ST Vol 8 No 29

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, July 22, 2022 / VOL. 8, NO. 29 / $1.00

Shooting Goes to Grand Jury Inside This

Week’s Edition: Page 2 -

Jackson Blaze • Inpersonating a Police Officer • Double homicide • Monkeypox

Page 3 -

• Beyond The Call of Duty • Geraldine News

Page 4 • Inside the Statehouse

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.-- The investigation by Fort Payne detectives, DeKalb County District Attorney, and the Jacksonville State

University Center for Applied Forensics will be concluded soon on a fatal shooting that occurred in January.

On January 2 at approximately 9:30 am, the Fort Payne Police Department responded to an altercation involving

shots fired. Upon arrival on the scene, Fort Payne Police Officers and Fort Payne Fire Medics found one male deceased.

Randall Jerome Meyers, 44, of Mount Vernon, was fatally shot at the Fort Payne Auto dealership, located in the

1000 block of Gault Avenue North.

A person involved in the altercation has been interviewed. The name of the shooter has not been released.

>See SHOOTING, P3

Page 6 • Rainsville Sidewalks •Omicron Varient Page 7 • Moonflower Farms • Teryn’s Cookies

Free Meals for Students Bears are Here to Stay

DeKalb County Superintendent Wayne Lyles announced that all students will marla@southerntorch.com continue to receive free breakfast RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- (Full Video and lunch, regardless of income, on Southern Torch Facebook) The for the 2022-2023 school year.

Superintendent Lyles updated DeKalb County Board of the Board regarding the progress Education met on Wednesday, of improvements within the July 13. school system.

A federal program that has Light poles are set, dugouts been providing free meals to are being built and fencing is set students during the pandemic, since the Spring of 2020, was set to be installed at the new Valley Head Baseball field. to expire on June 30, 2022.

Lyles expressed his Rising food and gas prices have many families struggling to put food on the table.

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

>See FREE, P6

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

population in DeKalb County.

“Bears are here to stay, the population is growing” stated marla@southerntorch.com Lepper. “We want to make sure FORT PAYNE, Ala.-- (Full Video these bears keep their fear of on Southern Torch Facebook) The humans. We want them to be afraid of us.”

Fort Payne City Council held its The Northeast population of regularly scheduled meeting on bears in 2015 was 34. Now, Tuesday, July 19.

Libber stated she has handled or Hannah Leeper, a research captured 73 bears that are assistant from Auburn University collared and has eartags. Libber and represenetaives of the National Park Service were at the meeting to discuss bear

>See BEARS, P6

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2 - Friday - July 22, 2022

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Jackson County Man Impersonates a Police Officer

By David Hall Reporter

david@southerntorch.com

A Jackson County man was arrested Thursday night, July 14, after he pretended to be a police officer and pulled someone over.

According to Chief Deputy Rocky Harnen of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Michael Freeman conducted a traffic stop on June 26.

Harnen added that Freeman is not a police officer.

Harnen said Freeman used red and white lights on his unmarked car to pull over a man because of his blinker. Freeman had a gun and handcuffs when he approached the car, according to officials.

“We went to arrest

him last night on the outstanding warrant that was issued,” said Harnen. “They were able to search his vehicle. They still noticed he had the red and white lights in the car in several locations, along with a

siren. I think there was a pistol holster a SWAT patch and a carrier type vest that was in the vehicle.”

Although they are not sure which one, deputies believe Freeman is a first responder working for

or volunteering with an out-of-state ambulance service.

“Sometimes they want to take the law into their own hands,” Harnen said. “They may or may not have blue lights or red lights or flashing lights, they can pull people over. It is just illegal to do that, you are representing yourself as a law enforcement officer and you cannot do that.”

The authorities were alerted because the man Freeman pulled over was the son of a real Jackson County deputy. He called his father immediately after being pulled over.

Since his July 14 arrest, Freeman has posted a $5,000 bond.

Alabama to Receive Monkeypox Vaccine

By David Hall Reporter david@southerntorch.com

According to State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama will receive roughly 500 to 600 doses of the

Monkeypox vaccine “any minute now.”

The vaccine was not made for Monkeypox, but public health officials expect it to work.

“The issue is that because it was made for smallpox, and

there’s no smallpox, there wasn’t much of the vaccine around and they’re trying to ramp up production but there’s not very much of it,” stated Harris.

Alabama is receiving part of the first round of doses allocated by the Strategic National Stockpile.

“It’s something we want people to be aware of; It’s not something we want them to be alarmed about or worried about,” said Harris.

He added the current risk is low.

Monkeypox primarily spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact.

While there have

been very few recent reports, Jefferson County Deputy Health Officer Dr. David Hicks said, “We certainly believe there’s going to be an increase.”

According to Hicks, once the vaccines become widely available, receiving one depend on exposure and immune system risks.

“We’re not talking about having the general public come and get vaccinated, but it’s going to be targeted vaccinations based on individual risk,” Hicks stated.

The latest CDC data shows about 1,800 cases reported in the U.S.

Pleads Not Guilty to Double Homicide

By David Hall Reporter david@southerntorch.com

A Pisgah man who was charged with double homicide in April has not just been indicted. He has now also pleaded not guilty and waived his arraignment.

Matthew Edward Garren, age 33, was arrested on April 30, 2022.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at the scene of a double homicide that took place at a home on County Road 354 on Saturday, April 30.

According to officials, initially it was reported that the shooting occurred in DeKalb County.

However, it was later discovered to have happened in Jackson County.

Upon arrival to the

home, deputies found Horace “Bimbo” Garren, age 68, and Christopher Horace Green, age 44, both dead from gunshot wounds in the home’s backyard.

Officials say they searched for Matthew Garren who had run “some distance away” through the woods. He was found by a search helicopter in DeKalb County.

Garren was charged with murder and two misdemeanor charges from prior traffic offenses.

According to online court records, a Jackson County Grand Jury handed down the indictment on June 15.

On June 23, Garren signed a plea of not guilty.

Garren is currently in the custody of the Jackson County Jail.

A pretrial docket hearing will be held on August 8 at 9 a.m.

Scottsboro Experiencing Significant Growth

By David Hall Reporter

david@southerntorch.com

New businesses are being built in Scottsboro along Highway 72 and Highway 35, and Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce President Rick Roden says it has taken a lot of work to get them.

“Now we’re seeing dirt turn and buildings come up, so we are super excited about the growth,” said Roden.

Scottsboro Mayor Jim McCamy says these businesses will greatly impact the local economy. He stated, “It is going to be transformational for Scottsboro because these are all new

businesses and all new jobs.”

The businesses coming to Scottsboro include Publix, TJ Maxx, Pet Depot, a car

wash, and a bank.

There has already been a recent influx of new residents in Scottsboro, and Mayor McCamy expects more growth due to the

businesses’ arrival in the city. The population increased 5% between 2010 and 2020. Mayor McCamy believes this to be a result of the new businesses, along with the city’s location.

However, Mayor McCamy believes this recent influx of residents is more than just the businesses in Scottsboro. He said, “Where we are

positioned, we have the river. We have a lot of opportunities here, for recreation and outdoor activities that a lot of other areas don’t have.”

The mayor also believes residents like Scottsboro because they do not have to live in a bigger city yet are positioned close to Huntsville and Chattanooga.

The Hollywood 10 Cinema, affectionately known to our loyal customers as the Holly 10, is scottsboro’s own locally owned and operated movie theater. We offer all stadium seating with high backed rocking loveseats and digital sound and picture.

Find us on social media through Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok where we do weekly contests, updates, and givaways.

Southern Torch

Geraldine News

Submitted Article The Geraldine council met and approved minutes from previous meetings.

The council agreed to make a donation to the Geraldine High School football program in place of buying ads in local newspapers for the football editions. A discussion was held concerning upgrades to the park ballfields and hiring a Park Director for the 2023 youth sports season.

There was a discussion about how to raise money and how to increase the participation of the local youth. The plan is to have better organization, have information about sign-ups ready to give out at the Town Trunk-A-Treat on October 31, and plan for some local tournaments.

Mayor Ables discussed plans for a new field to be built in the park for Tee Ball and design it to accommodate youth softball as well. The plan is to have it ready for the 2023 season.

An update was given on the paving in progress in front of the Senior Center and the Council voted to also pave the area on the NW side of the Fire hall

where it joins Macedonia Road.

The Council agreed to line one tennis court for multi-use to include Pickleball.

Plans are being made for a Christmas in the Park event in December. There will be opportunities for businesses to sponsor a tree in the Park to be decorated along the walking track. Other events are being planned such as music, a possible Santa appearance, stories, hot chocolate, and much more.

The council made a few revisions to the 2021-2022 budget to adjust for the increase in fuel cost, a couple of unexpected repairs to the A-Z Center, and some upgrades to the Senior Center.

Passed Resolution 2022-08-08 for the Rebuild Alabama Act funds to be used for road maintenance.

Mayor Ables provided each council member with a copy of an article written by Zach Hester of WHNT-19 concerning the new Welcome to Geraldine signs which was a project initiated by former councilmember Tim Gilbert.(now deceased) The council voted to pay the League of

Friday - July 22, 2022 - 3

Beyond the Call of Duty

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.-- Beyond the Call of Duty is a motorcycle group that honors fallen Law Enforcement Officers.

This year, the group is honoring 608 men and women who passed in 2021.

The group made a stop at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Municipality dues and the National League of Cities dues.

The town recently purchased four new Tahoes for the police department and they are equipped and in service.

The town has applied for a Tourism Grant through Senator Andrew Jones office to assist with park events.

on Thursday, to honor Lt. Jeff Bain. They then went on to the Town of Ider, to honor Chief Buddy Crabtree.

The goal of Beyond the Call of Duty is to show the families of fallen heroes how much they are loved and valued.

The group does this by placing their names and pictures on a trailer and traveling across the United States to honor them.

“We certainly appreciate all that these men and women do to show the families of our fallen heroes just how much they are loved and valued.

