ST Vol 9 No 4

Hometown banking, wherever you are!

Fort Payne (256)845-6101 / Rainsville (256)638-2200 / Henagar (256)657-2200 / Grant (256)728-8000

THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, January 27, 2023 / VOL. 9, NO. 4 / $1.00

Small Town Secret Hero

Pictured left to right - Doug Childress (Son), Hody Childress, and Tania Nix (Daughter) Submitted Photo

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

GERALDINE, Ala.- A

Geraldine farmer secretly paid pharmacy bills for those who were unable to pay for nearly a decade.

Hody Childress died at

the age of 80 on New Year’s day. It was only, near the end of his life, that Childress, informed his family of his random

Six County Schools Receive TVA Grant

Crossville Middle, Collinsville, Sylvania, Plainview, Henagar, marla@southerntorch.com and Ider.

The Tennessee RAINSVILLE, Valley Authority, in ALA.-- (Full video on partnership with Southern Torch Bicentennial Facebook) The DeKalb County Board Volunteers Inc., a TVA retiree of Education met on organization, January 19, 2023. awarded grants to Six DeKalb educators in public County Schools will schools to develop benefit from STEM science, technology, grants awarded by engineering, and the Tennessee Vally math education Authority. These projects across the schools include

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

Tennessee Valley.

“TVA is focused on supporting clean-energy technologies and STEM education that helps today’s students develop the skills needed to work in these careers,” said Jeannette Mills, TVA executive vice president, and chief external relations officer. “Innovation is the key to success,

>See TVA, P6

acts of kindness.

Nearly a decade ago, Hody Childress walked into Geraldine Drugs and took Brooke Walker, Owner, and Pharmacist, to the side. He asked if she knew anyone who was struggling to pay for their medicine. This is the story of Hody Childress in Brooke Walker’s own words.

“The legacy of Hody Childress and the individuals that he has taken care of in our town is a story that I’ve wanted to share for a long time.

Yet, I promised Hody that I would keep that between us. I wondered who else knew, but knowing him- very few.

He started this “donation account” around 7-8 years ago if

>See Hero, P6

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.-(Full video on Southern Torch Facebook) The DeKalb County Commission held its second meeting of the new year on Tuesday, January 24. The Commission is resuming its pre-covid schedule with two monthly

>See DSCO, P4

Shown are DeKalb County SRO Officers from L to R- Danny Bryan (Henagar), Kristy West (Crossville), Jairo Castillo (Collinsville) , Wesley Greeson (Geraldine) and Time Rector (Valley Head) and Captian Gary Brown along with the DeKalb County Board of Education members. Marla Jones|Southern Torch

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.--The DeKalb County Board of Education recently approved the purchase of bulletproof vests for Student Resource Officers (SRO). This will be a financial help to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s

Office, since the loss of revenue from pistol permit sales.

“The DeKalb County Board of Education and I consider it a great investment to help protect our SRO’s by purchasing the protective vests. Our SRO’s do an outstanding job daily protecting our students, employees, and campuses, so we

want to help make sure that they are properly equipped and protected “ stated DeKalb County Superintendent Wayne Lyles.

“Sheriff Welden has experienced a financial shortfall this year due to the decrease in handgun permit sales and asked if we could

>See SRO, P5

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Fri. Jan 27 Sat. Jan 28 Sun. Jan 29

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Board purchases vests for SROs

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2 - Friday - January 27, 2023

Southern Torch

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for Paint Rock Burglary Suspect Scottsboro Library Focused BySearch David Hall On Community Reporter david@southerntorch.com

Jackson County deputies are asking for the public’s help in the search to find a person wanted in connection to a burglary in Paint Rock.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) says the suspect is wanted for questioning in a

residential burglary that occurred in Paint Rock on January 18.

Deputies describe the car involved with the incident as a “black Hyundai car with black wheels and tinted windows.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has asked that anyone with information related to the burglary, contact Investigator Tim Creel at 256-574-2610.

says the crash occurred at 10:50 a.m. on Tuesday, January 24, around two miles north of Higdon on Alabama Highway 71.

Officials identified the woman as 60-year-old Angela J. Nayadley.

According to

authorities, Nayadley’s Chevrolet Silverado collided head-on with a Jeep Gladiator.

Nayadley was pronounced dead at the scene.

No update has been provided on the condition of the other vehicle’s driver.

Higdon Woman Killed in Car Crash

By David Hall Reporter

By Marla Ballard Reporter SCOTTSBORO – Book clubs, Dungeons & Dragons, charcuterie board lessons, and kid’s crafting sessions are just a few of the events coming to the Scottsboro Public Library (SPL).

“We want to be a big front porch,” said Jared Dovers, Director of SPL. “The library offers much more than books. We’re a place for all ages to come, plug in, and find community.”

“We really try to have something for everyone,” said Martha Avans, who oversees programming and scheduling. “I hope everyone will come in and see what we have to offer. We’re here to welcome everyone.”

The library has comfortable seating and rooms for small and large group activities. Some activities are hosted by SPL and various events are held at the library while being hosted by outside organizations.

For school aged children, the library has partnered with IMPACT Learning Center to

offer a Virtual Story Time. The activity offers interactive storytelling in the IMPACT Skills on Wheels vehicle and an associated craft in the library. For ages 3-6, the second and fourth Monday of each month is Destination Library Tails, a story time with activities.

Lego lovers will want to check out the Builder’s Afternoon held the last Friday of each month. The activity is for all ages and Legos are provided. Legos projects have to remain on property, but builders are encouraged to take photos of their “masterpieces.”

