The Southern Torch — Vol. 5, Issue 25

GRAB A GREAT DEAL THIS SUMMER! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019 / VOL. 5, NO. 25 / $1.00

"Lisa's Law" signed

by Governor Ivey

LIKE

IN JACKSON COUNTY Pisgah Kidnapping

Mark Alan Byers and Jerry Clayton Grider were arrested last week on the charges of kidnapping, assault and burglary in Jackson County. (DCSO)

By Staff Reports

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

> LISA, P2

PICTURED: Teresa Smith (Traffic Director), Christian Payne (Account Executive), Judi Weaver (Ambassador) Debbie Ashburn (Chamber VP of Member Services), Amy Thrash (Account Executive), Robin Shelton (Mayor of Scottsboro), B. Annette Little (Account Executive), Jenna Sue Payne (Media Sales Manager), Marla Jones (Managing Editor), Danny Lee (Operations Manager), Rick Roden (Chamber President/CEO), Marshall Stiefel (Distribution Manager), Zach Hester (Art Director), and Emma Gravitt (Ambassador).

By Marla Jones Managing Editor SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — On Thursday, K98 and 101.7 The Storm, the newest branches of Southern Torch Media,

MERRILL CONSIDERS

SENATE CAMPAIGN

hosted a breakfast for the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce. A ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the recent acquisition of the stations

by Southern Torch.

"Southern Torch looks

forward to growth in the Jackson County area," said General Manager Eloise Smith. "We are excited to continue our partnership with the Chamber as we expand our voice across Northeast Alabama."

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: Thursday night (June 13, 2019) an adult male was kidnapped by two suspects from the Pisgah area of Jackson County around midnight.

The victim was transported to a residence on Moses Drive in Henagar.

After being assaulted and tied up, the victim was able to escape and made contact with a neighbor

JUNIOR BETA WINS BIG IN OKC

By Zach Hester Art Director MONTGOMERY, Ala. — On Tuesday, Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill confirmed speculation that he would run in next year’s race for the United States Senate.

Merrill stated via Twitter: “Today on @ TheDaleJackson Show, I confirmed I filed paperwork w/the FEC due to the excitement, support & unsolicited financial contributions related to a possible run for the US Senate. We filed to comply w/election law, & if I run, I’ll be making a formal announcement next week.�

Merrill has served as Alabama Secretary of State since 2015, and was re-elected to a second term last year. Prior to this, Merrill served as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives for one

Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill is expected to run for U.S. Senate next week. (John Merrill)

term.

Merrill joins a growing primary field of Republicans aiming to challenge incumbent Democrat Doug Jones in next year's election, where Jones is seeking a full-term in the Senate.

The current Republican primary candidates include U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne of Mobile, Rep. Arnold Mooney, and former Auburn University Head Football Coach Tommy Tuberville.

The primary election will be held on March 3.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY 256.638.4040 • www.southerntorch.com

• LISTEN TO

MORNiNG MAYHEM with Marla, Marshall

& the legendary danny lee ON K98.3, EVERY MORNING AT 6AM AND THE

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who called 911.

On Friday, a search warrant was obtained for the residence.

Investigators with the DeKalb and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office found Methamphetamine, Marijuana, Prescription Medications, and Drug Paraphernalia during the search.

One of the suspects, Mark Alan Byers (51 of Henagar), was arrested

> ARRESTS, P2

Grove Oak man charged for setting house on fire

Jody Gardner (DCSO)

By Staff Reports

DeKalb County Junior Beta represented well in Oklahoma City at the National Junior Beta Convention this week! Congratulations to all who won and participated!

SYLVANIA: Engineering Group (6th), Candidate Skit (7th), Jonna Graham (4th-Sculpture) HENAGAR: Clayton Dalton (6th -5th Grade Science), Aiden Rains (9th-Elem. Tech), Wynston Keith (9th, woodworking) VALLEY HEAD: Rose Cox (2nd, Elem. Painting), Bailey Pryor (8th, Junior Poetry)

TWEET

SOUTHERN TORCH EXPANDS Suspects Arrested in

"Lisa's Law" is named after Lisa Ann Millican, a young girl who was tortured & killed in DeKalb County in 1982.

(File Photo)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — On Monday, a bill was signed into law that would stop convicted criminals from profiting off of the crimes they have committed through books, film or other forms of entertainment.

