The Southern Torch, Vol. 1, No. 30

THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 / VOL. 1, NO. 30 / $1.00

COMMUNITY

BUSINESS

POLITICS

SPRING SEMESTER REGISTRATION GOING ON AT NORTHEAST

TREAT OF THE WEEK: WESTERN SIZZLIN’ FOOD TRUCK

SUPREME COURT OVERTURNS ALABAMA RULING

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Coming Home–Coach Jeremy Pruitt returns to the Heart of Dixie

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.— Following the complex shakeup, departure and redeployment of some of the

biggest names in SEC coaching, a DeKalb County native is officially coming home. Last week, University of Alabama head football Coach Nick Saban announced that

Plainview High School alum Coach Jeremy Pruitt had been hired as Alabama’s new defensive coordinator.

Pruitt joins the Alabama staff after spending the past two seasons as defensive coordinator/secondary coach at the University of Georgia. Less than 24 hours after a victory over Georgia Tech capped a 9-3 regular season, UGA dumped 15-year veteran head Coach Mark Richt.

Soon thereafter, Richt announced that he would be taking the head coaching job at University of Miami.

After UA’s victory over CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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FORT PAYNE, Ala.— Fort Payne will make a final decision this week on whom to hire as the director of the city’s Main Street Alabama program.

The city announced in June that Fort Payne was one of three Alabama towns chosen in 2015 as a newly designated Main Street Community.

The Main Street organization works with cities throughout the country to preserve the historic integrity and improve the economies of selected communities.

The organization helps Main Street cities like Fort Payne create new jobs and attract dollars and people back to the downtown area of historic communities.

Fort Payne’s Main Street Board of Directors

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2015 Sand Mountain Christmas Tournament is heating up. For a preview of tonight’s semifinal action, turn to page 11

Fort Payne to name Main Street Alabama Director

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

O

has narrowed down the search for a Main Street Director to three candidates from an original field of around 20 applicants. The board will hold a final round of interviews Thursday night and extend an offer after each candidate has made a presentation describing their vision for the Main Street program and gone through a Q&A with the board.

After a hire is made, the new director and board will put together a one-year plan to improve the city’s downtown area.

Fort Payne’s new Main Street Director will begin work sometime next month, following the new year.

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

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

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

Christmas in DeKalb See photos from this year’s Christmas Parades in Fort Payne, Rainsville, and Collinsville!

Pages 4 and 5 OPINION / EDITORIAL

Fear is destroying our fundamental rights

The highly publicized terror attacks and mass shootings over the last several years has Americans feeling increasingly on edge. While the September 11, 2001 attacks provoked many emotions including fear, the terrorist targeted the Pentagon and the World Trade Center, seemingly a world away from the small offices and schools of middle America…

Page 8 THIS WEEK IN FAITH

A Moment with Megan: More than a Gift Does anyone love giving gifts to others?! I sure do! Gift wrap, boxes, tape, the gift(s), bows, scissors… there is a preparation to make the “perfect” gift, right?…

Page 7 THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

Lady Bears fall to the Bisons The Plainview Lady Bears faced the North Sand Mountain Bisons, Tuesday in the Sand Mountain Tournament…

Page 10 PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 60 RAINSVILLE, AL

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Friday–December 18, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

Accident near Collinsville ends in tragedy

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

COLLINSVILLE, Ala.— A car accident off of I-59 near Collinsville late last week resulted in the tragic death of a Sylvania woman’s unborn child and serious injury to a brave police officer who was sideswiped by

another vehicle during his attempt to provide assistance to the crash victim. Brittany Owens of Sylvania who was involved in the wreck, was 37 weeks pregnant and expected to give birth to a baby girl any time in the next few days.

Owens was rushed to Erlanger Hospital in

Continued from page 1

Coach Pruitt returns Florida in the SEC Championship, Alabama’s defensive coordinator, Kirby Smart, announced that he would be leaving the Tide to take the open head coaching position at UGA—like Pruitt and Richt, returning to his alma mater. Smart played at Georgia in the 1990s and has been Saban’s defensive coordinator at Alabama since 2008. The new coach was widely regarded as one of the top assistants in the country, with Alabama perennially ranking among the top defensive teams in the country. And last week UA announced that Smart’s position at Bama would be filled by UGA defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.

Pruitt, who played two seasons with the Crimson Tide under former Coach Gene Stallings and served as an assistant on the Alabama coaching staff for six

seasons, said he is excited to be returning to his alma mater.

