The Southern Torch, Vol. 1, No. 16

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

/ FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 / VOL. 1, NO. 16 / $1.00

COMMUNITY

POLITICS

SPORTS

SCOTTSBORO BBQ COOKOFF

78/22 SPLIT BETWEEN EDUCATION & GENERAL FUND BUDGETS IS KEY…

TOUGH LOSS FOR FYFFE

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Remembering September 11, 2001

Sept. 11, 2001 is one of the darkest days in our nation’s history. Over 3,000 people were killed during the attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., Fourteen years later, 9-11 still affects us deeply. We will never forget.

Despite Mayor’s objections, Rainsville Council approves $1.5 million bond issue

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— Despite strong objection from Mayor Nick Jones, the Rainsville City Council voted to approve a $1.5 million bond issue Tuesday night that will eventually cost the city and residents an estimated $2.07

million by the time taxpayer dollars pay off the debt in 2030.

Jones, a banker by trade, warned the council that the city is already servicing over $8 million of debt in addition to subsidizing the NE Alabama Ag Center operations at a cost of approximately $24,000 per month.

“This bond issue might be something our city can afford, but that’s no reason to spend money unnecessarily,” Jones said. “As mayor, I have serious reservations about adding more debt to our current obligations and punting repayment down the road for another mayor and council to find a way to repay it. The way

it’s structured we’re looking at interest-only payments until 2023. That means the city will be paying over $300,000 in interest before we even begin to pay off the principal. I think that’s a bad way to enter into any kind of financial transaction.

After a heated exchange, the council voted to authorize

Southern Torch makes Friday debut

By Joseph Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

Southern Torch makes Friday debut, introduces expanded version of newspaper DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.—Southern Torch introduced the new, expanded version of the weekly newspaper today as the organization made its debut as a Friday publication. The newspaper announced earlier this week that they would be making the transition from a Thursday publication to a Friday publication in order to accommodate an increase in pages and

improve printing logistics.

“We are continuing to grow as an organization every day,” Southern Torch Publisher Joseph Morgan said. “That growth is allowing us to make some exciting changes, but we will still be bringing you all of the same great coverage of local news, sports, politics, community events and other topics we know are important to you. Our expansion and the change to a Friday publication only mean we will bringing more each week.”

Morgan said one of the additions to the

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Southern Torch is an expanded sports section and the introduction of “Southern Torch Gameday,” the comprehensive coverage each week of DeKalb County high school football including a special section that will appear in the Southern Torch each Friday.

Southern Torch Sports Editor Marla Jones said the newspaper’s expansion and move to Friday was a great opportunity to increase and improve current sports coverage.

“It’s an exciting time to be a part of Southern Torch,” Jones said. “In

addition to our weekly coverage from the games with live updates and scores, this expansion makes it possible for our newspaper to add Southern Torch Gameday to our sports section that will include a full review of each game from the previous week and a preview of what to watch for and expect in this week’s action in DeKalb County football.”

Look for Southern Torch at newsstands each week on its new publication day of Friday.

For information about Southern Torch subscriptions or advertising, contact 256-638-4040.

The Southern Torch – Southern Torch, Inc. News every Thursday.

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

the bond issue. Jones cast the only opposing vote and the ordinance passed 4-1— Councilwoman Melissa Ledbetter and councilmen Rodger Lingerfelt, Brandon Freeman and Joey Graham all voted to issue the bond.

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

Fort Payne Boom Days to host traditional music Hootenanny During the 10th Annual Boom Days celebration, the Fort Payne Opera House…

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THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

Gues Editorial: A letter from Mayor Nick Jones Dear Editor: From time to time, a city’s leadership will make consequential decisions that…

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THIS WEEK IN FAITH

A Moment with Megan: Purpose Beyond the Pain

Hi, friends, can I share with you a time I have been discouraged? Here is a little background of the story…

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THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

Ider on a roll Ider picked up their second win of the season against Gaylesville…

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PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 60 RAINSVILLE, AL

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Friday–September 11, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

Rainsville presents funds to DeKalb County Tech School

Rainsville Mayor, Chief of Police present check for $5,000 to DeKalb County Technical School. The funds were made available through the 2015 Rainsville Youth Day in the Park.

Mule Day

By Karah Wilson

IDER, Ala––––Ider hosted it’s 29th annual Mule Day this past Monday as a part of it’s Labor Day holiday. Mule Day is an event that shows Sand Mountain’s agricultural heritage. It consists of a parade including horses and mules.

There is also a car show, live music, food, booths, and children’s activities. Even though the event is held in Ider, people from all over DeKalb County, and even farther, come and celebrate the day.

Vendors also come from all over. Karen Duke is the owner of Heartstrings and Stitches.

Duke’s booth consisted of handcrafted dolls she sewed herself. Her ideas come from websites such as Etsy and Pinterest. “This is my second Mule Day, but I have been making these dolls since 2009,” Duke said. On display were also some of her paintings. “I painted in high school but I’ve really been doing it for a couple of years.” Duke attends most of

the events in the fall such as Mule Day. Some vendors are even right out of Ider. Sisters Homemade Crafts is a project made from Debbie Evans and Dianne Hoffmann. Evans is the owner of the business and taught Hoffmann how to make the crafts. Evans has been making these crafts for four years but Mule Days was the first event for the women. The crafts included cross-stitch crafts and more. “I convinced her to showcase the work,” Hoffmann said about Evans.

“We will definitely come back next year. So far it’s been good!”

The Ider chapter of the Alabama Homemakers also had a booth set up. The Alabama Homemakers have been in existence since 1926.