Having them here was so bittersweet and humbling. We pray they have safe travels as they go on their way, showing other families just how valued their loved ones are.” - DeKalb

County Sherrif’s Office It was such a blessing to see Chief Buddy Crabtree being honored by the BCD. They are such sweet people who donated their time to travel all over the USA to honor our heroes! It was very touching for the family.

May God bless them and all the families they will encounter.Ider Mayor, Wendy Hammonds Lassetter

Shooting

been received from the lab, the case will be presented to a Grand Jury.”

“I do not want to speculate on what the charges that might come from the grand jury” stated Chief Davis.

At this time, there is no exact date of when it will be presented to the Grand Jury. Davis asked that the public “please be patient as the case is reviewed.”

FROM PAGE 1

No arrests have been made in the case. Fort Payne Police Chief David Davis stated that, “Once all the findings of the investigation have

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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!

July 23, Riley’s Run - 15th Annnual Riley’s Run. Registration @ 10am with lunch provided at 11am. Ride at own pace or ride in main group. Kickstands up for main ride @ 12 noon. 1st bike out at 11 am and last bike in at 4pm. Ride starts and ends at American Cruisers Clubhouse 3643 Tammy Little Drive, Secton, AL. $20 first hand $10 for additional hands.

50/50 Drawing, Door prizes. Sponcered by American Cruisers MC. July 30 & 31, Ider PTO - Ider PTO is hosting 2 work days at the school. Saturday July 30th 7 to 11am.

Sunday July 31st 5

to 7pm. Bring some work gloves. We will provide waters and lunch on Saturday. All help appreciated!

August 4, 5, 6, & 7th, World’s Longest Yardsale - The southern-most start point of this multi-state yard sale begins in Gadsden and travels 93 miles along the Lookout Mountain Pkwy to Chattanooga, TN. More than 1,000yard sale vendors in North AL offer everything from antiques, collectibles, furniture, dishwares, homemade jams and jellies, fresh garden produce, and much more. August 4-7, 2022.

August 13, Northeast Alabama

Gospel Music Jubilee - General Admission – $30 each. Artist Circle – 35$ each (First five rows guaranteed) Church groups of 10 or more people please contact us to get a group rate discount –Doors open at 5 pm.

The concert starts at 6 pm. Seats are first come first serve. Call/ Text 256-609-3908 for Tickets. Tickets can be mailed or picked up. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event.

Sat at 6:00PM 9:00PM Scottsboro Goosepond Civic Center. 1165 Ed Hembree Drive Scottsboro 35768 September 4, Art Sunday Photography Contest - Mark your calendars for Art

JACKSON BLAZE • 98-3 WILD COUNTRY • 101-7 THE TORCH

Staff:

Eloise Smith - General Manager Marla Jones - Managing Editor/Sports Brian Anderson - Radio Operations Manager Nick Vizzinia - Graphic Design Amy West - Account Executive Reace Osborn - Account Executive Jenna Sue Payne - Account Executive Patti Browder - Radio Traffic Lindsey Jones - Accounting Robert Crumley - Radio Personality Jenny Wootten Mann - Radio Personality Randy Frawley - Radio Personality David Hall - Reporter

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.

Sunday - September 4th from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at King Caldwell Park, Scottsboro.

Submit an 8x10 of a person, place or thing for the amateur photography contest.

For more details visit scottsboro3artsclub. com. Show vendor and food vendor applications are now being accepted.

Contact 3artsclub@ gmail.com with questions.

November 5, Canyon Fest - Canyon Fest is an annual celebration of art and nature featuring local art, crafts, live animal shows, music, food and fun for the entire family. Free and open to everyone. Pets welcome on leashes.

DeKalb County Hospital Association dba DeKalb Ambulance Service will hold their regularly scheduled board meeting on July 21, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. in the Carson Educational Building at DeKalb Ambulance Service, 208 Airport Road W, Fort Payne, AL. The public is invited to attend.

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LEGALS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO: CV 2022900071 LIBERTY BANK, PLAINTIFF VS. CHUCK BROWN, DEFENDANT NOTICE BY PUBLICATION Notice hereby is given to Chuck Brown, the Defendant in the above-styled lawsuit, that Liberty Bank has filed a lawsuit requesting a money judgment against you for your failure to pay the following debts: Promissory Note to the Plaintiff, Liberty Bank, for loan number 3410438, whereby the Plaintiff claims $11,446.71 from the Defendant, which is the balance due on the Promissory Note, interest, and late charges as of April 27, 2022.

The Plaintiff also claims interest and a reasonable attorney’s fee of the Defendant pursuant to the terms of said Promissory Note.

Promissory Note to the Plaintiff, Liberty Bank, for loan number 3404514, whereby the Plaintiff claims $10,479.70 from the Defendant, which is the balance due on the Promissory Note, interest, and late charges as of April 27, 2022.

The Plaintiff also claims interest and a reasonable attorney’s fee of the Defendant pursuant to the terms of said

Promissory Note.

Please be advised that if you fail to file an answer to the lawsuit by September 2, 2022, then a default judgment may be entered against you for the amount due on the promissory notes, interest, attorney’s fees, and costs.

Dated this the 1st day of July, 2022.

Southern Torch

Democracy in News

Submitted Editorial by The Alabama Press Association America’s free press is in crisis.

