DISTRICT ATTORNEY Paid political ad by Nick Jones, P.O. Box 5, Rainsville, AL 35986
THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, April 1, 2022 / VOL. 8, NO. 13 / $1.00
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Rezoning Denied For Rainsville Development
By Marla Jones Managing Editor
Property developer, Dr. Chad Williamson, addressed the board regarding his plans and tried to clear up some misinformation that had been circulating since he made a request for rezoning. Williamson spoke of his recent purchase of Wood Castle Apartments, consisting of 13 units, and the $200,000 renovation recently completed to fix the eyesore in the City of Rainsville. According to Williamson, the plan for the Chavies property was to start with four quadplex apartment buildings consisting of sixteen units. He said he based that number on the population of the area. His plans were as Rainsville’s population increased, to build units as needed, but
marla@southerntorch.com
RAINSVILLE, Ala.--(FULL VIDEO ON SOUTHERN TORCH FACEBOOK) The Rainsville Zoning Board held a public hearing on Monday, March 28 to consider the rezoning of a 13.75 acre parcel of property, located on the corner of Chavies Road and Garrett Street, from agriculture to R-3 multiple family zoning. Skeeter Logan, President of the City of Rainsville Zoning Board, informed those in attendance that the Board did not have the authority to change property zoning. The Board only listens to the requests for rezoning and makes their recommendation to the Rainsville City Council.
>See Rezoning, P3
Justice for Amberly
By Marla Jones Managing Editor
marla@southerntorch.com
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.-- March 24, 2022, Christopher Wayne Madison appeared in DeKalb County Circuit Court and accepted a plea agreement of life without the possibility of parole for the Class A Felony Captial Murder of Amberly Barnett. Ninth Judicial Circuit Judge, Jeremy S. Taylor released the following statement regarding the plea agreement: “Today the State of Alabama, in consultation with the family of the victim and in consultation with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, reached an agreement with Christopher Madison and his attorneys. Madison pled guilty to the charge of Capital Murder. By agreement with the State, Madison will serve
the rest of his life in the State Penitentiary, without the possibility of being paroled. The family of the victim and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office were present in the courtroom for the guilty plea and acknowledged the plea agreement.” On March 1, 2019, Amberly Barnett, age 11, was reported missing after staying home alone in her Mount Vernon home, while her aunt and aunt’s boyfriend went to Walmart in Centre. The couple was back within an hour and a half, but when they returned, Amberly was missing from home. DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office responded and began a search and investigation. Police dogs were used and picked up the scent at the back door of Madison’s home. Christopher Madison, who lived on the adjoining
>See Amberly, P4
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2 - Friday - March 25, 2022
Southern Torch
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Big Splash at Goosepond
By Marla Jones Managing Editor
marla@southerntorch.com
SCOTTSBORO, Ala.-- The 2022 Big Bass Splash, sponsored by Sealy Outdoors, was held on Friday, March 25 through Sunday, March 27 at Lake Guntersville at Goose Pond Colony. The annual angling event, the world’s largest amateur fishing tournament, was started by Texas Angler Bob Sealy of Sealy Outdoors in 1984. Since its inception, the tournament has benefited several national charities,
including Ronal McDonald House, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, March of Dimes, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The tournament offered a total of $290,000 in guaranteed cash and prizes. $148,050 was awarded in hourly cash payouts. The tournament boasts the slogan “where amateurs win like the pros.” The tournament doled out cash awards for the perfect weight of three, four, and five pounds. This year’s winner Patrick Anderson, of
Admore, Alabama weighed in his fish on the first day of the tournament. After two excruciating days, Anderson was announced as the 2022 Big Bass Splash winner with a 10.67-pound bass. As part of his grand prize, Anderson took home a brand-new 2022 Phoenix 919 Pro XP, powered by Mercury, equipped with Minn Kota, Lowrance, Navionics, Power Pole, and X2 Power Batteries. The next Big Bass Splash will be held on June 9-11, 2023.
