The Southern Torch, Vol. 2, No. 21

THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016 / VOL. 2, NO. 21 / $1.00

COMMUNITY

FAITH

OPINION

SYLVANIA GRADUATE JENNIFER SWEETING AWARDED SCHOLARSHIP > PAGE 3

"FIRST FIVE": A REAL LIFE LESSON FROM KING JEHOSHAPHAT

DO NOT SACRIFICE THE RULE FOR THE EXCEPTION

> PAGE 5

> PAGE 7

DeKalb Legislators lead the charge against Obama transgender Directive

2016 State Tournament

A recent directive from the Obama administration, combined with the controversial changing of corporate policies, has fueled the debate regarding the rights of transgender individuals to choose the restroom that coincides with their self-identified gender.

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.—The issue of bathroom use by transgenders has

surged to the forefront of social debate nationally in recent weeks. The recent release of the Obama administration’s bathroom directive, ordering local

school districts to allow transgender students to use the restrooms of their choice, has incited strong opinions across the nation and the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

PLAINVIEW LADY BEARS WILL FACE PRATTVILLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY TODAY AT 10:30 IN THE CLASS 3A STATE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

Shaw Industries to close Valley Head plant, 183 DeKalb County jobs displaced

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

VALLEY HEAD, Ala.— Shaw Industries Group Inc. announced this week that the company will be closing its Valley Head plant, displacing 183 DeKalb County jobs.

Company representaCONTINUED ON PAGE 3

DeKalb BOE changes policy for calculating student class rankings

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

At their meeting this week, the DeKalb County Board of Education completely rewrote the formula for calculating student GPA and class ranking.

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FORT PAYNE, Ala.— The DeKalb County Board of Education voted earlier this week to make a change to the criteria guidance counselors take into account when calculating the grade point averages (GPAs) and individual class

rankings of high school students in DeKalb County.

With the policy change enacted at the DeKalb School Board meeting on Tuesday and a number of graduations held yesterday and today, guidance counselors across the county had as little as two CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

DeKalb offers multiple farmers markets The end of spring and the beginning of summer means the start of community farmer's markets. Alabama has seen thriving local markets emerge over the last few years. Much of this is thanks to voucher programs issued by the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries to senior citizens and those who apply…

Page 4 THIS WEEK IN OPINION

Alabama could use an effective governor and chief justice On Friday, April 13, the U.S. departments of Justice and Education jointly released guidelines regarding the use of bathrooms by students who identify as "transgender" to America's public schools. The directive asks that schools accommodate students who notify faculty…

Page 7 THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

Fyffe falls to Mobile Christian in State Champmionship In the 2016 AHSAA Class 2A State Baseball Championship at Montgomery's RiverWalk Stadium, the Fyffe Red Devils were defeated by the defending State Champions, Mobile Christian Leopards, 6-0.

Fyffe faced Mobile Christian in the first game of the series…

Page 10 PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 60 RAINSVILLE, AL

2

Friday–May 20, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

Geraldine City Council update, May 2, 2016

By Staff Reports tyler@southerntorch.com

GERALDINE, Ala. — The Geraldine town Council met on May 3 for their regular monthly meeting.

Councilman Stanley Rooks began by asking that the minutes be revised to reflect his intentions on a remark he made during the public comment session at the previous meeting. The minutes reflected that he asked if he could have a copy of revenue that is received monthly. Rooks stated that he asked if the entire council could have a copy of revenue that is received monthly. The council then voted to adopt the minutes with that change.

Shasta Norwood spoke to the Council on behalf of many citizens to request that additional playground equipment be placed inside the walking track so children could play while the adults were walking. She was followed by Commander Gerald Tillman of the Geraldine American Legion said the American Legion is interested in helping with the project should the Council decide to proceed.

Sam Phillips of Phillips Engineering gave a brief

report on the proposed sidewalk project with bid opening set for May 11 at 10 a.m. Councilman Tim Gilbert asked how the town would pay for their portion.

Councilman Rooks then stated, “It looks like we are going into this not knowing how we would pay for it.”

Mayor Ables then stated that it had been discussed previously that we would be selling engraved bricks to help defer the cost and additional money would be requested from other sources.

The Mayor then gave a financial report to address a question raised at the last meeting by former Councilman Orvil Bearden as to what happened to the $600,000 the town had at the beginning of the current term in November of 2012.

The independent audit reflected the true amount to be $368946.32. Mayor Ables read a list of 13 projects and their exact cost which totaled $250015.31, and pointed out that the Worker's Comp insurance and the property insurance combined had increased by over $8000 a year since 2012. As of April 29, the town has a bank balance of $187324.65.

Councilman Larry

Lingerfelt gave a brief report on the CDBG grant workshop he attended in Montgomery to assist in the writing of the grant he is working on to secure funds for the remodeling of the building currently known as the senior center. He asked the Council to review the grant he had written and try to obtain the funds needed to renovate the building.

Lingerfelt explained the basic details of the plans that he had drawn and stated that we have a pledge of $15000 to help with the town's portion of the cost. He then asked if the Council wanted to proceed with the grant application. Councilmen Gilbert and Rooks stated they were not aware of the grant application. The two agreed it was a good idea but they felt like they had not been included in the planning. No motion was made.

Councilman Larry Shellhorse stated that money had been secured from the Geraldine FFA Alumni Association for landscaping at the building just mentioned. The Mayor stated the landscaping will further enhance the appearance of the building which has just undergone some outside upgrades including a new ramp and porch built by Councilmen Shellhorse, Lingerfelt, and Guest.

The mayor reported that

Ladd Environmental had made a request to USDA Rural Development for additional grant money for the wastewater treatment facility. Under unfinished business, Councilman Shellhorse made a motion to take from the table Ordinance #16-03-29 and consider it. The motion passed.

Attorney Pat Tate briefly explained the Ordinance which was introduced at a meeting on April 4 and would establish an agriculture (AG) district. He explained a few changes made since the original reading. Attorney David Dodd spoke briefly on behalf of Josh and Tiffany Phillips who requested the AG District be added. Attorney Dodd stated that Phillips had agreed to all of the amendments as stated including planting a buffer strip of trees near the back of his property. Councilman Lingerfelt then asked how the buffer would be enforced should one or more trees die.

