The Southern Torch, Vol 1, No 12

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

/ THURSDAY AUGUST 13, 2015 / VOL. 1, NO. 12 / $1.00

COMMUNITY

BUSINESS

POLITICS

FYFFE UFO DAY > PAGE 3

TREAT OF THE WEEK: JEFFERSON’S FORT PAYNE > PAGE 5

SPECIAL SESSION OF ALABAMA LEGISLATURE ENDS WITHOUT GFB > PAGE 7

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By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.—A resource team from Main Street Alabama is in town this week to make an assessment of the downtown area and meet with community leaders and stakeholders in order to develop a formal plan that will be presented to the Fort Payne Main Street Board of Directors and the public on Thursday evening. There are two phases to the plan to improve the downtown area of Fort Payne—an

immediate 90-day plan of action and long-term 3-5 year plan.

Main Street Alabama announced in June that Fort Payne was one of the three Alabama towns chosen as a newly designated Main Street Community. The Main Street organization works with cities throughout the country to preserve the historic integrity and improve the economies of selected communities.

The organization helps Main Street cities like Fort Payne create new jobs and attract dollars

and people back to the downtown area of historic communities.

Economic development is at the heart of efforts to revitalize downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

“Main Street Alabama is thrilled to begin work in Fort Payne,” said Mary Helmer, State Coordinator of Main Street Alabama. “Each selected community understands the importance of their downtown to their city as an economic development tool and to develop a better quality of life for its citizens.”

The resource team hosted a community forum Tuesday night to get input and hear opinions from the community. On Wednesday the team spent the day meeting with community stakeholders including downtown merchants,

Judge grants continuance in Fyffe murder case to assess mental health of defendant

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

Circuit Judge Jeremy Taylor granted a motion to continue in the State’s murder case against Ben McClure, State of Alabama VS. . McClure, a 20-year old from Fyffe, was arrested in 2014 and charged in connection with the murder of Michael Arnold Johnson, 36, also of Fyffe. Johnson died from multiple gunshot wounds sustained on Oct. 11, 2014. McClure was arrested and charged with the murder the following day on Oct. 12, 2014.

The motion to continue was granted in response to McClure’s change of plea from “not guilty” to a plea of “not guilty due to mental disease or defect.”

McClure’s attorney, Robert Ray of Fort Payne,

requested time for his client to receive a full mental evaluation, explaining that since the time of his client’s arrest he has become aware of significant mental health issues including three in-patient hospital stays that lead him to question McClure’s mental capacity.

Ray said he is in the process of obtaining McClure’s medical records to confirm his client’s medical history.

The DA’s office had no objection to the continuance and Taylor said his office would appoint an examiner to conduct the evaluation and set McClure’s case for the next docket.

McClure was arrested in connection to the murder on Oct. 11 of Michael Arnold Johnson who was shot multiple times at his residence on County Road 578 in Fyffe. Negotiators

made contact McClure inside the residence shortly after dawn. He was taken into custody on Oct. 12 after a 2-hour standoff with police, during which officers were able to safely rescue four family members out of the house and eventually convince McClure to come out un-armed. A search warrant turned up what appeared to be the murder weapon. It was loaded with a 30 round magazine and was located near McClure’s sleeping area. Evidence was recovered from the residence as well as the vehicle used in the homicide.

“This was one of the most violent murders I’ve seen in over 25 years,” DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris said in a statement to the media following the arrest. “It was

hard to see the family as we told them their loved one was gone. The suspects fled the scene and we had people in 3 counties helping us look for them. Having an AK-47 style rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammo loose in the hands of this shooter made every officer more safety conscious when making these arrests.”

McClure remains in the DeKalb County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond.

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Folks at Fyffe are getting ready for out of this world fun on Saturday…

Treat of the Week: Jefferson’s of Fort Payne

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THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS

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local businesses and industry, community and economic development organizations and others.

The Main Street resource team will wrap up their visit with a final public meeting tonight at the DeKalb Theatre from 4:30 through 6 p.m. to present their assessment to the Fort Payne Main Street Board of Directors and the public.

Main Street is a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation that has helped cities across the nation revitalize downtowns for more than 30 years. Being selected as a designated member gives local merchants more access to digital libraries, free online training, access to the Main Street Solution Center as well as membership in the National Trust for Historic Preservation and more.

We are holding interviews this week, so if you are interested in joining the Southern Torch team, call 256-638-5296 today!

Southern Torch tried Jefferson’s 10-piece hot wings…

Page 5

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

Fyffe’s Stiefel signs scholarship with Berry After running for 2,384 yards last season…

Page 7

THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

Special session of Alabama Legislature ends without General Fund Budget Tensions continue to mount…

Page 7

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

NACC announces partnership with Cisco to provide networking courses

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— Northeast Alabama Community College recently announced the launch of a networking skills training academy in collaboration with Cisco, the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate, and collaborate. The courses are delivered in partnership with Cisco Networking Academy, a global education program that helps students prepare for ICT careers such as network security and administration, technical support, and healthcare IT; professional certifications; and higher education in engineering, computer science, and related fields.

