The Southern Torch — Volume 5, Issue 1

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THERE'S A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — At 12:01am on January 1, 2019, Nick Welden was sworn-in as DeKalb County Sheriff.

Welden entered the office two weeks prior to his swearing-in through an official appointment

by Governor Kay Ivey after now-former Sheriff Jimmy Harris submitted

his retirement early.

The original date for Harris’ retirement and Welden’s entrance into the office was January 14. Welden will serve the final two weeks of Harris’ term and officially begin his tenure on that date.

The new command staff and employees were also sworn in to begin work immediately.

Sheriff Welden stated, “This was

definitely a shock to begin the New Year, without a doubt one that I’ll never forget, but also a blessed opportunity from the Good Lord to begin a task earlier than expected, to only move this county in a very proactive and professional manner.”

“We ask that the community support us and pray for us on such a short notice and on the decisions we have to

make,” said Welden. “We are simply keeping the citizens in mind over the next few days as we make these important changes.”

In August 2017, Sheriff Jimmy Harris announced that he would not seek reelection to a fourth term as DeKalb County Sheriff. He served inside

> SHERIFF, P2

Sheriff Nick Welden was sworn-in on January 1 alongside his incoming staff that will include Chief Deputy Brad Gregg. (DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)

SOUTHERN TORCH'S

TOP STORIES OF 2018 PART TWO • Stories #1-5

STORY #1: DeKalb’s Red Wave (November 9) — Democrats may have almost dominated in the national elections this year, but DeKalb County went completely red in its local races for Sheriff, Circuit Clerk, and County Commission.

Republicans Nick Welden, Todd Greeson, Lester Black, and Ricky Harcrow found themselves as the beneficiaries of a major “red wave” that swept through the County in November. Greeson and Black toppled blue incumbents Pam Simpson and DeWitt Jackson, respectively, while Welden and Harcrow defeated Democrats John Baker and Ben Johnston.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

STORY #2: City of Fort Payne Approves Sunday Sales (March 23) — In a 3-1 (1 abstained) vote in March, the Fort Payne City Council approved sunday sales within the City. A 2004 ordinance passed the sale of alcohol in Fort Payne, but sunday sales weren’t approved until this year. The new ordinance was passed by votes from Johnny Eberhart, Wade Hill and Lynn Brewer with Council President Brian Baine abstaining and Gerald Taylor voting against. The City of Fort Payne previously approved city-wide alcohol sales with Ordinance 2004-14 and a public vote that passed by a slim margin of just 184 votes in 2004.

A QUEEN IS CORONATED

By Eloise Smith General Manager

TORCHCAST

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DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The Southern Torch family is proud to announce the appointment of Marla Jones as its new Managing Editor. Marla has been a proud member of the Southern Torch team since the beginning. She has previously served as an advertising executive and sports editor.

"We are so fortunate to have Marla in the Southern Torch family.

We just love her!" said

General Manager Eloise Smith. "As our brand and audience grow, we are proud to have Marla on our leadership team. Our best days are certainly ahead of us and Marla will be a big part of the future of Southern Torch."

Jones is an alumnus of both Sylvania High School and Jacksonville State University. She is married to Scott Jones and they have two sons:

Justin and Logan. They also have three grandchildren: Tate, Tripp, and Caroline.

Jones has said previously that she first developed a love for sports while watching both of her boys play basketball, football, and baseball.

“I am honored to take on the responsibili-

> QUEEN, P2

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

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FRIDAY — JANUARY 4, 2019

SHERIFF from Page 1 the Sheriff’s Office for almost thirty years. In his statement, he said, “Whoever is our new Sheriff, if they need help or advice, all they have to do is call.”

Harris said his only regret was that he could advise the incoming administration on pertinent information regarding federal inmates and update Welden on the over 100 employees that the Sheriff’s Office employs.

He stated that his mission had always been to help the incoming Sheriff with any questions that they might have.

