The Southern Torch, Vol. 2, No. 27

THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016 / VOL. 2, NO. 27 / $1.00

COMMUNITY

FAITH

POLITICS

DEKALB HOSTS TRAVEL WRITERS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE > PAGE 3

LET'S GET PRACTICAL: PRAYER

ALABAMA CONGRESSMAN PUSHES TO LEAVE UNITED NATIONS

> PAGE 6

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DeKalb County celebrates July 4th holiday

By Joseph M. Morgan

joseph@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.— There will be plenty to do in DeKalb County over the next few days as a number of communities prepare for Independence Day celebrations.

Collinsville Healthcare and Rehab hosted a fireworks show for the entire community on Thursday night with live music from local band Still Kickin’.

The city of Fort Payne’s annual Independence Day Celebration will take place on Friday, July 1 at the Fort Payne Sports Complex.

Hundreds attend the popular event each year for an evening of free food, fun and entertainment. The city will open the gates to the public at 5 p.m.

Complimentary popcorn, peanuts, and soft

Jones will seek reelection in Rainsville

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.—

Rainsville Mayor Nick Jones announced last week that he will seek reelection as the city’s mayor. Municipal elections will be held Aug. 23, 2016 to select a mayor and town council with a run-off on October 4, 2016, if necessary.

Elected in 2012, Jones has been selected as DeKalb County Mayor of the Year

each of the past three years.

Jones says he will continue to focus on improving Rainsville’s finances. Jones, a banker by trade, has achieved cumulative budget surpluses of more than $450,000 during his first four years in office.

“That is $450,000 of taxpayer money that was budgeted to be spent, but through responsible financial management, Rainsville still met our obligations without this

spending,” Jones said. “Your city is doing more for you today than ever before with a smaller government.

“I am committed to continuing to cut out wasteful spending and growing our tax base with more jobs, more good paying jobs with less wasteful spending, and an efficiently run city government supports a better future for everyone.

IDER, Ala.—Police are still investigating a break-in and theft that occurred at Ider Discount Drugs at 10705 Alabama Highway 75 in Ider sometime in the early morning hours on Tuesday on June 28 a little after 3 a.m.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department is leading the robbery investigation, but did not report any

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THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

NACC launches program for student veterans

THIS WEEK IN FAITH

Freedom's cost

Police continue investigation into Ider Discount Drugs robbery

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

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Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) recently announced the launch of the NACC VA Educational Success Center, a new program that hopes to help veterans or their dependents as they transition from military service to life as college students.

A Grand Opening for the VA Educational Success…

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Theft reportedly well-planned, efficiently executed

drinks are served to those in attendance and other vendors will also be selling food and drinks.

Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser and the City Council will kick off the event at 6 p.m., followed by live musical performances Russell Gulley Band, Dr. Rob Bouchard and Curtis Strange. The annual fireworks show presented each year by the Fort Payne Fire Department (FPFD) is considered by many to be the best fireworks show in DeKalb County and the entire region. FPFD will kick off the fireworks display at 9 p.m.

On Saturday, July 2 DeSoto State Park will host their annual Independence Day Celebration. DeSoto’s star-spangled celebration with a parade, a homemade ice cream social, and a flag making contest. The

leads or suspects as of press time on Thursday.

“When Deputies and Investigators arrived at the scene they discovered the store had been burglarized with several thousand dollars of medication and money stolen and some property damage,” the Sheriff’s Department reported in a statement to the media on Wednesday.

According to Michelle Feeney, Ider Discount Drugs Pharmacist

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Lexington. My wife and I realized we were near it. I had to see it. Even at ten at night.

Lexington is still a quiet cluster of homes and small businesses. Dim street lights and little else. Nobody else around.

We parked and walked onto the grass of the Common.

"The British came from down there at the sound end", I told Gloria. "They moved into formation and…

Page 6 THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

Inside the Huddle–A Sneak Peek at Valley Head Tigers The Valley Head Varsity Football Team has seen many changes in the last few years. In May, Coach Sam Graham resigned after one year at the helm of the team. Valley Head was without a coach until June 7, when the DeKalb County Board of Education approved Brian Knapp as the new…

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PAID

PERMIT NO. 60 RAINSVILLE, AL

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

DeKalb County mourns loss of murdered EMT Gregory Bradford Scott, husband to deceased Ashley Lynn Scott, was charged with his wife's murder

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — At approximately 4:30 a.m.

Monday morning, Fort

Payne Police were dispatched to check on the welfare of a female resident at an apartment in the 700 block of 9th St. SE. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Ashley Lynn Scott, aged 25, deceased of apparent gunshot wounds.

Responding officers, along with investigators called to the scene, determined that the woman’s husband, Gregory Bradford Scott, aged 27, was a person of interest in the death. Mr. Scott was subsequently arrested for the murder of his wife.

Officers believe a domestic dispute lead to the shooting

death of Mrs. Scott.

Mr. Scott was formally charged with the murder of his wife and is currently in the Dekalb County Jail. The suspect’s bond has been set at $1 million.

“Responding officers, investigators, and the Jacksonville State University forensic team all did an outstanding job leading up to Mr. Scott being charged,” Fort Payne Police Chief Randy Bynum said in a statement.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Scott were employees of Dekalb Ambulance Services. Mrs. Scott was a full-time emergency medical

technician (EMT) employed since September 2015 and Mr. Scott worked part-time as an EMT since February of this year.

“It’s been a very somber and stressful day. We’re accustomed to death, but not in an incident of a coworker being a victim of domestic violence in this extreme,” said Mark Ford, Director of Dekalb Ambulance Service.

The company released a statement Tuesday on social media announcing the memorial service for Ashley Scott, and expressing their grief in the face of this tragedy.

Continued from page 1

DeKalb County July 4th holiday Independence Day Parade begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday at DeSoto’s Lodge and makes its way to DeSoto’s Campground, just in time for the Homemade Ice Cream Social in the Campground Pavilion at 4 p.m. Following the Ice Cream Social from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. will be a pool party at DeSoto’s olympic-size pool, followed by more ice cream and the outdoor screening of a family-friendly film.

Also on Saturday, July 2 the town of Crossville will host the Crosville Stars and Stripes Celebration. The

Independence Day Celebration will take place at the Crossville City Park and will include food, games, live music and a fireworks display. The Crossville Stars and Stripes Celebration kicks off Saturday at 4 p.m.

Finally, on Monday, July 4 the town of Henagar will hold what is traditionally the largest Independence Day celebration in DeKalb County—the Sand Mountain Potato Festival, held at Henagar Town Park and kicking off at 10 a.m.

