ST Vol 9 No 3

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, January 20, 2023 / VOL. 9, NO. 3 / $1.00

Officials Begin New Terms

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.-- Local officials have been sworn in and look forward to serving the citizens of DeKalb County.

DeKalb County Sherriff Nick Welden was sworn in for his second term on Tuesday, January 17.

“This has been the hardest job of my entire life….It’s been a learning experience for four years” stated Sheriff Welden. “I have to look in the mirror every morning and go out and face the monsters that attack us. There is one thing that I never quit doing since day one, and it’s praying that the Lord will lead me. “

Summer McWhorter Summerford was sworn in as the first female to serve as District Attorney on Friday, January 13. She replaces retiring Mike Odell, who was appointed to the job in 1996.

“It was an honor to be sworn in as your new District Attorney” stated Summerford. “Rest assured that I, along with

my Assistant DA’s, DA investigators, and office staff are on the job and ready to work for the people of this circuit.”

Judge Jeremy Taylor was sworn in for his third term as Circuit Judge.

“This is an honor and I will take care to be a good servant of the public every day” stated Judge

Taylor.

“Thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve” concluded Taylor.

State-wide, Governor Kay Ivey joined other Alabama officials in being sworn into office.

Including Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, Attorney

>See Terms, P4

New Facility for FP Grants Abatements to GH Metal Solutions Rainsville Sanitation Photo provided by GH website

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.-- (Full video on Southern Torch Facebook) The Fort Payne City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 17.

In the absence of Council President Walter Waston, Council President Pro-Tem Lynn Brewer

Photo provided by Rainsville website

conducted the meeting. This was the first time a female has presided over a Fort Payne City Council meeting.

Tom Sesterhenn, Vice President and General Manager of GH Metal Solutions informed the Council of a proposed investment of 5.7 million dollars. This investment will reinvest in highpowered lasers for the plant.

GH Metal Solutions, formally known as The Gas House, was founded in Fort Payne in 1958.

They currently have 400 employees, mostly from Fort Payne and DeKalb County.

Jimmy Durham, Executive Director for the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority, informed

>See Grants, P4

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

for the new location of the Sanitation Building, on Highway marla@southerntorch.com 75. The current building is located RAINSVILLE, behind Rainsville City Ala.-- (Full video on Hall.

Southern Torch With the Facebook) The Sanitation location Rainsville City being relocated, the Council held its City will be able to regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, utilize the land for expansion to the January 16.

The Council voted Rainsville City Park.

The Council to give Mayor Rodger accepted the Lingerfelt the donation by House authority to begin Majority Leader road and pad work

Your Weekend Torchcast 54 / 40

>See Facility, P4

SYLVANIA PHARMACY

Fri. Jan 20 Sat. Jan 21 Sun. Jan 22

53 / 30

Nathanial Ledbetter and Senator Steve Livingston for an Automated External Defibrillator to be used at the Tom Bevil Center.

Chief Willimac Wright informed the Council of a Assistance Firefighter’s Grant, that would help in funding a new fire truck. The City has applied for this grant

53 / 37

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Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Friday.

2 - Friday - January 20, 2023

Southern Torch

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Spring Book Signing at NACC

By Marla Ballard Reporter

JACKSON COUNTY - The Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) will host a public event on Thursday, April 20, for those interested in creative writing. Joan Reeves, who oversees the English & Fine Arts Division at NACC, has scheduled two authors for the occasion.

A general assembly of reading, interview, Q & A, and book signing will take place at 9:30 a.m. in the Tom Bevill Lyceum and then at 2:00 p.m. two separate Master Classes on writing will be held on campus in the English Department Building.

Each class will be hosted by one of the visiting authors. There will be an intermission allowing guests to break away for lunch between the two sessions.

The interview portion will be handled

by Dr. Don Noble, an English Professor for 32 years at the University of Alabama, now retired. Dr. Noble is the host of the television program Bookmark which appears on Alabama Public Television.

Since 1988 Dr. Noble has interviewed writers on public radio and TV, including; Fannie Flagg, Rick Bragg, Winston Groom, and Sena Jeter Naslund.

The two visiting authors for the April 20th presentation are Taylor Brown and Caleb Johnson. Brown is the author of Fallen

Land, Wingwalkers, The River of Kings, Gods of Howl Mountain, Pride of Eden, and In the Season of Blood and Gold. He is the recipient of the Montana Prize in Fiction and a three-time finalist for the Southern Book Prize. His work has been short-listed for Best American Stories, and his short fiction and essays have appeared in the New York Times, Garden & Gun, The Bitter Southerner, and many others.

Brown, a 2005

Phillips Sworn in for Fourth Term

graduate of the University of Georgia, is a motorcycle enthusiast and is the editor-in-chief of BikeBound.com. His debut novel (2016) was a stand-alone novel and was set during the Civil War’s final year while a young couple on horseback flee from a dangerous group of marauders that seek a bounty reward. The story is one of loyalty and love in the chaos of war.

