ST Vol 9 No 21

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, May 26, 2023 / VOL. 9, NO. 21 / $1.00

Memories of Southern Torch

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.-Southern Torch has brought DeKalb and Jackson County breaking news, political insight, and revolutionary sports coverage since its online launch in August of 2013.

On May 28, 2015, Southern Torch debuted its print edition to complement

outspoken supporters and opponents from across the country, with some of the loudest voices being from officials right here in Alabama. (Vol 1, No. 6) • Marla Jones joined Southern Torch, as the first female Sports Editor in Jackson and DeKalb County, on September 3, 2015. ( Vol 1, No 15) • Tyler Wilks was sworn in as DeKalb’s first GOP Revenue Commissioner.

Wilks, defeated the

Mayor Jones was locked out of Rainsville City Hall

the online edition. As the print edition of Southern Torch will soon come to an end, we are looking back on several stories that made our headlines. We will finish off the series next week in our final edition of the Southern Torch newspaper.

incumbent Revenue Commissioner, Democrat Martha Crye Ogle in November 2014 and took office in October 2015. (Vol 1, No. 19) • Coach Jeremy Pruitt came home to Alabama after spending two years as

the Rainsville City Hall were changed. Mayor Jones was informed via an email from Councilmember Melissa Ledbetter that the locks had been changed and that only two keys would be issued for admittance to City Hall.

This began a heated back-and-forth exchange of emails which was reported by the Southern Torch.

Southern Torch reached out to mayors in Crossville, Geraldine, Fyffe, Sylvania, Henagar, Ider, Valley Head, Fort Payne, and Collinsville with all confirming that they indeed had a key to City Hall. A week later, Mayor Nick Jones received a copy of the new key. (Vol 2, No. 7) • The acquisition involving two of North Alabama’s leading banks was announced. First State Bancshares announced that an agreement had been reached for the company to acquire First Rainsville Banshares, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, First Bank of the South.

Following the acquisition, First Bank of the South merged with and into First State Bank, of DeKalb County. (Vol 2, No. 7) • In perhaps the most highly anticipated race on the DeKalb County ballot, Dr. Jason Barnett defeated incumbent DeKalb County Superintendent Hugh Taylor

Coach Jeremy Pruitt returns home to Alabama

“megacity” and the 26th largest in Alabama. Phones were ringing off the hook in both cities for the April Fool’s prank. (Vol 2, No 14) • A juvenile was shot while attempting to roll a yard in the Town of Sylvania.

According to Sylvania Police Chief Ross Greenwood, a group of seven to eight juveniles had pulled off Turner Road and parked. As they proceeded to walk to their High School Counselor’s yard, Ronnie Lee Neeley allegedly pulled up to them in his vehicle and

During the first year in print (2015), the Southern Torch covered several historic issues.

• A debated topic was the removal of the Confederate flag from the Alabama Capitol. Many Southerners were outraged that the Confederate flag was removed from memorials and argued that the flag was a symbol of the history of the South and the home they loved dearly, not a symbol of slavery and racism. In true Southern Torch fashion, we asked the readers their opinions in an online forum that turned into one of the biggest forums that we ever hosted. (Vol 1, No. 5) • In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that gay and lesbian couples could legally be married in the U.S. This ruling had

Rainsville resident Gary Haymon attacked by pitbull

the Defensive Coordinator at the University of Georgia.

He returned as the Defensive Coordinator for the University of Alabama.

(Vol 1, No. 30) (2016) • The ongoing drama between Mayor Nick Jones and members of the Rainsville City Council continued as the locks to

in the Republican Primary race for Superintendent on Super Tuesday.

• Fort Payne and Rainsville announced a city merger, combining both towns and naming the town Willstown. This would be the largest municipal merger in Alabama’s history. On April 1, Southern Torch announced that the merger would make the city a

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fired a shot into the air. As the juveniles were running, Neeley allegedly fired two more shots with one striking the tailgate, striking the victim in the hip. (Vol 2, No. 18) • Shaw Industries closed the Valley Head plant, with 183 DeKalb County jobs displaced (Vol 2, No. 21) Fort Payne resident, Carolyn Martin donated a

(2017) • Chick-Fil-A announced that they would be coming to Fort Payne and would open in mid July (Vol 3, No. 6) • According to records obtained from the Alabama Department of Enviromental Management (ADEM) 42,000 gallons of gasoline leaked from a convenience store on Gault Avenue in Fort Payne (Vol 3, No. 5) • Mule Days Come to an End- After 38 years, Ider decided to discontinue its annual Mule Day Festival (Vol 3, No. 11) • Coach Robi Coker was named the Class 3A Coach of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

(Vol 3, No. 12) • On her second day on the job, Alabama’s new

>See Memories, P4

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charter bus to be utilized by both the DeKalb County School system and the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency (EMA).

The bus was completely renovated and used as a rolling classroom for the virtual school project. (Vol 2, No 31) • The City of Henagar voted to go “wet” with 388 YES votes to 290 NO votes (Vol 2, No 35) PERFECTION- Fyfe wins the Class 2A State Championship with an undefeated record (Vol 2, No. 50)

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Tent Event Memorial Day Weekend

By Marla Ballard Reporter

SCOTTSBORO - Over the Memorial Day weekend two jumbo tents will be raised in the parking lot at the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro. The tents will add an additional 2,400 square feet of outdoor merchandise space to the existing 50,000 square feet of indoor store space.

The “tent event” will take place May 26, 27, and 29.

“Customers generally see up to 7,000 new items on a daily basis at our store, but now they will see tens of thousands of new items over this holiday weekend,” said Public Relations Manager, Sonni Hood.

“The travel season has been unusually busy lately and we just don’t have the indoor space to display all of the new stock.”

Hood said that they have had smaller pop-up tent sales in the past, but nothing comparable to the size of this sale. “It will be the biggest rollout of fresh product ever,” said Hood. “If it is a big success, who knows, this may become an annual event.”

Parking will be limited, so an overflow area will be in use and a shuttle will be

available to those who find it difficult to walk the extra distance.

Another service being offered to shoppers is free lemonade and popcorn. Currently, weather conditions look favorable for this three-day outdoor event.

Visitors are encouraged to go inside and see the new museum that opened last month. The

museum showcases the unique treasures that have been discovered in unclaimed baggage since the store opened in 1970. Two of these rare finds are: a Spalding basketball signed by Michael Jordan and an antique flirting fan. (In the 1700 and 1800s, flirting had to be done discreetly, to avoid becoming

known as a coquette.

Ladies used a fan to convey messages to their admirer. A fan placed near the heart was intended to let the suiter know they had won the ladies heart. A fan half-opened and pressed to the lips was an invitation for a kiss).

According to the Air Travel Consumer Report issued by the U.S. Department of

HUNTSVILLE — The Alabama Department of Transportation advises motorists that the intersection of U.S. 72 and County Park Road in Scottsboro will be partially closed for about two months while modifications are made to the intersection. All left turns on all approaches will be restricted, and through movements on County Park Road will be

restricted.