“Northeast is very pleased to offer this program,” stated Dr. David Campbell, NACC President.

“Our staff and IT Director, Ms. Patricia Combs, have worked hard to set the program up, and we thank Pensacola State College in Florida for being our mentor college.”

The academy at NACC will initially offer CISCO I and LINUX I courses which will be delivered through Cisco NetSpace, Networking Academy’s cloud-based learning and collaboration environment. The online course materials were developed by Cisco and a team of global educators and offer features such as network simulation exercises, labs, and assessments that provide remedial feedback to help

reinforce important concepts. Certified instructors provide hands-on support in specially equipped labs to facilitate learning and track student progress.

NACC plans to partner with local businesses to identify internship and career opportunities for graduates. In addition to networking and ICT skills, the Networking Academy courses reinforce 21st century career skills such as

problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.

Campbell added that Northeast is expanding its course offerings and programs in computer science. The college recently obtained national certification for its cybersecurity program and courses. Northeast, Campbell noted, also recently began a partnership with the University of Alabama at Huntsville for engineering programs,

including mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.

For more information about registering for these courses and registration at Northeast contact the Admissions Office at extension 2222 or by email at harveya@nacc.edu. Fall semester registration is going on now. Regular registration is August 21 and 24. Classes begin August 25.

Alabama Banking School Honors Graduates

By Staff Reports

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Rainsville Mayor Nick Jones of First State Bank of Dekalb County was recently recognized by the Alabama Banker’s Association for his participation as a member of the 2015 class of the Alabama Banking School. A total of 52 students from across the state graduated from the Alabama Banking School on July 24.

Held at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, this year’s graduating class was the 38th since the school first began in 1976. Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill served as this year’s commencement speaker.

Alabama Banking School Director Shawn Gillis awarded diplomas to the graduates. Gillis is a first vice president at CenterState Bank in Birmingham.

Sponsored by the Alabama Bankers Association, the school is administered by a 26-member faculty comprised of bankers and industry professionals.

Faculty members are dedicated to teaching the latest trends and best practices to help students become more knowledgeable bank employees. The school’s staff consists of former graduates who are active bankers in the state of Alabama.

Students attended three week-long sessions during a

two-year period to complete the program. At the conclusion of each session, students must successfully complete two final exams. While not in session, students are required to complete extensive home study problems.

During the third and final session, students form teams and participate in a bank simulation program called BankExec. This program allows students to make strategic decisions for a virtual bank to give a more complete picture of how these decisions affect bank performance.

Congratulations to Nick Jones from First State Bank of Dekalb County for being a member of the 2015 class of the Alabama Banking School.

The Alabama Bankers Association represents 155 banks. Banks in Alabama have combined deposits of more than $83.5 billion and have 1,554 locations across the state.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY Fyffe UFO Day

To submit community news, contact: news@southerntorch.com Tel. 256 638 4040 www.southerntorch.com

Little River Canyon Center presents 2nd Annual DOG DAZE: A Furry Fest for Dogs & Their Humans

By Dwayne Adams dwayne@southerntorch.com

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

FYFFE, Ala.—The Folks at Fyffe are getting ready for out of this world fun on Saturday, Aug. 29. It is time for UFO Day. This will be the eleventh time that the town made famous by the search for flying saucers has celebrated this festival.The entertainment (see the tentative schedule below) will get underway at 10 a.m., but the gates will be open at 9:00 to give everyone time to enjoy the other

activities. There will be live music, arts and crafts, antique cars and tractors. There will even be hot air balloons to get an up-in-the-air look at Fyffe and any aliens flying into town.

It will be a very affordable family entertainment – admission is free. And it should be safe – a judge will be singing with Still Kickin’ and a county deputy, Willie Underwood will be singing. Most importantly, Barney Fife will be

there to provide protection as he meets and greets the crowd. He will be sure that any problems are nipped in the bud.

So don’t worry about little green men, though there are guaranteed to be Red Devils there.

Come early and stay late to see if Billy Joe Royal will take you down to the boondocks. Then drive back home watching the sky closely for any new UFOs.

2015 UFO Days Entertainment Line-Up Tentative Schedule Subject to Change

FORT PAYNE–Ala. Be sure to bring your dogs out to Little River Canyon Center’s 2nd Annual DOG DAZE from 11 am-3 pm on Saturday, August 29th, to engage with other DeKalb County doglovers and learn about man’s best friend with presentations from lots of Canyon Center stations!

