The Southern Torch, Vol. 4, Issue 8

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 / VOL. 4, NO. 8 / $1.00

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Plainview punches ticket to State

>> THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

•Plainview: REGION CHAMPS... Again!

•The Collinsville Lady Panthers Fall in Finals >> THIS WEEK IN FAITH

(Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

Fort Payne unveils new flag

marla@southerntorch.com

contest.

The design on the left was submitted by Jeff White, and took first place, with the design on the right, submitted by Constance Price, coming in a close second.

Both received a cash

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — The No. 1 ranked Plainview Bears defeated the Piedmont Bulldogs, 64-36 on Tuesday night to win the 2018 ASHAA Class 3A Northeast Regional Champand set the All-Time National Record for most 3-pointers (453) made in a season.

>> FORT PAYNE FLAG, P2

>> FULL STORY IN SPORTS!

Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser displays the city’s new flag, selected after a contest was held to design the city flag. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor tyler@southerntorch.com

•Billy Graham, America's Pastor, goes home to Heaven •He Cares for Us >> THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

•Alexander inspires with new book •At The Movies: Black Panther hits big across the world

FRIDAY 2/23

73 • 61

SATURDAY 2/24

71 • 60

SUNDAY 2/25

63 • 52

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Full Video on our Website) Towards the end of Tuesday’s Fort Payne City Council Meeting, Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser

unveiled the City’s new official flag.

“We took two of the winning entries, and kind of combined them. It’s basically the red diagonal that represents the State of Alabama. We’ve got the trail of tears, the Boom Days, the music revolution, and the sock business,”

said Chesser.

“The letters on to the left, are Sequoyah’s Cherokee language, and stand for Willicy, which is their word for Wills Town,” said Chesser.

At the 2017 Independence Day Celebration, the winners were announced for the

Moonshine Still Ainsworth defends plan to located in Langston arm teachers

James Q. Little (52 of Langston), Jason A. Woodle (37 of Langston), and Ginger K. Woodle (39 of Langston) were arrested after methamphetamine, a moonshine still, and un-taxed alcohol was found in Jackson County. (Jackson County Sheriff’s Office)

By Staff Reports SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office: On Friday February 16, 2018, members of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and Patrol Deputies executed a search warrant at a residence on Cumberland Lane in Langston, Alabama.

During this search, Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, a Moonshine Still and un-taxed alcohol were located and seized.

As a result of this investigation, the listed three persons were arrested and charged with violations of Alabama law.

James Q. Little, age 52 of Langston, Alabama who was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substances-Methamphetamine, Illegal Possession of Alcoholic Beverages, Illegal Possession of a Moonshine Still, Menacing (Warrant) and Assault 3rd degree (warrant).

James Little was booked into the Jackson County Jail and later released on $6,500 bond.

Jason A. Woodle, age 37 of Langston, Alabama who was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substances-Methamphetamine. Jason Woodle was booked into the Jackson County Jail and later released on $5,000 bond.

Ginger K. Woodle, age 39 of Langston, Alabama who was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substances-Methamphetamine. Ginger Woodle was booked into the Jackson County Jail and later released on $5,000 bond.

(File Photo)

By Staff Reports GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. — Earlier today, Representative Will Ainsworth (R – Guntersville) responded to U.S. Senator Doug Jones’ criticism of his bill to arm Alabama Peace Officer Safety and Training (APOST) trained teachers in effort to better protect schools in an active shooter situation.

“I think that’s the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard,” Jones told Alabama’s News 5 on Monday in response to the proposal from state Rep. Will Ainsworth (R). “I think it’s crazy. You don’t need 40–50 guns in there, and it’s a cost issue.”

“At the news conference outlining our proposal, I was joined by two Alabama sheriffs, three school superintendents, and roughly a dozen classroom teachers who support the idea of allowing educators to have access to guns during instructional hours in the event of a school shooting, so when Doug Jones dismisses the idea, he insults the law enforcement personnel who risk their lives daily in the line of duty and the brave educators who simply want the right to protect their students and themselves.

It should come as no surprise that a

Schumer-loving, gun-controlling liberal Democrat like Doug Jones would oppose any idea that embraces the Second Amendment and literally puts the power to fight back against gun attacks in the hands of trained and certified teachers. He believes teachers should protect their classrooms armed with No. 2 pencils.

The real ‘dumbest idea’ occurred when Liberal Doug thought he could get away with voting against a ban on late term abortions while representing a pro-life state that honors innocent, unborn life as much as Alabama does.

>> AINSWORTH, P6

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

2

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 23, 2018

New flag for Fort Payne, page 1

Investigators located drugs in Langston

The winning flag is a combination of the first and second place designs submitted by Jeff White (left) and Constance Price (right). (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch) price for their submissions.

Around 80 designs were submitted, and the flag ideas were voted on by a panel of judges.