The Homemakers have one fundraiser a year. The members sew a quilt together and auction it off at an event. All the proceeds go to those who need it, such as the Boy Scout’s, Ider band, and the drug store.

Another thing the Homemakers do is create something called “boo boo babies” which are dolls made of socks which are given to the health clinic for children who have to get shots. “Those are really a hit,” President Jean Hensley said. “The Homemakers have been a part of Mule Day for at least twenty years,” Hensley said.

Mule Day saw one of its largest crowds this year. If you wish to be a part of the vendors next year, contact Ider Town Hall at (256) 657-4184 and don’t forget to be a part of the crowd next Labor Day.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

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

Fort Payne Boom Days Surprise to host traditional music Homecoming Hootenanny

By Joseph Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— During the 10th Annual Boom Days celebration, the Fort Payne Opera House will spring into life with a vibrant celebration of Southern traditional music styles at the Boom Days Hootenanny event, a free show on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.

Grammy awardwinning Bluegrass legend Norman Blake along with accomplished

Bluegrass banjoist Jim Connor, Alabama Bluesman Russell Gulley and rising Blues star Jontavious Willis will perform a dynamic mix of traditional forms of American roots music as part of the Boom Days festival’s focus on celebrating local heritage and culture.

Grammy winner Norman Blake’s appearance will compliment his performance at Boom Day’s Verizon Wireless Stage earlier in the day.

Blake is perhaps best known for his inclusion on the Grammy-winning “O Brother Where Art Thou” soundtrack and his decades of performing with such legends as Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and many others.

Fort Payne’s Boom Days Heritage Celebration enters its 10th year during 2015 and has been designated by the State of Alabama Department of Tourism as the official “Alabama Event of the Year” for 2015, beating out thousands of other nominated events.

repurposed goods. There will also be live entertainment and food vendors.

General admission pricing is $6 for both today and tomorrow. The times for today are 12 P.M. to 5 P.M. and tomorrow’s times are 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. There will be a priority picking for

today only. Those times are 9 A.M. to 12 P.M. and will be $15. This will include a private 3 hour shopping event. The address for the event is 202 Farmer Road. For more information, you can go to the event’s Facebook page.

Vintage pickin’ barn sale

By Karah Wilson

FYFFE, Ala.— Today and tomorrow, Fyffe will be hosting the Vintage Pickin’ Barn Sale. The sale will be a marketplace including farmhouse, primitives, rustic junk, industrial, shabby and French country, and

Scottsboro BBQ cookoff

By Karah Wilson

FYFFE, Ala.— Today and tomorrow, Fyffe will be hosting the Vintage Pickin’ Barn Sale. The sale will be a marketplace including farmhouse, primitives, rustic junk, industrial, shabby and French country, and repurposed goods. There will also be live entertainment and food vendors.

General admission pricing is $6 for both

today and tomorrow. The times for today are 12 P.M. to 5 P.M. and tomorrow’s times are 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. There will be a priority picking for today only. Those times are 9 A.M. to 12 P.M. and will be $15. This will include a private 3 hour shopping event. The address for the event is 202 Farmer Road. For more information, you can go to the event’s Facebook page.

Brothers Cody Yarborough, Left, and Nicko Ortiz, Right, reunite for Cody’s surprise early homecoming from National Guard training on 9/4/15

By Karah Wilson

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— On Sept. 4, Nicko Ortiz was given one of the best surprises he could ever ask for. Ortiz is a football player for the Fort Payne Wildcats. During the pep rally on Friday, Ortiz was called down from the stands to the middle of the gym floor. When he turned around, his brother was standing behind him.

His brother, Cody Yarborough, had been gone for 5 months for schooling for the National Guard. “I was away doing BCT and AIT, which is schooling for my

MOS. now I’m MOSQ and my job now in the military is a military police officer,” Yarborough said. “Since I am in the National Guard, I am here to stay. I hope to get a job in law enforcement. I also want to go back to school.”

“I knew he was supposed to be home Friday night, but I wasn’t expecting him to be at the pep rally,” Ortiz said.

“I had a friend of my moms help set up the surprise. She informed Coach Ellis and Coach Ellis informed everybody else on the football team to make it happen for me and my little brother,” Yarborough said. The brother’s homecoming was blasted onto social media over the weekend.

“The reaction to me coming home has been awesome. I’m glad to be back and it seems like everybody else is just as happy to have me back. It feels good!”

Yarborough had been gone for 5 months and it wasn’t easy for him. “The hardest thing about those 5 months being gone was being away from my little boy! When I left he just turned one year old, but he and I both plan on picking back up where we left off!” Yarborough said. The absence wasn’t easy for Ortiz, either.

“The best part was seeing not just my brother but knowing my best friend was back home.”

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

OPINION Guest Editorial: A letter from Mayor Nick Jones Mayor Nick Jones submitted the letter below to Southern Torch earlier this week. He and the council have since met, where the council voted in favor of the $1.5 million. Jones was the only dissenting vote against the measure that is predicted to cost the city $2.07 million

Dear Editor: From time to time, a city’s leadership will make consequential decisions that will impact the city and its people for years to come. As an elected official, I believe major decisions should be accompanied with a mandate from the people.

Good public policy can only be successful if the will of the people is both respected and accommodated. Rainsville has certainly had her fair share of important decisions since our 1956 incorporation. The decision to create a sewer system has proven to be monumental in the

development of our community. The construction of the Civic Center brought together people like few other projects could. The Field of Dreams complex has been a tremendous amenity to our city. The construction of the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center was certainly a big undertaking for a city our size and it will take years to realize the actual impact of the facility on Rainsville and the surrounding areas.

