The Southern Torch, Vol. 2, No. 1

Special New Year’s Edition!

THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY JANUARY 1, 2016

VOL. 2, NO. 1 / $1.00

COMMUNITY

BUSINESS

POLITICS

LOCAL NEW YEAR’S EVENTS

TREAT OF THE WEEK 2015 YEAR IN REVIEW!

TRUMP ANNOUNCES TV AD BLITZ TO START THE NEW YEAR

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Storms cause widespread flooding

Photo courtesy of John Morgan III of Collinsville Storms on December 21st-December 26th resulted in massive flooding throughout DeKalb County, including Little River Falls at G.E. Hill Bridge

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.—People across Alabama and throughout

most of the eastern United States experienced a very warm, soggy Christmas this year. No area of the state was able to avoid the massive

rainfall, but which hit south central and north Alabama was hit the hardest. Even areas in the central part of the state which received the least

amount of precipitation still averaged 2 inches, with the highest amount recorded in the state being over a foot. In Dekalb County, over 8

Rainsville Chamber names D.L. Stiefel 2016 Person of the Year

D.L. Stiefel of Rainsville

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

DeKalb County goes old school

More than 160 former athletes and 17 teams are taking part in the 2nd annual sand mountain old timers all-star tournament this weekend. for more, turn to page 11

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RAINSVILLE, Ala.—The Rainsville Chamber of Commerce has chosen D.L. Stiefel as its next Rainsville Person of the Year. The award will be presented at the Chamber’s annual meeting in January. The Chamber has recognized an outstanding citizen through the award each year since 1990.

“Rainsville and north Alabama are fortunate to have a person with Mr.

Stiefel’s experience, poise and intelligence working behind the scenes to help make this a better place,” says Tim Eberhart, executive director of the Rainsville Chamber.

“Those things along with his background in the business world have made him a true asset to the city for a long time now.”

Eberhart said Stiefel’s willingness to serve the community behind the scenes in a variety of capacities is one of the main factors that led to his being selected for the award. Stiefel is an active leader on the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama board, and the Rainsville Industrial Development Board. He helped lead the efforts that led to Rainsville being designated as one of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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inches of rain was reported in Ider from Dec. 21-26. According to the Dekalb County CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

Donate your soles for those in need Residents in DeKalb County now have an opportunity to help out families that are in poverty around the world.

Auburn University sophomore Tyler Fraebel has teamed up with Fort Payne Footworks to collect shoes for a project called Soles4Souls…

Pages 5 THIS WEEK IN FAITH

A Moment with Megan: No Expiration Dates Well friends, 2015 is winding down! I hope some awesome things have happened for you this year but I’m not naive to think that maybe a dream, a relationship, a certain season and perhaps many other things have ended in your life this year…

Page 4 THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

Sand Mountain Old Timers basketball tournament finals this weekend The 2nd Annual Sand Mountain All-Star Old Timers Basketball Tournament kicked off last Saturday with 17 teams made up of over 160 players from throughout Northeast Alabama and beyond. Tournament play resumes today, Friday, Jan. 1, 2016 at the Fyffe High School Gymnasium, at 1p.m. with games followed by a 3-point competition and slam dunk contest Friday evening at 8 p.m.…

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Friday–January 1, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

Fort Payne takes green to a new level

By Staff Reports

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— Last week the city of Fort Payne was designated a Valley Sustainable Silver Community by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) after the city completed a number of sustainability

initiatives as a part of TVA’s Valley Sustainable Communities Program.

“Because of this endeavor, Fort Payne is viewed as a leader in understanding the importance of sustainable practices in the areas of energy and water conservation, waste

DeKalb Ambulance Service (DAS) Director Mark Ford presents a check to Cancer Care Center Administrator Geri Monroe. DAS and Cancer Care Center of DeKalb have partnered together to raise money for cancer research.

reduction, natural resource protection, and overall quality of place,” Jimmy Durham, Executive Director of DeKalb County Economic Development Authority, said. “Fort Payne understands that a sustainability program integrated with economic development efforts is essential. This takes Fort Payne’s economic development marketing efforts to prospective and existing sustainablyfocused companies to a whole new level.”

The Valley Sustainable Communities Program, now in its third year, was initiated by TVA Economic Development as part of its community preparedness offerings to assist communities in evaluating existing sustainable programs, cataloging their sustainable assets, and increasing future

commitments to sustainability. The goal of the program is to document a community’s assets and increase the likelihood that they will be viewed as progressive and competitive by companies looking to invest in new or expanded locations.

“This program is the first of its kind to connect the dots between corporate America’s commitment to sustainability and its impact on economic development, which ultimately will ensure that our communities are more prepared to compete in global markets,” added John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development. “We are seeing that more and more companies have an increasing business emphasis on sustainable operations, and are adding this component to their RFIs as they search for a community where they can locate, grow, and enhance their company and employee sustainability commitments.”

An Inventory of Community Sustainability Programs and Activities was completed in Fort Payne to begin the process.

