ST Vol 8 No 39

The Fair returns to DeKalb County

By Marla Jones

Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. —

The 67th annual DeKalb County VFW Fair, returned this week. The fair will run through Saturday, October 1.

This year, the fair boasts a new attraction, the “World Famous

Walllena”

family who will be performing an aerial artistry event, twice nightly.

The schedule of events for the remainder of the week are as follows:

Thursday, September 29 • 2 Armbands for $25 from 5 p.m. to close, Midway Only (Both persons must be present

at the time of purchase)

• Entertainment: Chris Robers School of Music and the Fort Payne High School Guitar Class 6:00 p.m.

• Meat and BOER Goat Shows 6:30 p.m. Friday, September 30

• Kissell Entertainment on the Midway- 5 p.m.

Geraldine Student Illustrates Book

what the little chipmunk was told but he refused to give up! He keeps trying.- The Brave Little Chipmunk

Those probably are the words, Geraldine senior Christian Clontz said when he was asked to illustrate The Brave Little Chipmunk by DeAnna Skinner, in 2020, when he was only 15 years old.

Clontz’s mom, Ann, who is also an artist, was told about an ad looking for illustrators for a children’s book. At the time, she was contracted with another author but sent her son’s artwork to the author for review.

Christian was no stranger to the art world. He started drawing at the age of four.

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

CROSSVILLE, Ala.— On Friday night, the Crossville Lions celebrated their Homecoming against Southeastern.

What happened at Homecoming is a story of character and unselfishness at Crossville High School.

Senior Juleydi Franco Ramos, was crowned 2022 Homecoming Queen. After receiving the crown, Juleydi turned to her principal, Jon Peppers and asked if she could forfeit the crown and give to it to first alternate Lilliana Pahaumba Roque.

So what makes this so special? Lilliana was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and spends most of her time in her wheelchair. Lillliana always has a smile and has gained the respect of her peers.

The sight of this unselfish act was amazing. There was not a dry eye in the stadium.

announcement by A+ College Ready as a “School of Excellence” in Alabama. Crossville High School may not also compete in athletics like other schools but they are teaching their students how to be great citizens with great character and most importantly great role models for the next generation under them.

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

“It took me around

Crossville’s academics are amazing as evidenced by their recent

Lilliana Pahaumba Roque recieves the 2022 Homecoming Crown from Juleydi Franco Ramos

GERALDINE, ALA.--

“You’re too little! You’re not strong enough”. That is

Mountain Lakes Chamber To Visit Washington, D.c

Jackson County, AL (September 26, 2022) – Jackson County representatives will be traveling this week to Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers to discuss critical needs of our business community.

Twenty-six local elected officials, business leaders and community partners will depart on Tuesday and spend two days in scheduled meetings with legislators.

These briefings will take place with Senator Richard

Shelby, Senator Tommy Tuberville, Congressman Mo Brooks and Congressman Robert Aderholt. A committee led by the Chamber formed the 2022/2023 Federal Agenda which will be presented and discussed during the visit.

“The Chamber has conducted the annual

Mobile Chicken Coops Are Becoming Popular

By Marla Ballard Reporter

Washington, D.C. Fly-In for thirty years and has seen great dividends.

Our visits have resulted in $2M for the Scottsboro Airport, $200,000 for My Lake Guntersville, millions in grants for the Scottsboro WSG and Section/Dutton Water Board. We have been able to build great relationships with our congressional delegation and this is important for all of Jackson County,” said Rick Roden, President/ CEO Mountain Lakes Chamber.

Team Brings Home the Bling

According to Mother Earth News Study, “Studies show that farm fresh eggsbhave less cholesterol and saturated fat than those purchased from the store.

Additionally, they also contain 25 percent more vitamin E, 75 percent more beta carotene, and up to 20 times more Omega-3 fatty acids.

Building chicken coops is becoming more common allowing farmers to have a fresh supply of eggs and the option of selling eggs for supplemental income.

However, raising chickens that roost in a traditional coop comes with some drawbacks. The reason topping the list is the sanitary issue.

For each pound of feed consumed, a chicken will produce approximately 0.5 pound of fresh manure with a moisture content of about 75 percent. This adds up to approximately 75 pounds per year, per animal. Manure leads to disease and contamination when the coop is not cleaned consistently or thoroughly.

Farmers are endeavoring to create a more symbiotic

relationship between them and their avion counterparts by creating the best environment possible for their flock This is one reason mobile chicken coops are becoming popular.