Currently, the Rainsville city leadership is weighing a $1.5 million bond issue to spend on paving roads and paying off a $300,000 line of credit for the Public Building Authority, the entity who owns the Agri-Business Center.

The missing link is the mandate from the public.

I have talked with a few citizens about the new debt and questions arise about the details of the proposed deal.

The $1.5 million bond issue calls for interest

only payments until 2023. That is approximately $325,000 in interest before principal payments begin. Total principal and interest paid by the city at payoff in 2030 will be approximately $2.07 million.

Currently the city’s debt stands at $4.02 million.

The new bond issue would increase it to $5.55 million. Additionally, the city services the Public Building Authority’s debt which stands at $4.15 million. Through debt service and subsidizing the Agri-Business Center’s operations, the city contributes approximately $24,000 per month to the Public Building Authority.

Given the proposal, the aggregate debt that would be serviced by the City of Rainsville, would stand at approximately $9.4 million. This does not include a current sewer expansion proposal on the table which would be at least another $1.5 million in USDA debt. If the sewer expansion is carried out

as proposed our total debt would be pushing $11 million. Currently, the City of Rainsville collects approximately $4 million per year in taxes.

We collect an additional $1 million from sanitation and sewer customers; and combined, those proprietary funds operate at small deficit which is covered by the general fund (taxes). With the new proposed debt, the city’s debt service and Agri-Business Center expenses combined would consume nearly a quarter of our tax revenue.

I write this letter to inform the people of Rainsville of the proposals being considered. This is a really big deal for our city and I have heard very little in the form of a mandate from the people of Rainsville. I want to know whether the people of Rainsville want this deal for our city. I want to know if they want it restructured. I want to know if they want it

rejected all together. As mayor, I have serious reservations about adding more debt to our current obligations as well as punting repayment down the road for another mayor and council to find a way to repay it – whether that is through cuts to core city services or tax increases.

If history teaches us anything, the roads to financial solvency and prosperity are not paved with borrowed dollars.

Every family, business, and government must live within its means. As always, my door is open.

I can be reached in person at Rainsville City Hall on Wednesdays. I can be contacted via email (mayornickjones@ gmail.com), cell phone (256-638-5011), Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Sincerely,

Nick Jones

Mayor of Rainsville, AL

78/22 Split Between Education & General Fund Budgets is Key for Alabama’s Future

By Senator Phil Williams (R-Rainbow City)

The Dickens’ classic Oliver Twist transcends time and was a catalyst for social change in its day. As we enter the second special session of the Alabama Legislature to focus on the anemic and malnourished General Fund budget, I

am reminded of a specific, iconic scene from Dickens’ novel.

Young Oliver underfed and with circles under his eyes, finished his small bowl of gruel and decided he must ask the unthinkable. With deep contrition, he approached the overseer of the workhouse and held up his empty bowl and asked, “Please sir, may I have some more?”

It is a poignant scene and unfortunately reminds me of the negotiating process between Alabama’s equally important, but unequally treated budgets.

This year the Legislature passed one of the strongest education budgets in years.

Reflecting an increase in overall spending at

nearly $6 billion, the Education Trust Fund is set to experience a nearly $400 million surplus by the end of fiscal year 2016. Let that sink in for a minute. In the midst of constant calls for new taxes, we actually have a projected surplus well in excess of what is needed to fund both budgets.

Alabamians have sent far more to Montgomery than is needed. The problem is not a lack of revenue but rather the unequal distribution of existing revenues. Every year the scene is repeated in Dickensian style as the General Fund looks to the Education Trust Fund and asks, “Please sir, may I have some more?” And the overseers decide if a bit more gruel will keep the little waif mollified.

Make no mistake: I am proud of the education budget and I do not plan to reduce it. I was the deciding vote on the 2015 budget and a willing “yes” vote on the 2016 budget. I am a product of public education and have a family filled with public education employees.

But I am asking for my fellow legislators to have the broader, statesmanlike view of the state as a whole. If we provide our citizens with a solid education but leave them with a state that does not properly fund medical needs, mental health, National Guard soldiers, prisons, the court system, State Troopers, senior meals, child advocacy, and all of the other crucial components of the General Fund, then they will take that state-funded education and go somewhere else.

We can build the best state in the nation. We can have a state in which quality of education and quality of life coexist without one having to beg from the other. And believe it or not, we can do so without raising taxes. Unbeknownst to many Alabamians, a very simple bill has been introduced twice this year and promptly shelved by the gatekeepers who refuse to allow any crossover

between the budgets. The bill authored by my conservative colleague Senator Paul Sanford simply allows for a perpetual split of recurring revenues: 78% to the Education Trust Fund, and 22% to the General Fund. This would increase the General Funds revenue base by an estimated $156 million and maintain a strong reserve for education. It is the right thing to do. It is systemic change and does not require new taxes. It is the change that I am prepared to fight for.

The tax-raising bullies have been loud and boisterous lately. It is time for the citizens who have asked me over and over not to raise taxes to make themselves heard.

It is time for the General Fund to be treated as an equal and not as a little beggar from a 19th century workhouse.

Phil Williams represents Etowah, Cherokee, DeKalb and St. Clair Counties in the Alabama Senate.

You may reach Senator Williams by phone at (334) 242-7857 or by e-mail at phil@williamsstatesenate.com.

Follow him on Twitter: @SenPhilWilliams

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS

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

Alabama lawmakers begin second special session this week to address budget shortage

By Joseph Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

MONTGOMERY, Ala.— The Second Special Session of the Alabama Legislature convened earlier this week on Tuesday to take a third shot this legislative session at addressing the looming $200 million General Fund budget shortfall for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1.

