The Southern Torch, Vol. 1, No. 18

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

/ FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 / VOL. 1, NO. 18 / $1.00

COMMUNITY

POLITICS

SPORTS

QUILT WALK BEGINS TODAY IN COLLINSVILLE

SPECIALTY BOAT TAGS COULD GENERATE $5 MILLION…

TEAM OF THE WEEK: FORT PAYNE WILDCATS

> PAGE 3

> PAGE 6

> PAGE 12

Rainsville City Council approves budget

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— The Rainsville City Council approved a $4.2 million budget at their city council meeting Monday night. When presented,

the budget was broken down by department to define each internal expense. The largest expense in most departments was that of maintaining operations and staffing—the amount required to pay depart-

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— In early 2015, the 10th annual Boom Days Heritage Celebration was named the Alabama Department of Tourism’s

Event of the Year. The festival did not disappoint. Saturday’s event drew in the largest crowd in the ten-year history of Boom Days. DeKalb County Tourism President and CEO John Dersham estimated

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Saturday’s attendance at 10,000-12,000.

“We had a great turnout to Boom Days this year,” Dersham said as the event wrapped Saturday night. “It will do CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

See You at the Pole

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

“They all met together and were constantly UNITED in prayer.”

—Acts 1:14 Students, teachers, and community members throughout DeKalb County gathered on Wednesday morning for the annual “See You At The Pole” prayer time.

These DeKalb students were part of millions who gathered around flag Students throughout DeKalb pray together at See You at the Pole

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

CONNECT WITH US

Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Thursday.

like

watch

tweet

The Southern Torch Fan of the Week is Miss Ellie Rose Fleming. Ellie is the daughter of Steven Fleming and Felicia Mitchell. She is four years old and is a PreK student at Fyffe.

She likes to cheer for Alabama and Auburn and says “ROLL EAGLE!!!” Submit your picture to Southern Torch for your chance to be our next Fan of the Week!!

ment insurances and salaries and benefits for the city’s policemen, firemen, dispatchers, sanitation workers, road crews, library and parks employees and other city

Boom Days draws record crowd at 10th annual festival

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

FAN OF THE WEEK!

Congratulations Ellie Rose Fleming!

DeKalb County V.F.W. Agricultural Fair kicks off next week

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— The 59th Annual DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair starts next week on Monday, Sept. 28, 2015 and will run through Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015 at the V.F.W. Fairgrounds in Fort Payne. The theme for this year is “Freedom Is Not Free.”

The DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair is one of the premier agricultural fairs in the state and showcases a midway full of carnivaltype rides for the entire family. Inside the exhibit hall residents from all over DeKalb County compete and feature exhibits each year of handmade crafts, canned foods, photography, drawings, flower arrangements, quilts, as well as live animals such as cattle and chickens.

Traditional concessions

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

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

including funnel cakes, caramel apples, corn dogs, and cotton candy are available throughout the midway. Live music performances will be held each night. The fair is hosted each year by DeKalb County Post 3128 V.F.W., made up of overseas veterans from all of DeKalb County.

THIS WEEK IN FAITH

Rain at the Tomb It was our first Sunday in the Holy Land. Gloria and I had been given the money…

Page 5

THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS

Chamber Chatter

The Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, September 17th…

Page 7

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

North Sand Mountain/ Sylvania showdown The North Sand Mountain/ Sylvania showdown was sure to be quite the game…

Page 10 PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 60 RAINSVILLE, AL

2

Friday–September 25, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

Rainsville City Council approves budget CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 personnel.

Two of the largest non-personnel expenses included $80,000 for street lights and $50,000 for street repair and maintenance. The largest non-personnel expense however, is the city’s contribution to the Public Building Authority—$204,000 to subsidize the payment of the NE Alabama Agricultural Center. The $204,000 is addition to

Zaylin McAnelly poses at the Southern Torch Photo Booth at Boom Days

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 a lot to boost our local economy through tourism and lodging and the increased spending in Fort Payne and throughout DeKalb County.”

The weather was

$85,000 per year the city pays to subsidize Ag Center salaries, benefits, insurance, building maintenance and other expenses. The combined expense costs the city of Rainsville $24,000 a month to subsidize the payment of the Ag Center facility and help pay for its daily operation.

The Rainsville council also discussed renovating the former Weekly Post building in order to relocate the DeKalb County Annex there.

Councilman Rodger Lingerfelt said doing so would allow the Rainsville Police Department to utilize the full annex building and park their cars at the police station.

Currently the City of Rainsville pays all utilities, equipment costs and operational expenses at the DeKalb County Annex building except for the salaries of the county employees that staff the annex.

Rainsville Mayor Nick

Jones said he felt the county should take on more of the operational expenses of the annex and said he would like to try to renegotiate the annex deal with the county before making a final decision. The council agreed to postpone a vote on the matter until the mayor could meet with county officials.

In other business: • The council tabled a vote to terminate the city’s contract with

Judicial Court Services • The council voted to approve spending $5,000 for updating Christmas decorations • The council approved the placement of an historical marker for the McCurdy home location • The council approved the spending of $1,800 to purchase two new tasers for the Rainsville

excellent on Saturday and the event offered music and other entertainment, art, food and fun for all ages. The city blocked off downtown traffic during the festival and pedestrians and performers alike took to the busy streets to take in the sights as a variety of music flowed from three stages.

Covering five blocks of the downtown district in Fort Payne, many downtown merchants

held sidewalk sales as a variety of local food vendors lined the streets and dozens of skilled art professionals including quilters, potters, painters, and workers in iron, wood, and glass demonstrated their crafts and offered their wares to the public. There was also a children’s activity area located in City Park.