“This is a special opportunity for me to come back to the University of Alabama,” Pruitt said. “Growing up in the state and having played and coached here, I have a great appreciation for Alabama football. Coach Saban’s success speaks for itself and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the chance he gave me to join his staff back in 2007. We are excited to get back to Tuscaloosa and be a part of one of the outstanding programs in college athletics.”

Alabama Coach Nick Saban was highly complimentary of Pruitt when discussing the hire.

“We are excited to announce that Jeremy Pruitt has rejoined our staff at Alabama as defensive coordinator,” Saban said. “He did an outstanding job in the six

Chattanooga where doctors delivered her daughter by emergency C-section Thursday night.

Newborn Bella Owens was on life support but ultimately would not recover, passing away Sunday night according to family who asked for prayers as they go through this difficult

time.

Collinsville Police Officer Jeremy Bell who responded to the accident, was sideswiped at the scene of the crash by an 18-wheeler as he was exiting his squad car to provide assistance to Owens and her unborn child as their lives hung in the balance. A very

popular figure in the town of Collinsville, Bell has seen an outpouring of support, not only from friends and family, but from the community as a whole.

Alabama State Troopers are investigating both accidents.

years he was with us and did the same at Florida State and Georgia after that. Jeremy is obviously an excellent defensive coach, and also does a great job in terms of recruiting and developing relationships with players. We’re pleased and happy to have Jeremy and his family back in Tuscaloosa.”

Prior to his time at UGA, Pruitt served on the Crimson Tide staff from 2007-2012. In his role as a Bama assistant coach, Pruitt mentored several notable Crimson Tide stars including safety Mark Barron and cornerbacks Dre Kirkpatrick, DeQuan Menzie and Dee Milliner.

Pruitt originally joined the Alabama staff as Director of Player Development in 2007.

Pruitt’s 2015 Georgia defense currently ranks eighth nationally in total defense, allowing 298.0 yards per game, leads the nation in passing yards allowed per game (146.1 ypg), ranks second nationally in red zone defense (.645), third nationally in first down defense (173), eighth nationally in pass efficiency defense (102.96) and is ninth nationally in scoring defense (16.9 ppg). In 2014, Pruitt’s Georgia defense ranked 17th nationally in total defense (337.2 ypg), fourth nationally in turnover margin (+1.23) and was fifth nationally in passing yards allowed (170.4 ypg).

Pruitt served as both defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Florida State in 2013 as part of a staff that

led the Seminoles to an undefeated season and the 2013 national championship. That Seminole defense ended the season ranked first nationally in scoring defense (12.1 ppg), second in team passing efficiency defense (93.77), third in total defense (281.4 ypg), and was 18th in rushing defense (124.8 ypg).

From 2004-06, Pruitt enjoyed a successful stint as an assistant coach at Hoover (Ala.) High School. At Hoover, he served for three seasons as defensive backs coach with the final two as the defensive coordinator. He tutored a defense that helped the Bucs reach the Class 6A State Championship in 2004, 2005 and 2006, winning titles in 2004 and 2005.

Pruitt served as an assistant coach under his father, Dale Pruitt, at Fort Payne High School from 2001-03. Pruitt began his coaching career as a student assistant coach at Alabama during the 1997 season, where he worked under defensive backs coach Curley Hallman.

After one year on the UA staff, Pruitt joined his father’s staff at Plainview High School as defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator in 1998 and 2000. He spent one season as defensive backs coach at the University of West Alabama, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1999.

During his collegiate career, Pruitt played at both Middle Tennessee and Alabama. He began his career at Middle Tennessee under legendary coach Boots

Donnelly, where he was a two-year starter at safety and cornerback for the Blue Raiders. After his sophomore season, Pruitt transferred to Alabama where he played two seasons under Gene Stallings. As a junior, Pruitt played in nine games and recorded seven tackles. As a senior, Pruitt played in seven games as a backup defensive back and was a member of Alabama’s 1996 SEC Western Division Championship team that beat Michigan 17-13 in the Outback Bowl in Tampa. A two-time All-State defensive back, Pruitt helped Plainview High School to a 48-8 record during his four-year career. He earned All-State honors in both 1991 and 1992.

Perhaps legendary University of Alabama Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant summed it up best in 1958 when asked why he chose to leave a strong Texas A&M program that year to become the head coach of the Crimson Tide.

“I left because my school called me,” Bryant said. “Mama called, and when Mama calls, then you just have to come running.”

Like Bryant, when his school called, Jeremy Pruitt came running. And the people of DeKalb County could not be prouder.