The bill, called “Lisa’s Law�, is named after Lisa Ann Millican, the

FOLLOW

•

•

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: Saturday night (June 15, 2019) at approximately 10 pm, a Grove Oak man was arrested after deputies responded to a house fire.

DeKalb County Deputies were dispatched to County Road 396 after it was reported that a man had set a house of a family member ablaze and had allegedly threatened responding firefighters.

Upon arriving at the scene, the deputy found the suspect lying on the ground next to the burning

> ARSON, P2

SYLVANIA PHARMACY YOUR FRIEND, YOUR DRUGSTORE! Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Friday.

2

FRIDAY — JUNE 21, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Rainsville Announces

Paving Projects

AL.COM

By Marla Jones, Managing Editor RAINSVILLE, Ala. — At this week’s meeting of the Rainsville City Council, it was announced that the City of Rainsville will seek to pave 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Streets SW, along with Harrison, Oak Drive, and Massingale Lane.

According to the state bidding law, the projects will be advertised for one week (June 20-27, 2019) and bids will be opened on Wednesday, July 10 at 10am.

The Council empowered Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt to sign contracts for the engineering portion of the projects.

Councilmember Derek Rosson announced that the Rainsville Police Department will be bid out a vehicle to replace the one recently involved in an accident. The Department is searching for a Ford Explorer XLT All-Wheel Drive, year model 2014-2017 with no more than 30,000 miles. The amount should not exceed $19,600. Bids will be advertised for seven days and opened on Wednesday, June 26 at 12pm.

Items discussed by the Council include: • Rainsville Freedom Fest will be held on Saturday, June 29 • The Rainsville Chamber of Commerce’s Summer Shopping Days • The Rainsville Public Library’s Summer Reading Program has been successful with activities planned throughout the summer • The attendance at the Rainsville City Pool was record-breaking with 156 people visiting on Saturday and parties scheduled throughout the summer The next meeting of the Rainsville City Council will be held on Monday, July 1 at 5pm with a work session beginning at 4:15pm.

Maddox Wins at

National Competition

LISA

ARRESTS

from Page 1

from Page 1

13-year-old girl who was tortured and killed by Judith Ann Neeley and her husband Alvin in 1982. Millican’s body was recovered at Little River Canyon in Fort Payne.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Proncey Robertson (R-Moulton) stated that the Millican family had been attempting to get a bill of this nature passed for some time. Robertson also said that the bill’s goal is to stop criminals from making a profit off of their own crimes.

“If the convicted [person] is going to profit off it, the family should be compensated in some way or at least have an opportunity to explain to the judge why they should,” said Robertson.

The bill would also require that the creators of any book, television show or documentary about a certain crime notify the Attorney General of Alabama about any profits from the work that total more than $5,000. The family of the victim would then have five years to file a civil case to cover damages from the convicted individual.

The new law exclusively applies to “crimes of moral turpitude,” which is defined in the Alabama Constitution.

“Lisa is [now] a voice for thousands of others.

She gets to live on through this,” said Cassie Millican, sister to the late Lisa Ann Millican.

and charged with Kidnapping, Assault 2nd Degree, and Burglary in Jackson County due to the crime occurring in Pisgah.

In DeKalb County, Byers faces additional charges of Possession of Controlled Substance (2x), Possession of Marijuana 1st Degree, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

ARSON DeKalb County Career Tech & Southern Torch would like to offer Congratulations to Seth Maddox 2019 graduate of Geraldine High School who just won at the National Microsoft Office Specialist Championship! Next stop New York City for the World Championship! Great Job Seth! A Special Thank You goes out to former Business Ed teacher at Geraldine High School Mrs. Valerie Arnold. DeKalb County Career Tech Director stated, “We are proud of Seth and wish him the best of luck at the World Competition in New York City!

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Byers is currently being held in the Jackson County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond.

Over the weekend, a second suspect was arrested in Georgia regarding the case.

Jerry Clayton Grider (43 of Fort Payne) was taken into custody and transported to the Jackson County Detention Center.

Grider is also facing charges of Kidnapping, Assault 2nd Degree, and

Burglary. He is being held on a $100,000 bond.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: “I appreciate our investigators and Drug Task Force Agents working well with our Jackson County neighbors on this case. Cooperating well with neighboring counties is key.”