After partnering with Fort Payne Main Street, the city announced a cash award for the first and second place winners. The top 10 overall flag designs received a Certificate of Appreciation from Mayor Larry Chesser.

The entry forms asked contestants: “What are the best features of Fort Payne? What are the things that make Fort Payne a remarkable small town? As you think about the past, present, and future, what colors, symbols, and designs can you come up

LEGAL IN THE CHILD SUPPORT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

with to capture the spirit of Fort Payne?”

The city also received a good report on their annual audit. Katie Condit-Brown of MDA Associates, gave the report to the city council.

“We are issuing what we call an, ‘unmodified opinion,’ which is a clean opinion, and the highest opinion you can issue on a financial statement,” Brown said.

The council also discussed Resolution 2018-05, authorizing Tony Renta’s plan to renovate the Police Department and the Old Forest Avenue School Building at 2nd and Forest Avenue North.

Councilman Wade Hill

said, “We got a proposal from Tony (Renta) a month or so ago, to do the study on this building and the police station, to see what the plan would entail to renovate. It’s not architectural drawings; it’s basically to study the buildings, check for hazards, and then get a construction manager to maybe look at it. And give us some ballpark figures.”

“We are to the point right now, and if we want to carry on with that, we’ve got to enter into an agreement with somebody to do that, and we have a proposal from his group,” said Hill.

Hill said the council would discuss the matter during this meeting, and

will consider passing the resolution at the next meeting.

“The police department was top priority, identified by Tony Renta,” said Councilwoman Lynn Brewer.

“I think the police department definitely needs renovating,” said Councilman Red Taylor. “I would like to see that prioritized.”

“That was the general consensus of everybody; that this a top priority, renovating the police department,” said Council President Brian Baine.

Hill also related that the Police Department would have to moved to another building during the renovations.

By Staff Reports LANGSTON, Ala. — On Tuesday February 20, 2018, members of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit, Patrol Deputies and members of the ALEA State Drug Task Force executed a search warrant on Lakeshore Drive in Langston, Alabama. During the search of the residence Investigators located Oxycodone, Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia. Arrested in connection with this investigation were: Dustin Taylor JOHNSON age 26 of Langston, Alabama who was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substances and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd degree. JOHNSON remains in the Jackson County Jail.

Tiffany Lynn WILSON age 29 of Scottsboro, Alabama who was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. WILSON was released on $300 bond.

Additional arrests are pending in the case.

DeKalb Farm Service Agency announces County Committee Election Results

CASE NO. CS-2018-900002 NOTICE TO: UNKNOWN FATHER UNKNOWN FATHER, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Petition for Custody and other relief filed by Mother/Plaintiff, Guadalupe Pascual Pascual, by the 26th day of March, 2018, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No.: CS-18900002, in the District Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

/s/ Gabriela Watson, Esq WATSON & WATSON P.O. Box 1068 Albertville, Alabama 35950 Publish: February 2, February 9, February 16, and February 23, 2018

By Staff Reports RAINSVILLE, Ala. —DeKalb County U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Beverly Noles announced that County Committee elections are over and the ballots have been counted.

Michael Love of Rainsville was elected to represent local administrative area (LAA) #2 and Sammy Steve Allen of

Know your

neighbor?

M. Chris Kuykendall

1827 Gault Ave. North Fort Payne, AL 35967 Bus 256 845-4934 chris.kuykendall.b17y@statefarm.com

I’M THERE

Fyffe will serve as the first alternate.

"County Committee members are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA,” said Noles. "They help deliver programs at the county level and work to serve the needs of local producers. All recently elected County Committee members will take office in January 2018, and will be joining the existing committee.” Every FSA office is required to have a County Committee, and

they are made up of local farmers who are elected by local farmers.

Nearly 7,800 FSA County Committee members serve FSA offices nationwide. Each committee has three to 11 elected members who serve three-year terms of office. One-third of County Committee seats are up for election each year.

County Committee members impact the administration of FSA within a community by applying their knowledge

and judgment to help FSA make important decisions on its commodity support programs, conservation programs, indemnity and disaster programs, emergency programs and eligibility.

County Committee members impact producers through their decision making and help shape the culture of a local FSA office. They also

ensure the fair and equitable administration of FSA farm programs in their counties and are accountable to the Secretary of Agriculture.

Members conduct hearings and reviews as requested by the State Committee, ensure socially disadvantaged (SDA) farmers and ranchers are fairly represented, make recommendations to the State Committee on existing programs, monitor changes in farm programs and inform farmers of the purpose and provisions of FSA programs. They also assist with outreach and inform underserved producers such as beginning farmers and ranchers about FSA opportunities.

For more information, visit the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov/ elections or contact the DeKalb County FSA office at 256-638-2181 Ext 2.

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 23, 2018

3

Community Alexander inspires with new book Submit your community events to: zach@southerntorch.com

By Staff Reports

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Authors Timothy Alexander and Tim Stephens are proud to announce the release of their new book, “Ever Faithful, Ever Loyal: The Timothy Alexander Story.”