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Friday–December 18, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

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

Spring Semester registration going on at Northeast

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— Regular registration for the Spring Semester at Northeast Alabama Community College will be Wednesday, January 6, 2016, 8:30 a.m. thru 5:30

p.m. Classes begin Thursday, January 7.

Registration ends on Friday, January 8.

When students enroll in one of the academic transfer programs and follow the appropriate guidelines, courses are

guaranteed by state law to be accepted at any public college in Alabama. Consult STARS at http://www.nacc.edu/ study/stars.htm.

NACC students have great opportunities to complete a degree here at NACC. Students can stay here and finish a bachelor’s degree or transfer anywhere with the help of scholarships to different colleges in and out of the state of Alabama. Transfer opportunities on campus include Athens State University and Huntingdon College, as well as agreements with

Mr. and Mrs. Milford Dukes of Rainsville asked if we could help them convey a message to the Rainsville community to express their gratitude to so many who have offered their family love, support and prayers through difficult times:

Thank you everyone so much for your kindness during this trying time. With my broken foot and Milford’s health issues things have not been easy for us. We appreciate all the prayers, food, calls, cards and visits they mean so much. May God bless each of you. Merry Christmas!

Milford and Wydean Dukes

a.k.a. Mrs. Banana Bread

Congratulations to Patrick and Rachel Blevins of Rainsville!

They’re the lucky winners of our Christmas cash give away at the Rainsville Christmas parade.

Southern Torch Editor and Publisher Joseph Morgan presents check to Rachel Blevins, winner of the Cider Under the Cedars $100 cash drawing

the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Jacksonville State University, and Bryan College.

Whether looking for an opportunity to earn skills for a first job or to qualify for a better job, to obtain the GED, or to gain skills necessary to go into business for oneself, NACC stands ready to help students meet those educational goals. NACC offers many career-technical certificate and degree programs. Once a career path is determined, education and training here at Northeast will prepare students to be the best at whatever career chosen.

The education programs here are second to none.

The curriculum is industry-driven and caring faculty will prepare students for their

career choice in a state-of-the-art facility using the latest in instructional technology.

For more information, drop by the Office of College and Career Planning in Room 112 of the Wallace Administration Building.

Contact Sherry Whitten, Director of College and Career Planning at extension 2315, or by email at whittens@nacc. edu.

Financial aid, scholarships, and student loans are available for those who qualify.

For class offerings and specific program information go to www. nacc.edu or download the college’s free App at the Apple App Store or by going to www.naccmobile.com. Call 256-6384418 or 256-228-6001, ext. 2222.

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Friday–December 18, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY

As we move ever closer to Dec. 25, communities throughout DeKalb County are showing the Christmas spirit through special events, parades and other Christmas celebrations. Southern Torch would like to extend holiday greetings and best wishes to each and every community and the people that make those communities special in DeKalb County. It has been a true blessing to spend time in every community in the county as we continue to work each day to cover the news — no matter how big or small —and tell the stories that are important to you. We appreciate your support and wish you a Merry Christmas.

—Southern Torch

Collinsville Collinsville Christmas Parade Grand Marshall Judge Ronnie Osborn (Center), a shriner, clowns around with elves

Collinsville Baptist Church Parade float

Classic car enthusiasts Brad and Belinda Barksdale and family pose in car they drove in parade

Portersville Homemakers

Liberty Hill Baptist Church parade float

Collinsville High School Cheerleaders pose for a photo at parade

Thomas Barksdale, owner of Graves Hardware, drove this classic truck in parade

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Friday–December 18, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

IN DEKALB COMMUNITY

Fort Payne

Santa at Fort Payne gets many requests

Ider Rescue shows their holiday spirit Fort Payne Carolers

Marla and Angie love parades

Rainsville

Children awaiting the arrival of Santa

Kaden and Raven as our newsies

Mayor Nick Jones and son Jack enjoying Jack’s first Christmas parade

Children anxiously waiting for Santa Santa Claus!

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Friday–December 18, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS Western Sizzlin’ Food Truck Daily Specials Menu Rainsville, AL EXCELLENT

VERY GOOD

MEDIOCRE

MODERATE

WEAK

$4.00

For our Treat of the Week, we didn’t have to travel far. The new Western Sizzlin’ food truck is located in Rainsville on the corner of Main Street and McCurdy Avenue South, in front of sunshine cleaners. It’s location is convenient for those working in the city of Rainsville, or for those just passing through. Today we took advantage of their daily specials, running from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. The menu consists of eight entrees, including American staples such as philly cheese steaks, fried chicken tenders, and hamburgers. Also, onion rings, french fries, fried pickles, and potato wedges are offered as sides.