holds the record. Young Boozer is perfectly scripted to be state treasurer. He grew up in Tuscaloosa and went to college at Stanford University. The elite California college is known for producing national entrepreneurs and bank presidents. Young graduated with honors and then went to Wharton Business School for a masters in business. He went on to have a successful career as a national and international banker. He came home to be Executive Vice President of Colonial Bank in Montgomery. Young served on the Stanford University Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2008. Therefore, you would have to say that he is probably the most qualified person to have ever served as Alabama’s State Treasurer because, essentially, the state treasurer is the state’s banker. He is uniquely qualified and is doing the job for the right reasons. Young Boozer is one of the best political names I have ever seen. It is a name you remember. However, this Young Boozer is Young Boozer III. His father, Young Boozer II was a legendary football hero and businessman. The original Young Boozer was in the timber business in Geneva County and was Mayor of Samson. He died at age 33 of flu during the Flu Pandemic of 1918-1919. His widow moved the family to Dothan where Young Boozer II went to high school. Young Boozer II was a superstar high school baseball and football
player and student. He was brought to play both sports at the University of Alabama. In his class was the great Dixie Howell who was also from the wiregrass and also in that class was a lanky kid from Fordyce, Arkansas named Paul “Bear” Bryant. This trio of Dixie Howell, Bear Bryant and Young Boozer went out on a train to Pasadena, California and beat Stanford in the 1935 Rose Bowl and established the south and especially the University of Alabama as a football power to be reckoned with forever. Young Boozer II was a hero of that Rose Bowl game. He intercepted a pass in the waning moments of that game and clinched the victory. Young Boozer II went on to be an ultrasuccessful businessman in Tuscaloosa. He was involved with Coach Bryant in several successful business ventures. Young Boozer II started and built Cotton States Life Insurance Company which he ultimately sold to Alfa Insurance, and it made him very wealthy. He was a gregarious, unassuming man, who was always smiling and joyous. Our current state treasurer, Young Boozer III, has a son who is appropriately named Young Boozer IV. What if this Young Boozer has a son and he names him Young Boozer? He will be named Young Boozer the fifth. See you next week.
Inside The Statehouse
By Steve Flowers
Young Boozer is state treasurer, again, and deservedly so. Boozer was first elected as Alabama’s State Treasurer in 2010. He did an excellent job during his first four years and was reelected in 2014 without opposition. Thus, serving eight consecutive years as state treasurer. He could have been elected to a third four-year stint. However, constitutionally he was term limited to two successive terms. John McMillan was elected treasurer in 2018, after serving eight successful years as Agriculture Commissioner. Mr. Boozer was not ready to leave public service, so he agreed to become Assistant Superintendent of Banking with Superintendent Mike Hill. During last year’s regular legislative session, the legislature passed a medical cannabis bill along with the legislation to allow for medical marijuana. They created an agency to oversee the prescription and regulatory process. The commission asked John McMillan to be Executive Director of the Cannabis Commission. Governor Kay Ivey subsequently appointed Young Boozer to McMillan’s remaining 15-month term ending in 2022. Boozer is running for reelection this year. He easily will be elected for another full four-year term through 2026. That will make him the longest serving treasurer in state history. The legendary Agnes Baggett currently
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Lewis Named Water Rezoning Operator of the Year FROM PAGE 1
Contributed Story Dennis Lewis, Senior System Operator for the Valley Head Water Works, was recently named Water Operator of the Year by the Alabama Rural Water Association (ARWA) at its 44th Annual Conference held in Mobile, Alabama from March 20-23, 2022. The Conference was attended by approximately 1000 water and wastewater professionals from across the state. ARWA is a non-profit organization representing over 500 rural water and
wastewater systems throughout the state of Alabama. ARWA provides assistance to these systems to comply with State and Federal regulations, to help with management and operational problems, and to provide training initiatives that will promote personnel development and efficiency. The Water Operator of the Year Award recognizes a State of Alabama Certified Water Treatment Operator for his/her outstanding leadership abilities and accomplishments in water utility operations.
Mr. Lewis has been an integral part of the Valley Head Water Works since 1982 when he was hired as that organization’s first full-time employee. Under his leadership, the Valley Head Water customer base has grown from 300 households in 1982 to over 1000 at the present time, and its service area now extends from just north of Fort Payne to the Alabama/Georgia state line at Sulphur Springs. Mr. Lewis will retire on April 30 concluding a 40-year career in public service.
would be willing to sign a contract with the City to only build sixteen units. Williamson went on to say that despite the misinformation circulating on social media, the units would not be governmentassisted housing. “We are not in that business, we have over seventy units. I don’t discriminate against people who have that. I saw a lot of that on Facebook. If you are here and you discriminate against them, shame on you. Those are people who need housing. “That’s not our target. Our target audience is medium to high income. People that don’t want to have the upkeep or maintain a yard” continued Williamson. “I understand that people think this will hurt your value but you haven’t seen our stuff. I spend money because I’m not a Slum Lord. I want to make things better, that’s who we are.” Williamson stated that at this time, there was zero rental property available in the City of Rainsville and that was causing the City to not grow.
