THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021 / VOL. 7, NO. 18 / $1.00
FP approves lease for DeSoto Golf Course
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Barnett set to be Superintendent at Guntersville City Schools
DeSoto Golf Course is in new hands after the Fort Payne City Council approved a lease for the property at Tuesday's special called meeting. (Las Crucs Bulletin)
By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Full video at southerntorch.com) The DeSoto Golf Course is expected to reopen under new management next month. On Tuesday, the Fort Payne City Council approved a three-year lease on the property for Darrel Shankles, who will serve as the property's new owner. The council previously closed the property earlier this year due to financial issues. "I think Mr. Shankles coming in, being one of us, a citizen of Fort Payne and [wanting] to help us have this thing be successful...that's like a blessing in disguise," said Council President Walter Watson. The lease passed the council with a 3-2 vote. Shankles will serve as owner and operator of the property for at least three years. According to discussion during the special called meeting, Shankles will have the option to purchase the course in the amount of $225,000. The DeSoto Golf Course is a nine-hole course in Fort Payne, featuring more than 3,000 yards of golf with a par of 36. It first opened in 1961. In addition to a golf course, the property is also capable of serving as a place for public meetings, meals, and larger corporate events.
POLITICS • Alabama expected to keep all 7 congressional seats, according to census report • BOE approves temporary raises for staff
BUSINESS • See who's featured in our Business Spotlight! • ALDOT: Alabama 117 to reopen in June • View our public notices and job listings
COMMUNITY • Clifton and Willingham complete yearlong running goal • DeKalb plans National Day of Prayer events
SPORTS • Record Breakers! • Crossville soccer advances to round 3 • 2 state champs continue basketball careers
CRIME • Saturation in southern DeKalb County leads to 17 arrests • CONTINUED: Local shooting leads to arrest
DeKalb County Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett and his wife Leah at the DeKalb County Courthouse on election night in 2016. (Photo by Southern Torch)
By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — DeKalb County Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett is set to be the next Superintendent of
Education at Guntersville City Schools. “Last night, it was announced that I am the top choice of the Guntersville City Board of Education to serve [as] its Superintendent of
Education,” said Dr. Barnett. “I consider this a great honor and a statement of support not only for me but specifically in regards for the great work that we have accomplished in DeKalb County.”
According to Barnett, members of the DeKalb County Board of Education will appoint his replacement on an interim basis to serve until his term expires on
>> See BOE, P4
Cunningham to retire as Geraldine Fort Payne Superintendent shooting leads to arrest
By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com
GERALDINE, Ala. — Last Thursday, Fort Payne City Schools Superintendent Jim Cunningham announced his retirement, effective October 1, 2021. "I want to thank you for the opportunity you've given me for the past 36 years of working for Fort Payne City Schools," Cunningham said. "This has been the best thing that's ever happened because of the great school system and great community." Cunningham is a lifelong Fort Payne native and a 1975 graduate of Fort Payne
Fort Payne City Schools Superintendent Jim Cunningham announced his upcoming retirement last week. (Fort Payne City Schools | fpcsk12.com)
High School. He completed a bachelor's degree in education at Jacksonville State University (JSU) in 1979 and began his career in Jackson County shortly after. He began work at his alma mater in 1984, and has held various positions within the school system ever since, including: assistant
principal at Fort Payne High School, principal at Forest Avenue Elementary, principal at Wills Valley Elementary, principal at Fort Payne High School, and eventually, superintendent. During Tuesday's meeting, Cunningham also moved to reward school staff for going above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic with a one-time supplemental payment of $1,250 for all regular and certified employees if they worked during the 2020-21 school year. Updates were not given on the process of finding Cunningham's replacement might begin.
