THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 / VOL. 7, NO. 13 / $1.00
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>> 2022 Will Be a Huge Year in Alabama Politics >> Brooks Launches Senate Bid
>> Yarbrough Graduates from K-9 Narcotics Academy >> DOSM Welcomes Dr. Medders
Southern Torch Acquires Historic WFPA
By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Southern Torch, Inc., is excited to announce the addition of WFPA 1400 AM and its FM translator 93.9 to the company’s radio programming portfolio. Southern Torch sought approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and an application for license transfer was approved. The license transfer was completed on March 18, 2021. “We are excited about the continued growth of our audience that puts Southern Torch in a better position to serve our area,” said Southern Torch General Manager Eloise Smith. “We look forward to
Priscilla Underwood and Shannon Rains received a vintage motorcycle with Cory Caldwell. (Submitted Photo)
By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
rebranding the station and providing programming that offers more variety for our audience.” Mike Wallace, president of WFPA 1400, has more than half a century of experience in radio, which included stints with NBC and Fox Radio. He began interning with a radio
Child Struck at School Bus Stop
PICTURED: Mike Wallace, former owner of WFPA 1400, has owned the station for the last ten years. (Submitted Photo)
station at age 17 and worked all the way up to
his retirement in 2001. Wallace tried other ventures, but in his words, “someone always called me back.” Wallace, who is married to his wife Tammy, had no children, calling radio his life. After retirement, Wallace set up a studio in his home where he voiced commercials and
SYLVANIA, Ala. — A 13-year-old child was struck by a vehicle while waiting for the school bus earlier this morning. The child was standing on the side of the road when the
incident occurred. The event occurred in the County Road (CR) 884 and 949 area. Sylvania Police Chief Eric Tidmore verified the incident and stated that the victim had been transferred to DeKalb
>> See CHILD, P4
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County Sheriff's Office for the successful resolution in court. At the time of Stiefel’s arrest Mayor Roger Lingerfelt expressed shock at the discovery at the facility. He said the supervisor had worked there almost 15 years and had been an excellent employee with no prior problems. Thursday evening, December 17th, 2020, Sheriff Nick Welden revealed narcotics agents and investigators responded to an anonymous tip at the Rainsville Wastewater
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced that the mask mandate for the State of Alabama would come to an end on April 9. With the expanded availability of COVID-19 shots for Alabama citizens, people are starting to venture out of their homes and enjoy more activities. There is a feeling in the air of normalcy. Last year at this time, we were wondering if normalcy would ever make its appearance, again. A prime example of such was the resurrection of the Third Saturday Downtown in Fort Payne. The event committee paid tribute to Don Dingler with a marquee at the DeKalb Theatre. Dingler passed away on Christmas Day from complications of Covid-19. Don and his wife, Donna were always active at the Third Saturday events. The streets of Fort Payne were lined with visitors enjoying antique cars and fellowship. The event will be every Third Saturday throughout the summer. Also on Saturday, Willow Tree owners, Cory and Kendra Caldwell held Willow Fest in downtown Henagar. The objective of
>> See WINE, P6
> See NORMAL, P2
discovered that WFPA was for sale. Two years later, Wallace became the owner of the famous Fort Payne station. During his tenure at the helm of WFPA, Wallace strived to avoid an agenda-based political talk radio station and gave
>> See WFPA, P6
Rainsville Wastewater Supervisor Sentenced
By Southern Torch Staff admin@southerntorch.com
By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
Back to Normal?
RAINSVILLE, Ala. — According to District Attorney Mike O'Dell: The supervisor of a wastewater treatment facility where investigators found an unlicensed winery was convicted upon his plea of guilty to Unlawful Possession of Prohibited Liquors/Beverages on March 10, 2021. He received a sentence of 90 days suspended for a period of 12 months plus a fine and court costs. According to the DeKalb Attorney's Office, Allen Maurice Stiefel, 62, appeared before District
(DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)
Judge Steve Whitmire with his attorney and accepted responsibility for offense as a part of his agreement/plea. His conviction arises from an arrest made on or about Friday, December 18, 2020. Chief Deputy District Attorney Bob Johnston credited an excellent investigation led by Investigator Nick Brown with the DeKalb
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