Caleb Johnson is the author of the novel Treeborne, which received an honorable mention for the

Southern Book Prize.

The book is set on the edge of Elberta, Alabama, and shows how the past blends with the future.

Southern Living magazine describes the novel as “a story about complicated legacies and the people who bring to life the places we call home.”

Johnson’s nonfiction has been cited in Best American Essays and appears in Southern Living, and The Wall Street Journal, among others.

Johnson grew up in Arley, Alabama,

Jackson County Tournament - Boys Pisgah 74, North Jackson 48 Section 66, Woodville 61 (OT)

Jackson County Tournament - Girls Woodville 51, North Jackson 48 NSM 72, Section 42

Jackson County Varsity Tournament Scores

Girls Scottsboro 46, Madison Academy 24 Good Hope 74, Skyline 56

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

SCOTTSBORO,

Ala.—Jackson County Sheriff Chuck Phillips was sworn in for his fourth term by Circuit Judge Brent Benson.

In addition to

Sheriff Chuck Phillips, deputies and staff were also sworn in from Jackson County, Pisgah and Scottsboro.

Former Rainsville Officer Charged with DUI

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

JACKSON COUNTY, Ala.- Former Rainsville Police Officer Mercedes L. Rugart, 32, was charged last week with Driving Under the Influence (DUI), after a wreck in Jackson County that occurred in July 2022.

On July 26, at

studied journalism at The University of Alabama, and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from the University of Wyoming.

He currently teaches writing at the University of South Alabama.

Dr. David Campbell, President of NACC, created the Arts and Humanities Speakers’ Forum 29 years ago to bring cultural events to the college. During that time the college hosted Daniel Wallace, Silas House, Tom Franklin, Ron Rash, and many others. In the late 90’s Dr. Campbell asked Reeves to coordinate the program. “We typically choose Southern writers for this annual event because our students relate to them so well,” said Reeves.

The public is welcome to attend.

Free admittance, for more information call NACC 256-6384418 ext. 2231.

Boys NSM 75, Mortimer Jordan 68 Ramsay 67, Scottsboro 61 Spring Garden 62, Pisgah 53

Junior High County Winners

Submitted Photo

Stevenson Girls and Pisgah Boys win the Middle School/Jr High Jackson County Tournament

Ellison Records 700th Career Win

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

approximately 6 a.m., Rugart, who was driving a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, left the road and struck a culvert and a utility pole before overturning. The crash occurred on Alabama 35, in Jackson County.

Rugart, turned herself in to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and was released the same day on a $1,000

bond.

The investigation is ongoing according to a press release from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).

Rainsville Police Cheif, Michael Edmondson stated that while Rugart was a former police officer with the City of Rainsville, she had resigned her position a little over a month ago.

PISGAH, Ala.-- Pisgah Eagle Head Basketball Coach Carey Ellison recorded his 700th career varsity win in the Pisgah girl’s 90-80 win over the North Sand Mountain Lady Bisons. Ellison also serves as the Head Coach for Pisgah Eagle Varsity Boys. He has a varsity record of 700-175.

As the Head Coach for the Varsity Girls, he has a 694-169 record.

He has a 6-6 record as the Varsity Boys Coach.

Friday - January 20, 2023 - 3

Southern Torch

Local Methodist Churches Leave UMC Weekend Accident holding out until the conservative as homosexual.

Claims Life Nick Hall church’s next general One of the key “traditionalist” Special To Southern Torch

On December 10, 2022, the North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC) voted to approve the disaffiliation of 198 of its churches, several of which are in Dekalb and Jackson Counties.

The action was part of a broader move of churches leaving the UMC worldwide.

To understand the reasons behind the sudden exodus of so many UMC churches, one must go back a few years. The UMC has been grappling with a significant division over its stance on homosexuality and same-sex marriage for a while now. The church’s official stance, as outlined in its governing document, the Book of Discipline, is that the practice of homosexuality is “incompatible with Christian teaching,” and prohibits the celebration of same-sex weddings and the ordination of openly gay clergy.

However, this stance has been widely debated and challenged within the denomination, leading to a significant divide among its members.

Before the denomination’s 2016 General Conference, over 100 members of its clergy and clergy candidates came out

Methodist denomination that would receive $25 million over the following four years.

The protocol was seen as a compromise between those who support the Traditional Plan and those who support a more inclusive stance.

However, it never came to a vote because the 2020 General Conference was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.

According to Pastor Jeff Tate, whose First Methodist Congregation in Fort Payne voted to disaffiliate back in November, the “Protocol” enjoyed broad support in 2020, but that support began to wane as the pandemic dragged on into 2022.