To review, we chose the chopped sirloin with mushroom gravy. The sirloin was fresh, as well as tender. The meal also included fries and a piece of texas toast. You can add a soft drink for one dollar more, making this only a four-dollar meal if you visit the food truck between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. We highly recommend the Western Sizzlin’ food truck for good food, at a good price, in a convenient location!

GOOD ADDRESS:

In front of Sunshine Cleaners at Rainsville intersection, Rite Aid parking lot

CONTACT: Tel. (256) 697-0749

CHAMBER CHATTER December 17, 2015 Carol Beddingfield, Executive Director

School systems have certainly improved since I was involved in education. I rarely thought about what career I was going to pursue, especially in the eighth grade.

Students begin to explore early the many career options due to more technical training that is required by large companies.

A great example of how business and industry work closely with the school curriculum was showcased even in the Fort Payne Christmas Parade Grand Marshal, the Real World Design Challenge team.

The Fort Payne Seven (which they prefer to be called) consists of 7 students from Fort Payne High School: Regan Anderson, Joshua Johnston, Emma Simpson, Hunter Terry, Hunter Vezertzis, Matthew Wilding and Noah Wofford.

Each year, student teams are asked to address a challenge that confronts our nation’s leading industries. Students utilize professional engineering software to develop their solutions and to generate presentations that convincingly demonstrate the value of their solutions.

This year’s challenge focused on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in precision agriculture. The team was tasked to design a vehicle that could successfully apply pesticide to a corn field in order to save the farmer time and money.

The precision of the pesticide application also eliminated environmental concerns on the excess use of pesticides.

The Fort Payne Seven won the state competition in the Real World Design Challenge as well as the previous three years. They also placed second in this year’s national competition only losing to a U.S. territory.

Their community involvement includes working with local architects to create a 3 D representation of the Patriots Memorial Park.

They are also currently working on successfully printing a prosthetic hand for a friend using the high school’s 3D printer.

Words cannot express my sense of pride to recognize these students for their efforts. I cannot wait to see how they will change our world in the future in so many unexplored areas.

According to the team’s sponsor, Hannah Turner, “We here at Fort Payne are excited to have the opportunity to prepare our students for the real world.”

On behalf of the Fort Payne Chamber Board of Directors, I want to express our appreciation to teachers like Mrs. Turner who go beyond their daily responsibilities to insure that our kids exceed beyond their dreams.

RAINSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE December 17, 2015 Tim Eberhart, Executive Director

Twas magical to see how Santa captivated the crowd this past Saturday afternoon at the 56th Annual Rainsville Christmas Parade, and again afterwards when a few dozen tiny tots lined up at the Bevill Center to greet him face-to-face.

Please allow me to say “thank you” to all the people that helped make it all a success.

A special “thank you” goes to Nick Harcrow, Jessie Tatum, the Distinguished Young Women of DeKalb County and their sponsor Devin, and the Rainsville Police Department. The same goes for the mayor and city council, plus all the other men and women, boys and girls, elves and angels that made possible all the wonderful floats. “Thank you” to everyone who drove vehicles and rode horses, plus the Lions Club, Civitan Club, criminal justice club from NACC, and Chamber volunteers Kevin, Scott, Linda, Hershel, Mandi, Sandy and Doris.

A huge “thanks” goes to our event photographer, Khara Wynn. If you missed the parade, go to our Facebook page to see over 75 photos she captured on our behalf.

I was surprised at how much attention a celebrity of Santa’s stature was able to give each of his admirers at the TBEC especially when you consider the time of year it is. His eyes, how they twinkled. His dimples, how merry. His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry. But, after everyone else had left, he still took the time to sit down in our office to offer us some tips for increasing our membership, and optimizing our websites and social media pages to best carry out our mission.

We found out that he really does make a list, but no longer checks it just twice.

Technology has made it possible for him to continually check it right up to the last minute.

Speaking of the last minute. Please allow us to urge you to shop local for all your last-minute Christmas gift needs. This may be the last time in 2015 we will have the opportunity to remind you that it’s as important as ever to support the local retailers. They mean more to the community than we can say.

You, the refined shopper, deserve the best holiday shopping experience. Many local retailers, including about two dozen stores in Rainsville, are ready to help you with that.

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Friday–December 18, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FAITH

Christmas Treasure

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

My wife’s family is descending on us this weekend. It is time for the annual Christmas get together. There will be lots of laughing. Lots of eating. Lots of all those things you do with your family. Including lots of storytelling.

For many years, the highlight of the weekend has been when our three wise women sit down on the couch and tell stories about their childhood.

