The Southern Torch, Vol. 2, No. 16

THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016 / VOL. 2, NO. 16 / $1.00

COMMUNITY

FAITH

POLITICS

VISIT OUR COMMUNITY PARKS

A MOMENT WITH MEGAN: FILL MY CUP UP

GERALDINE CITY COUNCIL UPDATE

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Elliott wins GOP runoff for DeKalb BOE, Place 5

2016 DeKalb County Baseball Tournament

DeKalb Probate Judge Ronnie Osborn (center) and DeKalb County Republican Chairman Mark Ford (right) congratulate Robert Elliott (left), for his victory in tonight's GOP Runoff for DeKalb County BOE, Place No. 5.

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— Robert Elliott

defeated fellow Republican Don Brock in the GOP Runoff election for the DeKalb County Board of Education, Place No. 5, this

week. Elliott received 461 of the 684 votes that were cast in the runoff earning 67 percent of the total vote to Brock’s 33 percent made up of 223 votes.

With only two candidates on the ballot in a runoff election, voter turnout was expected to be

low. Election officials said turnout was even lower than they expected with a vote total of Elliott's victory in the runoff guarantees him a seat on the DeKalb County Board of Education

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

FOR A COUNTY TOURNAMENT PREVIEW, TURN TO PAGE 11

Leadership Dekalb County holds local government session

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— On Tuesday, April 12, Leadership Dekalb County held its Local Dekalb County Government Day. Participants toured local CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Leadership Dekalb County participants with members of the Dekalb County Commission

As many as 20 teams expected to compete in “Wiffle for Savannah” fundraiser in Rainsville

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— This Sunday Apr. 17 at 1 p.m in Rainsville, members of a local whiffle ball league will host “Whiffle for Savannah,” a tournament to raise money for Savannah Willingham, a Plainview senior who was seriously injured in a CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

Valley Head holds annual Earth Day Celebration The town of Valley Head and Valley Head School are holding the annual Duck Race in conjunction with their Earth Day celebration on April 22 in the town park from 4 - 6 pm. The duck race will begin shortly before 6. The ducks will “race” the length of Valley Head Town Park. Participants may purchase ducks at the Valley Head town hall or at the Valley Head School.

Ducks are $2 per entry…

Page 3 THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

Democrat Bill Monroe Kicks off campaign for DeKalb County Superintendent Alabama Attorney General rules "Draftkings" and "FanDuel" websites illegal Democrat Bill Monroe officially kicked off his campaign for DeKalb County Superintendent of Education this week.

Monroe will face Republican Dr. Jason Barnett in the 2016 Election…

Page 7 THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

Will McCurdy qualifies for Canadian Tour Fort Payne native and Auburn graduate, Will McCurdy has qualified for the Mackenzie Tour (PGA Tour in Canada).

From an early age, golf was in Will McCurdy’s blood.

He could be seen putting around the golf course as early as the age of four and Will started competing around the age of twelve…

Page 10 PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 60 RAINSVILLE, AL

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Friday–April 15, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

Jones to deliver State of the City address next week

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.—Mayor Nick Jones will be delivering the 2016 Rainsville State of the City address next week, a Rainsville event that Jones, along with the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce began during his first year in office in 2012 and has made an annual event each of the four years during his first term as Rainsville’s mayor. Jones will deliver this year’s address next Thursday, April 21, at the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum at6 p.m.

Jones said that he made a commitment during his campaign for mayor to provide the citizens of Rainsville with a yearly report about the overall state of the city and its finances. He said he was looking forward to presenting an honest assessment of the

performance of Rainsville’s city government as a whole.

“It’s one of those commitments that I made early on not realizing at the time what a significant, positive impact it would have on our city in terms of operating with transparency and engaging our citizens,” Jones said. “It has also been an invaluable tool for me as mayor because it forces me to take a closer look at the entire picture, to reflect on the positive things we have accomplished, but also to take a look at the undesirable things that I wish had gone differently, or that we as elected officials had handled better. The obligation to get in front of the city and to provide the complete truth is something I take very seriously. We all make mistakes, but I believe acknowledging those

mistakes and being honest about them has allowed me to learn from them and become a better mayor and a stronger person.”

Jones said his address this year will again aim to offer an honest, accurate assessment of the current state of the city of Rainsville, and a detailed report of current city finances. Jones, a community banker by trade, said his experience in the financial sector has proven to be an asset in

terms of understanding the importance of managing city finances wisely, protecting taxpayer dollars and opposing efforts and at least attempting to prevent efforts at taking out what he sees as unnecessary loans that obligate the taxpayers and future taxpayers to significant long term debt.

The address will be followed by a town hall meeting between the mayor, the city council,

and the citizens. Citizens are encouraged to come armed with questions pertaining to the city.

The open forum will be a question and answer session that gives the citizens of Rainsville with an opportunity to ask questions they may have regarding issues related to or affecting the city of Rainsville and its governance and any matters that might be important to the people of the city.

Continued from page 1

20 teams expected to compete March 2 car accident.

Four of the men involved in organizing the “Wiffle for Savannah” fundraiser on Sunday— Rainsville natives Kyle Coots, Seth Busby, Jarred Underwood, and Trey Haymon are members of the Yellowhammers, a local wiffle ball team that has competed in the World Wiffle Ball Championship and played in tournaments all over the country. When they are not traveling, the Yellowhammers play their home games on a field in Rainsville built in 2010 dedicated solely to wiffle ball that is named the “‘Field of Nightmares,’ officially the place where wiffle ball dreams go to die.”

According to Yellowhammers Vice President Trey Haymon, he and his teammates had recently been looking for a way to give back to the community, so when they were asked to help raise money for Savannah, they were

thrilled to do so.

“Most of us who play regularly at the Field of Nightmares go to church with Savannah, or have known her family for a long time,” Haymon said.

“We wanted to find a way to get the whole community involved.”

The Yellowhammers played their first tournament at the Field of Nightmares in early 2010. This year will be the seventh year in which the group has held its Spring Wiffleball Tournament at the homemade field. This weekend though, the team that calls the Field of Nightmares home will be hosting “Wiffle for Savannah” at the Rainsville Field of Dreams Sports Complex.

Because of the large crowd expected, Haymon said the Field of Dreams is a better fit for the almost 20 teams that have signed up for the event as of press time.

“We hope the Whiffle for Savannah tournament

that we’re hosting at the Field of Dreams will raise a lot of money that to help in in her ongoing recovery effort and begin easing what has no doubt been a nightmare for her family.”

With teams signed up to participate in the wiffle ball tournament for Savannah, as well as the many donation jars around Rainsville and other fundraising events, it’s safe to say that community has reached out in hopes that Savannah can work towards a full recovery.

