The Southern Torch, Vol 1, No 15

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

/ THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3, 2015 / VOL. 1, NO. 15 / $1.00

COMMUNITY

FAITH

SPORTS

MULE DAY > PAGE 2

100% > PAGE 4

THE RIVALRY CONTINUES > PAGE 5

Education dominates talk at Fort Payne Tax Forum

By Joseph Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— The City of Fort Payne hosted a public forum Tuesday night to discuss potential tax increases and other possible sources of revenue for the city. Since the city announced the forum about a month ago the focus and conversation surrounding it has changed considerably.

Following discussion regarding the possibility of a one cent sales tax increase during a city council meeting earlier this year, the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority and Fort Payne City Schools both quickly expressed their need and interest in utilizing these new revenues. In the following weeks representatives from both organizations made formal requests before the council for a portion of any new tax dollars if such an ordinance were to become reality.

Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser estimated that approximately 250-300 citizens were in attendance at Tuesday night’s forum. Many present were employees or staunch supporters of the Fort Payne City School System. The presence of such a strong crowd of educators resulted in discussion that primarily focused on finding funding for Fort Payne City Schools.

“I appreciated so many

education supporters attended,” Fort Payne City Schools Superintendent Jimmy Cunningham said. “But I also appreciate Mayor Chesser and the council for being willing to have an open discussion, for caring enough about our city to allow the public to weigh in.”

The council and mayor

answered questions from a moderator that were submitted prior to the forum.

The mayor and council expressed their support for Fort Payne Schools, but when pressed by questions from the audience did not provide a specific plan.

Chesser said that between the time that the city

announced the forum and the forum actually taking place, it became apparent that a tax increase would not pass.

“We decided to go ahead and host the forum even though the votes weren’t there,” Chesser said. “We felt like it was the right thing to do, and we genuinely wanted to hear from the public. We

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

Rainsville City Council to hold critical meeting tonight

By Joseph Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Rainsville City Council will meet tonight at 5:30 p.m. to discuss a $1.5 million bond issue agreement with Raymond James & Associates, Inc. The meeting is actually a continuance from the Aug. 17 meeting that was left unadjourned after a vote to intentionally delay discussion of the bond issue. The council did not provide ample explanation at the

Aug. 17 meeting as to why the meeting adjournment would be postponed.

Regardless, the rescheduling of the discussion results in a very brief 4-day window to discuss the issue before making a vote as opposed to the standard two weeks that usually separate the introduction of a new ordinance.

It is not clear at this point specifically what the $1.5 million will be spent on other than the mention of using a portion of it for the

repaving of a select number of Rainsville city streets.

Rainsville Mayor Nick Jones expressed concern that the delayed adjournment would not give city officials or the public ample time to discuss the proposed new debt.

Jones said, “Currently the city is servicing over $8 million of debt in addition to subsidizing the NE Alabama Ag Center operations with approximately $24,000 per month. I’m

Mule Day This Labor Day the City of Ider is hosting it’s annual Mule Day at Ider Town Park…

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THIS WEEK IN FAITH

100% My mother used offering envelopes to teach me a lot about giving and church…

Page 4 Rainsville Mayor Nick Jones

concerned about getting the city in over its head and forcing this council or a future council to resort to raising taxes as a result of our financial obligations.”

The bond issue could come to a vote as early as Sept. 8, the next scheduled meeting of the Rainsville City Council.

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never dreamed there would be such a large turnout.”

Chesser said despite the death of the sales tax increase proposal, he and the council would be working in the days and weeks to come to try to find additional funding for Fort Payne City Schools.

Call (256) 638-4040 or email subscriptions@southerntorch.com

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

The Rivalry Continues Geraldine hosted the season opener against the returning State Champions, Fyffe Red Devils…

Page 5

Fierce Battle Sylvania traveled to Sardis for their season opener…

Page 5

Plainview vs. Glencoe Plainview Bears traveled to Glencoe for their season opener…

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PERMIT NO. 60 RAINSVILLE, AL

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Thursday–September 3, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

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

Mule Day

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

IDER, Ala.— This Labor Day the City of Ider is hosting it’s annual Mule Day at Ider Town Park. Mule day honors Sand Mountain’s rich agricultural heritage. The activities will begin at 9:30 a.m. and last the majority of the day.

Festivities will include a parade of mules, horses, carriages, antique tractors, a horse pull, a mule pull, antique tractors and cars, arts and crafts, food, children’s games, and more. For more information, contact Ider City Hall at 256-657-4184

UFO Days

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

FYFFE, Ala.— On Aug. 29, Fyffe hosted their annual UFO Days.

Vendors from all over were set up with booths ranging from food to shirts to art. There was live music, a car show, food, games, and even a pony ride. Vendors came from all over from places such as Louisiana and Florida.

Town Clerk Bradi Clayton has been working with UFO days for the past 7 years. “Mayor Larry Lingerfelt and Councilman Roy Collins started this event back in 2005. The conversation actually began at Jack’s Restaurant,” Clayton said. UFO Days is all about the hot air balloons that fly over the town. “Unfortunately the balloons were unable to fly this year because of the wind. They are very careful to look at the weather conditions before flying.” Clayton said she “doesn’t have a favorite part” because it’s all fun for her. “I love meeting new people. I have vendors that come from as far as South Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and this year even Louisiana. I cannot forget our local vendors that also participate in the event.

The balloons are such a peaceful experience and beautiful to watch, unfortunately they were not able to fly this year.