Using the inventory as a guide, TVA identified areas of community

interest. TVA will also provide marketing tactics to increase awareness of the sustainability efforts of Fort Payne. The program consists of three levels of qualification— Silver, Gold and Platinum— based on a points system of 15 categories.

Durham said Fort Payne was chosen because their commitment to Sustainability in their community. Using the Inventory of Community Sustainability Programs and Activities, TVA awarded Fort Payne with the Silver Level because they completed the recommended criteria of the Silver Level. To obtain a Gold level, Fort Payne will implement Sustainable practices into their Master Plan of Downtown Fort Payne.

“Fort Payne is a participant of this specific TVA program.

TVA has offered this program for the past three years to any Tennessee Valley community because of their ongoing mission statement to provide the region with economic development assistance,” Durham said. “In the near future you will see more sustainability marketing efforts from this office and the city of Fort Payne.”

Requirements for sales tax exemption in Alabama set to change Jan. 1

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

Starting on Friday, Jan. 1, 2016 Alabama organizations who are exempt from paying sales tax are required to have a universal sales tax exemption form with a valid expiration date. In the past, many different forms of documentation were accepted to prove exempt status, including letters from the Department of Revenue, letters of exemption covering multiple years, and even expired certificates. Under the new law, only the state form STE-1 will be accepted to prove exempt status. The changes are due to legislation passed during the August special session of the Alabama Legislature. Act 2015-534, the “New Annual Exemption Certification/ Information Return Requirements,” was passed in hopes to streamline the system.

While the new rules apply mostly to the tax exempt organizations themselves, they could dramatically affect the way businesses keep records when making tax exempt sales. The

organizations themselves also must record all money saved by utilizing the exempt sales.

Since 1982, tax exempt sales have been at “the seller’s risk,” and a seller is responsible for sales tax if exempt status can’t be proven. In other words, if a business is audited, that business must provide proof that the organization in question is tax exempt, or the business is responsible for paying the taxes.

These regulations make retailers responsible for tracking tax exempt status of their clients.

This remains the same under the updated law, however the new changes may mean that documentation provided by exempt organizations before January 1, 2016 may no longer be valid.

During an audit, the business may seek out the organization for the necessary paperwork long after the transaction, but if none exists the business will be liable for taxes incurred.

Act 2015-534 will not affect all businesses and organizations, however.

Retailers that already have a sales tax license

who make exempt purchases are not required to provide a certificate of exemption.

Also, retailers who already have the correct certificate on file with a current expiration date for their tax exempt customers will not be affected. The Alabama Retailer’s Association has issued three steps to help businesses comply with the new law.The first is to review records on tax exempt organizations in which they regularly do business with, and make sure their documentation is correct and not expired. Secondly, businesses must flag expiration dates of each organization so that when their certificates expire, they may obtain a current STE-1 form. And lastly, verify exemption numbers and expiration dates through “My Alabama Taxes,” or MAT, at http://www.myalabamataxes.alabama.gov.

The Retail Association and state officials hope that through proper record keeping on the end of retailers that the effect on businesses and organizations across the state will be minimal.

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Friday–January 1, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

New Year’s Resolutions

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

DEKALB CO., Ala.— One of the biggest New Year’s traditions is making a New Year’s resolution. Some of us may make the same ones each year because they were easily broken, or you may make new ones because you were successful with the previous one.

The top ten most common resolutions, according to statisticbrain.com, are: lose weight, get organized, spend less and save more, enjoy life to the fullest, staying fit and healthy, learn something exciting, quit smoking, help others in their dreams, fall in love, and spend more time with family.

45% of Americans usually make New Year’s resolutions while 17% are infrequent and 38% absolutely never make them. Among these that make resolutions, 8% are successful in their resolutions, 49% are infrequent, and 24% never succeed.

47% of resolutions made are self-improvement or education based.

38% are made based on weight, 34% are based off of money, and 31% are based off of relationships.

39% of those who achieve their resolution are in their 20’s to 40’s. 14% are 50 or older. 75% maintain their resolutions in the first week, 71% make it to the second week, 64% make it through one month, and 46% make it through six

months.

New Year’s resolutions are something that has been going on since long before any of us could remember. The Babylonians promised their gods that at the start of each year, they would return the borrowed objects and pay their debts. Romans began their year by making promises to the god Janus, which January is named after.

New Year’s resolutions have been a tradition for a long time and don’t see an end. Try and stick to your resolution this year for as long as you can!

Southern Torch’s New Year’s Resolutions Dwayne Adams: Well, like many of us, my goal is to lose weight, but I can’t decide if I want to go low-carb or vegetarian/vegan. Either way, I’m going to have to move more.

Angie Reynoso: I have never been the one to set New Year’s resolutions but I do set new and higher goals for myself. I would like to see a bigger and brighter year for me and my family. My ultimate goal is to see my husband cancer free. Happy New Year!

Karah Wilson: My resolution is to keep my grades at all A’s and maintain the friends I have by building on those relationships and remember to keep myself happy in the process.

Diego Reynoso: My New Years resolution is to be be healthy, productive and spend more quality time with my family Tyler Pruett: To finally get back in the gym. Although no one should hold their breath, I’ve been trying to for 6 months!