For more information on the Field of Nightmares, or anything regarding the Savannah wiffle ball tournament, visit their website at http://fieldofnightmares. weebly.com/, or their Facebook page.Rainsville Field of Dreams Sports Complex The Field of Nightmares describes itself as the place where dreams go to die.

Cornerstone students honored

Recently Cornerstone Christian Academy attended the State Junior Beta Competition. They performed and placed in several categories. Jesse Farris, Mary Grace Meadows, Abbie McGee, and Darby Culpepper placed runner up in Visual Design. Jesse Farris placed third in T-shirt design. Aidan Sims won champion in Science division I. Max Ewing won champion in Book Battle division I. Caitlin Hilley won champion in Language Arts division I. Cornerstone will head to nationals in June which will be held in New Orleans.

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Friday–April 15, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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

Weathington Park in section features a beautiful view of the Tennessee River as well as a half-mile walking track. It’s located on Highway 35 before dropping off Sand Mountain. Pets are welcome but must be leashed.

Valley Head

The pond in Geraldine’s City Park.

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

Spring is officially upon us, and while many will be flocking to the state parks, our coverage area features some beautiful community and county parks. For many small towns, the park is considered the centerpiece of their community, and a lot of work goes into improving them and maintaining them. They are also less of a hassle than traveling up to a state park. Here’s a run-down of parks in our area:

Fort Payne

The City Park Recently refurbished, the Fort Payne City Park is the oldest in town, and is located across from the Dekalb Theatre.

The Alabama Walking Trail The Alabama Walking Trail is Fort Payne’s newest park and features a walking trail and two playgrounds for the kids.

It’s located behind the Depot Museum on 5th Street SW. Hawkins Spring Park Located just off of

Highway 35 with a playground.

Spring Grove Park Located in South Fort Payne on Turner Avenue South directly behind the Dekalb County Council on aging.

Spring Grove Park gets less traffic due its location and can be a quiet spot to relax.

All Fort Payne City Parks open at 6 am and close at 10 pm unless otherwise posted.

Mentone Brow Park

Mentone’s Brow Park is one of the few places to get a clear view from the brow. Has a pavilion to picnic and is free of highway noise due to it’s location away from town on County Road 89.

Geraldine City Park

The Geraldine City Park features a pavilion that can be rented by members of the public for events. This wellmaintained park also boasts a playground, tennis courts, four basketball courts, and a 2194 foot-long walking

track.

Rainsville

The city park is near the center of town and includes two tennis courts, a pool, pavilion, and playground. The sports complex is on the north side of town while Bethune park can be found on the south side of the city.

Sylvania City Park

Located just across Highway 117 from downtown Valley Head, this local park is well-maintained and is built around Will’s Creek.

Features include a pavilion, walking trails, playground, and park

benches with a creek view!

Sand Rock

Little Rock City is a unique county park located at 2000 County Road 70, Leesburg, AL 35983. The park is known for it’s unique, tall rock formations and amazing view looking south into Cherokee County.

Climbers from all over make the trip to Sand Rock to climb the rock formations. It also features pavilions and 14 miles of hiking trails.

Park hours are posted at the entrance.

Mentone’s Brow Park provides a scenic view without the highway noise.

Sylvania’s park is located next to Dekalb County Lake off of County Road 27. Their park features a playground, basketball courts, and pavilions that can be reserved.

Henagar City Park

Wills Creek passes under Highway 117 and then through Valley Head’s park.

Section's Weathington Park

Weathington Park in Section boasts a scenic view of the Tennessee River.

Henager’s park is conveniently located close to the intersection of Highways 75 and 40.

They have basketball courts, a playground, pavilions, and even a log cabin.

Valley Head holds annual Duck Race and Earth Day Celebration

Wills Creek in Valley Head Park, where the Duck Race will take place (photo by Tyler Pruett)

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

VALLEY HEAD, Ala.— The town of Valley Head and Valley Head School are holding the annual Duck Race in conjunction with their Earth Day celebration on April 22 in the town park

from 4 - 6 pm. The duck race will begin shortly before 6. The ducks will “race” the length of Valley Head Town Park.

Participants may purchase ducks at the Valley Head town hall or at the Valley Head School. Ducks are $2 per entry. All proceeds will

go to benefit the town memorial and sponsor the science club’s trip to Sealab on Dolphin Island.

The sixth graders from Valley Head School will be participating in the Earth Day events. The kids will be doing various arts and crafts with a focus on environmental education, such as pinwheels to learn about wind energy, decorating reusable grocery bags, and even decorating earth themed cookies with the help of the Home Economics class.

“We’re expecting a large crowd,” said Valley Head sixth grade teacher Tammy Cooper, “in years past we’ve had anywhere between 200 - 500 attendees.” Cooper is coordinating the event

for the school and community.

“We want the activities for the kids to focus around environmental education, and the proceeds raised will also contribute to that.”

Cooper added.

Ducks can be bought all the way up until the

time of the race. The Department of Transportation has designated the area of Highway 117 around the park a “safe zone” for the event and state law enforcement will be monitoring the traffic to ensure safety.

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Friday–April 15, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

Geraldine city government doing the hard work

The entrance to Geraldine’s Town Park from Roy Porter Street.

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

GERALDINE, Ala.— If you visit Geraldine, you might notice that several new projects have been completed and that everything is very well maintained. Making improvements can take hard work in a small town, and Geraldine’s city

government personally shares the load.

When I stopped by town hall to talk to Mayor Chuck Ables, the city clerk informed me that he currently was out of the office. While a Mayor’s absence from city hall usually can be explained by attending functions or attending to personal matters, I found Ables at

the Geraldine Town Park.

While not his everyday duty as mayor, he was cutting the grass and preparing the baseball fields for play.

“One of our maintenance men that maintains the fields had his father’s funeral yesterday,” Ables explained. “We all pitch in when we can.”

Looking around at the well maintained park, it’s apparent that Ables along with the city council had been doing plenty of their fair share. What was most surprising to learn, was that the park around me had been virtually destroyed during the April 27, 2011 tornadoes. Almost five years later, few would guess that the park had to be rebuilt.

“The April 2011 tornadoes devastated our

The Geraldine City Council recently completed a new wheelchair ramp at the senior center.

Geraldine’s Mayor Chuck Ables pitches in to prepare the baseball fields for play.

town park,” Ables said.

“Since, we’ve spent $15000 on rebuilding the baseball and softball fields. We’ve also implemented our ‘Donate a Tree Project’ in which individuals or businesses can plant a tree to replace one that was lost in the tornado.”