The entertainment we have is awesome. We are so fortunate to have outstanding talent in DeKalb

County and surrounding areas.The antique tractors and cars are a wonderful asset to the festival. It is interesting to me to see how the cars and tractors have evolved over the years.

And the food is just always something to look forward to in the upcoming year.”

Signing his work as W.H. Wax, he made the trip with his wife from Farmerville, Louisiana. His artwork is inspired by Norman Rockwell, Wax said. This was his first time at UFO Days, but Wax has been all over the country, but is mainly familiar with the mid-west.

“I’m also a children’s book illustrator. I have publishing houses in Louisiana and California,” Wax said. He and his wife are away from their home every weekend of the year, doing about 50 shows a year. “I’ve really enjoyed this show. It’s just like the south: organized, helpful, and full of good people.”

The car show was a hit as well with cars all over the field. One car in particular caught the eyes of many. Wilbur and Alice Cowart are the owners of a Dove Blue 1966 type 2 Westfalia S0-42 Volkswagen Camper. The Cowarts purchased this camper in 2003, taking 5 years to restore. Since then the couple has put about 18,000 miles on it. It was fully restored by the couple themselves in Blake Community located in Fort Payne. The camper consists of 2 back benches which fold into a bed, a small table in the middle, and two front seats.

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Thursday–September 3, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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Thursday–September 3, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FAITH

100%

allowance each week. $1.00. A fortune. My mother would come to me each week and hand me 90 cents in one hand. And my offering envelope in the other hand. The offering envelope had a dime sealed in it. Mother expected me to fill out the envelope myself. But she made sure that I understood that I needed to give God a dime of my allowance every week. For you non-church goers, that made me a tither.

Mother wanted me to grow up to be a tither. So she pushed me a little down the path. I could do

By Dr. John E. Morgan what I wanted with the 90 cents.

Pastor - Collinsville Baptist Church But not the dime. And to this day I My mother used offering envelopes tithe. Thank you mother. to teach me a lot about giving and My mother also taught me with the church. But I had to teach myself rest of the envelope. I was the main lesson I learned from guaranteed to be present and on them. time and attending preaching. She Dalewood Baptist in Nashville also made sure I had my Bible with used offering envelopes with a me. That got me to 60% on the weekly report card at the bottom. scale before I began the rest of it.

As I remember it, the bottom had My mother taught me that church seven squares with different attendance – Sunday School and percentages on them. Present Worship – was something a 20%. On Time 10%. Lesson Studied Christian did. We never, ever 30%. Bible Brought 10%. Read missed church. Not even on Bible Daily 10%. Attending vacation. And I still am at church Preaching 20%. If you marked every Sunday. And I always have them all, you were 100% for the my Bible (a friend once told me day. that he could tell at a interdenomiMy mother taught me about giving national service which people with that envelope. I got an were Baptists – the ones with their

Bibles).

To be sure you understand. She taught me to tithe and be in church because she wanted me to understand that is what a Christian does. And I do it today because I want to do it. Not because I have to do it.

Mother also wanted us to do our best in church or school. So she pushed us during the week to study our lesson and read our Bible. That meant that pretty much every Sunday of my life when I turned in my offering envelope, I was 100%. And today I live the importance of being in church, tithing and reading my Bible. How thankful I am to my mother for teaching about living a Christian life.

But there was one more lesson from the offering envelope. I was 100% each week. The other ten or so boys in my class came from families that taught them the same lessons. So they were often 100%.

As was the teacher. Everybody was 100%. We worked at it. Our whole class. Except for Jimmy.

Jimmy went to school with me and was my friend. We would sit together at lunch. Play on the playground together. Jimmy’s and his family were members at our church. But Jimmy seldom came.

I kept the class attendance book.

Each week I counted up the offering and marked each member in the book. 100%. 100%. Etc. Until I got to Jimmy’s page in the book.

Jimmy – 0%. Not present again.

I would ask him each week to come. He would smile. Knowing he was not coming. Knowing it frustrated me.

You see, I wanted our whole class to be 100%. And we couldn’t do that if Jimmy did not come. If we were a 100% class we might even get mentioned in front of the whole church. Oh, the glory.

I asked my teacher if we could just drop Jimmy off the class list. He did not think that was a good idea.

So I continued in frustration.

Until one day in my teens. When I realized that Jimmy was more important than our class being 100%. That our class attendance book would be gone some day.

But Jimmy would not. So I continued to invite him, encourage him. But not because I was worried about 100%. Because I was worried about Jimmy. Because being a Christian means you care about people. That was the final lesson I learned from the offering envelope. Jesus loves people. And so should we.

A moment with Megan

My mother used offering envelopes to teach me a lot about giving and church. But I had to teach myself the main lesson I learned from them.

By Megan Blansit

Director of The Beautiful Movement - a youth ministry for high school girls. For more information, visit The Beautiful Movement’s Facebook page, where I post the time, place, and activity for each month

Hi friends! A new season is vastly approaching and if you are a female, I assume you are bouncing off-the-wall excited for boots, scarfs, and pumpkin flavored lattes (I know I am!) Males, I also assume you are excited about football, bonfires, and hunting. The leaves are about to begin changing and then before you know it, BOOM, the holidays are here. The seasons seem to be going by faster and faster each year; It seems like just yesterday I was pinning bathing suits and workout routines on Pinterest.