Joseph Morgan: I have three personal goals for 2016: 1) Spend more time with my family and loved ones. 2) Make time for myself outside of work to be more social and enjoy my down time. 3) Spend time each day to be active and get in better shape.

Marla Jones: My New Year’s Resolution is to be the best Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, Friend and Sports Editor that I can be. I wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year! May 2016 be the best year ever!

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Christmas storms cause flooding

Photo courtesy of Christie Chaney Holiday storms caused flooding. Pictured above: DeSoto Falls

Emergency Management Agency, the flooding affected roads and bridges throughout the county, along with damaging homes. At press time, local authorities have not finished the official damage assessment, but it is expected to be significant. According to Dekalb County Deputy EMA Director Michael Posey, state and county relief funds depend on the amount of damage assessed in the county.

“Funds to assist residents with recovery depend on

the amount of damage meeting the county and state threshold,” Posey stated.

Several roads across the county were still closed due to the flooding as of noon Tuesday.

County Roads 667, 712, 746, 739, 743, 498, and 636 were closed in District 1, while 139, 391, 70, 539, 411, 532, 136, 386, 365 were deemed flooded or impassable in District 2. District 4 also saw the closures of County Roads 266, 695, and 678. While no injuries were reported in Dekalb, statewide the

Photo courtesy of Dana Dobbins Water levels at High Falls in Geraldine rose drastically during flood

round of storms injured many and are responsible for the death of three people. Rising floodwaters was the cause of all three deaths, with two of the casualties being a 22-year-old man and his five-year-old nephew who were swept away in their vehicle. Such tragedy could possibly have been avoided if the individuals were alerted of the weather conditions and the dangers of attempting to cross flooded roads. This is why the Dekalb County EMA encourages all citizens to participate in the “Alert Dekalb” program. “All the precautions and preparation won’t help you if we can’t first alert

you,” Posey added.

Citizens can visit http://www.dekalbcountyal.us and sign-up for the alert system under the “EMA” section. A list of storm shelters and links to the agency’s social media pages can also be found here as well as contact information if you are seeking assistance with flood damage.

Authorities will be able to determine what resources will be available to residents in the coming days. Posey also suggested those with damage to keep all records because, “FEMA requires extensive documentation to provide assistance or reimbursement.”

While this weather

seems out of place during the winter season, forecasters predict more to come thanks to El Nino. El Nino is the formation of a large mass of warm water in the Pacific Ocean, which leads to warmer temperatures and heavy precipitation across the southern part of the United States, and generally occurs every few years. This year’s event is poised to be the strongest on record.

While we experienced plenty of unseasonably warm and wet weather last week, meteorologists predict January and February to be the peak of El Nino, with conditions persisting until spring.

Continued from page 1

Stiefel is 2016 Person of the Year Alabama Communities of Excellence in 2015.

Rainsville Mayor Nick Jones said Stiefel is an excellent choice as the recipient of the annual award.

“D.L. Stiefel is a pillar of the Rainsville community,” Jones said.

“He has spent decades working to grow and improve our city and it’s economy. His leadership

and work in industrial and economic development and community improvement over the years is second to none.

On behalf of the city, I would like to offer my congratulations. We are grateful for his service and appreciate all he has done to improve the lives of our citizens.”

The Chamber’s annual meeting will be Thursday,

Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. The event will also feature a steak dinner and live entertainment featuring singer/songwriter Jacob Stiefel. Seating is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance.

The cost is $25 per person. For details, contact the Rainsville Chamber at 256-6387800, or chamber@ farmerstel.com.

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Friday–January 1, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FAITH Sic Transit – a New Year’s Thought

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

It was the last lesson he taught me. His name was Dr. Nolan Fowler. He was one of those teachers who teach us and then teach us about life.

He taught American History at Tennessee Tech. His class just happened to fit my schedule. I heard rumors. Good teacher but way too hard. Makes you do too much work.

The rumors were right.

High standards and demands. Like a great

parent or coach. I made sure to sign up for him for the next term, too.

And tried very hard to never disappoint him.

Too much work?

Tests covered all his lectures (each day was a trip through the wonderland of history).

And the text book. And history articles we had to read for hours in the library. His tests covered everything. Some people hated this. They dropped the class to take an easier teacher. Their loss. (We see a lot of those kinds of people in churches, too.

They want instant spirituality without the study and work. Doesn’t work in the church, either.)

He expected you to be prepared each day and would ask questions about the assigned material. “Mr. Morgan, tell the class about all the candidates in the election of 1860.” I got that one right. Pride. “Mr. Morgan, who was the other leader in the First Great Awakening?” With great confidence I answered. “Jim Whiteside”. “Mr. Morgan you have just given us the name of the starting fullback at Vanderbilt.

The correct answer was George Whitfield.” Not so much pride.

He once asked me to join the History Club. I explained to him that I was an engineering major. He suggested I might want to change majors. I didn’t. But I did finish a minor in history because of him.

Dr. Fowler also taught me about being willing to “march to the sound of a different drummer”. He did not own a car. He

walked the mile back and forth to school every day.

