crawford (2nd Alternate), Talula Bell Scott (3rd Alternate)

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

TEEN MISS MERRY CHRISTMAS Julie Smith (Queen), Jordan Crump (1st Alternate), Ashlyn Holland (2nd Alternate), Angela Husky (3rd Alternate)

4

FRIDAY — DECEMBER 21, 2018

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NACC MACHINE TOOL PROGRAM RECEIVES AWARD

By Staff Reports POWELL, Ala. — Northeast Alabama Community College officials are pleased to announce that the Machine Tool Program has been awarded $20,000 for student scholarships and eligible competitions that showcase Manufacturing and CNC Machining programs.

The award was given by the Gene Haas Foundation whose primary goal is to build skills in the machining industry by providing scholarships and National Institute of Metalworking Skills

(NIMS) credentials for CNC machine tool technology students.

Students in the Machine Tool Program excel. Last year NACC Machine Tool students earned four medals at the Alabama SkillsUSA State competitions. They were: • GOLD- “CNC Milling Specialist” Caleb West • GOLD- “CNC Technician” John Westmoreland • SILVER- “CNC Technician” Logan Tidwell • BRONZE- “CNC Milling Specialist” Brandon Davis NACC offers a short-term certificate in Machine Tool Technology,

as well as certificate and degree options in the Industrial Systems Technology program. Some students may choose to transfer to a university to earn a bachelor’s degree in technology. In this case, follow the STARS Guide to learn which courses may transfer.

The Machine Tool Technology program at Northeast is industrydriven and focused on preparing graduates for the workforce.

Certifications are embedded into the curriculum so that students will earn industry Certifications and Certificates as they progress in the program.

Graduates of the Machine Tool Technology program at Northeast can design, prototype, and build parts all while maintain the machines and assuring safety in the shop environment. This challenging program prepares students for all aspects of machine tool technology, including design, CNC programming,

troubleshooting, advanced manufacturing, and creating innovative solutions.

“The opportunities are endless at NACC,” said John Quaid Westmoreland, AAS graduate of the Machine Tool Technology program at Northeast. “NACC is the start of new career opportunities. NACC not only teaches students but they also help find them jobs in the field that they are studying. They have a long list of companies looking for people fresh out of school looking to start a lifelong career.”

The occupational outlook includes a 23% projected growth expected in job positions for machinists in Alabama between now and 2024.

The median hourly wage for machinists in Alabama is approximately $22 (America’s CareerInfoNet, 2015; earnings vary based on experience, education, and location).

For more information about the Machine Tool Technology program at NACC, contact Instructor Hugo DeAngelis, at 256-638-4418 or 256-228-6001, ext. 2813.

Email him at deangelish@ nacc.edu.

Early registration for Spring Semester is going on now. See your advisor or someone in the Admissions Office to enroll. Regular registration is January 4 and classes begin January 7.

For additional college information, go to www. nacc.edu or download the free App at the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Follow NACC on social media.

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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 21, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

Inside the Statehouse

By Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Republican tidal wave that swept Alabama’s statewide office holders to landslide victories filtered down to legislative races.

Even though our legislature really didn’t need to become any more conservative or Republican, it did anyway.

We had a super majority Republican State House and Senate. We now have a super, super GOP majority. Republicans picked up five more Alabama House seats and added another state Senate seat. That gives the GOP a 27 to 8 advantage in the Senate and a 77 to 28 edge in the House.

If you make a trip to the Capitol and view the circus-like atmosphere of the January organizational session, you will be as likely to see a dinosaur on display as to spot a white Democratic legislator. There are two in the 140 membership.

The two relics are Billy Beasley in the Senate and Neil Rafferty in the House.

Three Democratic House Icons did not run for reelection this year.

Retiring House members, James Buskey of Mobile, Marcel Black of Tuscumbia and Richard Lindsey of Centre, were legends and they will be missed. They epitomized the class and quality of individuals who have rendered outstanding leadership and statesmanship to public service for not only their constituents but also to the State of Alabama.