Not every second of every season is exciting and full of life. For example, fall is beautiful but then once the leaves change colors and the leaves die off, the trees look bare and empty. The scenery went from fab to drab… real fast! As I ponder on how quick the seasons change I am quickly reminded how constant the love of Christ is. I am so thankful to serve a God who doesn’t change from day to day or season to season. His word confirms his commitment, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever,” Hebrews 13:8. That’s enough to shout about, friend!

When I think about God’s love being constant, despite the season we are going through in our lives, or when we want Jesus and when we don’t,

my mind goes to the woman at the well. The Bible never mentions her name, and I believe it is because the Lord respects her privacy. She went to the well at a time no one else would go (noon.) I mean, who likes being outside during the hottest part of the day?!

Perhaps she went during this time because she did not want to see anyone.

In John 4:9, the Samaritan woman is confused to why a jew is even talking to her (they are not suppose to associate with each other) and two, she is curious to why someone would be at a well without a bucket (verse 11.) Keep in mind she also does not know that it is Jesus who she is talking to. Next, Jesus tells her that He has better water to give her. Verse 13 says, “Everyone who drinks

this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst…”

Turns out, Jesus wasn’t taking a water break! He was sitting there WAITING FOR HER; He had something He wanted to give her! How powerful is that? Jesus had a purpose: to pursue her.

Let me relate this to present day, maybe someone reading this is trying everything possible to fill their “bucket” of happiness but the results just aren’t successful, leaving you feeling empty inside. It is as if the Lord is sitting there waiting on each of us to quit trying to pursue other things that bring temporary happiness, and just pursue Him. He supplies joy, peace, love, hope and a future.

Despite anything we’ve done, just like The Samaritan woman who had been with multiple men, He still loves!

Nothing we’ve done can separate us from the love of Christ. Despite her sin, he wanted her and deemed her as someone worth waiting for. There has been times in my own life where I’ve felt forgotten or alone and then I realize Jesus never left me, I chose to leave him. Just like the woman at the well, Jesus is pursuing us. I pray that you would fill up on Jesus’ love for you today!

Please, don’t keep Him waiting. There is no reason for any of us to walk around feeling empty today. Turn on a

worship song, pray to him, dig into His word…

He wants you, friend. In closing, just like the woman at the well, He is waiting for you. Jesus knows the season you are in right now, whether its good or bad, and He is saying, “Come to me, I’ve got what you need.”

This weeks challenge: Friends, you don’t know what season the person next to you is in; It could be good or bad. I think it is safe to say that if you are human, life can get chaotic. Work can be stressful, the kids may be out of hand, the weight of school stress can be overbearing, and the list can go on and on…and on! But, I want to challenge you, despite the season you are in, to be constant with your love towards others (just like Christ.) I will take it a step further and challenge you, friends, to buy someones meal behind you in line at McDonalds or your fast food restaurant of choice.

I am confident that its little acts of kindness that can mean the world to someone. You may hold the key to someones new season of joy! I’ve quickly found that doing small acts of kindness fills my own “bucket” of happiness as well. Please join with me in striving to love others just as Christ has loved us.

As always, thank you for reading. I will see you next week.

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Thursday–September 3, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

SPORTS

Sports Editor, Marla Jones Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

Fierce Battle Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Sylvania traveled to Sardis for their season opener. To say that the game was a fight to the bitter end, would be a understatement.

Rams took the early jump leading the Lions 21-7 until Sardis

answered back with two touchdowns.

Going into the half, the score was tied 21-21.

Caleb Roebuck, started the third quarter, in style, with 82-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

His second TD for the night.

The game was tied 35-35 but with 8:07 left in

the game, Sardis got the upper hand. Sardis tackled Roebuck in the end zone bringing the score to 37-35. The pieces of the Ram puzzle started falling with fumbles and interceptions.

The final score was Sardis 50-35. Caleb Roebuck led the Rams with 225 rushing yards.

Ethan Dover was the leading tackler with 7.

Plainview vs. Glencoe Heath Thrash, Sports Reporter

Plainview Bears traveled to Glencoe for their season opener.

Glencoe struck early with a blocked punt that was ran back for a 7-0 lead.

In the second quarter, Glencoe’s Austin Bush scored twice. Once on a 11-yard run with the PAT being good and then with a 6-yard sneak. Going into the half, Glencoe led 20-0.

The third quarter started rough for

Plainview. A Plainview snap went over the quarterbacks head into the end zone for a safety, giving a early third quarter lead to 22-0.

Aaron Bush and Austin Bush claimed two more Glencoe TD’s to make the score 36-0.

In the 4th, Plainview tried to bridge the gap with a TD from Ben Williamson and one from Jacob Wooten. It proved not to be enough for a Bear victory. Final, Glencoe 43-13.

The Rivalry Continues Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Geraldine hosted the season opener against the returning State Champions, Fyffe Red Devils. The stadium was full of electricity as the players ran onto the field and fans gathered.

Fyffe struck early with a 18-yard run from Dilan Kilpatrick, taking the Fyffe lead to 7-0.

Geraldine answered back with a 97-yard touchdown by Steven Hood and PAT from Illar Garcia. With only minutes left in the first quarter, Will Mashburn scored with a 3-yard TD for Fyffe. The PAT was no

good.

In the second quarter, the Devils racked up 20 more unanswered points including a 46 yard TD from Kilpatrick and a 8 yard pass from Mashburn to Cyle Collins.

Geraldine must of had a pep talk from new head coach, Brad Waldrop, during the half. They came charging back with a 72 yard touchdown from Steven Hood. The PAT from Garcia was good. No one scored in the fourth and Fyffe remained on top with the final being 33-14.