(DeKalb Co. Sheriff's Office)
By Southern Torch Staff admin@southerntorch.com GERALDINE, Ala. — On April 25, at approximately 12:50 pm, law enforcement and rescue personnel were dispatched to the area of
>> See CRIME, P7
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FRIDAY — APRIL 30, 2021
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
@JACKSONBLAZEAL
Jackson Co. Road 91 to close for drain replacement
By Jackson Blaze Staff • admin@southerntorch.com JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. — Jackson County Road 91 will be closed beginning on Wednesday, May 5. The road will be closed for approximately two (2) miles south of County Road 93 for a cross drain replacement. The replacement is anticipated to take one (1) day depending on weather and site conditions, according to Jackson County Public Works. Further questions concerning this matter can be directed to the Jackson County Public Works office at 256-259-6037.
NACC to hold virtual spring commencement ceremony
By Jackson Blaze Staff admin@southerntorch.com POWELL, Ala. — Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) administrators have announced the college will hold its commencement ceremony virtually this spring. The ceremony will be available for viewing on the college’s social media channels and will honor students who have completed all requirements as part of the Summer 2020, Fall 2020, and Spring 2021 semesters. NACC President Dr. David Campbell spoke about the decision to hold a virtual celebration again this year. “These
have certainly been very challenging times. The safety of our students, staff, and community has been our number one priority. I am proud to say that we have been following all COVID-19 prevention measures and have not had one single cluster outbreak of COVID-19 on campus to date. We value the health of all our people and the safety of the surrounding community.” Keeping with commencement tradition, the virtual
ceremony will feature NACC President Dr. David Campbell’s annual address to the graduates. The college also plans to collect remarks from local community leaders in the college’s service area. NACC faculty and staff will share words of encouragement as well. “We look forward to honoring our graduates,” stated NACC President Dr. David Campbell. “They are a very exceptional group to push through these uncertain and dangerous COVID-19 times and
achieve their goal of graduating. We are very proud of them!” Campus officials plan to host an opportunity for graduating students to have their photos taken on campus in the next few weeks. These photos will be shown as graduates’ names are listed during the virtual commencement celebration. Information about the photo opportunity will be forthcoming. Diplomas for graduates of the previous summer and fall semesters, along with those from the current spring semester, will be mailed at the conclusion of the spring term.
AUCTIONS UNITED COURT ORDERED SALE
The William & Blanch Bledsoe Estate 9072 Co. Rd. 121, Valley Head, Ala. Real Estate Terms: A 10% Buyers Premium will be added to the highest bid and will be paid the day of the sale. The balance is due on or before closing within 30 days. Final bid subject to final court approval. Personal property terms: A 10% Buyers Premium will be added to the highest bid. The total amount will be paid the day of the sale. Removal of purchased property is the responsibility of the buyer.
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FRIDAY — APRIL 30, 2021
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
COMMUNITY
Clifton & Willingham finish yearlong running goal
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DeKalb Co. plans events for National Day of Prayer By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com
By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Rainsville runners Jerry Clifton and Pam Willingham are celebrating a milestone: 365 consecutive days of running. “I’ve just got to thank the Lord for giving us the health to be able to do 365 days in a row,” Clifton said. “I thank Him for all of our great friends who encourage us and ran with us along the way, this has just been incredible.”
Clifton stated he initially only planned to run alongside Willingham for 30 days, but slowly boosted the goal. A special ceremony was held at Vintage 1889 on Tuesday by Lynn Locklear Brewer, whom Clifton calls his “chief cheerleader” in the yearlong endeavor. Clifton serves as the race coordinator of the Rainsville Freedom Run, which is set to be held on June 19, 2021 at DeKalb County Schools Coliseum in Rainsville. The race begins at 8 a.m. and
registration is now open at runsignup.com/race/ al/rainsville/ rainsvillefreedomrun10k5k. Known as “the best small race of America,” the Rainsville Freedom Run is open to runners and walkers of all ages. The event features numerous door prizes and cash prizes for the top five finishers in both the 10K and 5K races. Funds generated by the 2021 run will remain in the community, helping local citizens through donations and charities.
DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Several events recognizing the National Day of Prayer will be held in DeKalb County on Thursday, May 6. This year's theme is entitled "Lord, Pour Out Your Love, Life, and Liberty!" The first event will be held at 12 p.m. in the parking lot of the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum with several Rainsville area ministers coming together. “The National Day of Prayer is an opportunity to come together across all denominational lines for one reason: to pray for our communities, families, churches, schools, businesses, military and nation," said First Baptist Church of Rainsville Pastor David
Cofield. "It speaks of three things: belief in the one true God, unity, and the power of prayer." Fort Payne's National Day of Prayer will also begin at 12 p.m. at the Fort Payne City Park near the Alabama band statues. Speakers and worship leaders will be featured. In case of inclement weather, Fort Payne's event will be held at the Big Mill Antique Mall's Vintage 1889 addition. For more information, please contact Clara
Washington at 256-996-0178. According to nationaldayofprayer.org, the day "exists to mobilize unified public prayer for America." It began in 1952 after a joint resolution of the United States Congress was signed into law by then-President Harry Truman. The law was amended by President Reagan in 1988 designating National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday of May.
EVENTS Submit your upcoming events to zach@southerntorch.com for a chance to be featured in next week's print edition of April 30 to May 1, entertainment, arts with sign-ups 256-557-0879. Wildflower Saturday May 6, National and crafts, great food, beginning at 10 a.m. - Enjoy the 29th Day of Prayer - The raffles, vendors, and May 8, BYOB Annual Wildflower May 8, 13th ministers of several much more! Comedy Special Saturday event at Annual Cody Rainsville churches Leave the kids at DeSoto State Park May 1, The Renfroe Rod Run invite everyone to home or bring and Lookout The 13th Annual Cody earplugs to the BYOB Father's House Car attend the 70th Mountain on April 30 Renfroe Rod Run will Wash - Come out on Observation of the Comedy Special and May 1. Join park Saturday, May 1, be held on Saturday, National Day of coming to The staff and guest support the Father's May 8 from 4 p.m. to Prayer on Thursday, Building in Fort Payne speakers for a House, and get that 8 p.m. at the May 6 at the DeKalb on Saturday, May 8 wonderful weekend Crossville Town Park. ride shined at the County Schools from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. of learning about the The car show is held same time! The car Coliseum parking lot General admission many species of wash is donation only at 12 p.m. in memory of tickets are $10 and blooming plants atop and will be held in the firefighter Cody VIP Tables for 4-6 May 7, FP Lookout Mountain. Rainsville Dollar Tree Renfroe. All proceeds people begin at $60. Chamber Annual This event is free and parking lot beginning will benefit the Contact Sam at Awards Banquet open to the public. at 9 a.m. Crossville Volunteer 256-601-0524 or by The Fort Payne Get more info at Fire Department. For PayPal to purchase May 5, Cinco de Chamber of www.alapark.com/ more information, your seats! You must Mayo at Limon's Commerce will host DSP-Wildflowerplease contact be 18 or older to enter Limon's Mexican their annual awards Saturday! Stanice or Rickey this event and over Restaurant in banquet on Friday, Gray at 256-302the age of 21 to May 1, Memories Henagar will host May 7 at 6 p.m. at the 3637 or 256-659consume alcohol. of Mayberry - The their annual Cinco de Fort Payne Rotary 8352 or Kevin Town of Valley Head Mayo event on Pavilion. Reserve Renfroe at 256-927May 15, will host their annual Wednesday, May 5 all seats at fortpayne2404 or Hammondville Fire Memories of day! The event will chamber.com/events. Mayberry on feature live music, $5 Saturday, May 1 May 8, The nachos and $2.99 beginning at 9 a.m. margaritas! Come out Captain Jack Come out for a day of and enjoy the Memorial Run fun including live - American Cruisers festivities! MC Chapter 49 will present the The Captain Jack Memorial Run on Saturday, May 8. The cost is $20 per bike or $10 per rider. The ride will begin in downtown Fort Payne
256.659.2138
Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Marla Jones, Managing Editor/Sports Torch, Inc. 203 Main Street E, Rainsville, Brian Anderson, Radio Operations Manager Ala. 35986. POSTMASTER: Send address Zach Hester, Art Director/Reporter changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614, Amy Thrash, Account Executive Rainsville, Ala. 35986-0614. Staff:
Eloise Smith, General Manager
Teresa Smith, Traffic Director Dylan Smith, Jackson Blaze Managing Editor Lindsey Jones, Accounting Marshall Stiefel, Distribution Manager
BBQ Fundraiser - The Hammondville Fire Department will hold a BBQ fundraiser on Saturday, May 15 from 10 a.m. until plates are gone! Plates are $7 and include a BBQ sandwich, chips, drink, and a dessert. Whole butts will be sold in advance for $30. May 15, Ground Zero Men's Breakfast - Ground Zero Men's Breakfast will be held on Saturday, May 15 at 9:30 a.m. at Huddle House in Fort Payne. The event is held every third Saturday each month.
