ST Vol 9 No 22

Wow, What a Ride!

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.-- As we sent the final issue of the Southern Torch to the printer, the tears started to flow. I have been a part of the Southern Torch

since the beginning. I have worn many hats at Southern Torch. I started with the company as an advertising executive before being named the first female Sports Editor in DeKalb or Jackson Counties. I was promoted to

Managing Editor, where I have served since 2019.

The opportunities that I have had are countless. I have ridden elephants and danced at pep rallies. I have had the chance to celebrate State Championships with teams and I

have also been there in defeat.

My position at the Torch has awarded me with many opportunities. When the Southern Torch purchased two radio stations, I was asked to do a morning radio show on 98-3 Wild Country.

The memories I have made going through fire training courses, football camp, basketball drills, reading to students, and attending various activities are memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.

Torch and the Fort Payne Times-Journal transition, I will still be here to serve the community, reporting the news.

I can not wait to see where this ride takes me. You can be sure that I will be taking a ton of selfies

As Southern weekend.

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Before the bands take the stage, fans, friends, and family will remember

Jeff Cook with a Celebration of Life at noon Saturday at the DeKalb County VFW Fairgrounds -- the site for the 17th June Jam music festival.

Cook was a

founding member of the band Alabama, and its legendary lead guitarist. Cook passed away in November at age 73, after battling Parkinson’s Disease since 2012.

According to Lisa Cook, wife of the late musician, all the artists performing at the June Jam, wanted to do something special in honor of Jeff.

During the service, Teddy Gentry will perform one of the many songs that Cook wrote. Randy Owen and Lisa Cook will speak of the

>See Legacy, P4

By Donna Thornton editor@times-journal.com

Tony Conway, manager of the band Alabama, is a busy man – and he has been since the

revival of June Jam was announced just a few months ago.

But he’s excited, too, to see plans for the music festival’s return coming together for this

Conway said people can expect a “few little surprises” during the show.

“It looks like it’s going to be a sellout,” he said late Tuesday. “It’s just got a great vibe to it. Everybody’s excited.”

Conway took some time out of his busy schedule to talk about what concertgoers can expect Saturday at the DeKalb County VFW Fairgrounds.

Entrance to the concert will be off 18th Street, Fort Payne police have explained, at the front main entrance to the fairgrounds.

Conway said the entrances there

>See June, P4

From the early beginnings in an orchard farm house in Rainsville, to a new facility in downtown, Fort Payne. What a wonderfull ride Southern Torch has been on.

giving a small town an opportunity to show its big heart by volunteering.

Civic clubs and other organizations volunteer to provide parking services, sell tickets, operate the lost and found, and secure various areas of the venue. The June Jam is supported by law enforcement, medical personnel, city officials and city employees.

The Lead Singer of ALABAMA, Randy Owen, was quoted in an 1984 edition of the Times-Journal, “I want to say a special thanks to all the local people in DeKalb County, Fort Payne, Alabama, the state of Alabama, and everybody for all the volunteer work that they’ve done. There’s no way that we could entertain you without the volunteers that help for no money whatsoever.”

When the music festival ends more than memories live on, the group effort benefits multiple organizations, causes, charities, public safety departments, medical facilities, learning institutions, and community centers.The first year of the Jam mostly youth-oriented agencies received June Jam money. Of the $219,000 distributed in the fall of 1982, each of the nine high schools received $2,000, $2,000 scholarships were set up at each school.

Forest Ave. School received $10,000, Camp Comer for Boy Scouts $10,000, and each of the 10 troops

in the county received $1,000.

Bass guitarist Teddy Gentry and Owen attended Adamsburg School when it had no gymnasium. That school received $40,000 to help complete the gym.

Other contributions included: The Adult Activity Training Center, the mental health association, rescue squads, the opera house, the aging, the Fraternal Order of Police, the hospital, and the city recreation department.

In 1981 a one-time homecoming concert was held at the Fort Payne High School stadium, but this event was not labeled as a June Jam. This concert was held on a Friday and the decision was made the following year to move the concert to a Saturday so more people could attend.

On June 4, 1982 the first official June Jam took place on an open field near the high school. The first year the expenses were enormous and measures were put into place to reduce expenditures so more money could go directly to needy agencies. Since ALABAMA already had a paid staff of stage, sound, and lighting specialists, it was decided that they would perform these

same services at the second June Jam.

Local people were asked to provide catering, security, and other necessary services that were so expensive the first time, when professionals were hired to perform these duties. As a result of all the community effort and the volunteering expenses were cut in half and the agencies benefitting from the Jam received more funding.

The first June Jam was reported to have 22,000, the official count for June Jam 2 in 1983 was 37,684, with fans reportedly coming from 30 states and as far away as Italy.

Gaynelle Pitts, who helped coordinate the Jam was quoted in the Times Journal as saying, “ June Jam 3 was better than June Jam 2, and not as good as June Jam 4.” She was right, the number of those attending in the following years kept growing. The population of Fort Payne would, at times, quadruple in one day. It was predicted that June Jam 3 would draw a crowd of 40,000, it drew over 41,000.

By June Jam 3 nationwide television programs “Entertainment Tonight,” “Good Morning America,”

and “20/20,” were promoting the concert. Greg Fowler, head of promotions, said in 1984, “We have tremendous support from the media. We would have to spend as much as $300,000 (more than the first June Jam raised for charity) if we had to pay for these promotions. The June Jam does what it sets out to do, it’s not just another concert.”

June Jam V saw crowds of nearly 60,000. This was the same year the parade, street dance, and team competition night were added to the festivities. Team Competition Night featured timed field events – such as a three-legged race and wheelbarrow race.

The Miss June Jam Week Beauty Pageant was organized for June Jam VI in 1987 and the winner presided over the week of events. The same year the arts and crafts fair and the gospel jamboree joined in.

The Randy Owen Celebrity Golf Classic has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Alabama Sheriff’s Ranches. The Celebrity Golf Classic was first organized by Paul Crow in 1975 at the Terrapin Hills Golf Club. Owen came on board in 1985 and joined efforts with Crow in raising money

for the sheriff’s ranches. In 1987 the annual golf benefit was titled The Randy Owen Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament.

June Jam VII in 1988 boosted the number of acts to 20. Ticket prices were raised for the first time to $25 and $300,000 was raised for charity.

The “Roll On” Custom Motorcycle and Classic Car Show and Arts and Craft Show at the VFW Fairgrounds were both added in 1989. In 1989, Stanley Byrd, co-coordinator of the car show, said he was pleased with the results. “We had sixty-two cars and we would have had one hundred if the sun had been shining at eight o’clock.” More than $600 in cash, trophies, and door prizes were presented to the participants. The same year saw the beginning of the June Jam Soccer Classic, featuring more than 50 teams from around the south.

June Jammer, Rhonda McKinney of Virginia Beach, Va. was quoted while attending the 1989 Jam as saying, “This is our fifth June Jam. We came once to see what the jam was all about and we had so much fun

In 1990 environmental concerns began to take center stage with ALABAMA and recycling containers were placed throughout the Jam site. In conjunction with this act a balloon display on the hill behind the site spelled out the words, Pass It On Down, which seemed to take top billing over the “Comin’ Home to Jam” billing originally used to advertise the festival.

The June Jam evolved over the years from a single concert into an 11-day festival. The idea for additional events for Jam fans began in 1985. “We need to give the fans something to do aside from the Jam,” said Coordinator of Events, Brant Craig, in 1991.

The first June Jam Week activity was a softball game between a team associated with the group ALABAMA and a team of local civic leaders, businessmen and public figures. By 1991 fans were able to see nationally known entertainers up close as they participated in the event. It was not uncommon for well-known sports figures – coaches and players – to show up for the game.

The June Jam has raised millions for charities and the revival this year will mark 26 years since it was last held. June Jam may have put Fort Payne on the map, but it also put good memories in the hearts of all involved.

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE

Girls State Has Had A Profound Effect on Current State Leaders

By Steve Flowers

The Alabama Boys State and Girls State programs have been the spawning ground for Alabama political leaders for generations. It is a marvelous civic contribution that the American Legion has sponsored for almost a century in our state.

The prominence that Boys State has played is immense. However, Girls State may very well be eclipsing the boys in this generation, given the amazing array of women who are currently leading our state.

Governor Kay Ivey was a young high school leader growing up in Wilcox County in the early 1960s. Kay was selected for Girls State and had a week there that left an indelible impression

on her. She went on to Auburn where she was a student leader. For over 40 years, Kay Ivey has come back to Girls State every year as a counselor, advisor, and speaker. She is devoted to Girls State.

Dr. Cathy Johnson Randall has been one of the states most respected leaders for 50 years. She was the most outstanding student at the University of Alabama when I arrived in 1970. She graduated undergraduate and got her doctorate from the Capstone In her early career years, she was an administrator at the University of Alabama. She has been a premier businesswoman and philanthropist and Tuscaloosa Civic leader in her adult life. As a teenager, Cathy was a Girls Stater to say the least. She was elected Governor of

Girls State. She then went on to Washington and was elected President of Girls Nation. Furthermore, her daughter Kate was elected Governor of Girls State like her mother and – get this – Kate was also President of Girls Nation. Cathy’s late husband and Kate’s father, Pettus Randall, was Governor of Alabama Boys State. It is doubtful any family in America much less Alabama, will ever match that family lineage.

Cathy Randall and Kay Ivey took a young lady from Enterprise under their wings when she arrived at Girls State. That student leader was one Katie Boyd. Katie became Governor of Girls State. She then went on to the University of Alabama and pledged Cathy Randall’s sorority, Chi Omega. Katie was elected Student

Government President at Alabama, then married Crimson Tide Football star, Wesley Britt. Last year Katie Boyd Britt was elected as our United States Senator at the ripe old age of 40.

The list of Girls Staters that are current state leaders does not end with Governor Ivey, Senator Britt and Dr. Randall. Supreme Court Justice Kelli Wise was a Girls Stater, as well as past Justice Lyn Stuart. Federal District Judge Anna Manasco is a Girls State alumnus from around the same era as Kelli Wise. Mary Margaret Carroll from Ozark, who is one of the state’s top lobbyist, was a Girls Stater with Katie Britt and a Chi Omega with Katie at Alabama. She was also President of the SGA at the University of Alabama. Liz Filmore, Kay Ivey’s Chief of Staff, got her start at Girls State.

Many of these women have bonded through the Girls State program. Especially Kay Ivey, Cathy Randall and Katie Britt. They are like sisters. The fourth sister in this close knit group is Lee Sellers of Montgomery. Lee grew up in Montgomery and has lived there all of her life. She was a prominent Girls State leader as a teenager. She became Executive Director of Alabama Girls State 21 years ago. She and her husband, Supreme Court Justice Will Sellers, are some of Kay Ivey’s closest friends. Lee is the glue that keeps this band of Girls State Alumni together.

Lee will more than likely bring this group of state leaders back to welcome this year’s group of teenage Girls State leaders when they arrive next week to Troy University for the 81st

meeting of Alabama Girls State. There will probably be a future senator or governor in attendance.

Our current governor, Kay Ivey, is the first elected female Republican governor of Alabama. She will not be the last female to be elected governor of our state. In the future, my prediction is that there will be mostly female governors and presidents in future years. It is a fact that the majority of college enrollees and graduates are female.

The reason most future governors and presidents, and probably Supreme Court justices, will be women is because currently 60% of law school graduates are females and this is expected to grow to 70% in the next decade.

See You next week.

Famous Cave In Woodville Mentone Arts Center Calendar Events

By Marla Ballard Reporter

JACKSON COUNTY - Jackson County Alabama has more caves per square mile than any county in Aerica, with 3,536 charted caves. Stephens Gap is located in the heart of Jackson County; it is one of the most photographed caves in the world and has apeared in National Geographic Magazine.

The cave is located on a 123-acre preserve in Woodville, and is part of Southeastern Cave Conservancy Inc. (SSCi). SCCi owns or leases 170 caves on 30 preserves in six states and offers online permits, free of charge.

Permits are required for all visitors to an SCCi preserve. SaveYourCave.org is a movement powered by SCCi, a 501C3 nonprofit. The permit system limits the number of people allowed to visit a cave. The goal is to preserve caves through conservation, education, and recreation for future generations. Cavers are required to familiarize themselves with the laws protecting caves. Stephens Gap is well-known for its accessibility. There are two entrances to the cave: a 144-foot vertical drop accessed by using rappelling equipment and a walk-in entrance just 30 feet away. Those who chose to repel into the cave share the space with a

June 2, The Fans

Songwriter Showcase 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

waterfall. The natural topographical landscape allows daylight to stream into the abyss. When the waterfall is roaring and the light streams into the cave, providing a backdrop to the mist, visitors are given spectacular photo opportunities.

The area is commonly wet and slippery and caution is needed. Deaths have occurred at the cave. Cellular coverage is poor to nonexistent at the preserve, making it difficult to call for help.

From the parking area there is a 2-mile roundtrip hike with an elevation change of 239 feet. A sign labeling the trailhead and yellow flags on trees mark the trail. Look for a gravel parking lot and small gate with access by using a code found on the permit.

Low-impact camping may be

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

By Marla Ballard Reporter

DEKALB COUNTY - Mentone

Arts Center is a community art center created and supported by the community and works to preserve and promote the rich culture of music and art in the Appalachia region. MAC is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation. The center offers a wide range of social and educational activities.

allowed by request and case-by-case basis. Camping space is limited. Stephens Gap is a NO DRONE ZONE. Permits for caving at Stephens Gap may be obtained at: https://permits.scci. org/ According to the Stephens Gap website helmets are now required even for the walk-in section of the cave. Stephens Gap is located at 8408 County Road 30, Woodville, AL 35776. Phone: 423-771-9671

Suggested reading: Alabama Living Magazine, alabamaliving.coop May 2, 2016 article. Reading instructions on the SCCi website is imperative for cleaning caving gear to prevent the spread of disease to wildlife. The “Our Story” section of saveyourcave.org is an interesting read for those interested in spelunking.

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

On June 6, at 6:30 p.m. MAC welcomes back Hall-of-Fame banjo player and singersongwriter Jim Connor for the monthly Music on the Mountain Songwriters Series. Connor will be the feature of the Nashville-style songwriters round. He is best known for writing the hit song “Grandma’s Feather Bed,” made famous by John Denver.

Connor was a member of the Kingston Trio (1968 - 1973). Earlier he had formed a duo with Richard Lockmiller called R & J. They toured Europe and England with success; and recorded an album while in London. They also opened Barbra Streisand’s original New York Nightclub Show. Connor has played harmonica for Claire Lynch and Linda Ronstadt, and appeared in Specials with dozens of famous Nashville and Hollywood Stars including Dolly Parton and John Denver.

In 2018 Connor was inducted into the Alabama Bluegrass Hall of Fame. He and his wife Dr. Cynthia Connor have a longtime connection with Mentone, they

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

were married in 1988 at St Joseph’s on-the-Mountain Episcopal Church and had their reception at the Mentone Springs Hotel.

The opening songwriters round will include Scott Henderson, Buck Buckner and Jon Kinsey. Award-winning songwriter and Mentone resident Craig Henricks will serve as the event’s host. The event is free to the public, however any donations/tips will be given to the songwriters for their travel expenses.

Join the MAC on June 15, at 5:30 for their Summer Social honoring their second quarter Artists of the Month: Balpha Noojin (April); Eugenia Johnston (May); and Sweet Tea Pottery’s David and Tina Pendley (June).

Refreshments served. Event is free.

Music lovers should mark their calendar’s for July 14, at 7:00 p.m. for a return performance from Gwen Hughes and the Kats.

Hughes is an American jazz singer, songwriter, and actress based in

St E Dekalb County Schools Coliseum 8 AM – 11 AM.

June 10, Summer

Latino FestivalSummer 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 15, Board

Meeting - DeKalb County Hospital Association dba

DeKalb Ambulance Service will hold their regularly scheduled board meeting on June 15, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. in the Carson Educational Building at DeKalb Ambulance Service, 208 Airport Road W,

Atlanta, Georgia. She has released six albums on Fairfield Records, starting with “Torch Life” in the 1990s up until her newest album, “Dancing in the Moonlight.” Hughes is known as a musical explorer, her latest singles fuse jazz with EDM (electronic dance music) and hip-hop. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution declared, “Gwen Hughes was swinging before swinging was cool.” Reservations are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the show. Reserve general admission seats at https:// square.link/u/ gSdTCh7H.

Visitors to MAC will find: oil and watercolor paintings, pottery, glass, jewelry, woven works, sculptures, and more. Located at 5951 Alabama Highway 117, Mentone in the Chuck Sennett Center for the Arts. More information at mentonearts center. org or call 256-6743366. Hours of operation are:

Thursday - Monday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Fort Payne, AL. The public is invited to attend.

June 24, Faith Festival - 10am6pm 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)9960309 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.

will bring people through the box office and into exhibition halls at the fairgrounds, where security personnel will be scanning attendees and issuing them either color-coded wrist bands or laminates, depending on which tickets they purchased.

The fairground has two VIP areas, he explained, with 400 seats in each section. There will be chairs there for fans who opted for the more expensive tickets, Conway said.

“Everyone else has to bring their own folding or camping chairs,” he said. After ticketholders get their wristbands, they will be directed to their seating section, based on the ticket they purchased.

At previous June Jams (the show kicked off summers in Fort Payne from 1982 to 1997) people could bring in sleeping bags and blankets. That’s not allowed this time, Conway said.

“We just don’t have room for it,” he said. A crowd of 10,000 is expected for the show, and people will be allowed to set up their chairs all the way back toward the entrance to the fairgrounds.

He said when talks started about reviving the concert, they looked at Fort Payne High School, where the event was held for years. But they found a lot of changes had been made at the football field over the years, and it wouldn’t work.

“The fairgrounds is perfect,” Conway said, for staging this event.

Seating outside the VIP areas is general admission, so after the gates open at 10 a.m. and people go through security, Conway said, they can come in and pick their spot, place their chairs and prepare to watch the show.

He did caution those attending: a folding chair will be the largest thing people can bring inside the fairgrounds.

Security concerns for June Jam 2023 are far different than those in the 1980s and 1990s.

Conway said that’s just a reflection of things happeneing in the world in recent years. No one expects problems, but he said safety has been a top priority in planning for the festival.

That means safety for the audience, the artists performing, and the volunteers and employees working at the event, he said.

Conway said Alabama brought in a 40-man security team experienced in protecting outdoor events like this one. The team is working with Fort Payne police, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, and state law enforcement to plan for the safety of everyone at the fairgrounds Saturday.

There are more restrictions for the show: No firearms, knives, or anything else the security staff construes as a weapon. People can bring in what they need in a clear bag –no larger than 12x12 inches. Conway said

it does not have to be an elaborate bag; a clear freezertype bag will be OK, as long as security personnel can see what’s inside.

Coolers are not allowed, nor are outside food and drinks. There will be 15 food and beverage vendors inside the fairgrounds.

Conway said the there have been talks with the vendors about pricing. “This is a benefit concert,” he said, and no one wants people attending to have to pay exorbidant prices to spend a day at the festival.

“We’ve told them we don’t want to see $8 beer and $6 water,” Conway said.

Beer is another new thing for the Jam. With changes in city regulations since 1997, vendors will be selling alcohol.

“On a hot day in the summer, that’s a good thing,” Conway said.

To buy from licensed vendors, he said, people will have to show ID and they will get another wrist band.

He said he expected most vendors will accept cards, but some information sites have indicated some vendors will be cash only. There will be ATMS on site, he said, should people need to get cash.

Some sites posting information about the event have indicated people can bring in empty water bottles to refill; Conway said that’s not allowed, on recommendation of the security team.

“We don’t want anything that can be thrown,” he said, for the safety of the

people attending, the performers and people working. He said organizers have tried to anticipate everything. However, that most modern of problems – keeping cell phones charged – has not been addressed, at least not yet. Conway said it’s still being looked into, but for now, they don’t have a way to provide charging stations for cell phone users.

With a show of this size, the demand for electricity is daunting. Even if they could arrange power for a cell phone charging area, he said, he didn’t know where they could put it. While it’s still something he’s trying to address, Conway recommended that people bring an extra battery for cell phones. He said it’s something he generally does for events like this, because devices won’t stay charged for the day.

As for the show, Conway said it will be better than ever, with improved equipment for sound and video screens. There will be one big stage, he said, rather than two stages as in past Jams.

“It’s going to be a great day of music,” he said.

Conway said the support of the City of Fort Payne, and the army of volunteers donated their time to work at the festival is the key to making the show fulfill its mission as a day of music and fun that raises funds for charity and disaster relief in the area.

Since June Jam started in 1982, Conway said

the concert and related events have given back some $20 million to the community.

The 200 volunteers who will be working Saturday are a key part of that.

The more volunteers, the less organizers have to pay workers, and the more money they can raise for charity, he said.

“It speaks loudly of the community,” he said. “everyone in the town and county have been very supportive.”

The show has 30 sponsors this year, providing monetary support or services, Conway said –another change from Jams of the past.

Events at the fairgrounds begin at noon, with a Celebration of Life for the late Jeff Cook, co-founder of the band Alabama. Cook died in November 2021.

Conway said it will be a very special memorial, with three performances.

Wildwood – a Fort Payne area band that was the first to perform at the first June Jam –will be the first to perform this year, he said. The Isaacs will perform at the memorial and in the concert that follows it.

The concert has a long list of performers; he said most will perform four or five songs. There’s a DJ to keep the music going between the last three acts while set changes are made onstage, Conway said.

And the show will end as the idea for it began decades ago, with the band Alabama.

Celebrations for June Jam Begin at 98.3

beautiful life and career of Jeff Cook.

Pastors from the Cook’s home church will also be present for the service.

The ceremony will be held from noon to 1 p.m. at the VFW Fairgrounds –the site of this year’s June Jam, the first to be held since 1997. Tickets to the June Jam will be required for admittance to the ceremony.

Owens and Gentry surprised many people in Feburary with the announcement that the music festival would make a comeback for 2023. The festival was the event of the summer in Fort Payne (and much of the surrounding region) from 1982 to 1997, and raised more than $15 million for a variety of charities and causes in the area.

Cook continued to tour with Alabama till 2017, when he decided it was time to slow down and left his body heal. With his blessings, the band continued to perform because Cook never wanted “the music to stop or the party to end.”

In November 2021, the Cooks established the Jeff and Lisa Cook Foundation. According to the foundation’s website, “the decision was made to bring people together to help educate and supply reources which would enable people to better help themselves and each other.

“A commitment was made to bring like-minded people together to inspire and education for the well-being of all those involved,” and to “assist and encourage as many people as possible.”

When Cook died last year, there was a request for donations to the foundation in lieu of flowers – a way to continue Cook’s legacy in serving others, as well as in song.

Wilson Cornerstone

Infant Kambreigh

Alaina Ditmore - of Valley Head, passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2023. She was born on May 28, 2023 to Colton & Amanda Ditmore in Fort Payne.

A visitation will be held from 12 noon until 2pm on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Wilson Funeral Home. The family will have a private graveside service at a later time. She is survived by her parents; sisters, Kensleigh and Kayleigh Ditmore; grandparents, Kathy Carson and Tim Ditmore; greatgrandparents, Patsy (Lloyd) McElhaney and Kenneth Millican; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Karen Ditmore and Stan Carson; and greatgrandmother, Judy Millican.

Peggy Jean Hampton - 62 of Flat Rock died Thursday, May 25 at her residence. Funeral services are Sunday at 2 PM CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Dr. Matt Hampton officiating. Burial will follow in Smith Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 2 to 5 PM Saturday and 1 PM until service time on Sunday. Sheila Teresa Anderson - 66 of Flat Rock died Friday, May 26 at Crowne Health Care. Funeral services are Tuesday at 2 PM CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Nathaniel Bates officiating. Burial will follow in Overlook Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 12 noon until service time.

Crossville

Billy G. Roden - 89 of Crossville passed away Friday, May 26,

2023 at Shepherds Cove Hospice His Funeral Service will be 2 p.m.

Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Crossville Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in Mt. Flat Cemetery. Visitation will be 12:30 until 2 before service. Rev. Joe Davis will be officiating.

Rainsville

Mary Frances Waldrop - 78 of Pisgah passed away on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Riverview Hospital. Service will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 3 PM in Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Danny Stewart and Bro. David Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Kirk Memorial Gardens with Rainsville Funeral Home, Inc. directing.Visitation will be Monday, May 29th from 5PM-8PM and Tuesday, May 30th from 11 AM-3PM.

Rhonda Womack - 61 of the Henagar, AL passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023 at Highlands Medical Center. Funeral service will be held on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at 2:00PM at Old Sardis Holiness Church. Burial will follow in Old Sardis

Holiness Church Cemetery.

John Allen - 53 of Section passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Highlands Medical Center. Service will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 2PM in Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery.

Edgar Turner Parker - 84 of Taft, Tennessee passed away Thursday, May 25, 2023, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 29, 2023, at Scottsboro Funeral Home. A burial will follow in Kirk Memorial Gardens in Rainsville. The family will receive friends at Scottsboro Funeral Home on Monday beginning at 12 p.m. till service.

Phillip Dean Mount - was a loving husband, daddy, Poppie, brother and son. From an early age Phillip gained his plumbing license in order to provide for his family. Phillip will forever be remembered as a wonderful, loving husband, father and

Poppie. He Will be forever loved and missed. Memorial Services will be announced later.

W.T. Wilson

Junior F. Daugherty - 91, of Cedar Bluff passed away May 23rd, 2023. A graveside service only will be held at 11am on Saturday, May 27th, 2023, from the Plunkett Cemetery. Burial will follow the service.

Gordon Edward Reaves - passed away May 23rd, 2023. Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Thursday, May 25th, 2023, from the Pine Ridge Bapt. Church. Bro. Carl Partain will be officiating. Burial will follow in Dekalb Memorial Gardens.

Sheila Diane Croft - died May 24, 2023. She was born April 29, 1956 in Grosse Pointe Farms. funeral services will be held at 2pm(CST) on

OBITUARIES Burt Funeral Homes

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel in Rainsville, Alabama, with burial to follow.

Charles Ray “Charley” Lance - 75 of Fyffe, passed away Thursday, May 25, 2023. Funeral Services will be held at 2pm on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Corinth Cemetery.

Caroline Rose “Carolyn” Payne - 64 of Gaylesville, passed away Friday, May 26, 2023. Funeral Services will be held at 12:30pm on Monday, May 29, 2023 at Liberty Baptist Church @ Blanche with burial to follow in Davis Cemetery.

Mildred Gaynell Johnson - 86, of Rainsville passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023. Funeral services are set for 3pm Thursday, June 1, 2023. Burial will be in Nazareth Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 until 8pm Wednesday.

Scottsboro

Memories of Southern Torch ConCluded

Top Stories of 2019 Justice for Amberly

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

Published on March 19 COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — On Thursday, March 4, DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden announced the arrest of 33-year-old Christopher Madison for capital murder in the case of 11-yearold Amberly Alexis Barnett’s death.

Barnett was found strangled 200 yards from Madison’s home, the adjoining property to the home where Barnett was staying.

Investigators confirmed that Madison had pretended to search for Barnett’s body after she was reported missing.

“The road to justice for this sweet, innocent little girl is too important to release anything to jeopardize this investigation,” said Welden.

According to testimony by Chief Investigator David Davis, search and rescue dogs picked up Barnett’s scent at the back door of Madison’s home. The body of Amberly Barnett was found with a rope, the same type of rope found at Madison’s home, tied around her neck.

The following month, the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office began taking the necessary actions to pursue the death penalty for Madison.

A trial date has still not been set for the case. Madison remains in the DeKalb County jail without bond.

Contaminated

Water in NE Alabama

By Marla Jones, Managing

Editor

Published on November 21, 2019

IDER, Ala. —

Following two letters sent to affected residents, officials at the DeKalb-Jackson Water Supply District are monitoring drinking water conditions after reporting violations of drinking water standards.

An official with the DeKalb-Jackson Water Supply District stated that their water supply would be retested on Tuesday, November 26th. At the time of press, we have still received no comment on the retesting.

At a meeting of the water board in November, its first official one in months, local law enforcement was called to deal with citizens accused of trespassing after the meeting was adjourned.

According to Jackson County Commission Chairman Tim Guffey, the current members of the Board include: Greg Harris and William Dalton of DeKalb County, with Clinton

Hill, Dois Holman, Johnny McAllister and Frankie Yates serving as Jackson County’s members. Two former members of the Board, who were appointed by the Jackson County Commission, have sued to remain on the Board.

“I feel confident that the new Board members that we appointed can fix the problem if they are allowed to,” said Guffey. “I think it’s awful that we’ve come to this point [and] that our water has gotten into this situation.” The lawsuit is still pending at the time of press.

Day Trip Turns Deadly

By Marla Jones, Managing

Editor

Published on July 11, 2019

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, on June 4, an incident occurred on a day trip at the Jackson County Park that resulted in the death of a resident of Haymon Homes.

The deceased, 31-year-old Lucius Wayne Frazier, reportedly became violent with other residents and was then subdued by employees inside the bus. After the incident, Frazier stopped breathing and was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation on the incident and an autopsy was conducted to determine the cause of death.

At the time of press, the results of the final autopsy are still pending and no charges have been filed.

We are proud to present Southern Torch’s Top Stories of 2020!

Southern Torch Launches Jackson

Blaze - Published: January 9, 2020

Writer: Nick Jones

On January 9, Southern Torch announced a Jackson County, Alabama online news company — jacksonblaze.com.

Since its inception, the Jackson Blaze has reported and

Jackson County and

communities. Dylan Smith serves as the Blaze’s Managing Editor. In addition to online content, the Jackson Blaze has become integrated into our weekly print publication. Jackson Blaze formally launched on January 13, 2020.

Dock Fire Turns

Deadly

Published: January 27, 2020

Writer: Marla

Jones On January 27, a massive fire broke out at the docks at Jackson County Park in Scottsboro. The fire quickly consumed the dock and claimed the lives of eight (8) people, according to statements from Scottsboro Fire and Rescue. Multiple local, state and regional resources responded to the site and conducted the recovery operations. By the end of the investigation, an estimated 35 boats were completely destroyed prior to extinguished.

2021 -

DA Accepts Dalton’s Plea

Published: October DEKALB CO., Ala--

Former DeKalb County Teacher Dustin Wade Dalton, 29, entered pleas of guilty to three felony sex offenses Monday morning in Circuit Court at the DeKalb County Courthouse.

He was convicted of one count of Sodomy in the Second Degree and two counts of being a teacher having sexual contact with a student under nineteen years old. He was sentenced by Circuit Judge Jeremy Taylor to sentences totaling 10 years in state prison. He will be required to serve three years in prison before his release to serve another five years on supervised probation. As a result of the convictions, Dalton will be a lifetime registered sex offender upon his release.

ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6: Dalton was released on a $100,000 bond with no preliminary hearing in Judge Steve Whitmire’s courtroom. The defendant’s attorney is Stephen Bussman.

“This is so frustrating, working endless hours on a case to only see them walk out of your jail on a $100,000 bond,”

said DeKalb Co. Sheriff Nick Welden.

Dustin Dalton, 29 was indicted by the Grand Jury on June 22, 2021, on 24 charges by Grand Jury. Dalton was booked into the DeKalb County Detention Center at 6:49 p.m, June 22.

The indictment list for Dalton shows eight different victims, identified by initials and ages.

Charges were as follows: (Charges may be updated)

• Distribution of Obscene Material

• Enticing Child

• Solicit Sex Act W/ Student

• Solicit Sex Act W/ Student

• Dissemination of Obscene Material

• Dissemination of Obscene Material

• Dissemination of Obscene Material

• Dissemination of Obscene Material

• Dissemination of Obscene Material

• Dissemination of Obscene Material

• School Emp Sex

W/Student

• Sexual Abuse 1st

• Sexual Abuse

2nd

• Dissemination of Obscene Material

• School Emp Sex

W/Student Attempted

• School Emp Sex

W/Student

• School Emp Sex

W/Student

• School Emp Sex

W/ Student

• Production of Porn with Minors

• Sodomy 1st

• Sodomy 1st

• Sodomy 1st

The bond for Dalton was set at $393,875.

REDISTRICTING APPROVED FOR DEKALB COUNTY

Published: November

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.-- The DeKalb County Commission held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, November 9.

The DeKalb County Commission approved redistricting according to the 2020 Census. The population count for each district will be as follows:

• District 1- 17,170

• District 2- 17,764

•District 3- 18,620

•District 4- 18,054

The minimum in each district according to the census report is 17,006 and the maximum is 18,797.

“This redistricting will affect very few people. It will affect some but not a drastic change” stated DeKalb County President Ricky Harcrow.

Cunningham

To Retire As Fp

Superintendent

Published: April FORT PAYNE, ALA.-- Fort Payne City Schools

Superintendent Jim Cunningham announced his retirement, effective October 1, 2021.

“I want to thank you for the opportunity you’ve given me for the past 36 years of working for Fort Payne City Schools,” Cunningham said.

“This has been the best thing that’s ever happened because of the great school system and great community.”

Cunningham is a lifelong Fort Payne native and a 1975 graduate of Fort Payne High School. He completed a bachelor’s degree in education at Jacksonville State University (JSU) in 1979 and began his career in Jackson County shortly after. He began work at his alma mater in 1984 and has held various positions within the school system ever since, including assistant principal at Fort Payne High School, principal at Forest Avenue Elementary, principal at Wills Valley Elementary, principal at Fort Payne High School, and eventually, superintendent.

FIRE IN THE VALLEY

Published: June FORT PAYNE, Ala.--Southern Torch is moving to our brand new offices in downtown Fort Payne this week and next week.

Our broadcasting operations have just moved and the remainder of our operations and staff are in the process of moving. Service areas, phone numbers, and other pertinent information will remain the same.

Eight years ago, Southern Torch opened its doors in Rainsville as an online news source. In May of 2015, Southern Torch expanded its reach with a printed newspaper product.

Today, Southern Torch averages over 60,000 website visits per month and has an online following of over 41,000 across all social media platforms that share free content with our audience.

Two years ago, Southern Torch expanded its reach

into the radio market. With the purchase of two radio stations, WKEA 98-3 Wild Country and WMXN 101-7 The Torch, along with the addition of Fort Payne’s oldest radio station WFPA, the reach of Southern Torch now serves a primary audience in DeKalb, Jackson, and Marshall counties.

In January 2020, Jackson Blaze was developed as a subsidiary brand to host Jackson County news, happenings, and Southern Torch, Inc., is excited to announce the addition of WFPA 1400 AM and its FM translator 93.9 to the company’s radio programming portfolio.

Southern Torch sought approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and an application for license transfer was approved. The license transfer was completed on March 18, 2021.

“We are excited about the continued growth of our audience that puts Southern Torch in a better position to serve our area,” said Southern Torch General Manager Eloise Smith. “We look forward to rebranding the station and providing programming that offers more variety for our audience.”

Our Dixieland Delight: Alabama kicks off 50th Anniversary Tour Publshed: July NASHVILLE, Ala.-- Alabama’s 50th Anniversary Tour will kick off this weekend, July 2-3 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The tour, which was delayed due to COVID-19, will cover nearly 30 concerts through 2022. A special guest for the kickoff concert will be Martina McBride. Several other musicians and bands will join the boys from Fort Payne throughout the tour included Travis Tritt, Tracy Lawrence, Sara Evans, The Marshall Tucker Band and The Beach Boys. In 1969, cousins Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook founded the band, originally named Wildcountry. In 1977, the group changed its name to Alabama.

In the early 1980s, the band had over 27 number one hits, seven multiplatinum albums, and received numerous awards. Alabama’s first single on RCA Records, “Tennessee River”, began a streak of 21 number one singles, including “ Love in the First Degree” (1981), “Mountain Music” (1982), “Dixieland Delight” (1983), and Song of the South (1988). Alabama changed the face of country music and

Southern Torch have received over 300 awards for their talents, including being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. In 2019, the group was awarded the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award.

Cardwell Charged with Murder

Published: August

RAINSVILLE, Ala.--

The Rainsville Police Department reported that a homicide occurred on Friday night.

The Rainsville Police Department received information that a body was left near a business in Rainsville. Officers responded and located the body of Ricky Don Wilks.

Wilk’s body was sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science for an autopsy.

On August 9, 2021, Jason Cardwell, 43 of Rainsville was booked into the DeKalb County Detention Center. He was charged with Murder. Cardwell’s bond is set for $1,000,000.

Agents with Rainsville, Fyffe, Fort Payne, and Boaz Police Departments along with DeKalb and Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, investigators from Center for Applied Forensics, and 9th Circuit District Attorney’s Office all assisted with the case.

Chief Michael Edmondson states, “

I am extremely proud of the tireless work that the officers of the Rainsville Police Department and Major Crimes Unit have put into working this case. It has taken many hours and the work is being continued in a great effort to bring this case to a close.”

Moon Lake Closure

Published: February the DeKalb County Board of Education (BOE) held their regularly scheduled meeting.

The work session of the meeting was dedicated to hearing the concerns of the Moon Lake community regarding the possible closure of Moon Lake Elementary School.

Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett stated that the closure of Moon Lake had been ongoing for 90 years.

“We have positions that are serving 56 students that we pay the same that serves 1,200 at other schools,” said Barnett. “We have to provide an equal opportunity for all our students.” During the meeting, the BOE voted unanimously to close Moon Lake Elementary School at the end of the current school year.

The Top 5 Stories of 2022

Country Music

Legend & Hometown

Hero

Jeff Cook Passes at 73 - 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 multiaward 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.

Food City to Possibly Locate in FP Jan 21 & Feb 18, Volume 8, Issue 3 & 7

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@ southerntorch.com

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 employeeowned corporation headquartered in 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. 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.

Evacuation in Rainsville

Aug 26, Volume 8, Issue 34

By Marla Jones Managing Editor 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 Williemac Wright.

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.

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.

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.

Weekend Altercation Leads to Death

Jan 7, Volume 8,

Issue 1

By Marla Jones Managing Editor 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, 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.

DA Accepts 2nd Dalton Plea

Feb 25 & Aug 12, Volume 8, Issue 6 & 32

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@ southerntorch.com

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. 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 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 pretrial 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 the indictment were dismissed under the plea agreement.

UPDATE - August 12, Vol 8, Issue 32 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.