Fyffe’s top rusher was Dilan Kilpatrick with 8 attempts and 225 yards rushing.

All Hope was Lost Amy Thrash, Sports Reporter

Fort Payne started their season off against New Hope in non-region play.

If there was any question how Fort Payne would fare after the loss of several key players, they quickly reassured all doubt.

New Hope had a 79-yard drive to the Wildcats 1-yard line. Fort Payne forced the fourth

down and kept them from the end zone.

Fort Paynes, Tyler Berry added the first touchdown with less than 5 seconds remaining in the first.

During the second quarter, Desmon Turner scored a touchdown, making the Wildcat led to 14-0.

New Hope scored their only points during the third quarter with a 48-yard TD from Jonate

Cotton. Desmon Turner answered back with his Wildcat touchdown.

The fourth quarter was all Fort Payne, The Wildcats pounced on New Hope with 21 unanswered points, Desmon Turner with a 2-yard TD, Will Anderson with a pick six and last but not least, a 10-yard scoring run from Nick Ridgeway.

Final Score, Fort Payne wins 42-7.

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Thursday–September 3, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

SPORTS

IDER

Hornets take on the tigers Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Ider Hornets travelled to Valley Head where new coach, Sam Graham made his debut.

The first quarter belonged to Ider. They had 26 unanswered points, including three touchdowns by running back, Jarrett Palmer. A one-yard TD by Jacob Higdon and 2 PAT’s by Jay Lea.

During the second, Valley Head Quarterback, Ethan Harrison connected with Kyle Miller for a touchdown pass. Devin Lepps bought in the extra two points. Ider responded back with 2 more touchdowns from Dylan McMahon and Ryan Adams. Going into the half, Ider led 40-8.

Valley Head started the third quarter with a 31-yard TD and two point

was awarded Southern Torch Team of the Week for their win over rival Valley Head

conversion by Lepps. Ider struck last in the last in the third quarter with a 21-yard run from Palmer and a PAT by Lea, In the fourth quarter, Lepps scored a 78-yard run but the PAT was no good.

Ider defeated Valley Head, 47-22.

Ider Hornets travelled to Valley Head where new coach, Sam Graham made his debut.

Cedar Bluff Game

Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

“We’ve gotta clean up our mistakes. We can’t put the ball on the ground. We can’t miss tackles.” That was Collinsville Coach Ernie Willingham talking to his team after the Panthers lost a back and forth game to Cedar Bluff 33-26.

Mistakes and penalties were plentiful for Collinsville as well as heat cramps – in the

second half runner after runner had to be helped off the field with cramps.

And the Panthers did fumble six times, losing three.

And yet, half way through the fourth quarter, Collinsville had fought back to take a one point lead, 26-25. I looked as if the Panthers were going to overcome their early season problems. Then Cedar Bluff quarterback Joshua Decker took over. He had a great night – 9 of 15

passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns and 141 yards and two touchdowns rushing.

But Collinsville had their own leaders on the night. They had three rushers with over a hundred yards – Gerald Blakely with 126 yards, Trenton Nash with 115 and Dallas Reed with 134 rushing and 37 receiving.

They each scored a touchdown with Reed adding another. Behind their running the Panthers grabbed a 13-0

James Williams Photography James Williams, Owner Geraldine, AL (256) 996-0288

jameswilliamsphotography@yahoo.com

lead. Cedar Bluff mixed passes and running to tie the game in the second.

That led to the first big turning point.

Collinsville went on a ten play drive preparing to take back the lead before half time. On fourth down, Reed carried the ball 18 yards to the three where he fumbled. Cedar Bluff broke a 40 yard run on the next play. A staggered Collinsville squad watched three plays later as Decker hit a 40 yard pass for a touchdown giving the Tigers a 19-13 lead at the half. It was a 14 point swing and huge momentum change.

In the second half, another Collinsville fumble led to Cedar Bluff scoring and taking a two touchdown lead.

Momentum finally swung back to Collinsville as they had an 11 play, 85 yard drive for one touchdown then scored another after Cedar Bluff’s only turnover of the night.

There it was – 26-25 with seven minutes left.

Collinsville needed a couple of stops for the win and the mistakes

could be forgotten.

And then Decker took over. Collinsville would only have the ball for one more play from scrimmage – its third fumble loss of the night. Decker would lead a TD drive and a clock killing drive. The Tigers had the ball for 17 plays from scrimmage in those two drives. Decker completed two passes.

And he ran 13 times, picking up first down after first down most of it behind the left side of his line. He just would not be stopped.

And so Collinsville lost its first game of the year in spite of outgaining the Tigers by fifty yards. After the game, Willingham added, “I am proud of you. You played hard. You played your guts and your hearts out. You wouldn’t quit.

But sometimes it just doesn’t show up on the scoreboard.”

Collinsville begins area play this week as they travel to West End.

Sports Moments & More Photography Kristy Gallagher 256-605-4048

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Thursday–September 3, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

SPORTS

Southern Torch Fans of the Week Ashley Wigley-Thomas holding Fyffe's new fan, Crue Thomas. Shawn Wigley holding Hunter Wigley and Bella Thomas.

Submit your fan pics to Southern Torch on Facebook and Twitter each Friday night!