This year’s event celebrates the 33rd Annual Sand

“Ashley L. Scott was a full-time EMT for DeKalb Ambulance Service. She was a victim of domestic violence. She touched many lives and will always be remembered in our hearts,” the statement said.

The memorial service was held at W.T. Wilson Funeral Home late Thursday.

Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders from around the county came to pay their respects and offer condolences to the family.

Scott’s burial will be held in Reed City, Michigan at a later date, according to her obituary.

Mountain Potato Festival.

Each year people from all over Alabama and throughout the Southeast come to Henagar to celebrate and preserve our nation’s independence and the precious local heritage with an all-day event of live music, pony rides, arts and crafts, entertainment, games and fireworks, vendors, children’s games and inflatables, and more.

The festival hosts a day of live music and entertainment, arts and crafts, entertainment and games.

The all-day event begins at 10 a.m. and the end of the festival is marked each year by a large fireworks display.

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COMMUNITY

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

DeKalb hosts travel writers from across the globe

By John Dersham DeKalb County Tourism Director

I really had fun last weekend. We had the honor of having a bus full of travel writers spend a weekend here in DeKalb.

They work in different countries for publications that will publish articles they write about us.

Our visitors were from Britain, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Austria and China. Let me tell just how important it is to have travel writers here. If we run an ad in a major magazine it costs us up to $6,000 for a small ad when the consumer sees paid travel advertising they assume the destination will be

Writers from six countries visited DeKalb recently to write articles featuring our county as a travel destination abroad

bragging about themselves…thus lessening the total impact.

When a travel writer writes an article about our destination the consumer believes they are getting accurate and helpful information. In addition, when they write a story about us and it is in a popular travel magazine, it is free publicity. In other words, it costs us nothing to get better advertising than we could pay for.

This is why when travel writers come to town we want to make sure we give them the best hospitality and show them our beauty, our customer service and all the great things there are to see and do in DeKalb, including eating and shopping. Our visitors spent Saturday and Sunday touring our area.

DeKalb Tourism and DeSoto State Park

serviced as the local hosts and I served as tour guide.

This was an event hosted

by North Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association and the trip included five days in North Alabama. Our guests stayed at DeSoto State Park and on Saturday evening we had a dinner that included a welcome to the park by Ken Thomas and a DeKalb Tourism talk by me.

We had a booth set up so they could get our travel guides and information. We toured Desoto S.P. and Little River Canyon, which included rappelling with True Adventure Sports and Israel Partridge as the host. We ended up at Wildflower Café in Mentone for great food and musical entertainment specifically welcoming our visitors.

The really good news is

what they think of us.

Wow, they love our area, our people, our food and they were totally awe struck by our scenic beauty and they were totally amazed we had a 650’ canyon in Alabama.

Their upcoming articles will be another step in growth for us in the International market.

The magazines they write for will be viewed in their countries and help consumers pick us as one of their destinations when coming to the southeast U.S. Fortunately for me, most international visitors speak English and communicate well in the U.S. When we travel abroad most of us are dependent on them knowing English since not many of us are bi or tri lingual.

— John Dersham

NACC launches program for student veterans

By Joseph M. Morgan

joseph@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) recently announced the launch of the NACC VA Educational Success Center, a new program that hopes to help veterans or their dependents as they transition from military service to life as college students.

A Grand Opening for the VA Educational Success Center will be held on July 6, 2016, at 12:30 p.m. in Room 104 in the Wallace Administration Building at NACC in Rainsville.

According to NACC Director of College and Career Planning Sherry Whitten, the intent for the VA Success Center is to: offer a welcoming environment to aid students and dependents in

their transition to college; provide assistance for military/veteran students, their spouses and dependents in applying for and/or updating their educational benefits; enable further assistance with financial needs and the completion applications for Federal Student Aid or possible scholarships; provide a computer lab and study lab with internet access; and serve as a

Teens from Mentone, Rainsville take the stage

Courtney Roden of Mentone and Megan Mitchell of Rainsville will appear in a play with Whole Backstage Theatre in Guntersville, "The Fabulous Fifties."

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala.—A pair of young ladies from DeKalb County will soon take center stage in the theatre production of The Fabulous

Fifties, a stage production by the Whole Backstage theatre in Guntersville.

Courtney Roden of Mentone and Megan Mitchell of Rainsville will appear in the play on June 24, 25, 30, and July 1, 2, at 7 p.m.,

with Matinees at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, and on Sundays, June 26 and July 3.

The show sold out for all of the regularly-scheduled dates before a single performance of the production had even taken place. “We are honored that our community is so supportive and enthusiastic about seeing our show,” Director Johnny Brewer said.

The production is a musical collection of more than 70 beloved classic songs from the 1950’s and 60’s.

Courtney Roden is the daughter of Kevin Roden of Rainsville and Stephanie and James Roberts of Mentone.

Megan Mitchell is the daughter of Felicia Mitchell and Tommy Hicks of Fort Payne.

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COMMUNITY Cont. from pg. 3, NACC VA launch

Cont. from page 1, Jones will seek reelection

location for information about the new Student Veterans of America chapter (SVA), a campus club for veterans, their dependents and civilian students.

“Many great things can be said about the Veterans Affairs Office at NACC,” NACC SVA Chaplain Jeremy Wilson said. “Their care in assisting our servicemen and women as they continue on the right course of success is obvious as we see veteran after veteran, of which I'm one, pass through with a quality education.

“NACC is dedicated to serving those who have served them, they definitely set veterans up for success by equipping them with all the right academic tools to transition into the civilian

Private industry and small businesses, not bigger government, are the lifeblood of our local jobs and economy. I want our city to continue to be a great place to live, work and raise our families.”

Jones was born and raised in Rainsville and graduated from Plainview High School. He attended college at Auburn University where he earned his undergraduate degree prior to graduating from the Alabama Banking School.

Jones works as a loan officer at First State Bank of DeKalb in Fort Payne. He and his wife Lindsey Cuzzort Jones live in Rainsville where they are raising their young son, Jackson Glen Jones.

workforce with confidence.

What NACC has in store for veterans in the coming school year will only aid in that continued track record of excellence.”

Whitten said the new program will be an invaluable asset to current and future student veterans and their dependents.

“The College and Career Planning Center is here to serve students, and we look forward to continuing our services to veterans and students still serving in the armed forces,” Whitten said. “We can provide individualized career planning, transfer advising, and assistance with job placement. We are honored to serve those who have served our country.”

