ST Vol 8 No 52

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, December 30, 2022 / VOL. 8, NO. 52 / $1.00

The Top 5 Stories of

Country Music Food City to Legend & Possibly Locate Hometown Hero in FP

Evacuation in Rainsville

Jeff Cook Passes at 73 By Marla Jones

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

Jan 21 & Feb 18, Volume 8, Issue 3 & 7

Nov 11, Volume 8, Issue 45

Nashville, Tenn.

(November 8, 2022) — Jeff Cook, founding member and legendary guitarist of the supergroup ALABAMA, has died. Cook, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame, Fiddlers Hall of Fame and Gibson’s Guitarist of the Year, passed away peacefully yesterday, November 7, with his family and close friends by his side at his beach home in Destin, Florida. He was 73. The multi-award winning guitarist was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012. Cook was a champion in all he attempted and he courageously faced his battle with a positive attitude.

Jeffrey Alan Cook was born in Fort Payne, Alabama on August 27,

>See Cook, P4

Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

The Fort Payne City Council held an Executive Meeting immediately following Tuesday’s meeting.

After the meeting, the Fort Payne City Council set a Public Hearing on February 15, 2022, to accept comments on the City entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with Marathon Realty Group, Inc. to bring a Food City grocery store to Fort Payne.

Food City is an American supermarket chain with stores located in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. It is owned by K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc., a privately held family and employee-owned corporation headquartered in

>See Food, P4

Aug 26, Volume 8, Issue 34

marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, ALA.-- On Thursday, August 18, at approximately 9:30 a.m., an 18-wheeler overturned, at the intersection of Alabama 75 and Alabama 35 in Rainsville.

As Rainsville Fire and Police Department arrived on the scene it was discovered that there may be a potential chemical spill. The placards determined that the chemicals being transported were organic peroxide, 30% concentrate. The DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) was notified.

“After evaluation of the scene, I advised Rainsville Police Chief Michael Edmondson to evacuate 800 feet in every direction of the accident” stated Rainville Fire Chief

Happy New Year!

Weekend DA Accepts 2nd Altercation Dalton Plea Leads to Death Feb 25 & Aug 12, Volume 8, Issue 6 & 32

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

Jan 7, Volume 8, Issue 1

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.--A man was found dead in Fort Payne on Sunday after a shooting incident in the 1000 block of Gault Avenue North.

Fort Payne Police identified the man as Randell Jerome Meyers, 44, of Mount Vernon.

Fort Payne Police Chief David Davis confirmed that at approximately 9:30 am on Sunday, the Fort Payne Police 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. Chief Davis stated that there is currently an investigation being conducted by the Fort Payne Detective Division,

FORT PAYNE, Ala.--Former Fort Payne Teacher, Donavan Dalton, 29, entered a plea of guilty to School Employee Having Sexual Contact with a Student Under the Age of 19 years of age on Monday in Circuit Court at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Fort Payne.

In Novenber 2021, Dustin Dalton, Donavan’s brother, was charged with three felony sex offenses and sent to State Prison for 10 years. He will be required to serve (3 ) years, serve (5) years supervised probation and register as a sex offender.

On October 9, 2021, Donavan Dalton was arrested and tendered his resignation. His resignation was accepted at an emergency meeting of the Fort Payne Board of

>See Death, P4

>See Dalton, P3

>See Evac, P4

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Section Man Arrested for Child Pornography

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On December 13th 2022, investigators with DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office were made aware that an individual residing near Powell was suspected of being involved in possessing child pornography.

Investigators received this tip through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

On December 13th 2022, an investigator that is also assigned to the Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force went to the residence of Toney

Dewayne Chapman (59 of Section).

Investigators spoke with the suspect and he was found to be in possession of numerous illegal images and/or videos that he was storing on a cellphone. After further interviewing, investigation, and digital analysis Chapman was charged with ten (10) counts of possession of child pornography and arrested.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: “We are dedicated to working closely with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Internet Crime Against

Children to help combat this illegal activity. Any crime that is harmful or threatening to our children will be dealt with aggressively and will be investigated to the fullest extent possible. I would like to thank our investigators for the outstanding work on this case and the cases endangering our children!”

through the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Darren Lavon Holt, 56 of Scottsboro, was arrested. Holt had a “large amount of crystal meth in his possession”.

Holt is charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and drug trafficking (meth).

His bail was set at $32,300.

Further investigation of the trailer park led police to Steven Ray Bell, 59, of Woodville. Bell had 18.9 grams of methamphetamine in his possession. After a search of a residence

in the trailer park, another 14.2 ounces of methamphetamine plus paraphernalia was found.

Bell is charged with possession with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and illegal possession of prescription drugs. He was released on an $18,000 bond.

By Marla Ballard Reporter

Meth Found During Arrests

Steven Ray Bell

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

HOLLYWOOD, Ala.-- Hollywood Police conducted a weeklong investigation concerning drug activity at a trailer park.

After learning that an occupant of the trailer park had multiple warrants

Store Offers New And Vintage Items

Darren Lavon Holt

SCOTTSBORO - There is a shop in Scottsboro, with nearly 10,000 square feet of space, where a person may find signage, antiques, arts and craft supplies, tools, furniture, household wares, collector memorabilia, vinyl records, candles, clothing, apparel accessories, as well as basically nearly everything imaginable.

The store is He Sells, She Sells.

While He Sells, She Sells is a consignment shop it does not sell just previously owned items. Vendors rent space and sell a wide array of wares that fit many different categories. Items sold are new retail, hand-crafted, thrift store finds, and vintage keepsakes.

The shop is named after the fact that the group of vendors renting space at the store are both males and females. The store is the brainchild of its owner Jeanette Green, who was born in Fort Payne and moved to Scottsboro in her twenties. Green has been a Registered Nurse for 35 years and stays busy with both occupations. She said, “Work is her happy place.”