Tyler and Jennifer Dart, owners of Silver Heritage Farms in Henagar, are owners of a mobile chicken coop and feel it is the best way to raise chickens and produce eggs.

“Our mobile coop is about 120 square feet and completely enclosed like a cage. It is light enough that we can move it by hand without the aid of a lawnmower,” said Tyler. “The yard area, attached to the coop with fencing, is partially covered allowing the chickens to get out of the elements when necessary. We are very pleased with our decision to use a mobile coop.”

The mobile design eliminates the need to clean manure from a coop because the coop has no bottom flooring. This model allows the grass

underneath the coop to be fertilized. Chicken manure is a preferred fertilizer due to its richness in potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients.

Moving the coop to a clean plot of land every few days allows the brood to feed on fresher earth which is believed to produce higher quality meat and eggs. An area that is constantly picked over for feed leaves the flock with a poor diet. Another benefit is that once the coop is moved it does not allow parasites to complete a full cycle to spread to other chickens.

Another reason the mobile design is becoming more popular is the lower risk of attacks from dogs, cats, hogs, foxes, coyotes, bears, owls, hawks, skunks, raccoons, and other predators. The mobile chicken coop is commonly designed as a cage, while still allowing the chickens to roam in a contained area on fresh pasture.

When building or shopping for a mobile coop make sure there is adequate ventilation. Moisture, humidity, and heat are poultry’s enemies. The optimal design includes a vented chimney where heat can escape quickly.

Inside The Statehouse

By Steve Flowers

The new state fiscal year begins October 1, and the two state budgets are flush. Both the General Fund and the State Special Education Budgets will be the largest in state history. The General Fund Budget is a record breaking $2.7 billion. It increases the revenue to mental health and prisons. Medicaid continues to be a money eating monster. State employees are getting a 4% cost of living raise. This is the third time in recent history that state workers have gotten a back-toback pay raise. In addition, retired state employees will get a bonus.

State Senator Greg Albritton (R-Escambia) and Representative Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) the budget chairmen

deserve accolades. Veteran Alabama State Employees Association executive director, Mac McArthur deserves a lot of credit for state employees getting a 4% pay increase this year and 2% last year. Ole Mac has put together four raises in five years for his folks.

Alabama Education Association (“AEA”) head, Amy Marlowe, and her chief lobbyist ally, Ashley McLain, deserve kudos for garnering a 4% teacher pay raise. Once again, the AEA has become a power to be reckoned with on Goat Hill.

The legislature passed a record breaking $8.17 billion Education Budget. The historic spending plan increases education funding by about $502 million over the current year. It

drew praise from all corners of education for its increases, which includes teachers’ salaries and workforce development. There will be more money for classroom materials, the hiring of technology coordinators and reading coaches and $20 million to implement the K-5 math instruction bill.

The budget includes a 4% raise for teachers and lump-sum bonuses for retirees. There is also about a $33 million bonus to increase teacher longevity. Other states have been giving similar salary adjustments. One of the budget allotments that has gotten the most accolades is the increase from $700 to $900 per classroom in supply money.

The story that has been building the past several years is the resurgence of the AEA as a power player on

Goat Hill. The fruits of their labor emerged immensely during the regular session. It is apparent that AEA was instrumental in crafting the Education Budget with the 4% pay increase for teachers and the money that is going into the classroom. You would have thought that Dr. Paul Hubbert was still sitting in the gallery directing legislators votes with a thumbs up or a thumbs down.

They have built AEA into a power to be reckoned with at the Statehouse. The new leadership of Marlowe/McLain have reorganized by acknowledging that Alabama. and especially the Alabama Legislature. is very Republican. They understand the rule that “money is the mother’s milk of politics,” and “you win more bees with honey.”

The AEA has generously

donated to House Republicans like nobody’s business and no other Special Interest entity. It is no longer taboo or heresy for a Republican legislator or State Senator to accept teacher union money.

They have made $10,000 to $15,000 contributions to House members on both sides of the aisle. In reviewing campaign disclosure statements, AEA is the only entity writing checks that large. Checks to senator’s coffers are $25,000 or more.

AEA lobbyists, especially Ashley McLain, have earned the friendship and respect of the Republican House members and Senators. She and her team have gone out to their districts all over the state and gotten to know them and their families. They have connected

the legislator with key educators in their hometowns who are respected centers of influence and can orchestrate a field or army of teachers to work the districts for their legislative friends. This footwork and shoe leather coupled with large campaign checks hits home with legislators of both parties.

The telling blow that resonated and echoed off the walls of the Statehouse was the defeat of the so-called School Choice Bill. Senator Del Marsh made it his final mission to place state education dollars into private, parochial and charter schools. His school choice was given a stinging defeat by none other than the AEA. Folks, make no doubt about it, the AEA is back in Alabama politics. See you next week.

The Diamond Kings 11u travel baseball team has players from Dekalb and Jackson counties. They won the 11U championship over the weekend and received a ring.

FROM PAGE 1

until close (Tickets only)

• Entertainment: The Pickin’ Post presents Crossroads at 6 p.m.

• Horse and Mule Show at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 1

• Gates open at 10 a.m.

• Children and teachers will be admitted free with tickets

• 4-H Chick Chain from 11 a.m. and auction at 3 p.m.

• Circus

Incredible at 1 p.m.

• Entertainment:

32nd Annual DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair Gospel Singing featuring Brian Free & Assurance and

The Sharps at 5:30 p.m • Open Beef Show at 6:30 p.m. The fair is at the DeKalb County VFW Fairgrounds, located at 151 18th Street NE in Fort Payne. For more information, visit dekalbcountyvfwfair.com.

BOOK

FROM PAGE 1

eight months to illustrate the book so as not to run into my school time” stated Clontz.

Clontz excels in school, serving as a Student IT Technician for the DeKalb County School system. He stated that he would like to continue his work with the school system after

graduation.

“I certainly thought about pursuing an art degree but art is a very difficult thing to get into” expressed Clontz. “If you like art enough, a safe way to do it is to have a stable income and do art on the side”.

Christian illustrated a book before The Brave Little Chipmunk that will be released later this year. The Brave Little Chipmunk by Deanna Skinner was released earlier this month through Barnes & Noble.

You can purchase your copy for $9.95 at www. barnesandnoble.com

Free Carpentry Class

Montgomery— The Alabama Home Builders Foundation has partnered with Northeast Alabama Community College to offer a free eight-week basic residential carpentry course to adults in the Rainsville area. The course will take place on Thursday evenings, 5:00-8:00 p.m., from October 20 through December 15, 2022 at the Northeast Alabama Community College Campus Industry Training Center Building (138 AL Hwy. 35, Rainsville). Through classroom instruction and hands-on application, the class will cover the basics of

residential carpentry such as safety instruction, construction layout and reading blueprints, framing, window and door installation, and siding and exterior trim. All who successfully complete the course will receive NCCER credits and a certificate of completion from the Home Builders Association of Alabama.

“With the housing market on the upswing and the construction workforce aging, there’s an everincreasing need for qualified, skilled tradespeople entering the home building industry,” said Foundation President David Lisenby. “The

Alabama Home Builders Foundation is excited to partner with trade schools around the state to help fill that gap through education initiatives such as our carpentry program. The students who complete the program earn a certificate and gain valuable skills that will prepare them for entering the building workforce, and our industry gains more skilled carpenters, a trade which is always in demand.”

For details about the program and to register, contact Kory Boling, Foundation Executive Director, at 1-800-745-4222 or email koryboling@ hbaa.org.

Collinsville Drugs

State Farm

The DeKalb Co Fair

Every Friday and Saturday in October, Trail of Horror - Hollywood Fire Department hosts the Trail of Terror. Every Friday and Saturday in October. Begins at sundown. Located at Hollywood Park, 6759 Co Rd 33, Hollywood AL. Admission $10.

October 1, 50th class reunion - The Geraldine High School Class of 1972 will have their 50th class reunion, Saturday, October 1st, at Top of the River in Guntersville, at 7 pm.

October 3,

Domestic Violence

Crisis Services

Annual Candlelight Vigils - Fort Payne DVCS will hold their annual Candlelight Vigil startig at 5:00PM at the DeKalb County Courthouse. Carla Wood will give a brief introduction of who we are and what services we offer and honor those who aren’t with us today. There will be a reading of a poem and realeasing of balloons.

October 8,

Canyon Half Marathon - Fort Payne, AL -

Jacksonville State University and the Little River Canyon Center is pleased to announce the 9th annual half marathon set to be held on Saturday, October 8th, 2022. Possibly one of the most scenic half marathons in the country, the certified course loops 13.1 miles on paved roads, starting and ending at the Little River Canyon Center.

Starting at 8:00 am, the first 5 miles of the run will follow the Little River Canyon National Preserve’s scenic and sometimes challenging rim of

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

the canyon, as the remainder winds through gently rolling farm country including Randy Owen Drive and his famous Tennessee River Music Hereford and Angus cattle ranch. Randy and Kelly Owen are often on hand at the 6 and 8 mile water station pitching Fig Newtons, energy GU and drinks.