Weather permitting, the closure will begin Monday, May 22.

Right turns to and from County Park Road will still be allowed.

Through traffic on U.S. 72 will not be affected between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., though single-lane closures are possible at night.

The following detours will be in place:

• For left turns from U.S. 72 westbound to County Park Road southbound, continue on U.S. 72 westbound and exit to Alabama 279 (Broad Street) southbound, then back to U.S. 72 eastbound to County Park Road.

• For left turns from U.S. 72 eastbound to County Park Road northbound, exit to Alabama 279 (Broad Street) northbound to County Park Road

• For left turns from County Park Road to U.S. 72 westbound (or northbound through travel on County Park Road), make a right turn onto U.S. 72 eastbound followed by a U-turn at an intersection or median crossover.

• For left turns from County Park Road to U.S. 72 eastbound (or southbound through travel on County Park Road), make a right

turn onto U.S. 72 westbound, exit to Alabama 279 (Broad Street) southbound, then back to U.S. 72 eastbound.

Contractor Abramson, LLC will be installing drainage and constructing offset left turn lanes on U.S. 72.

The project is anticipated to be complete this summer.

The $3.7 million project to improve the intersection and extend service roads

By Steve Flowers

progressive states have ridiculed our lack of female political participants. However, history will reveal that we in Alabama were electing women to statewide offices many years before other so-called progressive states. In fact, women dominated the offices of Secretary of State, State Treasurer and State Auditor for several decades during the 1960s and 1970s. My first observations of Alabama politics were watching women swap out the State Treasurer and Secretary of State posts every four years. In fact, these constitutional offices were considered women offices.

In 1944, Governor Chauncey Sparks appointed Sybil Pool as Secretary of State.

Two years later, in 1946, Pool won the office, overwhelmingly, and became the first woman in Alabama

Photo by The Sun

Transportation, “Flyers H e face less than a one-percent chance of a having their luggage m misplaced. The airline o industry takes 90 days N to identify owners of b lost items and M generally reunite 99.5 M percent of what is lost p with its owner.”

Unretrieved items i A include: apparel, footwear, accessory a apparel, electronics, fi backpacks, reading H material, jewelry, and A more. Unclaimed Baggage is the w nation’s only retailer of r lost luggage that n partners with all major b airlines to resell, i donate, or recycle. f Located at 509 Willow St., Scottsboro. t While store hours are b Monday - Friday 9:00 i a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and T Saturday 8:00 a.m. - p 7:00 p.m., the tent sale 1 will close each day at U 5:00 p.m.

Partial Road Closures to Affect Scottsboro

H 1 s began in October. It is t w funded through a a combination of a Alabama Transportation T Rehabilitation and C Improvement Program C II (ATRIP-II) funds, local M matching funds from the City of Scottsboro, and federal safety funds. ATRIP II was created by the Rebuild Alabama Act to advance projects of local interest related to state highways.

I N S I D E T H E STAT E H O US E

It is hard to imagine that it was only a little over 100 years ago that women were given the right to vote in the United States. The 19th Amendment to the Constitution giving women full suffrage was finally ratified in 1920.

In recent decades, many folks have lamented that there are very few women in elected office in Alabama, especially in the legislature. We do indeed have a low percentage of female legislators, most particularly in the Republican ranks. We have some high-profile female statewide officeholders.

Governor Kay Ivey, PSC President Twinkle Cavanaugh and Supreme Court Justices Kelli Wise and Sarah Stewart, to name a few.

Some of the more

Women in Alabama Politics history to be elected to a statewide office.

In that 1946 race, Pool carried 63 out of 67 counties. Four years later, in her victorious run for State Treasurer, she received the largest vote in state history. In 1954, she was elected to the first of four terms on the Public Service Commission.

Prior to Pool’s first statewide victory, she had served in the legislature for two terms from her native Marengo County. She was only the second woman elected to the Alabama Legislature, in addition to being the first woman elected statewide. All-in-all her political career included eight years as Secretary of State, four years as State Treasurer and 16 years on the State Public Service Commission.

Sibyl Pool was way ahead of her time, and she opened the political door

for women to walk through in Alabama.

Mary Texas Hurt Garner of Scottsboro was a lawyer by profession and an Assistant Attorney General before being elected Secretary of State in 1954. She then went on to become State Auditor in 1958. She was elected State Treasurer in 1962.

Annie Laura Gunter held several prominent cabinet positions in the Wallace Administration.

Afterwards, Gunter was elected State Treasurer of Alabama in 1978 and served eight years in that important state office.

Melba Till Allen was one of 10 children, who grew up modestly on an Alabama farm.

She rose to be elected as State Auditor and then was elected State Treasurer for two terms.

Mabel Amos and Agnes Baggett were household names in

Alabama for decades.

Agnes Baggett was probably the most prominent and profiled female officeholder in state history after Sybil Pool. She served as Secretary of State from 1951-1955. She was then elected State Auditor in 1955, State Treasurer in 1959, and returned to Secretary of State in 1963. In 1967, she was elected again as State Treasurer and served eight years in this post.

She finished out her career as Secretary of State, thus capping a career that made history. She served 28 consecutive years as an elected statewide officeholder, making her one of the most celebrated elected officials in Alabama history.

Mabel Amos was one of the most beloved and revered women in state politics. She had an amazing career as the recording secretary

B R

for six governors, including Frank Dixon, Chauncey Sparks, James Folsom, Gordon Persons, John Patterson, and George Wallace. There is no telling what secrets and political deals Ms. Mabel knew of during this unbelievable 30year reign inside the governor’s office. She was elected Secretary of State in 1966, and served eight years in that office. She was a native of Conecuh County and never married. Therefore, she had no direct heirs. When she died, she had a sizeable estate, primarily of family land. Because she had no children, the beloved lady left her estate with instructions that her money should be used for deserving Alabama female students, who otherwise would not be able to attend Alabama colleges.

See you next week.

Southern Torch

Hamfest Festival Coming June 10

By Marla Ballard Reporter

DEKALB COUNTY - The town of Hammondville encompasses a total area of 4.9 square miles with a population of approximately 500.

Nestled in the valley between Lookout Mountain and Sand Mountain and positioned at the intersection of Alabama’s Highway 117 and U.S. 11 travelers find easy access to Hammondville’s 2nd Annual Hamfest.

The Hamfest name was chosen to represent the town’s name and the barbeque competition included in the festivities. The little town had settlers long before it was incorporated in 1932.

The settlement grew partly as a result of the 1926 construction of U.S. Highway 11.

William Cook Hammond settled in 1832 on the western side of the present town. Among the other well-known names associated with the area are: Thompson, Tate, Ballard, Crows, Chadwicks, Carmichael, McSpadden, Phillips, Samples, Gardner,

Winston, Huolgan, Hawkins, Alexanders, Roses, Fishers, Harrises, and Davenport. The town was incorporated under the leadership of W.B. (Bleve) Hammond who served as its mayor for the first 27 years.