Adults have multiple ways to get involved. Book clubs meet throughout the month, and a new informal book chat called Page Turner will meet first Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For the more hands-on, there are frequent arts and crafts programs. For February, patrons will learn how to prepare a charcuterie board.

Each participant receives a bamboo tray and will leave with

a fully created board.

Yarnies meets two Saturdays of the month. The group crochets, knits, and weaves in a relaxed setting. “While learning a new skill is involved, it’s more about being social,” said Avans.

Starting in February the library will be hosting Dungeons & Dragons sessions. “Between the popularity of Stranger Things and Critical Role, there’s a lot of interest in role playing games,” said Dovers. SPL will provide a space for kids, teens, and adults to learn about the hobby.

February will conclude with a celebration on the 28th recognizing the 94th year of the library.

“Everyone’s invited to celebrate,” said Dovers. “We’re grateful to be part of a long tradition of serving this community, and we’re excited about what the future holds.”

SPL is located at 1002 South Broad St. Scottsboro. Website www.scottsborolibrary. org. Hours - Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m.

– 5:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Follow on Facebook for event listings and signups.

Congratulations to the All Jackson County Basketball Tournament selections!

Varsity Girls MVP- Blakely Stucky, Skyline

Varsity Boys MVP-Chandler Sullivan, NSM

david@southerntorch.com

On Tuesday, a Higdon woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Jackson County.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

The Jackson County Master Gardeners Association will host its monthly meeting on Thursday, February 2, at the Jackson County Senior Center on Rita Williams Drive with social time beginning at 10:00 am. At 10:30 am, Mr. Richard Hall, a teacher at the High School will speak about the “Scottsboro High School Greenhouse Operations and Plant Sale”.

The monthly business meeting will follow the Program. Invite a friend, bring finger food for social time, and a gardening item for the door prize drawing.

Southern Torch

Check Out Dekalb County Libraries

By Marla Ballard Reporter

DEKALB COUNTY - Albert Einstein said, “The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.” In this age of technology access to reading material is literally at one’s fingertips, however there is more at the library than just books.

Technology can also be found at the place where books are collected and lent.

DVDs at the library offer a range of entertainment.

Computers are available at many libraries offering patrons an opportunity to learn computer skills, work on an employment resume, or do research.

Story time is also a common feature of many of the local libraries and this avenue of learning stimulates a child’s mind and expand their understanding of the world even before they are able to read for themselves. DeKalb County Library (DCPL) and Rainsville Public Library (RPL) are among the local libraries that offer this avenue of learning for free. Story time generally ends with a craft project.

The RPL hosts story time on-property while the DCPL program has outgrown its space and has moved their story time across the street to the fellowship hall at the Church of Christ.

Cynthia Hancock, Director of the DCPL, said “The DCPL is working and striving every day to provide

the best information and the latest books and technology with the help of a highly qualified and friendly staff. Stop by and give us a chance to serve you! The DCPL has served the community since 1985.

Librarian, Tracy Weldon, who oversees the children’s library wing at DCPL said, “Our librarian Gina King has been trained on a new program called RSR= Reimagining School Readiness. It is understood that a child’s first five years of life, interactions and environment shape a child’s brain. The RSR program helps to identify positive early learning experiences and the DCPL now has 10 STEM kits available for check out. The kits have two purposes; One to help caregivers illustrate and demonstrate these early critical skills and two to help caregivers practice concepts with their family.”

Weldon went on to explain that the library also has an interlibrary loan program where they send books to and order books from a worldwide program, to meet patrons needs.

DCPL also has an extensive genealogy collection available and free ancestry programs on their public computers.

Additionally, they offer three Wi-Fi hotspots available for checkout.

The RPL began in 1968, the current building was opened in 1992 with the children’s addition built in 2009. The library has space available, on a donation basis,

where non-profit organizations and club members gather for meetings.

“This week a Grief Support group will begin for parents who have lost a child in death. The group will meet on the second and fourth Thursday of each month,” said Sarah Cruce, Director of the RPL. “The group is being hosted by a family who experienced this painful crisis and the group offers parents an opportunity to find support and express themselves.”

The community may attend the yearly sales that take place when the library “weeds” through their stock. Movies, books, puzzles, and more all go on sale and the proceeds benefit the library. Each September the RPL has a month-long indoor yard sale.

Patrons donate their own gently-used items to the library for the library to sell and collect the funds.

All of the libraries in DeKalb County network in offering summer reading programs. Several smaller towns have libraries including; Collinsville, Crossville, Ider, Henagar, and Geraldine. The summer reading program rewards readers with a prize each time they reach a goal.

More information on programs, business hours, and locations can be found on Facebook.

Friday - January 27, 2023 - 3

Eli Lawrence Racing Visits DCTC

Submitted Article

RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- Recently, Eli and Jamie Lawrence of Eli Lawrence Racing visited DeKalb County Technology Center and spoke to Automotive Service and Body Collision classes about career opportunities within the racing field such as engineering, body, and chassis, and about making good choices in life. Students got to examine the dragsters and ask questions pertaining to drag racing and the car’s setup.

Eli Lawrence is a sixth grader at Fyffe and competes in the junior dragster division throughout the southeast with Brainard Motorsports Park in Chattanooga, Tennessee being his home track. Eli closed out a successful 2022 season with a great showing at Gulfport Dragway’s Christmas on Coast event in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Eli finished 3rd in

points within his age division of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) for the 2022 season.

DeKalb County Career Tech Director, Jonathan Phillips stated “I appreciate Eli and Jamie taking time out of their busy schedule to visit our students and share important information

about careers in the racing industry and about making good choices in life. I would also like to congratulate Eli on a great 2022 season.”

