All-State Basketball

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

MONTGOMERY, Ala.-- The Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) released the All-State

Basketball Teams on Sunday, March 20. Athletes from Jackson are as follows:

GIRLS

Kallie Tinker, PisgahClass 2A 1st Team

Kaina King, Skyline -

Class 1A 2nd Team

BOYS

Chandler Sullivan, NSM - Class 2A 1st Team

Tyson Sexton, Scottsboro - Class 5A 2nd Team

Sullivan named Finalist for Player of the Year

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

HIGDON, Ala. -North Sand Mountain senior,

Chandler Sullivan is one of three finalists for the Alabama Sports Writer (ASWA) Class 2A Boys Basketball Player of the Year. This season Sullivan averaged 19.5 points, 16.5 rebounds, 2.7 blocked shots and 1.6 assists per game for the NSM Bison.

Hollywood’s Restaurant Ribbon Cutting

poet Thomas Tusser is noted for saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” While this may be true, what is also true is April showers bring My waterfalls. Everyone seems to boo and hiss at the weatherman for predicting more rain, but for a ataractophile, rain means it’s time to visit a waterfall.

Hidden away in a town with a population of under 1,000, where white settlers first came in the 1830s is the town of Pisgah. Pisgah sits at an elevation of 1, 375 feet above sea level and is the only town in Jackson County to receive its water from an artesian well rather than from the Tennessee River. However, what Pisgah is best known for are its Gorge and waterfalls.

The Pisgah Gorge was formed by the erosion of two creeks, Little Bryant Creek and Big Bryant Creek which drop over 1,000 feet within just a couple of miles and eventually merge and become Jones Creek in the valley.

Visitors will not find signs pointing the way to the falls, a tourist needs to look for signs going to the Civitan Park. Access to the trails that lead to the falls is through Pisgah Civitan Park. In the late 60s the Civitan overlook has a railing the lower overlook does not have fencing. Summertime views are less impressive due to being obscured by vegetation.

The club purchased the 40 acres surrounding the Gorge and maintain the walking trails to the three main lookout points. Additionally, the property hosts a park, baseball field, pavilion, and amphitheater.

Hollywood’s Restaurant recently had a grand opening and ribbon cutting. The restaurant will serve delicious burgers, wings, pizza and more and is located at 104 Adams Street Unit D &

Submitted Article

MONTGOMERY,

Ala. – The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) on Tuesday announced plans to issue Summer Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits to an estimated 530,000 children who receive free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program.

Qualifying households will get $120 for each participating student to buy SNAP-eligible food at stores that accept Electronic Benefit

E, Stevenson. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK:

Monday-Thursday: 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday: 11:00 a.m.-midnight, and Sunday 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Owners, Ron and

Transfer (EBT) cards. The benefits are expected to start rolling out in mid-to-late summer.

“Inflation has transformed each grocery trip into a balancing act for low-income families struggling to afford food for their children on top of other costs like housing and transportation,” said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. “Every dollar of support from programs like P-EBT strengthens their spending power and weakens the prospect of hunger while promoting nutritious meals for children.”

Summer P-EBT benefits are limited to students who receive free or reduced-price meals from the National School Lunch Program by application

One unique feature of the Gorge is that hemlocks, which normally grow in colder climates are indigenous to the area. Botanists from across the country have come to study the rare plants found there. The Gorge also offers three waterfalls and a natural bridge that connects both sides. Two of the waterfalls are at least 100 feet in height.

There is a hand-drawn map just past the gate to help guide hikers. The length of the trail is 1.5 miles and is an out-and-back trail with spur paths. The trail is open year-round and is considered moderately challenging with a 200-foot gain, sections can be a bit risky. The first overlook is safe for dogs, but seasoned hikers suggest no further for dogs or children.

While dogs are welcome, they must be leashed. While the first schools. Applications for the lunch program must be approved by May 16 to qualify for Summer P-EBT benefits. Families should contact their schools with any questions about eligibility. case additional benefits are added in the future. or through the Community Eligibility Provision, Provision 2 or Provision 3.

Directions: AL 40 intersects AL 71 east of Scottsboro and south of Pisgah. Follow AL 71 North for 2.4 miles. Then, turn left onto County Road 58. In another 2.2 miles, after entering the Pisgah city limits, turn left onto the dead-end County Road 374. The entrance to Pisgah Civitan Park is 0.6 a mile down the road on the left. If the gate is open, drive 0.1 to the gravel parking area, otherwise park at the gate. Bears have been seen in the area, so speaking (making noise) while walking so as not to alarm them is suggested. Letting others know where you are hiking and when to expect you back is always a wise course to take. Go to www.alltrails.com for current updates on the conditions of trails.

Eligible families are encouraged to monitor dhr.alabama.gov for updates, including information about a timeframe for the arrival of benefits.

To become eligible for Summer P-EBT, families may apply for the National School Lunch Program by contacting their

Households with eligible students who received P-EBT benefits previously will access Summer P-EBT benefits on their existing EBT cards.

Those who are new to the National School Lunch Program will get EBT cards in the mail.

All recipients should keep their EBT cards in

DHR oversees the distribution of P-EBT benefits with assistance from the Alabama State Department of Education. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service administers the program at the federal level.