In addition to her

62 vendors, Green also sells items she purchases brand new and items she discovers while “picking.” Green is one in a trio she travels with to nearby states hunting for rare items and great deals.

“Joanna, Deborah, and myself are always looking for a unique find to bring back and pass on to our customers,” said Green. “I especially look for odd and funny things that make people laugh and that cannot be easily found.”

Two of Green’s favorite places to shop are Savannah and Memphis. Green said some of her vendors have been with her since she opened seven years ago. “It is sad to see a vendor have to stop selling, but change can be a good thing, because it brings in a new vendor with new ideas,” said Green. Green sells a natural soap she

purchases out of North Carolina and says it is “the most wonderful soap ever.” One of the rare items Green has sold was a life-sized statue of Elvis Presley.

“Elvis left the building,” said Green. “He now lives in Florida.” Other unique items she has sold included a three-foot high Buster Brown dog and a Matt Dillon standup, life-sized, cut-out.

Green believes another reason her business has done so well is because her store is located near the famed Unclaimed Baggage Center. She says so far word of mouth and Facebook have done a great job bringing the customers in.

The store is located at 414 East Willow Street, Scottsboro. Phone: 256-628-1655. Green is taking applications for part-time employees with cash register experience.

off very little heat,” and a “prophet is not recognized in his own country,” “familiarity breeds contempt,” and “Alabama is just a big front porch,” all of these admonitions will ring true for ole Shelby. However, I do not think he will mind.

Even though he has lived his life as a public person – eight years in the state senate, eight years in congress and 36 years in the U.S. Senate – he is a private person and really enjoys his time with Annette. He will very much enjoy his anonymity.

This coming home to rest in obscurity has played out throughout the years with our Washington giants.

Old timers in Jackson County say that the legendary, powerful, Tennessee Valley Congressman, Bob Jones, in his retirement would go into a restaurant to eat in Scottsboro by himself and nobody would

hardly know him.

I was friends with Senator Howell Heflin, who we all called “Judge.” After 18 years in the Senate, Judge came home to the Quad Cities.

He would ask me to come up to visit with him and talk politics, which I gladly did. We would go to breakfast or early lunch at a downtown restaurant, which doubled as a coffee club gathering place in Tuscumbia.

We would walk in, and they would nod, and he would speak, but they would not make a fuss over the former, powerful, U.S. Senator.

In fact, I am not sure some of them even knew who he was.

Tuscaloosa is a bigger place than Scottsboro or Tuscumbia, so Shelby will be private.

In the meantime, Alabamians will soon begin to realize what immense power Shelby had in Washington.

See you next week.

Inside The Statehouse

By Steve Flowers

Our iconic Senior United States Senator, Richard Shelby, will walk out of the Senate chambers in Washington, D.C. next week and come home to retirement in Tuscaloosa. History will reveal Senator Shelby as Alabama’s greatest U.S. Senator, especially when it comes to bringing home the bacon to the Heart of Dixie.

To say Shelby is the greatest is saying a mouthful, because we have had some great ones. Shelby will rest along with the likes of John Bankhead, John Sparkman, Lister Hill, and Howell Heflin. He has served longer in the Senate than any Alabamian in state history – 36 years. He served eight years in Congress before beginning his senate tenure in 1986.

Many of you have perceived, and correctly so, that I admire and appreciate the accomplishments of Senator Shelby. A

good many of you will be glad to see me stop writing such glowing things about him. Over the years many of you have accused me of actually being his press secretary. My favorite restaurant is the historic Bright Star in Bessemer. A good many Tuscaloosans, especially older ones, Shelby’s contemporaries and friends and neighbors drive up to eat at the Bright Star. Invariably, they will ask me to come over to their table to visit. They always say, “you sure do like Richard Shelby.”

Many of them are familiar with the fact that we are also friends. We have, indeed, been political friends and confidantes for close to four decades. This does not take away from the fact that in my humble opinion, he is Alabama’s greatest Senator. The facts speak for themselves.

In Washington, Shelby is considered

royalty with omnipotent power. He is treated like a king.

Shelby has served in the Senate alongside eight different presidents. He has been more powerful than the last three.

He has controlled the federal purse strings.

Therefore, national political pundits know the political golden rule, ‘those that have the gold make the rules. Presidents, congressional leaders, and especially powerful lobbyists, treat Shelby with deference akin to royalty. When he enters a room, people stare and stand up.

This is especially true when he enters any famous Washington

restaurant. The maître de has assigned him the best table. When he enters the fine dining establishment, every head turns to see which million dollar a year lobbyist has been bestowed the honor of dining and visiting with the king, Richard Shelby.

Other lobbyists will reserve a table next to him to simply be able to say they sat next to him.

However, when Shelby comes home to Tuscaloosa next month to the home he and his wife Annette have shared in the Druid City for over 50 years, his peers and neighbors will just call him Dick Shelby.

“A setting sun sets

Friday - December 30, 2022 - 3

Southern Torch

Redefining The Doctor Patient Relationship

Dalton

the indictment were dismissed under the plea agreement.

Education. Due to the fact that Dalton was an employee with the Fort Payne School System and the juvenile victim was within a school system, Dalton was charged with two counts of School Employee Engaging in Sexual Contact With A Student Under The Age of 19 years of age and 2nd Degree Rape.

Dalton, who appeared for a pre-trial meeting, accepted the plea deal that was presented by the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office. As part of the plea agreement, he was sentenced to an 84-month split sentence to be served with 6 months in the DeKalb County Detention Center followed by 5 years of probation.

Dalton was taken into custody immediately following the sentencing. Also under the plea agreement, Dalton will be required to register as a sex offender and will pay a fine of $689.50.