The book, published by Hilltop30 Publishers LLC, is now available through multiple sources and both authors are available for interviews, in person or by phone or social media, at any time.

Both authors are Fort Payne natives. The story will make you laugh, cry, and inspire you. They will host a book signing at the DeKalb County Library on March 6 from 4pm to 6pm.

The biography is an

inspirational story of Timothy Alexander, who grew up as an athlete and had college and professional football potential but was seriously injured in a horrific car accident in 2006. Paralyzed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair, his life could have ended then, but to think something like that means you don’t know Timothy.

Since then, he has refused to take no for an answer.

Timothy became a part of UAB’s football program as an inspirational and motivational leader. When state and university power brokers shut down the program in 2014, Alexander vowed to bring it back. He did just that and the university returned to

college football in 2017, making a bowl game in its first season back — something that Timothy predicted.

The story tells about his troubled childhood, and how he has turned tragedy into triumph. Timothy, 29, is a Birmingham treasure and noted motivational speaker who travels the country talking to high school and college students. He has worked hard to rehabilitate himself enough to get around and be self-supportive. He lives every day with vigor and a huge smile on his face.

The book is available for purchase on www. inspiredbyTA.com, on Amazon, and in local bookstores.

UPCOMING EVENTS Every Tuesday, Parents of Addicted Love 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 meeting, however, for insurance reasons, no one under the age of 18 may attend and child care will not be provided. For more information, go to 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 256-6057854 or Connie Holkem at

256-605-1776. We would love to have you!

February 24, Canyon Concert: Winter Jazz - The 3rd Annual Winter Jazz Concert is set for Saturday, February 24, 2018. This exclusive event is sure to please jazz enthusiasts and music lovers alike. This event has become a much anticipated annual fundraiser for environmental education.

February 24, Sand Mountain Soiree Northeast Alabama Community College invites you to attend the Sand Mountain Soiree on Saturday, February 24 at 11am at the Tom Bevill Lyceum. Tickets are $30.

The soiree will feature Margot Shaw, the founder and editor-in-chief of Flower Magazine, a floral lifestyle magazine.

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March 1, Icons of American Music on RadioVizions RadioVizions presents the "Icons of American Music" series during the month of March. March 1 will feature the songs of Patsy Cline with Clare Donohue.

Advance tickets are $10 online and $15 at the door.

It will be held at the Fort Payne Iron and Coal Building from 6pm to 9pm.

March 11, Dr. Ted Traylor at Rainsville FBC - Dr. Ted Traylor of Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola will be preaching at Rainsville First Baptist Church on Sunday, March 11 in both the 10:15am and 6pm services. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information, visit www. rainsvillefirst.com April 5, Southern Torch Judicial Candidate Forum - Be sure to tune in on April 5 for our Judicial Candidate Forum featuring Republican candidates for Circuit Judge (9th Circuit): Andrew Hairston, Scott Lloyd, and Jeff McCurdy! It will be held at the JSU Canyon Center. Doors will open at 5:30pm and the forum will begin at 6pm.

Times are subject to change. There will be limited seating, so feel encouraged to join the conversation on our live feed on Facebook!

Eloise Smith, Business Manager

published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 203 Main Street E, Rainsville AL, 35986. POSTMASTER:

at the movies 'Black Panther' Review: Long Live the King

March 5-10, Long Ranch 4 Boys Old Timers Allstar Basketball Games - The Long Ranch 4 Boys Old Timers Allstar Basketball Games will be men's and women's divisions and will be held at the DeKalb Schools Coliseum on March 5-10.

Staff: Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is

Ever Faithful, Ever Loyal: The Timothy Alexander Story is available for purchase now. (AP)

Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor Marla Jones, Sports Editor Zach Hester, Graphic Design Artist Amy Thrash, Advertising Representative

Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box

Lindsey Jones, Office Assistant

614 Rainsville, Alabama 35986-0614.

Membership rates:

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Regular yearly rate–$30 Senior or Veteran yearly rates–$25

Walt Disney Stuadios | Marvel Studios)

TorchScore

By Zach Hester ST Columnist For the first time, I walked into a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie without knowing exactly what to expect.

Most superheroes movies follow a relatively simple but effective formula, but Black Panther comes along in 2018 to change the game and face of what a superhero movie can be.

Black Panther chronicles the events following the cataclysm that was Captain America: Civil War. It was in that film that we met T’Challa, the now-King of Wakanda, a fictional seemingly third world nation in Africa, which we quickly learn is the most technologically advanced country on Earth. Wakanda hides its amazing resources like vibranium from the rest of the world with very few knowing about the true nature of the nation.

The film has a really interesting, recurring theme. It’s a great portrayal of the internal

struggle between tradition and innovation that many actual countries today face.

This fight is excellently portrayed in the film’s lead, T’Challa (played by Chadwick Boseman), and the main antagonist, Erik “Killmonger” Stevens, a Wakandan outcast portrayed brilliantly by Michael B. Jordan (who is so underrated).