The annual Hamfest was initially held on the first weekend in June and this year the decision was made to move it to the second weekend due to the return of the June Jam festival. Hammondville Town Clerk, Kim Johnson said, “If June Jam continues to occupy the first weekend of June, the city council may decide to keep our event on the second weekend in June.”

The amateur BBQ Contest will award $250 for first place, $150 for second place, and $100 for third place. Contestants should contact Hammondville Town Hall for registration forms or go to Facebook to find a form that may be printed, filled out and turned in at the Town Hall. Registration fee for the barbeque contest is $50. “We are excited this year to

Nursing Home Week

FORT PAYNE, Ala.-- Fort Payne Mayor Brian Baine presented a Proclamation last week to Crowne

Health Care, proclaiming the week of May 14-20 as Nursing Home Week.

Pictured: Felicia

Case, Nursing Home Administrator; Brian Baine, Mayor; Pam Clift Activity Assistant Coordinator

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.--The DeKalb County Republican Party recently awarded ten scholarships in the amount of $500 to outstanding Seniors from schools in DeKalb County. Pictured from

Left to right: Emma Harrison-Valley Head, Sophia Blair-Valley Head, Ben ChandlerPlainview, Anna Kate Howell-Ider, Sadie Smith-Fyffe, Ellie Goggans-Fort Payne,

Tonya CoronaCrossville, Chloe Bell-Cornerstone, Sophia Wills-Collinsville Not Pictured Harley Turner-Sylvania

DeKalb County Republicans Award Scholarships

Terrell Chiropractic, LLC

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

have an official Kansas City barbeque judge to oversee the contest, said Johnson. “Local officials will still be involved in the judging as well.”

In addition to the barbeque contest there will be a car show. “We welcome all types of vehicles which includes motorcycles, antique and muscle cars, and custom cars,” said Johnson.

Registration is $20.

Trophies will be awarded in approximately 15 categories.

“Visitors can expect a variety of food, and of course barbeque will be served by a local vendor,” said Johnson.

Food vendor registration is $25.

Guest at the Hamfest will also enjoy a kids zone, Arts & Crafts, live entertainment, a robotics presentation, and more.

All proceeds go to the Hammondville Park. “Some of the improvements to the park we would like to do include making the men’s restroom ADA approved and adding playground equipment to the park,” said Johnson.

The event will take place Saturday, June 10. Location 37646 US 11. Festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. For more information call Hammondville Town Hall 256-635-6374.

Also follow on Facebook @ Town of Hammondville.

Friday - May 26, 2023 - 3

Brandon Boswell, PharmD Pharmacist/Owner

65 McCurdy Ave S, Rainsville, AL 35986 Phone: (256) 638-9393 • Fax: (256) 638-9395

P.O. Box 218 • Geraldine, AL 35974

(256)659-2138

EVENTS May 27, Benefit Ride for the Nathan Parham Family - The American Legion Post 39 of Valley Head will host a Benefit Ride for the Nathan Parham Family on May 27.

Registration will be held from 8:00-9:00 a.m. at the American Legion Post 39 at 3325 County Road 120, Valley Head, Alabama—kickstands up at 10:00 a.m.

The cost is $25 per bike. There will be a 50/50 drawing, door prizes and the Marble Run winner receives $100. Additional cards can be purchased for $5 each.

Hodogs, drinks, and chips are to be served following the

ride.

May 28, Peter the Patriot - Much sought after motivational speaker Peter the Patriot will be the keynote speaker at the annual Veteran’s Roll Call at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery near Pisgah, Alabama on May 28, 2023. Program begins at 10:00 a.m. Bring family and friends and enjoy the Decoration Day. May 29, Memorial Day - Memorial Day is for honoring and mourning our U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces.

June 2, The Fans Songwriter Showcase

Submit your upcoming events to nicky@southerntorch.com

Spectacular - songwriters Jamey Johnson, Gary Baker, Ronnie Rogers and Chris Tompkins.

Tickets are $50.00 and available exclusively through the ALABAMA Fan Club. Boys in the Band, an ALABAMA tribute band, will perform live following the Songwriter Concert.

The concert is reserved for Songwriter Concert ticket holders only.

Held at the The Fort Payne City Hall Auditorium located at 200 Gault Avenue South.

June 2, June Jam - one of the nation’s largest country music festivals in the 1980s

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 - Accounting Tommy Daniels - Radio Personality Steve Malcom - Radio Personality Glenn Smith - Radio Personality Robert Crumley - 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

and 1990s is returning. The concert is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and will take place at the Dekalb County VFW Fair Grounds. As with previous June Jam concerts, this year’s reboot will benefit those in need and disaster relief in and around the state of Alabama. A week of fan appreciation events will lead up to June Jam 2023. These will include public Celebration of Life for the late Jeff Cook.

June 10, Freedom Run - Rainsville Freedom Run will have runners from across the country that will descend upon Rainsville for the 15TH

ANNIVERSARY OF THE RAINSVILLE FREEDOM RUN 10K AND 5K, “The Best Small Race in America”. The event is for runners and walkers of all ages. The race will begin and end at the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum located at 1504 Main St E Dekalb County Schools Coliseum 8 AM – 11 AM. June 10, Summer Latino Festival Summer Latino Festival at NACC! Come have some fun! It is free admission and everyone is welcomed. It will be on the lawn at NACC campus. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. For

more details call 256-504-5389 or visit www.nacc.edu June 24, Faith Festival - 10am - 6pm at the DeKalb County VFW. Speakers Sheriff Nick Welden, Shannon Hilley CRNP, Mason Myers, Zach Sibert, Jordan Wilson, and more. Live music, and faith based vendors and food vendors.

Contact Dawn (256)418-5293 or Abbie (256)996-0309 for information or to participate. If you would like to set up please have an activity (craft/game). Hosted

by Adamsburg Community Church & Valley Head Baptist Church. Everyone Welcome. Free Entry.

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Southern Torch

Memories

LEGALS

FROM PAGE 1

governor, Kay Ivey, announced her intentions to sign an executive order that would abolish the state’s Office of Rural Develpment, putting Fort Payne native out of a job. (Vol 3, No. 15) • A near fatal attack by a dog had the Rainsville community abuzz. Gary Haymon, retired pastor of the Rainsville Church of God was viciously attacked by a pitbull.

(Vol 3, No. 18) • Hard to Say Goodbye- On Friday, April 28, 2017, Hunter Jones of Crossville was involved in a fatal ATV accident. A young star taken too soon.

(Vol 3, No. 18) • Fort Payne and

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: CV2023-900068.00 JAY G. SCARBORO and wife, MARION PERMENTER SCARBORO, Valley Head Police Chief Nick Welden announced his candidacy for DeKalb County Sheriff

No, 50) (2018) STORY #1: DeKalb’s Red Wave (November 9) — Democrats may have almost dominated in the national elections this year, but DeKalb County went completely red in its local races for Sheriff, Circuit Clerk, and County Commission.

