ST Vol 9 No 6

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

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, February 10, 2023 / VOL. 9, NO. 6 / $1.00

bringing fans from across the United States and even different counties to enjoy the music festival.

Crowds of up to 60,000 fans attended, raising millions of dollars for local charities.

Alabama was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2019 and received the Life Time Achievement Award.

Alabama has had over 41 number-one country records and sold over 75 million records, making them the most successful band in country music history.

The June Jam will be held at the VFW Fairgrounds located at 151 18th Street NE, in Fort Payne.

An official press release will be released with performers and ticket prices, at a later date.

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.-- The supergroup Alabama was presented the V.I. Prewtt Lifetime Achievement Award at the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet on Tuesday, February 7.

Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, and Lisa Cook, widow of the late Jeff Cook, accepted the award and shocked the audience by announcing that on June 3, the June Jam would be returning to Fort Payne. The concert will be part of the Fan Appreciation Days that is scheduled for June 1-4, 2023.

The June Jam began in 1982 and ran until 1997,

Historical Landmark FP Increases Sewer Destroyed by Fire MISSING and Sanitation Rates

Photo: Mentone Inn Bed and Breakfast

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

MENTONE, Ala.-- Just days before the newly renovated Hitching Post was set to welcome tenants, flames engulfed the building, bringing it to the ground within 30 minutes.

Calls came pouring in around 10 p.m. that the building, located on the corner of Alabama Highway 117 and DeSoto Parkway, had flames

coming out the front door of the building.

Several fire departments from across DeKalb County came, including Valley Head, Hammondville, Henagar, Rainsville, Collinsville, and Fort Payne, to help the Mentone Fire Department prevent the fire from spreading to other buildings.

“When our crews responded to the call, the fire appeared to have

>See FIRE, P4

ENDANGERED CHILD ALERT MISSING CHILD ALERT for DeKalb County, AL Ella Grace Woodall, age 14, last seen in Fyffe at her residence last night at approximately 9 PM. If you see Ella Grace Woodall please dial 911.

Anyone having information about the location of Ella Grace Woodall please call DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office at 256-845-3801

Your Weekend Torchcast

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.-(Full video on Southern Torch) The Fort Payne Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 7.

The Council passed Ordiances 2023-02, and 2023-03 which increased sewer rates and sanitation rates by 17%. The Council passed a 3% in 2022, making the total increase

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>See RATES, P4

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Fri. Feb 10 Sat. Feb 11 Sun. Feb 12

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in services 20%.

Council member John Smith voted no on the ordinances. Council member Johnny Eberhart abstained from the vote, which was neither a yes nor no vote.

“There are several reasons I didn’t vote to increase sanitation and sewer price. Working people are struggling in today’s economy. I don’t know anyone that has had a 20% increase in

56 / 33

Tune in for great music and daily talk shows!

Rodney Williams RPH

(256)638-6070

YOUR FRIEND, YOUR DRUGSTORE!

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 - February 10, 2023

Southern Torch

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Date Set For Annual Family Fun At Kidz World Chamber Montgomery Trip

By Submitted Scottsboro/ Jackson County, AL (February 7, 2023) – The Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce has scheduled the annual Montgomery Drive-In for April 4-5, 2023.

This will be a regional Drive-In with Dekalb County joining us in Montgomery.

Three Chambers will be working together on this event: Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Ft. Payne Chamber of Commerce and Henagar Chamber of Commerce. There will be a reception on the evening of the 4th with Jackson and Dekalb County legislative delegations and other state leaders.

We will have a Briefing and several state leaders have been invited including

Governor Ivey, Lt Governor Will Ainsworth, John Cooper, State DOT Director, Greg Canfield, Director of the Department of Commerce, Paige Hutto, President/CEO, Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama, and a representative from the Business Council of Alabama. We will meet with our legislative delegations on the morning of the 5th. Included will be Senator Livingston, Senator Jones, Speaker Ledbetter, Representative Shaver, Representative Kirkland and Representative Whorton.

With a goal to actively involve and engage community leaders, the current Leadership Jackson County class will be joining us this year as well.

The estimated cost for the trip is $450 which includes the cost of bus transportation, hotel, meals and evening reception.

The Chamber is excited to coordinate the annual Montgomery Drive-In and encourages members of our community to travel with us and meet with our legislative delegation and other state leaders to discuss policy matters that are of importance to them.

Sponsorship opportunities are available: Presenting-$2500, Gold-$1000, Silver-$500, Bronze-$250.

Anyone interested should call the Chamber at 256-2595500 or email Rick Roden at rick@ mountainlakeschamber. com.

the vechicle he was traveling in overtuned on Alabama 117.

Jackson County EMA and the Alabama Department of Transportation reported that the crash happened around 8

a.m. near the intersection of Jackson County Road 91 and Alabama Highway 117.

Due to the accident, the state highway was closed in both direction until 2:00 p.m. on Monday.

Fatal Accident in Stevenson

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

STEVENSON, ALA.- A accident on Monday morning claimed the life of a Stevenson man when

By Marla Ballard Reporter SCOTTSBORO - Mother’s Day Out, family fun, parties, group gatherings, and more are available at Kidz World Play Space.