The struggle also slides into the score. The music is both primal, formal, and futuristic all in a single note. The two completely contrasting styles (tribal and electronic) portray the imbalance between the tradition loving hero and the new, uprising villain.

The score itself acts as a living breathing force within the film reminding us that it’s important to look to your past and focus on the future at the same time.

This film was amazing, but isn’t without flaws. It boils down to being around ten minutes too long and having a couple of jokes being at inappropriate times, a staple of 2017’s

Marvel movies. While plenty of critics have said that T’Challa gets outshone by the other members of this stellar cast like Danai Guerrera and Letitia Wright, I just think it helps build the world that is Wakanda through the eyes of several people. We get more than enough of T’Challa and the characters around him only add to the awesome power of the Black Panther.

With last year’s films, Marvel became a little stale for me. It seemed that all they were producing were one note, quipping quasi-comedies with not much to offer other than great action sequences and bad jokes. That formula didn’t work for me, but audiences seemed to be satisfied. I’m so glad Black Panther offers much more.

It brings character growth for a star studded cast mixed with an exciting setting and score, and not to mention, some of the best placed action I’ve seen in a while. It’s well worth your time and definitely needs to be seen as many times as possible.

4

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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DEATH NOTICES RAINSVILLE Mary Jo Anderson - 85 of Henagar, passed away on Thursday, February 15 at Shepherd’s Cove. Visitation was held on Friday, February 16 from 5pm to 8pm and Saturday, February 17 from 9am until 11am at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 17 at 11am at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mike Dendy officiating.

Burial followed in Burnt Church Cemetery.

Bethany McCarty - 36 of Rainsville, passed away on Friday, February 16 at her residence. Visitation was held on Friday, February 16 from 6pm to 8pm; Saturday, February 17 from 11am until 8pm; and Sunday, February 18 from 11am until 2pm. Funeral services were held on Sunday, February 18 at 2pm at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Revs.

Jeff Watkins, Earnest Corbitt, and Joe Smith officiating. Burial followed

in Rainsville Memorial Park.

Mary Steele - 81 of Chattanooga, passed away on Sunday, February 18 at Erlanger Medical Center.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, February 20 from 11am until 2pm at Tiftonia Holiness Church. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 20 at the church at 2pm EST. Burial followed in Lake Hills Memorial Gardens.

Sandra Green - 70 of Fort Payne, passed away on Thursday, February 15 at her residence. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Christopher Andrews - 34 of Rainsville, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2018.

Visitation was held on Monday, February 19 from 3pm to 8pm and Tuesday, February 20 from 10am until 2pm at the funeral home. Funeral services took place on Tuesday, February 20 at 2pm at

Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Old Sardis Holiness Church Cemetery.

WILSON Charles Shipp III - 75 of Fort Payne, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at Erlanger Medical Center. Visitation was held on Saturday, February 17 from 2pm to 4pm at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Fort Payne. A memorial service was held at the church at 4pm on Saturday, February 17 with Rev. W. Dexter Bender officiating.

WILSON Billy Joe Bowen - 79 of Rainsville, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2018. The family received friends from 5pm to 8pm on Saturday, February 17 at the funeral home.

Funeral services took place at 2pm on Sunday, February 18 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Rev. James Grindstaff officiating. Burial followed

in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

Wayne Thomas - 77 of Henagar, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2018. The family received friends from 5pm to 8pm on Friday, February 16 at the funeral home. Funeral services took place at 2pm on Saturday, February 17

at Victory Baptist Church.

Burial followed in Rainsville Memorial Park.

Othell Hammonds 90 of Fyffe, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2018. The family received friends on Monday, February 19 from noon

until 2pm prior to the service at the funeral home. Funeral services took place at 2pm on Monday, February 19 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Don Brown officiating. Burial followed in Highway Church of God Cemetery.

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 23, 2018

5

Faith

America's Pastor goes home

Billy Graham, 99, passed away on February 21, 2018. (CNN)

By Staff Reports He was a man who crusaded to almost 200 countries. He was a counselor to presidents and people in all walks of life. He was a witness to more people than any other pastor in the history of Christianity. He was Billy Graham.

The North Carolina native was born William Franklin Graham, Jr. on

November 7, 1918 in Charlotte. He was the eldest of four children and from the humble upbringing of a dairy farm, he rose to become synonymous with devout Christian faith. After attending Bob Jones College in Tennessee and the Bible Institute in Florida, he preached the first sermon of his life at Bostwick Baptist Church.

In 1943 while attending

Wheaton College in Illinois, Graham knew that his calling was clear and that the Bible was the infallible word of God. He said, “No sign in the heavens. No voice from above. But in my spirit, I knew I had been called to the ministry. And I knew my answer was ‘yes’”.