Republicans Nick Welden, Todd

The great Rainsville Emu chase was featured on Good Morning America

Rainsville approved a Vicious Dog Ordinance in the wake of resent attacks (Vol 3, No 20) • The great Rainsville Emu chase was featured on Good Morning America (Vol 3, No.21) • Valley Head Police Chief Nick Welden announced his candidacy for DeKalb County Sheriff. (Vol 3, No 24) • The Rainsville City Council voted to “indefinitely table” a discussion regarding paving a private road where several Rainsville citizens lived. (Vol 3, No.25) • Fort Payne City moves forward on the condemning of Mapco property which now serves as a parking lot and electric car recharging center in the middle of town.

(Vol 3, No. 31) • Another candidate for DeKalb County Sheriff emerged with Michael Edmondson threw his hat into the ring. (Vol 3, No. • The Fort Payne City Council opted to let the citizens decide about Sunday Alcohol Sales. (Vol 3, No.38) • Todd Greeson announced his plans to run for DeKalb County Circuit Clerk throwing his hat in the ring against Melissa Ledbetter. (Vol 3, No 49) • Rainsville native Jeremy Pruitt announced that he was heading to Knoxville as the new Head Coach of the Tennessee Vols. (Vol 3,

Greeson, Lester Black, and Ricky Harcrow found themselves as the beneficiaries of a major “red wave” that swept through the County in November.

Greeson and Black toppled blue incumbents Pam Simpson and DeWitt Jackson, respectively, while Welden and Harcrow defeated Democrats John Baker and Ben Johnston.

STORY #2: City of Fort Payne Approves Sunday Sales (March 23) — In a 3-1 (1 abstained) vote in March, the Fort Payne City Council approved sunday sales within the City. A 2004 ordinance passed the sale of alcohol in Fort Payne, but sunday sales weren’t approved until this year. The new ordinance was passed by votes from Johnny Eberhart, Wade Hill and Lynn Brewer with Council President Brian Baine abstaining and Gerald Taylor voting against. The City of Fort Payne previously approved city-wide alcohol sales with Ordinance 2004-14 and a public vote that passed by a slim margin of just 184 votes in 2004.

STORY #3: TOO MUCH BLUE: Plainview’s Last Second Finish (March 9) — In a game that will go down in AHSAA history, the Plainview Bears basketball team defeated the Hillcrest-Evergreen Jaguars 78-75 in

overtime to win the Class 3A State Championship. The game was won in a last second shot by Caden Millican, who took a feed from point guard Jeffery Armstrong to sink a perfect 3-pointer as the final buzzer sounded. Before 2017’s appearance in the State Championship, it had been almost forty years since Plainview had made it to a State Championship. The Bears also shattered the State AHSAA record and the national record for 3-point shots attempted and made this season.

STORY #4: State Champions!

(December 14) — The Fyffe Red Devils brought home the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 2A State Championship title this year after toppling the Luverne Tigers, 21-19, in the final game of the year.

The Red Devils celebrated the victory at Auburn’s JordanHare Stadium on Friday, December 7.

The win gave Coach Paul Benefield his third state title in five years and improved his overall record to 282-53. “The kids played with courage and heart, and persevered through a lot of bad times this year,” said Benefield.

“I’m so proud of them, I don’t even know how I can express in words.

Fans across Northeast Alabama have dubbed Benefield as DeKalb’s “Nick Saban.”

STORY #5: Changes at AgriBusiness Center (December 7) — In a recent turn of events, the Director of Rainsville’s AgriBusiness Center’s job duties were changed.

When asked about the changes, Councilmember Brandon Freeman said, “I think the changes will be good. If you want to get technical with it, the auditors are the ones who changed it and we just did what the auditors wanted.” It is still unclear what prompted the changes to the way the Public Building Authority (PBA) allows finances to be managed at the Agri-Business Center.

Fyffe Wins State Championship

Plaintiffs vs.

All that tract of land lying and being in the Southwest ¼ of the Northwest ¼ of Section 16, Township 5 South, Range 9 East, Huntsville Meridian, DeKalb County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at the Southwest corner of the Southwest ¼ of the Northwest ¼ of Section 16, Township 5 South, Range 9 East, DeKalb County, Alabama, said corner marked by an iron pin next to a railroad tie fence corner; thence run North 01 deg 55 minutes 00 seconds East along an old fence line for a distance of 446 feet to a point; thence run North 00 deg 52 minutes 00 seconds East for a distance of 148.10 feet to a point; thence run South 52 deg 23 minutes 00 seconds East for a distance of 216.7 feet to a point; thence run North 10 deg 01 minutes 00 seconds East for a distance of 181.40 feet to a point on the South right of way of State Route 40; said State Road #40 has a right of way of 100 feet; thence run South 76 deg 04 minutes 00 seconds East along said ROW for a distance of 55.70 feet to a point on said ROW; thence continue to run along said ROW South 76 deg 04 minutes 00 seconds West for a distance of 110 feet to a point on said ROW; thence run South 01 deg 25 minutes 00 seconds East for a distance of 608.33 feet to a point; thence run North 88 deg 52 minutes 00 seconds West for a distance of 127 feet to a point; thence continue to run North 88 deg 52 minutes 00 seconds West for a distance of 269.30 feet to the point of beginning. Said tract contains 5.00 acres, more or less.

LESS AND EXCEPT: Commencing at a stone marking the Southwest corner of the Southwest 1/4 , of the Northwest ¼ of Section 16, Township 5 South, Range 9 East of the Huntsville Meridian, run with the West boundary of said quarterquarter North 00 deg 14 minutes 0 seconds East 507.00 feet to an iron pin and the point of beginning; thence continue North 0 deg 14 minutes 0 seconds East 86.00 feet to a pipe; thence South 54 deg 43 minutes 41 seconds East 216.13 feet to a metal object covered with concrete; thence North 77 deg 37 minutes 08 seconds West 181.02feet to the point of beginning.

Containing 0.17 acres more or less. ALSO LESS AND EXCEPT: Commencing at a stone marking the Southwest corner of the Southwest ¼, of the Northwest ¼ of Section 16, Township 5 South, Range 9 East of the Huntsville Meridian run with the West boundary of said quarterquarter North 0 deg 14 minutes 00 seconds East 507.00 feet to an iron pin; thence South 77 deg 37 minutes 08 seconds East 181.02 feet to a metal object covered with concrete and the point of beginning; thence North 8 deg 39 minutes 44 seconds East 179.40 feet to the Southerly right of way line (100 feet ROW) of Alabama Highway No. 40; thence with said right of way line South 85 deg 11 minutes 29 seconds East 2.28 feet; thence leaving the road South 5 deg 00 minutes 36 seconds East 117.68 feet to an iron pin; thence South 9 deg 46 minutes 28 seconds West 68.49 feet to an iron pin; thence North 74 deg 50 minutes 07 seconds West 28.95 feet to the point of beginning.

Containing 0.09 acres more or less. Containing in aggregate 0.26 acres more or less, lying in and being a part of the Southwest ¼, of the Northwest ¼ of Section 16, Township 5 South, Range 9 East, in DeKalb County, Alabama.