Entertainment included special performances by Dean’s High-flying Disc (frisbee)

Dogs, Yo-Yo professional Matt Mullins, YouTube hula-hoop superstar Katie Sunshine, No More Mondays herding dogs, trapeze performances by Aerial Fabricators. In conjunction with the festival, there were cultural and historical exhibits on display at the Depot Museum, Hosiery Museum and Coal & Iron Building, and a 5K run the morning of the festival.

Musical performances

included Leah Seawright, the legendary Muscle Shoals Swampers featuring Jackson Nance, Midnight Mob, Madd Wikkid, Rock Candy, Tucker Yochim Band, and headlining 3-time Grammy winner Delbert McClinton. Other performances included Grammy winner Norman Blake, DieDra & the Ruff Pro Band, Pierce Pettis and New Orleans JazzFest veterans Flow Tribe.

Boom Days draws record crowd at 10th annual festival

See you at the Pole CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

poles on school campuses across the country to pray at 7 a.m. Wednesday morning.

According to the Supreme Court, school-sponsored prayer is unconstitutional. However student-led prayer such as those demonstrated Wednesday is protected as free speech.

According to Supreme Court precedent and their constitutional rights, students already have permission to host See You at the Pole because it is student-led, before school hours, and outside of any school building. It does not cost the district anything financially for students to meet and pray, so they aren’t using tax dollars for religious purposes.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of See You at the Pole. At 7:00 a.m. on September 12, 1990, more than 45,000 teenagers met at school flagpoles in four different states to pray before the start of school. Reports came into toll-free number for days after the first event.

A few months later, a group of youth ministers from all over

the country gathered together for a national conference in Colorado. Many of them reported that their students had heard about the prayer movement in Texas and were equally burdened for their schools. No other events had been planned, but it was clear that students across the country would be creating their own national day of student prayer.

There was no stopping them.

On September 11, 1991, at 7:00 a.m., an estimated one million students gathered at school flagpoles all over the country. From Boston, Massachusetts, to Los Angeles, California, from North Dakota to the tip of Texas, students came together to pray. Some sang, some read Scripture, but most importantly, they prayed.

Like those first students, they prayed for their schools, for their friends, for their leaders, and for their country. See You at the Pole has grown every single year since.

3

Friday–September 25, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY SPORTSMAN’S DINNER

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

Quilt Walk begins today in Collinsville

Sept. 27, 2014 Mountain View Baptist Church 6162 County Road 27 Fort Payne, AL 35967 mtnviewbc.org Tickets are $5 Begins at 1pm Bring your bow for 3D Archery targets Guns will be provided for skeet shooting Dinner at 5pm & guest speaker at 6pm There will be a drawing for many great door prizes Guest speaker will be Tim Herald For more information please call Paul Hawkins at (256) 630-0307

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

COLLINSVILLE, Ala.— This Friday and Saturday Collinsville will be holding it’s 14th

annual quilt walk. Today it will be held from 12 P.M. to 5 P.M. and Saturday it will be from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Admission is $10.

For more information,

Contact Jennifer Wilkins and 256-524-2323 or at jencollib@hotmail.com.

You can also visit www. collinsvillequiltwalk. com.

Homecoming Court Power Team comes to DeKalb

Geraldine Homecoming Court Pictured Above: First row: Senior Attendants Autumn Bailey, Selene Hernandez, and Brittany McCool. Second row: Chelsea Banks (8th grade), Cassie Black (9th grade), Valentina Romero (11th grade), Kaycee Powell (10th grade), and Jamie Nicole Hill (7th grade).

Ider Homecoming Court Pictured Above: (First row) Senior attendants Madeline Mason, Makayla Norman, Adriana Bolt, Lindsay Higdon. (Back row) Mallory Smith (7th grade), Sara Lucky (8th grade), Meagan Seals (9th grade), Madison Sewell (10th grade), Caitlin Tinker (11th grade) Plainview Homecoming Court Pictured Above: (Left to Right) Kolbi Kirk 9 th Grade, Kennedy Traylor 10 th grade, Cortney Haymon 12 th grade, Madison Adkins 12 th grade, McKinna Clifton 12 th grade, Lacee Kirk 11th grade

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— The Power Team is a nationally known group of athletes who travel the world reaching young people with the message that they have potential.

For over 30 years they have travelled to more than 40 countries encouraging young people to reach for the best that is inside them.

The team that is in Fort Payne this week was sponsored by Fort Payne Church of God on Highway 35 in south Fort Payne. Each night The Power Team is going to perform acts of strength and demonstrations of

power in the activities building at Fort Payne Church of God. Wednesday through Saturday, the doors open at 6:00 P.M. and the event starts at 7:00 P.M. Sunday there will be a 4:00 P.M. event.

During the day, Fort Payne Church of God will be taking the team to a total of twelve schools in DeKalb County.

Wednesday morning they went to Sylvania and Fyffe for 7:30 A.M. assemblies. That afternoon they were in the DeKalb County Coliseum at 1:30 P.M. “Some of the our staff saw The Power Team in other events, years ago.

This outreach is just one of the ways Family Pastor Matthew Seepe has planned to reach out to our community to and through children and young people. Our youth is excited about sponsoring this event and the one coming in October. Every year Elevate Student Ministries plans outreaches a part of their ministry to the community. Earlier this week our youth were at Boom Days handing out invitations to this event,” Emily Wooten said. Wooten is the coordinator of the events that have been held this week.

Lead Pastors Ron B. and Lisa Johnson welcome everyone to come. These events are about giving back to our community and teaching our young people to lead by example. To learn more about The Power Team you can visit our website at www.