His ministry began in the late 1940s with crusades in more than 150 countries on six of our seven continents. At 28 years old, Graham spoke to 6,000 people at his first

He Cares for Us

By Zach Hester ST Columnist I am a dog person. At any given moment and without notice, I will whip out my phone and show you the most recent photo that I’ve taken of Rusty, my almost ten-year-old dachshund. As National Love Your Pet Day passed this week, I thought a lot about how much our little four legged friends depend on their owners. They require us to give them food, water, a place to live, and of course, plenty of love. Doesn’t that sound a lot like what we need from God? As servants of the Lord, we live under His calm, commanding hand in His world. He provides.

Philippians 4:19 says

“My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” While plenty of people think that lots of “stuff” is necessary (something I’m guilty of far too often), it’s simple to remember that God will provide us with exactly what we need in His own time. He uses the gifts that He provides to mold us into the believer that we need to be.

Just like we watch over and care for our pets, God watches over us and makes sure that we have exactly what we need to best serve Him and the purpose He has set for our lives. Our pets may get into the garbage every now and then (in Rusty’s case, often) and we might get frustrated, but it’s

important to realize that as caretakers, we should forgive and continue to love. God does that. He forgives us of all transgressions and sins if we just ask Him to come into our lives. He never stops loving as long as we live.

I realize that I went pretty far for this analogy, but National Love Your Pet Day really got me to thinking about this. As you go throughout the next week, when you pour out a scoop of food for your animal or give them a good scratch on the noggin, think about how important that notion is: caring for something. It’s important to realize what unconditional love really is: God’s love. Have a great week!

crusade in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It’s noted that he referred to his sessions as crusades as a reference to the medieval Christian forces that conquered Jerusalem.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Graham came to know some of the most powerful and influential people in the world. He came to develop a close friendship with Martin Luther King, Jr., who he allegedly called “Mike”, a nickname that King’s closest friends called him.

He served as a friend, confidant, and close counselor to Presidents Eisenhower, Johnson, and Nixon. He even preached at Johnson’s funeral in 1969.

Former President George W. Bush says that Graham helped him become a more committed Christian. It’s reported that Eisenhower asked for Graham on his deathbed.

For more than fifty years, Graham trekked across the world as a messenger for the Word of God. He broke barriers on segregation, advised presidents and even the Queen, and spread the gospel to more people and places than anyone else in the history of the Christian faith.

If you grew up in the South, you know the name.

Graham’s name has been a staple of Southern Baptist pastors’ sermons that seems to be throw out to grab attention when someone was asleep in the front pew. Even in failing health and a retired career, Graham said, “I know that soon my life will be over. I thank God for it, and for all He has given me in this life.

But I look forward to Heaven.” He taught this same hope to the millions he came to find in front of his pulpit over his long career.

Over his life he was known as “America’s pastor” and the “Protestant Pope” as he led more than three million

people to follow Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Graham passed away at 99 on February 21, 2018 after preaching over 200 million people in a career that spanned over half a century. His life will be remembered in adoration through the voices of the Christian leaders that came to know him, learn from him, and eventually rise to become his peer.

Graham will never be forgotten, especially with famous words like this, “Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don't you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.”

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Politics

Submit your political news to: tyler@southerntorch.com

Ainsworth Fuller announces campaign defends plan to unseat Livingston for arming teachers, page 1 I will happily challenge Doug Jones to a public debate on the merits of arming trained and certified teachers and utilizing their Second Amendment constitutional rights as the best way to discourage and mitigate school shootings like the one that occurred in Florida last week.”

Ainsworth noted that educators in his area actually contacted him with the idea and asked him to sponsor it shortly after news of the tragic attack at Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School was announced.

The bill is similar to policies already on the books in at least 19 other states.

Under the provisions of House Bill 435, which currently has 31 co-sponsors, specially selected teachers and administrators who undergo a thorough mental evaluation and successfully complete annual APOST training would have access to firearms during school

hours if an active shooter scenario occurred.

Participation in the program would be voluntary, and while taxpayers would cover the cost of training, the selected educators would be required to provide their own firearms.

Much like undercover air marshals who patrol commercial air flights, the names of those authorized to carry firearms would be kept secret from the school population and public, but local law enforcement would be provided with a specific marker identifying the participants.

Additional details and the full text of the legislation may be found by visiting this link on the Alabama Legislature’s website: http://alisondb. legislature.state.al.us/ ALISON/

124 McCurdy Ave S Rainsville, AL 35986 256-638-4FIT (4348) www.bodyvisionfitness.com

(Contribited Photo)

By Staff Reports My Fellow Americans, it is with great honor today that I announce my candidacy for Alabama State Senate District 8. I am passionate about the future of Alabama and believe that our brightest days are ahead of us. No longer can we remain in the past, but we must push forward into the future with new ideas and new ways of thinking. The people of Alabama deserve transparency at all levels of goverment

and a forward focus on the future.