Tate said that would be the job of the town enforcement officer. Councilman Rooks made a motion to consider the ordinance as presented, Councilman Gilbert seconded and the motion passed. After some discussion a roll call vote was taken and the motion passed.

Councilman Rooks made

a motion to have a work session prior to the regular monthly meetings beginning at 4:30 p.m. with the regular council meeting to start at 5 p.m. The motion carried and will go into effect on June 6.

Gilbert made a motion to open the splash pad beginning May 14. It will be open Monday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is free.

In other business, the Council voted to adopt a new Motor Vehicle Policy, a Sexual Harrassment Policy, and a Records Request Policy.

During the time reserved for public comment, Jackie Rogers requested that Black Street be repaired with materials to cost between $400 and $500. He stated that if the town would buy the materials he would do the labor. A motion was made and the request was granted.

Mayor Ables made note of a recent article in the Alabama Municipality Journal about the importance of town websites and then commended Clerk Kim Cleveland on a great job of creating a website for the town at a very minimal cost.

The town website is www. townofgeraldineal.com. The meeting was then adjourned.

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Monday, June 6 at 5 p.m.

Legislators charge against Directive, from pg. 1 state of Alabama is no exception.

Lawmakers and elected officials at the local, statewide and federal levels have not hesitated to voice their opinions regarding the bold directive from the Obama Departments of Justice and Education. Many conservatives have interpreted the directive as a thinly-veiled threat to withhold federal funding from public schools or universities that refuse to comply and adhere to a greatly expanded and completely new interpretation, application and rewriting of Title IX protections.

Title IX was originally enacted to ensure gender equality in our nation’s public schools, a measure intended to prevent the mistreatment of students based on their sex and provide equal access to funding and resources and fair treatment of all students, both male and female.

The president’s recent directive expands the protections traditionally afforded our schoolchildren under Title IX to include transgender students, with specific orders to allow students who were born male but self-identify as female and vice versa to use the restroom of their choice, regardless of sex.

While six of Alabama’s seven federal lawmakers have weighed in to express their opposition to the expansion of Title IX protections and threat to withhold funding for schools that do not comply, the issue

is considered by most experts as a battle best suited to be fought at the state level.

The stage is already being set, spurring lawmakers from state legislatures throughout the country who disagree with the measure to launch individual proactive responses to the directive through legislative mechanism.

Two clear leaders, both whom represent DeKalb County, have emerged to spearhead the efforts of those in the Alabama Legislature compelled to respond to the Obama administration’s directive and protect our schoolchildren from what many in our state see as a potentially dangerous new federal policy that could expose boys and girls to members of the opposite sex in our school’s public restrooms on a daily basis.

Alabama Sen. Phil Williams and Rep. Will Ainsworth, both members of the DeKalb County Legislative Delegation, have lent the loudest voices opposing the directive and established themselves as leaders of their cause, each pledging to file legislation against the measure almost immediately upon the release of the administration’s directive on May 13.

“Yesterday I filed the Alabama Privacy Act to begin forming a legislative response to the transgender bathroom issue,” Sen. Williams said. “This morning the Obama Administration took the fight to the next level by issuing a decree to school districts nationwide

requiring that they should acquiesce in the face of the issue and make all public school restrooms and locker rooms available in a unisex fashion. My first choice is simply to say “no”, but in building the defenses on any position there must be layered lines of defense – hence the Alabama Privacy Act, which was apparently filed with perfect timing.”

Rep. Will Ainsworth voiced his strong opposition the directive as well. "Like many of you, I am outraged and disgusted by the Obama administration's threat to withdraw federal funding from states that do not allow so-called "transgender" students to use the bathroom, locker room, and shower facilities of their choosing," Ainsworth said.

"Alabama will not succumb to Obama's extremist extortion. I will be introducing a a bill to block Barack Obama's insane demand from being implemented in Alabama and in the interim call upon the state school board to immediately promulgate a policy clearly requiring public school students to use the facilities that comply with their biological gender.

"Gender is not a choice.

It is a fact that is determined by biology and by God, not by how masculine or feminine you feel when you wake up in the morning. Dressing like a pirate doesn't make you a pirate, dressing like an astronaut doesn't make you an astronaut, and dressing like the opposite sex doesn't make you a man or a woman."

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Friday–May 20, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

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

Sylvania graduate Jennifer Sweeting awarded NACC scholarship Shaw jobs displaced, from pg. 1 tives said Shaw will plan to consolidate production from their Valley Head plant with other facilities throughout Georgia and Alabama. The consolidation will result in the relocation or loss of jobs of 183 employees and an eventual shutdown of the plant that will begin later this month and reach final closure in July.

Shaw representatives say the company will assist employees with opportunities available at other Shaw facilities and provide out-placement options.

“On behalf of Shaw Industries, we would like to thank the Valley Head workers for their years of service and passion to supply our customers with exceptional quality products," Shaw Human Resources Marketing and Distribution Director Al Scruggs said in a prepared statement announcing the plant closure. "As we engage in the consolidation process, jobs will be available at other Shaw facilities. Shaw's human resources team will assist associates with internal job opportunities and provide outplacement options."

The plant closure comes less than a year after the company eliminated 160 jobs last June. A source of employment and major economic impact in the region since opening in 1971, Shaw is the largest employer in Valley Head,

a community of less than 600. At its peak operation Shaw provided jobs to 350 residents throughout DeKalb County and beyond.

The plant closure will have an impact that will be felt far beyond the community of Valley Head, including the neighboring city of Fort Payne who will see a significant loss in revenues and taxes paid the city for gas and sewer services.

“This is a great loss to our city in terms of gas and sewer revenues and and an even more tremendous loss to the hundreds of employees whose jobs will either be lost or transferred out of DeKalb County,” Mayor Larry Chesser said at a Fort Payne City Council meeting Tuesday night just hours after the announcement from Shaw.

The company says the plant closure is due to an increasing trend among consumers in the preference for products manufactured with filament yarn, instead of spun yarn.

DeKalb County economic development officials said they will begin immediately following the plant’s closure in the recruitment and search for a new business to fill the vacant Shaw building.

Sylvania graduate Jennifer Sweeting was recently awarded an academic scholarship to attend NACC

Congratulations to Jennifer Sweeting of the Sylvania High School Class of 2016 for receiving an academic scholarship to Northeast Alabama Community College!