Friday - March 25, 2022 - 3 “I may not be the solution but I understand there is a problem “stated Williamson. “ Don’t make me out to be the bad guy because I came from this area. My kids go to school down here, my niece and nephew go to Plainview. My family works here. I’m not some outsider, this is my home too, whether I live in Rainsville or not. I’m not here to make the community bad, I’m making it better. I invest in my community and DeKalb County, not in stock markets” concluded Williamson. Numerous property owners had the opportunity to address their concerns regarding the proposed rezoning with most objecting to the increased traffic, the wash of the land due to water flow problems in the area, and the possibility of the sale of the property once rezoned. Adjoining property owner, Stephen Skaggs expressed his concern about the possible resale of the property. “The biggest issue I got, who’s to say you aren’t going to sell this place. Once you get our pre-approval, you can say anything you want to but when the
right price is offered, everything is for sale” stated Skaggs. “On a tract that size you are bringing in not just individuals, there are corporations now buying up houses, apartments, everything else, and that is prime real estate for them within walking distance from school with the right zoning” concluded Skaggs. The consensus of adjoining property owners was that they had relocated from several different cities for a small community feel where everyone knew their neighbors. Others in the community expressed their concerns regarding the increase in crime. After hearing both sides of the proposed rezoning, the Rainsville Zoning Board ruled unanimously against rezoning the property from agriculture to R-3. The Board stated that Dr. Williamson could take the matter before the Rainsville City Council in May, which he declined to do. “After hearing the concerns from the citizens of Rainsville, I rescinded my application for rezoning the 13.75 acres” stated Williamson. “I do feel that without the availability of rental properties in the City of Rainsville, the City will never reach its growth potential.”
Collinsville Drugs
(256)659-2138
“Caring for you like family”
(256) 524-2981 588 South Valley Ave P.O. Box 498 Collinsville, AL 35961
Brandon Boswell, PharmD Pharmacist/Owner
EVENTS Submit your upcoming events to nicky@southerntorch.com for a chance to be featured in next week's print edition of The Southern Torch!
April 9, Fishing for Veterans Bass Tournament - Launch from anywhere - must be in Waterfront Bay Harbor by 5AM. Weigh-in at 3PM. Come by Waterfront Bay Grocery and Tackle Friday April 8th for launch number & sign up. at lake Guntersville. $200 entry fee per boat 70% payout! 25$ big fish. National anthem before lunch, colors presented by VFW Colorguard. Helecopters at lunch. Launch initiated with fireworks, door prizes, and raffles. All proceeds go to benefit veterans and frist responders, either disables or suffering from PTSD, through Team Vet.
April 9, Annual Spring Plant and Vegetable Plant Sale - Dekalb Master Gardeners will have their Annual Spring Plant and Vegetable Plant Sale at the VFW Fairgrounds located at 151 18th Street NE Fort Payne AL. The sale will include hundreds of heirloom and hybrid vegetable plants, herbs, native and evergreen azaleas, rhododendrons, ferns, hydrangeas, hollies, buckeyes, magnolias, purple beauty berry, perennials, annuals and many more plants. Proceeds from the plant sale go toward community projects. Bring your boxes and containers to fill them up at great
prices. The sale will be on Saturday April 9 th , starting at 7:00am – 11:00 am. April 14, Storytelling Festival - Gorham’s Bluff Institute presents America’s best storytellers. Events include: A Youth Teller Celebration, Stories ‘Round the Table Benefit Dinner & Performance, a day of Teller Sessions and Workshops, and The Tale End Concert. Address : Gorham’s Bluff, Pisgah, AL Pisgah AL. Phone : 256-495-3614 April 27, Administrative Professional Day Lunch - The Rainsville Chamber of Commerce is
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Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 225 Gault Ave. N. Fort Payne AL.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614, Rainsville, AL. 35986.