•Education - I believe we have some of the best educators in the world in Alabama, but our educational system is broken because the state has failed to give our educators the resources needed to prepare the leaders of tomorrow for the future. This kind of misuse of Alabama tax dollars cannot go on any longer.

•Economic Development - Economic Development is a vital

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The 2018 legislative session will be short and sweet. It is an election year. Historically, during the last year of a quadrennium, the legislature convenes early and passes the budgets, then goes home and campaigns for reelection to another four year term.

Our forefathers, who wrote our 1901 Constitution must have been thinking the same thing because they designed for the fourth year of the quadrennium legislative session to start and end early. It is set by law to begin in early January, whereas it begins in February in most years.

This year’s session began January 9 and can run through April 23. The consensus is that they will adjourn sine die earlier than the April deadline.

have a plan. It is time for a change.

•Healthcare - Alabamians deserve access to quality healthcare. In District 8, we are fortunate to have an outstanding healthcare workforce and access to some of the top rated regional care facilities, but there is always room for improvement. In particular, Highlands Medical Center in Scottsboro, Ala. must be addressed. With a skeleton ambulance crew and a hospital that is falling apart, we must look to our regional healthcare leaders for insight and partnership.

I am an avid supporter of the Constitution and the Second Amendment. I believe that life starts at conception and I believe that instead of fighting one another, we should try to understand and love one another. I am not saying that I have all the answers, but I am willing to hear the people and be their voice. I will always represent the opinions and views of my constituents and will fight for Alabama's future.

I look forward to serving you as your next Alabama State Senator, and I humbly ask for your support and your vote.

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Contributed by Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist

component to growth. I will recruit and fight to bring industry into District 8 and all of Alabama. Raising taxes is NEVER the answer.

Economic Development is always the answer. We must recruit high paying jobs and prepare our workforce for the future.

•Firefighters / Police / Emergency Personal - The men and women who run into danger when everyone else runs the other way do not get enough credit in our state.

I will meet with these heroes at every level of government to better understand how we as a state can support them in accomplishing their jobs.

As a volunteer firefighter myself and having served as a Reserve Sheriff's Deputy, I thank you for your service and commitment to your communities.

•Preparing for the Future - The young people of today are the future of tomorrow, and we must have a voice in Montgomery. We can no longer afford to put band-aids on issues concerning our state.

Every time a bill comes before the Alabama legislator, the question should always be "How will this affect the next three generations of Alabamians?" We must

Inside the Statehouse Most observers believe that they will pass the budgets and be out of Montgomery by the end of March and home campaigning by April Fools’ Day. The budgets will not be hard. The economy has picked up and the education budget, which is reliant on sales and income tax, is flush. Even the beleaguered General Fund is not in dire straits.

The House budget chairmen, Bill Poole, R-Tuscaloosa, and Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, walk around with a smile on their face.

The Senate budget chairmen, Trip Pittman, R-Baldwin and Arthur Orr, R-Decatur also seem happy. Pittman is a giant of a man who probably stands 6’8” tall and Orr is somewhat short. When they stand next to each other they look like Mutt and Jeff. It reminds me of a picture made in the 1950’s with Governor Big Jim

Folsom and Congressman Frank Boykin standing next to each other. Boykin was extremely short and portly. He was around 5’2”.

Big Jim was about 6’9”. It was quite an amazing photo taken at Boykins hunting lodge north of Mobile in Washington County. Both Big Jim and Boykin were inebriated. In defense of Pittman and Orr, they are both sober and serious about their business and do a good job.

Pittman has decided to stick to a campaign pledge he made when he first ran to serve only two terms, so he is not running again.

The other three budget chairmen are running and will be easily reelected if they even have opposition.

Arthur Orr, Steve Clouse, and Bill Poole will all return to the legislature and will more than likely chair their chamber’s budget committees for another four years. All four of these budget leaders are smart and articulate. Clouse,

Pittman and Poole all went to the University of Alabama for their college education.

These four chairmen write and control the budgets. In fact, most of the major decisions affecting the budgets are dictated by the chairmen.

Most legislators do not really know the intricate details in the numbers.

After the budgets come out of conference committee late in the session, it is “Katie bar the door.” They are ready to vote yes and go home.

However, there will be significant turnover in both chambers next year.

There are about 10 of the 35 state senate seats open due to retirement or seeking other offices.

There will be close to 22 of the 105 House of Representatives seats open. That is a significant turnover but it is not record breaking.

Furthermore, almost all of the major leaders and decision makers in the

legislature will be back for another four years in their same leadership positions.

The best action in senate races this year may be in the Montgomery/ River Region area. Popular state Senator, Dick Brewbaker, chose to not seek reelection. There will be a spirited sprint to

replace him. Also in Montgomery County, State Senator Quinton Ross was chosen to be President of Alabama State University.

Veteran State Representative John Knight is favored to take that seat.

The primaries are June 5. I will keep you posted.