Cont. from page 1, Ider Drugs robbery Manager, the thieves broke through the front door of the pharmacy early Tuesday morning taking an undisclosed amount of narcotics and cash.

The break-in tripped the pharmacy’s alarm system, but the thieves were already gone by the time Ider Police and DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived to the scene.

"The thieves broke into the store in a smash-and-grab robbery through the front door,” Sweeney said. “It appears that they knew what they were doing because they took specific narcotics and got in and out before the police were able to respond."

According to our sources, the robbery has the hallmarks of a well-organized operation that required significant planning and precise execution. It is estimated that the entire robbery was committed in

less than 15 minutes. Specific medications were targeted and reportedly the thieves knew exactly where to look and what to take— indicators of a well-planned robbery.

Pharmacy owner Rodney Williams said the pharmacy is equipped with a modern, high quality alarm system that functioned properly when thieves tripped the alarm.

Reportedly detectives collected broken glass and potential fingerprint evidence that is currently being analyzed by the Sheriff’s Department, but no suspects have been named and authorities have not may lead the authorities to the individuals responsible for the robbery.

Sweeney said that it was important to pharmacy owner Rodney Williams to resume business as usual after the police worked the

crime scene on Tuesday.

“Ider is a small community and there are a lot of people that count on us (Ider Discount Drugs) every single day for important medication,” Sweeney said. “It was important to us to let the public know right away that while a crime had taken place, they could still rely on us for their pharmacy needs and we would not allow the robbery or these criminals to shut us down. We immediately replaced the stolen medications and have been and will be fully stocked and open for business as usual.”

Sweeney and DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris ask that anyone with information pertaining to the robbery at Ider Discount Drugs call the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office at 256-845-3801 or go to the website to email anonymous information at www.dekalbcountysheriff.org.

Jones says all leaders should strive to operate with transparency and honesty in governance.

“Managing our city government in a transparent, efficient manner has been, continues to be, and will always be, a top priority of mine,” Jones said. “Throughout this term, I have strived to be the leader I feel most citizens expect: strong principles, deliberate in thought and speech, quick to listen, and slow to anger. It has been important to me that I be the kind of leader Rainsville can be proud of.

Jones says he believes the city of Rainsville is in a position to continue to grow and prosper. He looks to the formative years of his youth as key in forming a

logical, calm approach to problem solving and conflict resolution.

“I believe creative, modern thinking and good Sand Mountain common sense is the recipe needed to best achieve Rainsville's goals. There is no doubt in my mind, our best days are ahead and growth and prosperity are imminent.

Let's collectively steer this growth in the direction we want it go and together lay the groundwork for the next 60 years of Rainsville history.

“I know the future is bright and I want to serve YOU, the people of Rainsville, as The People's Mayor. I ask for your support and I ask for your vote on August 23rd, 2016.”

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 5

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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

ADVERTISE here for only $1250/week!

CHAMBER CHATTER

June 29, 2016 Carol Beddingfield, Executive Director Have you made your Fourth of July plans? You certainly have a variety of great local activities to create a fun packed weekend and holiday celebration.

To get you in a patriotic spirit, the US Army Material Command Band will perform at the Rotary Pavilion on Friday, July 1st, at 6 PM. This is a free concert.

The City of Fort Payne will hold its annual Independence Day event on Friday, July 1st, at the Fort Payne Sports Complex adjacent to the Fort Payne High School.

The gates will open at 5 PM. Free peanuts, popcorn, and soft drinks will be available. Local vendors will also provide refreshments for a cost.

Additional parking will across the street at Heil. A charge of $2.00 or a can of donated food will be accepted.

Live entertainment begins at 6:15 PM with the performance of Dr. Rob Bouchard and Curtis Strange. These local guys share more than just their musical talents. They are both have careers in the medical profession.

The Russell Gulley Band takes the stage at 7:30 PM. Russell is the director of the Big Wills Arts Council. Check out his Radio Visions Program each first and third Thursday at the Coal and Iron Building.

One of the area’s largest fireworks show will dazzle the audience at 9 PM. I seem to forget just how amazing this show really is. I love to hear the ooh’s and ah’s from not only the children but also the adults.

Thank you Mayor and City Council for providing the citizens with such an entertaining celebration of our national holiday.

The founding fathers of our nation signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This document explained the decision of the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain.

According to John Adams, a national celebration should be held “to commemorate the day of deliverance with pomp and parade with bonfires and illumination from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

Thomas Jefferson, the principal author, gave us more than just his brilliant leadership. He was the first to introduce ice cream to our country in the form of a recorded recipe!

Do not forget the Henagar Potato Festival held each year on the Fourth of July. Live entertainment, craft and food vendors will be available all day. In fact, it is worth your attendance to enjoy the best ice cream that I have ever tasted.

On behalf of the Chamber Board of Directors, I wish you a safe and fun filled Fourth of July celebration.

RAINSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

June 30, 2016 Tim Eberhart, Executive Director Some of our member stores are teaming up to provide a new shopping experience. We’re calling it Rainsville Summer Shopping Days, and it will be happening throughout July and the first weekend of August which is Alabama’s sales tax holiday for school-related items. Think special offers like discounts and coupons, and activities like refreshments and door prize drawings for shoppers.

Follow us and the Rainsville Summer Shopping Days participating stores on Facebook where we will help provide information about special offers and activities. We will provide some tips about where to shop for summer gifts, back-to-school products and other seasonal merchandise.

In other Chamber news, we recently awarded $6,000 in college scholarships to some local high school seniors. Three $1,500 scholarships went to Plainview High School students and one $1,500 scholarship went to a Cornerstone Christian Academy student. We’ve got high hopes of doing the same thing next spring, and our fundraising efforts are now underway.

A total of $21,000 has been awarded through our scholarship program just in the past four years. One hundred percent of that money was raised through an annual golf tournament held each summer. Since our first one in 2012, the tournament­s have been the only source of funding for the growing program.

None of it would have been possible without the thoughtful cooperation of the folks at the Rainsville Golf & Country Club, the generous support of a large number of sponsors, and some fun-loving golfers.

Our fifth annual Scholarship Tournament will be held on Saturday, August 20. The cost will be $150 for each three-person team. That includes the entry fee, cart, 18 holes of golf, a custom event t-shirt and cap, breakfast and lunch for each golfer.

There will be several contests for the golfers including hole-in-one, closest-to-the-hole and longest-drive contests.

Golfers may register now by contacting me at 256-638-7800 or timeberhart@farmerstel.com. The number of golf teams will be limited, so don’t wait too long.