FortPayneCOG.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Down on the farm

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— Beginning tomorrow Rainsville will be hosting a corn maze along with a pumpkin patch. The patch and corn maze will take place until Nov. 7.

Activities for this are painting your own

pumpkin, two corn pits, hay bale maze, fall photo ops, pony tire swings, teeter totters, corn picker play area, Molly Moo, a simulated milking cow, the Big “O” slide, cow train, corn cannon, barnyard bone dig, discovery learning loft, tire caterpillar.

There is also gift shop

Pumpkins in the park

for snacks, tee shirts, fall decor, and novelty toys.

There will also be homemade blackberry jelly and pure honey from honey bees for sale. Free Parking will be available, but pets will not be allowed. For more information, call 256-638-6200.

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

SYLVANIA, Ala.— Sylvania will be hosting its 2nd annual Pumpkins in the Park at 9 A.M. on Oct. 10 at Sylvania Town Hall. There will be a car and truck show in which all of the proceeds will go to Officer Nelson Gregory and his fight with

esophageal cancer.

There will also be live entertainment, inflatables, gerbil balls, segways, festival food, pumpkin painting, vendors, and lots more. For more information, contact 256-638-2604. or go to www. sylvaniaalabama.com.

Sylvania Town Park is located on Michael Road.

4

Friday–September 25, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

OPINION / EDITORIAL

A Fiscally Responsible Budget

By State Senator Steve Livingston

When I first ran for office in 2014, I promised to keep you up-to-date on the legislative process in Montgomery. With that in mind, I want to give you a brief rundown on the Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) General Fund budget we passed last week (earlier this year we passed a fully-funded, $5.99 billion Education Trust Fund budget that will avoid proration and includes additional funding for school supplies, Pre-K, and transportation).

The Legislature began its deliberations in March with a $200 million expected deficit in the

General Fund budget (which funds all non-education state spending) as our key challenge to solve.

Governor Robert Bentley barnstormed the state calling for $541 million in new taxes on the people of Alabama to “solve the budget crisis,” while others argued that the deficit could be made up by draconian cuts alone.

But from the start, I believed a conservative blend of strategic cuts, budget reforms, and narrow-based revenue would be necessary to bridge the $200 million deficit. As a businessman, I know that when times get tough, a multi-faceted plan works

best to keep your venture afloat. You can’t just raise prices or only trim costs – you have to pursue every option available to keep your business open and your employees working.

After months of negotiations, an agreement was finally reached to fully fund major state agencies like Medicaid, DHR, prisons, courts, and Mental Health, while avoiding Bentley’s massive tax increases. Funding was specifically set aside to enact the prison reform we passed earlier this year, which should avert a possible federal takeover of Alabama’s prison system and gradually reduce over-crowding in our prisons.

Other state departments were asked to make cuts ranging from 1% to 6%. I believe these targeted cuts are necessary and fiscally responsible. If conservatives are serious about limiting the growth of government, we must continue making thoughtful cuts to some state departments to provide proper funding of essential services.

But no matter how much we cut, the costs of some essential state programs are still exploding. For example, Medicaid – the foundation of health care in Alabama, especially in rural areas – consumes

nearly 40% of the General Fund budget, and its costs rise every year.

Reforms were put in place – including regional care organizations (RCOs) to move to results-based care, instead of fee-based service – that will slowly bring down the cost curve of Medicaid.

But those reforms will take years to produce savings, and Medicaid needs additional funding right now or rural hospitals across the state could be forced to close.

That’s why I supported a small increase in the tax on cigarettes. The revenue generated from the tax goes directly to Medicaid, and we know that smoking is a leading cause of skyrocketing health care costs. In fact, the Jefferson County Board of Health estimates the annual health care cost in Alabama caused directly by smoking is $1.88 billion, with the state Medicaid program picking up $288 million of the tab.

Part of the reason programs like Medicaid are constantly pinched is there haven’t been any growth tax revenue sources (that is, taxes like the state sales tax, whose receipts increase as the economy grows) dedicated to the General Fund. To fix that problem, $80 million of the use tax revenue was transferred from the

Education Trust Fund to the General Fund. Dr. Tommy Bice, State Superintendent of Education, endorsed the transfer, since legislation was also passed that frees up more of the Education Stabilization Fund for yearly budgeting.

On a personal note, I was proud to sponsor legislation in the first special session that criminalizes the use of automated sales suppression devices on cash registers. These “phantom” devices delete records of sales transactions from cash registers, allowing their owners to skip out on sales taxes reported to local municipalities and the state. I believe the state will see an additional $10-15 million annual revenue as this tax cheating is stopped.

While not perfect, the FY16 General Fund budget is a responsible, conservative solution to the challenge of bridging a $200 million deficit.

The budget is reasonable path between the two dangers of excessive cuts to programs like Medicaid, which could have spelled disaster for rural hospitals, or the Governor’s massive, half-a-billion dollar tax package.

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

5

Friday–September 25, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FAITH Rain at the Tomb

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

It was our first Sunday in the Holy Land. Gloria and I had been given the money for the trip that most every Christian wants to make. We were traveling alone – no tour group - just the two of us wandering around in Israel, Jordan and Egypt for three weeks.

We had arrived in Jerusalem about dark on a Thursday and were staying in an old hotel inside the Old City walls.

We had explored and felt overwhelmed for three days by a Holy presence.

Jerusalem does that to you.

We decided to go to Sunday worship at the Garden Tomb – the one you have all seen on TV and in pictures. There was a service there about nine in the morning.

It was mid-January. In

Jerusalem, that means cool weather and a chance of some rain. As we looked out the hundred year old windows of our room, we could see the gray and dismal sky. The rain was steady but not heavy. The temperature was in the forties.