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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BIRMINGHAM OR BUST Plainview wins 2018 ASHAA Class 3A Northeast Regional Championship

(Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

JACKSONVILLE, Ala.--- The No. 1 ranked Plainview Bears defeated the Piedmont Bulldogs, 64-36 on Tuesday night to win the 2018 ASHAA Class 3A Northeast Regional Championship and set the All-Time National Record for most 3-pointers (453) made in a season.

Senior Bailey Dukes made the first 3-pointer of the night, scoring with 6:55 remaining in the first quarter. Haden White added his own 3-pointer for the night and the Bears ended the first quarter with a 22-10 advantage over Piedmont.

During the second quarter, Cade Willingham had a pair of 3-pointers and Senior, Clay Cooper chimed in with a 3 as well. The

Bears closed the half, with a 42-20 lead over the Bulldogs.

With 3:09 remaining in the third quarter, Jeffery Armstrong added another 3 to his list. At the end of 3, Plainview had the dominating 53-28 lead over Piedmont.

During the fourth, Plainview Cade Willingham added his fourth 3-pointer off the night. With 1:14 remaining in the game, Jackson Hosch made a 3-pointer to bring the total 3-pointers in a Regional Finals game to eleven. Plainview held on to the lead, defeating Piedmont 64-36.

"I thought our guys were extremely locked in. I thought we did a good job pushing the tempo, we wanted to make this a fast game” said Plainview Head Coach Robi Coker. When asked about the 3’s in

the game, Coker responded “We are a hard nosed, tough defensive pressure, basketball team that shoots a lot of 3’s.” (Full video of post-game press conference available on Southern Torch Facebook page).

Plainview had three players to make the All-Tournament team.

Dane Haymon, Jeffery Armstrong and Caden Millican. Millican was named the tournament MVP. Plainview punched their ticket to the State Finals. They will play in the State Semifinals on Tuesday at 1:30. At press time, their opponent was yet to be decided.

Junior Caden Millican takes it to the hoop against Piedmont and was named the Tournament MVP. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

(Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Lady Panthers fall in Finals

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com JACKSONVILLE, Ala.--- The Collinsville Lady Panthers fell in the Regional finals to Sand Rock WIldcats, 33-30 on Monday at Jacksonville State University.

The first quarter started out slow for the Collinsville Lady Panthers. They did not score until 4:42 into the game with a layup by Maggie McKinney to make the score 7-2. Brittany Rivera made the rebound and made her first 3-pointer of the night.

Collinsville brought the score within four points of Sand Rock to end the first quarter, trailing 12-8.

With 6:05 remaining in the second quarter, McKinney once again made her layup to score for the Panthers. McKinney netted a 3-pointer to bring the score within three to go into the half, trailing 20-17.

During the third quarter, both teams slowed their pace and Collinsville outscored Sand Rock 6-5.

Rivera made two foul shots and a layup for Collinsville.

Going into the fourth quarter, Sand Rock had the narrow 25-23 lead over Collinsville.

Sand Rock’s layup and foul shots added to their

Plainview defeated Geraldine to advance half.

(Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

(Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

lead, making it 27-23 before Maggie McKinney sank another 3-pointer to close the gap. Caroline Brannon added two points to make the score 29-26 with 3:45 remaining in the game. Fans were on the edge of their seats as the girls battled it out on the court. Sand Rock made their foul shot to edge up to 30-28 with 1:22 remaining in the game.

With :43 remaining in the game, Sand Rock made the shot to bring the score to

31-28. Rivera made the layup with :13 remaining in the game to bring the score within one, 31-30. After a foul, Sand Rock made the shots to end the game, 33-30.

Brittany Rivera lead the Lady Panthers with 14 points and 18 rebounds.

Maggie McKinney finished the game with 10 points and four rebounds. Rivera and McKinney were both selected for the Class 2A All-Tournament Team.

marla@southerntorch.com JACKSONVILLE, Ala---The No.1 ranked, Class 3A Plainview Bears defeated the Geraldine Bulldogs, 89-55 on Saturday at the 3A Northeast Regional Semifinals held at Jacksonville State University.

Within two minutes of the game, the Plainview Bears had already jumped to the early 7-0 lead over the Bulldogs. Geraldine narrowed the lead within

four, with a 3-pointer from Brody Henderson but that was as close as the Bulldogs ever got to the Bears. In the last minute of the first quarter, the Bears had a 10-2 run, along with a 3-pointer by Jeffery Armstrong to close out the quarter with the 27-14 advantage.

The second quarter showcased Plainview’s phenomenal ability for 3-pointers. Caden Millican, Koby Tinker, Haden White and Dane Haymon all got in on the action, to stretch the Bears lead to 51-23 at the

In the first minutes of the third quarter, Plainview had the 40 point lead and never let the Bulldogs get within 30 points for the rest of the game.

Plainview took out their starters in the fourth and gave some of the underclassmen playing time and closed the game out with the 89-55 advantage over the Geraldine Bulldogs.