Counts 2 and 3 of

UPDATE - August 12, Vol 8, Issue 32

By Marla Ballard Reporter

Donovan Wayne Dalton, 30, completed his jail sentence for engaging in sexual contact with students and returned to his residence on County Road 27, this past weekend.

Dalton, a former employee with the Fort Payne City School System was arrested on October 9, 2020, four days after his twin brother Dustin Wade Dalton was arrested for the charge of having sexual relations with a student from Sylvania.

In a plea deal that was approved by the victim and her family, Donavan Dalton was sentenced in February to 84 months, with a six-month minimum in the county jail followed by five years of probation and a requirement to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

On Friday, August 5, Dalton joined over 190 others as registered sex offenders, in DeKalb County. To view the complete list on the DeKalb County Sherrif’s website: www. dekalbcountysheriff. org/sexoffenders.

FORT PAYNE - In 1996 the first concierge medical practice was formed in Seattle, Washington.

Two physicians were the founders and began the new quality of medicine due to what they felt was a lack of quality time with patients, and sensing that patients felt their needs were going unmet. By 2002, just 50 concierge medical practices existed, now there are over 10,000 across the United States. According to dedication-health.com.

While the initial models, of such care, catered only to the wealthy, concierge medicine is now within reach of a wider range of the populace. As with any business growth is driven by demand and it appears that the growth of concierge medicine is driven by patient’s who desire longer visits and more access to their Provider.

In 2016 Dr. Chad Williamson opened DeKalb MD in Fort Payne which follows a similar model as concierge medical

FROM PAGE 1

practices. “We do not technically call ourselves a concierge practice, we prefer the label ‘Direct Primary Care,’” said Dr. Williamson. “One of our goals is to make access to medical care easier for the patient by giving the patients a phone number for direct access to their medical provider even after hours for emergencies.” Having this type of access saves a patient from making an unnecessary trip to the doctor’s office when a matter can be handled by phone.

DeKalb MD is a network of Direct Primary Care Clinics located in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee that operate on a monthly membership fee and

does not take insurance. Any procedure or test that can be done in the office is included in the monthly fee. If it is medically indicated, house calls and after-hours visits are offered at no additional charge. Other outside lab testing and imaging have been negotiated at a greatly reduced price.

Another benefit of DeKalb MD is the reduced waiting time to get an appointment and to see a Provider.

A 2018 a study by Vitals determined patients wait for an average of 18 minutes to see their physician.

Most concierge practices guarantee same-day or next-day appointments with virtually no waiting at the office. DeKalb MD

also has the convenience of prescription pickup of non-controlled medications.

Additionally, the office provides more than just the treatment of a current health issue, preventative care is presented using wellness services and health coaching. “We focus on the whole person, on both their physical and mental wellbeing,” said Dr. Williamson. “We advocate living a heathy lifestyle.”

DeKalb MD hosts a gym with workout equipment, yoga classes, and shower facilities. Patients have 24/7 access to the gym. Weight loss plans include meal programs and metabolismboosting injections.

DeKalb MD offers a courtesy visit at no charge to ask questions to help potential patients determine if DeKalb MD is the best option for them. Phone: 256-979-1633. Located at 617 Gault Ave. N. Fort Payne. For more information go to dekalbmd.com and Facebook.

Fort Payne Man Killed on Christmas Eve

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

driving collided head-on with a pickup truck.

The driver and passenger of the pickup truck were flown to Erlanger Hospital for treatment.

ALEA is investigating the crash.

marla@southerntorch.com

ALBERTVILLE, Ala-- A Fort Payne man was killed in a two-car crash on Christmas Eve in Marshall County.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

(ALEA) stated that the accident happened around 7:20 p.m. approximately 4 miles

north of Albertville.

Christopher Bell, 48 was fatally injured when the van he was

Collinsville Drugs “Caring for you like family”

(256) 524-2981 588 South Valley Ave P.O. Box 498 Collinsville, AL 35961

Brandon Boswell, PharmD Pharmacist/Owner

P.O. Box 218 • Geraldine, AL 35974

(256)659-2138

EVENTS December 29 30, - The 8th Annual First State Bank Shootout will be held at the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum (DCSC) with games beginning at 5:30 p.m. each night.

December 31, Paint a Christmas Ornament - Kids Christmas Crafting Event at Kinsley’s Creative Palette Paint Studio! Come and have some fun and make some memories with your own kiddos or grab your grandkids, nieces, and nephews! Reserve your spot to come and paint ornaments!

Please make one

Submit your upcoming events to nicky@southerntorch.com for a chance to be featured in next week's print edition of The Southern Torch!

reservation for EACH ornament being painted. ncluded in your ticket price: -sugar cookie decorating -hot chocolate bar -1 wooden ornament (to paint during the event) Located at Kinsleys Creative Palette 74 County Road 598, Fort Payne, AL 35967.

9:00 am - 3:00 pm.

December 31, Hank’s Last Ride - Hank’s Last Ride at the Fort Payne Opera House- A 70th Anniversary Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Hank Williams, Sr. Doors open at 5 p.m and the Show begins at 6 p.m.

featuring David Church. Tickets are available through https://eventbrite. com or call (256)845-6888 for handicap-accessible accommodations.

December 31, The Pickin Post presents a New Year’s Eve Dance/ Party - The Pickin Post presents a New Year’s Eve Dance/ Party from 8 pm till 12. Food will be provided or you can bring your own food and drinks.

Entertainment will be the Crossroads Band and Fun with Karaoke. The price is $20. For more information call (256)657-3817 or

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 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

(256) 845-4115.

January 3, The Fort Payne City Council - will meet on the second floor of the Fort Payne City Hall at 12:30 p.m. for their regularly scheduled meeting.