Mr. Roger Dale Harcrow

OBITUARIES

Age 64, of Sylvania passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2105. Funeral services are set for 4pm Saturday, August 29, 2015 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bros. Clay Keef and Anthony Pannell officiating. Burial will be in Greens Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8pm Thursday and from 8am until 8pm on Friday at W. T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Harcrow; sons, Chris (Kriston) Harcrow and Gary Harcrow; daughters, Melissa Mulligan and Teresa (Roger) Keel; stepsons, Steven Henderson and Michael Henderson; brothers, Roy (Ben) Harcrow, Calvin Harcrow, and Orman Harcrow; sisters, Ora Prestige, Bobbie Ann, Becky Overton, Pat Guffey, and Paulette Highland; 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Pauline Harcrow; sisters, Genila Nance and Genell Owens; and brother, Doys Harcrow. He was a member of New Genesis Baptist Church and retired from The Gas House.

Mr. James Clyde Wisner

Age 96, of Rainsville passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2015. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2015 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Town Creek Cemetery. Bro. Glen Bruce will be officiating. The Family will receive Friends from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, August 27,2015 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements Entrusted to W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. *Survivors* Wife, Marie Carlise Wisner; Son, Rickey & Cheryl Wisner; Sister, Jane Reuter; Brother, Robert Morris; Grandchild, Amanda Brisky & Patrick Wisner; Great Grandchildren, Amberly Wisner, Andrew Wisner, Elizabeth Brisky. Flowers will be accepted or donations to Chavies Baptist Church

Ms. Teresa Doris Mason Jordan

Age 64, of Crossville passed away on Friday, Aug. 28, 2015. Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015 at 2PM from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel, burial will follow in the Plunkett Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015 from 5-8PM from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

*Survivors* Daughter, Kelli Simpson; Sons, Diego Reynoso with his wife, Angie, and Nakia Reynoso with his partner, Robert, and their dog, Tyson; Mother, Pauline Kirby; Sister, Alice Toler; Brother, Davis Cleveland; Grandchildren, Juan Solis, Kaden Reynoso, Heather Panell Frazier, Raven Hirst, Tiffany LaRue, Ryan LaRue, Breanna LaRue, Johnathan Simpson; Great Grandchild- Anthony Davis

Ms. Nellie Mae Perez

Age 65 of Ft. Payne passed away on Friday, August 28, 2015. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, Sept 5, 2015 at 2PM from the Abundant Life Church with Bro Autry Barnhill officiating, burial will follow in the New Testament Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Friday, Sept 4, 2015 from 5-8PM from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

*Survivors* Daughters, Teresa Coftrell and Valorie Coftrell; Sons, David Briggs and Vincent Coftrell; Brothers, Willie and Eddie Briggs; 20 Grandchildren 3 Great Grandchildren

Mrs. Betty Ruth Conally Holbrooks

Age 73, of Crossville passed away Saturday, August 29, 2015. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015 from the Crossville 1st Baptist Church with burial to follow in Lathanville cemetery. The Family will receive friends from the Crossville 1st Baptist Church on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015 from 1-3 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted to W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

*Survivors* Daughter, Marsha (Ronnie) Bearden; Son, Darren Holbrooks; Sisterin-Law, Etoyle Connally; Grandchildren, Grant Bearden, Brock Bearden, Lance Bearden, John Michael Holbrooks; Pallbearers-Danny Harding, Grant Bearden, John Holbrooks, Dylan (Buck) Courson, Brock Bearden, Lance Bearden

Mr. Rodney Preston Langley

Age 43, of Sand Rock passed away Saturday, August 30, 2015. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 from the Big Rock Congregational Holiness Church with burial to follow in Big Rock cemetery. The Family will receive Friends at the Church from 12-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2015. Arrangements Entrusted to W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

*Survivors* Parents, Marvin & Gracie Langley of Sand Rock, AL; Brothers, Jason Langley & Marcia; Josh Langley; Chad Langley; Tony Brown & Trisha; Nephew, Dylan Langley & Laura; Chance Langley; Connor Langley; Cory Langley; Niece, Emily Langley; Erin Langley; Aubrey Langley; Great Nephew, Caleb Edmondson; Great Niece, GraceLeigh Langley. The Family will accept Flowers; However, Donations can also be made to Cherokee Health & Rehab or Big Rock Congregational Holiness Church in honor of Rodney’s life.Mr.

James Floyd “Jimmy” Smothers

Age 82 of Glencoe (formerly of) Geraldine passed away Monday, August 31, 2015 in Gadsden Regional Hospital. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at 2PM from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Billy Smothers and Rev Charles Beshears officiating, burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Thursday, Sept 3, 2015 from 1-2PM from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Survived by A Host of Family and Friends.

Mrs. Beatrice Dial Ramza

(June 4, 1919 - Aug. 27, 2015) Funeral 2:00 PM on Sunday 8-30-15 at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne

Visitation from 4:00 PM-8:00 PM on Saturday 8-29-15 at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne. Burial at Mt. Herman Cemetery. Officiating will be Dr. Perry Brindley III & Dr. John Screws. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Second Baptist Church Lottie Moon Christmas Fund 1021 Grand Ave. Nw Fort Payne, Al 35967.

Children, Jerrie Dial Brindley (Perry)-Weaverville, NC, Linda Dial Willis (Jerry)Ooltewah, TN & Charles Dial-Pell City, AL; Step-Daughters, Diane Ramza Payton (Thomas)Collinsville, AL & Elaine Ramza Thomas (Scotty)-Fort Payne, AL; Sister, Jean Scott-Decatur, AL; 7 Grandchildren, 15 Great-Grandchildren & 8 Great Great-Grandchildren. Preceded in death by: Husband of 20 years Luther Dial, Husband of 34 years Ernest Ramza and Several Brothers & Sisters. Mrs. Ramza was a lifelong member of Second Baptist Church in Fort Payne, AL where she served faithfully for many years.