“We feel really good about our team” said Plainview Head Coach Robi Coker. “We don’t try to play 5-on-5, we try to play 15-on-15.”

Caden Millican led the Bears with 18 points, four 3-pointers, and three steals. .Jeffery Armstrong had 16 points, two 3-pointers and four steals. Dane Haymon had fourteen points, two 3-pointers and four rebounds. Cade Willingham and Koby Tinker each had eight points for the game.

Brody Henderson led the Bulldogs with 17 points, five 3-pointers and four steals. Thomas Willoughby finished the game with 13 points, three rebounds and three steals.

Plainview advanced to face Piedmont in the Regional Finals on Tuesday.

Panthers and Lady Bulldogs fall Devils Battle It Out in Semifinals

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

(Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com JACKSONVILLE, Ala.—The Geraldine Lady Bulldogs were defeated by the Pisgah Eagles, 77-41 in the regional semifinals held at Jacksonville State University on Saturday.

This is the first appearance in the regional semifinals by the Lady Bulldogs in ten years. “We brought our girls for the last two days just to look around,” said Geraldine

Head Coach Jeremy Smith.

“We had several that had never even been here, not even to watch a game, much less to be in one.”

The Pisgah Lady Eagles jumped to the 23-11 lead.

They extended their lead to 50-22, going into the half.

Closing out the third quarter, the Eagles had the 63-30 advantage over the Lady Bulldogs. The Lady Eagles held on to their lead, to capture the 77-41 win.

Auburn commitment, Annie Hughes led the Pisgah Lady Eagles with 31 points for the game. She was

13-of-15 attempts from the field. Hughes was named the Class 3A All-Tournament Team MVP. Geraldine senior, Karlee Hall led the Lady Bulldogs with 13 points and eight rebounds. For her efforts, she was selected for the 2018 AHSAA Class 3A All-Tournament Team.

“I thought Pisgah showed why they’re ranked where they are and why they haven’t lost to a team in Alabama yet this season” said Smith. “Credit goes to them for how they work and the program they run.”

(256) 845-9814 • info@mychimpro.com 1297 Co. Rd. 835, Fort Payne, AL 35968

JACKSONVILLE, Ala-- The Class 2A, No. 2 ranked Collinsville Lady Panthers defeated the No.5 ranked Fyffe Lady Red Devils, 45-40 in the Northeast Regional Semifinals on Friday.

Collinsville faced a major setback, four minutes into the game, when Senior Trinity Garner rolled her ankle and was forced to leave the game. Losing their lone senior forced the team to make adjustments.

While Collinsville were searching for answers to replace Garner, Fyffe took the early 9-6 lead in the first quarter with a 3-pointer by Maggie Woodall. The Lady Panthers regrouped with the efforts of Junior, Kallie Kilgro.

Kilgro scored three to give the Panthers back the lead.

Fyffe answered back with a score and three-pointer by Madison Myers. The Lady Panthers went into the half, with the slim 17-16 lead over the Fyffe Lady Red Devils.

The third quarter was a back and forth battle between the two teams. Fyffe grabbed the early lead but Collinsville had a run that included a 3-pointer by Hadley Hamilton to recapture

(Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

the lead. Fyffe gained six points from freshman, Annabelle Taylor to narrow the Collinsville lead. Going into the fourth quarter, the score was 28-24.

In the first minute of the fourth quarter, Brittany Rivera scored five points and Collinsville took their biggest lead of the game. Rivera also blocked the three-point attempt by Fyffe, as they tried to even the score. Not going down without a fight, the Lady Red Devils dug deep into their reserves. With 55 seconds remaining in the game, Maggie Woodall made a 3-pointer that brought the score within two. After an intense battle and with 8

seconds remaining on the timeclock, Alexia Barber made the basket to again bring the score within two points. With scores by Mason Mckinney and a foul by Fyffe, Collinsville put the game winning points on the board to pull out the 45-40 victory over Fyffe.

Brittany Rivera led the Collinsville Panthers with 22 points, 12 rebounds and four steals.

For Fyffe, Anabelle Taylor had 14 points. Alexia Barber had 11 rebounds and Madison Myers had six steals.

Anabelle Taylor was chosen for the 2018 Class 2A All-Tournament Team.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 23, 2018

CONGRATULATIONS Southern Torch would like to join all of these great advertisers in congratulating the Plainview Bears for punching their ticket to the State Playoffs!

(Contributed Photo)

Congratulations and Good Luck to Plainview, Sand Rock, and Pisgah!

348 Main St E, Rainsville, AL 35986

256-638-6265

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We are so proud of the Plainview Bears! Winners on and off the court!

congratulations to the plainview bears! from

Marshall Stiefel

Rainsville City Council Member Pd. Pol. Adv. by Marshall Stiefel

Congratulations to All Area Teams! www.pibonline.com Fyffe • Powell • Sylvania • Boaz • Scottsboro • Hokes Bluff • Douglas • Steele • Gurley

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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