Starting at 11, attend ‘Listen, Look & Learn’ to learn about “Amazing Service Dogs” from Haley Conroy, Canine Expert.

At noon, see a live performance by the Gypsy Begonias, sponsored by the Dogs of the Georgia Alabama Land Trust!

From 10 am-3pm, enjoy stations that will teach you how to train your dog, transform children into puppies in a fun workshop, let you save your best friend’s paw print forever, learn “dog language”, and introduce you to local pet heros like ‘Friends of DeKalb County Animal Center’, and ‘Alabama Advocacy for Dogs/Pets’.

Be sure to visit the Canyon Center Gift Shop for lots of dog supplies too!

For more information, contact Little River Canyon Center at (256) 845-3548 or visit www.canyoncenter. org.

FPHS Track Team to host Twilight 5K Run & Fitness Walk

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

10:00 a. m.The Sharps (also sing National Anthem) 10:45 a.m. Dennis George 11:30 p.m. Welcome From Mayor 12:15 p.m. Bill Henson 1:00 p.m. The Lucky Shade Tree Band 1:45p.m. Jack Martin 2:30 p.m. Danny Lee 3:15 p.m. Jeff Martin & Caleb Chisenhall 4:00 p.m. Country Case 4:45 p.m. Still Kickin’ 5:30 p.m. Southern Mountain Band 6:15 p.m. Smoking Gun 7:00 p.m. Willie Underwood 7:45 p.m. B-Sharp Band 8:30 p.m. Billy Joe Royal

The Fort Payne High School Track Team is hosting the 3rd Annual Twilight 5K Run and Fitness Walk on Aug. 15 at the FPHS Track to raise money for the Fort Payne Track Team.

Event Director Marcie Davis said she is expecting a good turnout to this year’s event.

“We are very excited,” Davis said. “More than 100 participants have signed up so far. This fundraiser will do a lot to

help us raise money for the Fort Payne Track team. We have 40 members on our cross country team alone and recently moved up to compete in 6A.” The event will be held rain or shine and race organizers earn participants to wear glow in the dark accessories. Race day registration begins at 5 p.m., or online registration is available now. For more information please, visit racesonline.com or call 256-997-7481.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

To submit community news, contact: news@southerntorch.com Tel. 256 638 4040 www.southerntorch.com

World’s longest yard sale

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The World’s Longest Yard Sale, also known as the 127 Yard Sale, that runs through the heart of DeKalb County was held last Thursday through Sunday. In its 28th year, the yard sale begins just

next door in at the foot of Tabor Road near Noccalula Falls in Gadsden on Tabor Road and runs across Lookout Mountain Parkway through Dogtown, Fort Payne, Mentone and on into Georgia. The yard sale continues for an eventual total of 690 miles, all the way to the state of Michigan.

Marvin Scott is set up near Dogtown selling his Moonshine Sauces

Vendor Ashley Wells who is from Leesburg sales bag to Gloria Morgan of Collinsville

Sellers Bill and Kitty Barnett of McCalla, Al are shown talking to fellow vendor Brian Boothe of O’Calla Florida who was experiencing his first World’s Longest Yard Sale. Kitty makes all of the bird houses and whirligigs. This is her third year at the Longest Yard Sale.

She travels all around the south and makes bird houses and whirligigs for all schools.

Football is coming and even the birds know that these two houses are always divided

Janet Gogan of Alexander City beats the afternoon heat with homemade ice cream from vendor Lorna Griffith who left her regular booth at Collinsville Trade Day to work at the Yard Sale

UPCOMING EVENTS August 13 Kamama Music Series in Mentone hosts The Liz Wood Project with Joe Keracher.

Kamama stage and seating provide the audience an intimate listening experience where live music can be fully appreciated. Adm. is $10 and seating is limited.

Reservations are strongly encouraged. Dinner at 5:30 and Music at 7 p.m.

256-634-3001 August 13 Movie Night At Vin-

tage 1889.

Come join vintage movie night in the boarding room at Vintage 1889. 7 p.m. 256-845-3380 August 14 Blossom Shop Ribbon Cutting A ribbon cutting will be held at 10 a.m. for The Blossom Shop in Fort Payne at 118 First Street East.

August 14 True Adventure Sports hosts Night Zip Line Adventure

Zip lines are set up just before the adventure to ford a gorge or cross from one high point to another. Pre-registration required at True Adventure Sports by 6 pm the day before the adventure.

7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

256-997-9577 August 15 City of Fort Payne hosts Third Saturday Sunset Cruise-in You can come out and enjoy an afternoon of family fun activities in downtown Fort Payne.