January 4, Rainsville City Council - Due to the New Year’s Holiday, the Rainsville City Council will change their regularly scheduled meeting on January 2, to January 4. The work session will begin at 4:00 p.m. and the regularly scheduled meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m.

January 7, Camp Maranatha’s Frigid 5K - Trail Run & Polar Plunge. This fun, family-friendly event features a 5K trail run suited for beginners and seasoned runners alike, a 1-mile fun run for the kiddos, and an epic chance to plunge into icy cold

Lake Guntersville.

The run times are 9:00-11 a.m. at Camp Maranatha, 1091 Jeffery Road Scottsboro, AL. Price is $25 before the event and $30 the day of the event.

Contact JoBeth Watts at (256)5744539 or (256) 4852049.

DeKalb Animal Hospital Joseph K. McNew, D.V.M • Linda Galbraith, D.V.M. • Jessica Jones, D.V.M.

Office: (256)845-0046 Emergency: (256)845-3031

125 22nd Street NW Fort Payne, AL 35967 www.dahvets.com

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4 - Friday - December 30, 2022

LEGALS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO.:CV-22-900162 DAVID L. SMITH, as Executor of the Estate of James William Jordan, deceased, PLAINTIFF, VS. JO ELLEN OSBORNE JORDAN, DEFENDANT. NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT TO JO ELLEN OSBORNE JORDAN Jo Ellen Osborne Jordan, take notice that on September 2, 2022 a Complaint was filed in the above-styled case concerning the return of furniture (an antique music press/ correspondence cabinet) and other personal property of James William Jordan. You are hereby notified to file a responsive pleading within thirty (30) days after the last publication of the Notice or on or about February 3, 2023.

CIRCUIT CLERK OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Said notice to be published December 9, 16, 23, & 30

Cook

FROM PAGE 1

1949. He began playing lead guitar and keyboards in bands at the age of 13. Securing a broadcast license only three days after his 14th birthday, Cook went to work as a disc jockey at a local Fort Payne radio station. The broadcast bug had entered his blood and later resulted in him owning radio and TV stations.

After graduating from Fort Payne High School, Cook received a degree in Electronic Technology from Gadsden State Community College in Gadsden, Alabama and was named “Outstanding Alumni” by the American Association of Community Colleges.

Cook loved that radio combined two of his favorite things, music and electronics.

One of Cook’s

lifelong dreams came true with the construction of Cook Sound Studios and his home, “Cook Castle,” based in Fort Payne. The studio was a way for him to help musicians share their music with others. Outside of music, one of his favorite hobbies was bass fishing. He was proud to be an official “Fishing Ambassador” to the state of Alabama, as proclaimed by five Governors.

Cook is credited for introducing the electric double neck guitar to country music. He was also an accomplished musician with the ability to play piano, guitar, fiddle, bass guitar, banjo, mandolin and anything else thrown in front of him.

He married the love of his life, Lisa Williams, on June 9, 1995. The Cooks resided in “Cook Castle” atop Lookout Mountain in Fort Payne, AL, Guntersville, AL and Destin/Miramar Beach, FL. As a member of ALABAMA, Cook enjoyed one of the most successful careers in country music history. Over 50 years ago, Cook, along with cousins Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen, left Fort Payne to spend the summer playing music in a Myrtle Beach, South Carolina bar called The Bowery. It took Cook, Gentry and Owen six long years of tip jars and word-of-mouth to earn the major label deal they’d been dreaming of. Then, seemingly no time at all to change the face of country music forever. Cook’s iconic guitar licks, unique fiddle style, exceptional vocals and harmony, along with his bandmates, went on to sell 80 million albums and charted 43 No. 1 hits, becoming the biggest group in the history of the country genre.

Due to Cook’s health battle, he ceased touring with ALABAMA in 2018.

With his encouragement and well wishes, ALABAMA went on because Cook never wanted “the music to stop or the party to end.”

With his profound desire to help others, The Jeff and Lisa Cook Foundation was formed along with The Jeff and Lisa Cook Children’s Home to house orphaned children worldwide, starting in the Philippines.

Cook is survived by his wife of 27 years Lisa Cook, beloved puppies Blazer and Blakely, his mother Betty Cook, his brother

Southern Torch David Cook, Crystal Cook, his fatherin-law Jerrial Williams, his brother-in-law Randy Williams and many nieces and nephews.

Cook was pre-deceased by his father James Cook and his motherin-law, JoAnn Williams.

Jeffrey Alan Cook will always be thankful for his loving family, many close friends and especially... his FANS. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to THE JEFF AND LISA COOK FOUNDATION: P.O. BOX 680067, Fort Payne, AL 35968 or through the foundation website: thejeffandlisacook

foundation.org

Arrangements for Cook’s “Celebration of Life” will be announced at a later date.

Food

FROM PAGE 1 Abingdon, Virginia.

They presently have 132 locations and employ 16,000 people.

While it is unclear what the proposed store will offer in Fort Payne, several locations have Starbucks, a Food City Pharmacy, and a Food City Gas Station.

Food City currently has three locations within a 30-mile radius of Fort Payne. Those stores are located in Albertville, Trenton, and LaFayette, Georgia.

Food City Deal Moves Forward - Sep 2, Vol 8, Issue 35 FORT PAYNE, Ala.-- (Full video on Southern Torch Facebook Page) The saga of Food City’s proposed location in Fort Payne continues after an error in the city’s legal advertisement was published in a local newspaper, The Times Journal. This error prompted the City Council to throw out the previously approved Memorandum of Understanding with Marathon Realty Corporation.

In a previous statement to Southern Torch, Attorney J. David Dodd stated that “ We believe the City Council was well advised to dismiss the complaint and sincerely hope that our City Council will exercise better care of the taxpayer’s money in the future”.