Since implementing the program, Geraldine has planted 135 trees in the park, likely exceeding the approximately 100 lost in the tornado. The town has also built a new pavilion, which can be rented out to large parties or organizations.

But Mayor Ables doesn’t take all the credit for the work, “Our city council members just finished a new ramp at the senior center, and regularly contribute.”

When asked about what projects are in store for the future, Ables said, “We’re

about to send out bids on a sidewalk from Highway 75 to the school, or about a tenth of a mile. We received a grant from the Alabama Department of Transportation to complete the project.”

Geraldine currently has no city sewer system, and is in the process of applying for a United States Department of Agriculture loan to build their first treatment plant.

“It’ll really help bring in new business. Restaurants want to connect to a sewer system,” Ables stated on the planned improvement.

Whatever the outcome of future building projects, it’s certain that Geraldine’s mayor and city council will be involved not just in an administrative role, but actively doing the hard work it takes to improve their city.

Former Southern Torch interns elected 2016-2017 NACC SGA President and NACC SGA Vice President

By Marla Jones marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.—A pair of former Southern Torch interns—Samuel L. Hughes from Sylvania and Karah Wilson from Scottsboro will serve in the two highest leadership positions of the Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) Student Government Association (SGA). Hughes was recently elected NACC SGA President and Wilson was elected as NACC SGA Vice President.

Sam Hughes graduated from Sylvania High School.

He is currently majoring in Studio Art. He hopes to go to Auburn University and double major in Studio Art and Entrepreneurship. With his degree, he wants to pursue a business idea to help individuals save money.

“I joined the SGA because I’m really interested in improving Northeast for students and I want to get the most out of my education. I have grown so much as a student and as a leader through the SGA and other organizations on campus.” Sam said, “ I’m so excited to work with Karah and all of the new officers, I knew I wanted Karah to be my VP from the start. She is always on top of everything and she will definitely get things done.”

The reason Sam ran for President is because “Northeast has done a lot for me, and I want to do a lot for it. I have a few ideas that might help organizations work better together on campus and I want it to be easier for students to get involved in organizations on campus.” Sam said “I love Northeast. Before I started, I was scared I

wouldn’t like it, but I have made such great friends on campus, the teachers are so amazing, and it has afforded me tons of opportunities to grow.”

Sam Hughes is a Visual Art Scholarship recipient and is President of the Spectrum Art Association, an SGA Freshman Representative, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Sigma Kappa Delta, Mu Alpha Theta, Baptist Campus Ministries, and NACC Rotaract.

Karah Wilson is from Scottsboro. She is currently majoring in Communications. She hopes to go to Jacksonville State University to continue her education in Communications. With her degree, she hopes to become an investigative journalist or a publicist.

“I was initially not voted in as a freshman representative for SGA. By fate, there

was a student that dropped out of the association and I was next in line,” Wilson said. “I feel like I was supposed to be in the organization. I have made so many new friends through it and I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to call my friends. I am so sad that the sophomore representatives and the officers are leaving this year, but I am ready to take on my role as Vice President.”

Wilson hopes to achieve a lot with her new role in the organization. “I couldn’t ask for anyone better to be next year’s President. Sam has had a lot of fresh, new ideas to get the organization more involved with the students and I am ready to see them implemented. I hope that we will be a dynamic duo in getting the student body to become closer with each other,”

Wilson said. “The great thing about college is there are no cliques, so it is amazing to see different types of people come together through events like Spring Fling and become friends.” Wilson is also affiliated with the yearbook at Northeast, having a full tuition scholarship. She also helps out with various clubs across campus and being a SGA freshman representative this year. Wilson has previously been a member of NACC’s Baptist Campus Ministry and Rotaract Club.

SGA officers for 2016-2017 are as listed: President, Sam Hughes; Vice President, Karah Wilson; Secretary, Katie Poe; Treasurer, Andrea Melchiorre; Historian, Briana Rhoades-White.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 5

Friday–April 15, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

THE FISHERMAN SOUTHERN GOSPEL QUARTET For bookings call: Glenn Smith (256) 572-6146 Check us out on Facebook

3 locations to serve you: Rainsville 256-638-8600 Scottsboro 256-574-2679 Fort Payne 256-845-3350.

CHAMBER CHATTER

April 13, 2016 Carol Beddingfield, Executive Director

Have you ever dreamed about being on stage for the ride of a lifetime? I am not talking about the one drawn by horses but the one that brings experiences bigger than life itself.

The Northeast Alabama Community College Theatre could be the vehicle through which you make your dreams come true. Under the direction of Mark Webb, NACC Theatre has produced many excellent plays featuring local talent.

Mark truly believes in the power of live theatre to awaken a passion inside all of us. The stories behind the productions have the power to inform, to entertain and to change people.

Big Fish will be presented at the Tom Bevill Lyceum on April 21-24 &28 through May 1st. All seats are reserved and tickets are $5.00 each.

According to Mark, this musical with a tall tale dares you to dream, love, liver Bigger! Big Fish will delight audiences of all ages.

There is so much more to the theatre department at NACC than these fabulous productions. The staff believes in arts education. Through their combined efforts with summer workshops, artreach, outreach and productions, they have enhanced arts education to over 2900 students.

Fourteen drama scholarships are given each year. Additional scholarships include acting, technical, stage crew, lighting, sound and set construction.

Credit hour classes consist of theatre appreciation and history, scenery and lighting technology, acting, theatrical makeup, and stagecraft.

You do not have to be a student to participate in the theatre’s productions. The open annual season auditions will be held July 20-22, 2016.

If being in the spotlight is not what you desire, get involved in the other aspects of the theatre. A whole new “bigger” world awaits you.

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Friday–April 15, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FAITH

­Prevailing

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

I was struggling a bit.

Maybe you have been there.

There had been lots of stress. Maybe you have been there. Busy at work.

Busy at home. Worries for family. Worries for church.

It has been a time that we never quite seem to

put anything behind us.

Take care of a glitch. Get up the next day. And it is there again. It is very tiring. Maybe you have been there, too.

I say that reluctantly.

Once I began a sermon this way: “I am tired.” I thought it would be a great way to connect with the congregation. They would see that I was tired,

just like them. And would listen to what I had to say.

Oops. It didn’t work out that way. When the sermon was over I had five or six people come up to me and say something along the lines of, “You think you’re tired. That’s ridiculous.

Let me tell you how tired I am.” I came to realize they didn’t need me to say I was tired. They needed someone to know that they were really tired. And I must admit that they had more reason than me to be tired.

Maybe we can just agree that a lot of people are tired. At work, home, school. And sometimes even preachers are.

Gloria and I catch each other heaving sighs a lot.