“This case shows just how easily major crimes can cross county lines.”

Concluded Sheriff Welden.

Local Businesses Defend the Blue Line

SUBMITTED PHOTO PICTURED (L to R): Jill Dover (The Willow Tree employee), Kendra Caldwell (owner of The Willow Tree), Sylvania Police Chief Eric Tidmore, Derek Whisenant (Asst. VP/Loan Officer/Branch Manager at First State Bank), and Cory Caldwell (owner of The Willow Tree).

By Marla Jones Managing Editor HENAGAR, Ala. — After a recent Facebook post asking for donations for bulletproof vests for volunteer police officers, Assistant Vice President as well as Branch Manager and Loan Officer Derek Whisenant of First State Bank in Henagar and Cory & Kendra Caldwell of

The Willow Tree joined forces to donate to the Sylvania Police Department.

Willow Tree owner Cory Caldwell stated that "Each year, The Willow Tree has been donating to local programs [like] the police, school, etc., wherever a little assistance seems to be needed at the time.

When hearing about what the Sylvania PD needed, we

felt led to help. We agreed to split the amount with First State Bank." "[After Cory] contacted me and told me about Sylvania Police Department's need for vests, we were more than happy to help," said Whisenant. "Anytime that we (First State Bank) can help protect the folks that protect us, we want to be there for them."

AUCTIONS UNITED SATURDAY  JUNE 22  11AM

COURT ORDERED SALE ORDERED BY THE CIRCUIT COURT OF DEKALB CO., AL

from Page 1 home. An investigator was then called to the scene.

The suspect, Jody Gardner (53 of Grove Oak) was charged with Arson 2nd Degree. Gardner is currently being held in the DeKalb County Detention Center. His bond has not yet been set at the time of this release.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: “I’d like to thank our investigator for coming out this weekend and handling this matter.

Destroying property and threatening our first responders will not be tolerated.”

The Reynolds Estate This home is located at 1908 Dogtown Road SE on Lookout Mountain overlooking Fort Payne, Alabama.

LOOK FOR THE UNITED AUCTIONS SIGNS Real Estate Terms: A 10% Buyers Premium will be added to the highest bid and will be paid the day of the sale. The balance is due at closing on January 8, 2019.

Office Furniture & Property Terms: A 10% Buyers Premium will be added to the highest bid. The total amount will be due the day of the sale.

(800) 222-5003 AUCTIONSUNITED.COM

For more information, call Jim Givens at Auctions United (800-222-5003), Wilson Realty (256-845-1530), Randy Wilson (256-997-6972), or Beau Wilson (256-844-7298).

LOCATION: The Main Street Plaza Shopping Center is located at 200 Main Street West in Rainsville, AL. The Rainsville Finance property is located at 180 Main Street West in Rainsville, LA. (Next to the Main Street Plaza Shopping Center).

ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS BROCHURE WAS DERIVED FROM SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, BUT IS NOT GUARANTEED. ANY ANNOUNCEMENT MADE FROM THE AUCTION STAND SHALL TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER ANY PRINTED MATTER IN THIS BROCHURE.

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FRIDAY — JUNE 21, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

3

COMMUNITY

Local Cadet Graduates from West Point WBS TO SHOW "TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD" ON SUNDAY

By Staff Reports

eBy Staff Reports

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

WEST POINT, N.Y. — Cadet William Michael Dunavant, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dunavant of Suwanee, Ga., grandson of Hershel and Gayle Dunavant of Rainsville, Ala. and Judy Simmons and the late Dale Simmons of Evansville, Ind. graduated from the United States Military Academy on Saturday, May 25.

Dunavant graduated from Lambert High School

in 2015. While at West Point, he conventrated his studies on Engineering Psychology, which is an empiraclly-based discipline that requires its graduates to critically and systematically apply their knowledge of human behavior to the design of complicated systems. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army within the Armor branch. He will be stationed at Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga. after PROUDLY SERVING ALL OF NORTHEAST ALABAMA

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graduation.

The mission of the U.S. Military Academy is to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the U.S. Army.

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is a four-year, co-educational, federal, liberal arts college located 50 miles north of New York City. It was founded in 1802 as America's first college of engineering and continues today as the world's premier leader-development insitution, consistently ranked among top colleges in the country.

