ST Vol 8 No 48

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, December 2, 2022 / VOL. 8, NO. 48 / $1.00

Parents Petition for Visitation at Schools

limited indoor activities involving visitors since the onset of Covid, three marla@southerntorch.com years ago.

A petition is making DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. its rounds on social media -School systems across asking that the DeKalb the State of Alabama have

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

County School System allow parents and guardians to be welcomed back into the schools.

The petition was created by Bryana

Santa is Coming to Town

Woodfin, of Ider, on Monday, November 28, and has over 250 supporters.

“This is the most important time in our children’s lives. Visitation by parents or family members should be permitted with safety standards still in consideration. Parents want to be involved in their child’s educational experience and we can’t do that when we aren’t allowed to be present in the school for lunches, parties and field trips, etc” stated Bryana Woodfin.

“I have never gotten the chance to eat lunch with my middle son or my daughter as they both started school after the pandemic started. One of my favorite things as a child was when my mom would come to eat lunch with me. I want to give

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.-- The Christmas holidays are upon us and soon Santa will be coming on Christmas Eve, to visit all the good boys and girls, with a bag full of toys. Santa will be checking to see how good everyone is acting at several local parades in our area.

Several parades will be held on Saturday, December 3.

>See Petition, P4

>See Santa, P4

FPHS Seniors Win Congressional App Challenge

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

will be displayed in the United States Capitol and on the House of Representatives website.

“I want to thank all the students who entered and our three judges. Just like our student art competition, each spring shines a light on the artistic talents of students in the 4th District, the app challenge recognizes technical and engineering talents. This field of study continues to grow more important in our current economy and I’m proud to recognize the students who excel in this area” concluded Congressman Aderholt.

Both Binkley and Thompson are members of the Fort Payne Gigawatts robotics team.

They plan to continue their education at Auburn University, Brinkley plans to pursue a chemical engineering degree with

marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.--Congressman Robert Aderholt recently announced that two Fort Payne High School Seniors have won Alabama’s 4th Congressional District, Congressional App Challenge, This is the second consecutive year that Fort Payne has received this honor.

“I am excited to announce that Jordan Binkley and John Riley Thompson, students at Fort Payne High School, are the winners of this year’s Congressional App Challenge. Our judges chose their app, called Dadify, as a unique perspective on ways to increase child-parent relationships” stated Congressman Robert Aderholt.

Jordan and John’s app

>See App, P4

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2022 Christmas Parades Mountain Lakes Chamber Membership Banquet

By David Hall Reporter david@southerntorch.com

Jackson County has a few Christmas parades coming up, including in Bridgeport and Scottsboro.

The Bridgeport CUBB Annual Christmas Parade will take place on December 3 at 11:30 a.m. in downtown Bridgeport.

The theme for this year’s parade is Hopes and Dreams

Arrive With the Trains. Floats must display identification on their left side and lineups for floats will begin at 10:30 a.m.

The floats will be judged for how well they portray the theme as well as their originality.

There will be cash prizes for the best floats.

For more information on Bridgeport’s parade, call 256-495-2908 to speak with Doris Janney.

Scottsboro’s annual Christmas

parade, hosted by the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce, will be December 10 at 5 p.m. The parade will begin at Collins Stadium and lineups for floats will begin at 3:30 p.m.

The theme for Scottsboro’s 2022 Christmas Parade is 12 Days of Christmas.

For more information on Scottsboro’s parade, email debbie@

SCOTTSBORO, Ala -- Jackson County hasThe Mountain Lakes Chamber Membership Banquet will be held on Friday, December 9 at 11:30 a.m.

Special guest, Karockas Doc Rock Watkins is a world renown motivational speaker who will share with us about the #PowerofPurpose.

The ‘Citizen of

the Year’ and ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ will also be announced at the banquet.

Tickets are $25.

Register online at https://business. mountainlakes chamberofcommerce. com/events/details/ annual-chambermembershipbanquet-2022-2021 or call the Chamber at 256-259-5500.

Section Hires New Principal

mountainlakeschamber. com.

Ribbon Cutting

Blake Wigley was named as the new Section High School Prinicpal. starting in January 2023.

1st Choice Painting

Inside The Statehouse

By Steve Flowers

Students of Alabama political history will rightly remember the 2022 midterm election.

This election saw the majority of Alabama voters cast their ballots for Katie Britt, who will be the first woman elected to represent Alabama in the U.S. Senate. Governor Kay Ivey easily coasted to victory to gain her second full term in office, continuing her reign as the first Republican woman to serve as Governor.

Republicans from the top of the ballot on down cemented their control of the state government by huge margins.