The number and combined value of our scholarships has increased as the number of businesses supporting the tournament has increased. If you own or operate a business, and you would like to help see our scholarship program continue to grow, consider being a tournament sponsor. Sponsorship options start at $100.

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FAITH Freedom's cost

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

Lexington. My wife and I realized we were near it. I had to see it.

Even at ten at night.

Lexington is still a quiet cluster of homes and small businesses.

Dim street lights and little else. Nobody else around.

We parked and walked onto the grass of the Common. “The British came from down there at the south end”, I told Gloria. “They moved into formation and

marched this way. The militia, the Minutemen, were lined up here in the north to face them.”

I could see it in my mind. The early morning sun behind the British glinting off of their rifles.

Their red coats bright against the green of trees and grass. The most powerful army in the world. Marching up the Green. Facing them a group of farmers and shopkeepers. Staring at those red coats moving relentlessly toward them.

Coming to take their arms and imprison their leaders.

I told my wife, “They faced each other right here. And then somebody shot. Nobody knows who. Then both sides fired at each other.

Eight Minutemen soon lay dead on this grass.

The rest scattered. The British marched on toward Concord. But the

“shot heard round the world” had been fired. A little group of Minutemen stood up to the Red Coats. The first of a long line of men and women who have died for American freedom.

I got down on a knee and touched the grass.

Was this the exact place that the first American died for his country?

Probably not. But I thought about the blood and rubbed my fingers.

My wife put her arm around me and we walked back to the car.

A few months earlier we had gone to Jerusalem for the first time. Like millions of Christians before us, we soon made our way to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. It is built on the place where Jesus died and was buried. It is directly on top of the old rock quarry, Calvary, where the cross stood.

but it is real and beautiful. I found myself only one chapter into this book of prayers and I was floored by what I found.

It is a simple message and I would love to share it with you this week.

As humans, we desire love. We were born to recieve love and give love to others. The most important person that we need love from and that we need to give love back to is God. This is true because He is the one person we were designed to be in relationship with and to be in love with.

Our heart beats with the one purpose of falling in love with God, whom Jesus is the exact image of. One of the primary ways we share love with God is through prayer. It is our avenue to connect, commune, and give and recieve love with our heavenly father. Prayer isn’t a good deed or a religious duty. It also isn’t a Christian magic trick to

help us control all of life’s outcome. Prayer is opening our hearts to the One who is the source of all love. These are simple truths you all possibly may be aware of but they are also beautiful reminders. In Mark 1:11, we read “You are my child, my beloved, with you I am we pleased.”

Prayer is us talking to our Father. Prayer is us talking to the one who loves us. Prayer is us talking to the one who is well-pleased with us and delights in us.

Out of this knowledge, the book I was reading became practical.

It describes a process that happens when we pray.

Man, it hit me square on.

It was my most recent lesson in the school of prayer. When we share love with God through prayer, three things happen. 1.) We STOP AND TURN our heart’s eyes and ears to God. 2.)

We STOP AND GIVE our attention to God. 3.) We STOP AND SPEND time with the One who loves us into being. I love how each of those things begin with the word STOP. Effective prayer begins with us being able to stop. Through stopping, we let go of control. We must stop.

Furthermore, in the process of stopping, we walk through this process. We allow our hearts to turn to the father. We give Him our full attention. We spend time with the one who loves us into being. We are not stopping for no reason. We are stopping

It does not look like what our Protestant eyes think it should. Poorly lit inside. Smoke and smell from incense. All kinds of different Christians and Christian clergy.

We made our way up the worn stone stairs to the chapel. At the end of the chapel, the top of the rock of Calvary can be seen through glass.

Hanging above it is a crucifix – Jesus on the cross, Mary at His feet. In front of it is an altar table.

Gloria and I, uncertain as to what was going on, waited in line to crawl under the table.

At the back, the table touches the glass above the rock. There is a small opening in the glass. Just big enough to reach your hand through and touch the rock. In the one place on the rock where a hole had been chiseled out by the Romans. A square hole. Just the right size for a cross to fit.

I put my hand in the hole and reached down to the bottom. Did the cross

really stand right here?

Maybe. If not, somewhere very close. I thought about the cross.

And the blood that ran down it. The blood of Jesus.

He was crucified by the most powerful army in the world, the Romans.

He did not fight. He spread his arms out and let the nails go in. He died. I ran my fingers across the stone.

As Gloria and I crawled out, we put arms around each other. And thought about the one who died for us. To give us freedom. Freedom from sin and the guilt that goes with it. I rubbed my fingers together as we left.

Monday celebrate you freedom as an American.

Remember those who died to give it to you.

Everyday celebrate your freedom as a Christian.

Washed in the blood of Jesus.

to commune with the one who dreamed us up, designed us, and has loved us through every twist and turn of the journey. Also, we are giving our good Father what he deserves, which is our heart and our attention. Beloved one, try this. Start with step one and that is just STOP. Then precede from there into the three areas of focus. My prayer is that

you will learn this lesson from the school of prayer with me and that the kingdom of God would be glorified through our restored hearts, focused attention, and unshakeable love that is granted to us by the Father. As always, please let me know if you have any thoughts or questions for me! You can contact me at

Let's get practical: Prayer

By Lucas Pruett

I love to read. Early on in my professional career, I learned a quote that says “Leaders are readers.” I have a stack of five books on my desk that are my next up to read. Whenever one gets completed, I pick up the next one and add one to the bottom of the pile. I try my hardest to stick to the books that are in that pile. I tell you all this because I broke my tendency earlier this week. I went and found a book about prayer that wasn’t in my stack. You know why? Because prayer is something we are always learning and a class that will always be in session for the rest of our lives. I truly feel that prayer is that one thing that we can always improve. It is truly our lifeline. It is how God speaks into our hearts and how we commune with our heavenly father.

It’s not stuffy or boring,

writingonpurpose@gmail.com.

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POLITICS Alabama congressman pushes to leave United Nations

Congressman Mike Rogers (R AL-03) seeks to end U.S. involvement with the United Nations.

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The anti-globalist sentiment displayed in the U.K.’s historic decision to leave the European Union is growing here at home.

One Alabama Congressman is taking up a similar issue on capitol hill. Rep. Mike Rogers (R AL-03), introduced H.R. 1205, also known as the American Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2015,

which would effectively ban the United States’ involvement with the United Nations (UN).

Anti-globalist sentiments in America is not a new phenomenon.

Since the late nineties, politicians have put forth legislation to end America’s involvement with the international organization. The first bill, introduced in 1997 by Former Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), garnered only 54 supporters, but support has gradually increased over the years.

Many Americans taken issue with what they perceive as the UN meddling in affairs right here at home. According to some, many proposed UN treaties and initiatives violate constitutional rights.

There was much debate over the proposed “Arms Trade Treaty” that many felt would put regulations on our firearms manufacturers, violating our second amendment rights.

“The UN has also

offered a potential Arms Trade Treaty which would threaten our Second Amendment Rights rights and impose regulations on our gun manufacturers, who are already facing

observer status,” Rogers said, “Anyone who is not a friend of our ally Israel, is not a friend to the United States.”

Probably one of the biggest issues is how

regulations and pressure According to a 2010 report by the Office of from the Obama Management and Budget (OMB), U.S. Administration,” taxpayer spending on the U.N. exceeded Rogers said in a $7.691 billion for that year. statement much taxpayer money regarding the bill. goes to the UN and if we Another issue is the are getting an adequate perceived bias against return on our America’s longtime ally investment. In 2010, at Israel. Many feel the the request of congress, international governing body is quick to condemn the Office of Management and Budget Israel in times of conflict (OMB) compiled a report and to accuse the nation that shows spending on of human rights the UN exceeded $7.691 violations. Rogers also billion for Fiscal Year (FY) took issue with their 2010. This had even decision to recognize increased from the Palestine as a $6.347 billion estimated “non-member, observer for FY 2009. state.” Which according “The UN continues to to the UN’s website, prove it’s an inefficient allows them to participate in the general bureaucracy and a complete waste of assembly workings and American tax dollars,” meetings. This gives the Palestinian Authority the said Rogers, “Although the United States makes rights of a legitimate up almost a quarter of nation, which is heavily the UN’s annual budget, influenced by the the UN has attempted a terrorist organization, number of actions that Hamas. attack our rights as U.S. “The UN does not citizens.” support Israel and voted Rogers also took issue to grant the Palestinian with the UN’s attempts to Authority ‘non-member state’ permanent place strict

environmental regulations on the U.S. through treaties which in his opinion would cost the U.S. even more money. Many see the UN’s research on global warming as flawed, and their attempt to regulate our businesses as circumventing our democracy and sovereignty.

“To name a few, these initiatives include actions like the Law of the Sea Treaty, which would subject our country to internationallybased environmental mandates, costing American businesses more money, or the UN’s work to re-establish an international regulation regime on global warming which would heavily target our fossil fuels,” said Rogers.

“Why should the American taxpayer bankroll an international organization that works against America’s interests around the world? The time is now to restore and protect American sovereignty and get out of the United Nations,” concluded Rogers.

Several other congressmen have sponsored the legislation including Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky), Rep. John Duncan (R-Tennessee), and Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-Georgia). In the current gridlocked state of congress, the bill faces an uphill battle to become law, but the issue continues to persist and gradually gain support on capitol hill.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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Friday–July 1, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

DEATH NOTICES 7/1/16 Corner Stone Funeral Chapel & Crematory Mrs. Zola Williams Hawes - Age 86 of Flat Rock passed away in her sleep June 21, 2016 at her home. She is survived by son, Royce (Kathy); grandchildren, Jeffrey “Shainah” Hawes, Daniell (Jeremy) Collins and great-grandchild Liza June Collins.

Mrs. Hawes was preceded in death by her parents, Whittman and Pearl Williams, husband, Roy Lee Hawes, brothers, Wesley Williams, Lelton Williams, Albert Williams; sisters, Laura Barnett, Millie Griffith, Magdeline Minor and Kanola Lofty.

Rainsville Funeral Chapel Mr. Buddy Benson - Age 64 of Scottsboro passed away June 21, 2016 at Highlands Medical Center.

He is survived by daughter, Tammy Kirkland and husband, Jason; brothers, Billy Wayne Benson, James Benson, Richard Payne; sisters, Pat Roberts, Kim Horton; grandchild, Tyler Kirkland; great-grandchildren, Adrianna Kirkland and Harmony Kirkland.

Mr. Benson was preceded in death by parents, John and Opal Benson and sisters, Faye McKenzie, Margie Jones, and Linda Horton.

Mr. L. B. Knight - Age 83 passed away June 21, 2016.

He is survived by daughter, Janet (David) Blair; granddaughter, Brittani Blair; grandson, Bruce (KaLea) Blair; brother, Glen (Martha) Knight; sister, Virginia Knight Heard; brother-in-law, J.T. (Linda) Jones. Mr. Knight was preceded in death by son, David Bruce Knight; mother, Ena Goza Knight; brother-in-law, Dempsey Knott; father, Leon Knight; mother-in-law, Novella Berry Jones; wife, Ruth Jones Knight; sister, Christine Knight Knott; father-in-law, Wallace Jones and sister-in-law, Dorothy Jones Wilson.

Mr. Paul Wooten - 84 of Collinsville passed away June 23, 2016 at his residence. He is survived by brothers, Daniel Wooten, Rayford Wooten, McCoy Wooten; sister, Joy Marie Smith and Mary Ruth Peek. Mr. Wooten was preceded in death by wife, Joyce Horton Wooten; parents, James and Nomie (Davis) Wooten; brothers, Erskin Wooten and Hubert Wooten and sisters, Essie Furgerson, Margaret Pullen, Faye Casey and Ophelia Peek.

Major Bill Dean - Age 70 of Fort Payne passed away June 23, 2016 at his residence. He is survived by his wife, Andrea Dean; son, Christopher Lee Dean; grandson, Christopher Louis Dean, 3 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by parents, Wilson H. Dean Jr and Mary Inez Dean.

Mr. Elford Jay “Butch” Burns - Age 60 of Rome, GA. passed away June 24, 2016 at his residence. He is survived by sons, Jay Burns, Arthur Byrd and Nathan (Michelle) Varnes; daughters, Kelly Burns, Mary Burns (Michael) Ray, Jenny Burns and Tasha Burns (David) Tomer; brothers, Weldon “Sonny” Burns, Harrell Burns and Martin “Butterball” Burns; sister, Cathy Roaderick and 15 grandchildren. Mr. Burns was preceded in death by father, Weldon D. Burns; mother, Chlodine Evylon Burns; sisters, Viva Lee Baird and Dean LeGrand; brothers, Darrell Burns and Lamon Burns and brother-in-law, Harbin Joe Bradshaw “Jug”

Crossville Memorial Chapel Mrs. Peggy Sue Owens - Age 80 of Crossville passed away June 21, 2016.

She is survived by her children, Teresa (Frank) Mattox, Sherry (Stanley) Bryant, Mona Barksdale, and Barry Owens; grandchildren, Allison (Jason) Black, Jessica (Brett) Hulgan, Ashley (Kirk) Griggs, Casey Sampson, Caleb and Jacob Barksdale; great-grandchildren, Sawyer Kate Hulgan, Charlee Roesner, Karter Grace Hulgan, Tyson Sampson and Elsie Black.

Mrs. Owens was preceded in death by her husband, Junior Owens and a sonin-law, Kevin Barksdale.

W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel Mr. James Lynell Bell - Age 51 of Powell passed away June 24, 2016. He is survived by Kim Rhoden; daughters, Saswon (Terry) Dukes and Emily Bell; mother, Ellen Bell; grandsons, Mattheus Dukes, Carson Bell and Conner Bell; and nephew Jerry Bell. Mr. Bell was preceded in death by his father, Lynell Bell; sister, Sally Bell Wisner, and grandparents, Paul and Corene Patterson.

Mr. Grady Sherlon Howard - Age 69 of Fort Payne passed away June 26, 2016. He is survived by daughter, Ashlee Michaela Howard; daughter-in-law, Tori Lee Howard; sisters, Glenda and Chester York, Debra and Ricky Bryant; special friends, Rodney Glassco, Janet Williams, Terry Stephens; nephews, Jeremy Shane Glassco and Rodney L. Glassco. Mr. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Doris Howard; brother, Ronald Howard and sister, Linda Howard.

Wilson Funeral Home & Crematory Rev. Dr. Harvey C. Brown - Age 94 passed away June 26, 2016. Dr. Brown was survived by his children, Anita Jo Dean Douthat (Richard) and Diane Langston,

Harvey C. Brown Jr., Tim Brown (Helen), daughter-in-law, Joy Goss Brown, Lindale; 5 grandchildren; 3 stepgrandchildren; 7 stepgreat-grandchildren; brother, Henry Brown (Bonnie) and sister, Myrtice Brown Swafford (Seals). Along with his parents and beloved Miss Annie, he was preceded in death by his sisters Edna Adams and Viola Holland; brothers, Bartley, Artie, Oliver, and Howard Brown.

Kerby Funeral Home Mrs. Janice B. Thurmond - Age 80 of Pisgah passed away June 26, 2016 at Highlands Medical Center. She is survived by husband, Claude Thurmond; sons, Gary Thurmond, Anthony Thurmond and wife, Elaine, Gerald Thurmond and wife, Patricia; daughter, Karon Patrick and husband, David; 6 grandchildren; 8 greatgrandchildren and multiple nieces, nephews, and friends. Mrs. Thurmond was preceded in death by infant child Garlton Thurmond.

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Friday–July 1, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Inside the Huddle-A Sneak Peek at Valley Head Tigers starters and five offensive starters for the 2016 season.

SPOTLIGHT ON COACHES VALLEY HEAD, Ala. — The Southern Torch Coach of the Week is Brian Knapp, head coach of the Valley Head varsity football team.

COACHES:

Coach Knapp works with receivers photo by Amy Thrash

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

VALLEY HEAD, Ala. — The Valley Head Varsity Football Team has seen many changes in the last few years. In May, Coach Sam Graham resigned after one year at the helm of the team.

Valley Head was without a coach until June 7, when the Dekalb County Board of Education approved Brain Knapp as the new head coach at Valley Head. After only three weeks, there is a feeling of excitement at Valley Head.

Coach Knapp is already bringing new ideas and a new energy to the playing field.

This week, I went inside the huddle with the Tigers. While at Valley Head, I had the opportunity to see the team in action as they prepared for the 2016 season. When I pulled up to the football field, I could feel the electricity as the players were running the new plays that Coach Knapp has brought to the program.

The heat did not seem to slow the Tigers as they ran up and down the field. I was winded just watching them. I started looking for the Coach, but could not find him. It was not until he called out plays in his booming voice that I realized that he was filling in as quarterback, as the starting quarterback was at a basketball camp.

Knapp may be young, but displays a level of experience beyond his years. His coaching career spans twenty years, despite only looking to be twenty. As I shook his hand, I was still uncertain that he wasn't a player trying to fool me.

After a very intense workout on the field, the team then moved into the fieldhouse for a workout that would compare with college football teams. The team is working hard to prove that they will be a force to be reckoned with. The team interacted with Knapp as if they had played for him for years instead of just three short weeks.

I took note that Coach Knapp doesn’t mind getting into the trenches with the boys and show them exactly how it’s done. The sense of teamwork was strong as several older players encouraged the younger

players to dig deeper as they worked out. The Valley Head Tigers have a “don’t quit” attitude. On each locker in the fieldhouse, a simple message is displayed which reads: “Whatever it takes.” This attitude and the feeling that they have something to prove will definitely help them this season.

The Tigers have the support of the community. Several fans showed up just to watch the boys practice. You can feel in the air that this is the season.

THE RECORD:

Valley Head finished the 2015 season with a 3-8 record and lost to Wadley High School in the first round of the state playoffs.

PREPARATION:

The summer workout schedule for the Tigers is Monday through Thursday, beginning at 4 p.m. Coach Knapp practices the Varsity and Junior Varsity together. Official practice with helmets and shoulder pads will begin the first week of August.

THE PLAYERS:

Valley Head has six returning seniors. The team boasts five returning defensive

Coach Brian Knapp will start his first season with the Tigers. Previously, he was the head coach at Douglas High School where he was the winningest coach in school history. His father, Buddy, who is a member of the Georgia Coaches Hall of Fame will volunteer his time to help his son. Kyle Cochran will coach offensive and defensive Line.

Matt Ogle will be the secondary and receivers coach, while Chuck Williams will coach the linebackers and running backs.

Jerry Brown will assist with the defensive line.

SCHEDULE:

The Valley Head Tigers will start the 2016 season at home against Ider on August 26. They will then travel to Coosa Christian the following week.

They will be back at home on September 9 as they face Jacksonville Christian Academy.

The next Friday they will face-off against Spring Garden at home. Their off week on September 23 will be followed by traveling to Cedar Bluff on September 30 and then Gaylesville the following week.

In the last two games, the Tigers will face Woodville and Collinsville in Valley Head to wrap up the season.

Valley Head has a tough schedule but an even tougher team. They have faced adversity and remained consistent. I look for them to do well this season and make a return to the state playoffs. They have the speed, dedication and determination to succeed.

Valley Head will definitely be a team to watch.definitely be a team to watch.

Coach Knapp played quarterback, kicker, and punter for Mt. Zion High School in Georgia. He was awarded All-State Honors as a kicker. After graduating from Mt. Zion, he obtained a degree in Physical Education from Jacksonville State University. Knapp helped his dad coach junior varsity football while working toward his teaching degree. He is a third generation coach with his grandfather and dad being inducted to the Coaching Hall of Fame.

Before coming to Valley Head, Coach Knapp was the longest tenured and winningest coach in Douglas High School history.

Coach Knapp is married to Tashia Knapp. They have two daughters: Gracie, age 11 and Bristol Grace, age 2 ½.

Coach Knapp’s favorite quote is, “It’s never as good as it seems. It’s never as hard as it seems. Keep it at even keel.”

Southern Torch wishes Coach Knapp and his Valley Head Tigers the best of luck in their upcoming season.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com Agility workouts Photo by Amy Thrash

The dreaded speed push ups Photo by Amy Thrash

FANS OF THE WEEK! The Southern Torch Fans of the Week are Debra Rhodes - Valley Head City Clerk, Pam Dean - Valley Head Waterworks Clerk and Lisa Smith - Valley Head Waterworks Office Manager.

They would like to say, “Go Valley Head Tigers!!!”

Submit your photos to marla@southerntorch.com to be our next Fan of the Week!

MILLBROOK, Ala.—The Bama AllStars 10U team defeated the 10U Electrics,13 - 5 to win the 10U All Star State Championship this past weekend and proved that girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice, but they can be just as tough as the boys.

The Bama AllStars 10U started their day at 11:30 a.m. facing Oxford. They won that game 5-0. After several games ran over in time, the girls hit the field again at 5:30 p.m., facing Holtsville. The Bama Allstars bested Holtsville 17 - 0 to advance to the next game in the series against Eclectic.

Once again, delays held up tournament play. The game was supposed to start at 7 p.m., bu the girls took the field at 8:45 p.m. for a back-and-forth game against Eclectic. The score was tied 5 - 5 with a runner on first and second, with only one out. A Bama player hit to right field, bringing home the runner on second to win the game 6 - 5.

“The girls were really worn out by now due to playing in the heat,” said Head Coach Billy Jones. “At one point the heat index was 109 degrees. As coaches, we had to make sure that the girls were drinking plenty of water and staying as cool as possible.”

This win put the Bama AllStars into the winner's bracket, which meant they had to wait until the loser bracket

was finished to see who they would face in the championship game. Whoever the opponent, they would have to beat the Bama AllStars twice to win.

Finally, at 12:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, the Bama AllStars took the field for the fourth time to face Eclectic.

Eclectic defeated Bama 19-0.

“I don’t know what happened to our girls,” said Coach Billy Jones.

“I was thinking to myself the girls have played too hard and too long and are giving up.

After the first game of the championship series, we had about 20 minutes to give the girls a pep talk and get them ready to play ball,” said Jones.

At 2:30 a.m., after over 14 hours on the field, the girls stepped back on the field to play Eclectic. Bama would defeat Eclectic 13 - 5 and became the 2016 10U All Star State Champions and came home with the diamond ring.

“I don’t know what got into my girls,” said Jones on the win.

The Bama AllStars 10U will travel to Gulf Shores at the end of July to play in the 2016 10U All Star Nationals World Series.

“We couldn't be more proud of these girls,” said Jones, “they play great together as a team and never give up!”

Southern Torch will be following the girls as they head to the World Series in Gulf Shores. We wish them the best of luck!

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Friday–July 1, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Explosion felt across the state

Pictured L to R, back row: Lydia West, Geraldine, Jaden Dismuke, Crossville, Emily Ellis, Fort Payne, Hannah Buffington, Fort Payne Middle row: Lilly Rowell, Geraldine, Livia Cowart, Fyffe, Bella Pettis, Fyffe, Haley Lisenbee, Sand Rock Bottom row: Lily Boswell, Plainview, Mia Tidmore, Plainview Not pictured: Riley Jones, Crossville

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

CULLMAN, Ala.—The Xplosion 04, an ages 12 and under all star softball team,

based out of Crossville, traveled to Cullman this past weekend to play in the USSSA 12U State Tournament. Twenty-four other teams took part in the

tournament.

The Xplosion 04 won their first five straight games.

In their sixth game of the series, they faced the Kraze 04 team, losing 4 - 0.

The Xplosion 04 team then faced the Patriots in the semifinals game. The Crossville team was down 2 1, but after a rain delay, came back to win 6 - 5.

The girls would get a rematch with Kraze 04 in the Championship game. The game was called due to rain in the first inning. Kraze 04 had the upperhand due to beating the team earlier in the series, 4-0 and would not schedule a makeup game.

Due to USSSA rules, the tournament director can declare a tie. The Xplosion place first in the tournament by default and will travel to the World Series held down in Gulf Shores, on July 17 thru 24.

Xplosion 04 scored a

total of 64 runs and only allowed 22 during last weekend’s tournament.

The Coaches of the Xplosion 04 weighed in on their team: “The thing I was most impressed with was the effort of the girls in the heat and the way we hit the ball. If I understood the bookkeeper, we scored 64 runs in the tournament. The next closest team scored 36. We went there knowing if we hit the ball, we would do well and we crushed the ball all weekend,” said Coach Todd Dismuke.

“Our pitchers played great. They made big pitches in stressful situations to hold our opponents to only a few runs throughout the entire tournament. The pitchers had several strikeouts, but understand that their overall success was a team effort and was not possible without the quality plays from the defense,” said Coach Paul Ellis.

“This weekend these girls have shown everyone what it was like to be the best softball player you could be.

Through the heat and the humidity, they had their mental game where it needed be. Every proper fundamental and good mechanic was exemplified by this team and they showed up and showed out, only allowing 22 runs in 8 games! This defense was flawless! Every girl stepped up and although each individual may have been successful in their own they all came together as a team.

The character of these girls is amazing! Just goes to show that hard work and determination gets the results that you want,“ said Coach Keith Pettis on the victory.

Southern Torch wishes Xplosion 04 the best of luck and we will continue to follow them as they play in Gulf Shores for the World Series.

Henagar Mountaineers 9 &10 Advance to SubState

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

HOKES BLUFF, Ala. — The Henagar Mountaineers 9 & 10 year old baseball team finished as runner up in the Dixie Youth District 8 Tournament this past weekend in Hokes Bluff.

They are headed to the sub-state tournament in Priceville on July 7 thru 9.

Their record in the district tourney was 4-2.

They lost the first game of the series and fought out of the losers bracket to make it the championship game, despite not drawing a bye out of three one-loss teams Game 1: Piedmont 11, Mountaineers 10. Henagar came back from 11- 8 deficit and lost a heartbreaker on a tremendous leaping grab by the Piedmont shortstop on a line drive to end the game.

Tyler Brewer went 2-2 with a walk. Joshua Scott, Griffin Weldon, Tyler Brewer and Austyn Lindsey all doubled.

Noah Hulgan, Joshua Scott, and Logan Wilks combined for 7 strikeouts from the mound.

Game 2: Mountaineers 21, South Dekalb-

Collinsville 8. Joshua Scott, Logan Wilks, and Gavin Chambers doubled. Wilks also tripled. Chambers, Brewer, and Scott combined for 11 strikeouts from the mound.

Game 3: Cherokee National 4, Mountaineers 14. The officials called the game for the Mountaineers in the fourth inning against the Cherokee County team.

Eain Bain, Wesley Gothard, Griffin Weldon, and Austyn Lindsey all doubled.

Thomas Keith tripled.

Gavin Chambers pitched a complete game.

Game 4: Glencoe 6, Mountaineers 10. Wesley Gothard and Austyn Lindsey doubled. Gavin Chambers pitched 2 innings with Joshua Scott closing out the game. Chambers and Scott combined for 6 strikeouts.

Game 5: Glencoe 1, Mountaineers 5. Lucas Putnam tripled. Noah Hulgan and Logan Wilks each pitched 3 innings.

Hulgan had 6 strikeouts.

Game 6: Piedmont 17, Mountaineers 4.

Mountaineers playing

second game of back-toback vs. Piedmont team couldn't claim the title.

Tanner Haynes doubled.

Overall Tournament: The Henagar Mountaineers turned three double plays during tournament.

From the mound, Noah Hulgan and Gavin Chambers shouldered the load as pitchers. The team had no trouble swinging the bat. The top five batters for the team were Joshua Scott, Wesley Gothard, Lucas Putnam, Eian Bain, and Austyn Lindsey.

The Mountaineers are lead by Head Coach Tony Keith and Assistant Coaches Roger Scott, Craig Hulgan, and Winston Wilks.

Members of the team

consists of players from Sylvania, Ider, Valley Head, and Henagar.

As a team, they chose the motto "Paint Your Board." It's a reference to the Bible story of Noah needing to completely cover the wooden boards of the boat with a waterproofing substance so that it would float and not sink.

“For our players, it means that each player has a ‘board to paint’ or job to do, and that everyone must do your job completely in order for us to succeed as a single team,” said Coach Keith.

"Our boys are excited about the opportunity to play at sub-state," said Keith, "the players have

been working to raise money for our trip, and we know they'll enjoy the experience of playing baseball at the state level.”

"They understand it's an opportunity to compete against other quality teams and do a good job representing our families, communities, and northeast Alabama," Keith said.

Southern Torch wishes the team best of luck to the Henegar Mountaineers in the sub-state tournament.

We will continue to follow them as they prepare to compete for the Dixie Youth State All-Star Championship!

District Champs! Collinsville advances to Dixie Youth State Tournament!

(L to R): Back Row: Coaches Nick traffanstedt, Reggie lang, Seth Adams, Brent Killian, and Cody McAteer; 2nd Row: Gavin Lang, Marc Anthony Hernandez, Sam Stewart, Tyde Traffanstedt, Mason McAteer, Yensi Flamenco, Perry Stewart, Tony Henderson, Issac Basurto, Sylas Adams, Jeremiah Killian, Kyler Beene

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

COLLINSVILLE, Ala.— The Collinsville 8-under Dixie Youth All-Star team, officially named the South DeKalb-Collinsville All-Stars, defeated the Rainsville All-Stars 8-7 last week to clench the Alabama Dixie Youth All-Stars District 8 Championship and advance to the first round of the Dixie

Youth State Tournament.

The home team Panthers were down 7-2 going into the bottom of the final 6th inning.

Collinsville would put on a hitting clinic with their final at-bat in the bottom of the 6th, scoring 6 runs in a rally to clinch the victory and the District 8 Championship title with a final score of 8-7.

“It was awesome to see the team win,” Collinsville Head

Coach Brent Killian said. “They play like a team, which is very unusual for eight year olds. In the last game, we were down 7-2 before our last at bat. We came back and won 8-7. It was great to coach my son. My dad coached me.”

South DeKalb-Collinsville’s 8-under All-Star team is made up of the combined Collinsville-1 and Collinsville-2 regular season teams from District 8. The Panthers went undefeated through the tournament, taking down the all-star teams from Glencoe (18-1 in 3 innings), Piedmont (15-5 in 3 innings), Fort Payne (11-4 in 6 innings), Cherokee National (11-2 in 6 innings) and Rainsville (11-1 in 6 innings; and 8-7 in 6 innings in the championship finals).

Collinsville dominated the tournament, posting a team batting average of .680 over the five games they played en route to winning the District 8 Championship. Collinsville was led offensively by Mason

McAteer and Kyler Beene, each hitting .777 through the tournament, each going an almost impossible 14-18 from the plate. Tony Henderson went 13-17, with an average of .764.

Sam Stewart hit .722 (13-18), followed by Jeremiah Killian and Marc Anthony Hernandez who each had tournament batting averages of .667 (12-18).

Ty Traffanstedt batted an impressive .626 (10-16) and Gavin Lang hit .611 (11-18).

The 2016 Collinsville All-Stars are the first team to win their District Championship in more than 40 years of Dixie Youth Baseball in Collinsville. Teams in 1986 and 1992 made it to the District Championship finals, but fell short of state championship play.

Sandra Killian, wife of Clyde Killian who was head coach of the all-star team in 1986; mother of 2016 Collinsville All-Star Head Coach Brent Killian who also played on the ’86 team; and grandmother to

Brent’s son Jeremiah who is player on this year’s Collinsville All-Star team, has a unique perspective of what it means to play ball in Collinsville, particularly to excel in the Collinsville Dixie Youth Baseball program.

Mrs. Sandra says more than anything she’s proud of the kind of young men Collinsville’s athletic programs produce— men who love sports and share that love with their sons, but even more importantly Men of God who share their Christian faith with their sons.

“I am proud of this team,” Mrs. Sandra said. “I am really proud to see them pray before and after each game. And I am proud to see these boys with such wonderful Christian daddies. I think we’ve done good in Collinsville.”

The 2016 8-under Collinsville All-Stars will travel to Wetumpka on July 7 for the first round of the Dixie Youth State Tournament.

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