Normally, the UMC holds their General Conference every four years. However, due to the pandemic, the United Methodist haven’t held a General Conference since the special-called 2019 conference when the Traditional Plan was adopted. The plan included a provision for churches to disaffiliate provided they meet certain requirements laid out in Paragraph 25 of the plan. Many traditionalist churches viewed disaffiliation as a last resort and were

conference. However, the UMC announced in March of last year that due to the pandemic, its next general conference wouldn’t be held until 2024, and therein lies the problem for many UMC churches. The disaffiliation clause of the Traditional Plan expires Dec. 31, 2023.

This means UMC congregations who were holding out to see if the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation could be revived at the next conference run the risk of having no way to leave the UMC and maintain ownership of their buildings and property if they wait beyond the end of 2023 to disaffiliate. Many UMC churches, feeling their hands were forced, chose to disaffiliate while they still could, and more are likely to follow. This has become a contentious issue in the North Georgia Conference where the outgoing Bishop has refused to allow churches to disaffiliate before the end of 2023, resulting in lawsuits. According to Tate, there were no such issues within the North Alabama conference stating that, “Bishop (Debra) Wallace-Padgett made the process of disaffiliation as fair and gracious as possible.”

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, ALA.-- Fort Payne Police Department received a call at approximately 12:30 am on Sunday, January 15th that an accident had occurred on I-59 N near Lebanon Road.

Francisco Felipe Juan, age 23 of Fort Payne, was driving a 2012 Infinity G37 when the vehicle struck a cable barrier and then struck Sybil L Duncan, age 43 of Etowah, TN. Duncan was driving a 2022 KIA Rio. Francisco Juan and Sybil Duncan were both airlifted to

Erlanger Hospital. As of Wednesday, January 18, they remain in the hospital.

Passager Alex Randy Marroquin, age 21 of Fort Payne, was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service.

His condition is unknown.

Another passenger, Gavino Diego Francisco, age 21 of Fort Payne, was transported to Erlanger Hospital by Dekalb Ambulance Service, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The accident is currently still under investigation.

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EVENTS January 20, Yoga on the Mountain: Dusk to Dark Yoga - Experience yoga while enjoying the beauty that is Desoto State Park.

Walk along the park’s boardwalk trail, following Laurel Creek. Listen to the sounds of Azalea Cascade as instructor Destin Padgett guides you in slow & easy yoga poses. LOCATION - DeSoto State Park 7104 DeSoto Parkway NE. 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Fee: $5.00 per person (cash or check).

Pre-registration is required, so we know how many to expect. Hike is open to ages 8 to

e

events in the recent division within the UMC was the 2019 special General Conference. The conference attempted to address the issue of homosexuality and same-sex marriage and resulted in the adoption of the “Traditional Plan,” which upheld the church’s existing stance on these issues and included stricter penalties for those who violated these teachings. The adoption of the traditional plan passed by a narrow margin and was met with significant resistance from those who support a more inclusive stance, and there have been ongoing efforts to overturn the plan. The traditionalists argue that conferences within the denomination which violate the plan haven’t been held to account.

They say this effectively makes homosexual clergy and same-sex marriage a violation of UMC teaching on paper but not in practice.

In another attempt to solve the issue, the UMC put forward the “Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation” in 2020. The protocol was a plan to address the ongoing disagreement by creating a new

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

adult. Email Brittney.

Hughes@dcnr. alabama.gov for more info.

January 23, DeKalb County Republican Women - The DCRW (DeKalb County Republican Women) will be held their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, January 23rd at 6pm at the Desoto Golf Course.

Judge Jeremy Taylor will be the speaker and will also be swearing in new officers.

January 25, Building Codes Meeting - A Public meeting for input and to discuss concerns regarding

Building Codes in the CIty of Fort Payne will be held in the Council Chambers beginning at 4 p.m.

January 27 & 28, PBR Bull Bash - It’s PBR Bull Bash time again! Come and enjoy the excitement of cowboys, horses and bulls! Northeast Alabama Agri Business Center.

Event sponsored

by Landers McLarty Ford/Fort Payne.

Tickets can be purchased from The Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center, DeKalb Farmers Co-op, and Cavendars Western Store. 7:30 pm 10:00 pm.

JACKSON BLAZE • 98-3 WILD COUNTRY • 101-7 THE TORCH

Staff:

Eloise Smith - General Manager Marla Jones - Managing Editor/Sports Brian Anderson - Radio Operations Manager Nick Vizzinia - Graphic Design Amy West - Account Executive Reace Osborn - Account Executive Jenna Sue Payne - Account Executive Patti Browder - Radio Traffic Katie Browder - Radio Traffic Lindsey Jones - Accounting Jenny Wootten Mann - Radio Personality Tommy Daniels - Radio Personality Steve Malcom - Radio Personality

Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 225 Gault Ave N Fort Payne AL POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614, Rainsville, AL 35986

February 3, Family Game Night @ the Library - Moonlake Community Library.

4607 Alabama Hwy 117, Mentone, Alabama 35984.

Come to the library, for an evening of games and snacks!