One day we stopped our car, and I asked him if he wanted a ride. His response – “No thank you, young man. You need to get out and walk with me.” I didn’t. Who doesn’t want a ride?

Him. He was still participating in age group Senior Olympics into his late eighties. He won ten world championships because he never quit walking or working.

Commitment. Even when the world takes the easy way. (Church can be that way, too. It takes commitment to be there week after week when your friends are at the lake or the ball game.)

It was many years after I graduated that I read in an alum magazine about his continuing track accomplishments. And I did something I have done far, far too rarely. I wrote him a letter to thank him for being such a great influence on my life.

He wrote back. He had looked up my grades (turns out all those jokes

about permanent records had basis with him.) He had kept a copy of every students grades on every test. Gulp. He said he remembered me. That I was a good student. He told me how much it meant to have a former student write. He said that not many ever did.

He closed the letter with these words – sic transit gloria mundi. I had to look it up. It means “so passes this world’s glory”.

He died a couple of years later. But I often remind myself of his last lesson. Sic transit gloria mundi. Don’t waste your life on the things this world treasures. Don’t waste your life hunting the world’s acceptance.

Jesus once said – For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? As you look at the coming year, remember - Sic transit gloria mundi.

Don’t waste your life chasing the world’s glory.

In the church we would say don’t follow the world. Follow Jesus.

A Moment with Megan: No Expiration Dates

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

Well friends, 2015 is winding down! I hope

some awesome things have happened for you this year but I’m not naive to think that maybe a dream, a relationship, a certain season and perhaps many other things have ended in your life this year. However, is it

possible to look at an “end” as a “beginning?”

Maybe things did not pan out how you wanted them to but friend, hang in there. Please, do not put a period where God put a comma! Philippians 1:6 says, “Be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ.”

Wait a minute, that says “completion” right?! Yes, absolutely; we are never forgotten. Our God is a God of his word and nothing we do can ever break his promises. Also notice the verse says, “He who began a GOOD work…” His plans are always good, friend!

Has someone ever handed you a gift, you unwrapped it, and looking at the box that the gift is in you thought, “Oh my gosh, I’ve got to

act excited.” Yep. That’s happened to me before!

And I actually pulled that trick on my mom this year. I wrapped a nice piece of jewelry in a small Nutella box. She unwrapped the present and said “Ohhhh…

Nutellaaaa.” (Bad daughter joke, I’m sorry mom.) Friend, sometimes things we don’t expect or necessarily want to happen are sent our way and by looking on the outside, things look disastrous or like a huge let down BUT I am here to tell you that its not always what it looks like!

Your biggest let down or disappointed can actually be setting you up for your biggest blessing! Don’t miss the gift because you don’t like the box; just because something looks bad doesn’t mean good cannot come from it.

I thought for awhile on what would be a good topic for this article.

“How do I need to end this year? “…”Do I talk about goals for the new year?” … the pressure felt on. I wanted to end it with a “BANG” Well, friends, the things that have kept popping in my head are consistency, gifts, and no expiration dates. Why consistency you may ask? I believe because God is looking for people who will consistently seek His face during the good and the bad. He is looking for

someone after his own heart. And what a gift you will receive when you seek him!

Christ has an abundance of gifts that he is waiting to give us- peace, love, joy, grace, forgiveness, freedom, etc etc. I wonder if we are missing out on some of the greatest gifts because we are “judging the box?”

What I mean by this, is that maybe we are looking at people who claim to be Christians and do not desire to be a part of their Jesus. Maybe everywhere you turn you see hypocrites. Maybe you’re asking how a “good God” could allow such “bad things.” What if our preconceived notions of Christ are a little twisted or even wrong? Are we judging the box before we open it? Friend, I beg you to open the box! I beg you to seek His face (with consistency.) 2015 may be coming to an end but God’s gifts never expire.

Maybe you’re thinking you’ve messed up too much this year- friend, stop letting Satan keep you defeated. Christ’s blood covers it all!

Perhaps the only thing keeping us from Christ and the gifts he has for us… is ourselves. Certain things may have ended for you this year, but remember that Christ’s Word has no expiration dates! It’s not the end, but only the beginning!

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Friday–January 1, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

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

2016 New Year’s Events Pictured: Jess Goggans.

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

DEKALB CO., Ala.— The year is dwindling down and people are already making preparations for next year. The new year won’t officially begin until Thursday and there are several places in the county that are offering places to be to ring in the new year.

Mentone Inn will be hosting a couple of New Year’s Day events on Jan. 1. Starting at 12 P.M., there will be a lunch with

baked ham, black-eyed peas, pinto beans, collard greens, cornbread, banana pudding, and a drink. It will cost $14.95 per person. Reservations are preferred, but not required. The lunch will end once all of the food is gone. Starting at 2 P.M. in the Mentone Inn pavillon, you can ring in the New Year with 5 Paiste gongs for a moment of relaxation, meditation, healing, and fun. There will be a fire.

For more information about these events, you

can call 256-634-4836.