A new public hearing was held on Tuesday, August 30 for those on both sides of the debate.

All council members and Mayor Brian

Bain were present, with the exception of John M. Smith who recently had surgery.

While there was some present for the hearing that was in favor of the proposed development, the majority were against it. Opponents stated that while they were not against competition, they felt that if Food City wanted to open up new development, it should be on “their own dime…not Fort Payne taxpayers”.

Others were concerned that their voices were not heard, as Council members did not answer their questions.

Additionally, there is a pending opioid case that has been brought against Food City by the State of Tennessee Attorney General’s Office.

In the new Memorandum of Understanding, the City of Fort Payne will still pay $3.1 million, as an incentive to bring the development to Fort Payne. This amount is to be paid in installments as the development meets certain benchmarks.

If Food City fails to open or if it closes within five years, it must repay all funds received from the City, with interest.

In reaching the agreement to pay $3.1 million, the City stated that they considered the new jobs that will be created, increased sales tax revenue, and the overall impact on the City’s economy.

The DeKalb County Economic Development Authority commissioned a study by the University of Alabama which concluded that Food City would “have a significant impact on the economy of both DeKalb County and the City of Fort Payne”.

The property on which Marathon Realty wants to build the development, according to a Fact Sheet presented by the City of Fort Payne, is owned by Drinkard Development.

According to Attorney Alan Dodd of Scruggs, Dodd & Brisendine law firm, the property is not owned by Drinkard Development, it is owned by an individual.

“We are for competition.

Competition helps the customer, it makes them try harder, price groceries lower, and offer more services” stated Alan Dodd.

“We are against giving this company a 3 million dollar leg up on the

competition.”

After nearly two hours of comments from citizens and business owners, the Council agreed to pass the Memorandum of Understanding and to proceed with the proposed development.

Evac

FROM PAGE 1

Williemac Wright.

“We set up monitor guns to help control the vapor cloud and to try to keep temperatures cool. We brought in sand and dirt to try to control the water runoff”.

When EMA arrived, communication began with the trucking company on mitigation efforts for a cleanup. Around seven hours after the incident started, a cleanup crew from Atlanta and Nashville were brought in to clean up the chemical spill.

“We had to shut down business in the immediate area. This was a hard thing for us to do. We know this is a small town with a lot of small business owners but for their safety and for customers, we had to do that” stated Rainsville Police Chief Michael Edmondson.

“Hard decisions were made about rerouting traffic but for safety reasons, we had to do that.

We had so many officers from different municipalities and from the County” continued Edmondson.

“It probably looked chaotic from the outside but it actually went pretty good”.

Organic peroxide is used in different concentrates in meat and poultry plants.

This particular concentrate is used as heating of itself for a fire. It is a strong oxidizer and is highly combustible.

Organic Peroxide is harmful if swallowed or inhaled or comes in contact with skin.

Some of the symptoms of exposure are irritation to the eyes and nose, nausea, and headache. The Fire Department wore full turnouts around the trucks as they maintained the level of operations.

The sand and dirt that were used to control the water runoff are stored in dumpsters in front of the Bevil center in Rainsville. Once permits have been obtained the sand and dirt, will be hauled to a disposal site specifically for chemicals. There is no danger to the public due to all residual chemicals

being pumped into containers that were transported from the site.

During the 24-hour period, the Rainsville Fire Department alone received six calls while continuing to monitor the chemical spill. Calls ranged from medical, wrecks, and industrial fire. The fire was controlled quickly and over fourteen fire personnel were back on the scene of the incident.

Early Friday morning, the chemicals were transported to a holding lot in Fort Payne.

“The transportation of chemicals was out of our hands. This was between the cleanup crew, the trucking company, and the service that hauled to Fort Payne” stated Chief Wright. “Those decisions had nothing to do with the City of Rainsville”.

Friday, mid-morning, smoke was detected at the holding site at Fort Payne. “ The chemicals built up pressure and gases were released.

The area was shut down and two businesses were evacuated” stated Fort Payne Police Chief Davis.

Chitwood Street, 12th Street SE, 13th SW, and Lowe Street SE in Fort Payne, were closed during the cleanup.

“The spill has been cleared. All chemicals have been transported out of state” reported Chief Davis at 4:50 p.m. on Friday.

While the final cost of the spill is unknown at this time, it is clear that all agencies in the DeKalb and surrounding areas work extremely well together in a time of need.

Death FROM PAGE 1

Dekalb District Attorney’s Office, and Jacksonville State University Center for Applied Forensics.

According to Davis, the incident appeared to be isolated with no threat to the public. A person involved in the altercation is being interviewed by detectives with the Fort Payne Police Department. At this time no arrest has been made. Once the investigation is complete the results will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office.

At press time, the name of the shooter had not been released due to a pending investigation.

• • • •

• •

Friday - December 30, 2022 - 5

Southern Torch

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OBITUARIES Wilson Hollis Jerry Pendergrass - 78 of Cedar Bluff, passed away Wednesday, December 21, 2022.

Mr. Pendergrass was born in Fort Payne on December 28, 1943.

The family will have a memorial service at a later date.

Rose Marie Haler - 76 of Collinsville, passed away on December 24, 2022.

She was born on February 10, 1946 to R.V. Lee and Elizabeth Hulsey Pratt in Russellville, AL. She was a member of The Church of God in Portland, TN. Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, December 27, 2022.

Burial following in the Walker’s Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until the 2:00 P.M. hour of service.

Burt Toni Mahoney Knie - 80, of Geraldine, Alabama, passed away on December 20, 2022. The Family will announce a Memorial Service at a later date.

Paula Marie Neyman - 74, of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away on Friday, December 23,

2022 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Date of Funeral: Wednesday, December 28, 2022.

Funeral Location: Burt Chapel-Fort Payne.