Both the House and Senate adjourned in less than 20 minutes of convening on Tuesday after filing a host of revenue proposals that called for about $130 million in new taxes.

Many of those bills won approval in an Alabama House of Representatives committee Wednesday morning. Despite opposition from Democrats, the Republican-led House Ways and Means General Fund Committee approved bills to raise taxes on cigarettes, businesses, car titles and car rentals.

The committee also approved increases in fees paid by nursing homes and pharmacies that will be used to help fund Medicaid, the state’s biggest spender of General Fund dollars.

The bills now move to the House floor where they could be considered and voted up as early as Thursday.

The bills that cleared the House Committee Wednesday would: -- Raise the cigarette tax by 25 cents a pack, from 42.5 cents to 67.5

cents, generating an estimated $66 million a year.

-- Raise the maximum business privilege tax from $15,000 to $30,000, while exempting businesses with net worths of less than $10,000 from paying the minimum, generating an estimated $22 million a year.

-- Increase the fee for car titles from $15 to $28, generating an estimated $19 million a year.

-- Increase the car rental tax from 1.5 percent to 2 percent, generating an estimated $6 million a year.

-- Add a $400 per bed fee for nursing homes, generating an estimated $8 million a year for Medicaid. The fee would apply only in fiscal years 2016 and 2017.

-- Add a tax of 15-cents per prescription for pharmacies, generating an estimated $8 million a year for Medicaid. It would only apply in fiscal years 2016 and 2017.

The committee also approved a new excise tax—similar to those attached to tobacco and alcohol—that would apply to pornographic movies, magazines, movie rentals, video downloads and strip clubs. If passed the Alabama Revenue Department would be called upon to establish rules for how to collect and enforce the tax.

Also on Wednesday in a separate meeting the House Ways and Means Education Committee approved a one-time

transfer of up to $50 million from an education stabilization account to the General Fund would require repayment no later than Sept. 30, 2018.

The education budgetcommittee also approved a use tax transfer bill but it would not take effect until 2017.

Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Rep. Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) said if the budget plan is approved, it would enable the Legislature to level-fund some key agencies while cutting most others anywhere from 1.5 percent to 8 percent.

The plan would allow a $50 million increase for Medicaid and provide level-funding for the court system, Mental Health, Public Health and Human Resources and prisons, plus $16 million to begin implementing prison reforms in Alabama.

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Friday–September 11, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FAITH Wisdom at the Dairy Bar

By Dr. John E. Morgan Pastor–Collinsville Baptist Church

Tuesday, September 11, 2001. 9/11. One of those days that everybody who was living remembers. Where were you when you heard?

When you heard, your next action was probably to hunt for a television.

And it was television that brought the horrifying pictures into our lives.

You looked at the screen. Disbelief. How could this be real?

Towers falling, people jumping. Death everywhere. Anger at whoever did this. And another emotion – terror. Just what the people who did this wanted. Terror on the screen and in our hearts.

As the week passed, our country mourned.

And wondered. Why? What can we do? Is there hope? How do we get revenge? How do we

guarantee that this will not happen again? There was a national daze, a stupor. Jobs, schools and ball games cancelled.

Churches full. And a growing need for what was called normalcy.

Even if it came only one step at a time. We went back to work. Back to school.

By the next weekend football returned, whether we felt like it or not. Most people did feel that they needed to go to move more toward that normalcy they wanted.

Collinsville was playing in Warrior, north of Birmingham about 25 miles. I drove down to watch the game and to cover it for the newspaper. I had been to a basketball game there, so I sort of knew where it was. But not definitely.

So as I got off I-65, I slowed down. It was dusk as I entered the town, searching the sky for those Friday night lights that you can still see in small towns.

There was a Dairy Bar type place on the left side of the road. The kind most towns used to have.

Hamburgers, ice cream, lots of deep fried food.

This one had a seating area inside with about ten tables and a couple of picnic tables outside.

Order at the window or go inside. The windows were lightly fogged with the lowering night temperatures. Two or three tables with people eating. A little steam off of their coffee. You could imagine the conversation – some talk about 9/11.

But also talk about how the game would go that night, whose kid is the new running back. A little local gossip. Some kidding. One more cup of coffee before I go. It looked like a Norman Rockwell* painting.

I smiled as I drove by.

Then I glanced up at the sign by the restaurant. It was divided in two. On the left side it said “Help Wanted”. It looked like that was permanently painted on. You could imagine the line of cooks and waitresses who had passed through over the years.

On the right side there was a simple message. “Pray for Our Country”.

I almost wrecked pulling over. There it was. Help wanted. Pray for Our Country.

That little Dairy Bar was in many ways what the terrorists wanted to take away from us. A community quietly eating and talking.

Peace. Freedom. And

that peaceful scene was one answer to the terrorists. But it was the sign that offered the answer to our country’s deeper questions and fears.

In a world of terror, fear, uncertainty, hopelessness and hatred, there was the answer.

Need help? Go to God. The only true hope for me. Or you. Or the USA. If only our country lived its motto – In God We Trust.

For the first weeks after the attacks, America was much more open to God. The cross that was raised above the rubble of the Twin Towers. The tears as Major League Baseball began play in New York and the crowd joined the country in singing “God Bless America” as members of the Police Department and Fire Department served as honor guards.

You heard little about political correctness and separating church and state. The foxhole we were in was too deep.

The country was hurting too much to worry about such things. Too desperate for help and understanding. Forget our differences. Pray.