October 27, Domestic Violence Crisis Services

Annual Candlelight Vigils - Albertville DVCS will hold their annual Candlelight Vigil startig at 5:00PM at the

DeKalb County Courthouse. Carla Wood will give a brief introduction of who we are and what services we offer and honor those who aren’t with us today. There will be a reading of a poem and realeasing of balloons.

November 5, Canyon FestCanyon 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 Animal Hospital

LEGALS

IN THE CIRCUIT

COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO.: CV-22900112

HIDDEN LAKE AT LOOKOUT

MOUNTAIN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., PLAINTIFF, VS. LOOKOUT

MOUNTAIN RANCHCCC, LLC, DEFENDANT.

NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT TO LOOKOUT

MOUNTAIN RANCH – CCC, LLC, TINA MCDONALD, THE REGISTERED AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS FOR LOOKOUT

MOUNTAIN RANCH – CCC, LLC, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES

Lookout Mountain Ranch – CCC, LLC and Tina McDonald, the registered agent for service of process for

Lookout Mountain Ranch – CCC, LLC, take notice that on June 23, 2022 a Complaint was filed in the above-styled case concerning past due HOA dues,

late fees, reasonable attorney’s fee and Court costs. The Complaint alleges claims against Lookout Mountain Ranch – CCC, LLC including but not limited to: breach of the terms and conditions of the Declaration of Protective and Restrictive Covenants and Bylaws of the Hidden Lake at Lookout Mountain Subdivision, failure to pay HOA dues, late fees, and attorney fees, and demands monetary judgment upon the same. You are hereby notified to file a responsive pleading within thirty (30) days after the last publication of the Notice or on or about November 11, 2022. Said Notice being published on September 16, 2022; September 23, 2022; September 30, 2022 and October 7, 2022 in the Southern Torch, and on September 21, 2022; September 28, 2022; October 5, 2022 and October 12, 2022 in the Cherokee County Herald.

CIRCUIT CLERK OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

Said notice to be published

September 16, 23, 30, & October 7

LEGALS

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: CAMILA CORONEL

CASE NO. 2022-346

NOTICE OF PROCEEDINGS NOTICE TO: FERNANDO GONZALEZ CASTILLO, FATHER

RE: Petition for Name Change Order for Camila Gonzalez

Please take notice that a Petition for minor child name change has been filed in said Court by Edith Margarita Coronel. Please be advised that if you intend to contest said Petition for Name Change you must file a written response with the attorney named below and with the Clerk of the Probate Court, 300 Grand Avenue SW, Suite 100, Fort Payne, AL 35967 as soon as possible but no later than 30 days from the last date of this publication.

Said notice to be published September 23, 30, & October 7

LEGALS

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: MARLON IAN GONZALEZ

CASE NO. 2022-345

NOTICE OF PROCEEDINGS

NOTICE TO: FERNANDO

GONZALEZ, FATHER

RE: Petition for Name Change Order for Marlon lan Gonzalez

Please take notice that a Petition for minor child name change has been filed in said Court by Edith Margarita Coronel. Please be advised that if you intend to contest said Petition for Name Change you must file a written response with the attomey named below and with the Clerk of the Probate Court, 300 Grand Avenue SW, Suite 100, Fort Payne, AL 35967 as soon as possible but no later than 30 days from the last date of this publication.

Said notice to be published

September 23, 30, & October 7

LEGALS

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

EXECUTRIX’S

NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES RONALD JONES, DECEASED

CASE NO. 2022-342

Letters of Testamentary on the Estate of JAMES RONALD JONES, Deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on

the 19 day of Sept, 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

September 23, 30, & October 7

LEGALS

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MILES L. BEATY, DECEASED

CASE NO.: 2022-347

Letters of Testamentary on the Estate of MILES L. BEATY, Deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 21 day of September, 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 September 30, October 7, & 14

LEGALS

V.

RODRIGUEZMENDIOLA 28-CS-2022900051.00

The following matter was FILED on 5/31/2022 11:24:28 AM

In the Juvenile Court of DeKalb County, Alabama Galvan-Mendoza Celeste, Plantiff v. Rodriguez-Mendiola Roberto, Defendant Order

Upon Varified motion of the petitioner in the above style cause, the court agrees that service by publication of the Petition for custody upon the Respondent, Roberto Rodriguez-Mendiola, whose whereabouts are unknown, is proper in this case and directs the Court Clerk to prepare a Notice and have it published in Southern Torch, a newspaper of general circulation in DeKalb County, Alabama, once a week for the next four (4) weeks. Said notice to be published September 30, October 7, 14, & 21

Great Grandchildren: Jones Chapman and Wyn Chapman

friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. until time of service.