The 2,600-square-foot facility had its ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 4 and is a familyowned and operated business. Owners, Jeffrey and Tabatha Beck are parents of five and grandparents of 12. “We are all about family,” said Jeffrey.

Jeffery said opening a familyoriented business had been a dream for a long time. Beck sold children’s playground equipment for many years and being a father he knows the need for not only children to play, but for families to play together.

The facility offers a ball pit, a giant slide, bouncy houses, a tunnel, and more.

Tables and chairs are set up for eating or playing games. Snack foods that include: hotdogs, corndogs,

hamburgers, pizza, chips, French fries, drinks, and more are available.

Open-Play is on Tuesdays and Thursdays 3 p.m. -7 p.m. and Wednesdays 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Fridays Open-Play is from 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. unless a party is booked.

Calling ahead on Fridays is suggested.

Walk-Ins are welcome for Open-Play.

Open-Play is when a parent stays with the child. Parents are encouraged at Open-Play to engage with their children while they play.

Mother’s Day Out offers parents the opportunity for a four-hour break to run errands on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The Mother’s Day Out is a structured period of time for those ages 2 - 5. Children learn and play during this time.

Lunch and snacks are included in the price of Mother’s Day Out. For Registration for Mother’s Day Out call 256-999-0226.

Currently a $65 special is available that covers the twice-weekly

sessions.

“We will be changing out various aspects of our equipment over time such as switching-up bouncy houses and so forth so the children will not become bored with the same equipment all of the time,” said Jeffrey. “I want parents to know we sanitize every day and we have the carpet professionally cleaned every month,” said Tabatha. “It is important to us to create not just a fun place, but a safe one as well. We also want parents to know we are Christians.”

“We plan on having specials during sessions when schools are closed, such as Spring Break, for working parents who rely on school hours to allow them to work without using a day-care,” said Jeffrey.

“Also, we hope to have some short-term weekly specials in the summer months.”

Booking the building for private parties is $349 and includes: 4 Pizzas, 20 drinks, 2 hours of private use, up to twenty children, plus parents and grandparents. All plates, napkins, tables, and tablecloths are provided. Decorations are the responsibility of the renter.

Kidz World Play Space is located in the Jackson Square Shopping Center at 1531 S. Broad St. Follow on www. kidzworldfun.com, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Recently, Governor Ivey awarded a multimillion dollar grant to fund a “middle-mile” broadband network to make statewide broadband service availability a more attainable goal throughout Alabama.

The grantee – Fiber Utility Network – will use existing fiber infrastructure and new infrastructure to create a middle mile network that includes almost 3,000 miles of fiber – including approximately 1,089 miles from electric coops, more than 1,000 miles leased from Alabama Power, and more than 500 miles that will need to be constructed. This is a big deal for the state, as more than 300 Alabama cities and towns with populations of less than 10,000 are within 10 miles of the planned path.

As late as last week, a crowning coup to our broadband expansion occurred when it was announced that

the U.S. Treasury has approved $191.8 million to go toward expanding broadband in the state. This grant will connect 55,000 households and businesses to broadband.

Expanding broadband infrastructure so that all Alabamians have access to essential, high-speed internet is no easy task. It takes time, effort, financial investment and the collaboration of both state and local elected officials, private sector groups and others to successfully build out of the infrastructure needed to get Alabamians connected.

I believe that our state leaders and business community have been able to do that and have set up Alabama as a model for how to get it right when delivering broadband access to its citizens.

See you next week.

Inside The Statehouse

Alabama Making Strides in Broadband Expansion

By Steve Flowers

If you took a nighttime plane ride across much of the rural South in the early 1900s, you would see nothing but darkness on the ground below because electricity at the time was centered mainly around highly populated areas.

But through federal, state and private sector partnerships, electricity was brought to rural America to light up homes and power the products many of us today take for granted.

Life without access to electricity is tough for most of us to even imagine but there was a time not too long ago when many simply did not have it. The same is true today of highspeed internet access.

Unfortunately, many homes, businesses, and communities in Alabama and across the country, do not

have access to this essential 21st century necessity due to lack of broadband infrastructure – which you can think of as the highway that connects individuals and businesses to internet providers.

But there’s good news for Alabama.

While states across the country are scrambling to build out the infrastructure needed to provide their residences with access to high-speed internet, Alabama is serving as an example of how to do it the right way.

Over the past few years, Alabama has been ambitious – and innovative – in the way that it has set the state up to deal with the buildout of broadband infrastructure.

Governor Kay Ivey, the state legislature, and groups such as the Alabama Rural Broadband Coalition, which includes organizations ranging from Alabama Power

to the Alabama Hospital Association, deserve a lot of credit for the success the state is currently seeing on broadband.

Along with Governor Ivey, State Senator Clay Schofield of Marshall County, and State Representative Randall Shedd of Blount/Cullman Counties deserve accolades for their involvement with this expansion of broadband in our state.

To name a few steps the state has taken, in 2017, Governor Ivey issued an executive order establishing the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) as the state agency to oversee broadband planning and expansion.