Mr. Coy Arnold Crow

(Jul. 17, 1950 - Aug. 30, 2015) Memorial Service at 3:00 PM on Saturday 9-5-15 at Burt Chapel-Valley Head. Visitation from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM on Saturday 9-5-15 at Burt ChapelValley Head.

Mrs. Betty Jean Portwood

Age 83 of Dawson, AL died Monday, August 24, 2015 at Collinsville Health Care. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 27, 2015 at 2pm from Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Thomas Wallace officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Tabor Cemetery with Rainsville Funeral Home, Inc. directing, www.rainsvillefuneralhome.com. Visitation will be Thursday, August 27th from 11am-2pm. Survivors: Husband: J.B. Portwood of Dawson, AL; 1 Son: John L. Portwood and wife Melba J. of Dawson, AL; 1 Daughter: Regina Brown and husband Ray of Dawson, AL; 3 Brothers: E.D. Nelson of Dawson, AL; Lavon Nelson of Fyffe, AL; Robbie Nelson of Crossville, AL; 4 Sisters: Virginia Marks of Rainsville, AL; Ogara Wallace of Crossville, AL; Deloise Nelson of Rainsville, AL; Shelia Armstrong of Hixson, TN.

Visitation: Rainsville Funeral Home, Inc. Thursday, August 27th from 11am-2pm.

Services: Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel Thursday, August 27, 2015 at 2pm. Interment: Mount Tabor Cemetery Following Service.

Ed Pettyjohn, Jr.

Age 76 of Henagar. Service Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 3:00 pm Kerby Funeral Home Chapel Officiating Bro. David Hairston Bro. Jimmy Shankles Interment Henagar Methodist Cemetery Survivors Wife: Kaye Pettyjohn of Henagar Son: Ed Pettyjohn, III and wife Ashley of Mentone Daughter: Alice Pettyjohn of Rainsville Grandchildren: Anslee, Asa, and Eli Pettyjohn Sister: Jean Pettyjohn Chesnutt and husband Pat of Tryon, NC Nieces: Sally Barrett and husband Larry Alice Krabber and husband David Kathryn Gillie and husband Craig Preceded in Death Parents: Edward Pettyjohn, Sr. and wife Alice In Lieu of Flowers please make donation to Henagar Baptist Church. Visitation: Saturday from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. Services: Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 3:00 pm Kerby Funeral Home Chapel.

Interment: Henagar Methodist Cemetery.

Edna Tate

Survivors Husband of 49 Years: Fred O. Tate 2 Daughters: Mary Ann Vargas & Theresa Tate 2 Brothers: Sonny Fuller & Sam Fuller 3 Sisters: Bonnie Stillwell, Louise Calloway & Shirley Godwin 4 Grandchildren: Alexis Vargas, Anna Vargas, Asia Vargas & Alissa Vargas Preceded in Death Parents: John & Thelma Fuller 1 Sister-in-Law: Sharon Fuller 1 Niece: Sherry Fuller. Visitation: Kerby Funeral Home Monday, August 31, 2015 from 11am-8pm Tuesday, September 1, 2015 from 8am-11am. Services: Kerby Funeral Home Chapel Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 11am. Interment: Concord Cemetery in Villanow, GA Following Service.

Gordon Wayne Ellis

Age 77 of Ider died Wednesday, August 26 at his residence. Funeral services are Friday at 4 pm ct at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Frankie Carroll and Bro. Keith Stanford officiating. Family will receive friends from 12 noon until service time. Survivors include sons, Greg Ellis and Jason Ellis, grandchildren, Barbara Ellis, Cole Howell, Mikayla Miller, Kristy Nance(Jody), Stephanie Ray, great-grandchildren, Savannah, Alexis, Jaskson and Zander Nance, McKenzie and Gracean Cooper, Leah Howell, brother, Darrell “Sam” Ellis(Johnnie), sisters, Sue Culbert(Calvin), Penny Haswell.

Mr. Ellis was a retired mechanic and member of Fairview Church of God. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Gordon and Robbie Sue Walls Ellis, wife, JoAnn Bethune Ellis, sons, Chuck Allen Ellis, Stacy Glen Ellis, brother, Kenneth Brown and sister, Bobbie Jo Davis.

Norman Everett Phillips

Age 66 of Ider died Thursday, August 27 at his residence. The family will have a private memorial service. Survivors include sons, Mitchell Phillips and Brandon Phillips, brother and sister-in-law, David and Madonna Phillips. Mr. Phillips served in the US Army and was retired from Wheland Foundry. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Norman and Betty Parmer Phillips.

Clarence “Nubbin” Roberts

Age 92 of Pisgah died Friday, August 28 at his residence. Funeral service are Monday at 11 am at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Mike O’Dell and Bro. Neal Smith officiating. Burial will follow Friendship cemetery. Family will receive friends from 1 to 6 pm on Sunday and 9am until service time on Monday. Survivors include daughter, Joan Gant, grandchildren, Nicole Gant, Jessica Roberts, Tammy Roberts, Scott Roberts, great-grandchildren, Kate Arnold, Cali Swain, daughter-in-law, Shela Roberts, sister-in-laws, Pat Shavers and Helen Shavers. Mr. Roberts was a WW II veteran serving in the US Marines and a

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Thursday–September 3, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

OBITUARIES retired Machinist. He was preceded in death by his parents, Berry Lee and Norra Lee Bailey Roberts, wife, Essie Mae Shavers Roberts, son, Wayne Roberts, grandson, Tyler Gant, sonin-law, Calvin Gant, infant sister, Stella Roberts, brothers, Bill, Bob, Red and Joe Roberts.