Gary Lebron Jackson - 84, of Fort Payne, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2022 at his home. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Fischer Cemetery with Rev. John Mathieu officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 4 until 7 p.m.

Cornerstone

Ronald Wayne Evans - 62 of Section died Tuesday, September 20 at Highlands Medical Center. Graveside services are Saturday at 5 PM CT at Pisgah Cemetery with Bro. Jody Bell officiating.

John Lee Shuster Sr. - 84 of Flat Rock died Wednesday, September 21 at his residence. Funeral services are Monday at 11 AM CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Roger Little officiating. Burial will follow.

Cleva Dell Stephens Blevins - 93 of Ider died Wednesday, September 21 at Cumberland Health Care. Funeral services are Saturday at 2 PM. Family will receive friends Friday from 6

Elbert Lee Wooten - 65, of Higdon, AL, passed away September 23, 2022.

Services for Mr. Wooten will be held on Monday, September 26th at 4pm.

Tommye Sue Eakins - 60 of Pisgah died Saturday, September 24. Funeral services are Tuesday at 1 PM CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel.

Jayda Selest Evans Barron - 39 of Bryant died Saturday, September 24 at her residence. Funeral services are Tuesday at 5 PM ET.

David Keith Schultz - 60 of Pisgah passed away on September 26. It was David’s wish to be cremated and the family will have a visitation on Friday from 3 to 5 PM CT.

Crossville

Linda Gail Rucks78 of Crossville passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at Crossville Health and Rehab. Her funeral service will be at 2

Peggy Carroll Tuell - 80 of Rosalie passed away on Sunday, September 25, 2022. Funeral service is Friday, September 30, 2022, at 2pm in Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Earnest Corbitt officiating.

William K. Love54 of Henagar, passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022, in Henagar.

Rainsville

Tommie Faye

Robertson Elliott - 84 of Rainsville, AL passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at her residence. Funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 3PM at Broadway Faith Chapel with Dr. Kevin McCreless officiating. Burial will follow in Broadway Cemetery with Rainsville Funeral Home, Inc., www. rainsvillefuneralhome. com. Visitation will be at Broadway Faith Chapel on Sunday, September 25th from 12PM-3PM

Survivors Daughter: Marcheta Chapman and Husband Greg Grandchildren: Jake Chapman and wife Kelley Josh Chapman

Preceded in Death

Husband: Wendell

L. Elliott

Parents: Luther & Mae Robertson

Brothers: Eldred

Robertson and LZ

Robertson

Sisters: Lillian

Lindsay and Jo Dean

Townsend

Dorothy Pearcy Badgett - 74 of Rainsville, AL passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 2PM.

Bobby Chester75 of Rainsville, AL passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022 at his residence. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 11AM.

Scottsboro

Marlon Hancock - 86, of Scottsboro, lost his battle with cancer, on Thursday, September 22, 2022. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at Scottsboro Funeral Home with Dr. Robert Gamble and Rev. Donald Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow at Pinehaven Memorial Gardens. The family will receive

Marlon is survived by his wife, Carolyn Hancock; daughter, Beth Hancock

Sosebee (Lyle); son, Darrell Hancock (Cathy); grandchildren, Amber, Todd, Jordan, and Isabella; greatgranchildren, Hunter, Brantley, and Gabriel; sisters, Alinda Arnold and Sue Pickett; and brother, Larry Don Hancock.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund.

Donald Gilliam73, of Scottsboro, passed away on Monday, September 19, 2022. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Price Cemetery.

John David

Harrison - 75 of Scottsboro, Alabama passed away Monday, September 26, 2022 at his home. Mr. Harrison was retired from the Scottsboro Power Board. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

W.T. Wilson

Bea Fike Sims - 76 of Cedar Bluff passed away Wednesday, Sept 21, 2022. Funeral is Sept 24 at 3pm. Earl Lee Clark - 81 of Rising Fawn,

Georgia passed away Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Funeral is Sept. 25 at 2pm.

Rachel Maness84 of Fyffe, passed away September 23, 2022. At her request a private graveside service was held September 24, 2022.

James Leon Leath, Jr. - 49 of Albertville, passed away Friday, September 23, 2022. Services will be held at 12pm on Saturday, October 1, 2022.

Dorothy Louise Lewis - 84 of Fort Payne passed away on September 23, 2022, at her residence. Funeral services are set for 3:00pm Tuesday.

Sammy Dale Gilliland - 64, of Rainsville passed away on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. Graveside services will be held at 4pm Sunday, September 25, 2022.

Anneva Hard - 74, of Albertville passed away on Friday, September 23, 2022. Funeral services are set for 1pm Tuesday, Sept 27, 2022.

Nellie Bea Pullen - 87 of Pisgah passed away Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. Funeral is Sept 25 at 11am.

Ruben Palacios67 of Fort Payne and formerly of El Salvador, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2022. Services will be held at 6pm on Wednesday, September 28.

Wilson

Kerby

20 22 SCOREBOARD

Football Finals for September 23, 2022

Collinsville 48, Gaston 12 Fyffe 56, Plainview 13 Westbrook Christian 59, Section 6 Russell 32, Cornerstone 20 Sylvania 34, Pisgah 7 Southeastern 48, Crossville 20

Valley Head 56, Ider 30

South Pittsburg 42, North Jackson 19 Priceville 28, Scottsboro 21 Woodville 46, Brindlee Mountain 6 Fort Payne 21, Arab 0

Tigers Swat the Hornets

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

VALLEY HEAD, Ala--

The Class 1A, No. 6 ranked Valley Head Tigers remain undefeated in regular season play with a 56-30 win over the Ider Hornets.

Eian Bian scored on a 50-yard run for the Valley Head Tigers with 6:11 remaining in the first quarter. The extra-point attempt failed, making the score 6-0. Austin Cross connected with Daniel Greeson on a 36-yard pass for the Ider score. Cross brought in the 2-point conversion, making the score 8-6 with 1:41 remaining in the first quarter. With only :19 remaining in the first quarter, Hunter Robinson ran in from 3-yards out for the Valley Head Tiger score. The two-point conversion by Herman

Moreno, put the Tigers in the lead for good, with a score of 14-8.

Bain scored for the Tigers on a 60-yard stampede into the endzone. The two-point conversion by Hunter Robinson was good, making the score 22-8 with 11:17 remaining in the first half. Bain strikes again for the Tigers on a 33-yard gallop into the

endzone. The two-point conversion by Nate Bain is good to go into the half, with the 30-8 advantage.

The Tigers started out the second half with a 51-yard touchdown run by Hunter Robinson. The two-point conversion by Moreno, made the score 38-8 with 11:46 remaining in the third.

Bain scored on a 69-yard run with 6:55

Panthers Cage the Bulldogs

Collinsville put the first points on the board when McAteer connected with Deboard on a 65-yard touchdown pass. McAteer added a 4-yard touchdown run to give the Panthers the 13-0 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

Gaston scored with 11:17 remaining in the second quarter on a 4-yard touchdown pass, making the score 13-6. DeBoard answered back with a Panther touchdown on a 23-yard pass connection from McAteer. The touchdown gave Collinsville the 20-6 lead at the half..

DeBoard scored two touchdowns with runs of 51 and 38 yards in the third quarter to give Collinsville the 34-6 lead.

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

GADSDEN, Ala.– The Collinsville Panthers defeated Gaston, 48-12 on the night the Bulldogs celebrated Homecoming and 100 years of football.

Collinsville scored touchdowns on its first three possessions, also scoring on seven of their nine possessions.

Collinsville was led by a gritty defense with the offense being led by Keeeaton Deboard and Mason McAteer.

McAteer passed for over 200 yards and three touchdowns and he ran for an additional touchdown.

Deboard caught three touchdown passes and had six receptions for 182 yards. He ran for 90 yards and another touchdown.

Hunter James scored twice in the fourth. One was on a 54 yard run with 10:52 remaining in the game.

Gaston scored on a 13-yard run with 7:25 remaining in the fourth. James scored his second touchdown of the night on a 10-yard run with 3:02 remaining in the game, to make the final score 48-12.

Collinsville will travel to take on the Fyffe Red Devils on Friday.

remaining in the third. The extra point attempt failed, making the score 44-8. With 3:14 remaining in the third, Benjamin Smith scores for Ider on a 22-yard gallop into the endzone. The two-point conversion by Smith, made the score 44-16. Moreono scores for Valley Head on an 8-yard shuffle into the endzone with

:39 remaining in the third quarter. The Hornets blocked the kick, to make the score 50-16.

Daniel Greeson bulldozed his way into the endzone from 18-yards out for the Ider touchdown with 6:57 remaining in the game. The two-point conversion by Cross made the score 50-24.

Valley Head answered

back with a 20-yard run for the score by Carlos Character. The point after attempt failed for the Tigers.

Ider scored on a 17-yard fun by Cross. The two-point conversion failed, to give the Valley Head Tigers the win with a score of 56-30. For Valley Head, Eian Bain had 212 rushing yards for the night. Hunter Robinson finished the night with 193 rushing yards. Austin Cross went 3-for-8 for 60 passing yards. For Ider, Benjamin Smith had 118 yards. Daniel Greeson finished the night for the Ider Hornets with 78 yards.

Valley Head will host Cedar Bluff for Homecoming this week. Ider will travel to take on the Section Lions.

Sand Mountain Showdown

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.--The Fyffe Red Devils defeated the Plainview Bears, 56-13 in the Sand Mountain Showdown on Friday night.

Logan Anderson returned the opening kickoff for the 72- yard touchdown, The point after kick by Yahir Balcazar was good to give the Red Devils the 7-0 lead with 11:52 remaining in the first quarter. With 9:25 remaining in the opening quarter, Brodie Hicks crashed into the endzone from 3- yards out. The PAT by Balcazar was good, making the score 14-0. Anderson galloped in from 5 -yards out with 2:18 remaining in the opening quarter. The kick by Balcazar extended the Red

Devil’s lead to 21-0.

In the second quarter, Blake Dobbins made the 16-yard pass completion to Will Arnold for a touchdown. The kick by Balcazar made the score 28-0. With 0:08 remaining in the first half, Dobbins connected with Evan Chandler on a 25-yard pass completion for the score. The PAT by Balcazar is good, extending the Red Devil lead to 35-0 going into the half.

Brodie Hicks opened up the scoring for the Red Devils on a 6 -yard run with 8:15 remaining in the third quarter. The kick by Balcazar, put the Red Devils in the lead with a score of 42-0.

With 1:52 remaining in the third, Hunter Machen brought in the 50-yard touchdown. The kick by Balcazar gave the

Red Devils the 49-0 advantage. The Plainview Bears put their first points on the board with :08 remaining in the third on a Trey Rutledge 51-yard pass connection to Owen Hope. The PAT was not good, making the score 49-6.

The Red Devils closed out their scoring frenzy with 6:13 remaining in the game on a 31-yard run by Kaden Sharp. The kick by Jesse Martin made the score 56-6. With 3:55 remaining in the game, Plainview scored on a 65-yard run by Brody Hodges, The point after attempt by Brayden Lingerfelt was good, making the final score 56-13.

Fyffe will host Collinsville on Friday night. Plainview will travel to face Hokes Bluff.

Photo courtesy of Valerie Chappell

Cheryl Boydston | Southern Torch

Team of the Week Fort Payne

By Amy West Sports Reporter amy@southerntorch.com

ARAB, Ala– The Fort Payne Wildcats shut out No. 8-ranked Arab Knights 21-0 giving Arab its first loss

of the season last Friday night.

In the first quarter, with :39 seconds left, Bennett Banks dove into the endzone from 1-yard out, giving the Fort Payne Wildcats the 7-0 lead.

Dax Varnadore connected with Skyler Cody with a 24-yard touchdown pass, with 5:16 remaining in the first half, making the score 14-0.

In the third quarter, Fort Payne forced a 3

and out for Arab. Alex Akins scored from 3-yards out to make the final score of the night, 21-0 .

“It was a great team win over a very good Arab team. Our team played physical

and tough for the entire night.Once again, our defense was outstanding from start to finish” stated Fort Payne Head Football Coach Chris Elmore

The Fort Payne

Wildcats were named the Southern Torch Team of the week for their efforts.

The Fort Payne Wildcats will host the Lee Generals on Friday night.

Sylvania Overwhelms Pisgah

By Roger Scott Sports Reporter roger@southerntorch.com

PISGAH, Ala. -- In a highly-anticipated showdown between neighboring teams, Sylvania’s offense ran wild and the defense had six takeaways against Pisgah en route to a 34-7 victory Friday night.

Braiden Thomas and Aiden Parham found room all night behind an offensive line that created space for the running backs, while the Rams’ defense forced turnovers that killed several promising drives for the Eagles.

Pisgah received the opening kick, and on its first play handed off to Legion McCrary, who ran around left end for a big gain that included a penalty at the end of the run.

Pisgah was flagged for holding on the next play and then missed on a pass, but McCrary was able to reverse field on second down for a 22-yard gain. On 3rd-and- 4, the Rams’ defense stopped Eagles’ quarterback Mason Holcomb on a designed run and broke up a fourth down pass attempt to take over on downs.

Sylvania

quarterback Jaxon Smith was intercepted by Luke Gilbert on its opening drive, and the Eagles took over on its own 30-yard line.

After a 15-yard gain through the air, McCrary gained another first down on the ground and the Eagles continued to chew up yards with another first down on a pass from Holcomb to Gilbert.

Holcomb moved the ball to the 3-yard line on a quarterback keeper, then McCrary punched it in for Pisgah’s only score of the evening with 2:07 left in the first quarter. Dalton Johnson added the PAT for a 7-0 lead in favor of the Eagles.

On Sylvania’s first play after the kickoff, Parham ran 63 yards for the score. Conner Andrade’s PAT was good, and the game was tied at 7-7.

After the kickoff, Holcomb completed a pass to Jakob Kirby for a first down, but Sylvania’s Jonah Gurley snagged the interception on the next play. The Rams moved the ball on the ground behind Parham and Sylvania quarterback Jaxon Smith, and Thomas capped the drive with a 7-yard touchdown. The PAT was good,

and Sylvania held a 14-7 lead with 9:40 in the second quarter.

Pisgah navigated down field on its next drive, but a holding penalty against the Eagles erased a touchdown throw from Holcomb to Grant Smith. A few plays later, John Robert Dixon intercepted Holcomb in the end zone for a touchback.

Thomas had a 46-yard gain on the next drive, and then punched it in from two yards out for the score. The PAT was no good, and Sylvania increased its lead to 20-7 just before halftime.

Sylvania received the kickoff to open the second half, and the Eagles defense stayed stout and forced a turnover on downs on its own 42-yard line.

The Rams returned the favor and forced a Pisgah punt with 9:19 in the third quarter. After a first down on

the ground, Smith connected with freshman receiver Landon Watkins, who outran defenders for a 71-yard touchdown. Andrade’s PAT was good, and Sylvania blew the game open at 27-7 with 6:23 in the third quarter.

“If we’re going to make a deep run in the playoffs, we have to throw it better. We want to be multiple, and it’s something we’re going to work on moving forward, Vann said. “Jaxon did some good things, and I had us in some bad plays.”

Pisgah cost itself field position on the kickoff with a penalty, and started the next drive at its 15-yard line.

Luke Gilbert took a screen pass from Holcomb for a big gain, but Thomas stripped the ball at the 44-yard line on the tackle and Sylvania gained possession of the ball.

Kirby intercepted Smith’s pass on the next drive and returned it to the Sylvania 47-yard line to give Pisgah a spark, but Dixon and Gurley broke up a long pass in the end zone, and Brant Kittle brought down Holcomb on fourth down to give the Rams the ball.

Parham then ripped off a 34-yard gain, Smith picked 14 yards on a run to the 10-yard line, and Thomas took a screen pass in for the score. Andrade was good again on the PAT, and the Rams went up 34-7 with just over eleven minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Pisgah opened its next possession at its 36-yard line, and on third-and-12, Holcomb found a streaking Kirby on a pass to the Sylvania 16-yard line.

Kittle pressured Holcomb as he dropped back and freshman Travis Owens scooped the interception for another Sylvania takeaway.

On a third-and-6 play that capped Sylvania’s impressive performance on the ground, a host of Rams piled in behind Thomas for a 26-yard, rugby-style gain.

Sylvania was unable to

complete the drive, however, and turned the ball over on downs at the Pisgah 48-yard line.

Holcomb completed a 17-yard strike to Smith, and hit Kirby on a screen pass, but Kittle and Owens again combined to knock the ball loose. Owens recovered the fumble at the Sylvania 36-yard line, and the Rams ran out the clock to close the game.

Sylvania finished with 358 yards rushing and more than 460 yards of total offense. Parham and Thomas both eclipsed 100 yards; Thomas finished with 147 yards on 15 carries and three touchdowns, while Parham finished with 168 yards on 16 carries. Watkins finished with 87 yards receiving, and Smith was 5-of-10 for 103 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. For Pisgah, Holcomb finished with 217 yards passing and three interceptions, while McCrary had 65 yards on the ground and a touchdown.

Sylvania and Pisgah both return to region play this week. The Rams are at home against Glencoe, while the Eagles host Whitesburg Christian.

Photo courtesy Jason Corbin / Special to Southern Torch

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