Seek God. Then we began to return to normalcy. And

the protests began. Get those prayers out of here.

We don’t need that cross.

The result was not surprising. Normalcy was returning. And normalcy for many people meant that they had no room or time for God. Or a cross.

That should not have surprised Christians. A core message of Christianity is that we all need God. This world is still filled with evil, scary people who are filled with hate. We will always be slaves to terror, fear and uncertainty until we come to God. And that the only way to come to God is through His Son Jesus. That is the message the world still desperately needs. A new normalcy with God. Where true peace in Jesus Christ is normal. Forever.

Today is Thursday, September 11. It has been fourteen years. I haven’t been back to Warrior in a long time. I like to think about that Dairy Bar sometimes. I hope it is still there. And I hope that the sign still says, Help Wanted. Pray for Our Country. Because it is still true. *Or, if you are more a city dweller, it looked like Edward Hooper’s Night Hawks.

A Moment with Megan: Purpose Beyond the Pain

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, can I share with you a time I have been discouraged? Here is a little background of the story. I graduated from Plainview in 2009, got my associates from Northeast Alabama Community College in 2011, and then got my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2013.

Lets be honest, Northeast was pretty easy and I didn’t know what intense studying was until I attended UAB. I

went from what people call “Northeasy” to what felt like a jail sentence. I spent hours upon HOURS at the library each week and still struggled to make an A. Staring at the bare cubicles got old… real fast! May I give a shout out to my best friend during that time?

Thank you, coffee! I tried my absolute best to stay dedicated to my studies because I was focusing on my next goal-graduate school.

As my senior year approached at UAB, I began the application process for the master’s program in counseling.

My ultimate goal has always been to get a Ph.D but I wanted to start with a master’s first. I had good grades, reached out for recommendation letters, and studied 3-4 hours a day, for months, to prepare myself for the GRE (a test you have to take for any graduate program.) I was confident that through all my hard work, I would get in. Due to this confidence, I did not apply to any other graduate programs.

Newsflash!!! I did not get in! Talk about a girl being crushed. “But God, why did you not let me get in?”… “But God, I

worked so hard!” … So many frustrations went through my head when I read, “…. you are not accepted into the master’s program.” Another frustration was when I read that the ONLY reason I was not accepted was due to being 4 points short from meeting UAB’s GRE requirement.

FOUR POINTS. Remember, I studied MONTHS for this test.

Life, in this moment, did not seem fair. I was heartbroken and humiliated! Graduation was weeks away and all my plans were crushed.

As I began to pray, I realized prayer was not my first resort in this situation… it was sadly my second. After reading that plan-sucking email and spending time in prayer, the Lord was quick to show me that attending UAB’s master’s program was not His plan for me. I felt led to move back home, leaving my best friends and the city that I strongly grew to love behind. Thankfully, I have an awesome family who welcomed me back home but I was still embarrassed to tell people I did not get accepted. I, for sure, never thought I would be

writing a newspaper article about it!

After moving home, I began working full time and applied for graduate school at Jacksonville State University. I could have shouted when I got my acceptance letter!

There is no sweeter place than knowing you are in the will of God! Since being back home and seeing how God has blessed my life tremendously and opened doors that I never dreamt of being opened, theres no place I would rather be.

I’m very thankful God redirected my path and led be back home.

Here is my reason for sharing this: Sometimes, despite our “great” plans, God says “No.” We must accept this and believe He has everything under control and that He even has our BEST interest in mind. I have learned there is purpose beyond the pain. God does not tell us “No” to hurt us or to keep us from something good, he says “No” because He has something better. This could relate to a job, boyfriend, etc. He is still God, He is still sitting on the throne, and He is not deaf to your prayers. I love serving a God who works behind

the scenes to work everything out for my good. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” That verse does not say, “He works some things out for our good,” it says “ALL THINGS.” That’s exciting and refreshing, friend! What I am trying to say, is that God never has an “Oops” moment. He never forgets his plans for us.

I’ve realized sometimes rejection is simply God’s redirection. In my case, I will forever praise God for his “No.” This weeks challenge: Be mindful that sometimes a closed door can lead to your biggest blessing. I pray that you would press in through the discouragement and praise Him for what is to come! Lastly, I challenge you to put complete trust in the Lord’s judgements and plans for you life. He wants the absolute best for you, friend!

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Friday–September 11, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS Topher’s Wings BBQ Covered Nachoes, Fort Payne, AL EXCELLENT

VERY GOOD

MEDIOCRE

MODERATE

WEAK

$4.99 If you could order these “nachos” at the concession stand then there wouldn’t be anything else on the menu.

The chips are homemade and there’s a healthy portion of BB and shredded cheese. Top it off with sour cream and you’ve got a winner fit for tailgating or dine in dinner.

TORCH APPROVED ABOUT:

Sand Mountain’s Sports Venue

ADDRESS:

72 Roy Sanderson Ave. Rainsville, Alabama

Tel. (256) 638-9464

CHAMBER CHATTER September 9, 2015 Carol Beddingfield, Executive Director

Chamber Chatter

* This article first appeared in Southern Torch on Thursday, July 2nd, 2015

CONTACT:

Lydia Randolph has created another great Boom Days poster for 2015. Her choice of color and subject project a positive image of our city during this period of our history.

I challenge each of you to see how many people you can name on this year’s poster. You can view or purchase the posters at the Chamber office.

Many cities would love to have their festival named as the event of the year. Our Boom Days Heritage Celebration is Alabama’s Event of the Year for 2015!

This daylong event is ranked number one due to the qualified artists and musicians who bring their talents to our city because of the expertise of event director, Collins Kirby.