With plenty of confusion surrounding the sudden change of power, County Administrator Matt Sharp released a statement to clarify the situation:

“Late last week, Sheriff-elect Nick Welden came by the Commission Office and talked about the transition, which was scheduled to happen on January 14, 2019. He stated that a deputy had told him that Jimmy Harris was planning to retire effective January 1, 2019. He was concerned about who would be the responsible official if this was the case. We reviewed Sheriff Harris’ retirement application and found that it stated a retirement and termination date of January 1, 2019, with a last day of compensation dated December 31, 2018. Having never had a Sheriff retire under the State Retirement System before, Mr. Harcrow contacted the County Commission Association for their advice. Upon their request, we sent the retirement documentation to them.

From there, it went to the Governor’s Office for their input. Typically,

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

when an official resigns or passes away in office, the Governor appoints someone to fill the remainder of the term.

On December 31, we received a letter from Gov. Ivey appointing Nick Welden on January 1, 2019.”

The letter from Governor Ivey appointing Welden to the position can be found on our website at www.southerntorch. com.

The official swearing-in for Sheriff Nick Welden will be held on Monday, January 14 at 10am in the second floor courtroom in the DeKalb County Courthouse. He will be sworn in alongside Probate Judge Ronnie Osborn and incoming Circuit Clerk Todd Greeson.

TOP STORIES OF 2018 PART TWO, CONTINUED

STORY #3: TOO MUCH BLUE: Plainview’s Last Second Finish (March 9) — In a game that will go down in AHSAA history, the Plainview Bears basketball team defeated the Hillcrest-Evergreen Jaguars 78-75 in overtime to win the Class 3A State Championship. The game was won in a last second shot by Caden Millican, who took a feed from point guard Jeffery Armstrong to sink a perfect 3-pointer as the final buzzer sounded. Before 2017’s appearance in the State Championship, it had been almost forty years since Plainview had made it to a State Championship.

The Bears also shattered the State AHSAA record and the national record for 3-point shots attempted and made this season.

Pedestrian Hit in Fort Payne

STORY #4: State Champions! (December 14) — The Fyffe Red Devils brought home the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 2A State Championship title this year after toppling the Luverne Tigers, 21-19, in the final game of the year. The Red Devils celebrated the victory at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium on Friday, December 7. The win gave Coach Paul Benefield his third state title in five years and improved his overall record to 282-53. "The kids played with courage and heart, and persevered through a lot of bad times this year," said Benefield. "I'm so proud of them, I don't even know how I can express in words.

Fans across Northeast Alabama have dubbed Benefield as DeKalb's "Nick Saban."

By Staff Reports FORT PAYNE, Ala. — According to the Fort Payne Police Department: On December 26, at approximately 9:05am, a 2016 Ford F150 driven by David Shane Lipscomb, age 29 of Albertville, struck a female pedestrian, Tonya Dione Riddle, age 44 of Fort Payne. Riddle was crossing Gault Avenue SW at the South Y near Glenn Blvd SW. Ms. Rudder was transported to DeKalb Regional Medical Center by DeKalb Ambulance Service for what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.

QUEEN from Page 1 ties of being the Managing Editor of Southern Torch,” said

Jones. “I have watched Southern Torch grow from an online news source to the number one source for news in DeKalb County, Alabama.”

“From advertising

and sports and now to hard news, I enjoy every aspect of this job,” she continued. “I hope to continue delivering the news in a fair, balanced way and be a good storyteller for our entire

MORE BIG NEWS COMING SOON SEE NEXT WEEK'S EDITION FOR A BIG GIVEAWAY!

STORY #5: Changes at Agri-Business Center (December 7) — In a recent turn of events, the Director of Rainsville’s Agri-Business Center’s job duties were changed. When asked about the changes, Councilmember Brandon Freeman said, “I think the changes will be good. If you want to get technical with it, the auditors are the ones who changed it and we just did what the auditors wanted.” It is still unclear what prompted the changes to the way the Public Building Authority (PBA) allows finances to be managed at the Agri-Business Center.

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3

COMMUNITY

New Year's Resolutions

MARLA JONES AMY THRASH ZACH HESTER MANAGING EDITOR/SPORTS EDITOR

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE

GRAPHIC DESIGN ARTIST/REPORTER

In 2019, I resolve to be the best person I can be for myself, my husband, my children, and my grandchildren. As the new managing editor, I hope to lead Southern Torch into its best year yet. I hope to take the time to enjoy life's simpler pleasures and to put a smile on someone's face by saying something nice every single day of 2019.