We know it is all okay.

We know to trust God. We are just are a bit overwhelmed.

That was my mind set when I picked up my Bible Monday to do my daily reading. I opened it to read because I was

supposed to read.

Another daily task.

Heave a sigh and read.

Monday I was up to Proverbs 30. Words from someone named Agur. I have read them many, many times. But this time was different.

I leaned forward in the chair in my office.

The words from verse 1: “I am weary, God, but I can prevail.” Tears came to my eyes. These words came to me Monday as a promise from God. I am weary, but I will prevail.

The passage goes on to say that Agur will prevail because he trusts a God who is greater than all Agur faces.

I am weary. I will prevail because I trust God. “Who has gone up to heaven and come down?

Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Verses 4-5.

I am weary. Several years back I ran in a half marathon in Atlanta on Thanksgiving morning.

The course up and down the hills of Peachtree is difficult. Very tiring. At about the ten mile mark, I was running past a church building. On the door it said, “Come to me you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” I laughed.

Several hundred people ran by the church that day who were really weary. None of them found rest at the church.

Three more miles to go.

Can’t stop now. Keep running.

As I ran, I thought about it. And realized that every day thousands of drivers go past that church who are weary.

Maybe they even see the words of Jesus. Come to me…I will give you rest.

But they keep going. Too busy to find rest.

When we truly trust Jesus, we find rest. We feel our burdens lifted.

Monday I needed reminding of that. So He told me. “I am weary God, but I can prevail.” Slapped me right in the face with those words. Trust Him. Prevail.

Maybe you’ve been there. Maybe it’s time for you to quit running. And trust.

A Moment with Megan: Be Confident

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

I hope everyone reading this is having a great week… and if not, I hope you keep reading this! Hopefully I’ve got some encouraging words for you. These encouraging words come straight out the the Bible.

Let’s look at Ephesians 3:12, “ In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”

This makes me happy!

Let’s skip to verse 20-21, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus through the generations, forever and ever, amen!”

I love how Paul uses the word “confidence” in verse 12. That word can shadow over into verse 20. We as Christians should be confident that the Lord WILL do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.

However, do notice the end of verse 20, it says “according to His power that is at work within us.”

Friend, if you do not know Christ as your Savior, then He is not at work within you. “Why?” Because He is a gentleman and He will never go places that He is not invited. When someone gets saved, the

person invites Him into their hearts. Then, can His power be at work within them. Maybe you're reading this article at work on your lunch break and would like to start your relationship with the Lord by inviting Him in, I dare you to do it! I dare you to have an audacious faith that the Lord has big plans in store for you and that you experience His grace and limitless love.

Philippians 1:6 says, “Being confident in this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it out on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” There is that word again, “confident”! I imagine that our days would go a lot smoother if we were confident that Christ was working all things out for our good, that He has everything under control, etc. Satan loves to get inside our brain, causing doubts and fears.

Confidence and fear cannot coexist. Either we are living in confidence (in Christ) or fear. I don’t know about you, but this confidence thing sounds a lot more appealing!

Webster says the definition of confidence is to be assured or have no uncertainty. Now go back and read Philippians 1:6 and Ephesians 3:20. The Word

is telling us not to have any uncertainty! Jesus always has your best interest in mind. Just like Chris Tomlin’s song says, “He is a good good father…”

How many of us really meet the definition of being confident in Christ? If we could be honest, I am sure we could say there are days that our faith wavers. I hope that these verses bring the word “confident” (in Christ) to new perspective. The verse could have said, “Be hopeful that He who began a good work in you will carry it out until completion.” or “If you pray and fast everyday…”

BUT! it says “Be CONFIDENT ….” We serve such an incredibly patient, forgiving, and loving God who desires to bless us (His children) in mighty ways. Friend, dream big, have faith, and ultimately, BE CONFIDENT in Christ!

He knows what He is doing and you are not forgotten.

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Friday–April 15, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS Geraldine City Council update

By Staff Reports

Mayor Ables

GERALDINE, Ala.— The Geraldine Town Council met April 4th for their regular monthly meeting.

The Council heard the second reading of a proposed ordinance to amend the zoning to include an Agricultural District. The Council voted to table it.

Mayor Ables gave a financial report citing the current balances of all bank

Jump from DeKalb BOE Runoff, pg. 1 because he has no Democratic opponent in November. Stay tuned for a full report on today's runoff on our website.

DeKalb County Republican Party Chairman Mark Ford said the addition of Robert Elliott to the DeKalb County Board of Education is a victory not only for Republicans, but for all DeKalb County students and their families’.

“I want to congratulate Robert Elliott on running a successful race,” Ford said.

“He will be a strong representative for the Republican Party in DeKalb County government and

will be an excellent asset to DeKalb County Students and Educators alike. Both of these men, his opponent Don Brock included, are good men and have been faithful the our Party for many years. Either would have done a great job, so in all honest the DeKalb GOP was in a win-win today. We would have supported either man who won, and as it turned out that man happened to be Robert Elliott today. The DeKalb BOE won a victory today too.”

Thrash Bail Bonding

Heath Thrash Call (256) 572-9996 or (256) 996-6699 102 Laverne Drive Rainsville, AL 35986

accounts and accounts payable. The Council voted to change the May 2nd meeting to May 3rd to allow Councilman Lingerfelt to attend a grant writing workshop in Montgomery on the 2nd.

The Council passed an ordinance to participate in the 2016 "Back-To-School" Sales Tax Holiday this year and each year thereafter.

The 2016 Holiday will be

August 5-7. The Council adopted a Resolution to request additional funding from USDA Rural Development for a Wastewater Collection and Treatment Facility for the Town.

The floor was opened for public comments and there were several. A petition was presented to the Council in opposition of creating an Agricultural District.

Councilman Rooks made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. The motion carried and after 49 minutes the Council returned.

A request was granted for Officer Jones to attend a certification class in Birmingham in mid April.

The meeting was then adjourned.

Democrat Bill Monroe kicks off campaign for DeKalb County Superintendent and coached at Sylvania.

When making his announcement, Monroe stated, “My main focus is to provide opportunities for students. We can improve the quality of life for everyone in DeKalb County – and, it begins with Bill Monroe Education.”

“One of the most

By Staff Reports disappointing things VALLEY HEAD, to me is when our Ala.— Democrat Bill children have to leave Monroe officially DeKalb to find a job kicked off his making a decent campaign for DeKalb wage, or any job. I County have a 3-pronged plan Superintendent of that I want to put in Education this week. place with Educators, Monroe will face business leaders, and Republican Dr. Jason the larger commuBarnett in the 2016 nity,” Monroe added.

Election.