On top of all this, I suspect that students of Alabama politics will also note 2022 as the year that a new political force emerged on the scene. For the first time this cycle, the Alabama Big 10 Mayors – as the name suggests, the mayors of the state’s ten biggest cities – flexed

their political muscle and put their support behind the Aniah’s Law constitutional amendment, which received a staggering 1,018,004 “yes” votes, more than any other item on the ballot.

For those who are not aware of this emerging new group, the mayors of Alabama’s ten biggest cities joined together to use their collective influence to advocate for public policy positions that they believe will make Alabama a safer, more prosperous state.

If you happen to live in the metro areas of Birmingham, Huntsville, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, Auburn, Tuscaloosa, Dothan, Hoover or Decatur – you live in the orbit of this group’s sphere of influence.

While these mayors have been meeting regularly for several years to discuss issues like crime, infrastructure, and economic development, this election cycle marks the first time they have weighed in on electoral politics.

Through a focus on

local media, these mayors were able to ensure that this popular proposal stayed top-of-mind for Alabama voters. In fact, the late push against the referendum from both the far left and far right of the political spectrum was likely a reaction to the media coverage and public support that these mayors generated.

Their advantage is not just in the media.

They are a bipartisan group, with credibility on both the right and left sides of the aisle.

They are popular, and many are serving their third or even fourth terms. They are geographically diverse, with representation from Huntsville to Mobile to the Wiregrass. Finally, they

represent a whole lot of Alabamians – approximately 75% percent of the state lives in one of their metro areas.

As our state works to attract new residents and grapple with brain drain, policymakers would do well to listen to what these mayors have to say. It is clear that the future of Alabama depends on successful cities that can attract and retain the types of people who work in our booming space, medical research, and advanced manufacturing industries. Ignoring our cities is a recipe for decreasing competitiveness across the state.

If you think we are a rural, small town

state you are mistaken.

In case you missed my earlier statement, a clear three-fourths of all Alabamians now live in one of our 10 major cities in the state.

Most of the real governing in the state is done by mayors.

Being mayor of a city is where the rubber meets the road. It is the governmental constant where everyday problems are resolved.

The gentlemen who comprise the group of the Big 10 mayors are hardworking, true public servants. They are doing their job dayin-and-day-out without fanfare and without an eye towards moving up statewide or to Washington. They love their cities and are governing them well.

Representing the largest cities in Alabama, the Big 10 mayors include Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling, Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Huntsville Mayor

Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox.

It is interesting and noteworthy that two of the Big 10 cities are suburban enclaves of two of our large metropolitan areas. Hoover is one of the largest cities in the state and is an outgrowth of Birmingham. If census trends continue the next 10 years the same as the last, Hoover may be a larger city than Birmingham. It more than likely will be in 20 years.

However, if those same trends stay in place Huntsville will continue to be Alabama’s largest city. One of the most revealing things to note is that Madison, a suburb of Huntsville, is one of the 10 largest cities in Alabama.

The Big 10 Mayors should have a big story for a long time to come.

See you next week.

Friday - December 2, 2022 - 3

Southern Torch

Fort Payne Forward Go Big or Go Home

By Marla Ballard Reporter

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, ALA.-- The City of Fort Payne requests that if you live or work in the City of Fort Payne, you take a short survey regarding your concerns about the City.

The City of Fort Payne started the initiative called Fort Payne Forward which helps in creating a long-term master plan for the citizens of Fort Payne. Citizens of all ages are encouraged to take the online survey. If you work in Fort Payne, you are also asked to complete the survey.

The survey can be found on the Fort Payne Forward Facebook page or at https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/ TDHKLGT The survey takes ten minutes to complete and will help city leaders determine things of concern, that need to be

addressed within the Comprehensive Master Plan for the City, including City water and Sewer.

The survey asks for your opinions on the following: • Community assets and your favorite things about the City of Fort Payne • Challenges that need to be addressed • The visual appearance of the City • City facilities (City Hall, Police Department) • Housing Costs • New Home Construction- What type of housing is needed?

• Business in the Downtown area • Telecommun -ications • Sidewalk Conditions • Parks and Recreation • Recruiting new retail and restaurants The train tracks have been a constant concern of those who work and live in Fort Payne.

The Fort Payne

Forward survey asks how many times per week are you stopped by a train and where would you consider a good location for a railroad overpass to be built.

Opinions on what more could be done to improve the City, including more activities for the citizens need to be addressed by you, the citizens. Fort Payne was voted “One of the Top 100 Small Towns in America” and city leaders what to insure that Fort Payne remains on that list.

Mayor Brian Baine announced at the last Fort Payne City Council meeting, that the first public meeting for the Comprehensive Master Plan will be held on January 19, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Fort Payne City Auditorium. City officials would like your voices to be heard before the meeting.