She plans to major in Elementary Education and played varsity basketball and softball for the rams. Jennifer received academic awards in Algebra II with Trigonometry and U.S. History II, as well as making the all-county girls basketball team, and finishing number three in her class!

Good luck Jennifer!

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Friday–May 20, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

DeKalb offers multiple farmers markets

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

The end of spring and the beginning of summer means the start of community farmer’s markets. Alabama has seen thriving local markets emerge over the last few years. Much of this is thanks to voucher programs issued by the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries to senior citizens and those who apply. The vouchers can be accepted at any state supported farmer’s market during the current year and growers can cash or exchange them at any bank. Visit http://www. fma.alabama.gov to find out if you qualify or for more information on becoming a vendor.

tember 18

call (256)638-6334

• Tuesdays and Fridays from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

The Mentone Farmer’s Market

• Located at the VFW Fairgrounds in Fort Payne • For more information, call (256)845-0409 The Fort Payne Main Street Farmer’s Market • Open from June 4 until October 29 • Saturdays from 9 a.m. 1 p.m.

• On the corner of Gault Avenue and 4th Street North • For more information, call (256)996-2131 The Rainsville Farmer’s Market • Open from June 23 October

• Open year-round!

• Saturdays from 10 a.m.

- 1 p.m.

• Located at 6139 AL Hwy 117, Mentone (next to the Mentone Inn) • For more information, call (256)845-1213

Upcoming events for the week of 5/20 May 20-21:

• Thursdays from 4 p.m.

- 7 p.m.

Vintage Pickin’ Barn Sale - at White Oaks Farm in Fyffe May 20 at 1 p.m. to May 21 at 4 p.m.

The DeKalb County Farmer’s Market

• 70 Mccurdy Avenue South, Rainsville

May 21:

• Open from June 7 - Sep-

• For more information,

Main Street Block Party at Third Saturday - Dekalb Theater 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

May 21:

Music 4 a Cure Fest Fort Payne Rotary Pavilion from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

May 20-21:

Mentone Rhododendron Festival - Enjoy an event that highlights the best of Mentone. May 20 at 10 a.m. to May 22 at 4 p.m.

May 21:

Southern Gospel Concert - The Anchorman

and The Sharps at 6 p.m. at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center in Rainsville. Tickets will be available at the door while they last.

May 28:

RTI Charity Mud Volleyball Tournament - Begins at 9 a.m. at RTI 189 RTI Drive, Rainsville.

All proceeds to benefit the Toys for Tots.

May 28-29:

Northeast Alabama Cutting Horse Association Competition - At Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center in Rainsville.

May 28:

CF Car Show - Saturday May 28th at Broadway Baptist Church in Rainsville from 10 am to 2 pm.

June 4:

Dekalb County Fiddlers’ Convention - Join the fun at the 108th Anniversary of the Dekalb Fiddlers’ Convention at the Rotary Pavilion in downtown Fort Payne.

Admission is $10, children 10 and under are free.

June 4:

13th Annual Latino Festival - At Northeast Alabama Community College campus. Free admission, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

June 11 - 12:

Dixie Long Riders Mounted Shooters Association Competition - MSA competitions at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center in Rainsville. Free admission for spectators.

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Friday–May 20, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FAITH

Isa is a bit weird

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

Isa Lake. Yellowstone Park is full of weird stuff.

Geysers (yes, including Old Faithful).

Don’t see those around here. Huge pools of bubbling mud. Lots of hot springs. One of the most beautiful waterfalls anywhere. Buffaloes and Wolves. A hot spring that has covered a cliff with calcium making it look like a huge frozen water fall. Weird stuff.

Including Isa Lake.

It is not weird because it is large. There is a

really large lake in Yellowstone with wonderful trout. Not Isa. It is only about 1,000 feet long.

Isa is not weird because of its temperature. It is 8,000 feet up on the side of a mountain. The water running off the mountain has hollowed out a natural rock bowl that is the lake.

It is fed by rainwater running down the mountain. And melting snow. The water playfully finds its way down the mountain rocks.

Beautiful little mountain

streams. Foaming cascades. Just like lots of other mountain streams and lakes.

It is not Isa’s depth. In the summer the surface is placid enough to be covered with lily pads.

And much of the year there is little water flowing into or out of the lake. It becomes more of a pond with just small amounts of water seeping out.

It is that water leaving the lake that makes Isa Lake special. I like to think of the water drops playing with each other all the way down the mountain. Jumping from rock to rock. Each drop trying to jump higher than the next one. Each drop trying to hit a target below. Playing like little children until they are exhausted as they fall into the lake. Whew.

Now they can rest. And then each drop bobs along, floating on the surface in the thin mountain air with the sun glinting. Floating on the gentle current with their friends. Before

realizing they are moving faster as they near the end of the lake.

Isa Lake sits directly on a ridge of the mountains. The bowl of the lake balances on that ridge. That ridge is the Continental Divide.

There are two exits from the lake, one on each side. Leave one exit and the water drop will eventually go to the Pacific Ocean. Leave the other exit and it will go to the Atlantic Ocean. Isa Lake is weird because it sits on the Continental Divide and flows to two different oceans. It is believed to be the only lake that does that. It is sometimes called Two Ocean Lake. My family just called it Divide Lake.

Those water drops may have played well with each other, liked each other. But once they leave the lake, they cannot go back. There is no return.

They are like a lot of people who will walk across a football field or a stage this week and get their diploma. As they

leave the stage, they can never go back and be a high school student again. Their choices will lead them to different lives. College. Jobs.

Marriage. But never again a high school student. They are leaving Divide Lake.

I would tell them that choices matter. Some choices – which rock to jump on – don’t matter much. Other choices – which exit from the Lake to take – do matter. And cannot be changed.

At the end of your life, you will have been defined by those choices.

Joshua once said to the people of God, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” That’s the most important choice you will ever make. Serve the Lord.

And follow Him. You will really like where that stream goes. Where it ends. Much better than the other option. Choose.

God. Scripture above is Joshua 24:15.

“First Five”: A Real Life Lesson from King Jehoshaphat

By Lucas Pruett

Title: “First Five”: A Real Life Lesson from King Jehoshaphat Hello Southern Torch Audience! Lucas Pruett here and I can not wait to share some truth with you guys on a weekly basis. If you ever have questions, thoughts, or praise reports from my writings then feel free to reach out to me at writingonpurpose@ gmail.com.