In outlining his Minus a challenger plan, Monroe said he in the Democrat wished to 1) vastly Primary, Monroe has improve technology remained quiet so far in the classroom, 2) in the race for prepare students so superintendent so far, they are career ready choosing to delay his or college ready official announcedepending on their ment to avoid the chosen path, and, 3) spotlight cast by the build partnerships heated Republican between the school Primary race. system and the Monroe is an community so we can experienced educator, mutually invest in and is in his 14th year each other. as Principal at Valley “Most DeKalb Head High School County high schools after serving three are involved in dual years as Elementary enrollment with Principal at the same Northeast Alabama school. Before Community College. moving to Valley I want to strengthen Head, Monroe taught that relationship and

take greater advantage of a remarkable resource we have with the college,” Monroe said. “There are grant funds available from various sources both public and private.

We will actively seek them to provide these initiatives.”

In addition to his wealth of experience, Monroe received a BS Degree with a History major and Chemistry minor from Jacksonville State University. He completed a Master of Arts from the University of Alabama. He is also a graduate of Geraldine High School.

Bill is married to Marilyn W. Monroe and they have one son, Clay, who is a graduate of Jacksonville State University. The Monroe’s attend Skirum Baptist Church where he is a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and Church Treasurer.

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POLITICS

Senate Republicans Respond to Education Budget Passage, Teacher Pay Raise

By Staff Reports

MONTGOMERY, Ala.— Alabama Senate Republican Caucus leadership commented Wednesday on the passage of the Education Trust Fund (ETF) budget for fiscal year 2017 (FY17).

Next year’s education budget will have total spending of $6.3 billion, including strategic increases for community colleges, student assessments, and scholarships for veterans.

Most importantly, it funds a well-deserved pay increase for teachers and support staff.

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston) “I want to commend Senator Orr’s hard work on passing his first

Education Trust Fund (ETF) as chair of the committee. This fiscally-responsible budget is another step in the right direction as we were able to give teachers a raise, provide a bonus to retirees and increase money for textbooks while making sure money is reserved for future use.”

“Alabama is still 46th and 50th in reading and math, respectively, and only 16% of our high school graduates are college ready according to American College Testing (ACT). Education affects every part of this state and I cannot look at these numbers and accept the status quo. I am still committed to reforming our education system until there is noticeable improvement and all children are able

to receive a high quality education. I look forward working with those in the education community who share my concerns on new and innovative reforms for next year.”

Finance & Taxation Education Committee Chairman Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) “If you are going to attract quality people to education, it is imperative that you compensate them accordingly. The legislature understands this and that it's been nine years since educators have seen a true raise. I’m pleased the support was overwhelming.”

Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed (R-Jasper) “Senate Republicans

have made education funding and accountability a key priority. This year’s budget shows our commitment to education and the amazing teachers, support staff, and administrators that make it all work.”

Senator Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills) “I am so thankful for the individuals that pour their lives into our children. It was the highlight of the day to vote ‘aye’ on giving educators a permanent pay increase.”

Lt. Governor Kay Ivey (R) “When Republicans took charge of the Senate in 2010, many difficult choices had to be made

about the future of our approach to funding education. Now, educators and students are benefiting from the structural changes made over the past five years.”

Finance & Taxation Education Committee Vice Chairman Rusty Glover (R-Semmes) “Education is the foundation of economic growth. When we invest in our students and schools, we get a tremendous return.

Senate Republicans did just that today.”

Because the Senate made changes to the budget as passed by the House, it is expected the bill will go to a conference committee to work out any minor differences prior to the budget’s final passage.

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DEATH NOTICES 4/15/16 Burt Funeral Homes

and Rita Richardson and by grandmother JoAnn Weaver.

Mrs. Myrtle Ruth Stoker Johnson - June 13, 1931 - April 6, 2016.

She is survived by son, Marty Johnson (Lisa); daughter-in-law, Kathleen Johnson; daughter, Sandy Tate (Steve); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul L. Johnson; son, Alan P. Johnson and grandson, Cody Johnson.

Mr. James Monroe “J.M.” Lee - 79 of Section passed away April 7, 2016. He is survived by his daughters, Angela (Rodney) Peek and Janice Walker; sons, James Monroe Lee Jr. and Jason Waylon Lee; sisters, Edna Reed and Marie Anderson; brother, Oliver (Faye) Reed; 16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Mr. Lee was preceded in death by his father, Richard Lee; mother Viola Lee; brothers, Donald, Howard and Granville Lee; sisters, Virginia Lee and Linda Littles.

Mr. Tommy Ray Burt - October 27, 1953 - April 7, 2016. Tommy was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Reuben and Carmen Burt; brothers, Bill Burt and R.J. Burt, He is survived by his sisters, Brenda Burt Holloway and Carol Burt Brown; brother, Charles Burt; daughter, Jessica Hodges; five grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and special friends, Tim Hearns, Clara Edwards and David Dawson.

Mrs. Margaret “Nell” Kent - October 30, 1923 - April 9, 2016. She is survived by daughter, Eddie (Alfred) Langston; son, Joe (Leann) Kent; grandchildren, Nicky (Tina) Langston and Ashley (Shane) Ingram and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Kent was preceded in death by Henry Edward Reed and Walter H. Kent.

W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel Mr. Jordan Randall Luther - 23 of Crossville passed away April 5, 2016 at his residence. Mr. Luther is survived by his father, Randall Luther; mother, Kristina (David) Ross; sister, Amanda Moore; step-sisters, Suzanne (Derek) Morrow and Brittany (Dustin) Bishop; brother, Cameron Luther; and special friend, Amber McCoy. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Eugene

Mrs. Beatrice Wilson Nail - of Crossville passed away. Her survivors are daughter, Judy Diane Nail; son, Gary Wayne Nail and Dana Nail; chosen daughter, Ruth Sims Nail; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 1 great-greatgrandchild. Mrs. Nail was preceded in death by her husband, Homer Nail and son, Larry Nail.

Mr. Herbert P. Fowler - 76 of Dutton passed away April 8, 2018 in Huntsville Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Fowler; daughters, Tammy and (Thomas) Campbell, Jennifer Mullins (Terry Shankles), Jamie and (Keith) Miller, Jessica Fowler (Mark Goins); sons, Dewade (Angie) Fowler and Darian Fowler; sisters, Vera (Gerald) Westmoreland and Frances (David) Downer, brothers, Irby Fowler, James (Sue) Fowler and Alvin Fowler; 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Mr. Fowler was preceded in death by parents James and Agnes Fowler; 1 brother, 4 sisters, 1 grandson, 1 granddaughter and 1 daughter-in-law.