Its mission remains constant-to-educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the U.S. Army.

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. — In celebration of Alabama’s Bicentennial, the Whole Backstage Community Theatre will show the award-winning 1962 movie, “To Kill a Mockingbird”, on Sunday, June 23 at 6pm.

“Our theatre will utilize our onstage 22 x 40 feet screen, along with quality sound, to provide our audience with a unique opportunity to view this classic Alabama-based film in a cinema setting. This special event will offer the modern generation a chance to witness this literary classic with a big-screen experience. And others might attend because Alabama’s Harper Lee penned such a beloved, yet troubling masterpiece, that the story speaks across the ages,” says Event Coordinator Katherine Brewer, “To make this the most pleasurable time possible, we will sell concessions before the film starts, and at intermission.

We will be popping popcorn in the lobby, with boxed candies and soft drinks for sale, and to add a bit of southern flair, Moon Pies, too. For this occasion, movie-goers will be able to take refreshments into the auditorium to enjoy during the show.”

Admission price is donations only, with no reserved seating for this single-showing. “To Kill a Mockingbird” has a PG rating based on mature content, with parental guidance advised for suitability for children. Running time of the movie is 2 hours and 9 minutes, plus an intermission. Licensing is made possible through Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. For more information, call (256) 582-7469, or visit the office at 1120 Rayburn Avenue/Dot Moore Way in Guntersville, Monday through Friday, 9am to 3pm; or view the website: www.wholebackstage.com; or WBS on Facebook.

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 Monday, Sons of Confederate Veterans - The Sons of Confederate Veterans meets the 2nd Monday of each month at Burnt Church at 6pm in Sylvania.

Every Monday, Sons of the American Revolution - The Sons of the American Revolution meets the 3rd Monday of each month at Western Sizzlin' in Fort Payne at 6pm.

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.

June 20-23, Alabama Fan Appreciation Weekend - Fort Payne's own country music group ALABAMA invite you to their Fan Club & Museum and weekend activities

throughout DeKalb County.

Tour the fan club, attend an autograph session, enjoy concerts and so much more! Check the ALABAMA Facebook page for more information, including various times and places of events.

June 23, Flat Rock Church Singing - There will be a gospel singing at Flat Rock Church on Sunday, June 23 at 5pm. The special singers will be Children of the Promise from Cedartown, Ga. Pastor Junior Croft & Song Director Morell Richey invite all to attend!

June 25, Rainsville Lions Club Meeting - The Rainsville Lions Club invites the public to attend our Tuesday, June 25 meeting in the Lions Club building at 298 Rodeo Lane (located next to the Rainsville Farmers Market near the Field of Dreams).

The meeting will being at 6pm with a free hamburger/hot dog meal.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden will speak at 6:30pm. Everyone is invited to attend this meeting!

June 30, Chavies Baptist Church Singing - A singing will be held at

Staff: Eloise Smith, General Manager

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 • (256) 259-2341 Membership rates:

Marla Jones, Managing Editor / Radio Personality Jenna Sue Payne, Media Sales Manager Danny Lee, Radio Operations Manager Zach Hester, Art Director / Reporter Amy Thrash, Account Executive B. Annette Little, Account Executive Kevin Adams, Radio Personality Teresa Smith, Traffic Director

Regular yearly rate–$30

Marshall Stiefel, Distribution / Radio Personality

Senior or Veteran yearly rates–$25

Lindsey Jones, Accountant

Chavies Baptist church on Sunday, June 30 at 6pm with The Brandford's (of Trenton, Ga.) as the special singers. For more information, call (256) 638-4011.

July 2, Fort Payne Independence Day Celebration - The City of Fort Payne will present their annual Independence Day Celebration at the Sports Complex with food, music and the best fireworks show around!

The celebration will begin at 5pm and cost is free!

July 4, Crossville Stars & Stripes Celebration - The

Town of Crossville's 4th Annual "Stars and Stripes Celebration" will be held on July 4 from 5pm to 9pm featuring the Canyon Land Band! Brant Noojin & Lee Burt will also be performing. The event will include food vendors, arts and crafts, a corn hole tournament, giant Jenga, face painting, bounce houses and a FREE swim day at the pool from 12pm to 4pm! The night will end with a fireworks show!

Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy!