As the mother of three children, my resolution is to be a great, Godly influence on their lives. I would also like to take 2019 to focus on my health by more carefully watching what I eat and being more diligent in going to the gym. I hope to also make this my best year so far as the advertising representative for Southern Torch!

In 2018, I got on the right track and lost 53 pounds. This year, I hope I can lose 75 more in my quest for better health. I also hope to travel more and visit at least three new states! Lastly, as someone who consumes music liike most people consume television, I have a goal to listen to 50 new albums this year to expand my music taste even more.

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

at the door. Kids 5 and under are free.

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.

January 6, Flat Rock Church Singing - There will be a gospel singing at Flat Rock Church on County Road 356 near High Falls Park in Grove Oak on Sunday, January 6 at 5pm. The special singers will be The Ronnie Stiefel Family.

Song Director Morell Richey and Pastor Junior Croft invites everyone to attend!

January 11-12, PBR Bull Bash - Come and enjoy the excitement of cowboys, horses and bulls at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center in Rainsville on January 11-12! The show starts at 7:30pm and is presented by DeKalb Farmers Co-op and Cavenders Western Outfitters. Advanced tickets are $15 and $20

January 14, DeKalb County Elected Officials Swearing-In - DeKalb County's elected officials will be sworn in Monday, January 14, 2019 in the second floor courtroom in the DeKalb County Courthouse beginning at 10am. The following officials will be officially sworn-in to office: Nick Welden as DeKalb County Sheriff, Ronnie Osborn as DeKalb County Probate Judge, and Todd Greeson as DeKalb County Circuit Clerk.

January 15, Hairston Swearing-In - Andrew Hairston will be sworn in as Circuit Judge on Tuesday, January 15 at 10am at the DeKalb County Courthouse's second floor courtroom.

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

Staff: Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 203 Main Street E, Rainsville AL, 35986. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614 Rainsville, Alabama 35986-0614.

(256) 638-4040

Eloise Smith, General Manager Marla Jones, Managing Editor/Sports Editor Zach Hester, Art Director/Reporter Amy Thrash, Advertising Executive/Distribution Lindsey Jones, Accountant

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

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.

February 3, American Legion Memorial - The American Legion of DeKalb County will be holding a memorial on Sunday, February 3 at 2pm at Minvale Baptist Church. This event will honor the four chaplains who lost their lives in 1943 in World War II.

SINGING

at Salem United Methodist Church on Sunday, January 13 at 6pm featuring The Bailey's of Sand Rock. All are welcome!

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A Moment with Megan: No Expiration Dates

By Megan Blansit ST Faith Columnist This article was previously published in an earlier edition of The Southern Torch. It has been rerun by request.

Well friends, 2018 is winding down! I hope some awesome things have happened for you this year but I’m not naive to think that maybe a dream, a relationship, a certain season and perhaps many other things have ended in your life this year. However, is it possible to look at an “end” as a “beginning?”

Maybe things did not pan out how you wanted them to but friend, hang in there. Please, do not put a period where God put a comma!

Philippians 1:6 says, “Be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day

of Christ.” Wait a minute, that says “completion” right?! Yes, absolutely; we are never forgotten.

Our God is a God of his word and nothing we do can ever break his promises. Also notice the verse says, “He who began a GOOD work…”

His plans are always good, friend!

Has someone ever handed you a gift, you unwrapped it, and looking at the box that the gift is in you thought, “Oh my gosh, I’ve got to act excited.” Yep. That’s happened to me before!

And I actually pulled that trick on my mom this year. I wrapped a nice piece of jewelry in a small Nutella box. She unwrapped the present and said “Ohhhh…

Nutellaaaa.” (Bad daughter joke, I’m sorry mom.) Friend, sometimes things we don’t expect or necessarily want to happen are sent our way

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and by looking on the outside, things look disastrous or like a huge let down BUT I am here to tell you that its not always what it looks like!

Your biggest let down or disappointed can actually be setting you up for your biggest blessing! Don’t miss the gift because you don’t like the box; just because something looks bad doesn’t mean good cannot come from it.