This public event will include food, live music, a car show, and more from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 256-9963857 August 16 Desoto State Park YES, I CAN! Canning Fruits & Vegetables Workshop Learn all about home canning. This is a “hands on” workshop and at the end of the day you will leave with two jars of finished product, recipes, confidence and knowledge of how to can at home. We will be

canning blueberry jam, peach slices, bread and butter pickles and tomatoes. Instructor is Mary Alice Stout, who has canned and taught canning for over 50 years!

You may recall Mary Alice from Mama’s Craft and Rock Shop in Cloudland, GA.Bring a paring knife and a brown bag lunch. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

DeSoto State Park; $20 per person. Workshop is limited to 10, so preregistration is required.

256-997-5025

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Thursday - August 13, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS Jefferson’s Fort Payne 10-piece Hot Wings,

served with chips (added charge for frieds) and your choice of dipping sauce

Fort Payne, Al EXCELLENT

$7.56

VERY GOOD

MEDIOCRE

MODERATE

WEAK

Southern Torch tried Jefferson’s 10-piece hot wings—five hot, five BBQ—with an upgrade from chips to fries and we were impressed. The hot wings at Jefferson’s are a good size, not too small like some of the others we’ve had in DeKalb County. The sauce is hot, but not unbearable and most should have no trouble tolerating the level of heat. So far the best wings we’ve tasted in DeKalb. Torch Approved!

Southern Torch Rating: 4 stars

ABOUT: All American

ADDRESS: 802 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

CONTACT: Tel. (256) 845-9464

CHAMBER CHATTER August 12, 2015 Carol Beddingfield, Executive Director

Chamber Chatter

Congratulations to Edward Jones for being chosen the second best large company in Alabama for which to work!

The criteria were developed around a survey sent to employees. Each year the Best Companies Group offers Alabama businesses a chance to evaluate how well they measure up as great employers.

The results of the surveys are sent to the businesses so company officials can compare their results to make sure management and employees are on the same page.

Employers are asked basic questions such as average salaries, recently added jobs, reduction in workforce, or voluntary departures. Incentives, community service initiatives, business training, and telecommuting.

Employees were asked questions such as benefits, plans for staying with the company and whether they would recommend the company to a friend.

Open ended questions included “What makes this a good place to work and “What would you do to make working here more satisfying.”

According to a spokesperson for Edward Jones, the surveys are used mostly for recruiting. The high rankings help to tell the story about why Edward Jones is a great place to work.

Fort Payne has three Edward Jones locations. John T. Davis, Financial Advisor, for the office at 201 Grand Avenue, North, is a strong support of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce. His company has been a member for several years.

If you need help planning your financial future, I suggest that you schedule an appointment with John T. Davis. Call 256-845-4560.

RAINSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Tim Eberhart, Executive Director

Rainsville Chamber of Commerce

Join us in welcoming a new business to Rainsville and DeKalb County. Our newest member, Continental Produce, opened at the first of the month at 53 Sam Ellis Drive. That’s in the Rainsville Professional Center which is also home to WordSouth, Studio 3, and Farmers Insurance. Continental Produce is on the northeast corner of the building adjacent to the post office.

The business is a broker and distributor of produce. They handle the transportation and logistics needed to get certain produce from the source to the supermarkets.

Another bit of newsworthy business activity has taken place a short walk away from the new business. Critter Clips has moved to that part of town–next to Brantley’s Western Wear at 502 Main Street West–and they have updated their name to reflect their expanded service capabilities. Their name is now Critter Clips Dog Grooming & Boarding. The new location is still very convenient for all the dogs and their people. It has a lot more space for haircuts, manicures, baths, and now, boarding.

In Chamber news, our fourth annual scholarship golf tournament is now only about nine days away. Less than three months ago we awarded four $1,500 college scholarships. It was the first time we awarded more than three.

We’ve come a long way since the one $500 scholarship we awarded at the program’s genesis in 2000.

Tournament proceeds have been the sole source of funding for the scholarships since 2012. Each tournament was held at the Rainsville Golf & Country Club, and this year’s event will be held there, as well.

Thanks to the golf course, our volunteer board members, our staff, the mayor and city council, and about 75 area businesses that have contributed to the fundraising efforts, things are looking good for this year’s tournament and the scholarship program. We are at our maximum for the number of teams we can accommodate, and we have a few more sponsors than we had in previous years.

Unless something unforeseen happens, we may be able to increase the size or number of scholarships, or start putting some cash back for a rainy day.

If you would like to help support the scholarship program, or find out how your college- or trade school-bound high school senior can apply, contact me at 256-638-7800 or timeberhart@ farmerstel.com.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

FAITH COLUMN

Treasure in an old barn with more tomatoes.

Which brings me to a late spring day at my grandparents’ house. I was nineteen and had just finished my first year of college. I was an engineering student and had successfully taken calculus and chemistry. I was dating the prettiest girl in Nashville, my future wife Gloria. I thought I was something. Life was good.