Collins will be quick to tell you that he does not do it by himself. The Boom Days Committee takes pride not only in their role as volunteers but also as promoters of our city.

Every committee member is too busy with their every day responsibilities to take on another activity. But they believe that the event will continue to improve the image of Fort Payne throughout the Southeast and beyond.

I know of no other event that provides the widest array of music genre for free. Activities for kids make the day a family fun outing.

The day will begin with the annual Pet Parade at 10 AM beginning at Depot Museum Parking lot.

An added feature this year is a Hoot Nanny at the Opera House from 2-4 PM featuring Jim Conner and Norman Blake with other special guest. AL.com will record the session.

Now it is up to YOU. Your attendance will make this year’s event even more successful than last. I promise there will something for everyone.

Pick up your copy of The Southern Torch at any of the following locations: FORT PAYNE: Jacks North Foodland The Strand The Spot South End Market Western Sizzlin Carters Beverage South Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant IDER: Foodland COLLINSVILLE: Piggly Wiggly Jacks DAWSON: Dawson Gas Station GERALDINE: Jacks FYFFE: Jacks Fuel City MENTONE: Mentone Market VALLEY HEAD: Gas Station HENAGAR: Texaco SYLVANIA: Gas Station

RAINSVILLE: Southern Torch office McDonald's Foodland Fuel City Tophers Wings

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Friday–September 11, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

A Walk Through History

By Hubert Paul Tumlin

A New Beginning In the fall of 1927, disaster struck the community. The Rainsvillle Missionary Baptist Church burned to the ground. However, a group of believers expedited plans to rebuild. The church had already begun plans to build a new church and had collected money and building materials.

Amidst the plans dissension grew – one faction wanted to rebuild at the old site and one faction wanted to rebuild at a site near the Rainsville School building.

As time went on, settlement could not be reached. In December 1927, the church voted to meet on January 7, 1928 for the specific purpose of settling the issue. Rev. W. B. Riddle, a minister in the DeKalb Association, and Mr. J. Valder Curtis, Sr., a deacon, were invited to moderate the meeting jointly.

On January 7, the membership met; sang a song – “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name”; heard scriptures read from the 11th Chapter of 1st Corinthians; and agreed to a plan formulated by Rev. Riddle and Mr. Curtis. The plan included the following: 1. The membership of the church would divide.

Each member would select the group he or she desired.

2. All collected money became became the property of the group desiring to remain at the at the old site. They also retain the name “Rainsville Missionary Baptist Church.”

3. The supplies and materials became the property of the group desiring to move to the new site. Also this group had to select a new name.

After the above was agreed to, each person at the meeting declared their desire to join a specific group. Later on

the same day, Rev. Riddle moderated the first meeting for the group who chose to move. The first order of business was the selection of a church name. Broadway Baptist Church was agreed to since the new church was on Broadway Street across from the Rainsville Elementary School. The members then chose leaders who began the church’s long journey of success. The faithful leaders were as follows: Pastor: Rev. J. B. Ledford Moderator Pro Tem: Z. A. Land

those founding fathers because our subsequent accomplishments has been as they sang “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name.”

The first wood

building was completed in a record time of about 2 months and built from plans from the State Baptist Office. The Fort Payne Journal stated “that the members will go into the new church free from indebtedness” and that it would be known as the “new Baptist Church on Broadway.” This building stood until 1962 when an enlarged brick structure was dedicated during the pastorate of Rev. A. J. Hodgens. An educational facility and fellowship hall was completed in 1974 under the leadership of Rev. Nolan Ford. Rev. Ford also led in a major

expansion and remodeling of the sanctuary in 1982. Finally, our facilities grew to include a new Christian Life Center and Sanctuary in 2005 under the current pastor Dr. Kevin McCreless. A 10th anniversary celebration will occur this Sunday August 30, 2015.

Currently we have about 950 members. The person who has been a member the longest is Jo Dean Robertson Townsend with 76 years.

The writer of this article, Hubert Paul Tumlin, has been a member for 61 years.

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

Clerk: Will Parris Treasurer: Z. A. Land Deacons: Will Parris and Z. Arthur Land Building Committee: Z. A. Land, Chairman, Charlie Hall, M. L. Parris, Hershell Land and Tom Young Sunday School Superintendent: J. M. Parris Teachers: Roland Parris, Charlie Hall, Bertha Gray, Flora Downey, Alma Parris, Irene Parker It should be noted that an offering of $1.20 was collected to buy Sunday School literature.

The preaching days were the 3rd Saturday and Sunday of each month.

On and after the the first organizational meeting on January 7, 1928, 73 people declared their intention to join Broadway. Most came without a formal church letter while others decided to join by letter.

Regardless of the method they chose, these 73 persons are considered to be the charter members of Broadway Baptist Church.

This is only the beginning of the history of a great church build on higher ground that has reached out to this community and to the world. The history reflects the great belief of

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

jameswilliamsphotography@yahoo.com

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Friday–September 11, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Tough loss for Fyffe

By Dustin Dobbins

Cleveland 21, Fyffe 14 The Fyffe Red Devils took on a tough Cleveland team led by standout QB and Safety, Peyton Gilliland who had 167 yards passing with a touchdown and a 95 yard kickoff return for a touchdown and ended with an interception in the end zone to seal the win for Cleveland.

Cleveland received the opening kickoff.

Gilliland’s passing and running , consuming most of the first quarter, capping the drive off with a 4 yd. Touchdown pass to Evan Faust. The extra point kick by Juan Castro , made the score 7-0 Cleveland with 4:30 left in the first quarter.