Moon Lake Library has a number of board games on hand, and you’re welcome to bring one of your own for folks to try out. If you can, bring snacks to share, and let’s enjoy an evening of Mentone-style competition along with tasty treats. All ages are welcome.

6 pm.

February 9-11, Children’s Advocacy Center Eddie McPherson Memorial Dinner Theatre - Children’s Advocacy Center presents their annual Eddie McPherson memorial dinner

theatre. “The Play That Goes Wrong”.

The play will be held at the First United Methodist Church Life Center. Ticket prices vary and are by reservation only.

For more information or tickets, 256-9979700. First United Methodist Church 206 Grand Ave NW.

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

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

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

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4 - Friday - January 20, 2023

LEGALS

LEGALS

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF DEKALB

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

PROBATE COURT 2023-14

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANNIE MARIE TUCKER, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2023-02 Letters of Testamentary on the Estate of ANNIE MARIE TUCKER, Deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of December, 2022, by the Judge of Probate of said county, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate, are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

Said notice to be published January 6, 13, & 20

Grants FROM PAGE 1

the Council that GH Metal Solutions would like to abate 63,000 in sales tax for equipment and building materials.

The company also requests abatement of property taxes in

ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS In the Matter of the Estate of BERNICE CHRISTOPHER FRICKS, Deceased.

Letters of Administration of the estate of Bernice Christopher Fricks, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 18 day of January, 2023 by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

Mayan Maning PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Said notice to be published January 20, 27, & February 3 the amount of $44,123 over a 10-year span. No educational taxes will be abated.

The Council passed Resolution 2023-01, which granted tax abatements to GH Metal Solutions on an investment of

Southern Torch $5,700,000.

The Council thanked GH Metal Solutions for being a great partner in the community.

Fort Payne Mayor Brian Bain informed the Council that a grant for the Fort Payne Fire Department to purchase defibrillators and P25 radios for Fire and Police was being worked on.

Bain also stated that the sale of the old police fleet netted the city $200,000.

The City of Fort Payne will conduct a Contractors Meeting on Thursday, January 26, beginning at 4 p.m., in the Council chambers, to inform builders of the new Building and Fire Codes for the City of Fort Payne.

In other business, the Council reappointed Jimmy Cunningham to the Industrial Development Board.

The Fort Payne Council went into Executive Session with no action taken.

responsible for 10% of the $465,000 grant, with 5% going to the grantwriter and 5% going towards the grant for new truck. The Council empowered the mayor to sign the application.

Chief Wright also submitted Travel/ Training Requests for himself along with Michael Leath, Joey Walden, Thomas Blizzard, and Jake McClung.

The Council approved the following sponsorships: Children’s Advocacy Play Sponsorship of $1,000.00 and a Bull Bash Sponsorship in the amount of 2000.00 which will be for (4) shows.

In other business, the Council: • Changed the 2nd Meeting in February to Wednesday the 22nd • Promoted Sara Barnard to Sewer/ Sanitation Clerk II effective 1/18/23

• Posted Sewer/ Sanitation Clerk I Position • Posted Full-Time Position in the Park & Rec Department • Posted Full-Time Position in the Public Works Department/Bush Hogging • Approved the Purchase of infield material at the Rainsville Sports Complex from Southern Red Rock—1700.00 Registration for T-ball, Baseball, and Softball with be held on Saturday, January 28, and February 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Field of Dreams. For more information, please call Sammy Smith at (256) 717-3401.

The Next Regular Council Meeting of the Rainsville Council will be held on February 6, with a work session beginning at 4 p.m. and the regular session beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Terms FROM PAGE 1

General Steve Marshall, Secretary of State Wes Allen, Speaker of the House Nathanial Ledbetter, State Treasurer Young Boozer, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate, Alabamas Public Service Commissioner Chip Becker, Alabama Public Service Commissioner Jeremy Oden, and State Auditor Andrew Sorrell.

State Board of Education members Marie Manning, Wayne Reynolds, Yvette Richardson, and Tracie West were also sworn into their offices.

Photo provided by AP News

Facility FROM PAGE 1

three times. Chief Wright stated that there are two more opportunities for the City to receive the award. If awarded, the City of Rainsville would be

January 27th, at 6:00PM Location: Tom Bevill Center

We will be honoring the Business of the Year: DeKalb Urgent Care & Wellness Clinic, LLC Each guest will receive funny money to play Casino games, at the end, guest will receive a raffle ticket for every $500 in funny money. Tickets will be draw for door prizes, including grand prize of $1,000 cash

Call for more info: (256)638-7800 Sponsored by:

Rainsville Chamber of Commerce

Inside The Statehouse

Inauguration Day

By Steve Flowers

The Inauguration of our Alabama Constitutional officials was Monday. Our state constitution calls for the inauguration to be held on the third Monday in January. As you would expect and as Almanac’s suggest, it is usually a cold day. Over the years I have had countless folks harken back to their high school band experiences of marching in the Inaugural Parade, especially ladies who had been majorettes. They had to march and twirl a baton in 20 degree weather with skimpy, legless, bathing suit style attire. It left them with a lasting indelible memory of an Alabama Gubernatorial Inauguration.