The three are sisters, and they are all in their nineties. Age has meant that they are rarely together anywhere but here at Christmas. We

call them wise women because they are.

They grew up on a Mississippi farm during hard times. They all had many chores to do. My mother in-law did most of the cooking for fifteen or so every day. There was school to attend (their father drove an early school bus). And lots of church activities. Doors open? Family there. The Lawrences are a very Christian family. It was a life much like ours. And a life that seems planets away from ours.

Their stories of those times are treasures to be carefully stored and cherished. They sit on the couch holding hands and talk to each other

with smiles of joy on their wrinkled faces remembering those days from almost a century ago. Memories of people who have gone on to heaven that most of us never knew.

They tell one wonderful story about Christmas. The children would get a small doll or toy in their sock maybe with a piece of fruit and a few nuts. There were also a few carefully crafted gifts made by hand exchanged. And there was family together.

Their Uncle Delbert (I think) somehow found a way every Christmas to bring a special gift for the whole family. He would bring in an entire stalk of

bananas. How he got them, they do not know.

But get that stalk of bananas he did.

And he would hang the stalk from the middle of the door frame. Those bananas would be hanging there in front of everybody. And then he would tell them – eat them all. This was an unbelievable luxury in the middle of a depression among people who pretty much grew everything they ate.

I can just imagine them. Our three wise women when they were three very smooth skinned young girls.

Heads tilted back. Eyes bright with wonder and amazement. Quick looks at parents to be sure it is okay. And then they would eat those Christmas bananas. And I like to think that back in the corner stood Uncle Delbert with the brightest smile of all as he watched them each pull a banana off the stalk. And knowing that it was the best money he would spend all year. Much like God must smile when we enjoy His good gifts.

This year it looks like we will only have two

wise women here. The third one has just entered a nursing home. There will be an empty place on the couch.

But we will celebrate.

We will have more food than they could have imagined back on the farm. But we will not have anything to approach that stalk of bananas. Nothing that sweet. Unless it is our memories.

May you share sweet memories this Christmas.

And may you make new, sweet memories that will be shared for years to come.

And our three wise women would be very unhappy with me if I did not remind you that the greatest gift of all was not bananas. Or memories.

Or even family.

God’s greatest gift of all was and is Jesus Christ. Our three wise women learned that as little girls at a country church and at their parents’ feet. They trust Jesus to carry them through struggles now and to someday carry them home. That is why they are wise.

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

II Corinthians 9:15

A Moment with Megan: More than a Gift

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

Does anyone love giving gifts to others?! I sure do! Gift wrap, boxes, tape, the gift(s), bows, scissors…. there is a preparation to make the “perfect” gift, right?

However, I hate to break it to those who spend hours wrapping gifts- it’s not about what’s on the paper or what kind of bow that the gift box gets, its about what’s inside! For example, we probably don’t remember the wrapping paper that

our boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife used last year. I bet that you certainly remember what was under the paper though!

This could parallel with our personal lives.

People may not remember what outfit you wore 2 weeks ago (whats on the outside) but I can almost bet they remember how you treated them or how you made them feel. These feelings could be good or bad. For example, are we guilty of snapping at the cashier at McDonald’s because he/she got our order wrong or do we take a breathe and say something nice like, “It’s

okay, you guys seem very busy today…. you have a great day.” It’s amazing how much power we have in our words; we actually have the power to set the mood for someone else.

I’ve had people speak positivity into my life (aka warm fuzzies) and I still to this day remember that when I see those people. They’ve made an impact and whether we realize it or not, we are all making impacts on people, daily.

It’s in our hands if it’s a positive or a negative one.

Our life is a gift. We “decorate” ourselves everyday and if you are like me, you may do a lot of “preparation.” This girl loves her hair products and makeup!

But, I am also aware that my heart needs just as much preparation; as I mentioned earlier, its what’s inside the gift box that really matters. I can completely tell a difference with my attitude and how I treat others when I am reading God’s Word verses when I do not spend time with Him. My main prayer each week is that people would see Christ in me; I want to love others like He does.

I challenge you, friend, to focus less on

the “wrapping paper “and focus on the gift you are giving. By gift I mean love, patience, kindness, self-control, etc. I also challenge you to take a step back and examine the “gifts” you have already given this week.

When people look at us do they focus more on the outside or are they amazed by the love we are showing towards them? Remember, we all mess up, no one is perfect. You are never a failure until you quit trying!