excited to let you know that we will be hosting the Administrative Professional Day Lunch on April 27th, noon at the Tom Bevill Center. (we did not have this event in 2020 & 2021 due to Covid) We hope that everyone will join us this year for a great meal, entertainment and door prizes. For tickets, call the Rainsville Chamber at 256-638-7800 May 7, Memories of Mayberry - With your favorite Mayberry Characters. Proceeds Benefit Valley Head Fire Department. Pickers Welcome. • Cruise in Arts & Crafts • Great Food • Raffles •
Vendors • Live Entertainment... And so much more! For more informantion call (256)899-3776 or (256)635-6814 or email vhtownhall@ farmerstel.com www. valleyheadalabama. com Valley Head AL. Starts at 9AM. Yall come on out for a day of fun! May 7, The Sharps - For more than three decades, The Sharps have been an Alabamabased quartet dedicated to the male, four-part harmony that so many love and enjoy. In person and on recordings, you’ll hear songs that are centred around each Christian’s ultimate goal - Heaven. www.
thesharpsquartet. com 41 Anderson St, Valley Head, AL May 20, Rhododendron Festival - The Rhododendron Festival, an annual two-day arts and crafts festival, will be held in Mentone, Alabama, at Brow Park annually the third weekend in May. Festival hours are: Friday, 6:30 - 9:00 bonfire and entertainment on the square, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00PM and Sunday 10:00AM to 5:00PM arts and crafts, food and entertainment at Brow Park. Brow Park, North Cool Street Mentone AL. Free Admission
4 - Friday - March 25, 2022
Southern Torch
LEGALS LEGALS
LEGALS
LEGALS
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA
STATE OF ALABAMA PROBATE COURT
STATE OF ALABAMA DEKALB COUNTY
IN RE: BETTY HUGHES, Deceased CASE NO.: 2022-105
DEKALB COUNTY
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE’S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Ray Hughes, as Personal Representative of the Estate of BETTY HUGHES, Deceased, on the 16 day of March 2022 by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Probate Judge. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS In The Matter of the Estate of PEGGY ANN PRATER, Deceased. Letters of Administration on the Estate of PEGGY ANN PRATER., Deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the_12 day of Aug , 2021 by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate of said County notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate, are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.
In the Probate Court of DeKalb County, Alabama In the Matter of the Estate of Billy J. Reed
Said notice to be published March 25, April 1, & 8.
Said notice to be published March 18, 25, & April 1
LEGALS
LEGALS
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALLEN DEWAYNE TUCKER
IN RE: BOBBY RAY REED, Deceased CASE NO.: 2022-56 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE’S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Jason Reed, as Personal Representative of the Estate of BOBBY RAY REED, Deceased, on the 17 day of March 2022 by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Probate Judge. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Said notice to be published March 25, April 1, & 8.
LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: NIGEL G. ROCHESTER, Deceased CASE NO.: 2021-416 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE’S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS
Case #2021-266
CASE NO: 2021-332 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALLEN DEWAYNE TUCKER, DECEASED. LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION ON THE ESTATE OF ALLEN DEWAYNE TUCKER, DECEASED, having been granted to the undersigned on the 5 day of Oct 2021, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate, are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred. Said notice to be published March 18, 25, & April 1
LEGALS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA ISELA OROZCO, Plaintiff, vs. CARMELINO PABLO RAMIREZ, Defendant.
TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Carl B. Hill, as Personal Representative of the Estate of NIGEL G. ROCHESTER, Deceased, on the 17 day of March, 2022 by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Probate Judge. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
NOTICE OF DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS NOTICE TO: CARMELINO PABLO RAMIREZ CARMELINO PABLO RAMIREZ, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Complaint for Divorce and other relief by the 8th day of May, 2022, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No.: DR-20229000047, in the Circuit Court of Dekalb County, Alabama.
Said notice to be published March 25, April 1, & 8.