Mind you, I was not there, but every old timer who has talked politics with me over

the years and who have seen a good many inaugurations, will remark that the January 1963 George Wallace initial inauguration as governor was the coldest. There was a lot of frost bite that day. However, the inaugural address from George C. Wallace was hot and heavy.

That was the day that Wallace threw down the gauntlet and declared “Segregation today, segregation tomorrow, and segregation forever.”

That was exactly 60 years ago.

A lot has changed since that day. It was during the Wallace era that the Civil Rights movement changed the political landscape of the nation and especially in the south. Wallace was an integral part of that historical era.

He watched it all unfold from his Goat

Hill office overlooking Dexter Avenue and he was the reason for a lot of the bloodshed.

Every time I see an inauguration on the Capitol steps, I reminisce about the history that has been made in that block of Dexter Avenue in Montgomery.

The men who wrote Alabama’s overtly racist 1901 Constitution and the crowd that howled in defiance as Wallace made his 1963 declaration, would marvel at the change and diversity of today’s Alabama. It is poetic and ironic that this year’s Inauguration Day, January 16, 2023, was on the same day as Martin Luther King Day, a state and national holiday.

Kay Ivey grew up in the heart of the Wallace Era in Wilcox County. She cut her political teeth campaigning for the

Wallaces. She was especially involved with Lurleen Wallace’s 1966 governor’s race when she was a student at Auburn University. After Auburn she worked for a while in Banking and teaching in Mobile. She began her Montgomery career as the reading clerk in the Alabama House of Representatives under the tutelage of Speaker Joe McCorquodale.

Black Belters, like McCorquodale, controlled the House and the Senate. Kay Ivey’s melodious, pronounced Black Belt accent drew folks’ attention to her reading even the most mundane legalese for hours on end. She later became associated with the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. As their Public Relations and Governmental Affairs Director, she learned the legislative process. She entered

the political arena in 2002, when she was elected State Treasurer. She served eight years in that post. She was then elected Lt. Governor in 2010 and reelected in 2014. In the middle of her second term, she became Governor after Dr. Robert Bentley vacated the governor’s office. She served out the last 18 months of his term and was elected in her own right as Governor of Alabama in 2018.

She was reelected, overwhelmingly, last year. If Kay Ivey finishes out this four year term she will have been Governor of Alabama longer than anyone else besides George C. Wallace.

She is the first woman to be elected as a Republican. She is the second female governor, the first being her idol, Lurleen Wallace, 56 years ago.

Also inaugurated with Governor Kay Ivey were Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth,

Attorney General Steve Marshall, State Treasurer Young Boozer, Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, Secretary of State Wes Allen, and State Auditor Andrew Sorrell.

Jeremy Oden and Chip Becker were sworn in for four-year terms on the Public Service Commission.

Two Supreme Court Justices, Kelli Wise and Greg Cook, were sworn in for sixyear terms in a special investiture last Friday.

Justice Kelli Wise was sworn in for her third term. She has served 12 years on the Supreme Court and was on the State Court of Criminal Appeals for a decade prior to being elected to the high court. Justice Greg Cook was sworn in for his initial term on the high tribunal. He is a well-qualified and conservative jurist, who will fit in well on the Supreme Court.

It was a big day in Alabama politics.

Friday - January 20, 2023 - 5

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OBITUARIES Wilson

Burt

LaVoid Ray Coffey - 83, of Fort Payne, passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2023. Funeral services will be 2 p.m.

Sunday.

Melvin Lee Black - 74, of Fort Payne, passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2023. Funeral services will be 2 p.m.

Saturday at Wilson Funeral Home with burial following.

Johnny Samuel Conkle - 75, of the Tuckers Chapel community, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2023 at his home. Funeral services will be 12 noon Saturday, January 14th.

Goldie Eller Durham - 92, of Fort Payne, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023. She was born May 21, 1930. Funeral services will be 2 p.m.

Monday at Wilson Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Bishop officiating. Burial will follow in Adamsburg Cemetery.

Dennis Leon Crane - 68 of Mentone, passed away January 16, 2023. He was born on September 17, 1954.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., on Thursday, January 19, 2023.

Charles Lesley Blalock - 66, of Mentone, Alabama, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. Funeral: Friday, January 13, 2023 at 2PM.

Cornerstone Nathan Daniel Parham - 44 of Sylvania died Wednesday, January 4 at Huntsville Hospital.

Funeral services are Sunday at 2 PM CT. Jo Ann Duncan Everett - 79 of Flat Rock died Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

Funeral services are Friday at 2 PM CT Burial will follow in Overlook Cemetery.

Keith Wayne Sledge - 56 of Flat Rock, died Saturday, January 7 at Dekalb Regional Medical Center. No Formal Services Are Planned.

Barbara Jean Watkins Tanner Newell - 90, died Monday, January 9.

Funeral services are Friday at 11 AM CT. Burial will follow.

Connie Melton Neighbors - 72 died Saturday, December 31. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Nancy Lee Westmoreland Slayback - 63 of

(256)845-9150

3801 Gault Avenue, North, Fort Payne, AL

Pisgah died Monday, January 16. Funeral services are Wednesday at 2 PM CT Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery.

Crossville Steven Ray Pruitt - 61 of Crossville passed away Saturday, January 7, 2023. His Funeral Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 10, 2023, burial to follow at Dekalb Memorial Gardens.

Kerby Ralph F. Roberts - 79 of Pisgah, passed away on Tuesday, January 03, 2023, at his residence. Funeral service is Monday, January 9, 2023, at 1:00 pm.

John Elliott - 85 of Henagar, passed away on Sunday, January 08, 2023, at his residence. Funeral service is Friday, January 13, 2023, at 2:00 pm.

Burnell H. Gilbert - 77 of Henagar, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2023. Funeral service is Thursday, January 19, 2023, at 2:00 pm.

Rainsville Barbara Jean Hill - 86 of Rainsville passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at her residence.

Funeral service is Monday, January 16, 2023 at 5:00 pm.

Burial will be in Mountain View Memory Gardens on Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Scottsboro James Waylon Webb - 40, of Woodville, AL, passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2023. The funeral service will be Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 11:00 am.

Judy Allen Sampson - 76 of Scottsboro, Alabama, died Wednesday, January 11, 2023. Mrs. Sampson was a lifelong resident of North Alabama growing up in Stevenson, Alabama, and living her adult life in Scottsboro.

Donald Eugene Crank - passed away on January 12, 2023.

He was a proud Christian that graduated from Florida State University and worked at Merrill Lynch for 35 years.

Judy Dianne Little - 68 of Woodville, Alabama passed away Thursday, January 12, 2023. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Peter’s Cove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11-2 p.m.

Joshua Christopher Golden - 41 of Pisgah, Alabama passed away Friday, January 13, 2023. A graveside funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

Robyn Lynn Loy - 66 of Aspel, Alabama went home to be join with our Lord on Saturday, January 14, 2023. funeral service will follow at 1pm, January 19, 2023.

Walter Dunnell Maynor - 75 of

Scottsboro, Alabama passed away Sunday, January 15, 2023.

Rethal Maroney Clardy - 58 of Scottsboro, passed away Monday, January 16, 2023.

Dan Talton Petty - 61 of Larkinsville, passed away Monday, January 16, 2023.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. -1:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 19, 2023. A graveside will immediately follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Tara LaNell Scheirer - 38 of Scottsboro, passed away Saturday, December 24, 2022.

Her memorial visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m in the chapel at Scottsboro Funeral Home.

W.T. Wilson Billy Jack Whitt, Sr. - passed away at his residence January 10, 2023. Visitation will be Monday Jan.16, 2023 11-2pm at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Funeral Will be 2pm at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial Glenwood cemetery.

Audren Dewayne Richey - 74 of Langston, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023. Memorial services will be held at 2pm on Sunday, January 15, 2023 at South Sauty Volunteer

Burt

Fire Department.

Frances Luceal Lane - 91 of Collinsville, passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2023. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Sunday, January 15, 2023 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow.

Melba Wynette Mathews - 82 of Crossville, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2023.

Funeral services will be held at 3pm on Sunday, January 15, 2023 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow.

Lonnie Mae Word - 85, of Dawson passed away on Friday, January 13, 2023. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 16 at 12:00pm.

Janila Fay Murphy - 92, of Dutton passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2023.

Funeral services are set for 1pm Tuesday, January 17, 2023.

Maurice Errol McGee - 80, of Ft. Payne passed away on Monday, January 16, 2023. Funeral services are set for 1pm Thursday, January 19, 2023 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Ronnie Bevel officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery.

Funeral H omes

6 - Friday - January 20, 2023

Southern Torch

FP Activity for January 9 thru January 12, 2023

Felony Assault on a Police Officer

Press Release

Press Release POWELL, Ala.-- On 01/15/23, The Powell Police Department responded to a call for service, the caller advised a female was nude and screaming at neighbors from her mobile home.

Assistant Chief Wilson arrived on the scene and observed multiple broken windows and blood covering the residence. He came in contact with the nude individual Mrs. Stacey Waldrep (Section AL). Mrs. Waldrep was covered in blood at this time.