Funeral Time: 1:00 PM.

Cornerstone Charles Monroe “Charlie” Hawes - 65 of Flat Rock died Tuesday, December 21 at his residence. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 27 from 2 to 8 PM CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel.

Bobbie Jean Griffith Dean - 68 of Bridgeport died Friday, December 23 at Cumberland Health and Rehab. No formal services will be held.

Crossville Hugh Don Davis - 87 of Boaz passed away Friday, December 23, 2022 at his residence. His Funeral Service Will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at Crossville Memorial Chapel with burial to follow at Belcher Chapel Cemetery.

Visitation will be 12:30 until 1 before the service. Pallbearers will be Mark Jones, Andrew Jones, Ryan Trussell, Andy Gaskin, Steven Stone, Rylee

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Trussell. Honorary Pallbearer will be Grandson; Samuel Pollock IV. Rev. Craig Kilgo and Rev. Joe Davis will be officiating.

Kerby Barbara Jean “Bobbie” Bryant - 83 of Henagar, AL passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2022 at Cumberland Health and Rehab. Graveside service is Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at 1pm at Henagar Memorial Park with Bro. Roger Graham officiating.

Rainsville Hilda Jean Goggans - 73 of Rainsville, AL passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2022.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at 2PM at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Gary Haymon officiating. Burial will follow in Rainsville Memorial Park.

Chris Bell - 48 of Fort Payne passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2022.

Funeral service will be Thursday, December 29, 2022 at 12:00PM in Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Sgt. Lee Hammonds & Bro. Alonzo Varias officiating. Burial will follow in Old Sardis Cemetery. Family will receive friends Tuesday, December 27th from 6PM until 8PM, Wednesday, December 28th from 4PM until 8PM &

Thursday, December 29th from 9AM until 12PM.

Scottsboro Barbara Rogers - 63, born March 12, 1959, of Scottsboro, AL, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2022. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 23, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Scottsboro Funeral Home with Pastor Neal Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Center Point Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 22, 2022 from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Janice Posey Holte - 60, of Scottsboro, AL, passed away on Friday, December 23, 2022.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at 11:00 am at Scottsboro Funeral Home with Rev. Blake Gifford officiating. The visitation will be Monday December 26, 2022 from 5:00pm till 800pm. Burial will be in Sisk Cemetry.

Sterling Ray McCrary - 66, of Scottsboro, AL, passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2022 at his residence. Mr. Sterling Ray McCrary is survived by his wife, Wanda McCrary; daughters, Laura McCrary and Patricia Brooks (Kevin); son, Samuel David Esaias McCrary; mother, Lila Jean McCrary; sisters, Darlene Kelsy and Barbara Knight; brothers, Robert

McCrary, Billy Wade McCrary and Phil McCrary and many grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sons, Adam Ray Lee McCrary and Luke Aaron Daniel McCrary and father, Billy Ray McCrary.

W.T. Wilson Charles Bryan Stewart, Jr. - 62 of Dutton, passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2022 in Dekalb Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 7pm on Friday, December 23, 2022 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends from 6pm-7pm, prior to the service, on Friday, December 23, 2022 at the funeral home.

George Henry Stephen - 86 of Woodville, Al. went to be with the Lord on December 21, 2022 His family was by his side. George was known as dad to some and peepaw to others.

He was also a friend, Mason and veteran.

George served two tours in Korea, but above all he was a family man. There will be a private memorial service for the family at his residence.

Ellen Jane Hall 64, of Ft. Payne

Burt

Funeral H omes

passed away on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022. The family will have a private graveside service at Mt. View Memory Gardens.

Ricky Lee Hepler - 68, of Highpoint passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2022. The family will have a private memorial service at a later date. Special thanks to Ricks Niece and nephew, Deanna and Larry Grissom for taking such good care of him for the last few years.

Dustin Glenn Wooten - 46, of Arab passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2022. Funeral services are set for 2pm Wednesday, December 28, 2022 from the Geraldine Free Holiness Church with Bros. Jason Wooten, Matt Long, and Michael Clark officiating. Burial will be in Old Sardis Cemetery.

Nina Aliene Terry - 84, of Ft. Payne passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022.

Arrangements by W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

She is survived by her daughter, Carol Frazier; sons Kenneth Wood, Randall Neak, Jackie Neal, and David Neal; sister, Barbara Wood; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

6 - Friday - December 30, 2022

Southern Torch

Top Sports Stories of 2022

Super Bowl Bound Feb 4, Vol 8, Issue 5

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

advancing the Bengals to the Super Bowl.

McPherson hit field goals of 32, 31, 52, and 31 yards during the game.

McPherson remains perfect through the AFC playoffs and has made 12 consecutive field goal attempts, setting the record of the most by a rookie kicker in league history. McPherson’s 12 field goals are also the most in Bengals franchise history. He is already the first player in NFL history with four field goals made in multiple games in a single postseason.

The Bengals will face the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI. This is the first time in 33 years that the Bengals have made it to the big show.

The kickoff is set for Sunday, February 13 at 5:30 from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

marla@southerntorch.com

KANSAS CITY, Mo.--On Sunday, Fort Payne’s hometown hero, Evan McPherson of the Cincinnati Bengals, kicked a 31-yard field goal, in overtime, to win 27-24, over the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Bengals erased an 18-point deficit, and took the 24-21 lead, on a 52-yard kick by McPherson.

The Chiefs tied the game, with a 44-yard kick of their own, as time expired in regulation play.

In overtime, the Chiefs were intercepted on the third play, allowing the Bengals to take over.

McPherson kicked the 31-yard field goal, winning the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship and Photo provided by Getty Images

Edwards Named New Crossville Football Coach

June 17, Vol 8, Issue 24

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- (FULL VIDEO ON SOUTHERN TORCH FACEBOOK) The DeKalb County Board of Education met on Tuesday, June 14 for its regularly scheduled meeting.