Since 2018, Alabama has invested $64.1 million in state funding through grant awards supporting 100 projects through the Alabama Broadband

Accessibility Fund. The state has committed to over $300 million more in state and federal funding for broadband expansion.

In November 2021, ADECA established a new Alabama Digital Expansion Division, which was created through the Connect Alabama Act of 2021.

This act also created the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority to work with ADECA to oversee broadband expansion in the state.

In December 2021, ADECA released the Alabama Broadband Map and Alabama Connectivity Plan to guide the state’s efforts and recommend strategies to expand broadband. The map included months of collaborative work and the participation of 57 internet service providers to give a clear and accurate picture of broadband availability in the state down to the address level.

Friday - February 10, 2023 - 3

Southern Torch

Love Night—A Night of Bowling Can Be Addictive Celebration and Support.

Submitted DeKalb, AL—Single mothers are often faced with the task of raising children on their own. This can be especially difficult during special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day. By sacrificing so much for their families, single moms serve as an example of strength and courage in our society.

On Friday, February 17, 2023, Marked For Life Ministries will host its third annual Valentine’s event ‘Love Night’ in Fort Payne, AL. This event is aimed to bring Hope through an unforgettable evening of pampering for these heroic women! Marked For Life will provide child care so that moms can relax while they enjoy professional pampering with hair and makeup services.

A luxurious limousine ride followed by a night of fine dining - all to restore dignity and provide hope.

Since its inception in 2021, Love Night has been a much-needed event for the DeKalb County community.

Single mothers often feel alone and unsupported, but this night provides them with an opportunity to come together and celebrate their accomplishments. “We believe single moms are heroes and we want these moms to know that they are loved,” says Executive Director Logan LeGrande. “They are not forgotten.”

The goal of Love Night is simple: to show single mothers that they are not alone.

The event offers a chance for them to connect with other people who have gone

through similar experiences and receive support from those who care about them in a luxurious dignified atmosphere.

Registration has already filled up with single mothers in need, and the ministry is now turning to our community for assistance. As LeGrande attested, “This is a phenomenal opportunity to profoundly influence the life of a single mom.”

Marked for Life Ministries is urging the community to take part in sponsoring single mothers and their families. At no cost to them, it only takes $50 from each sponsor to provide childcare, pampering services, and a meal for these moms and their children. Let’s work together in making sure that every mother gets the support they deserve!

Ready to make a difference? Send your check to 601 Gault Ave N, #17, Fort Payne, AL 35967 or donate online at MarkedForLife Ministries.com and rest assured that all donations are tax-deductible!

DeKalb County Hospital Association dba DeKalb Ambulance Service will hold their regularly scheduled board meeting on February 16, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. in the Carson Educational Building at DeKalb Ambulance Service, 208 Airport Road W, Fort Payne, AL. The public is invited to attend.

By Marla Ballard Reporter

Rainsville - Those looking for something fun to do during these colder months should consider bowling.

Winter is one of the busiest times of the year for bowling alleys, however beware - it can become addictive.

According to the Bowling Foundation, more than 25 percent of Americans bowl each year, making it the nation’s largest participation sport.

There are nearly 3,000 bowling centers nationwide.

While it may not be the most strenuous of sports, according to MayoClinic.org an adult can burn anywhere from 170 to 300 calorie per game.

Another interesting fact is traces of bowling have been found dating back as far as ancient Egypt.

Other facts about bowling include: King Henry VIII of England loved to bowl and banned bowling from lower class citizens of England. The largest bowling center in the world is located in Inazawa, Japan and has 116 lanes. In 1948, two bowling lanes were built in the West Wing of the White House as a birthday present to Harry S. Truman.

Approximately two million bowlers socialize each week in leagues throughout the U.S. Bowling is one of the few sports that allows persons of

basically every age to participate, from preschoolers to senior citizens. Many bowling alleys accommodate those in wheelchairs and the risk of injury in this sport is low.

ball.

High-scoring players at Mountain Lanes have their names on plaques on the Hall of Fame wall just inside the front doors. Games at

Mountain Lanes in Rainsville is owned by Butch and Teresa Pippin and Johnny and Kim Harper. It is a smoke-free, handicap accessible, 18-lane bowling alley along with an arcade. The snack bar is operated

by Teresa and Kim and offers some of the best hamburgers, pizza, fried pickles, French fries, chicken fingers, and onion rings around.

The Pro Shop in the front of the building offers shoes and bowling balls for sale, and drilling of holes and polishing of bowling balls.

Interestingly, it wasn’t until the late 18th century that bowlers began drilling holes into bowling balls.

These days some bowlers have begun having just two-holes drilled, many say this gives the ball a better spin and they have more control over the

Mountain Lanes are $3.75 per game and shoe rental is $2.75.

When the bowling alley is closed to the public the space may be rented for $250 per hour, shoes included.

When the space is rented for a private group the concession stand may be utilized or food may be brought in.

“We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you again,” said Butch Pippin. “We invite schools to form leagues and come join us.” Mountain Lanes is located at 240 McCurdy Ave. N in Rainsville. Phone 256-638-1710. Open Friday - Tuesday, check online for hours of operation. Visit mountainlanesand arcadegames.weebly. com. for specials and league information.