I thought for awhile on what would be a good topic for this article.

“How do I need to end this year? “…”Do I talk about goals for the new

year?” … the pressure felt on. I wanted to end it with a “BANG” Well, friends, the things that have kept popping in my head are consistency, gifts, and no expiration dates. Why consistency you may ask? I believe because God is looking for people who will consistently seek His face during the good and the bad. He is looking for someone after his own heart. And what a gift you will receive when you seek him!

Christ has an abundance of gifts that he is waiting to give us- peace, love, joy,

grace, forgiveness, freedom, etc etc. I wonder if we are missing out on some of the greatest gifts because we are “judging the box?”

What I mean by this, is that maybe we are looking at people who claim to be Christians and do not desire to be a part of their Jesus.

Maybe everywhere you turn you see hypocrites.

Maybe you’re asking how a “good God” could allow such “bad things.” What if our preconceived notions of Christ are a little twisted or even wrong? Are we judging the box before we open

it? Friend, I beg you to open the box! I beg you to seek His face (with consistency.) 2018 may be coming to an end but God’s gifts never expire.

Maybe you're thinking you've messed up too much this year- friend, stop letting Satan keep you defeated. Christ’s blood covers it all!

Perhaps the only thing keeping us from Christ and the gifts he has for us… is ourselves. Certain things may have ended for you this year, but remember that Christ’s Word has no expiration dates! It’s not the end, but only the beginning!

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5

POLITICS

Inside the Statehouse

By Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist MONTGOMERY, Ala. — As we begin this New Year of 2019, Alabama begins a new quadrennium in state government.

All of our Constitutional state officeholders begin their new four-year terms this month. Governor Kay Ivey will be sworn in for a four-year term on January 14. Also, being sworn in on Inauguration Day will be Will Ainsworth as Lt. Governor, John Merrill as Secretary of State, John McMillan as State Treasurer, Rick Pate as Agriculture Commissioner, Steve Marshall as Attorney General and Jim Ziegler will be sworn in for a second term as State Auditor. By the way, all of the above and indeed all statewide officeholders in Alabama are Republicans.

All 140 State

Senators and State Representatives have already been sworn in for their four-year terms.

Most of our legislators are also Republicans.

There are 35 State Senators, 27 are Republican and only eight Democrats. The House is made up of 105 members. The partisan divide is 77 Republicans and 28 Democrats. Mac McCutcheon of Huntsville will be elected Speaker of the House in the organizational session next week and Del Marsh will be reelected President Pro Tem of the Senate. My belief is that we will have a successful and prosperous next four years in the Heart of Dixie.

Alabama is a magnificent state. We possess abundant natural resources such as waterways, rivers, flora and fauna, and mineral deposits. Water is one of Alabama’s most precious natural

resources, and almost 10 percent of the freshwater resources of the continental U.S. flows through or originates in Alabama during its journey to the sea. A sixth of the state’s surface is covered by lakes, ponds, rivers, and creeks. We have plentiful rainfall, much higher than the nation’s average. The average annual rainfall in North Alabama is 50 inches.

The average is 65 in South Alabama and along the coast.

Some of you may wonder why Alabama is called the “Heart of Dixie.” We are the Heart of Dixie because of banknotes issued by the Citizens Bank of Louisiana before the Civil War. They bore the French word “dix” meaning ten, and thus the South became known as Dixieland.

With Alabama serving as the first Capital of the Confederacy, it was thus the Heart of Dixieland.

The early French influence in Alabama is still felt in Mobile, which is much older than the rest of the state. Mobile was the first permanent European settlement in the state, founded by the French even earlier than New Orleans, and more than 100 years before Alabama became a state in 1819.

Mobile was settled by the French, but the rest of our European ancestors came primarily from five states: Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.

Ninety percent of the pre-Civil War white population of the state originated in one of these five states. Of the first 16 governors, 15 were born in one of those five states and of the 100 delegates at the Secession Convention in 1861, only 17 were native-born Alabamians, while 72 were born in one of the above five states.