Said notice to be published March 18, 25, April 1, & 8
CASE NO.: DR-22-9000047
Case No.: 2021-163 NOTICE OF PETITION FOR FINAL SETTLEMENT To: Christine Schmidt, Tom Shinholster, Barrett Shinholster, Cindy Reed, Gary Reed, You are hereby given notice that a Petition for Final Settlement has been filed by John Reed and Dan McRae in the Estate of Billy J. Reed, deceased. You are hereby given notice that a hearing has been set for April 20, 2022 at 9:30 o’clock a.m. You may appear at said hearing at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Fort Payne, Alabama and may contest the same if you choose. Said notice to be published March 11, 18 & 25
LEGALS STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT DEKALB COUNTY CASE # 2022-103 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Charles Richard Short, DECEASED NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters of Administration ad litem in the matter of the estate of Charles Richard Short, Case No. 2022 103, having been granted to the undersigned on the 14th day of March, 2022 by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Probate Judge of said county, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred. This the 14th day of March, 2022. Said notice to be published March 18, 25, & April 1
1FMCU0C78AKC52915 2001 BMW 3SERIES WHITE WBABN33471JW56599 1998 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RED 4A3AX35G5WE080413 2002 CHEVY BLAZER BLACK 1GNCT18W32K133854 2007 FORD FREESTAR SILVER 2FMZA51627BA01899 1999 FORD EXPEDITION BLACK 1FMRU1762XLB19412 2004 BMW 325I WHITE WBAET37434NJ42730 2001 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE SILVER JA3AY36C81U005987 2002 GMC YUKON GOLD 1GKEC13Z12J279375 1993 HONDA CIVIC PURPLE JHMEG8658PS024269 2007 NISSAN MAXIMA GOLD 1N4BA41EX7C844245 2008 NISSAN MAXIMA SILVER 1N4BA41EX8C831416 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA WHITE 1N4AL2AP4AN490004 Anyone having claim has until May 6, 2022 to notify me with intent or vehicles will be sold at public auction. Sale time 8:00am central time. Seller reserves the right to reject any bids.
Amberly FROM PAGE 1
property, told the family that he saw a Dodge Durango in the home’s driveway, but no neighbors were able to corroborate his story. He went on to say that he had checked in the woods behind the home but found nothing. After a search warrant was obtained, investigators found items pertaining to Madison’s interest in bondage in his home. Inside the home, blood was found on the bedroom walls, mattress, bed frame, bathroom sink, and a sheet of paper. Also found was a bloody pair of Madison’s jeans in the clothes dryer. The body of Amberly Barnett was found by Sheriff Nick Weldon in the woods
behind the home with a rope, the same type of rope found at Madison’s home, tied around her neck. In March 2019, Christopher Madison, 33, was arrested and charged with capital murder in the death of 11-year old Amberly Barnett. Autopsy results ruled that Barnett died by strangulation. Madison appeared in the DeKalb County District Court where it was ruled by Judge Steve Whitmire, that there was probable cause for the capital murder charge against Madison. In Alabama, capital murder convictions are subject to punishment by the death penalty. Madison avoided this option by pleading guilty, accepting life in prison without parole, and waiving his rights to future appeals.
ESTATE SALE
April 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th 8am - 4pm 63 DeKalb Dr Rainsville, Al Large business with decoration flowers, home interior and so much more!!! Joseph K. McNew, D.V.M • Linda Galbraith, D.V.M. • Jessica Jones, D.V.M.
Sale location: Plunkett’s Wrecker Service 12978 AL HWY 227 Geraldine Al 35974 For more information, please call (256)659-5656 Said notice to be published April 1, & 8
Providing a home away from home!
LEGALS Abandoned Vehicle Sale
Sale date 5-6-2022 2006 NISSAN XTERRA BLACK 5N1AN08U66C518839 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA SILVER 1N4AL11D25C294953 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR TAN 1LNHM82W82Y633692 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA BLACK 1N4AL2AP2AN440136 1996 HONDA ACCORD BLACK 1HGCD5662TA276593 2006 CHEVY EQUINOX RED 2CNDL13F566179517 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA WHITE 1N4AL11D45C334076 2010 FORD ESCAPE WHITE
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Friday - March 25, 2022 - 5
Southern Torch
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OBITUARIES Wilson Gena Nicole Dumas - age 27 of Centre, AL, passed away on Friday, March 25, 2022. Ms. Dumas was born on January 16, 1995. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2 p.m. until the 3 p.m. hour of service.
Burt Cody Wayne Huges - 31, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2022 in Scottsboro, AL. Memorial Service on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Burt ChapelValley Head. Funeral Time: 6:00 PM. Julia (Judy) Ann Culpepper Martin - 81, of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at her residence. Funeral: Sunday, March 27, 2022, 3:00 PM. Raquel Garcia Cordova - 67, of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2022 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Services will be announced at a later
date. Alan McLeod Manning - age 63, of Valley Head, AL passed away on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Celebration of Life Graveside Service on Friday, April 1, 2022 at 1:00 PM.