In closing, I am

reminded of the song, “Mary Did You Know.” I wonder if Mary realized the gift she was about to receive and do we, as Christians, realize the gift we have already been given- God sending his son to die for us. This is a great time to reflect on the perfect gift that God has given us; He’s a good good Father. As horrific as the crucifixion was, I truly believe Christ would do it all over again if he had to. Why? Because He loves us THAT MUCH! Have a Merry Christmas!

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Friday–December 18, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

OPINION / EDITORIAL

Fear is destroying our fundamental rights

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

The highly publicized terror attacks and mass shootings over the last several years has Americans feeling increasingly on edge.

While the September 11, 2001 attacks provoked many emotions including fear, the terrorist targeted the Pentagon and the World Trade Center, seemingly a world away from the small offices and schools of middle America. In the 14 years that’s passed since that tragic day, we’ve seen terrorism evolve to small plots on “soft targets,” or places that are lacking the security we devote to our infrastructure and landmarks. Plots on soft targets can be carried out by one or two individuals, and require very little coordination. We’ve also seen these acts carried out by deranged persons who have no allegiance to terrorism; only evil. Sep. 11 took 19 hijackers to carry out, along with hundreds of others in financing, planning, and training. Preparing for an attack on this scale would have been impossible without thousands of phone calls and emails between the conspirators. Intercepting electronic communica-

tions between terrorists has been our most effective tactic in preventing further attacks, but the new threats require no such planning or mass communication. After it was revealed two years ago that the government was collecting telephone data, lawmakers took action this summer to further limit our ability to monitor terrorist activity. This along with political correctness led to investigators missing all the clear warning signs displayed by the recent San Bernardino terrorists. While these factors caused a negligent underreaction by federal officials, we’ve seen many overreactions to less-than-credible threats as well.

While the threat of mass violence is something everyone should take seriously, we cannot let that override common sense. It seems that for every one credible threat, there are hundreds of people who are charged or imprisoned for simply stating a threat, even when investigators assess there is no validity to it. Most of the non-credible threats are from children or teenagers seeking attention, or not

understanding the implications of their actions. The majority of these threats play out on social media. Social media gives us an outlet that within seconds we can share our thoughts with a large audience.

The obvious downside is that these can be impossible to retract.

While an adult may understand these implications, these may not be so obvious to an impulsive, emotional teenager. Several such cases have occurred in Alabama in the last year.

In September, a 15 year old Hueytown boy was arrested after making threats to the Birmingham airport on a video sharing app. The teen was charged with making a terror threat although it was discovered that the weapons displayed were actually airsoft guns and their was no credible threat. In January of this year, police in Oxford charged a 16 year old with making a terrorist threat against a school, though it was discovered the threat wasn’t credible and no specific school was threatened. While urgency is understandable when reacting to a possible threat that might harm dozens of people, the “threat” was made in November 2014; two months before the decision was made to file charges.

My point certainly isn’t that these non-credible threats be overlooked or go unpunished, but that the offenders are merely emotional, impulsive, and probably in need of some help instead of being labeled a terrorist. It seems in direct violation of our first amendment rights

that Americans can be imprisoned and have their lives ruined for uttering words they shouldn’t have. While it takes so little for an adolescent to get terror related charges, the terrorist couple that perpetrated the latest attack were given no such treatment while actively displaying jihadist ties on social media. Malik, the wife who immigrated from Pakistan on a “fiancee” visa, was even welcomed into our country when immigration officials simply could have checked her online presence. After the former contractor Edward Snowden revealed NSA surveillance programs, officials at the federal level are cautious in regards to surveillance in fear of violating privacy laws.

This leaves local enforcement agencies to deal with threats in their jurisdiction, many of whom are not equipped to deal with the issues that cause this behavior.

In June, the USA Freedom Act was passed, severely limiting surveillance programs. The telephone data being collected was not thoughts or private conversations, but phone numbers contacted so that individuals communicating with known terrorists can be identified. Snowden was a high school dropout who probably got picked last in every sport, then

betrayed his country to China and Russia while portraying himself as a “whistleblower.” With these programs crippled, law enforcement is focusing more on our words than ever before.

Although our guard remains vigilant against attempts to erode our rights to privacy, to bare arms, and freedom of religion, our right to free speech is being slowly limited. While these threats merit attention, young lives should not be ruined because someone uttered (or typed) the wrong words. Threats should be rigorously investigated, but not labeled “terrorism” if no credible threat or link to terror is found.