We pulled on our rain jackets and started walking. The tomb was a little less than a mile away. We leaned into the wind and felt the rain blow around our hoods and onto our faces. We were running a little late as we were still figuring out jet lag. Out the city gate, up the sidewalk by the old walls, around the corner and down the hill.

Then across the street into East Jerusalem.

The Garden Tomb is overseen by volunteers from the Anglican Church. The grounds are a beautiful garden

surrounded by a fence.

The gate into the grounds had a sign warning us that most of the compound, including the tomb was closed. Sure enough, we could see the locked door on the tomb (it still seems strange to me that the tomb is kept closed on Sunday).

In good weather, the Sunday service is held outdoors with an amphitheatre that looks down at the tomb. Very effective. But not in this blustery weather. An usher sent us up a path to the seating area on top of a small hill. It had a concrete floor covered with a metal roof to provide shelter from the rain and sun. There were no walls. We sat on the hard, backless benches.

There was seating for about fifty, but there were only about 25 there.

Because we were late, we sat near the back. We soon cooled off from the walk and pulled our jackets tighter. The wind occasionally blew rain in on us.

A voice was coming through a loud speaker system mounted under the roof. There was no one standing in front of us. We decided that the weather was so bad that they were playing a recorded service from some other Sunday. We listened to the English accented voices coming from the speaker.

As the service went

on, I looked around. The people were quiet and hunched against the wind. When I looked back over my shoulder, I just see the Garden Tomb sixty yards away across the carefully maintained plants. The sign on the tomb read – “He Is Not Here. He Is Risen”.

We should have been miserable. But it was actually a moving service. The speaker was pretty good, but it was the location that made the day special.

As the service neared an end, the voice on the speaker told us we could leave an offering in the basket at the front. We all stood for a closing hymn and prayer. Our little group of 25 taking a last glance at the Garden Tomb. We picked up our things, and I thought about the other Christian tourists who had slept in or gone to a warm, dry church. Gloria and I were glad that we had braved the weather. The rain and cold did not seem all that bad.

Then I began to hear voices. I looked over the little hill where we had been sitting to see a stream of people. They appeared as if by magic.

And the crowd grew. I walked around to look at the bottom of the hill where we had been sitting. Turns out that we had been sitting on the roof of a chapel built into the hill. The service we

heard was not recorded.

It was live. And we were seeing the congregation who got there early or on time and filled up the chapel.

Our group of 25 joined with the group of about a hundred and fifty who had been in the chapel that is used in bad weather. We were not the only worshippers there. We were just the late worshippers who were sitting in an overflow area thinking that we were alone.

Gloria and I laughed at ourselves. We were so sure we were the only ones there. When in reality there were lots of other Christians. We walked slowly past the closed tomb. “He Is Not Here.” But His people were.

Sometimes we Christians think our church or our denomination is the only one. We aren’t. After we sing “red and yellow, black and white” we should add “Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Pentecostal and all the rest. We are precious in His sight”. Somehow the Tomb made that clear to us that day.

Jesus said, “I have other sheep which are not of this fold.” John 10:16

A Moment with Megan: Free as a Bird

By Megan Blansit

Founder 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, do any of you ever wake up on the wrong side of the bed?

Okay good, glad I’m not the only one! … One bright summer morning (my attitude not so bright) I was sitting in my

living room trying to find something to watch on tv.

While sitting there, I was getting distracted plus very annoyed by the 3 finches in the other room. Side note- My mom use to have a beautiful cage with 3 cute little birds. However, that particular morning, I did not find them so cute.

Lets be honest, sometimes when we are in a bad mood we want others to be in a bad mood with

us, right? We definitely don’t want to be around happy, energetic people!

Well these birds were chirping and chirping…

AND CHIRPING! The birds seemed so ecstatic and were flying around everywhere in the cage, I was thinking, “Seriously?! I cant even hear the tv because they are so loud!” God is so cool because we can literally ask him anything, so that day, out of frustration, I asked God, “How can these birds be so happy like this EVERYDAY?! They live in a cage their entire life!”

His response, “Because I renew their mind daily.”

——Long pause—— Wow. I was speechless.

Isn’t that what we are called to do as Christians, to let Christ renew our mind? As I began to dwell on what the Lord spoke to me, I realized how content those birds were.

How? Why? They live in a cage when they could be flying free anywhere in the world! Do they not get tired of being in that cage? Call me weird, But my mind went into

pretending I was one of those birds and numerous questions arose. What I gathered next from this, was that If God renews their mind daily, the birds do not remember yesterday, and do not worry about tomorrow. They live in the moment and enjoy THIS day. Friend, that’s some powerful stuff.

They literally do not remember yesterday and their mind cannot go to tomorrow. I don’t know about you, but I want to be like those birds (full or life, joy, and contentment.)

Where is your mind today? Are you “stuck” in a cage of fear, anxiety, or perhaps even depression, or unforgiveness?

Matthew 6:26 says, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or sow away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not so much more valuable than they?” and Matthew 6:34 says, Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself…”

God has control over the

birds and He has control over us… when we allow him. God is a gentleman and He will not go where He is not invited. If you’re struggling with anything today, please invite Him in.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ. I want that peace! I want that contentment.

My challenge to you this week, friend, is to let God renew your mind daily. Forget about yesterday, and don’t let your mind get consumed with tomorrow’s agenda.

I challenge you to dig into God’s Word early in the morning, listen to your favorite worship song on the way to work, speak Gods blessings over your life, and enjoy THIS day He has given you. As always, thank you for reading and I will see you next week.