Crossville David Clifton Noblitt - 64 of Crossville passed away Thursday, March 24, 2022 at Shepherds Cove Hospice. His funeral service will be at 4:30 Sunday, March 27, 2022 at Crossville Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Forrest Home Cemetery.
Geraldine John B. Satterfield - It is with great sadness and joy that the family of John Bethel Satterfield announce his crossing over to his heavenly home on Friday, March 25, 2022 surrounded by his family at the age of 88 at a local hospital. Please join John’s family in celebrating his life on Sunday, March 27, 2022 visiting from 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm followed by funeral service at 4:00 pm in Geraldine Funeral Home Chapel. He will
be laid to rest at DeKalb Memorial Gardens.
Kerby Gary Izell - 66 of Sylvania, passed away on March 24, 2022. Funeral service is Sunday, March 27, 2022, at 3:00pm in Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Charles Underwood officiating burial will follow in Unity Cemetery. Family will receive friends Sunday, March 27th from 11am until 3pm.
Rainsville Cheryl Teresa Wilborn - 65 of Rainsville passed away on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at her residence. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 2:00pm in Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Brian Harris officiating. Burial will follow at Wesley’s Chapel. Rainsville Funeral Home, Inc. directing, www. rainsvillefuneralhome. com. Family will receive friends Saturday, March 26th from 12PM-2PM Survivors Husband: Bonard “Bunky’ Wilborn 2 Daughters: Jana (Trampas) Shankles Andrea (Vance) Stevens Son: Michael (MyCale) Wilborn Sisters: Tonda (Tommy) Wright Monica (Phil) Hicks 7 Grandchildren: Ky Shankles, Creed
Shankles, Craten Shankles, Alexis Stevens, Abby Stevens, MyCaiden Wilborn, & MaKenna Wilborn Preceded in death Daughter: Renae Baugh Mother: Evelyn Graben Grandparents: Milford & Elosie Wells. Phyllis Sharp - of Collinsville passed away on Friday, March 25, 2022 at Albertville Nursing Home. Funeral service will be on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at 2:00pm at Rainsville Funeral Home Parlor with Rev. Rickie Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Rainsville Memorial Park. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 30th from 12PM-2PM
Scottsboro John Wesley Wininger - 60, of Guntersville, passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Scottsboro Funeral Home with Rev. Doyle Wilkins officiating. Burial will follow at Skyline Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 25, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Helen Lucille Hammer Kern - 97, of Scottsboro, AL crossed into her Heavenly life on Thursday, March 24, 2022. Her celebration of life will be held at a later date.
June Fay Wilson - 66, of Scottsboro, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2022. Funeral will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Scottsboro Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Saturday at Scottsboro Funeral Home beginning at 10:00 a.m. Donald L. Thomas - went to be with the Lord, after passing away peacefully at his home in Pleasant Groves, Alabama, surrounded by his loving family, Monday, March 28, 2022. Funeral service will be held 2pm Thursday, March 31, 2022.
W.T. Wilson Sheila Gay Patterson - 71 of Grove Oak, passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2022. Funeral Services will be held at 1pm on Saturday, March 26, 2022 with burial to follow in Piney Grove Cemetery. Terry Wayne Ramza - 56 of Fyffe passed away Thursday, March 24, 2022 in UAB Hospital. FUNERAL 2pm Sunday. March 27, 2022. W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Milford Duane Williams - 71 of
Rainsville, passed away Saturday, March 26, 2022. Funeral Services will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Fischer Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5pm-8pm on Monday, March 28, 2022 and from 12pm2pm, prior to the service. George Henry Dobson - 83 of Fyffe, passed away Sunday, March 27, 2022. Funeral Services will be held at 12pm on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Tenbroeck Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4pm-8pm on Tuesday, March 29. Bernice Fay Satterfield - 89 of Fort Payne, passed away Monday, March 28, 2022. Funeral Services will be held at 4pm on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 from the graveside of New Home Memorial Cemetery with burial to follow. The family will receive friends from 12pm-3:30pm on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Officiating will be Bro. Joey Richey and Bro. Erik Magnusson.
Burt Funeral H omes
6 - Friday - March 25, 2022
Southern Torch
Board Remembers Wilborn
By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
RAINSVILLE, Ala.---The DeKalb County Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting on March 24. Superintendent Wayne Lyles along with the Board members, remembered dedicated school nurse, Cheryl Teresa Wilborn. Wilborn, 65, passed away on Wednesday, March 23, at her residence. She is survived by her husband, Bonard “Bunky” Wilborn, two daughters, Jana Shankles and Andrea Stevens , Son Michael (MyCale) Wilborn, Sisters Tonda Wright and Monica Hicks, and seven grandchildren. “The Dekalb County Board of Education along with the staff and students of Moon Lake and Plainview School are deeply saddened by the passing of Mrs. Cheryl Wilborn” stated DeKalb County Board of Education President, Carol Hiett. “Mrs
Wilborn was a compassionate nurse and a great person. She will be greatly missed by her coworkers and students.” Pre COVID, multiple high school bands, across the district, were joining together to perform in Atlanta, Georgia and on the steps of the Capital in Washington, D.C. The bands starting preparing with fundraising and family donations in 2019. In 2020, COVID hit and trips were required to be cancelled. The company that the Board contracted with, Musical Destinations, was not able to recoup expenses already incurred for the trip. The high school bands, with the exception of Plainview High School, were not able to obtain a refund. While the issue is under ligiation, Superintendent Lyles recommended that a full refund, or at least a percentage of cost, be issued to the families during these difficult economic times. The board approved the
full refund. The Board granted permission to the Ider Fire Department for the removal of a house located on Ider High School Grounds. The Board approved Jalyn Pendergrass as an early graduate of Geraldine High School. The Board recognized the DeKalb County Junior and Senior Beta Clubs and their recent acclomphisments at the State level. The Board agreed to increase the support to $1500 for each club attending the National Convention. The Board congratulated two DeKalb County Board of Education for recent acclomphsiments. Julie Caminiti of Plainview High School recently won the Yellow Hammer History Hunt Award. The Board also recognized Robert Hale for obtaining his ALSDE Mechanic Certification. In other business, the Board approved the following bid: • District Aruba
Switches - Howard Technology Solutions - $861,992.00 The following retirements were approved: • Jennie Smith - CNP Worker Collinsville High School - Retirement - 6/1/22 • Chris Murdock Bus Driver - Ruhama Jr. High School Retirement - 6/1/22 • Ginger Hill Elementary Teacher - Geraldine High School - Retirement - 6/1/22 • Diane Church Itinerant ARI Instructional Coach - Plainview High School - Retirement - 6/1/22 • Darlene Mosley - Elementary Teacher - Geraldine High School - Retirement - 6/1/22 • Debbie Busby - EL Teacher Collinsville High School - Retirement - 6/1/22 • Debra Bell Elementary Teacher - Sylvania High School - Retirement - 6/1/22 • Dennis Stiefel Auto Mechanics Teacher - DeKalb County Technology Center - Retirement - 6/1/22 • Lisa Bridgeman - Elementary Teacher - Plainview High School - Retirement - 6/1/22 • Janie PeppersSherrod - ARI Instructional Coach - Collinsville High School - Retirement - 6/1/22 • Leigh Anne Stalvey - Elementary Teacher - Ider High School - Retirement - 6/1/22 • Montye Thompson - Itinerant Speech Language Pathologist - Ider High School - Retirement - 6/1/22 • Anna Clayton Elementary Teacher - Crossville Elementary School - Retirement - 6/1/22 • Robin Pair Elementary Teacher - Sylvania High School - Retirement - 6/1/22 The following
Resignations were granted: • Jamie Bowman - Itinerant Special Education Paraprofessional - Plainview High School - Resignation - 3/7/22 • Traci Treadaway - Elementary Teacher - Geraldine High School - Resignation - 3/31/22 • Ben Johnson Agriscience Teacher Geraldine High School - Resignation - 6/13/22 The following Leave of Absence was approved: • Larry Odom - Bus Driver - Crossville High School - 1/26/223/25/22 (Updated from 2/21/22-3/21/22) • Brittany Sears Elementary Teacher - Fyffe High School 2/28/22-5/27/22 • Pam Bryant Custodian - Crossville High School - 1/25/22-3/31/22 • Nicole Stiefel Itinerant Special Education Teacher Fyffe Special Services Center - 3/14/22-4/11/22 • Haley HarvilleYork - Science Teacher - Fyffe High School 1/18/22-4/27/22 (Extended from 4/3/22) • Lora Smith - Pre-K Teacher - Crossville Middle School - 3/8/22-4/14/22 • Tracy Martin Cosmetology Instructor - DeKalb Technology Center -3/1/22-5/28/22 The following transfer was approved by the Board: • Bridgett Ott from Principal at Ider High School to District Instructional Supervisor - School Improvement and Secondary Curriculum 12-Month ( Effective June 1, 2022). The following Placements were made:(All placements are made pending a background review meeting suitability criteria and negative, pre-employment drug screen and appropriate certification)
Support • Tammy Richards - Bus Driver Tech Route - Crossville High School (2022-018) Volunteer Coaches ( Valley Head High School ) • Shane Ingram - Golf • Kaylynn Hulgan - Softball The following Contracts were approved: • Paul Benefield (Amendment) - Coaching Duties After-School Programs • Nicole Carroll Teacher - Sylvania High School • Leslie Day - Bus Driver - Valley Head High School • Dana Fox - Tutor - Sylvania High School • Heather Headrick - Tutor - Sylvania High School • Tracy Lawrence - Literacy Teacher Fyffe High School Homebound • Emily Bales • Tammy Taylor Summer Program Site Director • Joey Haymon Tech School • Whitney Whiteside - Plainview High School Special Programs • Kris Courson - Sign Language Services • Jana Foshee Assessments and Related Services • Madge Gower Speech-Language Assessments • Jeanie Green Assessments and Related Services The next meeting of the DeKalb County Board of Education will be held in the new Collinsville High School AgriScience and Family Consumer Science Building on April 18. The Worksession will begin at 4:30, Regular Meeting at 5:00 p.m. with a Groundbreaking for the new Collinsville Gym immediately following the meeting.
Subject to the Republican Primary, May 24, 2022 • Run off, June 21, 2022 • General Election, November 8, 2022 Pd. Pol Adv. by Don Stout • 903 Driver Road, Fort Payne, AL 35967 • Phone (256) 845-5171 • dstoutfp@bellsouth.net
Friday - March 25, 2022 - 7
Southern Torch
STOP BY FOR THE BEST DEALS IN DEKALB COUNTY WWW.BOBBYLEDBETTER.COM (256) 844-2210
Basketball All-County Honors
Cole Millican - MVP Plainview. Submitted Photograph DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.--The All-DeKalb Honors for the 2021-2022 Season along with the Super 6 Teams have recently been released: All-DeKalb County Boys Cole Millican - MVP Alex Garcia
Austin Shirley Chandler Johnson Connor Johnson Dylan Haymon Eian Bain Eli Butts Hunter Robinson Jaxon Colvin Jonah Williams Josh Scott KaeJuan Hatley Luke Smith
Redick Smith Ryan Bullock Sawyer Hughes Tyler Stephens Super 6 (Boys) Cole Millican Derek Bearden Jacob Cooper Jaxon Colvin Logan Patterson Luke Smith
Gracey Johnson - MVP Geraldine. Submitted Photograph All-DeKalb County Girls Gracey Johnson - MVP Ambriel Stopyak Anna Murdock Emma Harrison Emma Twilley Jaden Dismuke
Kami Sanders Kayla Beene Kennzie Smith Kinsley Henderson Lauren Jimmerson Leianna Currie Makinley Traylor Savannah Seals Sawyer Kate Hulgan
Shelby Trester Sophie Wills Tyla Tatum Super 6 (Girls) Gracey Johnson Kallie Tinker Lauren Jimmerson Leianna Currie Makinley Traylor
Let’s Play Ball!
Pictures by Warrior Images
Pictures by Warrior Images
The Opening Ceremony for the new turf fields at Fort Payne High School was held this past weekend. Fort Payne City Schools Superintendent, Brian Jett threw out the first pitch. Superintendent Jett, Fort Payne Principal Patrick Barnes, and retired Fort Payne Superintendent, Jim Cunningham were presented jerseys at the ceremony.
Join Fort Payne Parks and Recreation for Swing into Spring – The opening day of games for t-ball, baseball, and softball! Swing Into Spring will be at the Sports Complex Saturday, April 9th. Opening ceremony at 9 am and games start at 10 am.
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8 - Friday - March 25, 2022
Southern Torch
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