Punishment and intervention should happen, but not to this extreme extent. And while government surveillance programs were questionable, crippling them has left us less safe, and with less freedom to say stupid things we usually don’t mean. This is disproportionately affecting younger Americans, who are more active on social media and have less of an understanding of the implications. If Islamic extremists cause us to lose our fundamental rights as Americans due to overreaction and hysteria, they effectively destroy America from the inside out.

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Friday–December 18, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS U.S. Supreme Court overturns Alabama ruling

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

WASHINGTON, D.C..— The nation’s highest court overturned an Alabama Supreme Court ruling on Monday regarding the validity of a same-sex adoption. The United States Supreme Court on Monday sided with a lesbian mother who wants to see her adopted children after splitting up with her partner of sixteen years, overturning an earlier decision by the Alabama court that the adoption was invalid, barring her from any visitation rights to the three children.

The couple, referred to in the court proceedings as “V.L.” and “E.L.,” had planned for and used donor insemination to conceive the children.

While living in Alabama, the couple rented a home in Georgia. In order for V.L., the non-biological mother, to have parental rights over the children she had to file for adoption in the Georgia courts. The adoption was approved, but in April of this year the couple split, with E.L., the biological mother, seeking sole custody and refusing visitation to the former partner. On September 18, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled the Georgia adoption invalid, blocking V.L. from visitation rights and refusing to recognize her as a parent. After the ruling on Monday, the non-paternal mother will be able to appeal for visitation rights with the children she has not seen in eight months.

The non-biological mother appealed the Alabama order declaring the adoption “void” to the

United States Supreme Court, on the grounds that it clearly violated the “Full Faith and Credit” clause of the constitution. This century-old clause establishes the precedent that states are required to respect court judgments of other states, regardless of their own laws, to include adoption. The Alabama court found that Georgia did not apply its own laws properly regarding the adoption. The Supreme Court found that Alabama broke with a clear precedence, and that due to the “Full Faith and Credit” clause, Georgia’s adoption laws and rulings are not open to interpretation by another state’s court.

Earlier this year, Alabama’s highest court ordered probate judges across the state not to issue same-sex marriage licenses after federal district court invalidated the state’s prohibition on gay marriage. While many counties have chosen to adhere to the federal ruling, thirteen counties still refuse to issue marriage licenses.

This recent supreme court decision highlights the legal complications with same-sex marriages even after it was declared legal by the Supreme Court. While the state was ruled against in this case, there will undoubtedly be many more cases to come regarding this issue. V.L., who will soon be able to see the children again, commented that, “No parent and child should ever be separated because a court refuses to follow the law and recognize adoptions from other states.”

10

Friday–December 18, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Plainview wins nailbiter Geraldine defeats Crossville

Sylvania ‘s Will Batey tires to sneak past Plainview Defender

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Plainview 65Sylvania 60

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— In a bitter rivalry game, Plainview wins a nailbiter against Sylvania in overtime.

Sylvania faced Plainview in the Sand Mountain Tournament, Tuesday night. The game was evenly matched from

the beginning. Starting the second quarter, the score was tied 17-17.

Plainview grabbed the lead going into the half, 36-30. In the third, Sylvania gained the one point lead. Three pointers were thrown like Christmas candy between both teams. The clock ran out with a 55-55 tie.

In overtime, Plainview scored 10 additional points to the Rams 5.

They will face Geraldine Friday, December 18 at 6:00 p.m.

The Top Scorers for Plainview were Jeffery Armstrong with 22 points. Koby Tinker had 13 points.

Caleb Roebuck had 18 points for the Rams.

Following closely behind was Phillip Dendy with 17.

Lady Bears fall to the Bisons

Jacey Bell takes it to the net against NSM. Image courtesty Kristy Gallegher Sports & More Photography

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

North Sand Mtn 67Plainview 60

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— The Plainview Lady Bears faced the North Sand Mountain Bisons, Tuesday in the

Sand Mountain Tournament.

The first quarter saw the Lady Bears leading the Bisons, 14-12. Going into the half, the Bisons jumped ahead of the Bears with an 31-27 lead.

The Bisons were able to maintain their lead during the second half and defeated the Bears, 67-60.

Jacey Bell led the Plainview Bears with 24 points. Annabelle Brown followed with 17 points.

North Sand Mountain will face Sylvania, Thursday, December 17, 2015 in the semi-finals of the Sand Mountain Tournament.

Cade White throws one in for the score. Image courtesty Kristy Gallegher Sports & More Photography

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Geraldine 68Crossville 35

RAINSVILLE, Ala.- In the first round of the Sand Mountain Tournament, Geraldine defeated Crossville, Tuesday night.

Geraldine struck early against the Crossville Lions. Going into the half, they had a 38-17 lead.

They held on to their

lead and defeated Crossville, to move on to play Plainview, Friday, December 18, at 6:00 p.m. at the Dekalb County Schools Coliseum.

Colby Lee Mincey led the Geraldine Bulldogs with 17 points. Brent Armstrong followed closely behind with 16 points. Ivan Benitez had 8 rebounds.

Collinsville edges past Cedar Bluff

Sylvania Rams Section

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Sylvania 57Section 48

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— In a close Sand Mountain Tournament game, Sylvania Lady Rams defeated Section.

Section took an early 16-3 lead against the Lady Rams, in the first quarter.

They maintained the lead going into the half, 26-13.

Coming back, with a burst of energy after the half, The Rams fought to stay in the tournament, scoring 19 points to the Lions 9, in the third. They kept on with their fight, scoring 25 more points in the fourth. Sylvania defeated the Lions, 57-48.

They will face North Sand Mountain, Thursday night, December 17 at 6:00 p.m.

Lauren King and Morgan Frazier scored 17 points each for the Rams.

Collinsville 63Cedar Bluff 60

COLLINSVILLE, Ala.— In a close game, the Collinsville Panthers defeated Cedar Bluff 63-60, Tuesday night.

Collinsville overcame a cold start to take a small lead going into halftime, 34-26. In the third quarter, Cedar Bluff played intense defense and was able to come back to tie the game, 49-49. In the fourth,

Morgan Frazier goes in for the score

Collinsville players, Keaton Kilgro and Austin Posey both hit three’s that gave the Panthers a lead that they were able to cling on to, defeating Cedar Bluff, 63-60.

The Leading Scorers for Collinsville were Keaton Kilgro with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Austin Posey had 20 points and 7 rebounds.

Collinsville will play in the Asbury High School Christmas Tournament, December 28, 2015, starting at 8 a.m.

11

Friday–December 18, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Collinsville takes down Cedar Bluff

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Collinsville 65Cedar Bluff 39

COLLINSVILLE, Ala.— Collinsville Lady

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Sand Mountain Tournament

Hey, Basketball Fans!

The Sand Mountain Tournament is going on at the Dekalb County Schools Coliseum.

Basketball Fans have shown up in droves.

There has been some

Panthers hosted Cedar Bluff, Tuesday night.

Collinsville grabbed an early lead against Cedar Bluff. During the first quarter, Collinsville outscored Cedar Bluff

21-8. They maintained their lead going into the half, with the score of 30-18. The third quarter saw the Collinsville Lady Panthers holding on to their 14 point average lead until the fourth quarter when they outscored Cedar Bluff, 21-11. Collinsville defeated Cedar Bluff, 65-39.

Collinsville had two players who scored in the double digits. Aryelle Jones scored 20 points for the Panthers. Trinity Garner finished up with 14 points.

Collinsville will play in the Asbury High School Christmas Tournament on December 28, 2015 at 9:00 a.m.

great games and I am sure the finals will be a barnburner.

Thursday night, The Varsity Girls will be on the court. Sylvania and North Sand Mountain square off at 6:00 p.m.

My prediction is that Sylvania will win by nine points. Those gals can turn up the heat when needed. Pisgah and Ider

will face each other at 7:30 p.m. I think Ider will pull thru and win by 5.

Those girls can shoot like pros. The winners of each game will play in the Championship Game, Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

Friday night the Varsity Boys will hit the court. Geraldine and Plainview play at 6:00 p.m. at the Dekalb

County Schools Coliseum.This is a tough one. Both seem to be equally matched and I am afraid to make that prediction. I think it will be a fight to the bitter end, This one will definitely keep you on the edge of your seats. At 7:30 p.m., Section and Pisgah face each other. I think Pisgah will come in

with a vengeance and sail past the Lions 57-48.

Winners of each game will move on to play Saturday in the Championship Game, December 19, at 8:00 p.m.

Come out and support your local teams!!! Be sure to say Hi, when you see me!!

HUNTER OF THE WEEK!

Adam Wright took down this big 8-pointer, Sunday in Dekalb County. Submit your hunting photos for your chance to be The Southern Torch Hunter of the Week!

Submit your hunting photos to marla@southerntorch.com

FANS OF THE WEEK!

Congratulations Kelly and Ava Smith!

The Southern Torch Fans of the week are Kelly and Ava Smith. They would like to wish their favorite Plainview Basketball Player, Koby Tinker, best of luck in the Sand Mountain Tournament! Submit your photos to Southern Torch and you could be the next Southern Torch Fan of the Week.

12

Friday–December 18, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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