The Board approved Riley Edwards to replace William Joshua Taylor as the Head Football Coach at Crossville High School.

Edwards graduated from Collinsville High School in 2000. He received his undergraduate degree from Auburn University in 2003 and his

Master’s Degree from the University of Alabama in 2006.

Edwards served as the Head Baseball Coach at Collinsville for eleven years. He was the Defensive Coordinator for the Collinsville Panters for fourteen years. For the past two years, he has been the Assisstant Football Coach and the Strength and Conditioning Coach at Crossville.

“I am glad to have the opportunity to provide a positive environment to help the young athletes at Crossville to grow and reach their goals” stated Crossville Head Coach Riley Edwards.

“I would like to

thank the many mentors and coaches that have always advised me. Obviously my dad, Johnny Mac Edwards, who passed away a year and a half ago, Coach Ernie Willingham, my cousin Coach Mike Riley who currrently is with the New Jersey Generals, Coach Tom Allen of Indiana University, Coach Allen Beckett and Coach Sam Graham” stated Edwards. “Thesse men have always held an instrumental role in advising me and encouraging me in my coaching journey.”

The Board also approved a Budget Amendment for the fiscal year of 2022 to allow for grants that

were received.

Superintendent Wayne Lyles stated that the school system had entered into an agreement with Marzano HighReliability School for strategic planning process to prepare for accreditation and school improvement projects.

The Board also approved the transition to air conditioning on newly ordered school buses ( 10 full size and 4 special needs).

The following resignations were approved: • Rosemary Adams - Library Media Specialist - Crossville Middle School - 6/3/22 • William Joshua Taylor - P.E. Teacher / Head Football Coach - Crossville High School - 6/6/22 • Kent Colvin - P.E. Teacher - Crossville Middle School - 6/3/22 • Willard Carter Jr. - Bus Driver Collinsville High School - 6/3/22 • Kaitlyn Knopps Itinerant Special Education Paraprofessional - Geraldine High School - 6/24/22 The following transfers were made: • Megan Adams from CNP Worker at Ider High School to Jr. High CNP Manager at Henagar Jr. High School (Effective 6/6/22)

• Chick Waycaster from Head Mechanic to Shop Foreman Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor at the Bus Garage (Effective 7/1/22) • Ian Richards from P.E. Teacher at Sylvania High School to Drivers Education Teacher at Plainview High School (Effective 8/1/22) • Laura Smith from Elementary Teacher at Crossville Elementary School to Elementary Teacher at Collinsville High School (Effective 8/1/22) • Nicole Callahan from Elementary Teacher at Collinsville High School to Elementary Teacher at Valley Head High School (Effective 8/1/22) The following placements were made: (All placements are made pending a background review meeting suitability criteria and negative, pre-employment drug screen and appropriate certification) Certified • Dr. Keith Gorham - Science Teacher Plainview High School (Effective 8/1/22) • Autumn Hinton - Itinerant Special Education Teacher - Geraldine High School (Effective 8/1/22) • Bailey Stephens - English Language

Clean Sweep

c Arts Teacher e Crossville Middle h School (Effective d 8/1/22) • Riley Edwards - C Varsity Boys Head 2 Football Coach 2 Crossville High School c Support a • Jordon Wright - S CNP Worker Plainview High School l (Effective 8/1/22) • Jonathon Dennis i i - Maintenance Employee - Facilities b t (Effective 7/1/22) c • Kayla Smith Itinerant Special s Education w Paraprofessional o - Geraldine High School (Effective t 8/1/22) k Superintendent y Lyles congratulated Fyffe High School for s being recognized as i an ALSDE Science of a s Reading Spotlight School. Fyffe is one of t fourteen schools n selected in the state H for this recognition.

Spotlighting: Collaborative coaching partnerships within structures that support the implementation of strong foundational literacy instruction based in the science of F reading.

F The date of the next DeKalb Board of B Education meeting will c t be July 1 with a worksession beginning t at 8:45 a.m. and the r regular neeting at 9:00 ( a.m. in the Meeting Room of the Facilities P Building. s

Plainview wins Varsity Boys, Varsity Girls, and JV Boys Sand Mountain Basketball Tournament

i A S F o s n s w s p B F C H n

c p h

Friday - December 30, 2022 - 7

Southern Torch

Top Sports Stories of 2022 WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS March 11, Vol 8, Issue 10

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-- Four local High School basketball teams claimed the ultimate prize this past week.

Cornerstone Christian Academy Varsity Girls claimed the ACAA Div 2A State Championship last Saturday, defeating Tabernacle Christian 68-43.

On Friday, Pisgah Varsity Girls won their fifth straight Class 2A

State Championship.

The Lady Eagles defeated St. Luke’s Episcopal 74-54.

Section Varsity Boys claimed the Class 2A State Championship, the first since 2003. The Eagles defeated Mars Hill Bible 77-61.

Plainview won the Class 3A State Championship, the third in the past 5 years. The Bears defeated Winfield 77-60.

Complete coverage of the games can be found in the Sports Section.

marla@southerntorch.com

Fyffe Wins 6th State Championship

Dec 9, Vol 8, Issue 49

AUBURN – A chaotic first half ended with Fyffe holding a doubledigit lead over B.B. Comer in Thursday’s 27th Super 7 Class 2A state football championship game at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The Red Devils, leading 26-16 at intermission, immediately went back to the basics in the second half and clinched their sixth state championship with a 40-28 victory over B.B. Comer.

Fyffe (15-0) took the second-half kickoff and drove 63 yards in 11 clocksapping plays, including 10 runs, and Brodie Hicks scored his fourth touchdown of the night on a 1-yard run.