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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 Submit your upcoming events to nicky@southerntorch.com

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 11 Fyffe Diamond Club - hosting a Pancake Breakfast and 5K Breakfast will be from 8 to 10 in the Fyffe High School Cafeteria

Plates are $7 and will include 3 pancakes, bacon or sausage, and eggs. Valentines Love Run... Registration from 7:00 to 7:45 race begins at 8:00 Cost to participate is $35 the fee will include the race, a t-shirt, and a breakfast plate at the end of the race.you can Pre-Register at our FaceBook page Fyffe High School Baseball Diamond Club. For more information text John Fowler @ 256899-9119 February 12 - Five Points Baptist Church Singing - 1697 County Road 782, Ider AL. Will be having a singing at 10:30cst featuring Debra Perry and

Jaidyns Call. Everyone Welcome!

February 14 The DeKalb County Commission - will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 10 a.m. on the second floor of the DeKalb County Activities Building.

February 16, DeKalb County Board of Education - The DeKalb County Board of Education will hold its monthly meeting.

A work session will begin at 4:30 p.m. with a regular meeting at 5:00 p.m. at the DeKalb Schools Annex in Rainsville.

February 20,

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

Learn to Make a PopUP Valentine Card - The Ider HCL Club is presenting “Learn to Make a Pop-UP Valentine Card”. This class is another in a series of teacvhing/ learning sessions presented by the Ider Homemakers Club.

Time will be 12:30 to 2:00. The class is FREE. Everyone is Welcome. If you have plans to attend, please contact 1-423-800-1215 or 256-632-2037, or leave your name at the Ider Library.

February 21, Fort Payne City Council The Fort Payne City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 12:30 p.m. in the Council

Chambers, located on the second floor of the Fort Payne City Hall.

February 22, The Rainsville City Council - The Rainsville City Council will hold its scheduled meeting.

A work session will begin at 4:00 p.m. The regular meeting of the Rainsville City Council will start at 4:30 p.m.

February 25, The Scottsboro Tree Commission - The Scottsboro Tree Commission will have its Alabama Arbor Day tree seedling giveaway at the Veterans Fairgrounds on Cecil Street in Scottsboro from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

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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Rodney Williams RPH

(256)638-6070 YOUR FRIEND, YOUR DRUGSTORE!

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By Anytime

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4 - Friday - February 10, 2023

LEGALS

LEGALS

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN RE: A.F.V.

CASE NO.: CS-2023900014

CASE NO. 2023-31 NOTICE OF PROCEEDINGS NOTICE TO: UNKNOWN FATHER/ RESPONDENT RE: Petition for Name Change Order for A.F.V. Please take notice that a Petition for minor child name change has been filed in said Court by Candelaria Elizabeth Velasquez Reynoso.

Please be advised that if you intend to contest said.

Petition for Name Change you must file a written response with the attorney named below and with the Clerk of the Probate Court, 300 Grand Avenue SW, Suite 100, Fort Payne, AL 35967 as soon as possible but no later than 30 days from the last date of this publication.

Said notice to be published February 3, 10, & 17

HIRING Alltemp Windows

by Kudzu is now Hiring First shift, 15.00 ph, Mon-Thurs. 5-3:30 Bonus plus benefits, Apply in person.

1201 Echols Drive W. Fort Payne

FIRE

FROM PAGE 1

started in the area of The Gourdie Shop” stated Mentone Fire Chief Joesph Lee. “With the help of the other departments, we had the fire under control, meaning we did not have to worry about it spreading, within two hours”.

“We are in plans to meet with the Fire Marshall this week, to investigate the cause of the fire” continued Chief Lee. As the call went out for help, Fort Payne Fire Department quickly responded.

“On Thursday, February 2, at 10 p.m., the Fort Payne Fire Department was requested to assist with a structure fire on Highway 117 in Mentone. We responded with ten firefighters and one pumper” stated Fort Payne Fire Chief Stacy Smith. “Upon arrival on the scene, the structure known as the Hitching Post was found to be fully involved. Fort Payne personnel assisted with extinguishing the fire, and remained on the scene for several hours”.

SUSY ALEJANDRA RAMOS ALVARADO, Plaintiff, vs.

UNKNOWN UNKOWN, Defendant.

NOTICE OF CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS NOTICE TO: UNKNOWN UNKNOWN UNKNOWN UNKNOWN, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Petition for Custody and other relief filed by Plaintiff/Mother, Susy Alejandra Ramos Alvarado, by the 27th day of March, 2023, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No.: CS-2023-900014, in the District Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

Southern Torch

Hairston Selected as Presiding Judge of Ninth Circuit

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB & CHEROKEE COUNTIES, ALa.--In a recent press release, it was announced that Judge Andrew Hairston, was selected to be the Presiding Judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Alabama. The circuit consists of five judges and two circuit clerks, handling 22,186 cases in 2022, alone. That number is expected to increase again this year.

“It is my humble privilege to announce

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Rainsville Fire/ Rescue Department was also one of the departments that sent a tanker and crew to assist in the fire.

“Rainsville Fire/ Rescue was requested to respond to Mentone to assist with a structure fire.

Rainsville responded with a tanker and four personnel” stated Rainsville Fire Chief Williemac Wright.

“The use of the Automatic/Manual Aid across DeKalb County has been a huge asset to every department in the county. The water supply in some of the rural areas is not sustainable to work a big fire. Departments in DeKalb County have worked together for several years now to effectively utilize tankers from surrounding areas to maintain water supply in these situations” concluded Chief Wright.

Jerry Clifton, brought the Hitching Post last summer. His plan was to return the historic building back to its former glory.

“I am heartbroken for the people of Mentone over the loss of the Hitching Post. When I bought it over a year ago, I had a vision of what it could be” stated Clifton. “My friends Stephen V. Smith and Michelle Worley Smith helped cultivate what was in my mind. There was a great team waiting to start making The Hitching Post, the

gathering place I knew it could be” continued Clifton.

“People were working around at the site, crying, over the loss of such a historical building” stated Clifton. “I want to thank the City of Mentone and all the area Fire Departments that were there till early morning, they are tremendous first responders” concluded Clifton.

Stores with books, gifts, and apparel were set to open, to serve the thousands who visit the scenic area. The multipurpose building would also have included a place for entertainment and a coffee shop.

Clifton stated that he was waiting until the meeting with the fire marshall, to begin the cleanup process, and before deciding what the next step would be.

RATES FROM PAGE 1

their family income, there’s a limit to what home budgets can stand given the rate of inflation” state Council member John Smith “I understand the cost of providing services by the City is going up but you can not discount the fact that the City is benefitting from an increase in monthly tax revenues” concluded Smith.

Council President Walter Watson stated

that I have been selected as the Presiding Judge for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Alabama, which includes all of

Cherokee and DeKalb Counties. The Presiding Judge leads the local court system in its day-to-day management. Some

duties include implementing the annual court calendar, assignment of cases, and managing the finances of the court system” stated Judge Andrew J. Hairston, Jr. “As Presiding Judge, I pledge to the citizens of Cherokee and DeKalb Counties that your court system will remain open and accessible to the public. I hope to increase transparency and increase public information on how the justice system works.

Court sessions are always open to the public, and we welcome visitors anytime” concluded Judge Hairston.

Fort Payne Police Department

Activity for January 30 thru February 2, 2023 Monday January 30th Incidents Damaged Property – Occurred at 301 Godfrey Ave SE, a wall and door frame were damaged, valued at $10,000 1 Arrest Jeremy David Brown, age 42 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 10:00 pm 1 Accident with 0 Injuries Tuesday January 31st Incidents Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, miscellaneous items were taken, valued at $227.92 Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart,

miscellaneous items were taken, valued at $105.17 2 Arrests Rocky Allen McGatha, age 33 of Fyffe, was arrested for Theft of Property at 4:52 pm Chanda Darlene Mercer, age 43 of Trenton, was arrested for Theft of Property at 11:01 pm 1 Accident with 0 Injury Wednesday February 1st Incidents Damaged Property – Occurred at I 59 NB mm217, the front of a 2013 Toyota Tacoma was damaged, valued at $2000.00 1 Arrest Crystal Gayle Reed, age 44 of Rainsville, was arrested for Theft of Property at 9:29 am

that “From the start, we have been told by our audits, dating back to 1996, when I was first on the Council, that we need to run these departments where the rates would support the service”.

“Over the years, we have noticed that we were having to take from the General fund to support the sewer and sanitation. We want these to be self-sufficient and not have to borrow money for repairs.

We will revisit these increases. We want to be able to provide a service to the citizens of Fort Payne” concluded Watson.

The Council also passed Ordinance 2023-04, which amended the building and fire codes for the City of Fort Payne.

Councilmember John Smith requested that the first $40,000 be excluded from building permits.

When Council member Phillip Smith would not revise his motion to pass with those specifications, Smith voted no on that ordinance.

“Waiving the first $40,000 would help the homeowner when doing home renovations and they would not have to come buy a permit” stated Council

member John Smith.

Brian Jett, Superintendent of the Fort Payne City School system, received a $100,000 appropriation from the Council for assistance in funding various programs in the school system.

The Council passed the following Resolutions: • 2023-02, authorizing line of credit with First State Bank.

• 2023-03, accepting the low bid for a pool pump in the amount of $107,679. This is a pump and filtration system for the Fort Payne City Pool.

Mayor Brian Baine gave his report of things that were happening in the City of Fort Payne.

• In the Building Maintenance Department, crews are finishing up the bathroom and backstops at the Complex. Lights are being installed at the Fort Payne City Jail.

Bricks at the Alabama Walking Park are delivered and work will soon begin on the fence at the park.

• The Street Department is straightening out the road at Glenwood Cemetery to make it easier to exit the Cemetery. The Street Department has also scored the pavement on Grand

1 Accident with 0 Injuries Thursday February 2nd Incidents Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, miscellaneous items were taken, valued at $55.53 3 Arrests Levon Creed Copas, age 41 of Fort Payne, was arrested on Two Warrants for Outside Agency at 1:38 am Walter Louis Tucker, age 41 of Collinsville, was arrested on Five Warrants for Failure to Appear at 11:16 am Larona Sheline Prescott, age 45 of Fort Oglethorpe, was arrested for Theft of Property at 5:25 pm 2 Accidents with 0 Injuries

and 5th Avenue to aid in traction.