DEKALB COUNTY, ALA.-- Desiree “Des” Nicole Linden said, “The process of becoming is better than being. Set big goals and learn to love the work that gets you to them. Even if you fall short, you’ll still be winning.” Linden is an American longdistance runner. She represented the United States in the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics women’s marathon. In 2018, she won the Boston Marathon, becoming the first American in 33 years to win the women’s category in the event.

It is the spirit of people like Linden that inspire people like Libby Whitten. Whitten is a 2017 graduate of Fyffe High School and graduated, in just a three-year period, Summa Cum Laude from Marion, Alabama Judson College for women. Having accomplished these life goals she is now, age 23, training for an Ironman Triathlon.

Being athletic has always been part of Whitten’s life. She played basketball in high school and college. Whitten said she set a record at college when she scored 11 3-pointers in one game. “I like challenging myself, doing difficult things,” said Whitten. “I know of some athletes who

switched from strongman to triathlon training with no previous cardio training, that inspired me to try something new.”

On May 21, 2023, Whitten plans to enter a 70.3 Ironman Triathlon in Chattanooga. A 70.3 triathlon is also referred to as a Half Ironman. The 70.3 refers to the total distance in miles covered in the race.

The race consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run. “I plan on training to run an Ironman Triathlon next year which is double the distance of the one I’m entering in May,” said Whitten. “Another goal is to one day enter a 100-mile race.”

Whitten said she did not choose to become a runner because she loved running. “I actually initially despised distance running, but now I have learned what I call acceptance of it,” said Whitten. “I feel that when I do something I don’t like it

teaches me mental toughness.” As for the swimming aspect of the race, she said she has had to learn to swim correctly, for the first time in her life, with the help of a coach.

In addition to training for the Ironman Whitten plays football for the Women’s National Football Conference/ Professional Women’s Tackle Football. She plays wide receiver and defensive back for the team Alabama Fire.

The WNFC is now in its fourth season and consists of 17 teams across the United States. The WNFC plays by NFL rules.

More information about the WNFC can be found at wnfcfootball.com and on Facebook.

Whitten said it feels good to accomplish something that the majority of people never attempt. “I don’t want to look back when I’m older and say ‘I never tired,’” said Whitten. “The encouragement and support I get from my family and friends are important to me and I appreciate it.” Whitten works as an athletic coach and hopes her “Go big or go home,” spirit will inspire others to step out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves.

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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!

Upcoming Christmas Parades: Rainsville - Dec. 3 at 11AM Ider - Dec. 3 at 1PM Valley Head - Dec. 3 at 9:30 am Henagar - Dec. 3 at 4PM Fort Payne - Dec. 9 at 6PM Sylvania Dec. 10 at 1PM Geraldine - Dec. 10 at 6:30PM Fyffe - Dec. 10 at 12PM Collinsville - Dec. 10 at 6PM Scottsboro - Dec. 10 at 5PM Crossville Dec. 17 at 1PM December 2, Dekalb Education Retirees Association Meeting - The Dekalb Education Retirees Association will meet Dec. 2 at 10:00 in the Fellowship Hall of Broadway Baptist Church in Rainsville.

Sheriff Nick Welden will be the speaker.

Please bring an unwrapped toy for Toys For Tots and a $10 wrapped gift if you want to play a gift exchange game.

Christmas Party to follow.

December 2, Santa is Coming to Town - 2nd Annual Santa is Coming to Town Dec 2 at 5:30 to 8:30 located at Townhall in Dutton Lots of fun activities and Christmas characters. $5.00 admission with all proceeds going to Christmas Charities.

December 3, Altrusa International of Fort Payne Bingo All proceeds are going to the scholarship fund of DeKalb County and City seniors. Hosted at the VFW post home at 10AM until 12PM.

The cost is $5 per card with a four card limit.

For more information call (256)996-4269

December 3, 2022 Fundraiser Banquet - The annual Fundraiser Banquet to Support The Father’s House Recovery Home for Women. Black Tie Attire. Sat Dec 3 2022 at 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The Barn at Blue Pond, 9796 Blue Pond Boulevard West, Sylvania, United States.

December 9, Christmas in the Park - The City of Fort Payne presents the 37th annual Christmas in the Park. Join us in City Park for festivities before the annual Christmas Parade begins at 6pm. Visit with Santa. Free hot chocolate, coffee, soft drinks and more!

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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 Katie Browder - Radio Traffic Lindsey Jones - Accounting Jenny Wootten Mann - Radio Personality Tommy Daniels - Radio Personality Steve Malcom - Radio Personality

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

December 9, Walk Through Bethlehem - Join us for Walk Through Bethlehem Experience what life would have been like the week of Jesus’ birth in the city of Bethlehem. Experience the sights, smells, and sounds of the city as you walk through the marketplace hearing personal encounters with the young couple who came to give birth in the city! Broadway Baptist Church 99 McCurdy Avenue South, Rainsville, Alabama 35986 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm December 9, Fort Payne Christmas Parade - Join us in beautiful downtown Fort Payne on Friday, December 9th as we kick off the night with Christmas in the Park at 4:30 pm followed by the Fort Payne Christmas Parade

at 6:00 pm. Larue Hardinger, Toys for Tots, will lead the parade as our Grand Marshal. Downtown Fort Payne is magical during the Christmas season, please make plans to join us for this fun filled night.