First National Bank of Mobile, its Successors and Assigns, and

Fictitious Defendants “A” through “F” whose names and addresses, and identities are unknown, and any and all unknown parties, including any persons claiming any present interest therein and including any persons claiming any future, contingent, reversionary, remainder, or other interest therein, who may claim any interest in the abovedescribed property, Defendants NOTICE BY PUBLICATION PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT NOTICE HEREBY IS GIVEN TO: First National Bank of Mobile, it successors and/or assigns; and any and all persons claiming any present interest in the real property described above, and including any persons claiming any reversionary, remainder, or other interest therein, who may claim interest in this real property.

The Plaintiffs have filed a Verified Complaint to Quiet Title in the Circuit Court of DeKalb County, Alabama in Case Number CV2023-900068.00 against the lands described above and against any or all parties listed above to establish the right and title of the Plaintiffs to the lands and to clear up all doubts or disputes concerning the same. Therefore, the Defendants and any persons claiming and interest in the real property must file an Answer to the Complaint in writing in the Circuit Court of DeKalb County, Alabama by June 30, 2023 or suffer default judgment against them. The Plaintiffs request that the Court will make and enter all orders, judgments, and decrees that may be necessary or proper in the premises, and upon a final hearing thereon, the Plaintiffs request that the Court will make and enter a decree that the Plaintiffs have the entire and undivided fee simple interest in the lands.

The Plaintiffs further request such other, further, different, or general relief as they may be entitled in the premises.

Dated this the 28th day of April, 2023.

Said notice to be published May 5, 12, 19, and 26.

Plainview Wins State Championship

Friday - May 26, 2023 - 5

Southern Torch

LEGALS STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF DEKALB MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NOTICE DEFAULT HAVING BEEN MADE in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Purchase Money Mortgage executed to Brenda Millsap and husband, Roger L. Millsap by Charles Ogle and Brittany Parmer, which Purchase Money Mortgage is dated September 16, 2019, and which was recorded on September 18, 2019 in Mortgage Book 2233, Page 12628 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of DeKalb County, Alabama; And default continuing, notice hereby is given that under the power of sale contained in said mortgage, I will, on behalf of Brenda Millsap and husband, Roger L. Millsap proceed to sell on June 8, 2023, during the legal hours of sale, to-wit: 11:00 o’clock a.m. to 4:00 o’clock p.m., in front of the main entrance to the DeKalb County Courthouse in Fort Payne, Alabama, to the highest, best, and last bidder for cash, the following described real estate situated in DeKalb County, Alabama, and described as follows: Tract 1: Commencing at the NE corner of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 28, Township 7 South, Range 7 East of the Huntsville Meridian, DeKalb County, Alabama, run South 89 degrees 08 minutes 55 seconds West with the North boundary line of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of said Section 28 for 568.19 feet to an existing iron pin; thence leaving said North boundary line run South 49 degrees 08 minutes 48 seconds East for 548.10 feet to an iron pin set (Croft CA-0179-LS) for a point of beginning; thence run South 46 degrees 05 minutes 19 seconds West for 142.91 feet to an iron pin set at a fence corner; thence run South 37 degrees 53 minutes 48 seconds East for 260.60 feet to an iron pin set at a fence corner; thence run North 52 degrees 07 minutes 06 seconds East for 38.31 feet to an existing iron pin at a fence corner; thence run South 46 degrees 38 minutes 28 seconds East for 346.00 feet to an existing iron pin at a fence corner on the

West ROW line of DeKalb County Road No. 52 (80 foot ROW); thence run North 42 degrees 33 minutes 24 seconds East with said ROW line for 170.76 feet to an existing iron pin; thence leaving said ROW line run North 49 degrees 08 minutes 37 seconds West for 600.78 feet and to the point of beginning. Said property is lying in the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 28, and the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 27, all in Township 7 South, Range 7 East of the Huntsville meridian, DeKalb County, Alabama, and contains 2.3 acres, more or less.

Subject to a permanent, nonexclusive easement for ingress, egress and utilities more particularly described as follows: Commencing at the NE corner of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 28, Township 7 South, Range 7 East of the Huntsville Meridian, DeKalb County, Alabama, run South 89 degrees 08 minutes 55 seconds West with the North boundary line of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of said Section 28 for 568.19 feet to an existing iron pin; thence leaving said North boundary line run South 49 degrees 08 minutes 48 seconds East for 548.10 feet to an iron pin set (Croft CA-0179-LS); thence run South 46 degrees 05 minutes 19 seconds West for 142.91 feet to an iron pin set at a fence corner; thence run South 37 degrees 53 minutes 48 seconds East for 222.70 feet for a point of beginning of said easement; thence continue South 37 degrees 53 minutes 48 seconds East for 37.90 feet to an iron pin set at a fence corner; thence run North 52 degrees 07 minutes 06 seconds East for 38.31 feet to an existing iron pin at a fence corner; thence run South 46 degrees 38 minutes 28 seconds East for 346.00 feet to an existing iron pin at a fence corner on the West ROW line of DeKalb County Road no. 52 (80 foot ROW); thence run North 42 degrees 33 minutes 24 seconds East with said ROW line for 20.0 feet to a point; thence leaving said ROW line run North 47 degrees 44 minutes 11 seconds West along the NE side of an existing drive for 113.82 feet; North 43 degrees 19 minutes 05 seconds West for 128.05 feet; North 40 degrees 57 minutes 46 seconds West for 128.86 feet; thence crossing said drive run South 59

degrees 17 minutes 12 seconds West for 66.00 feet and to the point of beginning of said easement.

Conveyed as part of the above property is a 1988 Southern Mobile Home, 28x60 which has been attached as a fixture.

ALSO Tract 2: A tract of land containing 22.30 acres, more or less, located in the NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 27, and the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 28, all in Township 7 South, Range 7 East, DeKalb County, Alabama, which tract of land is more particularly described as follows: Commence at a 3/4 inch capped rebar set marking the NE corner of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of said Section 28 (set as per Deed Book 261, page 610; Deed Book 314, page 435 and Deed Book 350, page 344); thence run South 89 degrees 08 minutes 55 seconds West along the North boundary line of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of said Section 28 a distance of 568.19 feet to an iron pin set (iron pin set in this description represents a 1/2 inch capped rebar stamped “BAKER 20628”), which is the point of beginning; from said point of beginning run South 49 degrees 08 minutes 48 seconds East a distance of 1,145.88 feet to an iron pin found on the Northwesterly ROW line of said DeKalb County Road #52 (80 ft. right of way); thence run along the Northwesterly right of way line of said DeKalb County Road #52 a chord bearing of South 42 degrees 32 minutes 30 seconds West for a chord distance of 170.72 feet to an iron pin set; thence run North 46 degrees 38 minutes 28 seconds West along an old fence line and the Northeasterly boundary line of McKestes School land a distance of 346.01 feet to an iron pin set; thence run South 52 degrees 13 minutes 05 seconds West along an old fence line and the Northwesterly boundary line of said McKestes School land a distance of 403.85 feet to an iron pin set; thence run South 89 degrees 46 minutes 46 seconds West passing over a capped pin found stamped “CROFT” at 256.49 feet for a total distance of 706.65 feet to a capped pin found stamped “CROFT”; thence run North 00 degree 38 minutes 41 seconds West a distance of 210.05 feet to a capped pin found stamped “CROFT”; thence run South 89 degrees 47

minutes 19 seconds West a distance of 209.99 feet to a capped pin found stamped “CROFT” on the West boundary line of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of said Section 28; thence run North 00 degree 39 minutes 10 seconds West along the West boundary line of said forty a distance of 667.61 feet to a capped pin found stamped “11840”, marking the NW corner of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of said Section 28; thence run North 89 degrees 08 minutes 55 seconds East along the North boundary line of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of said Section 28 a distance of 746.15 feet to the point of beginning; bearings used in this description are referenced to East Alabama zone grid.