James Buskey is retiring at 81. Mr. Buskey has served 42 years in the Alabama House of Representatives. He first won election to his House Seat in a Special Election in 1976. He subsequently was reelected overwhelmingly to 10 four-year terms. His leadership has made an impact for all of Mobile County. Over his legislative career he served on Ways and Means and Rules Committees.

Over the past decade he has been the leader and wise shepherd of the Democrats in the House even though he let young members hold the Title.

His professional career was as an educator.

He served as a Vice Principal and Principal of several Mobile High Schools. I watched him be pushed to the limit numerous times in his

efforts to represent his constituents. I never saw him lose his temper or his dignified yet humorous demeanor.

As long as I live I will never forget a speech he made on the floor of the House in 1983. George Wallace was in his last term as governor and he was trying to tax everything that wasn’t nailed down. Even though Mobile had always been good to Wallace, he was aiming a good many of his tax initiatives at the Port City. Buskey took to the microphone and an impassioned yet hilarious portrayal of Wallace’s tax men in a flotilla of vessels sailing into Mobile Bay to rob the Mobilians. I will fondly call him Admiral in memory of that speech for the rest of my life.

Representative Marcel Black is retiring at age 67 after 28 years in the Alabama Legislature.

Marcel is one of the finest gentlemen I’ve ever known. He was born and raised in Tuscumbia and represented his hometown of Tuscumbia and County of Colbert for seven four-year terms. He is a proud graduate of the University of Alabama and Alabama Law School.

Besides being an

outstanding legislator, he is one of the most prominent lawyers in his part of the state. He was a great friend and admirer of Tuscumbia’s most prominent lawyer and judge and Senator Howell Heflin. Heflin, who served as Alabama’s Chief Justice and our United States Senator for 18 years, however, was not Tuscumbia’s most prominent citizen. That title belongs to one Helen Keller.

Marcel served in a host of legislative posts.

He was Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and would have probably been elected Speaker of the House had the Democrats retained the majority in 2010.

Representative Richard Lindsey is retiring at the ripe old age of 62.

He has served 36 years in the Alabama House of Representatives. If you assume that you are an adult at 21, then that means that Richard has served almost his entire adult life representing his home folks in the Legislature, 36 of his 41 years as an adult has been as a legislator. He was elected in 1982 at age 26.

Even though he has been a State

Representative for most of his life, he is first and foremost a farmer. He was born and raised in Centre in Cherokee County and runs the family farm business. He has been a leader in the Alabama Farmers Federation and his Methodist church. Like Marcel Black, Richard Lindsey is one of the finest gentlemen you will ever meet.

James Buskey, Marcel Black and Richard Lindsey

exude integrity.

Legislators on both sides of the aisle should strive to emulate these three gentlemen.

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.

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DEATH NOTICES WILSON James Allen Callaham - 71 of Fort Payne, passed away on Wednesday, December 12. Visitation was held from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, December 15 at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on Saturday, December 15 at Wilson Funeral Home. Burial followed in Pine Grove Cemetery.

Richard Allen Zimmerman - 67 of Fort Payne, passed away on Friday, December 14. A private service will be held at a later date.

Linda Joyce Chitwood - 74 of Boaz, formerly of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, December 15 at her residence. Visitation was held on Tuesday, December 18 from 1pm until the service time at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Tuesday, December 18 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Union Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

S.A. “Peanut” Haney - 83 of Valley Head, passed away on Monday,

December 17. Visitation was held on Tuesday, December 18 from 4pm to 7pm at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held at 11am on Wednesday, December 19 at Wilson Funeral Home with Revs.

Stephen Carson and Glenn Tanner officiating. Burial followed in Valley Head Cemetery.

RAINSVILLE Deloner Mashburn Dobbins - 87 of Fyffe, passed away on Sunday, December 16 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center.