You can follow Eli Lawrence Racing next season on Facebook for updates and live broadcasts throughout the 2023 season.

Kiwanis Club

Pete Conroy was the guest speaker at a recent meeting of the Fort Payne Kiwanis Club.

Since 1997, Pete Conroy has served as the Director of Jacksonville State University’s Environmental Policy and Information Center (EPIC). One of Pete’s projects related to conservation and economic development is the Little River Canyon Center.

Pictured is Pete Conroy and Kiwanis member, Tamara Neeley.

Collinsville Drugs “Caring for you like family”

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

Brandon Boswell, PharmD Pharmacist/Owner

P.O. Box 218 • Geraldine, AL 35974

(256)659-2138

EVENTS 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.

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

4607 Alabama

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

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.

February 10, Kids Valentine, Craft & Pizza Party at Alice Circle - We have a fun Valentine’s Night planned just for kids. Date Night for you…party for them Alice Circle will paint, craft, eat pizza and play games all while you enjoy

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

your date (parents are welcome to stay if you are more comfortable with staying) text 256996-1181 if you have questions or you want to sign up! 5pm to 8pm.

February 10, Galentines Trivia and Create Night at Alice Circle - Get ready for our very first Galentines Trivia and Create Night!!!

Join us for a fun night with your best gals. If you don’t watch Gilmore Girls or don’t want to play trivia, trivia is only a small part of this night. We’ll have crafts, snacks and drinks as well. Text 256.996.1181 with questions or to sign up. $15 per trivia

team. Crafts, food and drinks will be an additional cost.

April 15, 1st Annual Charli’s Run - Come out and join us as we work together to promote awareness and raise money to support the American Autism Association! Walkers,

Runners, teams of all ages - Join us for the First Annual Charli’s Run. Pre-Registration through March 15 is $25. After March 15 the fee will be $35. Located at Fort Payne VFW. Registration starts at 8:00am. Kids fun run begins at 8:30am. 5K race to follow!

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 27, 2023

LEGALS STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF DEKALB PROBATE COURT 2023-14 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

FISH DAY! IT’S TIME TO STOCK YOUR POND! Wednesday, February 8

Albertville 7:30-8:15 @ Albertville Farmers Co-op Boaz 8:45-9:30 @ Farmtown Crossville 10:00-10:45 @ Dekalb Farmers Co-op Collinsville 11:15-11:45 @ Tyler Farms Centre 12:15-12:45 @ Cherokee Farmers Co-op Gadsden 1:30-2:15 @ 411 Feed & Seed Garden Center

FISHWAGON 1(800)643-8439 • www.fishwagon.com

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DSCO

FROM PAGE 1

meetings, on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

County Administrator Matt Sharp brought before the Commission the Bid Award for (3) 2023 Tahoes, to be used for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.

The bid for a 4-wheel drive, 4-door Special Service Vehicle ( SSV), in the amount of $37,792.76, and (2) 2-wheel drive, 4-door Police Pursuit Vechicles (PPV) units in the amount of $34,984.76, were awarded to Donohue Chevrolet.

DeKalb County Road Department Superintendent Tom Broyles informed the Commission that two Boom Mowers had been delivered last week. One is currently in the field, and one crew will receive training on the other one.

Crews are working on patching and getting bush where possible. One crew is working on the new bridge on CR 422, near Moores Crossroad and it is expected that construction will be completed and the road reopened in the next 2-3 weeks.

DeKalb County Engineer Ben Luther was attending FEMA Training so County

Southern Torch Administrator Sharp brought the CR 685 Speed Limit Resolution before the Commission.

The Commission approved the request of Luther.

The Speed Limit on County Road 685 between CR 116 and Hwy 75, will be reduced to 30 miles per hour.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden requested the following personnel changes: • Hire Michael Smith (part-time) Smith will replace David Stanley, who was part-time before moving to a fulltime SRO position at Crossville Middle School/High School.

• Move Sydney McCay from parttime to full-time, replacing Kylie Flippo who left the Sheriff’s Office • Delaney Sewell to part-time dispatch • Michael West to part-time deputy The Commission approved the following for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office: • NCIC Contract Renewal for inmate phone service • Training in Jail Management @ NEACC in the amount of $1725 DeKalb County Revenue Commissioner Tyler Wilks advised the Commission that a position within the office had been absorbed by employees,

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

at savings to the County of over $25,000 per year.

Wilks did request that the employees absorbing the workload, receive a step raise which the Commission approved.

The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on February 14, beginning at 10 a.m.

SRO

FROM PAGE 1

help. We want our SRO’s the have the have the best possible protection and comfort while they are on duty. The SRO’s have been very appreciative and given the vests great reviews” continued Lyles.

“We have an excellent working relationship with our county commission and sheriffs department, so we are glad to support them when needed.

They do the same for us when we are in need of assistance” concluded Lyles.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden expressed his gratitude to the Board for the purchase.

“We greatly appreciate the DeKalb County Board of Education Board Members and Superintendent Wayne Lyles. They are always willing to help when it comes to school safety and

Monica Bell, of Fort Payne, bagged this with a bow kill recently.

programs by our office” stated Sheriff Nick Welden.

“In times when our funding has been cut and our pistol permits funds are basically gone, expensive upgrades such as new vests for our SROs are needed. I can’t say

thank you enough to the BOE for stepping up and helping our office. Without this, our SROs would be using outdated equipment and that would pose a safety factor in protecting our schools” concluded Welden.

Fort Payne Crime Report

Friday January 20th Incidents Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, miscellaneous items were taken, valued at $43.66

6 Arrests Susan Jennings White, age 54 of Collinsville, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 8:31 am A 14 year old juvenile male of Fort Payne was arrested for Minor in Possession of Alcohol at 8:40 am Shannon Paul Roberts, age 51 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Theft of Property and Criminal Trespass at 10:14 am Donald Edward Huffstutler, age 54 of Dawson, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear at 11:38 am David Laverne Helton, age 58 of Holly Pond, was arrested for Public Intoxication at 6:15 pm Christopher Wayne Toole, age 36 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Public Intoxication at 8:51 pm 2 Accidents with 0 Injuries Saturday January 21st Incidents 2 Arrests Eric Scott Trotman, age 38 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 7:46 pm Crystal Simpson Graham, age 37 of Collinsville, was arrested on Two Charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance at 9:55 pm 0 Accidents with 0 Injuries Sunday January 22nd Incidents Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, miscellaneous merchandise was taken, valued at $259.56 0 Arrest 2 Accident with 0 Injuries

Ryan Matthews, a 10-year-old from Pisgah, killed this 8-point recently!

Inside The Statehouse

sterling team Legislature Organizes for Quadrennium and heading their Caucus Leadership in the

By Steve Flowers

The legislature had their every four year organizational session earlier this month. It is exactly what the title states, they are organizing for the next quadrennium of lawmaking. They officially chose their leadership and adopted the rules for the two chambers.

The 105 member House of Representatives and 35 member State Senate are elected for four-year terms the same as the governor and other constitutional offices.

However, unlike the governor who was sworn in on Monday, January 16, which is as set out in the state constitution, the legislature takes office the day after they are elected in November.

The state House of Representatives will have 77 Republicans and 28 Democrats.

That is a veto proof, bulldozer shoving, anything you want

supermajority. The Democrats have very little say with those overwhelming numbers.

Two days after they were elected in November the 77 member Republican majority met in a private caucus meeting in Montgomery and selected their leadership. Therefore, the vote for Speaker of the House two weeks ago was simply a formality. The House has chosen Representative Nathaniel Ledbetter to be the Speaker of the House. Speaker Ledbetter hails from Rainsville in DeKalb County. He is a former Mayor of Rainsville.

He has only been in the House of Representatives for eight years, having been first elected in 2014. He was chosen to be the majority leader in the House in his freshman year. He was close to the former Speaker McCutcheon and he served on

both the powerful agenda setting Rules Committee, as well as the Ways and Means Education Budget Writing Committee.

Representative Chris Pringle of Mobile has been chosen to be Speaker Pro Tem of the House, which is the second highest position within the body. He has served previously for 16 years in the House from the Port City. He succeeds fellow Mobilian Victor Gaston in this post.

There are two young stalwarts, who will be serving in Republican Party positions within the House. Representative Scott Stadthagen of Decatur will be the new House Majority Leader.

Representative Wes Kitchens of Arab will serve as the Republican Leadership Caucus Vice Chair.

Representative Debbie Wood from the Valley will serve as the Republican Caucus Secretary/ Treasurer. The three

most powerful posts in the House are the chairmanships of the two money committees and the agenda setting Rules Committee.

Representative Danny Garrett of Trussville in Jefferson County will continue to Chair the Ways and Means Education Budget Committee.

Representative Rex Reynolds of Huntsville will be the General Fund Ways and Means Chairman. Reynolds replaces longtime Ways and Means Chairman Steve Clouse of Ozark.

Representative Joe Lovvorn of Auburn will be the new Rules Committee Chairman.

Representative Jim Hill of St. Clair will chair Judiciary. He is a former circuit Judge and a veteran of the House. All of these House leadership positions are held by Republicans. To the victor goes the spoils.

The Democrats have a veteran

House. Anthony Daniels of Huntsville will be the Democratic Minority Leader.

Barbara Drummond of Mobile will be the Caucus Chair. Mary Moore of Birmingham will be the Vice Chair and Kelvin Lawrence of Hayneville will be Secretary/Treasurer of the Democratic Caucus.

The 35 member Alabama State Senate returns almost intact with their continuity and quality leadership.

They will dominate and provide a stable State of Ship to help lead the state. Republicans control this upper chamber to the same degree that the GOP members do in the House. Republicans outnumber Democrats 28 to 7 in the Senate.

State Senator Jabo Waggoner of Jefferson County begins his 50th year in the legislature.

This is a state record.

He is definitely destined for the state history books. Jabo

will continue to Chair the powerful Rules Committee.

Greg Reed of Walker County will be Pro Tem of the Senate again. The Majority Leader will again be Clay Scofield of Marshall County. The two money committee chairmen will continue to be in charge of how the state revenues are spent. Senator Arthur Orr of Decatur will chair Finance and Taxation/Education.

Senator Greg Albritton of Escambia will chair Finance and Taxation/ General Fund. These two men will be very powerful. Popular state Senator Will Barfoot of Pike Road will chair Judiciary in the Senate. Senator Clyde Chambliss of Prattville has become a stalwart leader in the Senate.

He will be Majority Whip. Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth presides over the Senate.

The Regular Session begins in early March.

See you next week.

Friday - January 27, 2023 - 5

Southern Torch

BUSINESS AMY THRASH ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE amy@southerntorch.com

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

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

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OBITUARIES Wilson

Cornerstone

Phylliss Turner Wise - 98, passed away January 17, 2023 at her home in Fort Payne, Al. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years. A Celebration of life Service will be held at 2:00 PM, January 23rd 2023.

Mary Ruth Lane Walworth - 89, passed away on January 18, 2023. A service to celebrate the life of Mary Walworth will be held at First Baptist Church, Fort Payne, Alabama at a date yet to be determined.

Shirley Faye Wigley Dean - 86, of Fort Payne, passed away Thursday, January 19, 2023. She was born December 26, 1936. Memorial services will be 1 p.m.

Saturday, January 28th.

Lois E. Rupil Horton - 90, of Fort Payne, passed away Thursday, January 19, 2023. She was born June 22, 1932. Funeral services will be 11 a.m.

Monday, January 23rd.

Faye Evans Green Brown - passed away on January 20, 2023.

Funeral services will be 2:00pm Tuesday Tuesday at the Wilson Funeral Home Chape.

Burial will follow in the Loveless Cemetery.

Tommie Junior Anderson - 78 of Flat Rock died Wednesday, January 18 at his residence. Funeral services are Friday at 11 AM CT. Burial will follow at Overlook Cemetery.

Clarissa Marie Smith Parker - 60 of Flat Rock died Saturday, January 21 at Heart of Mary House in Nashville, TN. Graveside services are Thursday at 2 PM ET.

Geraldine Gary Lynn Word - 65 of Crossville, AL. passed away on January 20, 2023 with Shepherds Cove Hospice. A graveside service will be held at a later date. Geraldine Funeral Home directing.

Kerby Creig Moore - 59 of Henagar, passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023, at Dekalb Regional.

Bee Muncy - 51 of Sylvania, passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023, at Erlanger.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 6PM at Kerby Funeral Home. Family will receive friends on

(256)845-9150

3801 Gault Avenue, North, Fort Payne, AL

Saturday from 4PM-6PM. Linda N. Beavers - 76 of Pisgah, AL passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at her residence.

Funeral service is Friday, January 27.

2023, at 2:00pm.

Burial will follow at Pisgah Cemetery.

Family will receive friends Thursday, January 26th.

Bonnie Hixson - 81 of Henagar, passed away on Monday, January 23, 2023, at her residence.

Graveside service is Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at 11:00 am at Rainsville Memorial Park.

Rainsville Gavino Diego Francisco - 21 of Fort Payne passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2023 at Erlanger.

Funeral service is Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 1:00pm at Our Lady of the Valley with Father Rick Chenault officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery.

Karen Arellano 48 of Collinsville passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at her residence. Funeral service is Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 3PM. Family will receive friends Friday, January 20th from 5PM-8PM & Saturday, January 21st from 1PM-3PM. Christopher Woods Kirk - 63 of Powell passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023. A celebration of

life will be announced at a later date.

Woody Guffey - 59 of Rainsville passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at Dekalb Regional.

Funeral service is Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 1PM at Sylvania Baptist Church with Bro. David Starling officiating.

Burial will follow in Straight Creek Cemetery. Family will receive friends Tuesday, January 24th from 12PM-8PM at Rainsville Funeral Home & Wednesday, January 25th from 11AM-1PM at Sylvania Baptist Church Survivors Wife: Elaine Guffey of Rainsville Son: Jacob (Kennington) Smith of Rainsville Brother: Bryan (Kim) Guffey of Sylvania Sisters: Patsy Hughes of Albertville Sharon (Stacy) Headrick of Rainsville Brenda Guffey (Steve) of Rainsville Donna Guffey of Rainsville Preceded in death

by Parents: Pete & Jeanette Guffey Brothers: Ray Guffey, Terry Fairris, & Lynn Guffey Chaplin, Donald D. Reeves - U.S. Air Force (Retired), 83 years of age, passed away peacefully with his wife, Jene, by his side, on January 5th, 2023 at Dekalb Regional Medical Center, Fort Payne, Al. A celebration of life service will be held at Macklin Baptist Church on January 29, 2023, at 2:00.

Scottsboro Terry Randell Stewart - 67 of Scottsboro, passed away Sunday, January 22, 2023. Funeral Service will be Wednesday January 25, 2023 3pm at Scottsboro Funeral Home with a visitation from 1pm until time of service.

W.T. Wilson Donald “Don” Hoyt Mitchell - 78 of Tenbroeck passed away Wednesday January 18, 2023.

Visitation will be Sunday January 22, 2023 from 2pm - 3pm.

A Memorial service will be held at 3pm at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Belva Edna Lee Grimstad - 82 of Utah formerly of Scottsboro passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2023. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Funeral services are set for 1pm Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Burial will be in New Canaan Cemetery.

Johnny Wayne Kight - 65, of Albertville passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2023. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

W.T. Wilson Funeral

Burt

Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Johnny LeDale Henderson - 72, of Ft. Payne passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2023. Funeral services are set for 1pm Saturday, January 21, 2023 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Burial will be in Black Oak Cemetery.

Wilma Sue Smith - 81 of Fort Payne, passed away Friday, January 20, 2023.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Monday, January 22, 2023.

Anthony Ray Wigley - 57 of Rainsville, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2023.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.

Evelyn Rains Mitchell - 88, of Fyffe passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023. Funeral services are set for 3pm Wednesday, January 25, 2023.

Donald F. “Don” Harcrow - 65, of Rainsville passed away on Monday, January 23, 2023. Funeral Mass is set for 1pm Friday, January 27, 2023.

Michael Glenn Grimes - 61, of Gaylesville passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.

Funeral services are set for 1pm Thursday, January 26, 2023 Burial will be in Lebanon Cemetery.

Funeral H omes

6 - Friday - January 27, 2023

Hero

FROM PAGE 1 my memory serves me right.

He came in one day and asked if there were ever times when someone couldn’t get their medication due to financial reasons. And I told him yes- many times.

Ever since that day, he would bring me cash- always monthly- sometimes more often. It was always a folded-up $100 bill, but sometimes more.

Even in the later months when he wasn’t feeling well, he would send someone to me.

They would hand me money and say, “Hody said you would know what to do with this.”

In the beginning, I was keeping it in an envelope because I thought it was a one-time donation.

Then, he returned the next month…and the next…and the next. After we moved, I decided we needed to create a safer way to keep up with it because it would sometimes build up to a large amount before someone needed it.

We decided to make it a computer account; I wanted to be able to see every transaction and have an electronic record.

He told me he never wanted anyone to know where the money came from when it

TVA

FROM PAGE 1 and it’s inspiring to contribute to the next generation’s visionaries.”

The competitive STEM classroom grant program received 458 grant applications this year, and 238 were selected for funding.

This year, the program will support about 136,000 students across seven states with hands-on STEM activities.

“The Tennessee STEM Innovation Network is honored to partner with TVA in this exciting grant program to further STEM education endeavors across the state,” said Gretchen Brown, operations director.

“This opportunity can make a difference for educators and students as they incorporate 21st-century skills and real-world problem-solving. It is a privilege to work with this partnership year after year and continue to serve the incredible educators of the Tennessee Valley.”

Grants are awarded in urban and rural areas to meet the diverse needs of local communities. Grants up to $5,000 were awarded in a competitive process, and preference was given to grant applications that

Southern Torch

was given. He also didn’t want to know how it was used. He told me to use my judgement. We always told the receiver, “this is from someone that felt led

by God to help another”. We left it at that.

The very first time I used it for someone, I called and told him what a blessing it had been to that family. Again, he told me he didn’t want to know who received it. He just told me to do what I felt led. It felt like a lot of pressure that he trusted me with that.

I always did my best to follow God’s tug on my heart. I never allowed it to be used for things such as pain medication- only antibiotics, lifesustaining medication or urgent care situations.

I told Michelle Stuart at the clinic about the account and a friend that works in pediatrics.

On occasion, they will call on me when they have someone in need.

Some of my biggest blessings in that pharmacy have came through that account.

There once was a young, single mom.

She and her daughter both needed a medication that her insurance didn’t cover. There were no alternatives.

When I handed her the medication with the receipt attached, she started crying.

That’s not even the

best part. Several months later, she returned to pay it forward. She wanted money added back to the account. She didn’t have to do that, nor did I want her to do that…but she had a desire to help others in difficult situations. I believe that Hody sparked that in her heart, and that she will carry that forward her entire life. He was creating a ripple effect, and he didn’t even realize this.

And since then, I’ve had others do the same. They also return to pay it forward.

There have been two occasions that I used that money for something other than medication.

Hody never gave me limits; I’m sure he intended it for medication.

However, there were two specific situations that I could not ignore the calling to help. Respecting his wishes, I never told him about these situations.

The first one was a female that was in an abusive relationship. She was trying to get back on her feet and seemed to be in a desperate situation. She was not a follower of Christ, and I felt compelled to tell her that there is hope in Christ. I gave her $100 in cash and told her it was the work of the Holy Spirit. My prayer is that it planted a seed.

The second scenario was one of

my favorite moments. It was Christmas Eve Eve years ago. A long-time customer that I adored came in to get medication.

He was an elderly gentleman who despite having a difficult home situation always came in with a smile on his face. In ten years, I had never seen him in less than a cheerful mood.

This time was different. He and his wife were caring for their special needs adult son. I asked if he was ready for Christmas, and he almost teared up as he shared his difficulties. His wife had recently broken her hip. He was trying to cook, clean, care for their son, care for her and keep the laundry up.

He asked if I knew anyone selling a used washer/dryer because theirs had stopped working.

His heart was so heavy that night.

He was our last customer, and we closed the store. I could not get him off of my mind. I first began researching Facebook for a set, but I also knew it would be difficult for him to load/unload with no help. I finally went to Lowe’s website and priced the cheapest set with delivery. I didn’t know if Hody would be okay with this, but regardless of if the money came from my personal account or the donation account, I was not going to go to sleep

knowing that he needed help and had no one to turn to for it. I checked the donation balance. It had more than it had ever had (likely because I had been on maternity leave), and I knew it was the right thing to do.

I looked up his address and drove to his house. When I got to his home, his wife yelled for me to come inside. She was laying on the couch with her broken hip and her special needs son was watching cartoons beside of her. She told me he was gone to the pharmacy and the grocery store. I drove to Foodland with a mission to find him, and there he stood with his grocery cart. He initially thought I was just shopping as well and looked a little stunned to see me. I handed him an envelope that said, “I have watched you take care of everyone around you for years, and here is something to make life a little easier on you this Christmas. God bless you.” I told him it was not from me, but from an anonymous donor that wishes to spread God’s love by helping others.

As I walked away, he stood speechless in the milk aisle still trying to process what was happening to him. He thanked me multiple times after that night, and I know it had a huge impact on him.

I kept an eye on

our donation account to make sure I hadn’t taken money for medicine away.

Since the day the account was started, it has never once gotten to zero.

We have used it for sick children, patients just getting out of the hospital, kids needing Epi-Pens for allergic reactions, and families in between insurances. I can’t begin to tell you the amount of families that he has supplied not only medications but hope in Christ when they needed it most. And I am forever grateful to Hody for entrusting me with that task.

Hody also played a role in the love and compassion that I have for the town of Geraldine. I won’t go into great detail over that, but over the years, I was lucky enough to be on the receiving end of some wonderful advice that will stick with me for as long as I am behind that counter.

Hody was not just a good man. He was a great man. I wish I had told him how much he meant to me…how much his actions and faith affected my life…and how blessed I was to know him” concluded Walker.

Hody Childress’s story has been shared nationwide. If you would like to continue the random act of kindness of Hody Childress, you can mail a donation to P O Box 158 Geraldine, Al 35974

explored TVA’s primary areas of focus: environment, energy, economic development, and community problemsolving. Any school that receives its power from a local power company served by TVA was eligible to apply.

“Supporting education and ensuring students have a solid STEM background is critical to our children’s future no matter what career path they take,” said TVA Public and Community Engagement Program Manager Trina Gallman. “I am proud of the partnerships we have built to help these educators inspire their students through the STEM activities this program will provide.”

The Board expressed their Condolences and Remembrance of Crossville High School Senior, Defino Reza, and Sylvania Science Teacher, Nathan Parham.

The Board approved the following Early Graduations: • Vitatina Velasquez Agustin Collinsville High School • Vanessa Hernandez Maldonado - Collinsville High School The Board approved the following

Retirements/ Resignations: • Donny Johnston - Bus Driver - Fyffe Special Services Center - Retirement - 12/1/22 • Donna Gifford - CNP Worker Collinsville High School - Resignation - 1/14/23 • William Ott - Bus Mechanic - Bus Garage - Resignation - 1/17/23 • Mandy Smith - Assistant Custodian (9-month/7-hour) - Geraldine High School - Resignation - 1/5/23 The following Leaves of Absence were granted: • Jordan Gilbert - Elementary Teacher - Geraldine High School - 1/28/23-4/2/23 • John Daniel Pope - Shop Foreman Transportation - 11/23/22-2/8/23 • Joni Mitchell Davis - Mathematics Teacher - Geraldine High School 9/6/22-5/25/23 (Extended from 3/10/23) • Alicia Shrader Assistant Secretary - Fyffe High School 1/19/23-5/26/23 • Amanda McKee - CNP Worker - Fyffe High School - 8/1/221/27/23 (Extended from 1/2/23) • Antonia Cordell - English Language Arts Teacher Crossville Middle School 1/3/23-2/3/23 • Sherry Pettis Pre-K Auxiliary Teacher - Crossville

Middle School - 2/6/23-5/12/23 • Lacie Fricks - Elementary Teacher - Sylvania High School - 2/6/23-3/10/23 • Ariel Brumbeloe - Mathematics Teacher - Crossville High School - 3/23/23-5/26/23 A On-the-Job Injury was approved: • Sharlyn Huber - Physical Education Teacher - Ider High School - 2 days The following Transfers were made: • Alexa Williams from Elementary Teacher to Elementary Counselor at Crossville Elementary School (Effective 1/2/23) • Jesse Martin from Itinerant Special Education Teacher at Fyffe Special Services Center to Itinerant Special Education Teacher at Fyffe High School (Effective 1/2/23) • Holly Murdock from Itinerant Special Education Teacher at Valley Head High School to Itinerant Special Education Teacher at Fyffe Special Services Center (Effective 1/2/23) The following Placements were made: (All placements are made pending a background review meeting suitability criteria and negative, pre-employment drug screen and appropriate

certification) Certified • Breanna Swords - Elementary Teacher - Crossville Elementary School (Effective 1/2/23) • Olivia Isbell Itinerant Special Education Teacher Valley Head High School (Effective 1/17/23) Support • Jesse Martin Bus Driver - Fyffe Special Services Center • Tonya Causey Title I Aide Crossville Middle School • Hannah Crenshaw - Assistant Custodian (9-month/7-hour) - Geraldine High School The Board approved the following Volunteer Coaches:

- Math Teacher - Geraldine High School • Katherine Ables - English Language Arts Teacher Geraldine High School • Carolyn K. ( Johnson - English P Language Arts Teacher - Fyffe High S ( School G • Tim Cochran - English Language K Arts Teacher - Fyffe L High School • Jodie Maze - Elementary Teacher - Crossville Elementary School The Board congratulated CNP Director April Shrader and the entire CNP staff on a very successful Federal CNP review.

The review committee found only minor findings for correction and was very complimentary of the DeKalb County CNP program.

The Board expressed appreciation to Mr. Rick Baker for his pledge of 250 scholarships over the next 10 years to Crossville High School graduates.

Mr. Baker is a very successful businessman and alumnus of Crossville High School class of 1977.

The date of the next DeKalb County Board of Education will be held on February 16, with the work session beginning at 4:30 and the regular meeting at 5:00 P.M., Work Session at 4:30 p.m. at the Facilities Building in Rainsville.

Crossville High School • Marlene Lopez - Girls Varsity Soccer • Maria Garcia - Girls Varsity Soccer • Lizeth Aragon JV Girls Soccer • Jimmy Franco JV Boys Soccer • Todd Dismuke - Varsity Soccer Fyffe High School • William Stephens - Baseball Plainview High School • John David Willoughby - Basketball Valley Head High School •Walter Watts - Baseball The Board approved the following Teaching Contracts: • Christie Deere

Friday - January 27, 2023 - 7

Southern Torch

SPORTS

Clean Sweep

For the Second Year in a Row, Plainview Sweeps County Championship

Plainview Bears Win County Championship

Plainview Lady Bears Win County Championship

marla@southerntorch.com

marla@southerntorch.com

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.-- The DeKalb County Basketball Tournament was held last week. The Plainview Boys won the tournament championship on Saturday night in a game against the Geraldine Bulldogs, 72-55.

Eight DeKalb County Teams battled it out during the Tournament. On the first night of play, Monday, January 16, the (2) Geraldine Bulldogs took on the (7) Valley Head Tigers.

Geraldine defeated Valley Head 98-76.

The (1) ranked Plainview Bears defeated the (8) ranked Ider Hornets, 105-38, in the second game of the night.

On the second night of the DeKalb County Tournament the (3) Fyffe Red Devils defeated the (6) Crossville Lions, 73-57.

The (5) Sylvania Rams

defeated the (4) Collinsville Panthers, 68-53.

In the Semi-Finals of the DeKalb County Tournament, Plainview defeated Sylvania, 69-52. Luke Smith led the Bears with 18 points for the night.

Dylan Haymon added 14 points, followed by Jonah Williams with 12 points. Landon White had 10 points for the night.

Josh Scott led the Rams in the Semi-Final game with 20 points.

Griffin Haygood netted 8 points, followed by Fin Turner, Logan Wilks, and Jonah Gurley with 6 points.

In the second game of the SemiFinals, Geraldine defeated Fyffe, 79-56.

Conner Johnson led the Bulldogs with 26 points for the night.

Lucas Bryant netted 18 points. Redick Smith finished with 12 points, followed closely by Jaxon Colvin with 11 points.

For Fyffe, Cooper

Cox led the Red Devils with 20 points for the night. Jesse Burt finished the night with 11 points.

The Plainview Bears defeated the Geraldine Bulldogs, 72-55, in the Championship Game at the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum on Saturday night.

Luke Smith led the Plainview Bears, in the Championship game with 28 points. Jonah Williams and Dylan Haymon each netted 14 points for the night.

Levi Brown and Owen Wilborn, each added 6 points. Landon White finished the night with 4 points.

For Geraldine, Jaxon Colvin led the Bulldogs with 19 points. Conner Johnson netted 16 points. Redick Smith had 8 points for the night. He was followed by Lucas Bryant (6), Jayse Cook (4), and Cooper Johnson with 2 points.

(GIRLS) Plainview Sawyer Hulgan (MVP) Gracie Rowell Kami Sanders Lauren Zimmerman

Sylvania Leianna Currie Anna Murdock Ambriel Stopyak Ider Kenzie Smith Geraldine

Hallie Burns Valley Head Bella Lewis Fyffe Emma Twilley Collinsville Tyla Tatum

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.-- The DeKalb County Basketball Tournament was held last week. The Plainview Girls won the tournament championship on Saturday night in a nail-biter game against the Sylvania Rams, 55-51.

Eight DeKalb County Teams battled it out during the Tournament. On the first night of play, Monday, January 16, the (2) Ider Lady Hornets took on the (7) Valley Head Lady Tigers. Ider defeated Valley Head 66-49.

The (1) ranked Plainview Lady Bears defeated the (8) ranked Crossville Lady Lions, 71-16, in the second game of the night.

On the second night of the DeKalb County Tournament

the (4) Geraldine Lady Bulldogs defeated the (5) Collinsville Lady Panthers, 44-40. (3) Sylvania Lady Rams defeated the (6) Fyffe Lady Devils, 55-46.

In the Semi-Finals of the DeKalb County Tournament, Plainview defeated Geraldine, 78-39. Sawyer Hulgan led the Lady Bears with 18 points for the night. Gracie Rowell followed closely with 16 points against the Lady Bulldogs. Lili Ramirez led the Geraldine Bulldogs with 12 points for the night. Hallie Burns finished the game with 10 points.

In the second game of the Semi-Finals, Sylvania defeated Ider, 55-30.

Anna Murdock led the Lady Rams with 17 points. She was followed closely by Leianna Currie with 16 points.

Kennzie Smith led the Ider Lady Hornets with 16 points.

The Plainview Lady

Bears defeated the Sylvania Lady Rams, 55-51, in the Championship Game held at the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum on Saturday night.

Lauren Jimmerson led the Plainview Lady Bears in the Championship Game with 16 points. Kami Sanders had 13 points for the night. Other Lady Bears who scored were: Sawyer Hulgan (8), Gracie Rowell (6), Griadin Haas (6), Saydi Jackson (4), and Ali Price (1).

Leianna Currie led the Sylvania Lady Rams in the Championship Game with 17 points. Ambriel Stopyak and Anna Murdock had 11 points in the game. Other Lady Rams who score were Lilley Frost (8), Kirby Wisner (3), and Harlee Turner (1).

Jaxon Colvin Redick Smith Lucas Bryant Conner Johnson Crossville Kewain Huntley Collinsville

Cole Wills Fyffe Eli Butts Sylvania Josh Scott

DeKalb County Basketball Tournament Team (Boys) Plainview Luke Smith- MVP Landon White Jonah Williams Dylan Haymon Geraldine

All County Football and Cheer

DeKalb All-County Football and Cheer - Cheryl Boydston | Southern Torch

Dynamic Duo Inspires Others to Run

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch. com

e

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- During Covid, Rainsville Freedom Run organizers and neighbors, Jerry Clifton and Pam Willingham set a goal of running consecutively for 1000 days, in order

to promote the Rainsville Freedom Run and the Crazies Trifecta.

On Saturday, January 21, 2023, the pair achieved their goal.

Throughout the 1000 days, the duo battled below-freezing temperatures, extreme heat, wind, and rain to accomplish their

mission. Sometimes they had to run separately but they continued to hold themselves accountable with daily selfies.

As of press time, the runners have continued to run and are on Day 1004.

The Crazies Trifecta, which is three half marathons, completed in three different towns, will

be held on March 10-12.

The Rainsville Freedom run benefits several local charities and has been dubbed the best small race in America. The fifteenth annual Rainsville Freedom Run 10K and 5K will be held on June 10.

For more information on the run, visit www.runsignup.com.

• • • •

• •

8 - Friday - January 27, 2023

Southern Torch

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