6

Friday–September 25, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS Specialty boat tags could generate $5 million annually to state parks Proposal would mirror automobile vanity tags program

By Staff Reports

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Today, Senator Clay Scofield (R-Arab), Senator Gerald Dial (R-Lineville) and Representative

Margie Wilcox (R-Mobile) announced they plan to file legislation in the 2016 regular session to allow Alabama’s boat owners to purchase specialty boat license tags. Under the proposal, if a specialty tag is already in production for automobiles, a similar specialty tag could be purchased for a boat.

“Alabama’s state parks are a treasure, and I think this idea holds great potential to give an additional source of funds to the parks, without raising taxes,” Senator Scofield said.

“Tough economic times have meant many state agencies have had to make cuts, but I think this is an innovative way to restore some badly-needed resources to the operation and

upkeep of our parks. I look forward to moving this proposal through the Senate in 2016.”

There are over 280,000 boats registered in Alabama.

Senator Scofield estimates that if 13% of boat owners opt for a specialty tag (which is roughly the percentage of automobile owners opting for a specialty license), it could mean approximately $5 million annually to the state parks in additional revenue.

“Our plan is to introduce companion bills in the House and Senate on day one of the 2016 session and I expect they will move quickly through the legislative process,” Rep. Wilcox remarked. “As a resident of Mobile County, I can tell you many boat owners would be excited to purchase specialty tags, if they were available, so I think this can generate a good bit of money for our parks.”

7

Friday–September 25, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS Katy’s Katfish Two Item Platter Rainsville, AL EXCELLENT

VERY GOOD

The two-item platter at Katy’s Katfish includes your choice of two of several entree options. We chose the most popular—chicken fingers and Katfish.

Generous portions of both served with slaw, hush puppies, and a baked potato.

The Katfish was delicious. Almost equally tasty however, are the chicken fingers.

Both are fresh cuts of meat, hand-battered and seasoned to near perfection. Whether you prefer chicken or fish, Katy’s has got you covered. It’s easy to see why Katy’s Katfish has been a Sand Mountain favorite for more than 20 years. Torch Approved.

TORCH APPROVED ADDRESS: 1382 Main St. E Rainsville, AL 35986

CONTACT: Tel. (256) 638-7200

CHAMBER CHATTER September 24, 2015 Carol Beddingfield, Executive Director Are you having trouble finding that perfect place for a reception, family reunion, or party facility?

Attend the Fort Payne Chamber After Hours to learn of a possible solution. Terrapin Hills Country Club will host this event on September 24th from 5-7 PM at the clubhouse on 5501 Club Drive, NW, Fort Payne.

The public is always invited to attend After Hours.

A tour and information of the clubhouse will be provided. For many years the facilities were for the use of members only. Now the facilities may be rented by non-members and is able to accommodate large or small events.

Full course meals or light sandwich plates can be provided. Access to the full service bar is also negotiable.

The Club is a semi-private 18 hole golf course situated in north Fort Payne. The course was originally the vision of Paul Crow, Sr. With the help of family and friends, he began work on the course in 1967. The course opened for play in 1970.

In 1994, the course became a privately owned country club for members only. Extensive renovation occurred during the following years.

Today, the course remains as one of the nicest in northeast Alabama. With four sets of tees the golf course is challenging and enjoyable for golfers of all ages and skill levels.

The club has several different membership options and is open to out of town visitors. Local visitors may participate on a limited basis.

In addition to golf, the club has a variety of events and activities to engage and promote quality of life for the membership. The activities include full golf practice facilities, tennis, swimming, bar and grill. Events include adult golf league, golf days for families and children, yoga classes, ping-pong tournaments, bingo-trivia nights and Sunday lunch buffets. All of the events and activities are created within a family atmosphere Call Terrapin Hills Country Club for more information about rental fees, events and membership at 256-845-8454624. Join us Thursday, September 24th for refreshments, networking and a tour of the facilities.

MEDIOCRE

MODERATE

WEAK

$9.49

RAINSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE September 24, 2015 Tim Eberhart, Executive Director

Lows in the mid 50s. Highs in the upper 70s. Mostly clear skies.

Hasn’t the weather been exquisite thus far in September?

Recently, when an acquaintance commented that he wished we could experience this kind of “perfect chamber of commerce” weather all the time, I agreed. But, after some thought on the matter, I wondered if we might tire of it. Might we appreciate it less if we never experienced those sweltering summer days, the occasional single-digit wind chill factor, or the monsoon-like stretches we go through every few months?

Would we recognize “perfect” without knowing what “lousy” looks and feels like?

I don’t really want to know what it would be like if I couldn’t enjoy when it finally “feels” like football season in north Alabama.

I don’t want to know what it would be like to not enjoy these past few mornings with less humidity. I don’t want to know what it would be like without being able to see the early hints of the spectacular fall foliage that is yet to come.

Let’s enjoy the fall. There are so many good things about the change of seasons, but so little time to enjoy them. And, it’s not too early to start thinking about what wonders the latter part of the season will bring.

Remember to shop local for all things autumn such as the merchandise you need for your Halloween, tailgating, harvest, wardrobe and hunting needs.

If you’re one of our member retailers, it’s not too early to think about what you might do for the Rainsville Holiday Open House which is coming up on November 13-14. In order to fully participate in the city-wide event, a business should be a current member that sells Christmas gifts of some kind. The business should plan to provide some type of special activities for shoppers such as holiday-themed decor, music, treats, door prize drawings, special event discounts, extended shopping hours, etc.