Bertha Louise Smith Blevins

Age 84 of Henagar died Saturday, August 29 surrounded by her family. Funeral service are Monday at 2 pm ct at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Steve Lea officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain Home cemetery. Family will receive friends from 3 to 8 pm Sunday and 10 am until service time on Monday. Survivors include daughters, Martha McCurdy(Bobby), Rhonda Troxel White(Larry), Kathy Hester(Lamar), son, Jimmy Blevins(Rhonda), grandchildren, Brian McCurdy, Bruce McCurdy(Jennifer), Scott Troxtel(Brandi), Kelly O’Dell(Matt), Britt Hester(Courtney), Matt Hester(Courtney), Derrick Blevins, Courtney Blevins, Larry Ledford Jr., great-grandchildren, Macie McCurdy, Sam and Reese McCurdy, Ashley and Brady O’Dell, brother, James “Snuffy” Smith(Connie).

Mrs. Blevins was retired from Buster Brown Apparel and was a member of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rufus and Mattie Ellis Smith, husband, T J Blevins, sister, Girta Lee(Buffington)Ivey, and brother, O O “Toad” Smith.

Susan Melissa Biddle Brewster

57, of Fort Payne, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2015. Funeral services will be 1 p.m.

Friday, August 28th at Wilson Funeral Home with Rev. Jimmy Carl Ball officiating. Burial

will follow in New Home Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 4 until 8 p.m. She is survived by her husband, Danny Brewster; parents, Paul and Norma Biddle; mother and father-in-law, Ray and Ethel Brewster; brothers, Gary Paul Biddle, Jason Alan Biddle; brother-in-law, Larry Brewster; sisters-in-law, Melissa Eve Biddle and Regina Rowland; nieces and nephews, Tonya Bobo, Leslie Rowland, Jesse Biddle, Jake Biddle, and Josh Biddle. Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Elizabeth

Ellen Boyer

85, of Rainsville, Alabama, formerly of Urbana, Ohio, passed away Friday, August 28, 2015 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. She was born February 23, 1930 in Urbana to the late Frank and Marietta Turner Gunsaulies. Mrs. Boyer was a homemaker and attended Faith Fellowship. She was an avid sports fan, but her first love and most faithful love, was her family. Graveside services will be held at Kingscreek Cemetery at 11 a.m. Friday, September 4, 2015. The family is accepting flowers or you may make a contribution to your favorite charity in her memory. She is survived by her sons, John Boyer and wife, Stephanie and Jim Boyer and wife, Sheri; step-children, Dan Boyer, Bonnie Sandstrom, and Beverly Fisher; brother, Pat Gunsaulies; 20 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and greatgreat-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Boyer; step-sons, Tom and Jack Boyer; sisters, Kathryn Moser, Dorothy Castle, and Barbara Slaughter; and a grandchild. Walter and Stowe Funeral Home in Urbana, Ohio is in charge of arrangements.

Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory announcing.

CRIME Date: 08/24/2015 Incidents

Criminal Mischief – Occurred at 603 9th street NW, a window was damaged, valued at $100.00 Discharge Firearm into an Unoccupied Dwelling – Occurred at 300 Sequoyah Drive NE Lot 139, a window was damaged, valued at $200.00

9 Arrests

Emanuel Cody Miguel, age 18 of Fort Payne, was arrested on Two Warrants for Sexual Abuse at 1:07 pm.

Stephen Thomas Brown, age 30 of Grove Oak, was arrested on a Court Order to Serve 5 Days at 4:45 pm.

Stephen Douglas Edmonds, age 37 of Cedar Bluff, was arrested on a Court Order to Serve 5 Days at 4:30 pm.

Joshua Nathan Loudermilk, age 25 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Probation Violation at 8:12 pm.

Brian Kelly Watts, age 46 of Section, was arrested on a Warrant for Probation Violation at 8:26 pm.

Gregory Allen Smith, age 29 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 9:58 pm.

8 Arrests

Mateo Martin Juan, age 18 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Underage Consumption of Alcohol at 12:05 am.

Darrin Wade Abbott, Jr., age 26 of Childersburg, was arrested for Driving under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana at 11:13 am.

Greg Owens, age 54 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Theft of Services at 2:30 pm.

Shawn Ray Willis, age 40 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Pay Fines at 2:30 pm.

Kalop Wayne Peppers, age 26 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Domestic Violence at 2:26 pm.

Nicholas Dion Chester, age 34 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 8:38 pm.

Miles Thomas Woodside, age 36 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Theft of Services, Resisting Arrest, and Assault at 9:02 pm.

Jennifer Diannia Waldrop, age 37 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Theft of Services and Resisting Arrest at 8:49 pm.

1 Accident with 0 Injuries

Date: 08/25/2015

Megan Lasha Hardeman, age 25 of Higdon, was arrested on a Warrant for Probation Violation at 9:58 pm.

Backup Weapons

Margaret Oxford Ross, age 55 of Valley Head, was arrested for Public Intoxication at 11:41 pm.

Todd Alexander Nunley, age 51 of Valley Head, was arrested for Domestic Violence and Public Intoxication at 11:41 pm.

1 Accident with 0 Injuries

Date: 08/25/2015 Incidents

Burglary – Occurred at 1022 Williams Ave NE, a Lorcin 22 pistol and a set of coins were taken, valued at $178.00 Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle – Occurred at 1600 Glenn Blvd SW, $10.00 in currency was taken and a window on a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta was damaged, valued at $310.00

5 Arrests

Gary Sterling Mattox, age 62 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Sexual Abuse at 9:48 am.

L D Brock, age 54 of Section, was arrested for Failing to Register at 10:38 pm.

Larry Richard Barnett, age 58 of Sylvania, was arrested for Failure to Pay Fines at 11:56 am.

Tanda Sue Northup, age 28 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Attempting to Elude at 12:49 pm.

Juan Manuel Lopez Jr., age 22 of Collinsville, was arrested on Two Revocation Warrants and Warrants for Contempt of Court and Failure to Pay Fines at 4:33 pm.

2 Accidents with 0 Injuries

Date: 08/26/2015 Incidents

Theft of Property – Occurred at 1614 Glenn Blvd SW, an AT&T IPhone 6 was taken, valued at $750.00 Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, Curve perfume, Revlon lipstick, Covergirl eye shadow, and May foundation makeup were taken, valued at $32.26 Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, two flour sacks and pack of underwear were taken, valued at $15.00

6 Arrests

Angel Desiree Womack, age 20 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Three Warrants for Theft of Property at 1:37 pm.

Sheriff Jimmy Harris states as follows: Sheriff Jimmy Harris reports that last month he announced that he was changing the policy at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office to where all certified deputies were to carry a concealed weapon on them at all times while off duty. His decision to do so was based on events occurring all over the world, especially these tragic events in the U.S. over the past several years. With ISIS infiltrating the U.S. and DeKalb County being a main route for drug curtail, he feels like there comes a time that all Law Enforcement and all law abiding citizens’ needs to be prepared. After receiving several bids on the handguns we decided to go with the Glock 43. We ordered 55 of the Glock 43’s that came in last week. The reason for purchase of these handguns is because the deputies are required to purchase their own on duty weapons.

These guns will remain the property of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and all deputies receiving a gun will have to go through an APOST certification designed for backup weapons. We are in the process at this time ordering ammo to go with the guns.

Sheriff Harris states “The cost for the guns and ammo will be between $22,000 and $25,000. We are still taking donations to help us pay for them and all donations are 100% tax deductible. If you would like to donate please contact us at 256-845-3801, 256-304-0469 or you can mail it to DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office 2801 Jordan Road SW, Fort Payne, AL 35968.”

Date: 08/25/2015 Inmate Death

Chief Jail Administrator Matt Martin reports that on August 21st there was an emergency call from inside a cell that inmate Kevin Daniel Hancock age 33 had harmed himself in the cell. Jail staff responded to the cell and found Hancock unresponsive. Staff performed CPR until DeKalb Ambulance service got to the DeKalb County Detention Center. Hancock was transported to DeKalb Regional Hospital where he was later transported to Huntsville Hospital on Saturday afternoon and Hancock passed away on Sunday.

Chief Jail Administrator Martin states “this is an unfortunate incident that has happened. We have trained our staff for incidents like this and make every effort to prevent these from happening.”

Sheriff Harris states “as soon as I was notified of the situation I contacted the State Bureau of Investigation. It is my policy to call them or another outside agency to investigate any incident of this nature that happens at our facility. Hancock had not shown any signs to our staff of being suicidal, but he had mentioned harming himself to his cellmate which the cellmate never communicated this to the correctional staff. At this time no further details will be released until the investigation is complete.”

Angela Renee McAbee, age 39 of Rainsville, was arrested for Theft of Property at 3:10 pm.

Date: 08/28/2015

Ashley Dawn Harris, age 25 of Crossville, was arrested on a Warrant for Theft of Property at 4:30 pm.

Sheriff Jimmy Harris states as follows:

Holly McCollum Vogt, age 59 of Rainsville, was arrested for Theft of Property at 4:45 pm.

Virgil Dale Wilson, age 57 of Section, was arrested on a Warrant for Insurance Violation at 7:37 pm.

Teresa Marie Muller, age 35 of Boaz, was arrested on a Warrant for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 11:40 pm.

1 Accident with 0 Injuries

Date: 08/27/2015 Incidents

Damaged Property – Occurred at 1201 Jordan Road SW, a shower rail and wall were damaged, valued at $500.00 Theft of Services – Occurred at 1302 Chitwood Ave SE, electrical services of $450.00 were taken

Four Arrested for Burglary Sheriff Jimmy Harris reports that on August 26th four individuals broke into the concession stand at the football stadium and in the old gym store at Valley Head High School. Approximately $250.00 in damage and items were taken.

School Resource Officers Jim Chambers, Tim Rector and Investigators found Waylon Burton, 19 of Valley Head, Patrick Sinns, 18 of Valley Head and a 17 year old juvenile in possession of items that were taken from the concession stand and old gym store. Burton and Sinns were recognized by faculty as former students at the school. Burton and Sinns were arrested and charged with Burglary 3rd and Receiving Stolen Property. On August 27th investigators found a 16 year old female as the fourth person that was involved with the burglary. Both juveniles were charged with Burglary 3rd and Receiving Stolen Property but remain in their parents’ custody.

Sheriff Harris states “This is great work by our School Resource Officers from Valley Head and Moonlake. This is another reason why we need to keep officers in every school. To not only protect the students and teachers but to be there for cases like this.”