July 20, DeKalb County Republican Women's Ladies Lunch

- The DeKalb County Republican Women will host a Ladies' Lunch on Tuesday, July 20 at 11:30am at the Ider Baptist Church's Family Life Center.

July 27, Fyffe Half-Century Club Meeting - The Fyffe Half-Century Club reunion will be held at 12pm (doors at 10am) on Saturday, July 27 at the Fyffe Senior Center. Attendees should bring a covered dish or finger food, drinks will be provided. The hosts will be the Fyffe Class of 2019, who are celebrating their 50th reunion.

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FRIDAY — JUNE 21, 2019

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/

DEATH NOTICES W.T. WILSON

BURT

WILSON

Judy Carroll - 83 of Fyffe, passed away on Tuesday, June 11. Funeral services were held at 11am on Friday, June 14 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bros. John Maddox and Paul Vick officiating. Burial followed in Mountain View Memory Mausoleum.

Angela Cooper - 50, passed away on Wednesday, June 12. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Saturday, June 15 at Burt Chapel-Valley Head with Blake Wilks officiating.

Burial followed in Head Springs Cemetery.

Paul Thomas Green - 84 of Fort Payne, passed away on Sunday, June 16 at his residence. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Wednesday, June 19 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

Lillie O. Williams - 90 of Atalla, passed away on Tuesday, June 11. Funeral services were held at 11am on Saturday, June 15 at Copeland Gap Baptist Church with Revs. Frank Tucker and Rickie Williams officiating. Burial followed in Butler Cemetery.

Julie Diane Lynch - 63 of Grant, passed away on Wednesday, June 12. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Tuesday, June 18 at Grassy Mountain Holiness Church with Bros. Chris Clark and Tony Bolton officiating. Burial followed in Panquin Cemetery.

Wendell R. Reynolds - 70 of Macedonia, passed away on Thursday, June 13. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Monday, June 17 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bros. Don Milligan and David Moorman officiating.

CROSSVILLE Sheila Hearn Emanuel - 83 of Crossville, passed away on Thursday, June 13 at Crossville Health & Rehab. Funeral services were held at 3pm on Sunday, June 16 at Crossville Memorial Chapel with Revs. Wayne Tarvin and Roger Watkins officiating. Burial followed in Union Grove Cemetery.

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CORNER STONE Larry Edward Fann - 69 of Ider, passed away on Tuesday, June 11 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. A memorial service was held at 3pm on Sunday, June 23 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Rex Beaty officiating.

GERALDINE James Randell Scott - 84 of Crossville, passed away on Sunday, June 16 his residence. Funeral services were held at 3pm on Thursday, June 20 at Macedonia #2 with Bros. LaWayne Levans and Kevin Harper officiating. Burial followed in DeKalb Memorial Gardens.

RAINSVILLE

Nelda Jo Chitwood - 91 of Fort Payne, passed away on Tuesday, June 18 at Crossville Health & Rehab. Funeral services were held at 4pm on Wednesday, June 19 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

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Darrell V. Bowman - 77 of Rainsville, passed away on Tuesday, June 11 at Huntsville Hospital. A graveside service was held at 2pm on Friday, June 14 at Town Creek Cemetery with Bro. Wayne Young officiating.

KERBY Elmer Theodore “Butch� Bishop - 90 of Pisgah, passed away on Monday, June 10 at Collinsville Health & Rehab. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Thursday, June 13 at Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Bros. James Hutchison and Wes McBride officiating. Burial followed in Green Haven Memorial Gardens.

Gary Wayne Overby - 62 of Valley Head, passed away on Monday, June 17 at the VA Hospital in Birmingham.

Funeral services were held at 3pm on Thursday, June 20 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Stephen Carson officiating. Burial followed in Mountain Home Cemetery.

•

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"

Know your

neighbor?

I’M THERE

M. Chris Kuykendall

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

FRIDAY — JUNE 21, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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FRIDAY — JUNE 21, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

SPORTS

TRAVEL BY MISTY MISTY HARMON, CTC

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AFC2 HOMECOMING THRILLS FANS

By Marla Jones, Managing Editor (Photos by Isabella Kean) RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Sam McAlpin dreamed of a sell-out crowd for his AFC Homecoming 2, mixed martial arts fights. On Saturday, at the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum, that dream became a reality. McAlpin, a local talent, who has fought since the age of sixteen brought fans a mixture of the best local fighters as well as high level martial artists from across the country.