LESS AND EXCEPT: Commencing at the NE corner of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 28, Township 7 South, Range 7 East of the Huntsville Meridian, DeKalb County, Alabama, run South 89 degrees 08 minutes 55 seconds West with the North boundary line of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of said Section 28 for 568.19 feet to an existing iron pin; thence leaving said North boundary line run South 49 degrees 08 minutes 48 seconds East for 548.10 feet to an iron pin set (Croft CA-0179-LS) for a point of beginning; thence run South 46 degrees 05 minutes 19 seconds West for 142.91 feet to an iron pin set at a fence corner; thence run South 37 degrees 53 minutes 48 seconds East for 260.60 feet to an iron pin set at a fence corner; thence run North 52

degrees 07 minutes 06 seconds East for 38.31 feet to an existing iron pin at a fence corner; thence run South 46 degrees 38 minutes 28 seconds East for 346.00 feet to an existing iron pin at a fence comer on the West ROW line of DeKalb County Road No. 52 (80 foot ROW); thence run North 42 degrees 33 minutes 24 seconds East with said ROW line for 170.76 feet to an existing iron pin; thence leaving said ROW line run North 49 degrees 08 minutes 37 seconds West for 600.78 feet and to the point of beginning. Said property is lying in the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 28, and the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 27, all in Township 7 South, Range 7 East of the Huntsville meridian, DeKalb County, Alabama, and contains 2.3 acres, more or less. Also conveyed is a permanent, nonexclusive easement for ingress, egress and utilities more particularly described as follows: Commencing at the NE corner of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 28, Township 7 South, Range 7 East of the Huntsville Meridian, DeKalb County, Alabama, run South 89 degrees 08 minutes 55 seconds West with the North boundary line of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of said Section 28 for 568.19 feet to an existing iron pin; thence leaving said North boundary line run South 49 degrees 08 minutes 48 seconds East for 548.10 feet to an iron

pin set (Croft CA-0179-LS); thence run South 46 degrees 05 minutes 19 seconds West for 142.91 feet to an iron pin set at a fence comer; thence run South 37 degrees 53 minutes 48 seconds East for 222.70 feet for a point of beginning of said easement; thence continue South 37 degrees 53 minutes 48 seconds East for 37.90 feet to an iron pin set at a fence comer; thence run North 52 degrees 07 minutes 06 seconds East for 38.31 feet to an existing iron pin at a fence corner; thence run South 46 degrees 38 minutes 28 seconds East for 346.00 feet to an existing iron pin at a fence corner on the West ROW line of DeKalb County Road no. 52 (80 foot ROW); thence run North 42 degrees 33 minutes 24 seconds East with said ROW line for 20.0 feet to a point; thence leaving said ROW line run North 47 degrees 44 minutes 11 seconds West along the NE side of an existing drive for 113.82 feet; North 43 degrees 19 minutes 05 seconds West for 128.05 feet; North 40 degrees 57 minutes 46 seconds West for 128.86 feet; thence crossing said drive run South 59 degrees 17 minutes 12 seconds West for 66.00 feet and to the point of beginning of said easement

ENTERPRISE, Ala.-- The Fort Payne Parks and Recreation’s Youth Track and Field Program recently competed in the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association State Track and Field Meet.

Nineteen team members participated, bringing home 18

personal best records and Medals: Caleb Moses 1st place 7/8 year old boys 800 Meter, 2nd place 7/8 year old boys 400 Meter Eli Shanklin 1st place 11/12-year-old boys Standing Long Jump Jay Hawkins, 3rd place 11/12-year-old boys 50 Meter.

The coaches are John David Nelson, Sara Nelson, and Samuel Moses.

The youth track and field program is for ages 7-14 and runs from March to mid-May each year and participates in ARPA District 2 and State meets.

Said sale is for the purpose of securing payment of the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, together with the costs of foreclosure.

Said notice to be published May 12, 19, and 26.

FP Youth Excel at State Meet

STORAGE UNITS Storage Units available at Main Street Shiloh call (256)630-1122

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

6 - Friday - May 26, 2023

Southern Torch

BUSINESS AMY THRASH ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE amy@southerntorch.com

Office: (256)638-4040 Cell: (256)996-0460

QUALITY JEWELRY

James Allensworth • allensworth@aol.com

(256)845-5680

1706 Glenn Blvd., Suite 4 Fort Payne, AL 35968 • (256) 997-7591

KANDIELAND DAY CARE CENTER

333 DILBECK RD IN RAINSVILLE • (256)638-4848

W.T. Wilson

Scottsboro

(256) 259-2211

Serving Northeast Alabama for more than 50 years!

Anderson Windows & Doors

www.bsupply.net

Advertise here for $12.50

Rainsville Church Pew Quality Church Furnishings created by American Craftsmen Since 1958

PHONE: (256)638-2700 FAX: (256)638-3488

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SERVICE

DO YOU HAVE A MOLD PROBLEM?

(256)273-4900

Advertise here for $12.50

Shari Jones - Agent

Kim Horton Reality P.O. Box 2315 Rainsville, AL 35986

256-638-5281

www.greateralabamamls.com

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g on iture Furnefinishin ti o t R Res ra &

Jamey Jones

1281 Main St. PO Drawer 1099 Rainsville, AL 35986

(256)638-2467

Marla Jones (256)605-4427

marla@southerntorch.com

OBITUARIES Wilson Carolyn Jelene Hale Chandler - 82, of Fort Payne, passed away May, 20, 2023 at her residence. Funeral Services will be 3:00 P.M., Tuesday, May23, 2023, at the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel.

Lawrence Matthew Bollinger - passed away May 3rd, 2023 in Cartersville, Ga. Friday May 26th at 1:00 pm with a celebration of life beginning at 2:00 pm.

Cornerstone James Dwight Belue - 55 of Fort Payne died Thursday, May 18 at Crowne Health Care. A celebration of life will be planned by the family at a later date.

Roger Neal Heard - 56 of Rocky Face, GA died Friday, May 19 at his residence. Funeral services are Monday at 3 PM CT at Corner Stone Funeral. Burial

will follow in New Hope Cemetery.

William Bennett Hicks - 66 of Higdon (Happy Hallow Community) died Saturday, May 20 at Chattanooga Hospice Care Center. A Celebration of Life will be held by the family at a later date.

Rainsville Archie Gilreath 85 of Rainsville passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at NHC Healthcare. Funeral service will be on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 3PM in Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Tony Myrick officiating. Burial will follow in Town Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, May 20th from 4PM-8PM and Sunday, May 21st from 12PM-3PM. Lebron Hardeman - 69 of Sylvania passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023 at his residence. Funeral service will be on

(256)845-9150

3801 Gault Avenue, North, Fort Payne, AL

Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 5PM in Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randall Harper officiating.

Burial will follow in Town Creek Cemetery Visitation will be Sunday, May 21st from 11AM-5PM. Chris Germany 38 of Rainsville, AL formerly of Dalton, GA & Scottsville, KY passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at his residence.

Service will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 2PM at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial will follow in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

Scottsboro Lucille McCrary Cupp - 96 of Scottsboro, Alabama passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023 at her home. Mrs. Cupp was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved to sew and draw.

She was a God loving lady. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m.

Sunday, May 21, 2023.

Billy Clyde Thomas - 89, passed away at his home on the night of May 15, 2023. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, May 18th, 2 -3 pm, at the

Scottsboro Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be held at 3 pm on Thursday, May 18, 2023.

Johnnie Ray Pedigo - 71, passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023 in Scottsboro, Alabama.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Johnnie’s life will be held on Monday, May 22, 2023 at 2:00 PM. Betty Faye Adkins - 72, of Scottsboro, Alabama passed away Friday at her residence. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Scottsboro Funeral Home with Rev. John Frazier officiating. A burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

W.T. Wilson Dennis James Weldon - 67 of Rossville, Georgia passed away Thursday, May 18, 2023 in Parkridge Hospital.

FUNERAL 1 pm Sunday May 21, 2023 W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel BURIAL. Weldon Cemetery VISITATION 2 till 6pm Saturday May 20, 2023.

Colleen Greenwood - 92 of Rainsville passed away

Thursday May 18, 2023. Family will receive friends Monday May 22, 2023 12 noon till 2 pm from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Graveside service will be Monday May 22, 2023 at 2:30 pm at Glenwood Cemetery.

Floyd Lee Collins - 75 of Rainsville passed away Thursday May 18, 2023 at his residence. Family will receive friends Saturday May 20, 2023 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel 6pm till 8 pm. Funeral will be Sunday May 21, 2023 at 3pm from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Terry Burt officiating.

Jonathan David Lambert Jr. - 43 of Pisgah passed away Thursday May 18, 2023 at Highlands Medical Center. Funeral Service will be 3pm Monday May 22, 2023 from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Greenhaven Memorial Gardens.

Burt

Henry LaVerne Caudle - 70, of Attalla passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023. A graveside service will be held at 2pm Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at Conn Cemetery in Gallant.

Roxie Leona Hill 85 of Grove Oak, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023. Funeral Services will be held at 3pm on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 burial to follow in Piney Grove Cemetery.

Ruby Armstrong Dalton - 83 of Grove Oak, passed away Monday, May 22, 2023. Funeral Services will be held at 1pm on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, burial to follow.

Barbara Johnnie-Ann Jones Ogletree - 80, of Fort Payne, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 24 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel in Rainsville, Alabama from 4-7pm.

A family-only graveside service.

Funeral H omes

• • • •

• •

Friday - May 26, 2023 - 7

Southern Torch

SPORTS

Plainview Caps Historic Season

By Glendon Poe T-J Sports Editor

glendon.poe@times-journal.com

Weather delays.

Change of venue.

It didn’t matter — Plainview in four; that’s four straight wins en route to the softball program’s second AHSAA Class 3A state championship, capped by a 14-4 run-rule victory against Opp at Jacksonville State University’s Jana McGinnis Field last Thursday night.

“This is the best thing. This is our goal,” said Plainview senior and tournament MVP Mia Tidmore. “This has been our goal for so many years and we did it twice, we got two of them.”

That’s two 3A state championships in the last three years for the Bears, who finished their historic 2023 campaign with an astounding 47-1 record. The one loss came against 5A’s Springville on April 22.

Tidmore batted 3 for 4 with two doubles, an RBI and four runs scored. She and fellow senior Lily Boswell were selected to the all-tournament team, along with teammate Abby Williams and Opp’s Amaya Womack, Allie Wisner and Reese Cauley.

“They worked their rear ends off,” Bears head coach Jeff Brooks said of his

e

players. “They came to practice every day. I asked a lot of them, and they gave me a lot. They just worked hard.”

Due to rain and lightning delaying the start of the 3A final at Oxford’s Choccolocco Park, a decision was made to move the contest to JSU around 6:30 p.m. After a brief delay at JSU, the game between Plainview and Opp began around 7:45 p.m.

Opp grabbed an early lead when Caroline Courson launched a two-run home run across the left-field fence in the top of the first inning.

But Plainview responded quickly in the bottom half of the frame and gained a 4-2 advantage.

Tidmore scored on a Chloe Hatch single to second base, then Graidin Haas doubled to center field, bringing home three runners before the Bobcats recorded a third out.

Williams doubled

on a fly ball to left field, allowing Tidmore to score from second base and extend the Bears’ advantage to 5-2 with no outs in play in the bottom of the second frame. Williams then scored on a Hatch grounder to left to make it a four-run game.

After Womack scored on a single to pull Opp within 6-3 in the top of the third, Plainview blew the game open with a five-run half-inning.

Faith Odom smacked a leadoff homer across

Catch of The weEK Camdin Compton snagged this big boy on a recent fishing trip!

right field in the bottom of the third and Tidmore plated another run on an error to make it an 8-3 game. Hatch singled home Hannah Regula before Hatch reached home plate on a Mallory Lindsey pop fly, giving the Bears a commanding 11-3 lead.

The Bobcats scratched across a run in the top of the fifth to narrow the gap to 13-4 before Tidmore smacked a line-drive double that plated Ali Price for the walk-off win by way of the

10-run mercy rule.

“We came out and hit it pretty good, and were able to cap the lines at the right times and get some runners on bases,” Brooks said.

“Timely hits are what put us where we needed to be.”

Hatch was 3 for 3, scoring two runs and driving in three more for Plainview. Williams plated three runs behind a double on two hits and an RBI, Regula doubled and scored two runs and Haas drove in three runs with a double.

“I’m just really happy with our performance,” said

Boswell, who struck out four, walked three and allowed eight hits in the complete-game state title win. “We really gave it our all this year and I’m just very proud of us.”

How they got here: Plainview secured a spot in the winners’ bracket final with a 4-2 triumph against Opp on Wednesday.

The Bears grabbed a 4-2 advantage in the second inning and held off Opp’s comeback attempt.

Boswell delivered a complete-game win in the circle. She struck out 10, walked one and surrendered five hits in 112 total pitches.