Do you own a business that sells something unique and popular and wonderful, but it seems like you are having a hard time letting the public know about it? Have you ordered some extra Christmas inventory with hopes of having your best-ever fourth quarter? The Holiday Open House’s joint advertising strategy may be just what you need to help get the word out to consumers.

8

Friday–September 25, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

Sports Moments & More Photography Kristy Gallagher 256-605-4048 Call for all your photo needs!

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

jameswilliamsphotography@yahoo.com

9

Friday–September 25, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

One word… Awesome

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Fort Payne 17Albertville 14 There is only one

word to describe the performance of the Fort Payne WIldcats against Albertville Aggies Friday night, awesome. If you were looking for a

showdown, you were not disappointed. Fans from over two counties piled into the Aggie stadium to see a great game.

Desom Turner set the

pace of the game with his 21-yard gallop into the endzone on the third offensive play of the game. The PAT by Evan McPherson was good.

With 5:13 left in the first, Aggie Tyler Collins darted into the endzone with a 3-yard run. The extra point was successful.

Evan McPherson kicked a 39-yard field goal to give the Wildcats the lead but that was short lived. WIth :11 seconds left in the half, Tyler Collins ran from 3-yards out. The extra point was good, giving Albertville the lead going into the half, 14-10.

The third quarter was scoreless and tensions were high. With 8:28 remaining in the fourth, Wanya King charged into the endzone with a 5-yard

touchdown. The extra point attempt by McPherson was good.

The Fort Payne defense left no doubt who wanted the victory more.

Michael Shaddix and Tyler Berry both sacked the quarterback and forced the punt. Shaddix and Berry are the Southern Torch Standouts of the Week.

This sealed the Wildcat win, keeping them 4-0.

The final score was Fort Payne Wildcats 17, Albertville Aggies 14.

Fort Payne will travel to Hazel Green Friday night.

Based on the awesome performance of the entire Fort Payne Wildcat team, they are awarded our Southern Torch Team of the Week.

with a 3-yard dash from Steven Hood. Illair Garcia was successful on the extra point.

In the second quarter, Austin Willoughby scored on a 3-yard touchdown with 2:15 remaining. The kick was not good.

In the third quarter, with 5:50 remaining, Bryan Jimenez darted into the endzone with a 5-yard touchdown.

Garcia added more points on the board with his kick. With 1:07 left in the third, Steven Hood had a 38-yard touchdown run. The PAT was good.

In the fourth, Brindlee Mountain managed to add a few points onto the board with a 86-yard kickoff return. The PAT was successful.

With 11:11 left in the game, Steven Hood had a 26-yard touchdown run.

The extra point was good.

The final was Geraldine 34, Brindlee Mountain 7.

Steven Hood had 9 carries for 146 yards.

Austin Willoughby had 17 carries for 106 yards.

Geraldine will host Sardis, for their Homecoming, Friday night.

the Valley Head Tigers.

Gaylesville tied the game, in the second quarter, with a 6-yard touchdown dash by Jonathan Bradley. Not to be outdone, Devin Leps ran the ball in for a 5-yard Tiger touchdown, with only 7:21 left in the half.

Going into the half, Valley Head led Gaylesville 12-6.

The third quarter was busy. Gaylesville scored on a 15-yard run by Brandon Barnes, the PAT was successful . With only 1:27 left in the third quarter, Ethan Harrison added Tiger points with a 13-yard touchdown.

Devin Leps completed the two-point conversion giving the Tigers the lead 20-13. Gaylesville tried to close the gap with a touchdown pass to Brandon Barnes, making the score 20-19. The Valley Head Tigers, sealed their victory with a 19-yard touchdown by Ethan Harrison. The final score was Valley Head 26, Gaylesville 19.

Valley Head has a bye this Friday.

Plainview Bulldogs bite defeats Sand Brindlee Mountain Rock

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Geraldine 34Brindlee Mountain 7 The Geraldine Bulldogs travelled to Brindlee Mountain, Friday night. Coach Waldrop and the team were wanting to prove they were a force to be reckoned with, and that they did.

Geraldine scored early

By Heath Thrash Sports Editor

Plainview 24Sand Rock 7 Plainview travelled to Sand Rock Friday night, looking for their first win.

It was the second quarter before either team put points on the scoreboard. With 11:00 minutes remaining in the second, Plainview’s Will Kirk, made an interception and ran it back for 20 yards for a touchdown.

The extra point by Luis Hernandez was good.

Sand Rock tied the ballgame when Joel Brock made a 19-yard catch for the touchdown.

The PAT was successful.

With only eight seconds left before the half, Luis Hernandez gave the Bears the lead with his 37-yard field goal.

The third quarter was very quiet but in the fourth, the Bears took charge. They wanted to give new coach, Dustin Goodwin his first Plainview win. With 8:13 left in the fourth, Sam Mueller had a 10-yard touchdown dash and the kick was good by Hernandez. Will Kirk insured the win with his interception and final Bear Touchdown. The kick was good. The final was Plainview 24, Sand Rock 7.

John David Martin led the Plainview Bears with 71 yards rushing. Sam Mueller followed close behind with 63 yards.

The Plainview Bears will take on the Section Lions for their Homecoming, Friday night.

Valley Head gets Region Win

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Valley Head 26Gaylesville 19 Valley Head travelled to Gaylesville to cash in on their second region win.

With 5:10 left in the first quarter, Ethan Harrison, galloped in for a 25-yard touchdown for

10

Friday–September 25, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Playing like Champions Cleburne

County defeats Crossville

By Dustin Dobbins Sports Reporter

Fyffe 41-Ider 0 Ider came to Fyffe Friday night with a 3-0 record. This didn’t impress Fyffe much as they completely shutout Ider. The action started out with a 54 yard drive that Kilpatrick ran the ball every play ending in a 2 yard touchdown by Kilpatrick. Dunston missed kick Fyffe 6 Ider 0.

Early in the second quarter Fyffe drives 94 yards ending in a 30 yard touchdown run by Benefield. Kilpatrick

scored the 2 point conversion. Fyffe 14-0.

With 9 seconds left before halftime, Kilpatrick breaks loose again for a 20 yard touchdown. Dunston kick was good. Fyffe 21 Ider 0 Halftime.

Fyffe doesn’t let up early in the third quarter, Benefield passes to Ashley for a 49 yard touchdown. Dunston missed the kick. Fyffe 27 Ider 0. Fyffe’s next possession Anderson gets the touchdown from 6 yards. Dunston kick is good. Third quarter ends Fyffe 34 Ider 0.

Fyffe scores one more

time, when Anderson races 68 yards for a touchdown. Dunston kick is good. The game ends Fyffe 41 Ider 0.

Kilpatrick ran 21 times for 179 yards and 2 touchdowns, Anderson had 7 carries for 96 yards 2 touchdowns, Benefield ran 3 times for 64 yards 1 touchdown also 2 for 5 passing 71 yards 1 touchdown, Ashley caught a 49 yard touchdown pass. On defense Ryan Martin had 13 tackles while Cole Hosch and Daniel Martin had 10 tackles each. Fyffe travels to Sylvania next.

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Cleburne 39Crossville 3 Cleburne County came to play Crossville, Friday night. The Crossville Lions was hoping for their first season win. Cleburne County wasn’t having it.

The Crossville Lions got first possession of the ball but did not get to hold on to it, very long.

The Cleburne County Tigers took possession on the 29-yard line and seven plays later, they scored on a 34-yard touchdown pass.

The next series of plays were not any better

for the Crossville Lions.

They could not score and were forced to hand over the ball resulting in yet another Cleburne County touchdown with less than 5:00 left in the half.

Cleburne kept adding up the numbers on the scoreboard the rest of the game. Kicker, Ronaldo Jimenez, helped avoid the Crossville shutout with his field goal with less than :48 remaining in the ballgame.

Final Score was Cleburne County 39, Crossville 3.

Crossville will host Sand Rock for their Homecoming, Friday night.

Panthers fall to Cleveland North Sand Mountain/ Sylvania showdown

By Dr. John E. Morgan

Sometimes statistics lie. At the end of the first half in Collinsville’s game with Cleveland, the local Panthers had 228 yards in offense to their foe’s 199.

They had held the ball for over 17 minutes leaving Cleveland with less than seven minutes. The problem? Cleveland led the game 30-14. They would score four more TDs in the third quarter to go on to win the game 58-28.

Cleveland scored two touchdowns on fumble returns and another on an interception return.

In addition, they had a fourth TD set up another interception on the Panther twenty that Cleveland cashed in seven seconds later.

That’s four touchdowns directly related to

Collinsville turnovers.

To their credit, Collinsville continued to play hard and scored another TD on a 64 yard drive that took six minutes off the clock.

Then the local Panthers intercepted Cleveland on two straight possessions, but were unable to get any more points before the half.

Collinsville’s two second half scores came when Steven Wash reached up and snatched down a one handed interception that he returned 22 yards for a TD. They added a late fourth quarter touchdown on a 52 yard pass from new player Keaton Kilgro to Daniel Mann.

On the night, Collinsville’s Dallas Reed rushed for 68 yards and a TD and threw a halfback pass for 62 yards that set

up a touchdown.

Cleveland turned the five Collinsville turnovers into 28 points.

Collinsville only got seven points off of four Cleveland turnovers.

Coach Willingham was blunt with his team.

“We aren’t mentally tough. They are. We have to react better to adversity. They did. We need to learn to reach down inside when adversity comes. Tonight it was like a snow ball rolling down a hill.

We’ve got to get better.

You have to block better for each other.”

“Now, go have a good weekend. Then come back out here and let’s get ready for the rest of the season.” Collinsville travels all the way down to Horseshoe Bend Friday night.

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

The North Sand Mountain/Sylvania showdown was sure to be quite the game as two Sylvania Alumni met as Coaches for opposing teams, Friday night.

North Sand Mountain jumped on the scoreboard early with a 1-yard touchdown with 9:38 remaining in the first.

The PAT was good.

Sylvania answered back with 5:58 remaining, with a Nick Shepard 20-yard pass to Hunter Miller, on a fake field goal. The Ram PAT was good. With 4:10 remaining in the first, NSM intercepted the ball and ran it back 75 yards for a touchdown. The kick was good.

With 10:08 remaining in the second quarter, the Bisons added another touchdown and extra point. With 1:27 left

before the half, Caleb Roebuck ran for 7 yards to give the Rams a much needed touchdown. The PAT was good. Going into the half, North Sand Mountain led the Rams 21-14.

North Sand Mountain dominated the third quarter. They scored on a 1-yard touchdown run but the PAT was unsuccessful. They also had a 70-yard touchdown run with the PAT being good. Going into the fourth, North Sand was up 34-14.

In the fourth, Dylan Dicus had a 5-yard run for a touchdown and the PAT was good. Final was North Sand Mountain 34, Sylvania 21.

Caleb Roebuck had 126 yards for the night and one touchdown.

Sylvania will host the Fyffe Red Devils, Friday night.

11

Friday–September 25, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Southern Torch Gameday Report

with Sideline Guru Dustin Dobbins Sideline Guru WK.5 Well football fans we’re already in week 5. We have a big game in Ider this week, and a really good match up in Geraldine. So let’s get to picking some games.

First off the board is Valley Head has a bye.

Fort Payne (4-0) at Hazel Green (1-3) Wildcats stay undefeated with big win. Turner has big game, King plays good, and Big Man on Campus Sam the man Young shows out on Defense again.

Section (0-4) at Plainview (1-3) Thing’s started coming together last week for the Bears. It should continue this week with Mueller and Martin

running, Dukes passing and that Kirk kid on defense. Bears win.

Sand Rock (2-2) at Crossville (0-4) The Lions pull off upset at home.

Pointer throws to Jones and Dismuke and Simpson and Owens run to daylight.

Lions Defense shows out and Lions win.

Collinsville (2-2) at Horseshoe Bend (1-3) It will be a long ride for the Panthers and Horseshoe Bend has a good running back in D.Hill but Panthers get over the long ride by halftime, Panthers give up a few long plays to Hill but Reed, Blakely,Nash and Jones to much. Panthers win in fourth quarter.

Fyffe (3-1) at Sylvania

(1-3) The Rams will be looking for their second win of season, in a big rivalry game. Should be good game if you like watching running backs.

Sylvania has Roebuck and Fyffe has Kilpatrick . I see Fyffe winning just to much depth with Anderson, Ashley, Collins and Benefield.

Sardis (2-2) at Geraldine (2-2) This should be a close game with a lot a physical play on both sides of the line. Sardis will move the ball up and down the field, Bulldogs defense stiffens up inside 20 yard line.

Bulldogs turn season around with nail bitting win late. Hood and Willoughby have big night

for Bulldogs.

North Sand Mountain (3-1) at Ider (3-1) Should be game of the week. Bisons only loss came in week one of season and Hornets only loss was last week to a good Fyffe team. Hornets got beat up physically and mentally last week. What to watch for in this game is how the Hornets handle last week’s loss, keeping their heads up and not having any hangover.

Bisons are for real ,that George kid is good. Should be close game may end up who has ball last will win.

George and the Bisons outlast Palmer and the Hornets. Bisons win in a slubber Knocker.

Southern Torch’s Most Wanted Top Quarterbacks

Attempts Yards

Touchdowns

Interceptions

Crossville / Pointer.............. 49/85.......... 546...........3........................3 Collinsville / Jones............... 26/39.......... 287...........4........................3 Plainview / Dukes................ 27/45........... 262...........0.......................0 Fort Payne / Ellis.................. 16/37.......... 246...........2........................3 Fyffe / Benefield.................. 6/15............ 176...........3........................1 Ider/ Dobbins...................... 9/17............ 147...........2........................1 Valley Head/ Harrison......... 10/16.......... 128...........2........................0 Sylvania / Dicus................... 14/29.......... 127...........1........................2 Plainview / Williamson........ 13/32........... 116...........1........................1 Geraldine / Murphy................................ 59

Top Running Backs

Attempts Yards

Touchdowns

Fyffe / Kilpatrick.................. 87............... 820..........8 Fort Payne / Turner.............. 93............... 781...........7 Geraldine / Hood................. 52............... 520..........8 Sylvania / Roebuck.............. 68............... 477...........5 Geraldine /Willoughby........ 71................ 370..........3 Collinsville / Reed................ 48............... 365...........4 Valley Head / Leps............... 21................ 330..........5 Valley Head/ Nix................. 26............... 276...........0 Plainview / Mueller............. 59............... 274...........2* Collinsville / Nash............... 40............... 233...........2* Collinsville / Blakely............ 35............... 219...........4* Ider / Palmer....................... 27............... 217...........7 Crossville / Simpson............ 30............... 257...........0* Ider / Higdon....................... 27............... 183...........1 Sylvania / Miller.................. 17................ 181...........2* Sylvania / Dicus................... 17................ 161...........1*

Top Wide Outs

Receptions Yards

Touchdowns

Crossville / Jones................. 23............... 299..........1 Crossville / Dismuke............ 16............... 174...........1 Plainview / Kirk................... 9................. 108 Fort Payne /Ridgeway.......... 7................. 107 Plainview / Hughes.............. 11................ 100 Fort Payne / W. King............ 4................. 85............1

Top Tacklers

Tackles

Plainview / Farmer.............. 36 Plainview / Johnson............. 36 Plainview / Wooten............. 35 Crossville / Luther............... 33 Geraldine / Hood................. 33 Fyffe/ R. Martin................... 30 Geraldine /Benitez.............. 28 Crossville / Jones................. 27 Crossville /Bruce................. 27 Fort Payne / Richburg.......... 27 Fyffe/ Hosch........................ 24 Fyffe/ D. Martin................... 24 Sylvania / Dover.................. 24 Crossville / Owens............... 23 Fort Payne / Bobo................ 22 Geraldine / Willoughby....... 22 Geraldine / Sparkman......... 20 Sylvania / Griffin................. 20 *No Stats for Wk. 4 at Press time for Valley Head, Geraldine and Ider.*

Most Touchdowns Collinsville/Reed................. 8 Ider / Palmer....................... 7 Fyffe / Kilpatrick.................. 6 Fort Payne / Turner.............. 6 Sylvania / Roebuck.............. 5 Valley Head/ Leps................ 5 Collinsville / Nash............... 4 Collinsville /Blakely............ 3 Sylvania / Miller.................. 2 Ider / Higdon....................... 2 Fyffe/Benefield.................... 2 All stats are subject to change weekly according to how accurate schools send stats in.

12

Friday–September 25, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

TEAM OF THE WEEK

Fort Payne Wildcats Congratulations, Fort Payne Wildcats! You are the Southern Torch Team of the Week for your impressive win over Albertville!