Fans were lined around the coliseum as early as 4 p.m. to get their seat for the show. The event sold 1,396 tickets. This number did not include promotional tickets and free admittance for ages five and younger. At the Rainsville City Council Meeting, held on Monday, Councilman Brandon Freeman reported that the over 2,000 spectators that were attendance, brought large revenue to the City of Rainsville.

The card boastED 14 fights. • Fight 1: Corey Perego defeated Budd Cook with a TKO • Fight 2: Matt Picus defeated Tristan Kelley -by decision • Fight 3: Blake Poore defeated Jesse Cloud with a KO • Fight 4: Clay Malone defeated Jacob Harrell -by decision • Fight 5: No contest Willie Evans vs. Austin Mallett • Fight 6: Jose Evans defeated Austin Higdon -by submission • Fight 7: Tyler Langford defeated Mark Young -by submission • Fight 8: Micah Downs defeated Aaron Todd -by decision • Fight 9: Charles Philpot defeated Chad Finnerty -by submission • Fight 10: Corey Stewart defeated Cody Phillips with a KO • Fight 11: Christian Echols defeated Derek James -by submission • Fight 12: Dillon Haggard defeated Cody Shelton with a TKO • Fight 13: Logan Neal defeated Neal Powell -by submission • Main Event: Devin Davis defeated Trent Nott with a KO After Fight 8, Chad Finnerty, the oldest fighter at the age of 39, announced before a sold-out crowd that he would be retiring after this match from the AFC. Finnerty’s career spans several years as he wrestled in high school and at Purdue University. His many accolades include member of the Indiana Freestyle National Team for three years; Indiana Greco-Roman National Team; 3rd Place at the U.S. World Team Trials. He has a career record of 192-8. Finnerty plans to use his knowledge and experience to train upcoming AFC fighters.

In the main event, Devin Davis was named the new AFC Champion. Davis trains at the Black Lion Studio under the guidance of Jeff Powell. “If you are looking to get into this sort of thing, learn how to defend yourself or just use this as a tool to get in

S p G

shape while learning a skill set, I highly recommend training as an MMA Fighter with Jeff Powell� said Davis. “I would like to give a big thank you to everyone who has supported me. It has been a truly amazing experience.�

"There isn't any other sport like this on the planet. It

brings people from all walks of life together. I'm blessed to play a small part in it!" said Sam McAlpin, AFC Promoter.

"We will be in Huntsville on September 7 and will be returning to Rainsville in mid-2020. I hope to see you all again!"

A STAR IS BORN MarleeKay Hosch is this week's Southern Torch Stars of the Week!

MarleeKay is in the second grade at Plainview High School. She plays for the 8U Plainview 1 Team.

Submit your photos to Sports Editor Marla Jones at marla@southerntorch.com for a chance to be featured as next week's Star of the Week!

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FRIDAY — JUNE 21, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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SPORTS

RAINSVILLE FREEDOM RUN

CELEBRATES 11TH YEAR

JUST FOR RUNNING

Southern Torch likes pictures but loves to participate in events too! (Dana Moore Greeson)

The oldest participant, Imogene Green, finished the 5K in less than 56 minutes.

(Just For Running)

DeKalb Co. Circuit Clerk Todd Greeson finished the 5K of less than 36 minutes.

(Just For Running)

By Marla Jones Managing Editor RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Rainsville Freedom Run celebrated their 11th year with 980 registered runners! Five countries and 15 states were represented. This was the largest for the Run. The Freedom Run boasted an Olympic runner from Mexico, several other aspiring Olympians, and plenty of elite (paid) runners.

"This is a great event and I am amazed at the quality athletes we're bringing to Rainsville," said

Race Coordinator Jerry Clifton

Race Coordinator Jerry Clifton.

This year, there were over $10,000 in door prizes and $25,000 was donated to local charities. The charities that benefitted from the Run include: The Summit, Running for Uganda, Running for Joy, Kids Bolt, Turning Point Pregnancy Center, DeKalb

Managing Editor Marla Jones heads back to cross the finish line with her inspiration, Imogene Green! (Scott Jones)

County Adoption Center, Care Packages for Our Troops, Distinguished Young Women, and Feed My Starving Children.

ATTENTION REFEREES

By Staff Reports GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. — The Northeast Alabama Football Officials Association is preparing for the 2019 high school season, which begins Aug. 23 with what the AHSAA labels week zero.

The association’s first meeting is scheduled for July 24 at 7 p.m. in the Guntersville Public Library’s conference center.

The second meeting is July 31 at 7 p.m. at the Scottsboro Rec-Com. The third meeting is Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Fyffe High School cafeteria.

Persons who want to join the association should contact booking agent/ executive secretary Bud Moore at 256-582-4685.

It’s best to call him at night.

Andy Robertson serves as president and Crash Cannon as vice president of the association.

The AHSAA approved a pay increase for officials that goes into effect this season. Five-person crews in regular season varsity games will make $110 each.

Seven-person crews in regular season varsity games will make $100 each. “It’s been a while since we had a pay increase,�

Moore said. “They had talked about this for a year or two. It was a good increase for the varsity level. “The cost of getting to games and meetings has

increased, and it seems like every year the cost to outfit an official has increased.

When I first got into officiating, I bought a full uniform for $99. Now a good pair of shoes cost $99.�

The Northeast Alabama Football Officials have contracts with teams in Marshall, DeKalb, Blount, Jackson, Madison and Cherokee counties.

The association officiates games on the varsity, junior varsity and middle school/junior high levels. Officials usually work two nights per week, but some could work three nights a week due to the number of games on the schedule. “We’ll work them as much as they want to work, and we’ll work around their schedules,� Moore said.

A major rule change for the 2019 season is games will now feature 25-second and 40-second

clocks, which colleges have been using for several years. “Coming out of a timeout or at the start of a series you’ll use a 25-second clock, but not after a first down,� Moore said. “When a play is over, you will immediately start the 40-second clock. “We used the 25- and 40-second clocks in our jamborees. I like it. We talked to all our coaches about it. Clocks at all stadiums will be set for both. You’ve got to have 25- and 40-second buttons.

They’re all getting those handled. “This will make it to where a coach who wants to get in several more plays during the game can do so. “We need guys who really want to help us in running a clock. We need quality clock operators.

Ex-coaches and ex-officials who don’t want to be on the field can be clock operators.�

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27181 John T. Reid Parkway • Scottsboro, AL 35768

256.259.0872

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FRIDAY — JUNE 21, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

LIVE music Saturday night!

Miracle Mile Festival

Saturday, June 22 at 6 p.m.

Goose Pond Colony Amphitheater Featured bands include: Roshambeaux, The Night Birds, Contagan Food/beverage vendors, kids’ activities & more!

Saturday, June 22 Military and First Responder Appreciation Day • Show your military ID to a B.A.S.S. staff person in the Bassmaster booth or in the Merchandise booth and get a free Bassmaster hat! Limited to the first 100 people.

JUNE 21-24 Watch the pros take off and weigh in daily!

Takeoff: 6 a.m. / Weigh-in: 2:15 p.m.

Goose Pond Colony Resort

OUTDOORS EXPO

Mercury Concert Series • Live music from the Clay Jones Band prior to weigh-in.

Sunday, June 23 Angler Alley • Meet the Elites at Angler Alley from 1-3 p.m. Talk to the pros one-on-one, get autographs and take photos!

Look for the Angler Alley sign!

Opens at noon on Sat/Sun Elite Angler Clinics • Take a demo ride of a Nitro, Skeeter or Triton boat • See the latest from Toyota and Carhartt, and win prizes • Explore the Berkley/Abu Garcia Experience trailer and test your knot-tying skills • Join B.A.S.S. and buy official Bassmaster merchandise • Learn more about Yamaha, T-H Marine, Power-Pole and more

• Head to the stage from 1-3 p.m. for our Elite Angler Clinics where the pros will be talking about tips, techniques, gear and all things bass fishing!

Elite LIVE Watch Party • Join us at the Elite LIVE Watch Party from 1-3:30 p.m. to watch Bassmaster LIVE and hang out with special guests, plus, you could be on the show! Plus, be entered for a chance to win a trip to the 2020 Bassmaster Classic® presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods®.

Member Appreciation Day • Show your B.A.S.S. member card in the Bassmaster booth or Merchandise booth and get a free Bassmaster hat! Limited to the first 100 people.

All events are FREE! Details at Bassmaster.com.