Mrs. Marilyn Roberta Hill - 68 of Dawson passed away April 9, 2016 in UAB Hospital. She is survived by her husband

Rev. Ertis Ray Hill; daughters, Darlen and Bob Gowan, Sabrina and Steve Kirkley; sons, Mark Hill, Charlie and Lynn Hill, Joshua and April Hill, Darrell LeGrand; sisters, Betty Petty, Lois Bell; 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Claude Eugene “Gene” Ridgeway - 81 of Fyffe passed away April 10, 2016 at his residence.

He is survived by wife, Jamie Ridgeway; daughter, Jena Thrasher; son, Thomas (Jennifer) Ridgeway; 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Mr. Ridgeway was preceded in death by his mother, father, 2 brothers and 1 sister.

Mr. Hillard Marson Blackstone - 74 of Rainsville passed away April 11, 2016. He is survived by sisters, Barbara (AB) Culpepper, Carol Poole, and Lynn (Bill) Whitt; nephews, Mike Culpepper, Brian Poole, Derrick Whitt and Jared Whitt; 4 greatnieces and 2 greatnephews, uncle, Billy Joe Bell, aunt, Jewell Fossett and a host of cousins.

Mr. Blackstone was preceded in death by his daughter, Amanda Nicole Lewis; son, Barry Allen Blackstone; parents Kennon and Myrtis Blackstone.

Corner Stone Funeral Chapel & Crematory Mr. Phil Eugene Pritchett - 58 of Ocoee, TN. (formerly of Bryant) passed away April 7, 2016. He is survived by daughters, Leonda Chambers (Dennis), Susan Brown (Michael), Beth Puyear (Tommy); 6 grandchildren, sister, Gloria Cornelison (Royce); brother, Skeeter Pritchett (Sandy); several nieces and nephews. Mr. Pritchett was preceded in death by his parents, Estil Oakley and Opal Inez Bomian Pritchett; sister, Darlene Baker Chance.

Mrs. Nannie Ruth Holcomb - 89 of Flat Rock passed away April 10, 2016 at her residence.

Crematory

Mrs. Kimberly “Kim” Ott Stoner - 54 of Henagar passed away April 10, 2016 at Erlanger Medical Center. She is survived by daughters, Nicole Porter (Dewayne), Shaunta Dalton (Greg); son, Coby Stoner (Melinda); father, Boyd Ott; sister, Latechia Arnold (Calvin) Townson, 7 grandchildren and 2 nephews. Kim was preceded in death by her mother, Linda Smith Ott.

April 10, 2016. He is

Mr. Stevie Lamar Hand - 55 of Flat Rock passed away April 10, 2016 at Parkridge Medical Center. He is survived by his mother, Ruth Geneva Wooten Hand; sister, Jean Quarles; nieces and nephews, Lisa, Don, Larry and Ralph Wells, Rebecca, O J and Jackie Hand. Mr. Hand was preceded in death by his father, Oliver Boozer Hand and brother Oliver Cleveland Hand.

Rainsville Funeral Home Mr. Larry Dale Hundley - 71 of Rainsville passed away Friday April 8, 2016 at his residence. He is survived by his wife, Marsha L. Hundley; son, DeWayne Hundley and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Hundley was preceded in death by son, Christopher B. Hellums; parents, Barney and Rachel Hundley; brother, John Hundley; sisters, Bessie Kilgore and Juanita Kilgore.

Mr. Jack Everett - 82 of Fort Payne passed away survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Mac Powell and son and daughter-in-law Rusty and Janice Everett; the mother of his children, Pat Everett; brother, Eddie Everett and wife, Becky; sisters, Billie Blevins and Jane Tucker; grandchildren, Sarah Holland Timmons, Kaylor, Eric Everett, Layton Powell and Carol Prince and 3 grandchildren. Mr. Everett was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Houston Blevins.

Mr. William “Ovie” Blalock - 81 of Mentone passed away April 9, 2016. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Bailey Blalock; sons, Jimmy and Sandra Blalock, Lesley and Mary Jo Blalock, Raymond and Becky Blalock and Barry and Rhonda Blalock; daughter, Barbie and Jimmy Hester; 18 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild.

Wilson Funeral Home and

Continued from page 1

Leadership DeKalb County government offices and talked with leaders such as the County Commission and Mayor Larry Chesser. Their tour included the Courthouse, the County Revenue Office, and Fort Payne City Hall. Participants also attended the regularly scheduled county commission meeting.

Leadership Dekalb County is a 9 session course that takes emerging leaders in business from Dekalb County and immerses them in all aspects of government and civic leadership that keeps our

area moving forward.

Students in the program get the opportunity to discuss issues facing Dekalb County with the people currently facing them. It also gives them an opportunity to network with other emerging leaders and better prepare them to work together and continue moving our area forward.

The nine sessions include agriculture and economic development, tourism, health and social services, education, media, state and local government, and finally public safety. The

class runs from August to May. Notable attendees this year included Geraldine Mayor Chuck Ables, Constituent Affairs Representative for Congressman Robert Aderholt’s office Pam Abernathy, and TimesJournal Managing Editor Heather Buckner. This year’s class is being co-chaired by Rainsville Councilman Joey Graham and long-time Collinsville educator Renee Simpson.

Individuals who would like to take part in next year’s class may apply at: http://www. leadershipdekalbal.com.

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Will McCurdy qualifies for Canadian Tour

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— Fort Payne native and Auburn graduate, Will McCurdy has qualified for the Mackenzie Tour (PGA Tour in Canada).

From an early age, golf was in Will McCurdy’s blood. He could be seen putting around the golf course as early as the age of four and Will started competing around the age of twelve. His hobby, or rather obsession, earned him a scholarship on the Auburn University Golf team. In 2009 and 2011 he was a U.S. Amateur participant. While playing for Auburn he was selected to the 2011-2012 All-SEC team and in

2011, he was the Palmetto Amateur Champion.

McCurdy’s golfing career also boasts three wins on the SwingThought Pro Tour, which was formerly known as the NGA/Hooters Tour. He won 1st Stage of the Web.com qualifying tournament in 2014.

Will recently married on March 19, 2016. He and his new wife, Lana, made the decision to play the Mackenzie Tour because it rewards you if you play well all season. His plans are to play the full season of the Mackenzie Tour.

Finishing in the top-10 on the money list rewards you with status on the Web.com tour.

Lana is a school teacher, so she will be able to travel across Canada with McCurdy this summer as he pursues his dream. “My ultimate goal with golf is to play on the PGA Tour, of course. Now that the PGA has sanctioned tours in Canada and Latin America, more guys are trying to qualify for these tours," McCurdy said. “As opposed to mini tours in the United States, these tours offer not only bigger purses but also a chance to move up if you play well.”