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FRIDAY — APRIL 30, 2021
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
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LEGALS
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA
Case No.: 2021-126
Case No.: 2021-135
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF DILLARD HARRISON WILSON, deceased
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF PHYLLIS E. BELL, deceased
NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to ROBERT DURON HARRIS, as Personal Representative of the Estate of DILLARD HARRISON WILSON, deceased, on the 6th day of April 2021, by the Honorable Ronnie E. Osborn, Judge of Probate. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary upon the Last Will and Testament of said decedent, having beeng ranted to the undersigned on the 8th day of April, 2021, by the Probate Court of DeKalb County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of said Judge of Probate within six months from the above date, or said claims will be barred and payment prohibited.
To be published: April 16, April 23, April 30
To be published: April 16, April 23, April 30
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ALDOT: Ala. 117 BOE anticipated to reopen in early June
FROM PAGE 1
HELP WA N T E D Local steel fabricator is seeking to fill a full-time fabrication lay-out position. Starting pay based on experience. Includes benefits package. All inquiries will be considered. Contact 256-623-3799 Ext 101.
WORK WITH US A local business is seeking an experienced auto glass installer to fill a vacant position. Pay is set at $30.00 per hour. Please call 256-630-1147 for more information.
By Southern Torch Staff admin@southerntorch.com HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Transportation is in the final stages of designing a repair for the section of Alabama 117 destabilized by a landslide following heavy rainfall earlier this month. ALDOT tentatively plans to take bids for the emergency
Joseph K. McNew, D.V.M • Linda Galbraith, D.V.M. • Jessica Jones, D.V.M.
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS
project Wednesday, April 28, with work scheduled to begin Monday, May 3. The first phase of the project will require continued closure of the highway between Valley Head and Mentone for about 30 days from start of work, barring unforeseen conditions. After the road reopens to traffic, a second phase of work estimated to take another 45 days will require single lane closures at times. The repair will include excavation along a 300-foot-long section of the highway and construction of a rock buttress — a more stable rock fill replacing the loose material — followed by reconstruction of that section of the road.
December 31, 2024. No special election is expected to be held. Pending board approval, Barnett, who has served as Superintendent of DeKalb County Schools since 2017, will replace Ric Ayer who has served as interim superintendent since last December. Ayer previously served as superintendent for Albertville City Schools and Franklin County Schools in Georgia. “While considering leaving home is hard and the timing may never seem right, God directs our path, and His timing and plan [are] perfect,” continued Barnett. “I am very excited to finalize this process and then embark on this new journey alongside the community and the faculty and staff of Guntersville City Schools.” According to Guntersville City Schools, a special called board meeting will be held to finalize Barnett’s contract. Southern Torch will continue to follow up on this developing story.
FRIDAY — APRIL 30, 2021
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
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POLITICS
CENSUS: Alabama to keep BOE approves temporary all 7 congressional seats supplemental raise for
By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com
ALABAMA — The State of Alabama is expected to keep all seven of its congressional seats, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau following the 2020 census. “I am extremely pleased that we will keep all seven of our current seats in the U.S. House to provide valued and needed voices to advocate for our state and our people for the next 10 years,” Governor Kay Ivey said via Twitter. “Our success in the census was certainly a group effort across the entire state, and I offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a part.” Alabama was initially among the states projected to lose one seat in Congress after reapportionment, but the full report found Alabama’s population
was 108,000 people higher than previous estimates. The State of Alabama’s population now stands at just over five million. “I’m pleased that Alabama’s representation in Congress will remain at seven seats,” said U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt in a statement on Monday. “Two years ago, I and other members of the Alabama delegation began to express the importance of Alabama having a good 2020 Census count. The people of our great state responded and made sure that our collective voice was not diminished in Washington.” “In the coming months, the Alabama Legislature will have to redraw the district lines to reflect the expected population shift northward,” continued Aderholt. “I look forward to working with the rest of the Congressional
delegation and members of the Alabama Legislature as this process begins.” According to acting director Ron Jarmin of the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 331,449,281 people live in the United States, marking a 7.4 percent growth over the last ten years. The Census Bureau’s gross data estimates that several states including California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, will lose one seat in congress, thus lowering their numeric representation in the Electoral College. Colorado, Florida, Montana, North Carolina, and Oregon are expected to gain one seat, while Texas is expected to gain two. Full demographic data for the 2020 census is expected to be released in August.
teachers, school staff
By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com
DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Board of Education met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, April 22. Board Chairman Randy Peppers announced a temporary supplemental raise for full-time and part-time teachers and staff in the amount of $1,000 due to the complications caused by COVID-19 over the last school year. “I, along with Dr. Barnett and the entire Board of Education, am grateful for the work our employees have provided for our students, families, and communities during this time,” said Peppers. The Board approved the motion. The Board recognized Madison Crowe and Cassidy Lance, two early graduates from Fyffe. Elizabeth Barrientos was
also recognized as the Alabama Community Education Association (ACEA) Teacher Assistant of the Year. At the request of DeKalb County Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett, the Board: • Approved the job description for the position of School Academy Recovery Supervisor • Acknowledged the 2021 policy committee recommendations discussed in the work
session • Entered into a construction management agreement with Ra-Lin for new gymnasiums at Ider and Collinsville • Supplemented Dawn Osborne with the title of “Chief Student Support Officer” For a full list of terminations, non-renewals, retirements, resignations, leaves of absence, and transfers, please visit southerntorch.com. The next meeting of the DeKalb County Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, May 11 at 5 p.m. with a work session preceding the meeting at 4:30 p.m.
Thomas Leonard Morgan - 54 of Valley Head, died on Sunday, April 25. Services were held on Wednesday, April 28 with burial in Sulphur Springs Cemetery.
William David Vincent - 72 of Fort Payne, died on Friday, April 16. Services will be held on Sunday, May 2 at Wilson Funeral Home.
DEATH NOTICES W.T. WILSON Barbara Ann Townsel - 64 of Dawson, died on Friday, April 23. Services will be held at a later date. William A. Brannon - 74 of Dawson, died on Sunday, April 25. Services were held on Wednesday, April 28 with burial in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery at Carter. Verlon Derell Riddle - 65 of Albertville, died on Monday, April 26. Services were held on Thursday, April 29 with burial in New Canaan Cemetery at Whiton.
CORNER STONE Micah Lee Youngblood - 83 of Valley Head, died on Thursday, April 22. Services and burial were held on Sunday, April 25 at Higdon Cemetery. Allie Seagraves Tidmore - 91 of Flat Rock, died on Thursday, April 22. Services were held on Saturday, April 24 with burial in New Hope Cemetery.
Michael Bailey Hall - 64 of Chattanooga, Tenn., died on Saturday, April 24. Services were held on Tuesday, April 27 with burial in Valley Head Cemetery. Sheila Short Brown - 68, passed away on Saturday, April 24. Services were held on Tuesday, April 27 with burial in Oak Lawn Memorial Park. J.L. “Red” Blansit - 81 of Henagar, died on Monday, April 26. Services were held on Wednesday, April 28 with burial in Sulphur Springs Cemetery.
CROSSVILLE Don Phillip Israel - 76 of Hoover, died on Tuesday, April 20. Services and burial were held on Monday, April 26 at Mt. Flat Baptist Church.
KERBY Bea Sewell - 71 of Dutton, died on Sunday, April 25. Services were held on Tuesday, April 27 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with
Burt Funeral H omes
burial in the adjoining cemetery.
RAINSVILLE Daisy Pauline Wilbanks - 85 of Christiana, Tenn., died on Friday, April 23. Services were held on Sunday, April 25 with burial in New Canaan Cemetery. Rayburn Cowart - 75 of Rainsville, died on Friday, April 23. Services were held on Tuesday, April 27 with entombment in Rainsville Memorial Park. Terry Wayne Brandon - 59 of Fort Payne, died on Sunday, April 25. Services were held on Wednesday, April 28 with burial in Gravel Hill Cemetery.
SCOTTSBORO Larry Gant - 80 of Scottsboro, died on Tuesday, April 20. Services were held on Friday, April 23 with burial in Gant Cemetery. Bud Durham - 83 of Pisgah, died on Wednesday, April 21. Services were held on Friday, April 23 with burial in
Greenhaven Memorial Gardens. Dortha Marie Ledbetter - 92 of Fackler, died on Saturday, April 24. Services and burial were held on Tuesday, April 27 at Pinehaven Memorial Gardens. Clara Rese Dodson - 81 of Skyline, died on Tuesday, April 27. Services were held on Thursday, April 29 with burial in New Prospect Cemetery. Larry Gant - 80 of Scottsboro, died on Tuesday, April 20. Services were held on Friday, April 23 with burial in Gant Cemetery.
To receive your print edition of DeKalb County’s #1 News Source, please call our office at (256) 638-4040! Follow us on social media at @southerntorch on all platforms!
SCOTTSBORO Harold Hoffman - 94 of Fort Payne, died on Monday, April 19. Services were held on Saturday, April 24. Floradean Pendergrass - 101 of Collinsville, died on Friday, April 23. Services were held on Monday, April 26 with burial in Collinsville Cemetery.
Ider Discount Drugs
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FRIDAY — APRIL 30, 2021
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
SPORTS
RECORD BREAKERS (Submitted Photos)
By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On Saturday, Fort
Payne hosted the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Sectional meet. The 4x4 team consisting of Maddie
Jackson, Madi Wallace, Maggie Groat, and Ruthie Jones, broke the Fort Payne High School (FPHS) record of 4.04, that was set 33 years ago
with a time of 4.02. Maddie Jackson also received the 800-meter championship and was a member of the champion 4x8 team. Madi Jackson
finished second in the mile. The Fort Payne girls track team received the sectional championship
for the seventh year in a row. All the qualifiers will take on state, which will be held later this week.
FIRST ROUND RESULTS
Geraldine defeated Carbon Hill 5-4 in the first game, 3-2 in the second game to win the first round of the AHSAA state playoffs. (Submitted Photo)
Fyffe defeated Lauderdale County 8-6 in the first game and 5-2 in the second game to win the first round of the AHSAA state playoffs. (Cheryl Boydston | ABC Photography)
Sylvania faced Elkmont, losing the first game 3-8, winning the second game 8-3, and on Saturday, broke the tie with a 10-8 victory to win the first round of the AHSAA state playoffs. Sylvania will host Piedmont on Friday at 5 p.m. (Submitted Photo)
Fort Payne soccer Crossville soccer wins first place advances to round 3
The Fort Payne Lady Wildcats soccier team (7-11-1) brought home a win against Athens (8-5), 3-0, in the first round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) state playoffs. (Submitted Photo)
The Crossville Lions boys soccer team is advancing to the third round of the Class 5A state playoffs after a win over Leeds on Tuesday evening. (Crossville High School | Facebook)
Two state champions continue basketball careers
On Thursday, Parker Goodwin signed his letter of intent to continue his basketball career at Gadsden State Community College. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)
On Thursday, Tate Goolesby signed his letter of intent to continue his basketball career at Huntington College. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)
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FRIDAY — APRIL 30, 2021
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
7
CRIME
FP Police CRIME Announce Recent Arrests FROM PAGE 1
By Southern Torch Staff admin@southerntorch.com
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne Police Department announced a slew of recent arrests over the weekend. The following people were arrested from Friday, April 23 to Sunday, April 25: • Harold Bryant (72 of Cedar Bluff): warrant for DUI • Daniel Gamez (42 of Fort Payne): two warrants for speeding and driving while suspended • Lisa Lanier (35 of Fort Payne): warrant for outside agency • Jeffery Watts (47 of Fort Payne): warrant for possession of marijuana • Jamie Watts (40 of Fort Payne): DUI • Holly Harper (38 of Hazel Green): public intoxication • James Fricks Jr. (41 of Fyffe): public intoxication • Richard Sanford Jr. (34 of Vestavia Hills): DUI of a combined substance and possession of drug paraphernalia
Park Street in Geraldine in reference to a physical altercation involving a firearm. Upon arrival, it was discovered that a male and female subject had both been shot. Investigators with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and members of the DeKalb County Major Crimes Unit were notified and responded to the scene. Both the male and female subject were transported to Huntsville hospital for further treatment of their wounds sustained from the gunfire. Upon analysis of the scene, investigators were able to place Joshua Smith (34 of Geraldine) under arrest for two counts of assault 1st degree. This is an ongoing investigation and more charges could be pending as the investigation continues. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend their gratitude to the DeKalb County Major Crimes Unit, Geraldine Police Department, and Crossville Police Department with their assistance throughout the investigation.
Saturation in southern DeKalb leads to 17 arrests
By Southern Torch Staff admin@southerntorch.com
DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: On Wednesday, April 21, deputies, investigators, and the Narcotics and Interdiction Unit of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, as well as the Crossville Police Department conducted a saturation patrol at the southern end of DeKalb County. Kilpatrick was the primary focus of the operation and 17 arrests were made. According to the Sheriff's Office, saturation patrols can help lower crime rates, influence driving behavior to reduce traffic accidents, and often times help in the apprehension of individuals that have outstanding warrants. Three arrests were made for outstanding warrants. The following people were arrested in the operation: • Justin Lee Belefant (30 of Crossville): Domestic Violence 2nd • Dustin Patrick Bennett (25 of Albertville): Warrant for
Failure to Appear (x4) • Matthew Rosse Bozarth (37 of Boaz): Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia • Patricia Ann Brown (37 of Attalla): Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (3x), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia • Krystle Croft (35 of Dawson): Contributing to Delinquency - Truancy • Brian Keith Harrell (42 of Boaz): Attempt to Elude Police, Warrant for Failure to Appear • Hunter Blake Hughes (21 of Albertville): Domestic Violence 3rd • Timothy Michael Kerr (25 of Boaz): Resisting Arrest,
Obstructing Government Operations, Warrant for Failure to Appear (2x) • William F. Leopold (24 of Albertvlle): Warrant for Failure to Appear • Franklin David McDowell (39 of Albertville): Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (3x), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2x), Tampering with Physical Evidence • Brandi Marie Moody (38 of Boaz): Unlawful Possession of
Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance • Linda Loyd Ramsey (50 of Sand Rock): Warrant for Failure to Appear (2x) • Wesley Duane Smith (36 of Menlo, Ga.): Warrant for Failure to Appear • John Bradley Horton (36 of Boaz): Warrant for Failure to Appear "Another job well done by our guys and girls and the other agencies that helped," said Sheriff Welden. "I am proud of all the dedicated, selfless law enforcement we have working in the county to keep our citizens safe. God bless!"
Tax Lien Sale & Personal Property Auction Tax Lien Sale (May 12, 2021) • The sale will be entirely online • Information regarding the sale will be available at www.revenue-dekalbco-al.us closer to the sale date • Delinquent tax lists are updated daily online
Personal Property Auction (April 29, 2021) Personal property will be posted on April 19. Notices will be hung at the place of business, the Courthouse, and both locations with the DeKalb County Revenue Commissioner’s office
The last day checks will be received is April 30.
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FRIDAY — APRIL 30, 2021
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