Fyffe had two good

drives in second quarter both lead by the running of Kilpatrick and Benefield. Both drives resulted in fourth down stops by Cleveland.

Leaving the score Cleveland 7 Fyffe 0 at Halftime.

The third quarter started with a bang. Fyffe received the kickoff and returned it to the 30 yd. line. Then Kilpatrick took the first play from scrimmage 70 yds. For the touchdown, Fyffe went for two and Kilpatrick dove over the end zone for the conversation. Giving Fyffe the lead 8-7.

On the kickoff Gilliland strikes again galloping down the sidelines 95 yds. for the touchdown, Juan Castro

extra point kick is good and the new score Cleveland 14 Fyffe 8.

As the fourth quarter started Fyffe begin to drive the ball resulting in a 2 yd. touchdown run by

way in for the extra two.

With two minutes left in the second, Nick Shepard, added points on the board with his 28-yard field goal. Going into the half, the Rams led 11-0.

In the fourth, Pisgah Quarterback, Audy Smothers connected with Jacob Gamble for two touchdowns. Rams stopped both two point

conversions.

Dylan Dicus went 4-of-7 passing for 29 yards and also scored the only touchdown. Caleb Roebuck rushed for 37 yards followed by Hunter Miller for 24 yards.

The Rams will travel to Brindlee Mountain Friday where they will start their Class 3A Region 7 play.

Picture submitted by James Williams Photography

Benefield. Fyffe goes for 2 points and comes up short leaving the score tied at 14. Late in the quarter Cleveland scored a 3yd touchdown run by Bret Irwin, Castro extra

point kick makes the score Cleveland 21 Fyffe 14. Seth Benefield played good in replacing Fyffe’s injured quarterback Mashburn . Kilpatrick ran for 215 yards on 25 carries.

By Heath Thrash

and North Sand Mountain’s, Eric George cashed in with a 60-yard touchdown. Tempers flared and both sidelines decided to come discuss.

Personal fouls were handed out. Ethan Jones blocked the PAT. During the third, it was back and forth, without anyone scoring.

The Bisons stopped a fake punt and scored on a 21-yard field goal. Final NSM 9, Plainview 0.

Plainview will travel Friday to take on New Hope.

Fight until the end Tackles and Tempers

By Marla Jones marla@southerntorch.com

Pisgah 12, Sylvania 11 The Sylvania Rams-Pisgah Eagle showdown was a fight to the bitter end. Sylvania struck the first blow in the first quarter when Dylan Dicus punched into the end zone with a quarterback keeper.

Ethan Dover bulled his

Wildcats pounce

By Amy Thrash

Fort Payne 21, Arab 14 Fort Payne pounced on Arab early with a 14-0 led. Desmon Turner scored with a 8-yard run and in the second, Quarterback Tyler Ellis added more points on the board with a 13-yard run.

Both of Evan McPherson’s kicks were good.

Arab answered back with two touchdowns. At the half, the score was

tied 14-14.

The third quarter was deadlocked but in the fourth, the Wildcats gained control with a 6-yard touchdown from Desmon Turner. The kick from Evan McPherson was good. The Wildcats won their first region game.

Fort Payne will travel to Brewer where they will play another regional game.

North Sand Mountain has lost the last sixteen attempts to beat the Plainview Bears. They came to Rainsville with one thing on their mind, to win.

The game was heated from the very beginning.

North Sand Mountain fumbled early but held the Bears from scoring.

Plainview Quarterback Ben Williamson suffered a minor injury and was replaced by his backup, Bailey Dukes. Dukes threw an interception

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Friday–September 11, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Ider on a Roll

TEAM OF THE WEEK

Picture submitted by Mickey Goolesby

By Marla Jones marla@southerntorch.com

Ider picked up their second win of the season against Gaylesville.

With 7:00 left in the first quarter, Ider’s Jarett Palmer scored from the 1-yard line.

The extra point was good by Jay Lea. The Hornets added two more touchdowns in the second. One from Jacob

Higdon, with extra point from Lea. The other from a 85-yard punt return by Dylan McMahon. Lea added the extra point. Going into the half, the score was 24-0.

In the fourth, Gaylesville tried to stay alive with two touchdowns but to no avail.

Final Ider 45, Gaylesville 14.

Ider will play Gaston at home, Friday.

Valley Head gets first win

Picture submitted by Annis Graham

By Marla Jones marla@southerntorch.com

Valley Head 57, Coos Christian 22 Valley Head gets their first region win, under new Coach Sam Graham, against Coosa

Crossville Lions lost to Jacksonville Eagles

By Amy Thrash

Jacksonville 41, Crossville 7 Crossville Lions lose to Jacksonville Eagles Jacksonville 41, Crossville 7 The Crossville Lions have had a slow start to their football season. They lost a region game to the Jacksonville Eagles, Friday night.

The Eagle scored with 10 minutes left in the first quarter, on a 38-yard touchdown by Delvin Veasley. The extra point

Christian.

Devin Leps started the game out right with a touchdown on the very first play. Ethan Harrison, Owen Izell and Aaron Cole each added numbers on the board with their touchdowns.

Devin Leps led the Tigers in scoring with five touchdowns.

Valley Head was chosen as Southern Torch, Team of the Week. Sam Graham said, “that was a great honor for those kids.” We will present their trophy at this week’s Pep Rally.

Congratulations to Valley Head!

by Jad Gao was good.

The Crossville Lions scored on a 7-yard pass from Quarterback Ganon Pointer to Addison Dismuke. The kick from Ronaldo Jimenez was good. Ending the first quarter, it was a 7-7 tie.

