The Southern Torch, Vol. 2, No. 2

THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016 / VOL. 2, NO. 2 / $1.00

COMMUNITY

BUSINESS

SPORTS

FOR LOCAL MASONS, CHARITY DOESN’T STOP AT CHRISTMAS > PAGE 3

TREAT OF THE WEEK: DIXIELAND RESTAURANT

2015 FIRST STATE BANK SHOOTOUT

Professional bull riding comes to DeKalb County! > PAGE 5

> PAGE 8

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— This Friday and Saturday the Professional Bull Riders will be hosting the 11th Annual Bull Bash.

This event is sponsored

by AutoNation Ford of Fort Payne and the DeKalb County Farmer’s Co-Op and hosted at the Northeast Alabama Agribusiness Center.

“The event is a big draw to the city of Rainsville and all of DeKalb County for tourism.

We want everyone to benefit,” said Rickey

West. West has a big involvement with Bull Bash. “For the first six years, the event was held on my ranch in Fyffe. We moved the event to the Ag Center 5 years ago.”

West says the event will bring in professional athletes. “We’ve had sponsors and riders register from Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee,” West said.

Rainsville Mayor Nick Jones said, “The Bull Bash is a huge event for Rainsville.

Anytime the city has a quality event of this size, we’re excited about it and Rickey West does a

Alabama politicians react to executive action on guns

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

Our elected officials from the federal to state level had strong words for President Obama’s action on firearms announced earlier this week. On Tuesday, Obama held a press conference at the White House and outlined his strategy to, “Reduce Gun Violence and Make Our Communities Safer.”

The points of the executive action focused on closing perceived loopholes within existing laws and requesting more funding to support mental health programs as well as ATF and FBI support for background checks. The order amounts to guidelines recommended to the Justice Department and Congress. While Obama voiced his frustrations on

a lack of legislation passed by Congress, many in office expressed their own frustrations with the president’s agenda.

Among Alabama’s legislative delegation in Washington, opposition to the Obama’s actions was virtually unanimous, with the exception of Democrat U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL-07), who stated that, “Our nation must take common sense actions to stem the rising tide of gun violence that has claimed far too many lives.” Criticism from the Republican side of the aisle came sharp and swift. While various factors were blamed for gun violence, the GOP remained unified in the sense that firearms are not to blame. U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04) highlighted the issue of morality and commented

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that, “As we know our problem in America is not a gun problem. It is a cultural problem and a problem of the heart by these criminals. No new gun laws can change the attitude of someone who is so lost in this world that they are bent on killing others.” U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), in an opinion editorial for Yellowhammer News, cited policy flaws in Obama’s Justice Department for relaxing sentencing guidelines and releasing dangerous criminals early. While the Justice Department is being directed to release criminals early, “the administration is acting to make it harder for law-abiding Americans to purchase guns while freeing some of the most dangerous felons in the world.”

Reaction across the

state and nation closely followed party lines, indicating that it is unlikely this round of executive orders will move the issue any further through Congress than such measures of the past. Reaction among the candidates contending for U.S. President also closely followed party lines. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) made clear his disdain for the National Rifle Association (NRA), saying that, “it’s become clear that no mass shooting, no matter how big or bloody, will inspire Republicans to put children and innocent Americans over the interests of the NRA.” Republican frontrunner Donald Trump while on Fox & Friends appreciated the president’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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phenomenal job putting this show together.”

On Thursday morning at 9 a.m., 61 kids from the Special Needs Center got to participate in the Bull Bash Special Needs Rodeo. Wagon and pony rides as well as other events were made available to the kids.

The tickets for the event will be sold at the gate. It is $20 for adults, $15 for children ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. The gates will open at 6 p.m. and the event will start at 7:30 p.m.

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

Players in Progress presents: Peter & Wendy You do not want to miss the Players in Progress (PIP) Theatre Company’s latest production, Peter & Wendy

by Jeremy Bloom, which goes up this weekend at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center in Rainsville. Peter & Wendy is a lyrical adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale of the boy who wouldn’t grow up and the girl who followed him to Neverland to battle Captain Hook…

Pages 3

THIS WEEK IN FAITH

A Dark Church

Midnight. Cars in the church parking lot. A single light on inside. I unlocked the door and stepped inside.

Someone ran toward me in the dark shouting, “Braden’s it, Braden’s it…

Page 6

THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

Roy Moore orders halt to same sex marriage licenses Despite a 2015 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that legalized same-sex marriage in America, Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore issued an administrative order earlier this week prohibiting probate judges from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples…

Page 4 PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 60 RAINSVILLE, AL

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Friday–January 8, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

Christmas flooding still causing headaches

Photo provided by Dekalb County EMA

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.— Heavy rains that fell around the Christmas Holiday are still causing problems around the county. The rushing waters caused damage to infrastructure and

businesses, as well as some private residences.

Thirteen roads remained closed as of Monday and the local Emergency Management Agency reports that their damage assessment for Dekalb is approximately $315,000 and that state officials

confirmed this assessment earlier this week.

According to Dekalb County EMA Director Anthony Clifton, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, will begin its assessment of the damage later this week.

Clifton also stated that while Dekalb has meet the threshold to be considered a disaster that, “we do not have a declaration of disaster yet and do not know at this time if we will have one.”

Noting that the disaster declaration is crucial to receiving federal assistance for individuals with flood damage.

The Dekalb County EMA is monitoring water levels on Big Will’s Creek as well as Little River, and as of this week they have dropped to normal winter levels. The road closure list is as follows: County Roads 136, 386, 712, 667, 532, 552, 746, 739, 411, 391, 70, 539, and 695 have closed sections in Dekalb County. The northbound lane of Alabama Highway 78 is washed out in a

large section in Cherokee County between Collinsville and Leesburg.

Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver issued a notice to motorists traveling Hwy 78 due to many travelers simply driving around the barricade into oncoming traffic. “Local law enforcement and sheriff’s deputies have been extremely busy writing citations and trying to prevent accidents on Alabama Hwy 68,” Shaver stated. Officials say that the section of highway could take a month or longer to repair. While the road closures are an inconvenience to many, Director Clifton noted that, “it’s not going to be a quick process,” while discussing potential repair timelines for the closed roads. “We have to go through the mitigation process as well, which means improvements to our damaged infrastructure to prevent the same problems in the future,” Clifton added.

While some Dekalb residents are awaiting

Federal assistance for flood damage, Director Clifton explained that this is a more complicated process than many realize. While the county threshold for damage to qualify is over $60,000 below the initial damage assessment, the state as a whole must meet the federal threshold to be provided with FEMA funds to individuals. To prepare for the possibility of flood damage in the future, Clifton recommends the public visit the FEMA website and use the interactive map to asses if their residence is within the floodplain. If so and you aren’t participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, it’s unlikely that any damage will be compensated. The website also details who needs flood insurance who does not. The Southern Torch will be updating the public as more information becomes available on the damage assessment and road re-openings.

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

To start a charter school, a local organization will apply to an “authorizer,” either the local board of education or the Alabama Public Charter School Commission.

Organizations in districts where school boards choose not to authorize charters can apply to the Alabama Public Charter School Commission.

Earlier this week the commission hammered out the finishing touches on an application template for groups interested in starting charter schools. The template is expected to be approved within a few months. The commission discussed technical revisions on the charter school application template in the hopes of having it approved within a few weeks.

Richardson said the proposed application would pave the way for the potential opening of charter schools — publicly funded but operated by private entities — in the fall of 2017.

“It is the most time-sensitive document.

Interested applicants need to know what to expect,” Richardson said.

“We’re anticipating the fall of ‘17 before the first one of these kicks off.”

In the proposed 20-plus page form, applicants will have to submit information about their financial management, operations plan and curriculum.

State law allows up to 10 startup charter schools each year. Local school boards, in addition to the state, can authorize the opening of charter schools. Four school systems have applied to be able to authorize charter schools.

Richardson predicts that fewer than the maximum 10 charter schools will open in the fall of 2017, the earliest charters are expected to begin operating in the state.

“If we have 10 the first year I’ll be very surprised,” Commission Chairman Ed Richardson said. “I think there will just be very few.”

Charter contracts will be for five years.

According to the charter school law, authorizers can cancel or not renew the charter contract if the school fails to make adequate progress toward the goals spelled out in the charter. media seems to be a frequently used outlet for citizens to voice support or opposition to proposed gun control measures.

Public opinion also indicates that this highly politicized issue will likely not translate to any concrete legislation being passed.

Charter schools coming to Alabama MONTGOMERY, Ala.—Charter schools are expected to open in Alabama in 2017.

Alabama Public Charter School Commission Chairman Ed Richardson said Tuesday that the fall of 2017 is when the first charter school is expected to open in the state.

Charter schools are publicly funded schools that have autonomy in finance, personnel, scheduling, curriculum, instruction and procurement that regular public schools do not have.

Alabama was the 43rd state to authorize charter schools. The law allowed up to 10 start-up charter schools a year in the state. The Alabama Legislature last year approved GOP-backed legislation to allow charter schools in the state for the first time.

Charter schools are expected to meet certain performance goals spelled out in the charter contract. Start-up charter schools are governed by independent boards that must be 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organizations.

Continued from page 1

Eroding the 2nd Amendment sincerity and felt his, “heart was in the right place,” but alleged that he was eroding the second amendment, saying, “His idea is just taking chunks and chunks out of the Second Amendment

until we don’t have a Second Amendment anymore, and people need protection.”

Reaction among the general public seems to also follow along the same party lines. Social

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Friday–January 8, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

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

For local Masons, charity doesn’t stop at Christmas

Submitted to Southenr Torch by Cody Campbell

Christmas has often been called the time of giving. Family members exchange presents with each other. Shoppers drop loose change into the red kettles of the Salvation Army.

Non-profit organizations like St. Jude Children’s Hospital air advertisements, asking for donations to help children fighting against cancer. Similarly seeking such assistance is the Department of Human Resources, who want to make sure that foster children in DeKalb County receive a good Christmas each year.

“On average, there are around 110 children in foster care annually here in DeKalb County,” said Denise Rains, the director of the DeKalb County Department of Human

Resources. “Every year the Huntsville-based organization, “Kids to Love” assists us in providing Christmas for our foster children.”

According to Rains the list of children in foster care must be given to Kids to Love by Sept. 30.

Despite this cutoff date, DHR has a way to make sure that any child who enters the DeKalb County foster system later in the year still receives something for Christmas.

“For those who come in after the end of September, any money people want to donate comes here.

Furthermore, there are some people in the community who choose to sponsor a child. We give these sponsors a wish list that the child has filled out, things the child wants and needs, and they go out and buy items off the wish list. If the sponsors aren’t able to get everything off the list, we use the funds we receive to fill in the rest,” Rains explained.

One of the groups that donates money to DHR for the foster children’s Christmas in

Players in Progress Presents: Peter & Wendy!

Submitted to Southern Torch by Emily Lewis

RAINSVILLE, Ala.—You do not want to miss the Players in Progress (PIP) Theatre Company’s latest production, Peter & Wendy by Jeremy Bloom, which goes up this weekend at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center in Rainsville. Peter & Wendy is a lyrical adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale of the boy

who wouldn’t grow up and the girl who followed him to Neverland to battle Captain Hook.

Familiar characters like Tinker Bell, Tiger Lily, and the Lost Boys are also to be found in this play, but not like you remember them. With humor, heart, and no small amount of danger this show reminds us of what it is to be young enough to believe that happy thoughts can make us fly and how hard it is to leave that youth behind without losing the optimism.

This is the Players in Progress’s eighth production since it was founded in 2012. The non-profit company is run by Scottsboro native Jensie Britt and myself,

DeKalb County is the Fort Payne Masonic Lodge.

Far from being a religion or cult, the Freemasons are a fraternity of good men seeking to be better men, and who work to make the community around them a better place.

“For several years now, the lodge has donated $1000 each year to the DHR in order to help provide Christmas to foster children. The first time the lodge participated in this, we just got 20 $50 gift cards to Wal-Mart, but money is donated to DHR by writing them a check,” said Clarence Thornberry, Worshipful Master of Fort Payne Masonic Lodge.

“Part of the Masonic philosophy is to be a shining light in the world around us. Charitable work is a major part of what the lodge is all about. These children are in need, and the lodge feels this is perhaps the most direct way to go to help them,” Thornberry said.

“Our donation to the foster children is only one of several organizations the lodge gives

money to each year,” Gerald Smith, a member and Past Master of the lodge, said. “The lodge has bought tickets to the Save-a-Life Foundation dinner. We give money to the Shriners for them to do as they see fit, which includes the hospitals run by the Shrine. We also send some down to the Grand Lodge (the Grand Lodge governs all Masonic Lodges in Alabama), who has a fund set up to aid and assist those in need. For example, if a series of tornadoes were to strike Alabama, the Grand Lodge would use some of this money for relief efforts,” stated Smith.

Despite all of these outlets that the Masonic Lodge donates funds to, they do not seek any sort of recognition for their charitable work. “The lodge doesn’t want the accolades, we just want to help. If a little recognition comes along, that’s ok, but it’s not what we’re looking for,” Smith said.

“A big part of being a Freemason is recognizing when others are in need, and being able to help them.”

Emily Lewis, a native of Sylvania, who also serve as the directors of the production. We founded PIP as an outlet for students in the area without access to theatre, because few schools in this area offer theatre programs, or what is offered is scarce – with even fewer opportunities for homeschooled students. PIP is focused on bringing together young people with a passion for the stage; striving to create an environment where every participant can feel they have a say in the art they are creating while being challenged to do better.

With an emphasis on self-expression and self-confidence, PIP gives teens a safe place to grow as professionals and as people. Peter & Wendy gives that chance to nine actors ages 12 to 19 from DeKalb and Jackson Counties, along with three crew members -- numbers PIP would like to see increase in our next production.

Performances will be at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center in Rainsville. Show times are Jan. 8 at 7:00 p.m., Jan. 9 at 7:00 p.m., and Jan. 10 at 2:00 p.m.; doors open half an hour before performances.

Tickets will be available for purchase from cast and crew or at the door for $5. Appropriate for audience members of all ages, provided they remain young at heart.

Come with happy thoughts!

New Year’s Eve Bash

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— On Dec. 31, Jess Goggans hosted a New Year’s Eve show at The Barnyard with her band and other musicians. Featured at this event was Soul Karnival, Will Dooley, Elisha Tatum, Tony Brook, Bert David Newton, and the Jess Goggans Band.

“There was a huge turnout,” Goggans said.

“All through the evening there was a great crowd.

We had kids on stage and people from 4 years old to 80 years old.” Goggans said all the bands went “above and beyond” with their performances.

Goggans said she might even do a summer concert. “I loved

“The lodge doesn’t try to be flashy with our charity, we like to be more discrete when we aid others,” Thornberry added.

As Christmas trees are taken down and decorations are stored for another year, the season of giving feels, for many, like it has come to an end. For the members of the Masonic Lodge, however, charitable giving is not simply a seasonal thing. Helping those around them who are in need is a yearround process. Every opportunity to aid members of the community is another chance for the light of Freemasonry to shine in a seemingly dark world.

For further information about Freemasonry, feel free to visit the Alabama Grand Lodge website at www.alafreemasonry.org.

The author, Cody Campbell is a member of the Fort Payne Masonic Lodge #437, and a Dekalb County Native. Cody currently attends the University of Alabama where he is majoring in Journalism.

watching everyone come together. Kids got on stage to sing ‘I’ll Take You Away’ and they put their souls into it. It was one of my favorite moments on stage from 2015.”

Braxton Harris, drummer for Soul Karnival said he was “honored” for the band to be asked to play. “Jess is a huge inspiration and an amazing musician,” Harris said. “I played with her once or twice at Mainstreet Deli. It was a lot of fun.” Harris will be filling in as drummer for the Jess Goggans Band on Feb. 27. “I would be more than happy to play another New Year’s Eve show. Tons of people love music on New Year’s Eve and it would be a lot of fun.”

Soundstage Open Mic at Vintage 1889

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— Vintage 1889 will be hosting Soundstage Open Mic beginning this Saturday. The admission is free and the event is for all ages. Food and beverages will be served.

Performances begin at 7 p.m. and last until 10 p.m.

Every Wednesday a winner will be selected

from the open mic and will be the “Featured Artist” for the showcase, which will be announced at a later date. The winner of the showcase will receive a live recording and professionally edited promotional video along with a performance spot at Third Saturday Sunset in downtown Fort Payne.

There is plenty of time to win because this will be happening every month. All genres are welcome and original music is preferred, but not enforced. For more information, call Vintage 1889 at 256-845-3380.

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Friday–January 8, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS Roy Moore orders halt to same-sex marriage licenses

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

MONTGOMERY, Ala.—Despite a 2015 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that legalized same-sex marriage in America, Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore issued an administrative order earlier this week prohibiting probate judges from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples despite.

In Obergefell vs.

Hodges, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the 14th Amendment requires states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex

couples and to recognize same-sex marriages entered in other states.

In a four-page administrative order, Moore stated, “Confusion and uncertainty exist among the probate judges of this State as to the effect of Obergefell on the existing orders.”

Moore noted that although the U.S. Supreme Court ruled bans on same-sex marriage unconstitutional in Obergefell v.

Hodges, the Supreme Court of Alabama made a ruling in March 2015 upholding the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.

Moore said he issued the order, not as the Chief

Justice but in his role as the Administrative Head of the Unified Judicial System of Alabama.

“The Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice can take affirmative and appropriate action to correct or alleviate any condition or situation adversely affecting the administration of justice within the state.”

Moore further noted in the order that following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling many Alabama probate judges are issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, while others are issuing licenses only to opposite-

sex couples or not issuing licenses at all.

Moore said rulings by federal courts since the U.S. Supreme Court ruling could affect the issue in Alabama. Moore said the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the U.S. Supreme Court case invalidated only the same-sex marriage bans in Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee.

He further noted that the U.S. District Court in Kansas found that although the U.S. Supreme Court ruling “is clearly controlling Supreme Court precedent, it did not directly strike down the provi-

sions of the Kansas Constitution and statutes that bar the issuance of same-sex marriage licenses.”

In a joint statement late Wednesday, the United States attorneys in Birmingham and Mobile expressed grave concerns about Moore’s order.

“Government officials are free to disagree with the law, but not to disobey it,” Joyce White Vance and Kenyen R. Brown said. “This issue has been decided by the highest court in the land, and Alabama must follow that law.”

OPINION / EDITORIAL

Executive action largely symbolic

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

President Barack Obama announced Tuesday a new round of executive action on gun control in response to several recent mass shootings and his perceived “inaction” on the part of congress. As part of his executive action to “Reduce Gun Violence and Make Our Communities Safer” the President is simply reaffirming existing laws.

The timing and theatrics of this action however, are more aimed at scoring political points and distracting from his own inaction on key issues. In Tuesday’s press conference President Obama repeatedly mentioned Congress in an attempt to play on the public’s emotions to portray the legislative branch as indifferent towards public safety. The White House claims that the action will close the so-called “gun show” loophole as well as seeking to end ownership of machine guns and silencers through “gun trusts.” The President’s stated goals are much the same as three years ago when he announced executive action after Sandy Hook.

While I have no personal experience with gun trusts, I own numerous firearms, and have bought as well as sold many online and at gun shows. To someone like the President who possesses legal knowledge, but no firearms purchasing knowledge, on paper there appears to be a loophole, but in reality none exists.

Obama is also convinced that firearms can be freely bought and sold online, while the firearm auction websites, such as gunbroker.com, require person-to-person

transactions be carried out through licensed dealers. Guns purchased through the site must even be shipped to a dealer, and not directly to a buyer. Necessary background checks are conducted when the firearm is picked up from the dealer. The only firearms that can be purchased without these steps are antiques(firearms manufactured pre-1898; about 40 years before the reviled “assault rifle” was invented) or modern muzzleloaders.

Also, while I cannot speak for every gun dealer at every gun show, I can honestly say that no firearm I’ve ever purchased at a gun show or any that I’ve witnessed purchased by another individual avoided a background check. Even if a loophole exists, this does not remove civil or potentially criminal liability from an individual who is negligent in selling a weapon. In other words, if that gun is sold to a criminal or mentally unstable person who commits a violent crime, the seller can be held liable. If this occurs, the seller may face criminal charges or civil suit. At the very least, a licensed dealer will lose their federal license and therefore their livelihood. It’s not in any dealer’s best interest to avoid conducting a background check.

The executive action taken not only circumvents congress and therefore representative government, but also will not take any steps to change gun violence. It doesn’t even achieve it’s specific goals. The steps set forth by the president does however focus the nation’s attention on his chosen issue and away

from issues such as terrorism and the economy. The problems that it claims to fix are the same problems highlighted in previous actions on the issue of

gun control. These “loopholes” weren’t rectified in the past because they simply do not exist. As proud gun owners, it’s important to be vocal in our support of

the Second Amendment, but in this case we are merely giving the activist what they want, and prolonging a debate we have already won.

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Friday–January 8, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS DixieLand Restaurant Daily Specials: Meat with 2 sides and dessert for $6 Meat with 3 sides and dessert for $7 Sylvania, AL EXCELLENT

VERY GOOD

MEDIOCRE

MODERATE

WEAK

$6-$700

Southern Torch is kicking off the New Year and Treat of the week with a bang! We are expecting great reviews this year and we are looking forward to taste a little of Dekalb county. This week we chose DixieLand Restaurant in Sylvania. As our treat we tried their daily special of fried chicken, salmon patty, potato salad, baked beans, green beans and a cornbread muffin. Our review….. delicious! We highly recommend this restuarant of friendly and smiling faces.

Drop by for the karaoke contest they have once a month and one of their delicious pizzas. DixieLand Restaurant is torch approved and earned 4 stars.

CHAMBER CHATTER

TORCH APPROVED ADDRESS: 23072 AL Hwy 75 Sylvania, AL 35988

CONTACT: Tel. (256) 638-1888

January 6, 2016 Carol Beddingfield, Executive Director

The Fort Payne Chamber Board of Directors has selected the 2015 award winners. Their choices will be honored at the annual banquet on Jan. 21, at 6:00 p.m., at the DeKalb Theatre.

The winners are as follows: Large Business: The Children’s Place; Small Business: Ladd Environmental Consultants, Inc.; Excellence in Education: The Fort Payne Real World Design Team; and Gina Locklear is to awarded Person of the Year.

Congratulations to these individuals who have made a significant difference in the lives of the citizens of Fort Payne and the surrounding area. It is truly an honor to add their names to the Chamber’s most prestigious list.

Secretary of State John Merrill will be the keynote speaker. He will present an overview of the changes that his office has made and what effect these changes will have on businesses as well as individuals throughout our state.

Wayne Meadows, Vice President and Project Manager of Ladd Environmental Consultants, exemplifies the quality and dedication of the winners.

Wayne began working on Labor Day, 1963, for Ladd Engineering Associates, Inc. which was the original company started by E.J. Ladd, Charles M. Landstreet, B. G. (Larry) Ashley, Bill McSpadden, Roy Brittain, and Mark McCurdy.

The company grew so fast that it split into two separate businesses.

One to continue the telephone design component remained Ladd Engineering and the other concentrated on design for water and sewer projects became Ladd Environmental Consultants, Inc. Today, the scope of engineering services provided by Ladd Environmental Consultants includes all typical municipal, commercial and industrial consulting civil engineering services, as well as land surveying, planning studies and reports.

Their involvement in creating the means for communities to have safe and affordable water has a direct impact on the lives of citizens as well as potential business growth.

The present company owners include Larry Whitley, James Payton, Adam Lea, Troy Smith and Wayne Meadows. Under their guidance, growth of the company has continued for more than four decades.

Please attend the banquet and support these leaders. Tickets are available at the Chamber for $25 each or two for $40. A catered meal will be included.

Call the Chamber at 256-845-2741 for more information.

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Friday–January 8, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FAITH

A Dark Church

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

Midnight. Cars in the church parking lot. A single light on inside. I unlocked the door and stepped inside. Someone ran toward me in the dark shouting, “ Braden’s it, Braden’s it.”

The lock-in was going full blast and had reached hide and seek/sardines stage. I knew better than to turn on lights. No lights, no flashlights.

That’s cheating. In the lit

room I found the adult leaders. Luke, the Youth Minister, looked at me and said, “We aren’t even halfway through. But everything is going great.”

A lock-in is an event where church teenagers are locked into the church for the night.

There are periods of eating (the kitchen counter was covered with empty pizza boxes), devotions, and games.

And almost no sleep.

A lock-in creates great

community feelings. We call that Church. The kids will learn a little bit.

And they will have a lot of fun. The leaders will survive. Everybody will go home exhausted.

This was Luke’s lock-in to lead. He does a great job. I have led more lock-ins than I can count.

I always had as few rules as possible. Respect the church building and each other. Clean up before you go home. Keep a Christian atmosphere in all you do. Youth need nights away from parents, teachers and pastors. You helicopter parents would be terrified. Your teens love it.

The heart of the lock-in is the teaching.

And the games. You all know hide and seek.

Sardines is a variation where “it” hides and everybody has to find him and hide with him.

Game over when everybody finds “it” in a, by then, terribly crowded closet or hiding spot.

A few years back, I was playing sardines with our youth. Brad was it. I started hunting. I opened a closet door. The closet was about three feet deep

with two cabinets built into the back wall.

Nobody standing in the closet. I opened the cabinets. Nobody and really no room for anybody. I glanced up on top of the cabinets. There was Brad.

The cabinet had a flat top about eight feet up.

There was just room for Brad on top. And now me. I climbed up with him. We were sure we would be quickly found.

As soon as anybody came in and looked up, we would be discovered.

Soon the door opened. Cabinets open and closed. Nobody looked up. Over and over, nobody looked up.

Brad and I smiled.

This was great. We froze each time the door opened. Nobody looked up. After a while, they began to cheat. We could see flash lights going on for quick peeks. And then they cheated more.

Overhead lights went on.

Brad and I had been sardines for at least forty-five minutes.

Everybody was bored hunting for us. Truth be told, we were bored, too.

Ready to be found.

The youth began

yelling to us to come out.

We did not. We did not want our hiding place to be revealed. Finally they walked through the halls saying they were going back to the room and stay there for five minutes.

Brad and I climbed down and went to the room.

“Where were you?”

“We’ll never tell.” And we didn’t. If they wanted to know, they should have found us.

Every Sunday at your church there are people hiding. In plain view.

Right on the pew next to you. They want you to find them. They are terrified you will. And they are afraid you will give up. They are hiding behind polite smiles and handshakes. They are people who need Jesus.

And community.

Church. They need you.

But you will have to look at them and work to see who they really are.

Jesus looked at people and saw the ones who were hiding. The woman at the well. Zaccheus in the sycamore tree.

Matthew at the tax collector table. Hiding in plain view. Jesus looked and saw them. Can you?

A Moment with Megan: Hello From the Other Side

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 think sometimes as Christians we are guilty of only making our

requests known to God and then being done with our communication (or prayer) until the next time we “need something.” BUT, I wonder if we are missing out on hearing God speak?

Perhaps God would like to say “Hello” from the

other side (Adele pun intended.) Are our schedules too chaotic to see the flip side of the coin (that we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ)?

As I was getting ready one morning, my dog (Bella) kept trying to distract me by jumping around, barking, and even doing a tiny growl. I would show her a little attention by talking back and even bending down to pet her, but that wasn’t sufficient enough that morning. Finally, I ask her what’s wrong (call me bias but she is the smartest dog and can communicate proficiently) and she immediately runs from the room we were in, to the living room…so I follow. Once I get in the living room she starts spinning in circles and getting very excited, then she runs into my bathroom. After I get into the bathroom she jumps in the bathtubwhich means she wants fresh, cold water (poor

thing.) Side note- I do not starve or thirst my dog.

Bella is a slight diva; she would be the girl at the restaurant who orders Voss water.

By her doing this simple act of trying to get my attention, it made me ask myself, “How many times has God tried to get my attention to do something for him and I have failed to listen?”

Maybe you could ask yourself the same question? …Are our ears attentive to the Holy Spirit like they should be? Who’s day would be better if we allowed God to use us?

I feel like many of us, myself included, would love to go overseas on a mission trip. Loving on babies, sharing Christ, etc sounds like it would bring warm fuzzies, right? I once heard a pastor say that he would never financially support a church member on a mission trip if they weren’t doing some type of mission/volunteer work in the community

that they live in. WOW. That’s intense, yet I completely see where he is coming from. Friend, you don’t have to go on some huge, elaborate mission trip in order to be used by God. Maybe walking an elderly ladies buggy back into the grocery store could be just as big of a blessing.

Perhaps paying for someone’s food in a drive thru could be the biggest blessing that person has received in months.

Please, don’t discount small acts of kindness.

Also, please do no think I am against mission trips, because I think they are absolutely wonderful! I just don’t want us (as Christians) to miss out on the mission field that we are planted in daily.

In closing, I pray that everyone reading this would be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s voice this week. I pray that the Lord uses you in mighty ways to bless others. Maybe you’re reading this and think, “Well Megan, I need someone to bless me!!” Friend, you will be surprised at the blessing that will come when you bless others. Want those warm fuzzy feelings? Be a blessing. As always, thank you for reading.

See you next week!

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Friday–January 8, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Fort Payne loses The Lady Wildcats fall a heartbreaker to Oxford

By Marla Jones marla@southerntorch.com

Oxford 53Fort Payne 52 FORT PAYNE, Ala.— The Oxford Yellow Jackets and the Fort Payne Wildcats met Monday night in what will go down as one of the most exciting games of the season.

Fort Payne jumped to an early lead in the first quarter with a 12-7 score.

They held on to their lead going into the half with a score of 28-18. Coming back from the half, the

Oxford Yellow Jackets picked up momentum and came within four points of tying the game.

With 32.7 seconds, left in the game, Oxford scored to tie the game. The Wildcats had a chance to win the game but missed the basket. Oxford went up one point as time ran out. Final Oxford 53, Fort Payne 52.

Two Fort Payne Wildcats scored in the double digits. Wanya King had 28 points. Josh Johnston added 13 points on the board for the Wildcats.

By Marla Jones marla@southerntorch.com

Oxford 63Fort Payne 62 FORT PAYNE, Ala.— Fort Payne was the place to be for great basketball games, Monday night.

The Fort Payne Lady Wildcats faced the Oxford Yellow Jackets.

Oxford jumped to an 19-10 lead in the first quarter. The Lady Wildcats fought back and going into the half, the Yellow Jackets only had a one point lead, 29-28.

The second half was a fierce battle between two worthy competitors. The third quarter finished

with the Yellow Jackets pulling ahead of the Wildcats by 10. The Lady Wildcats pulled within one point of Oxford as time ran out in the

fourth. Final Oxford 63, Fort Payne 62.

For Fort Payne, Shefel had 22 points. Following with 14 points, was McElrath.

FANS OF THE WEEK! Congratulations, Susan and Madison Stoner The Southern Torch Fans of the Week are Susan and Madison Stoner. They were spotted supporting their Fyffe Red Devils in the First State Bank Shootout last week. They would like to say “Go Big Red!!” Submit your pictures to Southern Torch for your chance to be the Southern Torch Fan of the Week!

8

Friday–January 8, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

2015 First State Bank Shootout Bears defeat North Jackson in championship Plainview 68North Jackson 60 RAINSVILLE, Ala.—The Plainview Bears faced the North Jackson Chiefs in the Championship round of the 2015 First State Bank Shootout.

Plainview led the Chiefs in the first quarter, 23-9. They held on to the lead going into the half,

the score was Plainview 37, North Jackson 27.

After the half, North Jackson gained some momentum in the third, out scoring Plainview 14 points to 5. The fourth quarter was a battle to the end, with two North Jackson’s players being ejected from the game.

Plainview won with class and dignity. Final Plainview 68, North Jackson 60.

Vincent and Dade County in action

Crossville tries to get past Fyffe player

By Marla Jones marla@southerntorch.com

Several players reached double digits for the Bears. Kobe Tinker had 17 points. Caden Millican had 16 points and 4 rebounds. Cade Willingham helped the Bears out with 14 points. Jake Slay had 9 rebounds for the Plainview Bears.

2015 First State Bank Shootout Tournament Box Scores Game 1, December 28- North Jackson 83, Crossville 74 Game 2, December 28- Phillips 71, Fyffe 52 Game 3, December 28- Plainview 72, Dade County 58 Game 4, December 28- Scottsboro 57, Vincent 49 Game 5, December 29- Fyffe 60, Crossville 47 Game 6, December 29- Vincent 59, Dade Co 46 Game 7, December 29- North Jackson 65, Phillips 61 Game 8, December 29- Plainview 55, Scottsboro 52 Game 9, December 30- Crossville 71, Dade Co 65 Game 10, December 30- Vincent 64, Fyffe 48 Game 11, December 30- Scottsboro 69, Phillips 55 Game 12, December 30- Plainview 68, North Jackson 60

Geraldine defeats Fyffe in Old Timers Game

By Marla Jones marla@southerntorch.com

Geraldine 49-Fyffe 31 RAINSVILLE, Ala.— Fyffe met Geraldine in the Men’s 30 and Over

Championship Game.

This game was a rough and tumble game from the beginning.

Geraldine jumped to a early lead in the first with a score of 10-5. Going into the half, they held on to their lead with a score of 20-13.

After the half, Fyffe seemed to get their second wind and got within 10 points of the Bulldogs. Geraldine

proved to be to much for Fyffe in the fourth and won the game 49-31.

Corey Bryant was name the MVP of the 30 and Over Old Timers.

At the press conference after the game, Pete Chadwick, 46, of Geraldine, reflected on what it meant to play in the Old Timers Tournament, “ I am a team guy whether it be in sports or in the ministry.”

“It’s hard to guard big when you are little”, said Fyffe Head Coach Heath Thrash when asked about the Fyffe Vincent game

HUNTER OF THE WEEK! Congratulations, Ethan Manning!

Lady Devils defeat Lions in championship

By Marla Jones marla@southerntorch.com

Fyffe 49-Section 40 RAINSVILLE, Ala.— The alumni of Fyffe and Section, Ladies 30 and under, met in the Championship Game, Saturday afternoon. Some of the players, were standouts from a decade ago.

During the game, it was a back in forth battle between the teams. Fyffe took control

and went into the half with a 23-21 lead. Going into the fourth quarter, Fyffe had the 35-30 lead over the Section Lions. They managed to hold on to that lead and win the Ladies 30 and under tournament, 49-40.

The 30 and Under Ladies MVP of the game was Ashley Stanford. “It was great to play in this game, 10 years later” said Stanford.

Sylvania faced Plainview in championship

By Marla Jones marla@southerntorch.com

Sylvania 81Plainview 69 RAINSVILLE, Ala.— The 30 and under Old Timers Championship Game between Sylvania and Plainview was held Saturday night. This game was worth the price

of admission. The players were the alumni of Plainview and Sylvania.

They ranged from every job, including coaches and college students. Plainview was coming into the game undefeated. Sylvania had fought thru the Loser Bracket to be in the championship game.

They had already played two games during the day.

The Rams jumped to an early lead. Going into the second quarter, the score was Rams 28, Plainview 21. During the second, Plainview picked up steam. Going into the

half, the game was tied, 39-39.

Coming back from the half, Plainview jumped to a 55-51 lead in the third quarter. In the fourth, the Rams fought hard for the victory and pulled ahead of the Bears for the victory. Final Sylvania 81, Rainsville 69.

The 30 and Under MVP of the Old Timers Tournament was Zach King. “I am so blessed to accept this award.

Playing in this tournament is always fun. We had to fight thru adversity to get to this game “ said MVP Zach King.

Lady Rams win Asbury Christmas Tournament 57-47 over the Douglas Lady Eagles!!

Ethan Manning is the Southern Torch Hunter of the Week.

Ethan is seven years old and he is in the second grade at Sylvania School.

Submit your pictures to marla@southerntorch.com to be our next Hunter of the week!

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

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