When Alabama became a state in 1819, it accounted for 1.3 percent of the nation’s population. There was rapid growth during the next few decades as cotton and slavery dominated the antebellum economy and culture. By 1840, Alabama’s proportion of U.S. population was 3.5 percent.

However, Alabama’s proportion of the U.S. population has been in steady decline since the end of the Civil War. Today we account for only about 1.6 percent of the country’s people. My belief is that the trend will reverse in the next few years as we continue to grow with automobile and high-tech industries, especially in the Huntsville area.

Alabama has been castigated as a backwards state and less opportune for women leaders. However, I would suggest that with the beginning of this

new quadrennium we may be leading the nation and more so-called progressive states with women leadership. We have just elected a female governor, Kay Ivey, and Katie Britt has been chosen to lead the Business Council of Alabama.

Legendary Legislator Pete Turnham of Auburn turned 99 on New Year’s Day. Mr. Pete represented Lee County in the Alabama House of Representatives for 40 years from 1958-1998.

He brought a lot of bacon home to Auburn University. Happy Birthday Pete, and Happy New Year to you.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers.

He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

GERALDINE

Gaylesville, passed away on Saturday, December 29. A private service will be held at a later date.

DEATH NOTICES BURT Lemual Ray Hunt - 74 of Fort Payne, passed away on Sunday, December 30 at Collinsville Healthcare and Rehab. The family will announce a memorial service at a later date.

Jimmy Defelice - 74 of Fort Payne, passed away on Monday, December 31 at Riverview Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Thursday, January 3 at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne with Rev. Jeff Mann officiating. Burial followed in Walker’s Chapel Cemetery.

GERALDINE Rachel Ann Smith - 56 of Guntersville, passed away on Sunday, December 30 at his residence. A funeral service will be held at a later date.

CORNER STONE Barbara Smith - 80 of Chickamauga, Ga., passed away on Monday, December 25 at Dade Health and Rehab. A graveside service was held at 11am on Friday, December 28 at Chickamauga City Cemetery with Pastor Bradley Bridges officiating.

Donny Hugh Golden - 54 of Bryant, passed

away on Friday, December 28 at his residence. Funeral services were held at 11am on Monday, December 31 at Brown’s Chapel Free Holiness Church with Bros. Larry Walker, Bradley Wooten and Evan Whited officiating. Burial followed in Oak Lawn Memorial Park.

Marie Lacy Gipson - 94 of Higdon, passed away on Sunday, December 30. Funeral services were held at 11am on Wednesday, January 2 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bros. Bud Durham and Joel Shifflett officiating. Burial followed in Oak Lawn Memorial Park.

KERBY Edith Williams Dixson - 68 of Henagar, passed away on Saturday, December 29 at her residence. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 1 at 2pm at Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Revs.

J.T. Williams and Jerry Williams officiating.

Burial followed in Unity Cemetery.

RAINSVILLE Evelyn Wells Graben - 79 of Sylvania, passed away on Tuesday, December 25 at Crowne Health Care. Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 29 at 2pm at Rainsville

Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Brian Harris officiating. Burial followed in Wesley’s Chapel Cemetery.

Bobby Charles King - 77 of Rainsville, passed away on Thursday, December 27 at his residence. Funeral services were held on Sunday, December 30 at 2pm at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bros. Fred Lamar Bobo and Andrew Goza officiating. Burial followed in Union Grove Cemetery.

Stacie McInnes - 70 of Rainsville, passed away on Friday, December 28 at her residence. Funeral services were held at 11am on Monday, December 31 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Gerald Bowman officiating.

Burial followed in Rainsville Memorial Park.

Kim Smith - 71 of Rainsville, passed away on Monday, December 31 at her residence. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 4 at 11am at Plainview Holiness Church with Bros. Dale Cantrell, Shirley Byrum,

Dennis Byrum and Shane Trotman officiating.

Burial will follow in Wesley’s Chapel Cemetery.

WT WILSON Nelda Sue Thorpe - 80 of Guntersville, passed away on Thursday, December 27.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Tina Myers - 46 of Section, passed away on Friday, December 28. A visitation only was held from 2pm to 6pm on Monday, December 31 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Danny Cecil Mink - 62 of Crossville, passed away on Sunday, December 30. A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Sunday, January 6 at Liberty Baptist Church in Painter.

Robert Ray Morris - 85 of Fyffe, passed away on Monday, December 31. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Wednesday, January 2 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

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FRIDAY — JANUARY 4, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

HOLIDAY BASKETBALL ACTION (from December 26, 2018 to January 1, 2019)

The holiday season saw many tournaments and games for fans to enjoy across DeKalb County. Pictured above is (Left) Sylvania Boys against Sand Rock and (Right) the Lady Rams against Asbury. (Photos by Kristy Gallagher)

GIRLS:

BOYS:

Valley Head 77, Gaylesville 58

Ider 56, Etowah 38

Fyffe 55, Collinsville 42

Collinsville 61, Valley Head 24

Sylvania 68, Asbury 59

Fyffe 74, Susan Moore 34

Collinsville 60, Susan Moore 24

Sacred Heart 56, Plainview 45

Fyffe 84, Sand Rock 56

Plainview 71, Scottsboro 54

Fyffe 69, New Hope 13

Sylvania 77, Susan Moore 55

Albertville 66, Plainview 64

Fyffe 69, John Paul II Falcons 50

Sylvania 77, Sand Rock 61

Plainview 75, Decatur 52

Huntland 58, Fyffe 43

Sand Rock 74, Valley Head 44

Section 84, Geraldine 58

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2018 ALABAMA SPORTS WRITERS ASSO- Anderson, Lyles among CIATION HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ALL- Player of the Year finalists STATE TEAMS & HONORABLE MENTIONS Here is a list of the 2018 Alabama Sports Writers Association High School Football All-State team members and honorable mentions from the DeKalb County area!

Class 2A (First-Team All-State) RB: Payton Anderson - Fyffe, Senior OL: Calvin Willingham - Collinsville, Junior PK: Jason Perez Collinsville, Junior DB: Mason McKinney - Collinsville, Senior Kaleb Jones Collinsville, Junior Class 2A (SecondTeam All-State) Blake Sparks Collinsville, Sophomore DL: Japeth Long Fyffe, Senior

Kaleb Jones of Collinsville was chosen among many other DeKalb County football players to be on the All-State team.

FYFFE, Ala. — Two Fyffe football players are up for Player of the Year.

Senior Payton Anderson has been named one of the 48 finalists for the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) Back of the Year.

Sophomore Caleb Lyles has been named one of the 48 finalists for the Lineman of the Year.

This year's banquet will take place on January 15 in Montgomery. At that time, the ASWA will name a Back and Lineman of the Year for each of the Alabama High School Athletic Association classifications, as well as Mr. Football.

INTO THE WOODS

Southern Torch would like to introduce a new column entitled Into the Woods.

This column will give hunters a platform to talk about their hunt, kill and experience.

Here is our first entry into this new series!

My name is Austin Langley, I’m 17, this week my dad brought me down to Texas where the good Lord allowed us to take some nice deer, coons, rabbits, and even a massive boar.

The buck I shot has 9 points and 16.5” spread.

I was sitting in my shooting house

watching some smaller buck when I looked behind me and saw him, he followed a doe out right in front of me, I got my gun ready and turned on my camera, squeezed the

trigger, and down he went, I waited til around dark and went to grab him.

When I got to where he was, all I felt was excitement.

Thanks Austin for your great recount of your hunt with your dad!

For a chance to be featured in a future entry of Into the Woods, submit your columns and pictures to our Managing Editor, Marla Jones at marla@southerntorch.com!

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FRIDAY — JANUARY 4, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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1500 SLT CAMARO — PAYMENTS AS LOW AS $79 PER MONTH —

RX 350 F SPORT

VEHICLES FOR EVERY BUDGET DEC 28

DEC 29

DEC 31

JAN 1

JAN 2

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

8:30AM-8PM

8:30AM-8PM

8:30AM-8PM

8:30AM-8PM

8:30AM-8PM

JAN 3

THURSDAY

8:30AM-8PM

JAN 4

JAN 5

JAN 7

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

MONDAY

8:30AM-8PM

8:30AM-8PM

8:30AM-8PM