Visitation was held on Monday, December 17 from 5pm to 8pm and Tuesday, December 18 from 10am to 2pm at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 18 at 2pm at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. James Ledwell officiating. Burial followed in Liberty Cemetery.

Jean Dobbins - 88 of Fyffe, passed away on Tuesday, December 18 at Crowne Health Care.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, December 19 from 5pm to 8pm and Thursday, December 20 from 10am to 11am at the funeral home. Funeral

services were held at 11am on Thursday, December 20 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

Dell Nix - 84 of Rainsville, passed away on Tuesday, December 18 at Cloverdale Manor.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, December 19 from 4pm to 8pm and on Thursday, December 20 from 10am to 2pm at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Thursday, December 20 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bros. Oron Whitley and Shirley Byrum officiating. Burial followed in Old Sardis Cemetery.

CORNER STONE R.H. Horton - 71 of Henagar, passed away on Sunday, December 16 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Visitation was held from 6pm to 8pm on Monday, December 17; from 10am to 8pm on Tuesday, December 18; and from 10am to service time on Wednesday, December 19 at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held at 3pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Robby Ferguson and Pastor Keith Stanford officiating.

Burial followed in Fuller Cemetery.

Mark L. Barrentine - 51 of Rosalie, passed away on Monday, December 17 at Huntsville Hospital.

Visitation was held from

5pm to 8pm on Tuesday, December 18 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel and from noon to service time on Wednesday, December 19 at the First United Methodist Church of Scottsboro. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Wednesday, December 19 at the church with Dr. Steven Screws officiating.

Burial followed in New Hope Cemetery.

WT WILSON Norman Scott Bartrom - 57 of Rainsville, passed away on Thursday, December 13.

Peggy Ann Mayes - 72 of Fyffe, passed away on Thursday, December 13 at her residence. Visitation was held on Friday, December 14 from 5pm to 8pm at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on Saturday, December 15 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Briggs King officiating.

Burial followed in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

Johnnie Roy Steed - 61 of Rainsville, passed away on Saturday, December 15.

Visitation was held on Monday, December 17 from 5pm to 8pm at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Tuesday, December 18 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Frank Bradford officiating. Burial followed in Straight Creek Cemetery.

Evelyn Estele

Hyde-Karr - 93 of Verona, Mo., formerly of Albertville, passed away on Monday, December 17 at Aurora Nursing Home. A graveside service will be held at 10am on Thursday, December 20 at Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery.

James Winford Strange - 80 of Dawson, passed away on Tuesday, December 18. Cremation services are provided by WT Wilson Funeral Chapel.

BURT Sharon Diane Hooper - 60 of Fort Payne, passed away on Friday, December 14 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Visitation was held on Monday, December 17 at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne from 12pm to 2pm. A memorial service will be held at 2pm at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne on Monday, December 17 with Pastor Carol Moore and Prophetess Ann Chapman officiating.

at Collinsville Funeral Home-Sharpe Chapel.

Funeral services were held at 11am on Wednesday, December 19 at Collinsville Funeral Home-Sharpe Chapel with Bros. Bob Hundley and Deon Black officiating. Burial followed in Copeland Bridge Cemetery.

KERBY Charles Randall Hammond - 69 of Henagar, passed away on Thursday, December 13 at Kindred Hospital in Chattanooga. Visitation was held on Sunday, December 16 from 11am to 2pm at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Sunday, December 16 at Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Bros. Jeremy Freeman and Jeff Watkins officiating. Burial followed in Rainsville Memorial Park.

COLLINSVILLE Pamela Smith Coker - 62 of Collinsville, passed away on Saturday, December 15. Visitation was held from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday, December 18

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FRIDAY — DECEMBER 21, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

PLAINVIEW'S PERFECT FREE-THROW SHOOTING SURGES TEAM INTO AHSAA SPOTLIGHT

Plainview senior Caden Millican faces off against Etowah. (Photo by Brandon K. Pierce | The Sports Ledger)

By Staff Reports MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Plainview High School’s boys’ basketball team showed the world last season on the way to a 34-1 season and Class 3A state championship that its team could shoot the basketball as good as any team – especially from the 3-point arc.

Last week, the Bears of Coach Robi Coker showed they are also just as prolific at the foul line going 26-of-26 as a team to beat Etowah 91-86. Five different players stepped to the line in the game and each was perfect to earn the AHSAA Boys Basketball Spotlight this week.

The team followed with a perfect 8-of-8 in a win over Sacred Heart Catholic to extend the team streak to 34 and made their first five in Monday’s win over Spring Garden before finally ending the perfect streak at 39 in a row. The 26 in a row versus Etowah is a single-game state record and the 39 in a row is the AHSAA’s state team record as well.

Plainview’s Tristian Willingham, who made 11 in a row in the stretch, still has his personal streak still alive.

He was 8-of-8 versus Etowah. Koby Tinker was 9-for-9 and finished with 26 points. Caden Millican, who had 30 points, made all five free throws he shot and teammates Dane Haymon and Cole Millican were both 2-for-2.

Plainview (10-1) made 13-of-34 3-pointers in the win over Etowah with Caden Millican netting five and Tinker made 3. The Bears had 12 treys by halftime. Etowah was 10-of-24 on 3-point goals and 6-of-10 at the foul line.

Cullman hit 21-of-21 in a Northwest Regional 71-68 overtime win over Athens in the 2015 Northwest Regional tournament. The Bearcats finished 37-of-41 in that tourney to set a Regional Tourney record for free-throw accuracy.

Coker’s team made a state-record 467-of-1,288 3-point goals last season – including one at the buzzer to lift the Bears to a to a 78-75 overtime win over Hillcrest-Evergreen in the 2018 Class 3A state finals at the BJCC. Plainview finished the season 34-2. The school already holds the state record for most 3-pointers attempted (57) and made (25) in a single game and in a single season.

Plainview’s free-throw shooting precision edged out a 52-point effort by Pinson Valley’s Kam Woods, who sparked the Indians to a 104-95 win over Ruston (LA) at the Belton/Williams Classic tourney at Monroe (LA). He had eight rebounds, five assists and five steals in the win and also scored 28 in Pinson’s 86-62 loss to Rayville (LA).

ALL-REGION Congratulations to all of the following players from DeKalb County who made the 2A All-Region Team in 2018!

Player of the Year: Payton Anderson - Senior, RB (Fyffe) Offensive MVP: Landon Green - Junior, QB (NSM) Defensive MVP: Japeth Long - Senior, DL (Fyffe) FYFFE Payton Stoner - Senior, DB Wyatt Godwin - Senior, DL Zach Pyron - Freshman, QB Malachi Mize - Sophomore, OLB Caleb Lyles - Sophomore, OL Tyler Kinard - Senior, OL Jake Stone - Senior, OLB Eli Benefield - Sophomore, DE COLLINSVILLE Jason Perez - Junior, Kicker Kaleb Jones- Junior, QB Jarrod Barkley - Senior, RB Mason McKinney - Senior, DB TJ Osborn - Junior, DL Calvin Willingham - Junior, OL Blake Sparks - Sophomore, LB IDER Jacob Higdon - Senior, RB Seth Hawkins - Junior, OLB Jared Swanson - Senior, DL HONORABLE MENTIONS FYFFE Kyle Dukes - Freshman, LB Brody Dalton - Sophomore, TE Cage Cochran - Junior, LB Ike Rowell - Sophomore, DB COLLINSVILLE Brian Lopez - Junior, LB Miles Underwood - Junior, DE Mickel Tucker - Junior, Rec. Bryant Patton - Sophomore, OL IDER Tucker Cook - Senior, C

SAND MOUNTAIN TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS

EAGLES SOAR OVER THE RAMS

Fyffe beat Geraldine 80-58 in the first round of the Sand Mountain Varsity Boys Tournament held at the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum.

Austin Buster lead Fyffe with 25 points. He was followed

by Brodie Dalton (12) Gabe Gardner (11 pts and 6 assist), Parker Godwin (11 pts and 6 assist), Tucker Goolesby (10 pts and ten rebounds).

Geraldine was lead by Xavier works who had (20) points for the night.

STAY TUNED for a full breakdown of the Sand Mountain Tournament in next week's edition!

FYFFE FISHING HOOKS A WIN

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Hunter Machen and Evan Chandler of Fyffe grabbed First Place High School Honors catching a total weight 17.21 in the Lake Guntersville Alabama Bass Tournament! Congratulations!

PHOTO BY KRISTY GALLAGHER

Jared Wilks shoots while being guarded by Sylvania's Jarett Hill. Pisgah defeated Sylvania 73-51. Jarred Higgins led the Rams with 21 points.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GALLAGHER

Auburn signee Annie Hughes is challenged by Sylvania's Tyla Tatum. The Pisgah Lady Eagles defeated the Rams 66-37.

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FRIDAY — DECEMBER 21, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Congratulations To Our Fyffe Red Devils...

Alabama Class 2A State Champions!

Champions. It’s one word that will speak loudly in the lives of the coaches and players of the 2018 Fyffe Red Devils. Very few enjoy the opportunity to be a state champion, and with Fyffe’s 21-19 win over Luverne, a new page of football history and legacy continues.

Each of us at Peoples Independent Bank applaud the hard work, commitment to excellence and teamwork that resulted in this championship season. We’re proud to support our Red Devil athletes on the field, and in the classroom. Best wishes for a repeat season next year!

us! h t i w g n i k n a b You’ll like Boaz You’ll • Scottsboro • Hokes Bluff With Us! Like Banking Douglas • Steele • Gurley • Fyffe • Powell • Sylvania pibonline.com

Superintendent Jason Barnett and the DeKalb County Board of Education wants to congratulate the Fyffe Red Devils for winning the 2A Football State Championship!

PHOTO BY FYFFE ATHLETIC CLUB | FACEBOOK

BOARD MEMBERS

Randy Peppers, Robert Elliott, Mark Richards, Carol Hiett, & Monty Darwin

7

8

FRIDAY — DECEMBER 21, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Christmas Blessings to you and yours

NoRth office front row: Lora Wooten, tania Brown, tracy Arnold, Nohemi Median, Misty Wilson.

2nd row: Nanette McWilliams, felecia centers, tina Burke, Amy tallent, cynthia ellis, Amy Woods, tina Whiteside, Pam Gipson & cindy hechler.

Back row: Madison edmonds, Lily Smith, Jon henderson, David henderson & Kisha Mays.

Not pictured: Debra Pitts, elaine turner & holly Brandon.

RAiNSViLLe office front row: Laura hulgan 2nd row: tessica Burch, Bobbie Busby, Jeanie Sauerland, Lisa Walker, LaSondra chandler, olivia Lands, Glenda Norwood and Mandi cooper.

Back row: Nick Jones, Jan Anderson, Stephanie Dobbs, Brenda St. John, Donna Johnson.

Not pictured: francisco Manuel.

South office Martha helms, Leanna Kurts, Nanette Wynn, Randy Moses, Sam Akins, Rocchina Blevins, Seferina Valey.

Not pictured: Mary Smith and Janice Dennis.

heNAGAR office chelsea Dixson, April Shepherd, Derek Whisenant, Jennifer Barrentine and Darline Goolesby.

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

GRANt office Amy Sanderson, Kathy ferguson, Jacob Stubblefield and Gloria Shipman.

Luke 2:11

www.fsbal.com Fort Payne, AL 256-845-6101 | Rainsville, AL 256-638-2200 | Henagar, AL 256-657-2200 | Grant, AL 256-728-8000