My parents and grandparents were talking and I was ignoring. Mother said, “Butch, come here.” Uh oh. “You need to go down to the old barn and get us some manure.”

And the old barn had a lot of cow manure.

By Dr. John E. Morgan

Pastor - Collinsville Baptist Church It all happened because my parents and grandparents had a problem. They were hooked on home grown tomatoes.

Both houses always had huge tomato patches. Tomatoes to eat now. Tomatoes to can. And to make into other things.

Daddy planted tomato seeds from the previous year’s best tomatoes in milk cartons. They would grow on a window sill in the basement. Once planted, the tomatoes were weeded, watered and watched.

My parents had a new house with more land. They could have a bigger garden

My grandmother said, “you’ll need to get the wheel barrow full a time or two for us and then fill up all the buckets for your mother to take home.” I truly thought that they were kidding. They could not expect me, now a college sophomore, to go dig manure. I had never had to do this before.

Just because they now lived further in the country, why should I suffer. Dig manure?

Me? That was obviously beneath me.

Turns out they were serious.

Down the hill I went with the wheel barrow in the late Spring heat. To the barn. Muttering all the way. Becoming louder as I got further from the house.

“I cannot believe they want me to dig

manure. Don’t they know who I am? I passed calculus. Lot of other students didn’t. I can do differential equations and they want me to dig manure.

Unbelievable.”

The old barn had no lights. Just stalls. No animals right then. But lots of what is left behind when the animals leave. Some old and dry. Some not. Instructions – get it all.

I began digging in the manure. Still angry that they would expect me to lower myself to doing this. The dust began to fill the air growing thick in the beams of sunlight coming into the barn through the cracks. The smell – well, you know the smell. Flies began to be attracted to the freshly dug manure. And pausing to land on my sweat covered back. And around my sweat covered face.

Dig, dig. Mumble, mumble. An hour passed. I began to tire. I began to think.

And lose my anger. Who did they think I was to dig manure? No, who did I think I was? I no longer felt so good about myself.

I could feel the pride rolling down my face with the sweat. My mother and grandmother were my heroes. They had sacrificed for me for nineteen years. They

had taught me what it means to be a Christian. And showed me what a Christian life looked like. I was ashamed of myself.

By the time I finished the last of the digging and shut the door, I realized that the treasure in the barn was humility. I had a better picture of who I really was and of who I needed to be.

Paul tells us to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit. Instead we must count others more significant than ourselves”. How do we do that? Paul says with humility. Later in the passage he reminds us that Jesus “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross.”

It works like this – you think you are too good to dig manure. Would you rather be hanging on a cross? Or do you really think that you are better than Jesus?

I wish I could tell you that I learned my lesson for good that day in the barn. But sometimes I forget. My pride grows. And I have to remind myself of Jesus. And a day when he used a barn full of manure to grow me into a better person.

The tomatoes were really good that year, too. Not that I take pride in that.

GUEST COLUMNIST

The importance of telling your own story

By Gues Columnist Mark Harrison joseph@southerntorch.com

Hello, everyone.

A brief introduction, or reintroduction as the case may be – my name is Mark Harrison and many of you may remember me from my time as a newspaper reporter with the Times-Journal and other area newspapers. I have worked in the mental health field for the past two years and I am currently pursuing next-level licensure and a PhD in counseling psychology. I currently work as an employee of the Relationship Clinic, a counseling practice located in beautiful, downtown Fort Payne.

I’m pleased to report that I will be a guest columnist for the Southern Torch from time to time to offer commentary on social and mental

health issues Torch. I’m very excited about this, because it allows me to combine my interests in psychology, mental health, and social science with a long-standing passion for writing and journalism.

One important caveat: if you’re experiencing any type of issues yourself, please don’t take this column as an adequate substitution for professional counseling received in the context of a therapeutic session.

You now know a little about me.

Have you ever stopped to consider your own past, present, and future? Have you ever stopped to consider your own life story?You’re probably asking yourself right now, “What on Earth does any of this have to do with mental health or

psychology?” The answer is that it’s actually a very good way to promote positive mental health.

Writing the story of your life can help you find meaning and value in your experiences. It can also allow you to better organize your thoughts and use them as a tool for personal growth.

Research into positive psychology has shown that people who develop stories about their life tend to experience a greater sense of meaning, which can contribute to happiness.

Now, you might also be thinking right now that just because I have a passion for writing, it doesn’t mean that everyone else does, too (even though things like writing and journaling can be powerful and

positive therapeutic tools). So, if writing isn’t your thing, you might instead consider making a recording or even simply sharing your story verbally with someone you care about. It might even make for an interesting conversation among a group of close friends.

First of all, write the story of your past: describe the challenges you’ve overcome, and note the personal strengths that allowed you to do so. What about now? What’s going on in the present?

What’s your life like now? Who are you now? How are you different from your past self?