At the plate for Plainview, Williams bashed a triple and drove in two runs, and Tidmore doubled on two hits. Regula doubled with an RBI and Haas tripled and plated a run.

Womack drove in a run on a double for the Bobcats, Courson doubled and Taylor Adams contributed an RBI. Cauley took the pitching loss; she struck out nine, walked three and allowed no runs on two hits across 5 1/3 innings.

In Plainview’s 8-0 first-round win against Ashford on Wednesday, Boswell and Shianne Parker combined to pitch the shutout. Boswell earned the win in six innings of work, giving up three hits, walking one and striking out eight. Parker allowed no hits and sat two batters in relief.

Tidmore collected three hits, including two doubles, and scored three runs for the Bears. Regula

tripled on two hits with an RBI and two runs scored, Williams drove in two runs on a triple and Hatch doubled with an RBI and a run scored, while Boswell added a double. Haas tallied two RBIs on two hits and Jada Hampton plated a run.

Raeleigh Jordan scattered two hits for Ashford. Savannah Money threw four innings of the loss, striking out five, walking one and giving up five runs on six hits.

Regula mashed a solo home run and collected four hits in Plainview’s 10-3 victory against Beulah in its second winners’ bracket game Wednesday.

Williams’ sacrifice fly scored Tidmore and propelled the Bears into a 3-0 advantage in the top of the third inning, before Hatch blasted a three-run homer across left field three at-bats later to double the margin.

With Plainview leading 8-3 in the top of the fourth frame, Regula swatted a screaming fly ball across the left-field fence to make it 9-3.

Odom singled on a ground ball to left field in the sixth inning, allowing Regula to score the game’s final margin from third base.

Tidmore scattered three hits, including a triple, with an RBI and two runs scored for the Bears. Haas tripled with a run scored and Lindsey drove in a run on two hits.

In addition to her stellar performance at the plate, Hatch also delivered a completegame win in the pitching circle. She allowed eight hits, struck out four and walked none.

For Beulah, Brandy Phillips took the loss in 2 2/3 innings, giving up eight runs on nine hits with two strikeouts and no walks. Abrianna Green allowed seven hits, walked two and sat one.

Libby Buchanan, Savanna Clements and Phillips each collected two hits and Kyleigh Morgan recorded a double.

City of Rainsville

Submit your photos to marla@southerntorch.com, to be featured as our Catch of the Week

Congratulations to the Plainview softball team!

8 - Friday - May 26, 2023

Ider Finishes 2A State Tournament Run

By Glendon Poe T-J Sports Editor

glendon.poe@times-journal.com

The Ider softball team closed its 2023 season with a 10-0 loss to Pleasant Valley in the elimination bracket of the AHSAA Class 2A state tournament at Oxford’s Choccolocco Park last Wednesday.

The Hornets, who finished with a 31-19 overall record, took two straight losses in the double-elimination tournament after opening with a 3-0 victory against J.U. Blacksher last Tuesday.

In a second elimination game Wednesday, Ider fell behind 5-0 through two innings before Pleasant Valley tacked on three additional runs in the top of the

H o r n e t s W i n O p e n i n g G a m e B e f o r e E l i m i n at i o n

third frame to extend the margin to 8-0.

The game ended by run rule when the Raiders scratched across two more runs in the top of the sixth inning.

Ider was limited to four hits — Sophia Murphey, Miklyn Troxtel, Kelsey Cooper and Kaylee Mann accounted for those hits. Brynley Traylor pitched five innings, giving up eight hits and runs.

Earlier Tuesday in the semifinal round, Ider fell behind in the fourth inning and couldn’t find the run support to rally in a 5-1 loss to eventual-state champion Hatton.

Hatton claimed the 2A title after beating

Wicksburg 12-10 in a decisive Game 2 in the winners’ bracket final; that was after Wicksburg won 14-6 in Game 1.

Against Hatton, Ider’s Lexi Brewer scored from third base on teammate Reece Jones’ bunt single in the bottom of the second frame to knot the game at 1.

The contest remained tied until

Hatton’s Lexi Kilpatrick plated the go-ahead run on a wild pitch in the top of the fourth inning. Jazz Mason followed with a run on a Brianna Oliver line drive before Ider escaped the inning with a third out, trailing 3-1.

The Hornets finished the game with four hits — Murphey, Troxtel, Jones and Julie Mavity each

recorded one. Troxtel tossed a complete game, surrendering 10 hits.

Kailyn Quails drove in two runs on three hits, including a triple for Hatton, while Morgan Lane added a double. Oliver gave up four hits and struck out four in a completegame win in the circle.

In Tuesday’s state playoff opener, Makinley Traylor drove in two runs in the top of the eighth inning as the Hornets eliminated J.U. Blacksher 3-0.

With one out in play, Traylor singled on a line drive to right field, allowing Cooper and Jones to score and give Ider a 2-0 lead.

Two batters later, Troxtel hit a sacrifice fly

Southern Torch to center field and Emma Hayes plated a run to make it 3-0 before the Bulldogs recorded a third out.

Cooper tagged out Blacksher’s Keri Matheny at third base on a fielder’s choice following a pop out.

Brynley Traylor collected a ground ball and secured the final out.

Brynley Traylor pitched a completegame shutout, striking out six and walking four while surrendering four hits on 123 total pitches. Troxtel finished with two hits.

For the Bulldogs, Laney Saucer tallied two hits, while Darleigh Jeter took the complete-game loss in the circle, allowing five hits, walking one and striking out five.

Alabama School for the Blind 2023 Front Row Tinsley Andrews- Valedictorian Saniya Sanders Belle Williams Narissa Swaim Maria Quintino Back Row Rindarious Pollard Zachary Barnes Casside Gorig-Worrell Isiah Merrill Jacquarious Tinniehill- Salutatorian Not Pictured Zania Abdullah Ny'Dariun Marshall-Jones

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DRAFT STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Providing a home away from home!

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) will hold public meetings to gather input regarding the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

The Department is seeking public comment on the proposed STIP, which includes a listing of specific transportation projects that will be funded during the next four years.

Each meeting will be held in an open house format, with displays and information available to discuss planning efforts and answer questions. A short presentation will be included to explain the requirement to have a STIP. The meeting for this Area will be Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the ALDOT North Region-Guntersville Area Office, 23445 US Highway 431 N, Guntersville, AL 35976.

Persons with disabilities should contact Logan Jolley at 256571-7260 to request special assistance at least one week prior to the meeting and specify the type of assistance needed.

Call us now for a tour!

Respite Care Services Available

741 Houston Loop Rd.

Fort Payne, Al. (256)979-1239

The Draft STIP 2024-2027 will be available for review at the Area Office in Guntersville, and at each of the District Offices in Huntsville, Dutton, Joppa, and Gadsden.

Comments will be accepted through June 27, 2023 and should be directed to: Alabama Department of Transportation Office Engineer Bureau 1409 Coliseum Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36110

OR: Submit your comments electronically by going to ALDOT’s web page: www.dot.state.al.us Click on: News, Public Hearings & Meetings, STIP