“Non-traditional” Students can play sports

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

MONTGOMERY, Ala.—The Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Central Board of Control and the AHSAA Legislative Council recently approved a bylaw that allows home schooled, virtual or charter school students to participate in sports. The proposal, known as the “Tim Tebow Bill” passed the House of Representatives and will go

into effect next school year.

Students will be allowed to enroll at the public school in the district where their parents live.

According to a press release by the AHSAA, Executive Director Steve Savarese said many hours have gone into developing the bylaw. “A lot of time and thought have gone into developing this important legislation. Savarese said, “we now are ready to move forward. This will give our outstanding coaches an opportunity to make a positive difference in even more students lives.”

Sylvania Takes Down North Sand Mountain

Senior, Levi Bass takes the win on the mound for Sylvania.

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Sylvania 11, NSM 1 HIGDON, Ala.— In Area play Thursday night, the Sylvania Varsity Boys

defeated North Sand Mountain.

Levi Bass took the win from the mound. He gave up 3 hits, allowed one run and struck out 5.

From the plate, Bass went 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs. Phillip Dendy was 2-for-4 with 1 RBI. Caleb Roebuck was 2-for-3 with 2 RBIs. Drake Casey was 2-for-2 with 1 RBI. Hunter Miller and Zach Mattox each had a single.

The Rams record before going into the Dekalb County Tournament is 14-14.

Famed area coach Bobby Beckett passes away

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

CENTRE, Ala.— Northeast Alabama lost a high school coaching legend late Tuesday night. Bobby Beckett passed away at his residence in Centre, Alabama late on April 12.

Beckett’s coaching career spans four decades and five sports, including football, baseball, boys basketball, girls basketball and track. He also established new sports programs at Ragland, Cherokee County, and Gaylesville schools and was inducted into the Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.

Coach Beckett’s love for high school sports began in Alpine, Alabama, where he attended Winterboro High School and playing three sports. After completing high school, Beckett played baseball at Southern Union in south Alabama.

He began his coaching career in Ragland in the early seventies; starting their baseball program from scratch and taking his new team to the state finals in their first season in 1971. After several successful baseball seasons, Beckett moved to Cherokee County High

School in 1975 as an assistant football coach and started their baseball program as well. From 1975 - 1990, Coach Beckett took the new Warriors baseball team to four area championships and back-to-back state championships in 1980-81.

Showing a versatility in coaching that few others have, he also began the CCHS girls basketball program in 1975, and served as head coach until 1978.

Cherokee County would also employ Beckett as the boys basketball coach in the early eighties, leading the team to a county tournament win and several winning seasons.

Carrying on his tradition of starting programs, Beckett moved to Gaylesville school and began their baseball program in 93-94, and served as head football coach. The new Trojans baseball team would make a state playoff appearance soon after their formation.

In the mid-nineties, Beckett became influential in Dekalb County sports, successfully coaching the Collinsville Panthers in baseball and football. He would wrap up his storied coaching career in the area a few years later,

returning as head football coach at Cherokee County High School.

“Coach Beckett wasn’t the type of person to scream and yell, he was able to command respect by the person he was.” said Cherokee County Schools Superintendent Mitchell Guice, who also played for Coach Beckett.

“He was a really positive person, you always felt like you were going to win. He will be sorely missed not only by his family, but by all the lives he touched.” Guice added. “(Coach Beckett)was a very positive person to be around and our prayers go out to his family,” said Superintendent Hugh Taylor, who coached with Beckett during his time at Collinsville.

Coach Beckett is survived by his wife Peggy, son Alan, and his grandchildren. His son, Alan Beckett, continues in his father’s footsteps, coaching at Collinsville and currently at his father’s alma mater, Winterboro High School.

Visitation will be held from 5 - 6pm on Thursday, April 14 at the Perry Funeral Home. The funeral will take place on Friday, April 15 at 2:00 pm at the First Methodist Church in Centre, Alabama.

Back-to-back champs

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

South 9, North 8 FYFFE, Ala.—In a game that players and fans look forward to all year long, the South Cowboys defeated the North Badgers 9-8 for the second year in a row, in the Long Ranch for Boys Old Timers game. Long Ranch for Boys is a home established by Paul and Christy Long in 2012 for at risk boys from the ages of 5-18.

Dillion Cambron (Sylvania) struck first for the North Badgers with a 35-yard run into the endzone with a quarterback keeper. Chad Anderson (Sylvania) had set up

excellent field position after carrying the ball five times.

Bryar Buchanan (Plainview) scored on a two-point conversion with less than a minute remaining in the half.

Coming back from the half, the South took charge of the game. Chris “Bosh Johnson (Fyffe) found his way into the endzone with 2:15 left in the third quarter.

The two-point conversion failed.

Both teams went back and forth with unsuccessful attempts to score. When a series of runs from Mike Wade (Crossville) and Josh Smith (Geraldine) set up excellent field goal position for the South Cowboys.

Collinsville Soccer

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

COLLINSVILLE, Ala.— On April 11, Collinsville won 2-1 over

Sacred Heart.

Stephy Lucas, and Monce Sierra scored the winning goals in the region game.

On April 12, Donohoo

Luis Garcia (Crossville) was successful on a 17-yard field goal attempt, putting the South in the lead with a score of 9-8.

The North tried to rally but with less than 2:00 left on the game clock, the South Cowboys intercepted the ball and ran the clock out.

The South head coach Jeff Helton said, “ It was a hard fought defensive struggle. I am proud of my guys. They fought their guts out and I am glad to get out with a win. Helton also said, “We also want to thank Paul Long and anyone affiliated with the Long Ranch for Boys for putting this on and allowing us to suit up and play this great game that we all love, FOOTBALL!” Chris “Bosh” Johnson was named the Offensive MVP of the game for the South. Devin Davis (Sylvania) was named the Defensive MVP for the North.

defeated Collinsville 2-1 in region play, on a penalty kick.

Stephanie Perez scored the only goal for Collinsville on a free kick.

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Crossville Lady Lions perfect in Area play Crossville 9, Hokes Bluff 0 CROSSVILLE, Ala.—The Crossville Lady Lions defeated Hokes Bluff Friday night. This win makes the Crossville Lady Lions 5-0 in Area play.

Maddie Hunt took the win from the mound for Crossville with 5 strikeouts and only 2 hits.

From the plate, Cassie McDaniel went 4-for-5 with 4 hits. Toby Hicks had 1 single and 1 RBI. Tayilor Freeman was 3-for-4 with 2 doubles, 1 single and 2 RBIs. Maddie Hunt had 1 double, 1 single and 1 RBI. McKenzie Wilks had a home run for 3 RBIs plus one single. Harley Bradley and Macey West had 1 RBI. Abby Williams finished the night with 1 single.

double and four RBIs. Madison Burt was 2-for-3 with 2 RBIs. Sierra

Murdock and Jenny Sweeting each finished with a single.

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Lady Rams defeat Pisgah

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Sylvania 8, Pisgah 1 PISGAH, Ala.—The Sylvania Lady Rams defeated the Class 3A, No.3 Pisgah Lady Eagles on Thursday.

Payton Davidson brought home the win from the mound, striking out an impressive 12 players.

Davidson only gave up one earned run on five hits.

From the plate, Meghan Graham, had a out-of-the park 2-run homer. Payton Davidson had a single,

Ider Lady Hornets defeat Scottsboro

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

SCOTTSBORO, Ala.—The Ider Lady Hornets defeated Scottsboro to win the Scottsboro Invitational Softball Tournament Saturday.

Ider defeated Bob Jones in the first game of pool play, 9-0. Kayla Norman pitched five innings and took the victory from the mound. She gave up two hits and had one walk. From the plate, Kaylan Brown was 2-for-3 with a three-run homer, 3 RBIs and two runs scored. Mackenzie Hughes scored a run and had 1

RBI. Julie Kay and Jackie Allday each scored a run.

In the second game of the Scottsboro Invitational Softball Tournament, Scottsboro defeated Ider 2-1.

From the mound, Shelby Hawkins pitched four innings.

She gave up two runs and five hits.

Catlin Tinker was 1-for-2 with one run scored.

Ider took on the Arab Knights in the third game of tournament. Kayla Norman took the win from the mound, pitching for five innings and striking out two. She surrendered one run. Norman

finished from the plate with 2 RBIs and a two-run homer.

Julie Kay and Morgan Flynn each added a one run homer.

For the championship, Ider faced Scottsboro once more. The Lady Hornets had the early 2-0 lead over the Wildcats, but Scottsboro rallied to bring the score to 2-1.

At the bottom of the sixth, the score was 4-4. Jackie Allday singled to put lead runner on first. Morgan Flynn came up to the plate and hit a triple, knocking Allday in for the tournament win. Final Ider 5, Scottsboro 4.

p.m. Geraldine defeated Fyffe in regular season play on February 26, 5-3. The Fyffe Red Devils have improved and will give the Bulldogs a run for their money. Geraldine is coming off a devastating loss to Sand Rock. They have something to prove. This game should be a thriller. My prediction is Fyffe will win by 1.

No 3 Collinsville Panthers (13-9) will face the No. 6 Sylvania Rams (14-14) at 7 p.m. Sylvania defeated Collinsville twice on March 12.

Will the Collinsville Panthers be seeking redemption?

Without a doubt. If Sylvania will keep their head on straight, I predict the Rams will have a 3-time victory over the Collinsville Panthers.

On Saturday, the No 2.

Crossville Lions (10-8) will face No. 7 Ider Hornets (6-11) at 12 p.m. Crossville defeated

Ider on February 20, 14-3. Ider has struggled a little this season. I predict Crossville will win again 10-4.

No. 1 Plainview (10-8) will face the winner of the Geraldine/Fyffe game at 2 p.m. I think the Bears want to give new Head Coach Johnson his first County Tournament win and will easily advance on to the final game at 6 p.m.

The semi-final game will be held at 4 p.m. between the winners of the Collinsville/ Sylvania game and the Crossville/Ider game. I am going with my gut feeling on this one and I predict that Sylvania will pull off the win to face Plainview at 6 p.m.

My prediction on the championship game? Honey, a lady has to be a little mysterious. Join me on the bleachers and we will talk ball and maybe a little about fashion…

The Diamond Picks

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

The Dekalb County Baseball Tournament is something baseball fans look forward to all year long. It's like Christmas in April to many. This year the tournament will be held at Collinsville, beginning this Friday night.

The first game between No. 4 Geraldine Bulldogs (8-12) and the No. 5 Fyffe Red Devils (10-7) will begin at 5

Lady Bears fall in Scottsboro Invitational

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

SCOTTSBORO, Ala.—The Class 3A, No. 4 Plainview Lady Bears played in the Scottsboro Invitational Tournament this weekend, where they faced three Class 6A schools.

In the first game, the Lady Bears faced Wetumpka High School.

Kenzi Traylor took the loss from the mound. She gave up five hits and four runs.

From the plate, Traylor had 3 hits. Kennedy Traylor, Tobi Trotter and Lacy Kirk each had one hit. The Lady Bears lost in a close game, 4-3.

In the second round of tournament play, Plainview defeated the Arab Lady Knights, 4-3.

Bailey Smart claimed the win from the mound, pitching for three innings.

She struck out four and allowed four runs on seven hits. At the plate, the Lady Bears rallied. Kenzi Traylor hit a homerun, Casey had

two singles, Annabelle Brown and Lacy Kirk both finished with a single.

The Lady Bears were defeated in the third game of pool play by the Class 6A, No. 8 Scottsboro Lady Wildcats, 4-2. Kenzi Traylor had her second loss in the tournament from the mound. She pitched the entire game, only striking out one. She had three walks and allowed four runs off of six hits. From the plate, Ali Clark, Annabelle Brown, Kenzi Traylor, Bailey Smart and Kenndi Traylor finished with one hit.

The Lady Bears record is 18-7. They are currently in a three-way tie with Sylvania and North Sand Mountain to host the Class 3A, Area 14 tournament. Plainview will face Sylvania, Thursday at 4:30 at the Field of Dreams Complex. Plainview will travel to NSM Friday. The tournament host will be decided after these games, who will receive home-field advantage for the tournament.

Geraldine falls to Sand Rock

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Sand Rock 3, Geraldine 1 GERALDINE, Ala.—The Sand Rock Wildcats defeated the Geraldine Bulldogs Tuesday in Class 3A, Area 13 play. The loss for Geraldine eliminated them from advancing to the State Playoffs.

Geraldine took the early lead but the Wildcats took advantage of errors made in the fifth inning to score two runs. With two outs at the top of the seventh, a balk was called forcing the

go-ahead run for the Wildcats.

Brady Gilbert took the loss from the mound despite striking out 14 Wildcats. He had five hits, five walks and one earned run.

At the plate, Justin Murphy finished 1-for-2.

His double was the Bulldogs only hit, Geraldine struck out 9 times.

The Bulldogs will pick themselves up and face Fyffe at 5 p.m. in the Dekalb County Baseball Tournament at Collinsville.

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