What strengths do you have now?

What challenges do you face? How about your future?

What is your ideal future? How do you hope your life will be different

How will you be different?

One thing I often strongly encourage in writing and journaling exercises is to try as much as possible to focus on the positive – it tends to be much easier to notice and gravitate towards the negative, and often the more positive aspects of our lives get overlooked as a result. They’re still there, it’s just that sometimes we have to search a bit harder to find them. Also, don’t fall into the trap of believing your life has no purpose, or your purpose is yet finished. It seems only fitting to close today with a quote from a famous writer, Richard Bach, “Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: if you’re alive, it isn’t.”

What’s your story?

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

SPORTS

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

AHSAA implements high school football practice rule changes

Fyffe’s Stiefel signs scholarship with Berry

AHSAA: Making Sports Safer. That is the theme and emphasis at the Alabama High School Athletic Association this year. And part of making sports safer are the new rules that went into force this year concerning full-speed contact as football practice started around the state and Dekalb County.

The changes actually began as recommendations in 2013. Study showed that the recommendations were leading to a decrease in injuries, especially with concussions, so the

After running for 2,384 yards last season at Fyffe, Austin Stiefel will soon be going another 59.8 miles.

That’s 52,629 yards. But he won’t be running those yards, he’ll be driving the distance soon when he travels to Rome, Georgia to begin running yards on a new gridiron this fall.

According to AHSAA records, Stiefel ran those 2,384 yards playing for Fyffe High School last year. He scored a remarkable 46 touchdowns.

And then he crowned it off by being selected the Class 2A Back of the Year for the state of Alabama. Stiefel would tell you that it is none of those awards that mean the most. He played at Fyffe for Coach Paul Benefield, so Austin knows that what matters is the team. He would say that the crowning point of last year was Red Devils winning the Class 2A football state championship. That was something that Fyffe had come close to doing several times before. But they did not get the state championship until last year. The MVP of the championship game? Austin Stiefel.

The team and individual

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

recommendations became by-laws this year meaning that all schools must comply with them.

Full-speed contact is defined as “contact at game speed in which players execute full blocking and tackling at a competitive pace, taking player to the ground”.

The rules for full-speed contact are: Week 1 - Only shorts and helmets are allowed the first two days of fall practice. On the third day, shoulder pads and helmets are allowed for up to 90 minutes. On the fourth day it goes up to 120 minutes. Then, on the fifth day, full gear and

one full-speed contact practice is allowed for 90 minutes.

Week 2 - Full-speed contact is allowed for a combine total of 120 minutes on alternating days. There can also be one scrimmage played intra-squad during this week.

Week 3 - Full-speed contact is allowed for a combined total of 120 minutes on alternating days. One scrimmage is allowed with another school.

Week 4 through remainder of season - 90 minutes of full-speed contact practice is allowed each week.

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

accomplishments gave Stiefel choices for his future. He decided that he wanted to continue to play football.

He had offers from several schools.

He could have walked on at a couple of others like Jacksonville State. He made some visits. And his decision was to move 60 miles to Rome to play for Berry College. He will be attending a great academic school with a beautiful campus. He will be close enough to home for family and friends to come to watch him play. And he will have the opportunity to play quickly, hopefully this year, whether he continues to play offense or moves over to defense.

Stiefel got a taste of what the new competition will be like when he played in the North-South Alabama All Star Football game in July where he rushed for 72 yards setting up the North’s first touchdown with a 36 yard run. Now he is beginning a new chapter in his football life. Red Devil or rival, many in this area will take pride in his future accomplishments though the rivals will not miss competing against him on the gridiron or the hardwood. They all learned that he is a hard man to bring down. Or defeat.

DO YOU KNOW DEKALB COUNTY SPORTS? Southern Torch is looking for a Sports Editor We are holding interviews this week, so if you are interested in joining the Southern Torch team, call 256-638-5296 today!

POLITICS

Political editors contact information jordan@southerntorch.com Tel. 256.638.4040 www.southerntorch.com

Special session of Alabama Legislature ends without General Fund Budget

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

MONTGOMERY, Ala.— Tensions continue to mount and Alabama legislators seem no closer to finding a solution to filling the $200 million shortfall in the Alabama General Fund Budget as a special legislative session came to a close on Tuesday. Lawmakers left Montgomery unable to agree on a workable solution before the 30-day session time limit expired.

Gov. Robert Bentley is expected to call lawmakers back for a second special session.

Bentley said he would give lawmakers another opportunity to reconsider his plan that calls for $300 million in tax increases to avoid reductions in state services.

Bentley was openly critical of the legislative body and their failed attempts to resolve the budget shortfall.

“The Legislature was unable to do what their only job is, and that is to pass a budget,” Bentley said in a news conference outside Alabama Capitol.

That was the reason they were called in, and they have failed and they have failed the people of Alabama.

It really boils down to, are we willing to make these drastic cuts and hurt the lives of the people of this state?”

Bentley continued. “Are we willing to close down state park re we willing to close down hospitals?

Are we willing to tell the children of this state that they can’t get immunizations?”

The divide between the governor and lawmakers seems to have widened even further as both sides dig in, refusing to reach compromise.

Governor Bentley insists that the only way to fund the budget is through new taxes. Legislators, many whom made commitments of no new taxes to voters and their constituents during the 2014, are determined not to budge.

Several proposals from Bentley were presented including a cigarette tax, a soft drink tax, ending a state income tax deduction for FICA taxes paid, as well as one plan from Senate

Leader Del Marsh to shift money from the separate education budget to shore up the gap in the general fund, but none of the proposed solutions ever gained enough traction to warrant a floor vote.

Republicans have a supermajority in both the House and Senate, but still seem unable to muster the votes in either body in support of a workable solution. Just before the special session came to an end, the Senate passed a cut-filled budget that was almost identical to the budget vetoed by Bentley during the regular session.

House members rejected the unrealistic measure by an overwhelming 92-2 vote on Monday night.

Bentley refused to reveal the timetable for the second special session, but said it would likely be in a few weeks.

If the governor does choose to wait to call the second session until just before the Oct. 1 start of the new fiscal year, lawmakers will be under even greater pressure to get a budget approved.

Lawmakers are urging Bentley to call the second special session immediately to give them more time to find a solution, but Bentley remains

skeptical despite pledges of a more open-minded consideration of his tax increases.

Bentley said his trust in lawmakers keeping their word has continued to decline.

“I have been told many things over the past few weeks that have not come to be,” Bentley said.

In the meantime leaders from the House and Senate said they are working with budget leaders now to find a solution before the second session is called and lawmakers return to Montgomery.

8

Thursday - August 13, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Mr. Edward Carlton Elliott

OBITUARIES Mrs. Geraldine Ragon Disney

Age 76 of Ft Payne, AL passed away on August 11, 2015. Family will hold a Memorial Service at a later date. Arrangements Entrusted to W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Survivors: Wife, Sandra Gail Elliott; Daughters, Susan Elliott and Renee Sosa; Sons, Mark and Bobbie Elliott; Sister, Susan Harper; Brother, John Elliott; 13 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren Obituary of Patricia McDonald

Ms. Patricia Ann McDonald

Age 75 formerly of Cloudland, GA passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2015. Funeral services will be held at 2pm Tuesday from the W.T. Wilson funeral chapel with Dr. Tom McFarland officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2pm on Tuesday before the service. She is survived by her daughters, Mindy (Terry) Cash and Lynn Johnson; granddaughter, Mallorie Jonson. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Christine Padgett; and brothers, Randy Wayne Padgett and Lamar Padgett.

C.T. “Clarence” Smith

Age 98, passed away August 8, 2015. He was a United States Army Veteran during World War ll, and on June 6, 1944 was one of the appropriate 155,000 troops that stormed the Beaches of Normandy.

During his time in the Army, he once met and shook hands with General George Patton. Mr. Smith was very proud to be an American and to have been able to serve his country. He was a member of the Stevenson Church of God, loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Smith and Katherine Cunningham, wife Bicy (Brownfield) Smith, step sons Carl Brownfield, Kenneth Brownfield, Luther Brownfield, Jay Brownfield, Hubert Brownfield, Olan Brownfield and step daughter Bertha Hardin. He is survived by his step-daughter, Betty Carter and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Visitation will be at W.T. Wilson Funeral Home in Rainsville, Al. on Sunday August 9th from 5 to 8:00 pm. Graveside services will be held at 2pm - Monday August 10th at 2:00 pm from the Harmony Cemetery in Fackler, Al. July 4, 1918 - August 10, 2015

Daughter: Therese Cox (Pleas)-Rome, GA; Sons: Desmond Disney (Kathie)-Summerville, GA & John Disney (Johanna)-Atlanta, GA; Grandchildren: Ragon Crabtree, Marlin and Kara Cox, Ellen Youngblood, David, Nicholas, and Jack Disney; Great-Grandchildren: Paige and Ayden Crabtree. Preceded in death by: Husband of 60 years-Edward Desmond Disney, Sister-Lila Clark & Brother-Harvey Ragon Jr.

Bertha Mae Dickerson

March 13, 1923 - August 10, 2015; Survivors 1 Daughter: Linda Matthews and husband Danny of Fyffe, AL 1 Grandson: Randy Matthews and wife Leeann 4 Great Grandchildren: Courtney Willingham, Chase Willingham, Jesse Matthews & Jordis Matthews Preceded in Death Husband: Calvin Dickerson Granddaughter: Cheryl Matthews Willingham

Roger Stewart Frost

November 22, 1956 - August 9, 2015; Survivors Wife: Rosa Perez of Henagar, AL 4 Sons: Thomas Frost and wife Melissa of Rainsville, AL Cody Smith and wife Heather of Henagar, AL Alberto Frost of Henagar, AL Douglas Frost of Henagar, AL 5 Daughters: Kimberly Wooten and husband Sammy of Grove Oak, AL Savannah Frost of Ider, AL Jasmine Natasha Frost of Henagar, AL Yoselyn Perez of Henagar, AL Rocio Perez of Henagar, AL 1 Brother: Vernon Lynn Frost and wife Carol Ann of Harvest, AL 1 Sister: Sandra Bellknop Sargent and husband Marty of Huntsville, AL 4 Grandchildren Preceded in Death Parents: Vernon Leon Frost & Lilley Mae Frost 1 Sister: Theresa Frost Hughes Avaline Frost April 30, 1924 - August 8, 2015 Obituary

Mrs. Avaline Frost

Age: 91 Service Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 11:00am Kerby Funeral Home Chapel Officiating Rev. David Hairston Rev. Jimmy Shankles Interment Green Haven Memorial Gardens Survivors Sons: Dwight Frost and wife Terri Jeffrey Lee Frost Daughters: Betty Pullen and husband Jim Ann Padgett Sister: Vera Sisco 8 Grandchildren 8 Great Grandchildren 2 Great Great Grandchildren Preceded in Death Husband: Claude Frost Parents: Lumpkin and Sara Richey Brothers: Briggs Richey and Rex Richey Sister: Ina Monroe

CRIME Date: 08/12/2015

Dog Incident Sheriff Jimmy Harris states as follows: SSheriff Jimmy Harris reports that on August 11th Deputy went to Van Akins residence in the Dogtown area to serve an arrest warrant. When the deputy went to the door of the residence and knocked he could hear dogs barking and growling from inside the residence. After waiting for a short period of time the deputy was about to leave when the dogs came around the porch in an aggressive manner and the deputy had to take action on the dogs.

The whole incident was caught on the deputy’s body cam. We were advised on the scene by a neighbor that no one was at home, they were in South Florida. From the evidence on the body cam it was clear that these two dogs did not need to be unattended. At this time the Investigators were called to the scene. This is still an ongoing investigation. We have contacted SBI and the District Attorney’s Office.

Sheriff Harris states “this is a tragic incident that occurred and we are glad that the deputy or anyone else was not injured during this situation. The deputies have worn the body cams for about 5 years now. After reviewing this incident on tape with the Chief Deputy and the Assistant Chief Deputy we stand behind the deputy’s actions 100 percent.”

Friday July 24th

Incidents Damaged Property – Occurred at 2610 Airport Road W, a front bumper assembly on a 2008 Dodge Charger was damaged, valued at $2500.00 7 Arrests Chase McCauley Kirk, age 22 of Sale Creek, TN, was arrested for DUI, Open Container and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 12:22 pm.

Jody Daniel Phillips, age 40 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a

Warrant for Judicial Court Services at 7:26 am.

Derek Austin Rothell, age 26 of Altoona, was arrested on a Warrant for Judicial Court Services at 10:55 am.

Adan Antonio Canales, age 25 of Valley Head, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 7:54 pm.

Marion Estel Leininger, age 23 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Public Intoxication at 9:10 pm.

Gettis Glenn Adkins Jr, age 44 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Obstructing Governmental Operations at 10:47 pm.

Ashley Danielle Cooper, age 19 of Valley Head, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct at 11:56 pm.

4 Accidents with 0 Injuries

Saturday July 25th

5 Arrests Christopher Lavon Dyar, age 22 of Rainsville, was arrested for Public Intoxication at 12:23 pm.

Kimberly Jan Hawkins, age 41 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Forgery at 3:05 pm.

Elizabeth Marie Norman, age 25 of Grove Oak, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear at 3:00 pm.

Robbie Joe Doss, age 49 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Public Intoxication at 9:20 pm.

Steven Richard Mulkey, age 20 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Robbery at 10:03 pm.

4 Accidents with 1 Injury An accident occurred at Greenhill Blvd NW and Gault Ave S, Lacie Nicole McKinney, age 20 of Valley Head, driving a 2012 Dodge Avenger, struck Marian Zuniga Garcia, age 18 of Collinsville, driving a 2003 Ford Windstar. Passenger in the Avenger, Shannon Dash McKinney, of Valley Head, was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service.

Sunday July 26th

2 Arrests Susan Lynn Malone, age 66 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 1:27 pm.

Frankie Lynn Mitchell, age 45 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and a Warrant for Outside Agency at 1:27 pm.

0 Accidents with 0 Injuries

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