Jacksonville’s, Delvin Veasley scored another touchdown in the second with 11 minutes left to go. The kick was good. He scored once again before the half but the extra point was not good.

Breunta Ackles scored a touchdown and the two point conversion was good, making the score 28-7 at the half.

In the third, Delvin Veasley added more points to the board with his one yard TD. Sabriene Stephens also had a 43-yard touchdown to make the score, Jacksonville 41, Crossville 7.

Geraldine takes on New Hope

By Marla Jones marla@southerntorch.com

New Hope jumped early on the Bulldogs with a touchdown for Jonate Cotton with 8:00 remaining in the first quarter.

With sixteen seconds remaining in the first, Cotton struck again with a 71-yard run.

During the second quarter, New Hope scored three more touchdowns.

In the third quarter,

Geraldine’s Steven Hood scored two touchdown and Illair Garcia made both the extra points. With 5:00 remaining in the third, Bret Clark scored on a 60-yard pass. The extra point was good.

In the fourth, New Hope scored once again with a 12-yard run. Geraldine answered back with a 63 yard run from Austin Willoughby.

Final New Hope 50, Geraldine 21.

Collinsville knocks off West End 54-35

By Dr. John E. Morgan

West End likes to pass.

Their problem was that Collinsville intercepted five of those passes Friday night as the Panthers left Etowah County with a 54-35 win.

The game opened slowly with Collinsville scoring the only touchdown of the first quarter on a ten play, 73 yard drive climaxed by a one yard run by Gerald Blakely. The second quarter saw lots of scoring – 27 by Collinsville and 13 by West End. In the second

half, Collinsville controlled the action adding two touchdowns to get to that 48-13 lead.

Preston Hamby closed the scoring for Collinsville with a 60 yard run near the end of the game.

Collinsville quarterback Grant Jones was 8 of 11 for 145 yards and two touchdowns.

Panther Gerard Blakely ended the night with 40 yards rushing and a touchdown and 85 yards receiving and a touchdown.

Dallas Reed had 111 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

Dominick Brockitt caught a touchdown pass, punted 7 times for a 35 yard average and intercepted a pass. As did Reed. The other three interceptions were by Nash on a 36-yard TD return, Blakely who had a 38 yard return and Daniel Mann who had a 20 yard return.

Collinsville will play Holly Pond Friday night in what will be Collinsville’s home opener.

Southern Torch Gameday Report with Sideline Guru Dustin Dobbins

Hello Football Fans!! With four new coaches and defending 2-A state champion Fyffe Red Devils in our county, it’s been an exciting year so far. In a huge upset last week, Fyffe lost to Cleveland. Coach Graham and the Southern Torch Team of the Week Valley Head Tigers beat Coosa. The three other new coaches are Coach Putnam at Sylvania, Coach Godwin at Plainview and Coach Waldrop at Geraldine.

After two weeks of action DeKalb County still has two undefeated teams, Fort Payne and Ider. Let’s start this week off with Fort Payne at Brewer. This will be a cake walk for the wildcats but Brewer. I look for Turner and the wildcats ground game to score plenty enough times and wildcats defense play strong and Fort Payne comes home 3-0.

Plainview at New Hope. Plainview is still trying to find an identity for Coach Godwin’s team, not to confident Plainview will find it this either as they play a New Hope team that was clicking on all cylinders last week rolling 50 points up on Geraldine. Good luck Bears you’ll need it.

Sylvania at Brindlee Mountain. Don’t know much about Brindlee Mountain but they are at home this week that should count for at least a touchdown or two. Coach Putnam’s Rams are hungry for a win after letting fourth quarter leads slip away in their first two games. Look for the Rams to score early and often in this game and not squander the lead at the end of game. Rams win big.

Cedar Bluff at Valley Head. Cedar Bluff is

undefeated on the season. Valley Head is at home in this game, Valley Head’s defense will have to stay in their zones and not arm tackle to have any chance of stopping Cedar Bluff’s offense. Valley Head’s offense will have to block well. Cedar Bluff is too strong, Valley Head loses.

Holly Pond at Collinsville. Holly Pond is winless this year and will still be winless, after Collinsville’s Reed, Blakely and Nash carry Collinsville to the win.

Gaston at Ider. Gaston’s defense is tough this year only allowing seven point in two games. Ider is for real this year and playing at home. Look for Palmer and Higdon to lead the way and Ider wins a close game.

Hokes Bluff at Crossville. Hokes Bluff has one win this year and don’t believe they will get their second one at Crossville. Pointer’s arm and Owen’s legs power the Lions to their first win at home Friday night.

Fyffe at Section. Fyffe coming of a tough loss to Cleveland last week, I wouldn’t want to be Section. Fyffe comes to Section mad and takes out last week’s lose on the Lions.

Kilpatrick, Benefield ,Ashley and Collins all have a big night. Fyffe rolls to the win.

Pisgah at Geraldine. Pisgah is having a good year but Coach Waldrop and the Bulldogs are hungry for their first win of the year. I look for Geraldine to lay it all on the field and come away with a hard fought win. Hood and Willoughby lead the Bulldogs to the win.

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Friday–September 11, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

TEAM OF THE WEEK Valley Head

TEAM OF THE WEEK Valley Head was awarded Team of the Week for their win over Coosa Christian 57-22.

FAN OF THE WEEK Congratulations Keith Burgess of Pisgah!!! You are the Southern Torch Fan of the Week!!!

Post or tweet your game day pictures to Southern Torch and you might be our next Fan of the Week!! #stfridaynightlights

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Friday–September 11, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH