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BWAC hosts 107th DeKalb Fiddlers’ Convention By Joseph M. Morgan
joseph@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala.— More than 400 music fans attended the 107th anniversary celebration of the DeKalb County Fiddlers’ Convention hosted by the Big Wills Arts Council (BWAC) on Saturday at the Rotary Pavilion in downtown Fort Payne. The event ran from noon until 6 p.m. showcasing 12 categories made up of more than 50 talented contestants who competed for the more than $3,500 in prize money and trophies. Contestants competed in the following categories: Dobro Division, Pee Wee Fiddler Division, Mandolin Division, Ol’ Time Banjo Division, Jr. Fiddler Division, Guitar Division, Upright Bass Division, Bluegrass Banjo Division, Sr. Fiddler Division, Ol’ Time Fiddler Division, Bluegrass Band Division, and Ol’ Time Band Division. Jacob Johnson, a 17-yearold from Lincoln, Ala., has seen particular good fortune the past two years at the DeKalb County Fiddlers’ Convention, taking
Austin DerryBerry, 17, and accompniment perform at convention. DerryBerry competed in the Jr. Upright Bass Division
consecutive first place finishes in his division in 2013 and again in 2014. His previous two 1st place finishes were in the Jr. Fiddler Division in which contestants ages 0-22 years old compete. Despite
the fact that he is six years away from the mandatory 23 years old to advance to the Sr. Fiddler Division, contest officials asked Johnson to compete this year in the 23-and-up division due to
his previous back-to-back first place finishes in the Jr. Division. Johnson rose to the challenge. Despite competing outside his division against older, more experienced
Ball to speak to DeKalb County Republicans By Jordan Doufexis
jordan@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala.— The DeKalb County Republican Breakfast Club will meet on Saturday, June 13, at the Western Sizzlin’ Steak House in Fort Payne at 7:30 AM. The speaker will be State Representative Mike Ball of Madison County. Ball is the Chairman of the Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee. “Representative Mike Ball was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2002. He and his wife, Debbie, have three children – Chris, Cara, and Mandy, a grandson, Jacob and a granddaughter, Clarke. Mike received his A.S. in Criminal Justice from Jefferson State Junior College and his B.S. in Political Science from Athens State
University. He is a member of Asbury Methodist United Methodist Church in Madison. Mike served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1973 to 1977 and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. In 1978, he became an Alabama State Trooper, and served 8 years in the Highway Patrol Division. In 1986, he was assigned to serve in the Major Crimes Unit of the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. In addition to his investigative duties, Mike also served as a Hostage Negotiator. He retired from the Alabama Department of Public Safety on January 1, 2003. Mike also enjoys singing and playing mandolin with The Madison Mountaintop Band. A student of several musical instruments, he particularly enjoys
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musicians, Johnson took 1st place again this year, winning the Sr. Fiddler Division at the event.
CONTINUED > COMMUNITY PAGE 5 THIS WEEK IN SPORTS In the sport of kings, “A Pharoah” rules the land It was the summer of 97’ and I had just finished the 7th grade...............PAGE 5
North Jackson basketball camp is set North Jackson Head Coach Cole Hick is hosting a summer basketball......PAGE 5
All-State awarded
See who was selected to All-State in baseball and softball....................PAGE 5
THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Torch Treat of the Week
This “All the Way” pizza should be called “The Behemoth”...................... PAGE 6
Rep. Mike Ball
improvisation with other “shade tree” musicians, including “The House Band”, comprised of several House members.”! The club has no dues or
fees other than the cost of your food. The meeting is open to the public.
The Southern Torch Southern Torch, Inc. News every Thursday. FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS: Call (256) 638-4040 or visit www.southerntorch.com
Check in with the chambers .......................................... PAGE 6
THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY Real and Unrehearsed
I have no personal experience with acting. Unless you count the time in kindergarten I spent.................PAGE 2
RTI Mud Volleyball
Rainsville Technolog y, Inc. (RTI) hosted the 3rd annual RTI Charity Mud Volleyball Tournament............ PAGE 3
Instant piano for hopelessly busy people
Back by popular demand at Northeast Alabama Community College, a one-day workshop................................... PAGE 4
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