Mrs. Waldrep was uncooperative and would not follow commands to stay back. Assistant Chief Wilson cleared the residence and determined the blood was from Mrs. Waldrep. Assistant Chief Wilson tried to retrieve medical equipment and gloves to tend to Mrs. Waldrep from his patrol car. During this time she came up from behind and began assaulting him, covering Assistant Chief Wilson in her blood.

Assistant Chief Wilson tried to arrest her at this time and Mrs. Waldrep

9th

resisted further exposing him to more blood.

She was taken into custody and covered by a blanket on the scene after the struggle.

Paramedics were called to the scene to tend to Mrs. Waldrep, she was ultimately transported to the Jackson County Jail for felony assault on a Police Officer. More charges are expected.

“As Police Officers, you never truly know what to expect from any call, there’s just no such thing as a “routine” call these days. I praise Assistant Chief Wilson on his professionalism and duty as he tried to tend to someone and place himself in further danger to help a citizen.

Clearing a residence alone, with a home covered in blood, all while ultimately

trying to provide medical aid is something most people just couldn’t do” stated Powell Police Chief Stephen Malone.

“We appreciate the quick responses from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, and Highlands Medical Center. It truly takes a team effort and I’m thankful each agency has the same goals and values” stated Malone.

“As I’ve stated time and time again and will continually do so, I encourage everyone who has a drug addiction or mental health crisis to please seek help or contact their local Police Department/ Sheriff’s Office for guidance. It’s never shameful to seek help, especially when it comes to addiction” concluded Chief Malone.

Monday January

Incidents 1 Arrests Tammy Sue Northrup, age 57 of Fort Payne, was arrested on Two Warrants for Failure to Appear at 3:21 pm 1 Accident with 0 Injuries Tuesday January 10th Incidents 2 Arrests Yesenia Guadalupe Ruiz Herreta, age 27 of Fort Payne, was arrested on Two Warrants for Failure to Appear at 4:09 pm Roy Oliver Everidge, age 61 of Lascassas, TN, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest at 8:24 pm 1 Accident with 1 Injury An accident occurred at Gault Ave S and 22nd Street SE, Carlos Alberto Torres, age 43 of Fort Payne, driving a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze struck Donald Marvin Coley, age 66 of Trion, GA, driving a 2017 Kenworth.

Torres was transported to

Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service.

Wednesday January 11th Incidents Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, miscellaneous items were taken, valued at $51.21 4 Arrests Lisa Jean McKinney, age 54 of Fort Payne, was arrested on Two Warrants for Failure to Appear at 8:52 am Melonie Wright Coffey, age 48 of Henagar, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance at 1:55 pm Veronica Nichole King, age 35 of Collinsville, was arrested for Theft of Property at 5:40 pm Jacob Clark Goza, age 35 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Public Intoxication at 9:18 pm 4 Accidents with 0 Injuries Thursday January 12th Incidents Forgery – Occurred at 3908 Park Road SW, a check for $1650.17 was forged Delayed Accident

Report – Occurred at 1015 Gault Ave South, the side of a 2000 Prevost bus was damaged, valued at $42,253.00 Damaged Property – Occurred at 2500 Chisenhall Road W, a barb wire fence was damaged, valued at $800.00 Burglary – Occurred at 2008 Watkins Ave NE Apt 145, Nike Air Force One shoes and a cap were taken, valued at $130.00 3 Arrests Marcus Craig Horn, age 39 of Chattanooga, was arrested for DUI at 3:19 am Daniel Thomas Nuxoll, age 43 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 11:01 am Christopher Wayne Roden, age 35 of Fort Payne, was arrested on Six Warrants for Failure to Appear and Two Warrants for Outside Agency at 1:30 pm 4 Accidents with 0 Injuries

11 Charged with Drug Related Offences for December

From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden:

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — In the month of December, Dekalb County Sheriff’s Deputies, Narcotics Agents, K-9 Unit, and Officers with Henagar, Ider, and Rainsville Police Departments arrested and charged 11 with drug-related offenses.

On Tuesday, December 6th, a search warrant was conducted at a residence on Brookfield Circle in Henagar by Officers with Henagar Police Department, Deputies, and Narcotics Agents with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. During the search, methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia were found in the residence. Steven Edwards Ivey (44 of Henagar) was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd.

On Friday, December 9th, Deputies went to a residence on County Road 54 in the Dawson/Geraldine area to serve civil papers. After the Deputies arrived, Juanita Marie Ryan (55 of Geraldine) led the Deputies inside.

Upon entering,

Deputies found methamphetamine, controlled pills and drug paraphernalia.

Christopher William Amos (53 of Guntersville), was also inside the residence and after further checking, was found to have active warrants.

Ryan was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substances, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession with Intent, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

Amos was charged with Theft of Property 1st, Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, Resisting Arrest, Unlawful Possession with Intent, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and 1 Failure to Appear warrant.

On Saturday, December 10th, a traffic stop was conducted on Hwy

68. During the stop, a K-9 unit assisted in locating 120 grams of Kratom in the vehicle. Andrew Taylor Young (29 of Madison) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance.

On Monday, December 12th, an Officer with Ider Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 75, finding the driver to be in possession of marijuana, ecstasy pills and drug paraphernalia. Ashia Shawn Morris (35 of Chattanooga, Tn) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2sn, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Again, on Monday, Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 68 in Crossville finding the

driver to be in possession of prescription medication without a having a prescription. Holly Ladonna Vanzandt (40 of Crossville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, DUI (controlled Substance) and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

On Tuesday, December 13th, Deputies responded to a residence on County Road 511 in Rainsville after receiving several complaints of drug activity. After arriving, Deputies found methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Ronald Kevin Coots (56 of Rainsville) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug

Paraphernalia. Kyla Marie Dabbs (32 of Fort Payne) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd and 4 Failure to Appear warrants.

Also, on Tuesday, Narcotics Agents conducted a search warrant on Turner Avenue in Fort Payne. During the search, methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found. Waylon Eric Pope (32 of Fort Payne) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st.

On Friday, December 23rd, Deputies were looking for a vehicle that had left the scene of an accident

in the Grove Oak area. Deputies soon spotted the vehicle and tried to imitate a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle, attempted speeding away but a short time later pulled over. Thew driver was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Christopher Allen Guinn (35 of Pisgah) was charged with Attempt to Elude, Receiving Stolen Property 1st, DUI (controlled substance), Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Littering, Leaving Scene of an Accident and Parole Violation.

On Saturday, December 31st, Narcotics Agents, along with Officers with the Rainsville Police Department and Deputies with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a search warrant on County Road 180 in Rainsville. During the search, over 80 grams of methamphetamine was seized, as well as drug paraphernalia. Terry Ray Sargent (63 of Rainsville) was charged with Trafficking in any Illegal Drug and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Friday - January 20, 2023 - 7

Southern Torch

SPORTS DeKalb County Basketball Tournament

Cheryl Boydston | Southern Torch

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

FYFFE, Ala.-- 98-3 Wild Country will be

covering the semifinals and finals of the Varsity Girls and Varsity Boys games of the DeKalb County Basketball Tournament.

On Thursday, the Varsity Girls’ game will be as follows at the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum: • Plainview vs Geraldine at 6:30 p.m.

(Scheduled times are approximate) • Sylvania vs Ider at 8:00 p.m.

On Friday, the Varsity Boys’ game will be as follow at the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum: • Plainview vs Sylvania at 6 p.m.

(Scheduled game times are approximate) • Geraldine vs Fyffe at 7:30 p.m.

Finals will be held on Saturday beginning with Varsity Girls at 6:30 and Varsity Boys at 8:00 p.m.

Former FP Stars Continue to Shine

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

Former Fort Payne track and field standouts continue to do well at the college level. Malik Turner ( UAH) finished first at the UAB-Vulcan Invitational on Saturday. Patrick Sherrill (University of Montevallo) set personal records in the

400 dash finishing 10th with a .51 run and in the triple jump with a jump of 42’6”.

Former Fort Payne High School pole vault champion, Lennon Isben, wasted little time in making her mark in the Jacksonville State University track and field record book. On Saturday in only her second college meet at the UAB-Vulcan

Invitational at the Crossplex, Isben finished 1st in the event while setting a new JSU indoor pole vault record.

Her jump of 12’ 1.5” eclipsed the old record of 12’ set back in 2010.

Lennon will compete next weekend for the Gamecocks in Nashville at the Vanderbilt Invitational Track and Field Meet.

All-Region 7 Football Team Valley Head Well Represented

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

VALLEDY HEAD, ALA. -- Recently Coaches announced the All-Region 7 Football Team.

The MVP of Region 7 was Eian Bain of Valley Head. Coach Charles Hammon of

Valley Head was selected as Co-Coach of the Year.

Members of the First Team for Valley Head were: • Hunter Robinson • Ethan Webb • Brandon Vasquez • Hernan Moreno • Noah Hulgan • Ben Johnson

• Braden Busby • Brant Smith.

Honorable Mention Team for Valley Head was: • Nate Bain • Raudel Sugura • Carson Frost • LennonPike • Aiden Logan • Layne Hawkins.

Geraldine’s Kaleigh Butler recently signed to continue her volleyball career at Gadsden State Community College.

1,000 Point Club

Collinsville High School Senior Colton Wills, scored his 1,000th point in varsity competition during tournament play over the Christmas break.

Makinley Traylor from Ider Varsity Lady Hornets recently scored her 1,000th point of her basketball career.

Ambriel Stopyak of the Sylvania Varsity Lady Rams scored her 1,000th career point on December 27, 2022.

Hunters of the Week Jeff and Jayden Sayre, a Father and Son deer- slaying duo, both put meat in the freezer to start the New Year.

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

• • • •

• •

8 - Friday - January 20, 2023

Southern Torch

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