• Parks and Recreation crews are working on the fields at the Complex.

Lighting will begin on Monday, weather permitting. The Recreation Department has reported that membership has increased by over 900 at the Willis Valley Rec Center.

• G-Tech has been contracted to do studies, in compliance with ADEM, at the Old Hospital Site. They will monitor the site due to contamination suspected to be caused by oil tanks in the ground. The company has sent out letters to adjoining property owners to notify them of the proposed work.

Baine also reported that work has started to move the lines on 5th Street, to accommodate the stage for Boom Days. All acts have been booked for this year’s Boom Days and the headliners will be announced in early March.

The next meeting of the Fort Payne Council will be held on February 21, beginning at 12:30 in the Council Chambers on the second floor of Fort Payne City Hall.

Happy Jack LiquiVict 2x is recognized safe & effective against hook & round worms in dogs by the US CVM. Twice the strength. 3 year stability. Hometown Feed & Seed (256)657-2020 (www.fleabeacon.com)

Friday - February 10, 2023 - 5

Southern Torch

BUSINESS AMY THRASH ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Hometown banking, wherever you are!

amy@southerntorch.com

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

Scottsboro

(256) 259-2211

QUALITY JEWELRY

James Allensworth • allensworth@aol.com

(256)845-5680

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

KANDIELAND DAY CARE CENTER

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

W.T. Wilson

Scottsboro

(256) 259-2211

Serving Northeast Alabama for more than 50 years!

Anderson Windows & Doors

www.bsupply.net

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

Serving Northeast Alabama for more than 50 years!

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www.bsupply.net Shari Jones - Agent

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

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g on iture Furnefinishin ti o t R Res ra &

Jamey Jones

1281 Main St. PO Drawer 1099 Rainsville, AL 35986

(256)638-2467

Marla Jones (256)605-4427

marla@southerntorch.com

OBITUARIES Wilson

Cornerstone

John Queen Ingraham - 82, of Fort Payne, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Gayle; children Chris Ingraham, Lisa I. Shiver (Matt), and Heather I. Combs (Scotty); and grandchildren Lucas Combs, Whitney Shiver, Jack Wagner, Emma Wagner, and Max Shiver. No services are planned at this time. The family suggests memorial contributions be made in John’s name to the Little River Canyon Center.

Ethel Clarice Adkins Yancy - 84 of Powder Springs, GA died on Thursday, February 2. Funeral services are Monday at 3 PM ET at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel.

Burial will follow in Payne Gap Cemetery.

Barbara Sue Smith Craig - 73 of Henagar died Thursday, February 2, 2023 at her residence. Funeral services are Sunday at 2 PM CT. Burial will follow in Green Haven Memorial Gardens.

Steven Paul “Steve” Clark, Sr. - 50 of Flat Rock died Monday, February 6 at Parkridge Medical Center. Funeral services are Friday at 1 PM ET at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Troy Lawson officiating. Private burial will follow at Lakewood Memorial Gardens.

Burt Katherine Velma Chadwick - 94, of Valley Head, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023. She was born on December 31, 1929 to Virgil Gore & Lois Crawford Gore.

Funeral: Friday, February 3, 2023.

Graveside Service at 12:00 PM. John Wesley Reece Jr. - 70, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. Funeral: Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 1:30pm.

Graveside Service at Fischer Cemetery

Crossville Betty Lois Pruitt 82 of Crossville passed away Thursday, February 2, 2022 at Bridgewood Gardens Her Funeral Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, February 5, 2023 at Crossville Memorial Chapel with burial to follow at Dekalb Memorial Gardens.

(256)845-9150

3801 Gault Avenue, North, Fort Payne, AL

Kenneth Leon Downer - 73 of Crossville passed away Saturday, February 4, 2023 at his home. His funeral service will be a 2 p.m.

Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

Kerby Carl Wesley Crow - 78 of Henagar, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Graveside service is Sunday, February 5, 2023, at 3:30 pm.

Rainsville

Camp Sons: Dennis Eugene Camp and wife Annette Garcia Kevin Dewayne Camp and wife Trisha Camp Grandchildren: Joshua Blake Camp and fiancé Emily Jones Zachary Lee Camp Asia Lain Camp Paul Gallego Sister: Nina Ruth Sparks and husband the late J.M. Sparks Brother: Vernon Lee Camp and wife Betty Kaye Camp Preceded in Death Parents: Asa Roosevelt Camp & Jenice Dell Dean Camp Infant Sister

Scottsboro

Lonnie Eugene Camp - 79 of Henagar, AL passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at his residence.

Funeral service is Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 2:00PM in Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Deon Black & Rev. Jimmy Allison officiating. Burial will follow in Rainsville Memorial Park with Rainsville Funeral Home, Inc. directing www. rainsvillefuneralhome. com. Family will receive friends on Monday, February 6th from 5PM-8PM & Tuesday, February 7th from 10AM-2PM. Survivors Wife of 58 Years & 7 Months: Myrvle

Lylah “Sue” Collins - 77 of Scottsboro passed away Janurary 31, 2023. She was born July 7, 1945 in Jackson County. The Graveside Service will be Saturday February 4, 2023 at 11:00a.m.at Pinehaven Memorial Gardens.

Walter Thomas Grider Jr. - 86, of Scottsboro, AL passed away February 1, 2023.

He was a member of Calvary Baptist. The funeral services will be Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

Burial will be at Pinehaven Memorial Gardens.

William Michael Poole - 72 of Woodville, Alabama passed away Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Highlands Health & Rehab. Funeral services will be held

2:30 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2023.

Burial will follow in Gold Cemetery.

Beatrice Painter Hale - 89, of Scottsboro, AL passed away February 2, 2023. She was born November 20, 1933.

The funeral services will be Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

Stella Irene Kennedy - 71, of Scottsboro, AL passed away Friday February 3, 2023. The funeral services will be Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.

Al Frazier - 66, of New Market, AL passed away Friday February 3, 2023. The funeral services will be Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

Betty Jo Henderson - passed away Sunday, February 5, 2023 at the age of 88. Funeral services will be held 12 p.m.

Wednesday, February 8, 2023.

W.T. Wilson Luke Rodriguze Mendoza - 58 of Crossville passed away February 1, 2023.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Oran Raymond “Ray” Ayers III - 61, of Dawson passed away on Monday, February 1,

Burt

2023. The family will have a memorial visitation from 4 until 8pm Sunday, February 5, 2023 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Paul Holcomb 85, of Grove Oak passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. A graveside service will be held at 3:30 pm Sunday, February 5, 2013 at Harmony Cemetery in Macedonia. The family will receive friends from 2 until 3pm Sunday at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Carolyn Jay Aanensen - 79, of Collinsville passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023.

Funeral services are set for 2pm Sunday, February 5, 2023.

Burial will be in Antioch Cemetery.

Brian Keith Venable - 49 of Collinsville, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2023. The family will be having a Memorial Service at 2pm on Saturday, February 11, 2023.

Wesley James Obenlander - 57, of Ft. Payne passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. Funeral services are set for 1pm Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Jamie Bailey officiating. Burial will be in Gravel Hill Cemetery.

Funeral H omes

6 - Friday - February 10, 2023

REJECTED: Rainsville seeks additional bids for Fleet

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- (Full video on Southern Torch Facebook) The Rainsville City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, February 6.

The Council voted last month to surplus (2) Chevrolet Tahoes from the Rainsville Police Department, (2) Trucks from the Rainsville Fire Department that was in the Fleet Program, and two trucks that were used within the City. Bids were opened on the vehicles last week. The Council voted to reject all bids and gave Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt authorization to rebid as a fleet or individual sales.

The Rainsville City Council approved

Resolution 02-062023 (A) which pertains to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) to govern purchasing regulations and requirements of the Community Development Block Grant Program.

The Council passed Resolution 02-06-2023 (B) which also pertains to ADECA Citizen Participation Plan. This will update and comply with the Regulations and Requirements of the Community Development Block Grant Program.

Resolution 02-06-2023 (C ) which pertains to Cornerstone Christian Academy Funding and the Issuance of a Tax-Exempt Revenue Obligation by the Educational Building Authority of the City of

Rainsville to finish gym and various other projects, was passed.

The Council approved the following: • Accepted Paxton Jones’s Resignation from the Rainsville Police Department effective 01/31/23 • Posting of a Full-Time Dispatcher Position at the Rainsville Police Department until 2/22/23 • Posting of a Full-Time Patrolman Position at the Rainsville Police Department until 2/22/23 • Pressure Washing at the Field of Dreams Sports Complex in the amount of $5,000 to Kyle Williams • A keypad for entrance at the Rainsville Sewer Treatment Plant, in the amount of $1,800.

The Rainsville City Council will meet again on Monday, February 22, with a work session beginning at 4:00 and a regular session at 4:30 p.m.

Southern Torch

Sheriff’s Across Alabama Receive Funding

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

MONTGOMERY – On Monday, February 6, Governor Kay Ivey announced that sheriffs in all 67 counties in Alabama would be receiving Sheriff’s Grants.

The sheriff’s departments will be receiving funds quarterly beginning in the first quarter of 2023. The amount of funds each county receives is based on monies that the county’s sheriff’s department collected on pistol permit fees in 2022.

“A couple of core tenants of the Ivey Administration is that we back the blue in the strongest way possible and that we support upholding our citizens’ Second Amendment rights. As we have amended Alabama law to help our gun owners, we

also worked to ensure our sheriffs received their critical funds, and I am proud that these grants will do that,” said Governor Ivey.

“The Sheriffs’ Grants will provide them with funding for training, equipment and other needs not provided by county commissions in their annual appropriations. We are proud to support the vital work our sheriffs’ departments do on a daily basis.”

Under the Local Government Pistol Permit Revenue Loss Fund, Alabama sheriffs need to show a loss of pistol permit funds based on the 2022 figures. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is making disbursements to the sheriff’s offices based on reports collected by other state agencies.

“ADECA intends to carry out our duties in this matter to ensure

that Alabama’s sheriffs’ offices are compensated for their losses based on those shortages provided in the data,” said Director Kenneth Boswell.

ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.

“It’s a blessing to receive this grant. We utilized the funding for EXACTLY what it was designed for, so when the funding basically went away it put a tough strain on our office” stated DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden.

“This is how we’ve been able to open the firing range and fund it and a deputy to be there to help and teach people firearm safety and defense, updated vest for our deputies and SRO’s, have school safety programs, k9 programs and much needed advanced training opportunities” continued Welden.

“If it wasn’t for the County Commission and Dekalb County Board of Education (BOE) we would have had to cut these programs and that only hurts the public. It will be nice to receive that lost funding back and take the strain off the Commission and BOE. Just Praise God !He WILL provide” concluded Welden.

Bryant’s

Home Comfort Services You Can Trust

presents

February

9, 10, 11, 13, 16, 17, 18

Fort Payne First Methodist Church Christian Life Center 206 Grand Ave N Fort Payne

Ticket Pricing Front row: $35 Second row: $30 3rd, 4th, 5th rows: $25 Ticket price includes dinner.

Dinner served at 6:30 pm • Show starts at 7:30 pm To reserve tickets:

256-997-9700 or visit the CAC at 104 Alabama Ave NW Fort Payne

300 8th Street SE Fort Payne, AL 35967

Friday - February 10, 2023 - 7

Southern Torch

SPORTS

Area Tournament Finals Girls Area Basketball Scores:

Boys Area Basketball Scores:

Class 1A Area 15 @ Skyline

Class 1, Area 15 @ Oakwood Academy

Skyline 68, Oakwood 11 Class 2A Area 12 @ Sand Rock Collinsville 44, Fyffe 35 Class 2A Area 15 @ Ider Ider Hornets 67, Section 29 Pisgah 76, North Sand Mountain 49

Cheryl Boydston | Southern Torch

1,000 Point Club

Woodville 64, Valley Head 42 Class 2A, Area 12 @ Sand Rock Fyffe 53, Collinsviille 50 Class 2A, Area 15 @ North Sand Mountain NSM 83, Ider 33

Class 3A Area 14 @ Plainview

Pisgah 71, Section 66

Plainview 83, Geraldine 27

Class 3A Area 14 @ Plainview

Sylvania 69, Asbury 41

Plainview 75, Sylvania 37

Class 5A Area 13 @ Sardis

Geraldine 77, Asbury 57

Sardis 41, Crossville 19 Class 5A, Area 14 @ Guntersville Arab 62, Scottsboro 60 Class 6A Area 13 @ Gadsden City Oxford 77, Fort Payne 50n

Class 5A, Area 13 @ Douglas Douglas 68, Crossville 32 6A Area 13 @ Gadsden City Gasden City 63, Fort Payne 59

Letter to the Editor

Jenna Mckenzie, a senior at Valley Head High School, scored her 1000th point in basketball on February 3. The Lady Tigers were playing JCA.

Cody Satterfield of Geraldine recently signed to continue his football career at Jacksonville State University. Satterfield will join the Gamecocks as a wide receiver.

My name is Beau Wilson. I am the board chairman for Fort Payne Youth Wrestling Inc. We are a nonprofit club wrestling team that competes in the AYWO (Alabama youth Wrestling Organization). AYWO is an affiliate of the AAU (Amateur Athletics Union).

I have been a member of this wonderful group for over a decade serving as coach and now administrator. I have seen ups and downs in our program. I have seen the impact of the pandemic on this wonderful sport first hand. If it weren’t for the amazing members of this community, our organization would not exist.

We want to say the warmest thank you to our dearest friend and benefactor Mr. Bobby Ledbedter. Without him we may have never grown in the way we have these past few years. His support has single handedly benefited the dozens of young men and women who have been a part of our program. Bobby went out of his way to give us a home. A gym to call our own. He never asked nor

expected anything in return other than our thanks. Many times, we attempted to reimburse him in some way. He would only politely decline and say only a thank you will do. His only intent was to aid those who needed his help. He told me “Teamwork makes the dreamwork”, and that it was his desire was to help our young athletes succeed. He was a team player.

Our team has grown and times have changed.

The building that has been our home for the past several years has left us cramped for space. Bobby’s business has shifted as well and he no longer needs the building. We were invited to stay as long as we would like, but the time has come for us to move on to a larger facility. So, at the end of our regular season we will move to a new larger facility.

However, we will never forget our outstanding friend Bobby Ledbedter.

So, from Fort Payne Youth Wrestling, THANK YOU Bobby. We will never forget you.

Sincerely, Beau M Wilson Board Chair FPYW, INC.

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

Patrick Perkins (L) of Scottsboro, and Matt Myers (R) of Section along with some other hunters, got these Canvasbacks and Blue Bills before duck season ended.

Brody Freeman, 14 of Rainsville bagged this buck on a recent hunting trip.

• • • •

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8 - Friday - February 10, 2023

Southern Torch

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Under the Big Top Loomis Brothers Circus Comes to town