December 10, Blow Your Own Ornament at Orbix Hot Glass - Blow Your Own Ornament at Orbix Hot Glass. Orbix Hot Glass is a glass blowing studio and gallery on Lookout Mountain that offers fine decorative and functional glass, as well as very popular glass blowing classes.

Design and literally “blow” your own ornament with the help of a glass artist.

Orbix Hot Glass in Fort Payne, Alabama (within 30 minutes of DeSoto State Park) Preregistration required.

Ages 5 to adult.

Custom reservations can be made for groups anytime. Call 256.523.3188 or email info@orbixhotglass.com

for details.

December 10, Christmas Carshow Toy Drive Swap Meet - Catagories: Best of Show, Best Ford, Best Mopar, Pre 1950, 1951-60, 1961-70, 1971-80, 1981 present. Cars, Trucks, and Motorcycles.

Judging and awards presentation at 1PM. Located at 790 N. Brindlee Mountain Parkway Arab, AL 35016. Registration starts at 8AM $20 for the firsdt vehicle. $10 for each additional, or a new unwrapped toy of equal or greater value. For more information: call (256)586-6041 or loretta.painter@

greywolfautogroup.com

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LEGALS IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA DORCAS AYENDI LOPEZ VILLATORO, Plaintiff, vs.

CASE NO.: CS-22900102 UNKNOWN UNKOWN, Defendant.

NOTICE OF CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS NOTICE TO: UNKNOWN UNKNOWN UNKNOWN UNKNOWN, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Petition for Custody and other relief filed by Plaintiff/ Mother, Dorcas Ayendi Lopez Villatoro, by the 2nd day of January, 2023, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No.: CS-2022-900102, in the District Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

WATSON & WATSON Said notice to be published, November 11, 18, 25, & December 2

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RICKEY DON JOHNSON CASE NO: 2022-376 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RICKEY DON JOHNSON, DECEASED. LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION ON THE ESTATE OF RICKEY DON JOHNSON, DECEASED, having been granted to the undersigned on the 18 day of October, 2022, 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, November 18, 25, & December 2

Southern Torch

Petition FROM PAGE 1

that gift to my children also” posted Hannah Younce on the petition.

“Please allow us to be a part of our children’s school lives again and make these precious memories with them while they are still little and want us to come to eat lunch” concluded Younce.

Wayne Lyles, Superintendent of the DeKalb County Board of Education stated that allowing parents back into the schools is something that he, along with the board, is striving for.

“I have received no contact or requests from parents to discuss this topic. I’m certainly willing and available to discuss concerns with our parents and stakeholders” stated DeKalb County Superintendent Wayne Lyles.

When asked when parents would be welcomed back into the DeKalb County Schools, Superintendent Lyles said that this would have to be discussed with principals and a plan would have to be developed.

“I will be discussing this issue with our principals at our scheduled meeting. I would like their input in developing our plan to welcome visitors on our campuses again, hopefully very soon”.

“We do plan to allow parents to visit our schools on a more regular basis.

Covid and flu have been a recent concern, but we are starting to feel much better about our situation” stated Superintendent Lyles.

Hopefully, in the near future, visitors will be able to able to attend their children’s and grandchildren’s functions. This is something that the school system and parents both are striving for.

Space for Rent

The Big Mill, Big Space, Big Selection

By Marla Ballard Reporter

FORT PAYNE, ALA - Vintage pickers, collectors, vacationers, visitors, locals, and looky-loos are just some of the assortment of folks who visit the Big Mill Antique Mall. Some come to see the architecture of yesteryear, while others find the mall to be a picker’s paradise.

Part of the attraction is the historical charm. The Alabama Builder’s Hardware Manufacturing Company Complex opened in the late 1800s when Fort Payne was experiencing an economic boom. The mill was purchased in 1909 by hosiery executive W. B. Davis and converted into a factory providing ribbing, knitting, and looping. Later the operation was expanded to include; dyeing, shaping, and packaging for hosiery products. At that time the mill became the largest employer in Fort Payne.

The building is currently owned by Dr. Steve and Lynn Brewer and since 2011 Lynn

has operated the Big Mill Antique Mall.

Renee Lyons is the manager of the mall, which features over 50 vendors who sell a large selection of merchandise. “I am fortunate to have Renee as my manager,” said Lynn. “It takes a lot of work to keep up with this much inventory.”