Today, local journalism, which is necessary to maintaining an informed and active citizenry, is on life support.

Since the advent of the internet, Big Tech companies – namely Facebook and Google – have used their power to manipulate the online news industry for their own financial gain. They set the rules for how, where and when we see news content online and how much revenue is made, and the government has failed to step in.

By not negotiating with local and small news publishers on usage terms, and refusing to pay them fairly for their work, Big Tech has driven many local outlets out of business. And as newsrooms have downsized or shuttered, Big Tech has filled the void with untrustworthy sources.

These platforms are built to elevate content that drive clicks – favoring extreme and outrageous misinformation. Their revenue models are built to distribute divisive content, which could not be more alarming in our highly fractured and partisan environment. They undervalue quality

news content and, as a result, the information ecosystem has grown increasingly confusing and unhealthy.

For our democracy to function properly, the government has a duty to make sure that every industry is operating fairly, and that major economic players are conducting business responsibly. As the spread of dangerous misinformation online has permeated our culture, we have all seen just how critical quality journalism is to sustaining a civic society. Elected officials now have a responsibility to reign in Big Tech – to restore fairness to the media industry and safeguard a pillar of our democracy.

We are asking our members of Congress to support the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act (JCPA), a bipartisan bill specifically aimed at addressing Google and Facebook’s threat to the free press. The JCPA would provide a temporary, limited antitrust safe harbor for small, local news publishers to collectively negotiate with Facebook and Google for fair compensation for the use of their content.

It’s narrowly tailored to ensure that coordination by news publishers is only in the interest of protecting trustworthy, quality journalism, and is designed to incentivize and

Republican control will definitely continue to exist with at least 78 of the 105 seats remaining in the grasp of the Republicans. The House is probably more conservative than the Senate, although they are both pretty right wing.

The leadership of the House of Representatives will change.

House Speaker Mac McCutcheon (R-Madison) and Speaker Pro Tem Victor Gaston (R-Mobile) are not seeking reelection.

There has been an internal jockeying for Speaker between Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) and Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Dekalb) going on for almost a year. It will continue until November when the Republican caucus makes their choice. The contest between Ledbetter and Clouse has been gentlemanly

without discord or acrimony. Most House members hate to make a choice because both men are so well liked and respected.

There will be harmony when it is decided, they will work together, and both will remain in a leadership position.

There is a cadre of Republican leadership returning to the House, including Clouse and Ledbetter.

Republican leaders returning are Danny Garrett, Terri Collins, Ginny Shaver, Jim Hill, Paul Lee, Randall Shedd, Kyle South, Tracey Estes, David Standridge, Steve Hurst, Randy Wood, Jim Carns, David Faulkner, Reed Ingram, Rhett Marquis, Jeff Sorrells, Chris Sells, Chris Blackshear, Joe Lovvorn, Chip Brown and Chris Pringle.

House Democratic leaders returning are Chris England, Anthony

Daniels, Peb Warren, Laura Hill, John Rogers, Mary Moore, Thomas Jackson, Sam Jones, Berry Forte, Dexter Grimsley and Barbara Boyd.

Incumbency is a potent, powerful, inherent advantage, especially in legislative races.

There were a couple of incumbents taken out in the House within the Republican ranks. They were beaten by female future superstars.

Indeed, this was a very good year for female Republican legislative candidates all over the state.

There are several new female legislators that are superstars and worth watching as leaders.

Cynthia Almond of Tuscaloosa leads the list although she actually has a session under her belt. She won her seat without opposition last

Said notice to be published July 8, 15, 22, & 29

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA EXECUTRIX’ NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BOBBIE SUE NELSON, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2022- 248

Letters of Testamentary on the Estate of Bobbie Sue Nelson, Deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 8 day of July, 2022, by the 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 July 15, 22, & 29 Get Your Subscription Today $15 for 6 months $30 for a full year $25 for vets & seniors

ESSENTIAL CONTENT | WATCHDOG JOURNALISM

Local news organizations are under pressure.

Local news strengthens our community, but local papers across the country are under threat. Big Tech takes advantage of the news and information created by local publishers, but they won’t pay for it.

The Journalism Competition and Preservation Act (JCPA) is a bipartisan bill that allows local news companies like this one to negotiate with Big Tech to ensure that they are treated fairly and compensated justly. If Congress doesn’t pass the JCPA, communities across America will continue to lose quality local, fact-based news coverage.

Contact your member of Congress to support the JCPA and ensure Big Tech doesn’t cancel local news: (202) 224-3121

reward publishers who are investing in journalists and newsroom personnel. In fact, publishers that demonstrate an investment in their journalists will receive a higher portion of the funds that result from the negotiations each year.

In today’s partisan political climate, it is rare for Democrats and Republicans to agree on anything – but the JCPA is one important exception.

The JCPA has bipartisan support, and elected officials from both parties agree that passing the JCPA will bring about much-needed change by making the news and publishing industries fairer for smaller media entities and local operators.

We applaud those members of Congress across the country and on both sides of the aisle who have already shown their commitment to local journalism by co-sponsoring the JCPA. But we need support from every member of Congress to ensure small and local newspapers are finally able to ask the tech platforms for the compensation they need and deserve.

We hope the Alabama congressional delegation will agree that the honest, quality reporting we provide for our community – and the future of all local journalism – is worth fighting for. We urge them to join their colleagues in co-sponsoring the JCPA today.

Inside The Statehouse

By Steve Flowers

The Alabama Legislature will remain super majority Republican for the next quadrennium. As the dust settles from the May/June party primaries, there have been negligible if any party changes.

There has been some shuffling on the deck of the GOP boat, but it has all been intraparty struggles.

By and large, both the House of Representatives and the Alabama Senate have remained safe havens for incumbents.

The Senate especially returns essentially intact.

The entire leadership of the Republican led Senate will stay the same. The leaders of the State Senate, including Greg Reed, Jabo Waggoner, Clay Scofield, Arthur Orr, Greg Albritton, Clyde Chambliss and Steve Livingston, will all be back in their same leadership posts. The sterling

freshman class of Senators will be Sophomores. This class of leaders includes Dan Roberts, Tom Butler, Sam Givhan, Will Barfoot, Garlan Gudger, April Weaver, Donnie Chesteen, Andrew Jones, Chris Elliott, Jack Williams and David Sessions.

The Democratic leaders also return in entirety, including powers Bobby Singleton, Rodger Smitherman, Vivian Figures and Billy Beasley.

There seems to be a more harmonious working relationship among the Republicans and Democrats in the Senate that has not existed in past years.

This body is poised to provide leadership for the state for the next four years.

The State House of Representatives will remain essentially the same, also. However, there has been more reshuffling in this Chamber, especially in the GOP ranks.

The super majority

year. Almost every list includes Susan Dubose of Shelby County. She beat an incumbent even though her district was distorted to help him win. She won the old fashioned way. She worked hard. She started early and stayed late.

Ultra-Republican Baldwin County elected all females to represent them in the House of Representatives.

Jennifer Fidler, Frances Holk-Jones and Carla Knight Maddox will make up the Baldwin delegation.

Lee Hulsey of Helena from District 15 in Jefferson/ Shelby will be a quick study in the House.

It was not just the year of the woman in statewide races, the ladies have made a significant move in the Alabama House of Representatives.

See you next week.

Friday - July 22, 2022 - 5

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OBITUARIES Leslie Bright - 46 of Geraldine passed Saturday, July 16, 2022 Her Funeral Service will 11 am Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at Albertville Memorial Chapel with burial to follow at Dekalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will 5 until 8 Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Leslie is survived by her Daughter: Kylie Bright, Son: Brandon Bright (Alexia), Mother: Joyce Gable (Randy), Brother: Tommy Ford (Christy), Grandmother: Dean Wells, Aunts and Uncles: Kathy and Chuck Saunders, Randy and Kelli Wells, Diane Feltner. She is preceded in death by her Husband: Barry Bright, Grandfather: Choice Wells, Father: Cecil Ford. Albertville Memorial Chapel Directing

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, July 17, 2022.

Edward Lee Davis - 91, of Fort Payne, passed away Friday, July 15, 2022. Funeral services will be 11 a.m.

Monday at Wilson Funeral Home with Bro. Raymond Smith officiating. Burial will follow.

Daniel Rabinowitz - 76, passed away July 15, 2022. Private services will be held at a later time.

Timothy E. Selbe - 58, of Fort Payne, passed away Saturday, July 16, 2022. Tim loved the ocean the first time he saw it and the family will honor his request to be scattered there.

Edward Michael Gladden - 53, of Fort Payne, passed away Monday, July 18, 2022.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Wilson Funeral Home with burial following in Plunkett Cemetery.

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Richard Eugene Brown - 62, of Fort Payne, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2022. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later time.

Alton Lamar Greeson - 68, of Fort Payne, passed away Friday, July 15, 2022.

Joseph Lee Blevins - age 83, of Fort Payne passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at his home.

He was born July 28, 1938, in Dora, AL, to the late David & Ora Blevins. Date of Funeral: A private family burial will be held in Dora, AL

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Ellis Eugene Mayo - 93 of Huntsville died Wednesday, July 13 at his residence. Funeral services are Saturday at 3 PM CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel.

Burial will follow in Fuller Cemetery.

Virginia Lee Coffey Hall - 73 of Flat Rock died Thursday, July 14 at her residence. Graveside Memorial Service will be Sunday at 2 PM CT at Brown Gap Cemetery.

Betty Rose Beaty Hiett - 85 of Ider entered Eternal Life on Sunday, July 17 at Highland’s Medical Center. Funeral services are Wednesday at 3 PM.

John Hubbard - 59 of Pisgah passed away on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at his residence.

Funeral service is Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 3:00PM. Donald Ray McAllister - 77 of Stevenson passed away on Friday, July 15, 2022 at Erlanger.

No formal service will be held.

Myra Paulette Johnston - 74 of Rainsville passed away on Monday, July 18, 2022 at Huntsville Hospital. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 21.

Kerby Wm Hollis Brannan - 82 of Centerpoint, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at his residence.

Funeral Service is Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 11:30am.

Cynthia Rose Tripp - 79 of Pisgah, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2022 at her residence. Funeral is Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 2:00 pm.

Talmadge “T.O.” Hairston - 90 of Henagar Alabama, He passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at his residence.

Funeral Service is Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 3pm. in Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Anthony Pannell officiating.

Scottsboro Thomas “Tom” Frank Fagan - 87, of Scottsboro, AL, passed away on Monday, July 11, 2022. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 15, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

Barbara Ann Walker - 69, of Hollywood, AL, passed away on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 15, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.

Ilene Ordia Michaels - 99, passed on Friday, July 15, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m.

Monday, July 18, 2022.

Lester Eugene Day - 79 of Fackler, Alabama passed away Saturday, July 16, 2022 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 18, 2022.

Margaret Sue Utterback Daye - 79 of

Scottsboro, Alabama passed away Saturday, July 16, 2022 at her home. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m.

Tuesday, July 19, 2022.

Daisy Louise Goolesby - 84, formerly of Scottsboro, passed away on Monday, July 18, 2022.

Visitation will be Friday, July 22, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. with a service following at 2:00 p.m.

W.T. Wilson Billy Wayne Mitchell - 81 of Collinsville, passed away Monday, July 11, 2022. Funeral Services will be held at 1pm on Friday, July 15, 2022.

Helen Louanne Germany - 58 of Boaz, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2022. Funeral Services will be held at 3:30pm on Saturday, July 16, 2022.

Maunee Wooten Maxwell - 93, of Rainsville passed away at her residence with her family at her side on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. Her funeral service will be held Friday, July 15, 2022 at 2 P.M. Pamela Diane Satterfield - 67 of Fort Payne, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2022.

Per Ms. Satterfield’s

Burt

request, no services will be held.

Don Kenneth Kilpatrick - 82 of Boaz, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2022. Funeral Services will be held at 11am on Friday, July 15, 2022 from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow.

Wanda Faye Whiteside - 79 of Fyffe passed away Friday, July 15, 2022 in Dekalb Regional Hospital.

FUNERAL 3pm Sunday July 17, 2022 W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Matt Wilson Morgan - 83 of Fyffe, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2022 at his residence. GRAVESIDE SERVICE 12:30pm Tuesday July 19, 2022 Beulah Cemetery VISITATION 10am till 12noon Tuesday, July 19, 2022 W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Gregory Robert Collard - 60 of Dawson, passed away Monday, July 18, 2022.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10am on Saturday, July 23, 2022 from Our Lady Of The Valley Catholic Church. Officiating is Father Rick Chenault.

Cremation services provided by W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Funeral H omes

6 - Friday - July 22, 2022

Southern Torch

Rainsville Approves Sidewalk Project

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- (Full video on Southern Torch Facebook) The Rainsville City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, July 18.

Adam Lea, with Ladd Engineering, addressed the Council regarding the sidewalk project from Rainsville Foodland to Cornerstone Christian Academy.

Due to a turn lane at the North Alabama

Bears

FROM PAGE 1 feels there are more.

The population is healthy with the average male bear weighing 250-300 pounds, and the female around 120-150 pounds.

Bears are usually shy and are scared of humans but if they find a food source, they will continue to come to the area.

Leeper encouraged residents of the area to place trash cans in the a locked space until the day of pickup. She also suggested bringing bird feeders in at night and only leaving small amounts of pet food outside to keep the bears away.

“We dont want to feed them”

Agribusiness Center and Cornerstone Christian Academy, the project will be amended as needed.

Plans will be approved up to the turn lane and the design should be completed by the end of the year.

According to Lea, this will be an 80/20 cost with the State.

The Council approved Resolution 07-18-2022 A which will surplus a 2018 Mahindra Tractor.

Resolution 07-18-2022 B, which will grant retirees and beneficiaries a one-time pay raise,

was also approved by the Council.

In other business, the Council approved the following: • Travel/Training Request was approved for Sam Young/Fire Dept • Lettering for New Fire Truck by Accel Graphics in the amount of $4775.00 • $500.00 Sponsorship— Alabama Fighting Championship The next regular Council Meeting will be held on August 1, 2022.

continued Libber. “ Any kind of food reward will keep these bears coming back for more. The best thing we can do is be proactive than reactive.”

In other business, the Council, approved Alcohol Applications for the following: • Tienda Los Primos – Off-Premise Beer • The Stockade – Restaurant Retail Liquor The Council approved the following Activity Permits: • Alabama Lebanon Rival Center, LeeAnn Pendergrass, Outreach Service, Rotary Pavilion, Saturday, October 22nd, 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 pm.

• VFW, Fundraiser Run for Patriot’s

Memorial Park, Saturday, November 5th, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

The Council discussed the Planning Commission’s decision to decline a re-zoning request from Marlin Blalock (Property Owner) and Dollar General (Leaseholder). There was no action taken by the Council.

The Council set a Work Session for Thursday, July 21 at 9:00 to discuss the FY2023 Budget.

Free

FROM PAGE 1

appreciation to the Town of Hammondville and Valley Head for their help with the fields, along with the host of volunteers and vendors.

Zach Ward, architect for the Ider Gymnasium notified Supertindent Lyles that the plan for the new gym had been approved by the Department of Construction Management this week.

Advertisements for bids could happen as early as July 17.

Details are being finalized for the Ider Softball Field Concession/ Pressbox and plans will be submitted for approval. The advertisement of bids will be in the near future.

Lyles also announced that DeKalb County had received a $30,000nWorkbased Learning Grant. This will pay for expenses and training for the Work Based Learning program.

In other business, the Board approved the following: • Retirements/ Resignations Lana Smith - ½ Counselor / ½ Teacher - Crossville High School Retirement - 8/1/22 • Terrie Stanford - Itinerant Literacy Coach - District Resignation - 6/26/22 • Ashley Buttram - Itinerant Special Education Bus Paraprofessional - Fyffe Special Services Center Resignation - 7/20/22 A Personnel Hearing was requested by Chris Hairston, Attendance Supervisor, to object to his proposed transfer from Attendance Supervisor at the Student Services to Instructional Supervisor at the DeKalb County Virtual Academy.

Hairston,

presented numerous letters, in support of him remaining in the position that he has held for eight years.

He expressed his desire to remain Attendance Supervisor and asked for an alley with the Board. In a unanimous vote, the Board approved the placement of Tony Bell in the position.

Transfers • Chris Hairston from 12-month Attendance Supervisor at the Student Services and Registrar’s Office to a 12-month Instructional Supervisor at the DeKalb County Virtual Academy / Tony Bell from 12-month Instructional Supervisor at the DeKalb County Virtual Academy to 12-month Attendance Supervisor at the Student Services and Registrar’s Office • Sheenia Daniel from English Language Arts Teacher at Fyffe High School to English Language Arts Teacher at Plainview High School (Effective 8/1/22) • Julie West from Assistant Principal (10-month) at Geraldine High School to Itinerant Elementary Mathematics Coach (10-months) for the district (Effective 7/14/22) • Tracy Tidmore from Middle School Counselor at Crossville Middle School to High School Counselor (10-months) at Collinsville High School (Effective 7/14/22) • April Hughes from Bus Driver at Collinsville High School to Bus Driver at Crossville Elementary School (Effective 8/1/22) Placements (All placements are made pending a background review meeting suitability criteria and negative, pre-employment drug screen and appropriate certification) Certified • Lamar

Hendricks Secondary Social Science Teacher - Valley Head High School (Effective 8/1/22) • Sharon Miller - Intervention Teacher - Ruhama Jr. High School (Effective 8/1/22) • Jessica Reed Itinerant Instructional Coach - Technology (10-months) - District (Effective 7/13/22) • Melissa Roberson - Itinerant EL Teacher Collinsville High School (Effective 8/1/22) • Kristin Williams - ARI Instructional Coach - Crossville Elementary School (Effective 8/1/22) Support Maria Turner Itinerant Special Education Paraprofessional - Collinsville High School (Effective 8/1/22) • Michaelle Jones - Itinerant School Social Worker - District • Matthew Henderson - Bus Driver - Collinsville High School (Effective 8/1/22) • Sarah Tomlinson - Itinerant School Nurse - Crossville Elementary School (Effective 8/1/22) Contracts • Charles Warren - Teaching Duties Ider High School The Board approved the payment of the 2022-2023 Annual School Board Membership Dues in the amount of $15,000.

Superintendent Lyles requested permission to place, pending board approval and permission to close Moon Lake Bank Accounts, which was approved by the Board.

The date of the next Meeting of the Dekalb Board of Education will be July 29. A work session will begin at 8:45 and the regular meeting at 9:00 in the Meeting Room at the Facilities Building.

New Omicron Variant Surges

Submitted by the Alabama Department of Public Health

ALABAMA-Cases of COVID-19 are once again on the rise across the United States, with a new Omicron subvariant labeled BA.5 responsible for nearly 65 percent of those cases according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Officials feel the percentage may actually be higher, as

this number does not account for the widespread use of home tests, which are not reported.

Preliminary data suggests that the BA.5 subvariant is

more infectious than previous subvariants.

It also appears to cause milder sickness, although hospital numbers and deaths due to COVID-19 have

increased over the last several weeks.

Persons infected with the BA.5 subvariant are experiencing many of the cold and flu-like symptoms

commonly associated with COVID-19, including: · Fever · Sore throat · Runny nose · Night sweats · Lingering cough

· Fatigue Some patients are also reporting new loss of taste and smell.

As this latest surge continues, the Alabama Department of Public Health reminds citizens to monitor the COVID-19 level in their community and to continue practicing appropriate mitigation and prevention strategies including wearing a well-fitting mask and social distancing.

Friday - July 22, 2022 - 7

Southern Torch

Flower Farm Going For Her Offers Smiles Dreams

By Marla Ballard Reporter FORT PAYNE, Ala. – Moonflower Farms is a business located on Sand Mountain at 948 County Road 112, Fort Payne. Laura and Eddie Houk are the owners of this pick your own bouquet flower farm.

The flower farm is in its second season and offers approximately two acres of flowers to choose from.

The farm also has a gift shop that both locals and tourists will find unique treasures from a dozen local vendors and others. Some of the items sold at the gift shop include; bug jars, butterfly nets, African dwarf frogs, greeting cards, soaps, lotions, tea towels, jewelry, hats, and candles. Laura worked with a candle maker to create a unique blend just for Moonflower Farms.

So far, the farm has attracted church groups, bachelorette parties, birthday parties, date nights, girls’ night out groups, families, professional photographers, and lots and lots of children. “The love of flowers is universal,” said Laura. “The

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, ALA.-- The Plainview Bears recently held a youth football camp.

Several current players helped with the camp to support the development of future Bears. Thanks to the

demographic is different than what I expected it to be, but I’m thrilled to see so many different types of people coming to the farm.”

Professional photographers are welcome to come for photo shoots with their clients for a small fee. Prices for the bouquets are determined by the size of container the customer chooses.

Vases/containers and clippers are provided.

The porch overlooking the garden has comfy furniture and rocking chairs under roof with ceiling fans for those who just want to watch the fun or take a break. The porch does have the following rules; Read a book, visit with friends, relax, take a nap, feel the breeze, enjoy the day, listen to the birds, and sip a drink.

Flower types include; sunflowers, zinnias, celosia, strawflower, marigold, bachelor button, amaranth, cosmos, dahlia, asters, gladiolas, ageratum, and more.

The flower season extends into the autumn months. “I plant sunflowers on a regular basis all season long,” said

Laura. “I will be planting a large variety of various colors soon.”

Events have included art classes presented by Alice Circle.” I would like to plan future events that would include a farmer’s market, inviting food vendors, live music, calligraphy classes, and yoga classes,” said Laura.

Laura said this is the property where she grew up flying kites and bailing hay.

Five generations have either lived on or worked on the property or hope to in the near future.

“This is the type of place where people leave with a smile on their face and that makes me happy,” said Laura.

Hours of operation are Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:00 p.m.

– 8:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Phone: 256-7178792. Email - moonfloweralabama@ gmail.com To find out the history of the farm and why they named the farm moonflower visit their website – moonfloweralabama. com. Follow on Facebook and Instagram.

By Marla Ballard Reporter Rainsville, Ala. -- Teryn Patterson has had an at-home business for four years, she bakes cookies. She wanted to stay at home with her children, but still find a way to work.

Baking cookies for friends and family was something she commonly did and got requests for more, so she decided to see if starting her own business would work. “I’m a strong believer in going for what you are dreaming about,” said Teryn.

“I started with my grandmother, Joyce Buttram’s, recipe,” said Teryn. “I tweaked it just a bit to make it my own, but it comes from her originally.” Teryn said the most difficult part was getting the icing the right consistency.

“It took me time to figure it out, but I stuck with it until I did.” In addition to the typical icing, she also paints cookies.

Teryn said she watched tons of YouTube videos on how to paint cookies.

“It takes hours to paint a cookie, because you have to

wait for a layer to dry much the same way an artist waits for a layer of paint to dry,” said Teryn. “It can sometimes take two days to complete a batch that is intricate in detail and has several layers of paint.”

There isn’t any design that Teryn won’t attempt. Of course, the typical holiday designs are among her most commonly ordered, but she has a long list of unique cookies she has made for various events. She has made cookies in the designs of baseballs, dinosaurs, cows, for gender reveal parties, engagements, weddings, baby showers, graduations, baby dedications/ christening, first day of school, retirement, sports teams, nurse week, vacation destinations, thank you cookies, camping, John Deere, super heroes, business openings with business logo, sold-the-home for realtors, and more.

Teryn said she gets a lot of her ideas from customers, TikTok, and Pinterest.

In addition to choosing the design

customers may choose the flavor of cookie. Flavors include; sugar, strawberry, coconut, blueberry, lemon, orange, pineapple, banana, and more.

She also makes something called a hot chocolate bomb, call to ask about this interesting sweet treat.

Teryn advertises on Facebook and Instagram and says word of mouth keeps her in business. “I have regular customers that I truly appreciate,” said Teryn. “I also appreciate all of the customers that spread the word about my cookies.”

There have been weeks when she has received orders that had her making 25 to 30 dozen cookies.

On her busier weeks her mother, Terri Wilborn, steps in and assists her in the kitchen.

Generally, porch pickup is how purchases are arranged. Scottsboro customers may make pre-arrangements to pick up at Teryn’s sister’s business, located in Scottsboro.

To order cookies call 256-996-8553.

Bears Supporting Bears

following players for mentoring the peewee players and giving them positive role models.

Andrew Hall #10 Dylan Mccullough #26 Corey Killian #62 Grant Martin #67 Andrew Mays #58 Brayden York #75 Dylan Rosson # 24

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8 - Friday - July 22, 2022

Southern Torch

2020 Chevrolet Suburban Premier

2020 Toyota Avalon

2021 Chevrolet Silverado

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 400

2021 Honda Accord Sedan

Monday - Saturday 8:30AM-6PM

(256)844-2210 WWW.BOBBYLEDBETTER.COM

1015 Gault Avenue South, Fort Payne, AL 35967 901 1st Ave, Gadsden, AL 35901