Let’s turn to King Jehoshaphat this week.

First, let’s take a quick second to get to know

this man with a fantastic name. You can find the full story of Jehoshaphat in chapters 17-21 of 2nd Chronicles. However, for the sake of word limits let me give you the Lucas version of who he was.

Our boy Jehoshaphat succedded his father Asa as king. God was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of David and his heart was devoted completely to the Lord. He was a baller.

He crushed false idols, won battle after battle and accumulated some awesome wealth in the

process. The favor of God was centered on him through his obedience and he moved in confidence.

One episode I love in Jehoshaphat’s life can be found in 2 Chronicles 20.

In verse two, we find a group of people that bring bad news to the king. The group relays, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom...

It is already in Hazezon Tamar.” In case your biblical map knowledge is a little rusty, Hazezon Tamar is about 35 miles from Jerusalem. That’s not extremely close in that day and age but it’s still a little troubling when you think about the fact that Jehoshaphat had no knowledge this battle royale was in the works.

This is something we all can relate to. Trouble comes out of nowhere. A big sign of your faith is how do you respond when a crisis comes. How do you respond when life alarms you? Let’s see how the king responds to this situation.

Hint: His response is pure gold. Verse three reads, “Alarmed...” Let’s stop there. This baller of all ballers is alarmed when he gets this news?

He doesn’t have it all together? Of course not!

He is human. When humans hear troubling news, we are alarmed.

That’s how we roll and that’s okay!

The story continues, “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord”. I love this. This is exactly what it means to be a follower of Christ. In the midst of being alarmed, Jehoshaphat didn’t do a couple of things that we probably would have done. He didn’t try to take control.

He also didn’t allow the alarming facts to paralyze him and send him into comfort eating or passive behavior. He did the one thing that he knew could give him answers. He resolved to inquire on what God’s thoughts were for this situation. He knew that all answers were to be found in God’s steadfast love, not in his own knowledge and understanding.

The same is true for us. Our faith walk is directly tied to God’s favor and blessing over our lives and no power of our own. Author Lysa Terkeurst coined a daily habit called “First Five” after working through

this piece of scripture.

Her basic premise is that we should offer the first five minutes of our day, after waking up, to God. This can be done in a lot of different ways. It can be in verbal prayer, reading of scripture or journaling prayer. I bring this to your attention because the truth is that alot of alarming things are going to happen to you today, and everyday.

Just like Jehoshaphat’s news that fell upon his ears, something will happen to us that will make us alarmed, troubled, and worried. It would be wise of us to take the first five minutes of the day to resolve in the Lord immediately for these things that we know are inevitable to happen. As we resolve before we get started, we come to the same realization as ehoshaphat and that is that we know there is no chance for success for us today without the favor of our Father. Join with me in trying this as a daily habit and let’s watch how God starts winning those battles for us each day!

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 6

Friday–May 20, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

3 locations to serve you:

Rainsville 256-638-8600 Scottsboro 256-574-2679 Fort Payne 256-845-3350

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

CHAMBER CHATTER

May 18, 2016 Carol Beddingfield, Executive Director On behalf of the Chamber Board of Directors, I want to extend congratulations to all the seniors who comprise the 2016 graduating classes throughout our area.

This milestone in their lives should be taken very serious. Decisions made within this year can affect their future.

Graduates today have many choices to achieve their future careers. A college degree is of course a must for many professionals. However, technical training is an excellent resource for many.

Community involvement should also be a major priority for the graduates. Ideas from the younger generation insure the future growth for Fort Payne.

A perfect example of involvement is the graduation class of Leadership DeKalb County. The gained knowledge of our county will keep them aware of the need for future leaders to keep us moving forward.

The Leadership DeKalb County class project was improvements at the DeKalb County Lake. Not only were donations acquired by the class members, but also a lot of manual labor by them really helped to make the park ready for the re-opening in June.

I encourage this Leadership DeKalb County class to consider applying for the Leadership Alabama program. One of the requirements is to complete the local training first.

The Leadership Alabama class will include some of our state’s most brilliant and civic minded individuals. All class participants are chosen for one purpose – to make a difference.

Applications for the 2017 Leadership DeKalb County class are available online. Visit the Leadership DeKalb website for more information.

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Friday–May 20, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

OPINION/EDITORIAL Do Not Sacrifice the Rule for the Exception DeKalb Sen. Phil Williams weighs in on Obama transgender directive

Sen. Phil Williams Guest Editorial

By Sen. Phil Williams

Across our nation there is a deafening debate about the “rights” of those who claim a gender preference or identity other than the one with which they were born. Make no mistake: it is a debate that is happening even here in the very conservative state of Alabama. As I write this, a big-box retailer with multiple outlets in this state has decided to make all of their multi-stall restrooms unisex, with a complete disregard for long-standing law, tradition, and biology.

More egregiously, this decision was made with

no concern for the privacy and security concerns of their customers. In essence, Target has thrown out the rule in favor of the exception.

In North Carolina, the city of Charlotte passed an ordinance requiring public restrooms to allow persons to use bathrooms according to their own gender self-identification. So if a man identified as a woman, the city of Charlotte would force a restaurant owner to allow the man identifying as a woman to use the ladies’ restroom. Sensibly, the North Carolina legislature passed a law requiring people to use the bathroom that corresponds to the gender on their birth certificate, thus overriding the city of Charlotte’s dangerous ordinance. That law is being litigated even now and Alabama must be ready by the next legislative session to deal with the outcome.

Today, after careful research and review, I have filed a bill to deal

with this issue in Alabama. I admire the stand made by the North Carolina legislature. But I chose to come at the problem from a different angle in the event that North Carolina’s law does not prevail in court. It is important that the instigators of social change be confronted with the customs and laws of the various locales they are dealing with.

In Alabama, the courts have long held that the citizens of this state have a right to privacy and a right to feel secure; and that these rights extend not just to the physical, but also to the mental and emotional well being of the individual. The right to privacy of an individual in a place in which they would ordinarily and reasonably expect to be secluded, even where that secluded place is public in nature, has been upheld by the state and federal courts in Alabama for years. By implication this principle would have to extend to restroom, bathroom and changing

facilities.

The argument that a self-professed “gender identity” affords access to a facility over the deep concerns of other members of the public is a violation of that right to privacy. Even the liberal Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg has stated that the notion that a ban on sex discrimination requires unisex restrooms in public places is “emphatically not so.”

So let’s be clear. If the priests of political correctness are going to call for the sacrifice of the privacy and security of the vast majority of the citizenry then there is going to be a fight. If my bill passes, which I believe that it will, the law of this state will reaffirm that privacy and security are inherently and naturally given to the public in this state.

If North Carolina’s law is struck down then my legislation will become a backstop to say that if any person or entity provides public restrooms, bathrooms, or changing facilities then they will

do so in one of three ways: a single user facility; facilities separated by the physical gender of the users; or, if facilities are provided in a unisex/transgender manner, an attendant for each facility must be onsite to address any concerns or questions of the general public.

Failure to do so would result in civil penalties and provide a private right of action in court for those individuals who have been harmed or aggrieved.

There will be push back on this. Liberals do not agree with anyone having a say in their debate. But my legislation is designed to provide security to the public at large, and this bill could just as easily protect a transgender user of a public facility from being harmed as well. The bottom line is that we have a right to privacy in place now; and liberals should not for a second think that Alabamians will simply stand by and allow the exceptions to throw out the rule.

Alabama could use an effective governor and chief justice

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

On Friday, April 13, the U.S. departments of Justice and Education jointly released guidelines regarding the use of bathrooms by students who identify as “transgender” to America’s public schools.

The directive ask that schools accommodate students who notify faculty that they identify with a different gender than what is designated on their birth certificate. The guidelines suggests that schools who do not comply could lose millions in funding.

Immediately following the release, several states vowed to fight the directives. Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) even promised to fight what many feel is “executive overreach” before the guidelines were even released. In North Carolina, the state government had already passed legislation early last week stating that people must use the bathroom that corresponds with their birth certificate.

The Justice Department sued North Carolina, which the state followed by filing a countersuit.

Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Utah, Kansas, and Nebraska also have taken action against the decision.

Here at home in Alabama,

where we have a reputation for standing up for conservative values and our state’s rights, our Attorney General Luther Strange has pledged to challenge the federal directive. Although Strange has made his intentions known, the highest offices in Montgomery are notably silent. It can be difficult to protect the rights of your citizens while having to fight for your job.

Chief Justice Roy Moore and Governor Robert Bentley are typically our most outspoken critics of overreach by the Obama administration. Recently, both have had their political capital seriously eroded.

Despite his best efforts, Bentley’s inappropriate relationship with his former chief of staff isn’t leaving the news or our minds. Justice Moore has also been rendered ineffective by a suspension due to legal action after his highly publicized fight with the federal government on same-sex marriage.

Both Moore and Bentley were elected by popular vote. Both also ran on conservative values and pledged to fight the Obama administration when it comes to our rights. This is impossible when you have no power to wage the fight.

The other states challenging the guidelines can

fully involve their entire state government to challenging this, but we are essentially kneecapped.

When the electorate chooses you based on an expectation, it’s your duty to fulfill it, which also means not jeopardizing your ability to fulfill it.

While some could say that Chief Justice Moore is currently suspended for defending against the federal government, it’s his responsibility to do so in accordance with the law and follow the ethical norms of our legal system.

A person worthy of this position will find ways to protect our interests within the confines of the law.

Anything else is a waste of effort. When Moore ordered probate judges to not issue same-sex marriage licenses, he was either completely ignorant of the law, or did so and knew what the result would be.

In a similar case that went to the nation’s highest court and Alabama lost miserably, Moore invalidated a marriage between a same-sex couple in a custody battle. While the marriage was granted in Georgia before the supreme court legalized it in all 50 states, the legalization had already occurred before Moore ruled the marriage invalid, meaning that it would be under the scrutiny

of the Full Faith and Credit Clause. This clause requires states to honor court rulings in their fellow states.

While our Chief Justice is suspended for valid reasons, he’s currently blaming his problems on a transgender activist from Dothan who has been organizing rallies at the capital against him. Don’t be fooled; no chief justice could be suspended or possibly removed from office because of a few sparsely attended rallies.

This is textbook political strategy; finding a scapegoat to distract from the fact that our state is in this position because he placed political grandstanding above his duty.

Although Bentley currently retains all the power of an elected governor, his credibility is virtually non-existent. Not only in the state, but on a national level. The majority of his colleagues in Montgomery are either working on judicial action or actively supporting it.

The scandal in the governor’s office is much more than just a potential affair. If Rebekah Caldwell Mason had only been his chief of staff and not simultaneously taking money from special interest groups to help sway policy, this might have fallen by

the wayside. It’s much more than an affair when the policies of our state may have been decided by a staffer who’s being paid a lot of money to ensure Bentley’s support. This is pay-for-play at the top and is not representative of the people who elected him.

While I find it disheartening that with all the problems in our country and in the world we are debating where people do their business, what’s even sadder is that we have very few people to defend our values in the matter. If you’ve watched the 10 p.m. news from any station in the state over the last week, you’ve likely seen the infamous Dothan transvestite, Ambrosia Starling. It’s important to realize however that if it had not been for our embattled chief justice placing her in the spotlight to cover up his own faults, no one would know her name and she wouldn’t be on your television.

While Bentley is pretending to be an effective governor and Moore is pretending he was taken down by one transgender activist, they’re not worried about the federal government making decisions in your schools and lives.

8

Friday–May 20, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

DeKalb changes policy, pg. 1

days to scramble to recalculate all students’ grades to determine class rankings.

The fairness of the traditional method and policy for calculating grades was brought into question at the meeting by the mothers of two Ider High School students competing for top honors among their fellow graduating classmates.

Dobbins asked the board to uphold the decision made in April, when the school announced class rankings.

Class rankings for graduating seniors, including valedictorian and salutatorian are determined after calculating students’ 3rd nine weeks grades with rankings announced in April. The 3rd nine weeks grades are the final scores of the school year that are used to calculate GPA and ranking, meaning the final weeks of the school year and end of semester final grades are not used in determining rank.

The point of contention was regarding students involved in dual-enrollment classes, an academic program in which high school students attend core subject classes at a local college and upon completion receive both high school and college credits. The problem brought to the board’s attention was that most colleges do not present 3rd nine weeks grades to the students enrolled in their courses, only a single final

grade calculated at the end of the semester. As a result, 3rd nine weeks grades are not included or calculated for courses completed outside of the high school for many students enrolled in college dual enrollment classes—a factor that could result in creating an advantage or disadvantage for students depending on what grades they earn in the college courses.

One of the two mothers that addressed the board, Sherry Dobbins, explained that her son was named Ider’s valedictorian several weeks ago, but his designation as such and the order of the class rankings of a number of Ider’s top students was later brought into question when the school received a complaint about the way student GPAs were tallied.

“They wanted to recalculate using my son’s final grade, not to take away from my son, but potentially changing the rankings of the entire class,” she said. “I requested that not happen as it’s against policy. The policy is that rankings are decided at the third nine weeks of their senior year. My son shouldn’t be punished for taking a dual-enrollment class. No one else in the county uses final grades.”

The second mother to address the board, Donna Bolton, explained that her daughter had been ranked first or second in her class for the entirety of her academic career, but slipped to third as a result of calculations made using

a decimal system and a whole number system that Bolton said took her daughter’s average that was a 98 and dropped it to a 97.444.

“Another reason she’s in the position that she’s in is she’s taking an honors English class that she was placed into in the second semester,” Bolton said.

Bolton said she felt her daughter had been discriminated against. She explained that students who took the class during the first semester benefited from the inclusion of the final grade awarded them at the end of the class and first semester. Because her daughter took the class during the spring semester and final course grades were not presented until the end of the school year,

(after the 3rd nine weeks cutoff) only half of her English credit was factored into the calculations that determined her final GPA and class ranking.

“I just want her to have a fair shot at something she’s worked so diligently to achieve,” Bolton said.

“What’s being called into question today is the policy.

It’s why my daughter fell out of the running for valedictorian and salutatorian.”

After hearing the women's perspectives, the board paused the meeting and went into a brief recess to discuss the matter among themselves to determine a solution.

When the meeting resumed, Superintendent Hugh Taylor recommended that a policy be adopted in which the top ten students overall would still be ranked based on the final calculations made at the 3rd nine weeks of their senior year.

The difference however would be that valedictorians and salutatorians would be named after also calculating their final grades. According to the recommendation, if a student were to rise in class rank after the recalculation into the first or second ranking in their class, they would be named co-valedictorian or co-salutatorian but

students that had already been named in April would not be replaced.

The board approved the motion with only one vote in opposition of the new policy that in binding for this school year only. Taylor said the board will revisit issue before next spring and determine the best way to improve or rework the policy to ensure that each student receives their class ranking based on the same criteria, and that no student is advantaged or disadvantaged by choosing to take honors or dual enrollment courses.

While the literal last-minute policy change only days before graduation no doubt created significant work and stress for each of DeKalb County’s school guidance counselors, the policy change was enacted with enough time to address the concerns raised on behalf of these students before their graduation ceremonies.

The number of students who were affected or whose class rankings changed as a result of the new method of calculation was unavailable at press time.

9

Friday–May 20, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

DEATH NOTICES 5/20/16 Kerby Funeral Chapel

grandchildren, Logan Kyle Suggs and David Clifton Justice.

Mrs. Dalice Kerby Ponder - 98 of Stock Bridge, Ga. formerly of this area passed away at her residence May 10, 2016. She is survived by her son, V.H. Ponder, Jr and wife, Susan, James “Tony” Ponder and wife, Linda; daughter, Loretta Partin and husband, William; 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Ponder was preceded in death by her husband, Vester Ponder; parents, Thomas and Martha Ponder; sisters, Lily James and Alice Higgins; brothers, Arthur Kerby, Grady Kerby, John Kerby, Hugh Kerby, Herman Kerby, James Kerby and grandson, Chad Ponder.

Wilson Funeral Rainsville Home & Funeral Home Mrs. Eunice Faulkner Crematory

Mr. Grady Preston Suggs - 77 of Pisgah passed away May 16, 2016 at his residence.

Survivors include, wife, Agnes Suggs; sons, Randy Suggs and Brian Suggs; daughters, Amy Smith (Eric) and Lisa Lacey (Sammy); 7 grandchildren and 10 great- grandchildren. Mr. Suggs was preceded in death by his father, James Preston Suggs; mother, Lucy Elizabeth Suggs, several brothers and sisters and

Mr. Delmer “Slick” Blackwell - 80 of Fort Payne passed away May 15, 2016. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sue Blackwell; son, Danny Blackwell; daughter, Melanie Carson; grandchildren, Ethan Blackwell and Emma Carson; sisters, Ruby Jo Wilks, Bonnie Lyles, and Willodean Gilbert. Mr. Blackwell was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Sue Blackwell; grandson,

Mr. Henry Clay McNutt, Jr. - 85 of Fort Payne passed away May 11, 2016. He is survived by his sons, Tony McNutt, Larry McNutt, and Randy McNutt; sisters, Linda Moates and Carolyn Bray; 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Mr. McNutt was preceded in death by his wife, Delmarie McNutt; son, Danny McNutt, and parents, Henry Clay Sr. and Annie Mae McNutt.

Mrs. Grace M. Keith - 89 of Fort Payne passed away May 13, 2016.

Connor Blackwell and brother, Winford “Buster” Blackwell.

Sutton Strawn - 82 of Section passed away May 10, 2016 at her residence.

She is survived by her sons, David Dutton and wife, Debbie, Mark Sutton, James Sutton, Robert (Bobby) Sutton and wife, Robin; step-son, Dale Strawn and wife, Cindy; daughters, Susan Sutton Roden and husband, Jerry, Theresa (Terri) Sutton and husband, Dana, Sheri Diane Sutton; brother, Sammy Faulkner and wife, Judy; sisters, Juanita Simpson and husband, Coleman, Mary Jo Sanders, Judy Roden and husband, Rev. Max Roden; sister-in-law, Joann Faulkner; 24 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Mabel Mitchell Newsome - 96 of Sylvania passed away May 15, 2016. She is survived by her daughter, Deanna (Waylon) Jones; son, Terry (Maxine); 6 grandchildren, 9 greatgrandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

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 Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant Walgreen’s (inside) IDER: Foodland COLLINSVILLE: Piggly Wiggly Jacks DAWSON: Dawson Gas Station GERALDINE: Jacks FYFFE: Jacks Fuel City MENTONE: Mentone Market VALLEY HEAD: Gas Station Tigers Inn HENAGAR: Texaco

SYLVANIA: Gas Station RAINSVILLE: Southern Torch office McDonald’s Foodland Fuel City Hardee’s Shop & Save

W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel Mr. Jimmy D. Terrell - 57 of Valley Head passed away May 13, 2016 in Dekalb Regional Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Elaine Terrell; daughter, Chrisina Ann (Ryan) Crawford; sons, Randall Drand (Shereela Terrell, Jimmy Gaige (Connie) Terrell; sister, Nadine Davis; brothers, Larry Terrell, Junior Terrell, Donnie Terrell, Bobby Terrell and 6 grandchildren.

Mr. Mickey G. Ashley - 54 of Section passed away May 15, 2016 in Huntsville Hospital. He is survived by daughter, Felicia McCutchen; brothers, Terry and Mark Ashley and grandchild, Micah McCutchen.

Burt Funeral Homes Mrs. Louise Patterson - October 10, 1924 - May 14, 2016. She is survived by her son, Jimmy Patterson (Frances); daughters, Carolyn Clanton (Larry) and Helen Holt (Nicky); 12 grandchildren and 17 great- great grandchildren. Mrs. Patteson was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Henry Patteson and children, Ruth Louise Hamilton, Rayford Leon Patterson and Barbara Joyce Patterson.

Mr. James “Jimmy” Wright - May 25, 1931 May 10, 2016. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Maxine; sons, Tim (Joyce) and Chris; brothers, Fulton Burnette and sister, Myra Ash. Mrs. Dorothy Margaret Parrott - July 23, 1947 -

May 10, 2016. She is survived by her children, Chantel Jackson, George Merriman II, Kenneth A. Merriman (Heather) and James Merriman (Katie); brothers, Jerry Finger, Gilbert Finger and Peter Balcuns; 8 grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Mrs. Parrott was preceded in death by parents, Opad and Alice Balcuns and brother, Joseph Balcuns.

Corner Stone Funeral Chapel and Crematory Mrs. Christine Lee Jolley - 85 of Ider passed away May 14, 2016 at Crossville Health and Rehab. She is survived by sons, Rayburn Jolley (Gayle), Randy Jolley (Susan), Rickey Jolley (Lesa), James Jolley (Julia); 11 grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren.

Crossville Memorial Chapel Mrs. Becky Stephenson 64 of Boaz passed away May 15, 2016. She is survived by her husband, Allen Stephenson; daughters, Angie (Chris) Hilburn, Kristy (Joey) Walker; grandchildren, Savannah (Greg) Kessler, Asia Sisco (Jake Patterson), Cole and Canaan Walker; brothers, Don and Steve Amos.

10

Friday–May 20, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Fyffe falls to Mobile Christian in State Championship

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Mobile Christian 6, Fyffe 0 MONTGOMERY, Ala.—In the 2016 AHSAA Class 2A State Baseball Championship at Montgomery’s RiverWalk Stadium, the

Fyffe Red Devils were defeated by the defending State Champions, Mobile Christian Leopards, 6-0.

Fyffe faced Mobile Christian in the first game of the series, Tuesday night and was defeated 6-5. The Devil's came to the game on

Wednesday knowing that they would have to win back-to-back games to claim the Championship.

That seemed to be within reach in the fifth inning, when Fyffe loaded the bases with just one out.

Luck was with the Leopards as they caught a fly ball and a hit was

grounded out to end the Devil threat. “Sometimes it’s just not your day” said Fyffe Head Coach, Brad Thomas. “ This team has overcome a lot of adversity, At the first of the season, My hair was turning gray and I was popping Rolaids.”

Bryson Hatcher pitched the seven shutout innings against Fyffe.

Ethan Hearn gave Mobile the lead in the second inning with a two-run single. The Leopards scored in the third, fourth , sixth and seventh innings of the game.

Hatcher only allowed five hits and one walk. He struck out five.

At the plate, Brant Rowell, Brady Carson, Jase Jones and Tyler Ashley all had a hit for Fyffe.

On the mound, Brant Rowell started the game.

Brady Carson relieved him in the second.

Carson pitched five innings and allowed four runs on ninety-fives pitches.

The Fyffe Red Devils

Ider Lady Hornets head to State

faced Mars Hill Bible School Lady Panthers. Kayla Norman, collected the win from the mound, pitching the complete game and striking out six.

From the plate, she went 1-for-3 and advanced one home. Sophomore, Savannah

have never made it to the State Championship game in Baseball. “This group of Seniors will be known as the winningest group in football and quite possibly in baseball”, Thomas said.

The Fyffe Red Devils are the Class 2A State Baseball Runner Up, Coach Brad Thomas brought his four Seniors to the post game conference. Thomas had this to say, “I want to give glory to God. If you knew who I was and where I was sixteen years ago, for me to be sitting in this chair right now is an absolute intersection of grace and mercy. He’s been really good to me.”

All four seniors expressed that their faith had brought them this far. The Red Devils did not bring home the blue trophy but they have something instilled in them that is better than any trophy or accolade that you could ever receive.

Hood was 1-for-2 at the plate and scored both runs for the Ider Hornets.

Ider (32-10) will take on the HorseShoe Bend Lady Generals (25-18-3) on Thursday, at 10:30 a.m. at Lagoon Park in Montgomery.

Fyffe Lady Devils fall in Regionals

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.—The Ider Lady Hornets successfully defeated three worthy opponents to advance to the State Tourney in Montgomery

this week.

In the first game of the North Regionals held in Huntsville this past weekend, Ider took on Red Bay Lady Tigers and easily shut them out with a score of 10-0.

Ider took on the Addison Lady Bulldogs for the second game of the series and defeated them with a score of 4-1.

In the final game of the Regional Tournament, Ider

FANS OF THE WEEK! These fans were spotted at Riverwalk Stadium supporting their Fyffe Red Devils as they played in the State Championship.

Pictured are Deana Wigley, Bella Thomas, Roger Wigley, Cru Thomas, Barbara White and Ashley Wigley-Thomas.

Submit your pictures to marla@southerntorch.com to be our next Fans of the Week.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala— The Fyffe Lady Red Devils qualified for a spot in the North Regional Tournament held in Huntsville over the weekend.

In the first game of the series, the Lady Devils faced Mars Hill Bible School. The Lady Panthers defeated Fyffe 7-1 putting them in the loser's bracket.

Fyffe took on Falkville in the second games of the series. They defeated Falkville 4-2 to advance to the third game.

On Saturday, the Lady Devils faced the Addison Lady Bulldogs and easily defeated them 7-3, due in part, to the 3-run homer by junior Sagan Thomas.

Fyffe faced the Hatton Lady Hornets, their fourth game in less than twenty-four hours,and was defeated 5-3.

The Fyffe Lady Red Devils end their season with a 17-21 overall record.

Senior Harli Hall finished her softball career for Fyffe with two runs and four RBIs for the tournament.

11

Friday–May 20, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Plainview Lady Bears advance to State

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.— The Plainview Lady Bears defeat bitter rival Pisgah Lady Eagles in the final game of the Class 3A North Regional Tournament to advance to the State tourney.

Plainview faced two opponents before defeating Pisgah to win Regionals. In the first game of the series, the Lady Bears faced Area 15 champion, West Morgan in a nail biter. Plainview was

able to defeat West Morgan with a score of 9-7. Eighth grader, Kenzi Traylor pitched the complete ballgame and took the win from the mound. She struck out two and gave up seven runs on six hits.

From the plate, Junior Lacee Kirk led with two doubles and a home run. Senior, Casey Eddings had three singles for the night.

In the second game of the Regional series, Plainview faced Lexington.

They Lady Bears shut the out with a score of 11-0.

Bailey Smart brought home the win from the mound with four strikeouts and only allowed one hit in five innings.. She also shined from the plate with a homerun, a double and a single.

In the Championship game, the Lady Bears faced rival Pisgah. Pisgah had the win advantage over the Lady Bears, winning the last three times they met. Kenzi Traylor pitched seven innings and struck out two and only allowed four hits.

Plainview defeated Pisgah 4-1 and are going into the state tourney as No. 1.

The Plainview Lady Bears (23-9) will face Prattville Christian Academy (49-8) in the first round of the Class 3A State Tournament on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Lagoon Park in Montgomery.

Geraldine host Spring Jamboree

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

GERALDINE, Ala.— Six area teams competed in the 2016 Dekalb County Spring Jamboree at Geraldine High School, Friday night.

In the first game, Ider Varsity Hornets faced the Crossville Lions in one quarter play. Ider fumbled the snap on two-of-three possessions and Crossville recovered but could not cash in on the fumble and had to turn over the ball to the Hornets on downs. On the first play, Ryan Adams rumbled down the field for 70 plus yards. From a yard out, Adams stampeded into the endzone for the Hornet score. The PAT was unsuccessful. Ider took over and was in scoring position when they snapped the ball and it was recovered by Ider.

Time ran out and Ider

won the one quarter game 6-0.

The second game featured a one quarter game between Crossville and the Geraldine Bulldogs. Missed opportunities on both sides of the ball ended with no score in the one quarter played.

Game 3 featured Ider and Geraldine. Ider was unable to find the endzone and the ball was turned over to Geraldine.

After a fumble, Ider recovered and Quarterback Braxton Lassetter connected with Ryan Adams for the 38-yard touchdown pass.

The PAT was no good.

The clock ran out and the Junior Varsity took over, The fourth game of the Jamboree featured a 3-quarter game between Collinsville Panthers and the Plainview Bears.

Collinsville scored early and the PAT was good,

giving them the 7-0 lead.

Plainview tied the game with a 14-play drive with the PAT being good.

Plainview had an 11-play drive that resulted in a touchdown to put them in the 14-7 lead.

Collinsville took back possession but had to return the ball to the Bears on downs.

Plainview scored once more,12 plays later to take the 21-7 lead before the Junior Varsity took over.

Game 5 was a three-quarter game between the Fyffe Red Devils and the Sylvania Rams. Several key players were missing for the Red Devils due to Baseball Championships.

The ball was exchanged back and forth between the two teams until Fyffe cashed in on several runs making the score 20-6 before the Junior Varsity took the field.

Catch of the Week!

Plainview welcomes new offensive coordinator

Coach Doug Haynes brings enthusiasm to the Plainview Bears.

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— Plainview is pleased to announce the addition of new offensive coordinator, Coach Doug Haynes to the Bear team.

Coach Haynes joined the staff the week before spring training began.

“Haynes comes to the staff with a lot of experience in coaching and we can already see the dynamic of the team changing” said Head Coach Dustin Goodwin.

“He brings excitement and the morale of the team is already improving.”

Coach Doug Haynes has eighteen years of coaching experience. He previously coached at Tallassee, North Jackson, Fort Payne and Pisgah.

His career record overall is 173-45 and 4-6 as Head Coach, last year at Pisgah.

Fort Payne Wildcats pounce the Tigers

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Payton and Parker Gifford caught this monster while fishing with their dad Matthew, recently. Submit your photos to marla@southerntorch.com to be our next Catch of the Week winner!

He has been married to his wife Beth for sixteen years. He has one stepson, Slade Culpepper and a daugher, Lake Haynes. He graduated from Auburn University and holds a Masters Degree from Jacksonville State University.

“I’m really excited to be a part of the Plainview tradition” said Coach Doug Haynes. “It’s been a great spring so far and everyone from the community and faculty has went overboard to make me feel welcome.”

In the spring jamboree held Friday, Plainview Varsity played three quarters against the Collinsville Panthers. At the end of three quarters, before the junior varsity took the field, the score was Plainview 21, Collinsville 7.

Fort Payne 63, Madison County 7 GURLEY, Ala.—On Friday night, the Fort Payne Wildcats traveled to face Madison County Tigers in the 2016 Spring Jamboree. In the first half of the ballgame, the varsity teams played each other. The third quarter, the Junior Varsity played and in the final quarter, the ninth grade teams got

playing time.

Fort Payne Varsity Wildcats scored four touchdowns and only punted once in their half.

When the varsity half ended, the Fort Payne Wildcats led with a score of 35-7.

In the last half of the ballgame,, the JV and ninth grade team scored four touchdowns and dominated Madison County. As the Wildcats walked off the field, the score was 63-7.

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Friday–May 20, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!

FYFFE RED DEVILS

Ider Lady Hornets

Plainview Lady Bears