The spacious room on the main floor is accompanied by more levels via the large staircase near the front door. A generous portion of the products sold are home furnishings, however personal items such as jewelry, handbags, and garments are sprinkled

throughout the vendor booths. It is the perfect place to discover items no longer found in a department store.

Adjacent to the mall is Vintage 1889 restaurant. “When visitors sit in the restaurant they have no idea that at one time there was no floor and no ceiling, you just saw dirt and sky,” said Lynn. “It’s a lot of work, but keeping the business alive is what keeps the building alive. We see ourselves as just the caretakers of a building that will most likely outlive us and go on to another caretaker after us.”

The building also

Santa

Henagar Christmas Parade will begin at 5 p.m., and immediately following the parade the Christmas at the Cabin celebration will begin. Pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, and popcorn along with food from the Cowboy Church will be free of charge.

On Friday, December 9, Fort Payne will have Christmas in the Park beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The Fort Payne Christmas parade will begin at 6 p.m.

Fyffe will host their Christmas parade on December

offers a rented space for gatherings. “In our rented space we have had class reunions, Christmas parties, wedding rehearsal dinners, weddings, wedding receptions, and more,” said Lynn.

“This February 11 we look forward to having the Underwood’s come and sing.”

The Big Mill is a great place to take out-of-town guests no matter what the weather conditions are. Shopping locally doesn’t just support the owner of the business or the merchants who display their goods, it also supports the town in which the business is located.

“I like that this building is a destination place, where people like to come and hang out.

There is just something about this old brick-and-mortar the building that just feels comfortable,” said Lynn.

Big Mill Antiques Mall, Vintage 1889, and venue rental are located at 151 8th St. NW, Fort Payne.

Phone: 256-845-3380.

For information on events or room, rental ask for Mallory.

App

FROM PAGE 1

a concentration in pre-medicine.

Thompson plans to major in software engineering, Alabama’s 4th Congressional District covers the counties of Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Fayette, Lawrence, Marion, Marshall, Walker, and Winston counties. It also includes parts of Decatur and Huntsville.

You can see more about Jordan and John Riley’s Dadify app by going to https://youtu.be/ fjzhRulFJ_g

call (256)845-6640 for details

For rent at 103B Greenhill Blvd NW Fort Payne, Al 35967.

A seperate part of the Kilgore North Pharmacy.

Seperate entrance with 1200 square feet.

FROM PAGE 1

The Town of Valley Head will host its annual Christmas Parade beginning at 10 a.m.

The City of Rainsville will host its Christmas Parade, beginning at 11 a.m. with a Christmas in the Park immediately after. There will be a snow tubing slide, which will be free to the public, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The Ider Christmas Parade will begin at 1 p.m The City of

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10, beginning at 10 a.m.

Sylvania will begin its parade at 1 p.m. on December 10.

Two DeKalb County towns will have a night parade on December 10.

Collinsville will begin its parade at 6 p.m.

Geraldine’s parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. and there will be a Christmas in the Park afterward.

The City of Scottsboro parade will begin at 5 p.m. on December 10.

Crossville will host their Christmas parade, Saturday, December 17, at 1 p.m.

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OBITUARIES Section Terry Eldon Boyd - Funeral Service: Friday, Nov. 25, 2022 2:00P.M. Section Funeral Home Chapel Burial at Pleasant View Visitation: Fri, Nov. 25 - 10:00A.M.-2:00P.M.

Wilson Freddie Ray Campbell - 72, of Flat Rock, Alabama, formerly of Whitesburg, Kentucky, passed away Friday, November 25, 2022.

There are no services planned at this time.

Margaret Lee Craft Crapse - passed away at her home on November 26, 2022, safe, at peace and surrounded by her family. Her funeral service will be 12 noon Wednesday, November 30, 2022.

Coy Elbert Greeson, Jr. - 80, of Fort Payne, went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 27, 2022.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, December 1st.

Luther Alan Miller - 68, of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away on November 21, 2022, surrounded by his immediate family. A Memorial Visitation to honor Alan’s life and memory will be held at

Wilson Funeral Home in Fort Payne, AL, on Sunday, December 4, 2022 from 2-4pm.

Burt Norman Ballenger - 75, of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away on November 21, 2022 at his residence.

Funeral: Wednesday, November 23. Funeral Location: Burt ChapelFort Payne Funeral Time: 2:00 PM. Dorothy “Dot” Jean Norrell - 87, of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away on Monday, November 21, 2022 at her residence.

Date of Funeral: Friday, November 25, 2022 Funeral Location: Burt Chapel-Fort Payne Funeral Time: 2:00 PM. Charles Robert “Bobby” Brown - 87, of Mentone, Alabama passed away on November 27, 2022.

Memorial Service on Saturday, December 3, 2022. Funeral Location: Burt ChapelValley Head. Funeral Time: 1:00 PM. Nellie Faye Croley - 88, of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away on Monday, November 28, 2022. Funeral: Friday, December 2, 2022 Funeral Location: Burt Chapel-Fort Payne at 2:00 PM. Burial following at Glenwood Cemetery.

(256)845-9150

3801 Gault Avenue, North, Fort Payne, AL

Cornerstone Henry “Hank” Sinclair - 90, died at his residence.

Graveside services are Wednesday, November 23 at 11 AM CT at Deer Head Cove Cemetery with Military Honors.

Kay Frances Williams - 83, died Tuesday, November 22 at Crowne Health Care. Graveside services are Friday, November 25 at 12:30 PM ET at Chattanooga National Cemetery with Military Honors.

Lydia Marie Gunter - infant daughter of Jeremiah and Taylor Moody Gunter was born Tuesday, November 22, and joined Heaven’s Angels on Wednesday, November 23, 2022. Services are Sunday, November 27th at 1 PM CT. Christeen Crabtree Ellis - 85, died Sunday, November 27 at Chattanooga Hospice Care Center.

Graveside memorial services will be held Saturday, December 3 at 1 PM CT at Mountain Home Cemetery.

Geraldine Nell Louise Little Young - 89, from Scottsboro, Alabama passed away on November 21, 2022 at Riverview Hospital .

Funeral service will be November 25, 2022 at

Burt

the Geraldine Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 PM. Kate Hill Rowell 77 of Crossville, passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at her residence. Graveside service is Sunday, Nov 27, 2022 at 2:30 pm.

Farrell Gilbreath 74 of Crossville, passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at Crossville Health and Rehab. No formal service will be held.

Kerby Jimmy Moore - 85 of Pisgah Alabama, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at his residence. Funeral service is Monday, Nov 28, 2022, at 2pm.

Linda Webster 82 of Henagar, AL passed away on Monday, November 28, 2022. Funeral service is Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at 11am.

Rainsville David Smothers - 81 of Fort Payne, AL passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. Funeral service will be held on Friday, December 2, 2022 at 1PM. Irven (Buddy) Hawley Heard, Jr. - 91 of Henagar, AL passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at his residence. Funeral

Funeral H omes

service will be Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 12PM 2022 at 1PM.

Scottsboro Dale Roger Venable - 67, passed away, in the afternoon, of Sunday, November 20, 2022. Service will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at 2:00 pm.

Carol Johnson Mullaney - 66, passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2022.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Nov 27, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Scottsboro Funeral Home. Burial will follow.

Maria Paulette Frazier - 75, of Woodville, passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2022.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

Annie Lou Hall 96, of Scottsboro, passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 28, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

W.T. Wilson Donnie Joe Webb - 62, of Boaz passed away Monday, November 21, 2022.

Funeral service are set for 3pm Saturday, November 26, 2022.

Betty Smith Powell McCoy - died on Monday, November 21, 2022 at age of 90.

Funeral plans are to be determined with a memorial service at a later date.

Jimmy L. Browder - 84, of Sylvania passed away on Monday, November 21, 2022. Funeral services

are set for 1pm Saturday, November 26, 2022.

Sherry Lahrman Buettner - 66, of Geraldine, formerly of Ft. Wayne, IN passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2022. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Elanor Jo Foreman - 74, of Ft. Payne passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2022. Graveside services are set for 3pm Sunday, November 27, 2022.

Gordon Mitchel Rainer - 78 passed away Thursday, November 24, 2022 at his residence.

FUNERAL 2pm Monday Nov. 28, 2022.

Allen Adams Blake - 68, of Fyffe passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2022.

Funeral services are set for 2pm Tuesday, November 29.

Tommy Ray Engle - 53, of Albertville passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022. The family will have a visitation from 1 until 4 pm Sunday, November 27, 2022.

Jeremy Lamar Smith - 43, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2002.

Graveside service will be held at 12.

Troy Cleckler - 83, of Clanton, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2022.

Funeral services will be held at 7pm on Tuesday, Nov29, 2022.

Loyd James Shelton - 86, of Ft. Payne passed away on Monday, November 28, 2022. Funeral services are set for 12 noon Wednesday, November 30.

Roger Wesley Centers - 63 of Albertville passed away Monday, Nov 28, 2022 at his residence.

Graveside service 3pm - Wednesday Nov 30, 2022.

6 - Friday - December 2, 2022

Southern Torch

20 22

SCOREBOARD

AHSAA State Semifinal Game Fyffe 41, Pisgah 14 Piedmont 55, Sylvania 22

Piedmont’s Hayes leads Bulldogs over Sylvania

By Roger Scott

Special to Southern Torch

PIEDMONT, Ala. – Piedmont’s offense, driven by all-everything quarterback Jack Hayes, accounted for eight touchdowns en route to a 55-22 victory over Sylvania in the Class 3A semifinals at the Field of Champions Friday.

Hayes had a hand in seven of the eight scores and set another state passing record this season on his way to 12-16 through the air for 259 yards. The senior quarterback tacked on 112 yards rushing.

The Bulldogs (12-2) play St James (12-2) in Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium for the title.

“Piedmont deserves what they’ve gotten. It’s not how we wanted to end the year, not our goal.

Piedmont is a really

good football team.

They did a great job against us the other night. Coach Smith and Hayes did a good job finding the matchups and making the throws,” said Sylvania Head Coach Tyler Vann.

“I’ve got to do a better job preparing our football team and our coaching staff. Our kids fought – and I’m really, really proud of them. We showed some fight,” Vann said.

Sylvania received the opening kickoff and drove down the field behind a 33-yard completion from Jaxon Smith to Josh Scott.

Piedmont stuffed a couple of runs and pressured Smith on a throw to hold the Rams to a field goal and the 3-0 lead.

On its opening drive, Hayes found Ish Bethel down the sideline and again in the end zone for the

Piedmont touchdown.

The PAT was good for the 7-3 score.

Smith completed two more passes to Scott, one for 49 yards and the other to the corner of the end zone for the Rams touchdown. Conner Andrade’s PAT was good, and Sylvania held the early 10-7 lead.

Sylvania fell short

on a fourth-down play from the Piedmont 48-yard line on its next drive, and Hayes again displayed his talent with another long completion and quarterback keeper to cap the drive for the 17-10 early in the second quarter.

Piedmont pooched the next kickoff and it dropped between two

Sylvania players before the Bulldogs recovered the ball at the Sylvania 27-yard line. Hayes again punched it in on quarterback keeper, and Piedmont began to pull away with 24-10 lead.

Sylvania was forced to punt on its next possession, and Piedmont struck quickly with a 54-yard touchdown to Rollie Pinto. The PAT was again good and the Bulldogs had a 31-10 cushion.

“Defensively, it was one of our worst games. Didn’t tackle well. Had some guys with the flu who couldn’t play as well they have been playing,“ said Vann.

“But again, I’m really proud of the fight our guys showed.

We gave it everything we had. Jax [Smith] made some plays in the passing game, and Josh [Scott] went up

and caught some big passes,” Vann said.

The Rams pulled within two scores as Smith found Landon Watkins for the Rams touchdown on its next drive, as Sylvania continued to fight to stay in the game but it was Hayes again with a big run on a keeper and another completion to Bethel to lead a scoring drive and the 41-16 lead.

“Hayes was the difference maker. You can bring pressure, but if you don’t get to him, he’ll make you pay. He didn’t miss a lot.

Tribute to him and the players around him,” Vann said.

Piedmont controlled the second half with more heroics and two touchdowns from Hayes. Sylvania was able to add one score, and the game ended with the 55-22 final score.

Fyffe Returns to the Championship Basketball Scores:

AUBURN, Ala.--On Friday, the Fyffe Red Devils (14-2) will return to the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Super 7 Championship, at Jordan Hare Stadium in Auburn, for the seventh time in nine years.

The AHSAA Super 7 Championships are one of the most exciting and highly anticipated sporting events in the state.

Over the course of three days, the final two teams from each of Alabama’s seven classifications (1A through 7A) will compete to be crowned as the new state champions.

The Fyffe Red Devils won State Championships in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020.

The No.1 Fyffe Red Devils defeated the No.8 ranked Pisgah

Boys:

Fyffe 71, Douglas 66 Plainview 53, Jacksonville 50 Fort Payne 81, Faith Christian 54 Cornerstone 62, Providence 53 Ider 53, Gaylesville 42 Sand Rock 74, Geraldine 58 Westbrook Christian 73, Sylvania 54 Geraldine 74, Fyffe 42 Crossville 70, Gaylesville 53 Valley Head 99, Woodville 76 Christian Heritage 91, North Sand Mountain 64

Girls:

Eagles in the semi-final game of the AHSAA state playoffs, on Friday, to advance to the Super 7 State Championship, where they will face B.B. Comer (12-2) at 3 p.m.

All tickets for the 2022 AHSAA Super 7 will only be available for purchase in

advance and online through AHSAA’s digital ticketing partner, goFan, by visiting https://gofan. co/AHSAA. All general admission tickets for the 2022 Super 7 are being sold by individual game and

the 2022 game

schedule has been modified to accommodate all fans exiting the stadium in between games.

There is a clear bag policy and a walk-through metal detector will be used at the stadium.

Valley Head 68, Crossville 42 Fort Payne 64, Faith Christian 14 Plainview 63, St James 38 Sylvania 62, Westbrook Christian 35 Douglas 46, Ider 40 Plainview 84. Sylvania 65 Pisgah 81, North Jackson 36 Geraldine 46, Fyffe 44 Crossville 40, Gaylesville 32 Woodville 58, Valley Head 50

Head Coaches Gather for 2022 Super 7 Meeting

(Front row, from left): Adam Fossett, B.B. Comer; Jason Massey, Leroy; Alison Link, Auburn Flag; AHSAA Director Jeff Segars; AHSAA Executive Director Alvin Briggs;AHSADCA Director Brandon Dean; Wes Brooks, Oxford Flag; Michael Williams,

Pickens County; Paul Benefield, Fyffe.

(Back row, from left): Jimmy Perry, Saint James; Trent Taylor, Andalusia; Charles Hambrite,Charles Henderson; Jeff Kelly, Saraland; Keith Etheredge, Auburn; Mark

Freeman, Thompson;Chris Yeager, Mountain Brook; Ronnie Jackson, Ramsay; Jacob Kelly, Cherokee County; and Steve Smith, Piedmont. (AHSAA PHOTO | DAVID HOLTSFORD)

Friday - December 2, 2022 - 7

Southern Torch

State Championship Bound

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

FYFFE, Ala.- The No. 1 ranked Fyffe Red Devils (14-0) defeated the No. 8 ranked Pisgah Eagles in the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Semifinals, 41-14 on Friday night.

Fyffe put the first points on the board on third and three from the 24, with a pass connection from Blake Dobbins to Hunter Machen. The point-after attempt by oYahir Balcazar was good, giving the Red Devils the 7-0 lead with 2:56 remaining in the first quarter.

Pisgah recovered a punt with 1:42 remaining in the first.

On second down, Evan Chandler and Jake Wooden netted a sack.

On third down, Will Arnold collected his own sack, forcing a Pisgah Eagle punt.

Fyffe drove the ball down the field for 59 yards in six plays.

Brodie Hicks sailed into the endzone from

3 -yards out with 9:05 remaining in the second quarter. The point after attempt failed, making the score 13-0. Pisgah scored their only points of the first half on a Mason Holcomb 47-yard pass completion to Luke Gilbert. The two-point conversion was broken up by Logan Anderson, making the score 13-6 with 6:49 remaining in

the second quarter.

Fyffe answered with a 25-yard pass connection from Dobbins to Evan Chandler for the score.

The kick by Balcazar, made the score 20-6.

After an interception

by Ryder Gipson, Logan Anderson snuck into the endzone from 1-yard out. The kick by Balcazar gave the Fyffe Red Devils the 27-6 advantage going

Hunters of the Week

into intermission.

The Fyffe Red Devils scored with :23 remaining in the third quarter, after a nine-play, 55-yard drive, with Hicks carrying the ball and scoring the touchdown on a 4-yard sprint into the endzone. The kick

by Balcazar gave the Red Devils the 34-6 advantage.

Fyffe scored their final touchdown of the

night on a five-play, 69-yard drive capped off by a 33-yard touchdown run by Ryder Gibson. The kick

by Balcazar made the score 41-6, with 8:45 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Eagles moved down the field for 86 yards before scoring with 1:46 remaining in the game on a Holcomb to Gilbert pass completion for 6 yards.

The Eagles made the two-point conversion with a pass by Luke Gilbert to Grant Smith, making the final score of the game 41-14.

Brodie Hicks led the Fyffe Red Devils with 115 yards on 22 attempts. Logan Anderson, who was injured in the second quarter, had 63 yards on 13 attempts. Ryder Gipson finished the night with 63 rushing yards on three attempts and one interception.

Logan Anderson had 29 receiving yards on two attempts. Evan Chandler had 25 yards on one attempt.

Hunter Machen finished the night with 24 yards on one attempt.

Luke Gilbert led the Pisgah Eagles with 142 receiving yards on 11 attempts The Fyffe Red Devils will play in the Class 2A State Championship game against B.B. Comer, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on December 2, at 3:00 p.m.

WE ARE HIRING

for a Distribution warehouse in Fort Payne Tate Jones. killed his fourth deer recently while hunting with his Mom, Courtnie Jones.

­ ­

Kelan Samples and son, Weston had a pretty good weekend of duck hunting over the Thanksgiving holiday.

(256)600-0032

• • • •

• •

8 - Friday - December 2, 2022

Southern Torch

State Final Bound Congratulations to Fyffe for advancing to the Finals of the AHSAA State Playoffs

Fyffe Devils

“Hometown Banking Wherever You Are”

Fort Payne - Rainsville - Henagar - Grant www.fsbal.com

We are proud of all our teams in the playoffs!