Hicks finished with

45 carries for 235 yards and five touchdowns and won the game’s MVP award. The five TDs in a 2A final broke the old record (4) set

by Michael Lindsey of Elba in 2011 and tied by Justus McDaniel of Mars Hill Bible in 2020.

“We knew we were going to have to run it between the tackles,” Fyffe coach Paul Benefield said.

“That’s Brodie’s strong point. … We just mainly ran two of three plays in the second half.”

The Red Devils have earned all six state titles since 2014. B.B. Comer (12-3), coached by Adam Fossett, was in its first state championship game since 1995.

B.B. Comer’s Kamore Harris, a

powerful 6-foot-2, 230-pound junior running back, scored on a 67-yard run on the game’s opening minute, but the Tigers later mishandled a kickoff that Fyffe fell on to set up a first-half touchdown. The Red Devils also turned an interception into Hicks’ 1-yard run with 13 seconds to go before halftime to stretch a narrow 19-16 lead to 26-16.

The Tigers’ defense delivered a goal-line stand in the first half after Fyffe covered a muffed punt and had first-and-goal at the 4, and receiver Richard Weed caught a 44-yard TD pass.

The series of momentum-stealing plays provided an alternate plot to most Fyffe games, which the Red Devils often control with a

run-first offense known as the “Big Ugly.” Fyffe imposed its will in the second half with two long scoring drives and ran to win its fourth state championship in the last five years.

“That’s a great team,” B.B. Comer’s Richard Weed said, referring to Fyffe.

The Red Devils played without sophomore running back Logan Anderson, who ran for nearly 2,000 yards before suffering a seasonending knee injury in last week’s semifinal victory over Pisgah.

He stood on the sideline with the help of crutches and wearing his No. 24 jersey.

Benefield chose to move offensive lineman Tucker Wilks to move to fullback, saying “Mr. Outside was injured so the game plan called for

handing it to Hicks, Mr. Inside. It worked.

“It came to me Sunday. We put it in Monday,” Benefield said.

Hicks responded with 45 carries in Fyffe’s 61 total plays to set another Super 7 Class 2A state record. The previous record (31) was set Fyffe’s Dilon Kilpatrick in the 2015 finals.

“It’s tough because you run up the middle every time,” Hicks said.

“You run into people’s faces. It’s definitely not fun.

You’ve got to suck it up and do it.”

Harris led B.B. Comer (12-3) with 180 yards and touchdowns runs of 67 and 3 yards on 20 carries, and he added 15 tackles on defense. Weed caught a 44-yard touchdown pass and added 14 tackles.

Tristan Garrett also scored on an 8-yard run.

Hicks scored on TD runs of 6, 1, 1, 19 and 7 yards for Fyffe.

Eighth grader Ryder Gipson scored on a 1-yard run and added six tackles on defense. Will Arnold led the Red Devils’ defense with nine tackles.

Benefield now, who ranks third in AHSAA state history with 336 career wins, has coached six state titles in the last decade, building Fyffe into a small-school dynasty.

This year’s 15-0 finish was the sixth for the Red Devils in the last nine seasons as well.

“It keeps getting better,” Benefield said. “This group, I didn’t see it coming.

We play nine kids both ways. You expect those injuries will eventually catch up to you – like Logan.”

Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Spa Convention Center next March.

Benefield, 64, is a 1976 graduate of Fyffe High School.

He completed his bachelor’s degree at Jacksonville State University in 1980 and earned his master’s in 1981.

He began his football coaching career back at his alma mater as an assistant coach from 1981-1987. He moved to DeKalb County rival Plainview from 1992 – 1997 and then took his first head-coaching position at another DeKalb County school, Sylvania in 1992. He compiled a 45-11 record in five seasons leading the Rams to back-toback 12-1 seasons in

1994 and 1995. He moved back home to Fyffe in 1997 and for the last 26 years has been nothing short of amazing.

This year’s team finished the regular season 10-0 for the 13th time in his tenure at Fyffe and counting Sylvania’s back-to-back 10-0 regular seasons, give him 15 in 31 years as a head coach.

Since taking over the Red Devils program, Fyffe has gone 287-44 with a 51-game winning streak from 2018-2021 and has been the AHSAA’s winningest football program for the last 20 years. His teams have won five state championships since 2014 and have

finished runner-up twice (2007, 2015).

His 2019 team outscored opponents 639-43, and his 2014 team set a then-state record scoring 751 points in a 15-0 state championship run.

Fyffe’s two Class 2A crowns, going 15-0 each year in 2018 and 2019, moved to Class 3A in 2020 and finished 15-0 again to claim its third consecutive state title.

Benefield has compiled an incredible 332-55 record, which ranks third all-time. His winning percentage of 85.8% is the best in state history for any coach winning more than 200

games. His teams put together a streak of 70 consecutive games scoring 20 or more points, his 58-23 playoff record is one of the best in the state, and his 29 state playoff appearances rank fourth all-time in the AHSAA.

He was named Alabama Coach of the year in 2007 and 2014 and has coached in the AHSAA North-South and AlabamaMississippi All-Star Classics.

Congratulations to Coach Paul Benefield!

Benefield Selected to Sports Hall of Fame

Nov 11, Vol 8, Issue 45

FYFFE, ALA.-Fyffe Red Devil Head Football Coach Paul Benefield just completed leading the Red Devils to their 13th undefeated regular season (10-0).

On Thursday, Paul Benefield was selected for induction into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame for the Class of2023. With over seventy-five nominations submitted, Benefield was one of thirteen selected for the prestigious honor.

Benefield will join Fyffe coaches Mike Cochran and Ronnie Haushalter as the newest member.

The induction ceremony will take place at a banquet held at the

8 - Friday - December 30, 2022

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