Fort Payne native Jess Goggans and her band will be one of many bands playing on New Year’s Eve at The Barnyard in Fort Payne.

With Goggans will be Soul Karnival, Dooley & Tatum Boys, and Bert David Newton. “I generally play every year for New Years. I played the Wildflower Cafe for about 2 years in a row but I didn’t play last year,” Goggans said. “This will be the first time I’ve hosted an event with multiple bands in the area for New Years! I think it’s going to be great.” Goggans has played with some of these bands before. “I’ve played with all these guys a variety of times, aside

from Tony Brook. Tony is said to be one of the best!

He plays a lot in the Auburn circuit. He is an amazing musician. We are lucky to have him and we are lucky to have them all.” Goggans said she expects “a great, family friendly time” during the event. “There will be lots of fun for everyone with great food and music! We will have the Cotton Bowl playing for folks that need to keep up with Alabama football! I’m hoping this brings the community closer together!”

Goggans said. “Each band provides a different feel as far as genre goes. It is mostly original music.

These are three local bands with a great following plus up and

coming Soul Karnival makes a great addition.

They each play for around an hour each. The Jess Goggans Band will be bringing you into 2016.”

While you are there, make sure to grab a bite from the Bar B Q Place and grab a tomato pie from Chef Ben. The event starts at 5 P.M. and goes until the New Year. There will be a $10 donation at the door that wil go towards music. There are also dinosaurs and robots made from scrap metal for children.

However you decide to bring in the new year, remember to be safe, have fun, and make plans for the upcoming year.

Everyone here at Southern Torch wishes all of you a happy new year and we hope the upcoming year treats you well!

sophomore Tyler Fraebel has teamed up with Fort Payne Footworks to collect shoes for a project called Soles4Souls.

Soles4Souls was started by Buddy Teaster in 2006. Soles4Souls sets out distribution areas where local businesses can donate shoes. Once they are at the distribution area, they are melted down and molded into an all-terrain, all-purpose shoe that will last longer than a typical flip-flop of anything of the sort.

Fraebel, a Fort Payne native, traveled to

Honduras on a medical mission trip in high school. “After seeing how brutal the conditions were and noticing that there were hundreds of people treading across that kind of terrain without shoes, I was astounded and heartbroken,” Fraebel said.

Fraebel is a part of Auburn’s Freshman Leadership program. He is a part of the subgroup, ELITE. ELITE consists of 45 freshmen and four directors. Fraebel is one of the four directors in this group. “I was in a

different Freshman Leadership program last year, but I heard about this one and all of the success that it had and I knew instantly that I wanted to have a hand in that,” Fraebel said. Last year the group raised 14,446 shoes.

“Footworks is our first and only sponsor,” said Fraebel. “The owner, Jack Davidson, is giving anyone who brings in an old pair of shoes 20% off a purchase of new shoes.

If you have more just sitting around, though, bring them all in.”

Several business and restaurants are allowing the group to have benefit nights and will donate up to 50% of the proceeds.

“We have an online drive to collect monetary donations and $1 provides a child with a pair of shoes.”

This is Fraebel’s first year involved with Soles4Souls, but it is ELITE’s fourth year. “My favorite part of the whole thing is seeing photos of the lives changed by the selfless decision of someone deciding to give

away a ratty, old pair of shoes. The shoes we don’t even wear are the prize of some children’s lives.

These shoes are more than just a fashion accessory or comfort thing to them. The shoes allow them to go to school and receive an education they wouldn’t have if they didn’t have shoes,” Fraebel said. “The shoes prevent them from catching diseases and infection that are easily prevented by having soles on your feet. The pure elation and joy in their eyes in something I will never be able to forget and that is what makes Soles4Souls such an amazing program to be partnered with.”

Drop off your donations to Fort Payne Footworks. Any shoe is accepted from athletic to pumps to flip-flops to cleats, and half pairs are accepted. If the shoes cannot be used, they will be recycled. For more questions, email Fraebel at mtf0012@auburn.edu or go to www.soles4souls.org.

Donate your soles for those in need A distribution center with donated shoes

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— Residents in DeKalb County now have an opportunity to help out families that are in poverty around the world. Auburn University

Fort Payne featured in Music Video

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— Scottsboro native Andolyn Parrish has taken the local music scene by storm and has featured Fort Payne in a major way. Parrish has teamed up with David Hammonds and Mill Town Music to release her first single “Young Love” along with its music video.

“I decided on Fort Payne because that’s where I record all of my music and it’s just so beautiful there, especially in the fall!” Parrish said.

Scenes in the video include familiar places such as The Strand, DeKalb Theatre, The Spot, and Fort Payne park. “I could smell The Strand’s burgers the entire time and I remember I wanted one all day,” Parrish said.

“Those places were

amazing. I get coffee and sandwiches at The Spot all the time and I love it. I had never been to the theatre but it was just amazing.”

Parrish was browsing through her notebook at all the songs she had written over the years and how only a handful of people had heard them. “Something just broke inside me when I realized that no one would ever hear these if I didn’t do anything about it. I Googled ‘recording studio near Scottsboro’ and called the first number I saw,” Parrish said. The first number happened to be a recording studio in Fort Payne. “I left a message and David called me back the next day. I had no idea he was a producer when I went to do a consultation. It was most definitely a God thing,” Parrish said. “He put it together at the perfect time; we make a great team. He’s one of my biggest encouragers and I don’t know what I would do without him!”

“The thing that keeps blowing my mind is the fact that these words I wrote when I was 16,

when no one even knew I played guitar, became a reality in this video. Now people are about to see and hear what I lived at the time I wrote that,” Parrish said. “I think that’s what I am most excited about through all of this. That something I put my soul into writing might make it into someone else’s headphones and evoke that emotion in them.”

Parrish will be premiering her video at Hollywood 10 Cinemas in Scottsboro on Jan. 10.

“This song is something I’ve put my entire heart into and to see it materializing before my eyes is incredible. Before this video is released anywhere else, I first want to share it locally because this is my home as well as the place that inspired these lyrics,” Parrish said. “Come out from 2 P.M. and 3 P.M. and bring all your friends and families! I can’t wait to meet each and every one of you!” Parrish is also set to release the song on iTunes before Jan. 10 so fans can listen to the song before seeing the video.

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Friday–January 1, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

Memorable Community

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

DEKALB CO., Ala.—No doubt this was a big year for DeKalb County. From annual festivals to Fyffe going to the state play offs to new traditions, DeKalb was packed with things to do and we have gathered a list of events that made this county shine bright this year.

Jan - March

*Alabama Ballet performs “Cinderella” at NACC *Fyffe ministries presents, “This is Our Story” *Northeast Alabama Community College Jazz Band Performs Concert

April

*Northeast Alabama Community College holds 50th Anniversary Celebration *Northeast Community College Presents, “Into the Woods.”

North Alabama Community College (NACC) campus

May

*Rainsville Named an “Alabama Community of Excellence” *Southern Torch rolls out newspaper

June

*Northeast holds Latino Festival *Fort Payne is named as a Main Street Alabama City *107th Fiddler’s Convention in Fort Payne *Freedom run in Rainsville

Nick Jones, Mayor of Rainsville, receives award naming Rainsville as an Alabama Community of Excellence

107th Fiddler’s Convention in Fort Payne

Fort Payne named as an Alabama Main Street City

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Friday–January 1, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

Events from 2015 July

*Potato festival in Henagar *Rainsville Boy Scouts receive 50-Miler award *Fort Payne opens new splash pad

Aug.

*UFO days in Fyffe

Sept.

*Ider Mule Days *Vintage Pickin’ Barn Sale *Collinsville Quilt Walk *Boom Days in Fort Payne

Oct.

*Northeast hold Miss Northeast pageant *Mentone Colorfest *Boo Bash in Rainsville

Potato Festival in Henagar

Nov.

*Bryson Richey 5K in Rainsville *Collinsville Cricket Theatre hosts a play

by Auburn college students *Collinsville Turkey Trot *Merry Market in Rainsville

Dec.

*Fort Payne’s new Christmas tree lighting *County parades

UFO Days in Fyffe

Ider Mule Days

Boom Days in Fort Payne Boo Bash in Rainsville

Turkey Trot in Collinsville

Collinsville Cricket Theatre hosts a play by Auburn college students

Rainsville Christmas Parade

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Friday–January 1, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS

EXCELLENT

VERY GOOD

MEDIOCRE

MODERATE

WEAK

2015 YEAR IN REVIEW

Yo Mo Club Chicken Sandwich

China House Hunan Triple Delight

Tophers BBQ Covered Nachos

Katy’s Katfish Two item platter

Date & Issue....... Location.............................. Treat............................................... Price

Rating

11/6/15–Issue 24.... Yo Mo...................................Club sandwich sub......................$549

5 stars

10/16/15–Issue 21.. Wildflower Cafe Mentone.......Brunch sampler...........................$1000

4.5 stars

9/18/15–Issue 17 ... South End Market Ft Payne....Club sandwich.............................$399

4.5 stars

8/20/15–Issue 13 .. China House Collinsville........Hunan triple delight...................$475

4.5 stars

7/9/15–Issue 7....... The Spot Ft Payne..................Bacon, Turkey Panini..................$799

4.5 stars

6/25/15–Issue 5..... The Bar B Q Place Ft Payne.....Pork plate with JoJo’s & slaw......$599

4.5 stars

12/11/15–Issue 29.. Kelly’s Kitchen.......................Lunch combo ..............................$699

4 stars

11/13/15–Issue 25... Nancy’s Lunchbox.................Chicken salad sandwich..............$795

4 stars

10/30/15–Issue 23. Lil James BBQ.......................Large BBQ plate..........................$849

4 stars

9/25/15–Issue 18... Katys Katfish Rainsville.........Two item platter..........................$949

4 stars

9/11/15–Issue 16.... Tophers Rainsville.................BBQ covered nachos....................$499

4 stars

8/13/15–Issue 12.... Jeffersons Ft Payne.................Hot wings....................................$756

4 stars

7/23/15–Issue 9..... Main St Deli Ft Payne.............Cuban sandwich..........................$650

4 stars

7/2/15–Issue 6....... Tophers Wings Rainsville.......BBQ covered nachos....................$499

4 stars

6/18/15–Issue 4..... Vintage 1889 Ft Payne............Spiked tequila chicken soup.......$389

4 stars

5/28/15–Issue 1..... Los Reyes Collinsville.............Carne Asada Torta.......................$599

4 stars

12/18/15–Issue 30.. Western Sizzlin.....................Daily special................................$400

3.5 stars

10/9/15 –Issue 20... San Antonio Rainsville...........Steak burrito grande...................$775

3.5 stars

10/2/16–Issue 19... College Corner Powell.............Messy Mexi burger......................$799

3.5 stars

8/27/15–Issue 14.... Fontanas Ft Payne.................Spinach stuffed chicken parm....$799

3.5 stars

7/30/15–Issue 10... New China Ft Payne...............Beef & Brocolli w/ fried rice.......$544

3.5 stars

7/16/15–Issue 8..... Wing Stop Ft Payne................Wing combo................................$999

3.5 stars

6/11/15–Issue 3..... Old Farmers Cafe Collinsville..Large all the way pizza................$2050

3.5 stars

6/4/15–Issue 2....... Toke Ft Payne........................Massaman Curry.........................$800

3.5 stars

10/23/15–Issue 22.. Rib Shack.............................1/2 slab ribs with 2 sides ............$1450

2.5 stars

CHAMBER CHATTER December 30, 2015 Carol Beddingfield, Executive Director The holidays can be very stressful for many people. We are sometimes overwhelmed by the cost, the right gift, perfect decorations, as well as the gathering of family and friends.

There can be a simple little stress reliever that can be enjoyed at any moment – Laughter.

Laughter reduces stress, improves memory and helps keep our hearts healthy.

The ability to laugh is hardwired into our systems. New research shows that it’s not only good for us, it’s contagious.

A little lightheartedness can lead to a more positive approach in everyday situations. The benefits of laughter are joy and social interactions.

All the efforts we put into reducing stress should be put into laughing. In fact, laughing for 10 to 15 minutes increases the heart rate by 10% to 20%. Therefore you can burn an extra 10 to 40 calories a day. Over a year, that can add up to a four-pound weight loss.

Laughter can also ease pain and help you stay healthy. Instead of grabbing that bag of cookies after a stressful day, watch a funny movie.

Mark your calendars for a really good belly-laugh event. The 2016 Krazy Kudzu Follies will be held at the DeKalb Theatre on March 3, 4, & 5th at 7 PM. Several songs have already been chosen for the event. Video commercials are also available. I would recommend any business to take advantage of this advertisement opportunity. I know customers will certainly remember the name of your business through these light hearted ads.

If you would like to participant in the event, send your contact information to the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce, 300 Gault Avenue, North, Fort Payne, AL 35967 or email to info@fortpaynechamber.com.

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Friday–January 1, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS Trump Announces TV Ad Blitz to Start the New Year

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

Though Donald Trump already dominates most of the media coverage, Americans will see much more of the real estate mogul-turned politician to begin 2016.

While many news segments are dedicated to covering his campaign, until now, viewers could get a break from Trump during the commercials.

According to a Fox News report, Trump budgeted a hefty $25 million for television ads during the fall and winter months of 2015, but the campaign used none of the funds.

That’s all about to change, according to insiders within his campaign. The campaign will reportedly be spending as much as $2 million a week for television ads airing nationally.

The theme of the commercials will initially focus on his vision for America and policies, while not attacking opponents. Trump is known for relentlessly attacking opponents and responding to any criticism, which leads anyone to suspect that his television ads will turn into another outlet for this. An unnamed advisor for the Trump campaign seemed to confirm this, telling Fox News’ Howard Kurtz in an interview discussing the advertising push, that, “If you attack Trump, he will attack you 10 times as hard. We will not allow any attack to go unanswered.”

While a large amount had been budgeted for advertising in 2015, the campaign likely saved the cash due to the large amount of “free media,” or media exposure from news reports and interviews in which a

candidate doesn’t have to pay for. His controversial views and remarks, while drawing criticism from many, has made him the top story almost daily since announcing his bid for the White House. The controversy surrounding him put a “Trump interview” in high demand, and the former businessman capitalized on the media frenzy.

Although the Republican primary field is historically large, Trump appeared at many times to be the only one running; proving that sometimes even bad media can be good exposure. The campaign has also heavily utilized social media; frequently tweeting, as well as maintaining official Facebook and Instagram accounts.

The frequent interviews on news networks gave the real estate mogul the opportunity to attack opponents, as well as promote his views and policies while not experiencing serious fall out over controversial comments. Irregardless of positive or negative reporting, the exposure has only increased his name identification. In politics,”name identification” or simply, “name ID” is a crucial area of polling that is not frequently mentioned in the media. Name ID assesses how familiar a voter is with the name of each candidate. This is important because an uninformed voter will likely select the name they are most familiar with. Name ID is influenced by how often the voter hears the candidate mentioned in their day-to-day lives, such as social media posts or even hearing others talk about the candidate. Due to his

celebrity status even before announcing his run, Trump already polled much higher than the rest of the field in this

regard and the wall-towall coverage has only increased it. We can only expect the campaign to attempt to increase it

further in the month leading up to Iowa, and this large-scale advertising push can be expected to do that.

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Friday–January 1, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

2015 Fyffe Players receive Top Honors

By Marla Jones marla@southerntorch.com

Bears get Christmas victory

By Marla Jones marla@southerntorch.com

Plainview 64, Fyffe 40 FYFFE, Ala.— In a pre-Christmas matchup against Fyffe, Plainview defeated the Fyffe Red Devils 64-40.

Fyffe trailed by nineteen points at the end of the first quarter.

Plainview went into halftime with a 42-16 lead and maintained that lead throughout the remainder of the game.

The third and fourth quarter saw Fyffe scoring 24 points but that was not enough to bridge the Plainview lead.

Clay Cooper led the Plainview Bears with 20 points. Koby Tinker and Caden Millican both had 11 points.

Fyffe will host Valley Head, January 4, 2016.

Plainview will start back regular season play against North Sand Mountain, January 5, 2016.

Fyffe Lady Devils defeat Bears

By Marla Jones marla@southerntorch.com

Fyffe 62, Plainview 38 FYFFE, Ala.— In a pre-Christmas game, Fyffe Lady Devils

defeated the Plainview Lady Bears. The Lady devils took the early lead in the first with a score of 25-11. The Lady Devils maintained their lead in

the second and went into halftime with the score of 36-19. In the second half, Plainview scored 19 points to Fyffe’s 26. Final 62-38.

Fyffe Red Devils are used to winning. The past two seasons, they have won 28 games. Seniors on the Fyffe Red Devil team will graduate as the winningest Senior class in Fyffe Red Devil history with a 51-5 record.. Fyffe has been blessed with several standouts on the field. Last week, three players were named to the ASWA All-State

Football Team. Senior offensive lineman, Ethan Jones and Junior, Dilan Kilpatrick received first team honors. Kilpatrick was also named the MVP for Class 2A, Region 7. He had over 2,500 yards and 36 touchdowns for the season. Junior defensive lineman, Cole Hosch was named to the second team. Hank Oliver and Cyle Collins were named as All-Region.

Sylvania Varsity Girls defeat Susan Moore

By Marla Jones marla@southerntorch.com

Sylvania 48, Susan Moore 35 SYLVANIA, Ala.— In a close high school basketball game at home, the Sylvania Varsity Lady Rams defeated Susan Moore, 48-35 Monday night.

Sylvania led Susan Moore by 9 in the first quarter, and went into

halftime with the 28-11 lead. At the end of the third, the Lady Rams led by 16 points and extended the lead in the fourth quarter to take home the victory with a final score of 48-35.

Lauren King led the Rams with 17 points.

The Sylvania Lady Rams will travel to take on Pisgah, January 5, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

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Friday–January 1, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Sand Mountain Old Timers basketball tournament finals this weekend

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.—The 2nd Annual Sand Mountain All-Star Old Timers Basketball Tournament kicked off last Saturday with 17 teams made up of over 160 players from throughout Northeast Alabama and beyond.

Tournament play resumes today, Friday, Jan. 1, 2016 at the Fyffe High School Gymnasium, at 1 p.m. with games followed by a 3-point competition and slam

Photo courtesy Mandy Helton

FANS OF THE WEEK!

Photo courtesy Mandy Helton

Photo courtesy Mandy Helton

dunk contest Friday evening at 8 p.m.

The tournament semi-finals and finals will be held Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016 at the Dekalb County Schools Coliseum with semi-finals games starting at 11 a.m. The Championship games will start Saturday evening with the Men’s 30 and over finals at 5 p.m., the Women’s Championship at 6:30 p.m. and the Men’s Under 30 Championship at 8 p.m. Proceeds will go to support the Long Ranch 4 Boys children’s ministry.

Admission is $5 per person. Children 5 and under are free. Follow Southern Torch online on Facebook and Twitter for live game coverage.

HUNTER OF THE WEEK! Congratulations, Austin Reed!

Congratulations, Cole Millican, Bryson Richey and Jacob Henderson!

Austin Reed took down this 3 year old doe recently. Austin is 12 years old and lives at Mentone.

Submit your hunting photos for your chance to be The Southern Torch Hunter of the Week!

Submit your hunting photos to marla@southerntorch.com

The Southern Torch Fans of the week are Cole Millican, Bryson Richey and Jacob Henderson. They are enjoying watching the games of the First State Bank Shootout during their Christmas vacation! Submit your photos to Southern Torch and you could be the next Southern Torch Fan of the Week!

Shasta Gymnastics Competition Cheer Team including two of Sylvania High School cheerleaders, Emilie Murphy and Laney Dixon, recently won the Cheer Nationals in Opryland.

Southern Torch would like to say Congratulations to these athletes!

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Friday–January 1, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH