The Southern Torch, Vol. 2, No. 6

THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016 / VOL. 2, NO. 6 / $1.00

COMMUNITY

FAITH

POLITICS

SENATOR HANK SANDERS SPEAKS AT NACC

ONE POOL, TWO DIPS

REPUBLICANS LAY OUT LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR 2016 SESSION

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Fort Payne mayor to run for re-election

Larry Chesser, Mayor of Fort Payne

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser announced on Monday that he will be running for re-election.

Chesser said he made the decision over the past month or so that he would run for re-election as long as his health

remains strong. Chesser has accomplished a great deal for the city of Fort Payne during since being elected mayor in 2012 in an upset victory over 12-year incumbent Bill Jordan in an exciting race that came down to the finish.

Chesser said he enjoys his role as mayor and finds fulfillment in

helping Fort Payne’s citizens solve problems as he works to continue to improve the city.

Chesser said he also feels like there is more work to be done. He said he is proud of all that the city has accomplished during his first term and credits the team he has placed around him for making success a reality.

“I have been fortunate to have had the right people doing the right jobs,” Chesser said. “Our city employees are top-notch. I’m lucky to have a staff and department heads that don’t need to be told what to do. They know what to do and I let them do their jobs.”

Chesser said he feels the most significant accomplishment under his administration has been an overall improve-

ment in the organization of day-to-day city operations and records and in establishing a sound budget and paying close attention to the accuracy and timeliness in which that budget is put forth. He said another key accomplishments that stand out include the successful negotiation and redevelopment of the former K-Mart property, the success of the Veterans parade, work to decrease flooding, the addition of the splashpad and the securing of grant dollars and other funds for sewer and road projects.

Chesser said the biggest challenge facing Fort Payne is the continued effort to recruit large industry.

“It’s just really hard for a city the size of Fort Payne

City council denies permit for DeKalb GOP political event

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— At the Fort Payne City Council meeting Tuesday night, the DeKalb County Republican Party (DCRP) was denied a permit to host a campaign event at the city-owned Coal and Iron Building.

A motion to approve the DeKalb GOP permit was submitted by Councilman Red Taylor and accompanied by a quick second from Councilman Walter Watson.

But just as the matter was set to come to a vote, City Attorney Rocky Watson brought the process to a quick halt. Watson interrupted the vote, voicing his objection to the permit approval on the grounds that the applicant was a political organization and that approving the GOP event now could open the door in the future to unsavory or dangerous political groups, hate groups or others that could prove unsafe to the people of the

city.

As recently as last year however, the sitting council approved permits for Republican, Democrat, and Tea Party events, all held on city property. The issuance of activity permits to reserve or approve the rental of city facilities must first be approved and voted upon by the city council. Despite the required formality, any outcome contrary to a unanimous yes vote from the current council is highly unusual.

DeKalb GOP Chairman Mark Ford voiced stern disapproval of the council’s decision. “The DeKalb County Republican Party has for years rented from the City of Fort Payne even as recently as December 2015,” Ford said. “I am perplexed as to why, without reason, they failed to approve our request. I understand that the attorney even noted there are no legal reasons to prohibit us from renting the building. My question is, have we been denied the rights that ours where granted? The current policy I think allows for us to rent. I respect changing policy to protect the citizens, but doing so midstream is confusing to a non-hate group.”

Despite a lack of any known threats that have resulted from other recent political events held on city property, Attorney Watson was adamant that he opposed authorizing the

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to compete with the financial incentives that larger cities are able to offer a large manufacturer or other major industry,” Chesser said.

“We aren’t giving up on those efforts by any means but we are certainly aware that bringing a large company or companies in could take a long time.”

Chesser said that while the city has not seen a great deal of success in attracting new industry, it has seen exponential growth and expansion from existing manufacturers in Fort Payne like Heil, Vulcraft, Children’s Place, Seimens and Gametime. “Outside of the sock industry we haven’t seen many businesses in Fort Payne go under,” Chesser said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

Sand Mountain Pottery Highlighting the critical importance of improving student success in America’s community colleges, the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program named Northeast Alabama Community College…

Pages 3 THIS WEEK IN FAITH

A Moment with Megan: Hello From the Other Side

I think sometimes as Christians we are guilty of only making our requests known to God and then being done with our communication (or prayer) until the next time we “need something.” …

Page 6 THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

Presidential candidates shift focus to New Hampshire Texas Sen. Ted Cruz won the Iowa caucuses on Monday, upsetting predicted GOP winner Donald Trump who just narrowly edged out Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for second place…

Page 8 THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

Ider Lady Hornets win County Championship Sylvania Rams (17-7) met the Ider Hornets (15-8) in the DeKalb County Tournament championship game on Thursday, January 28, 2016.

Inclement weather had forced the game to be postponed for nearly a week…

Page 11 PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 60 RAINSVILLE, AL

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Friday–February 5, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

Johnny Stewart named new Rainsville Police Chief

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

New Police Chief Johnny Stewart

RAINSVILLE, AL--- On Monday, February 1, 2016 the Rainsville City Council announced its selection to replace retiring chief of police Charles Centers.

Chief Centers announced his retirement at the first of November. The council selected assistant chief Johnny Stewart to take over the top role at the police department.

Stewart was selected by the council from a pool of several applicants.

Currently deployed with the Alabama Army National Guard (AANG),

Chief Stewart will take over once returning this spring. The assistant police chief, who will be promoted from existing staff to fill the vacancy, will act as chief until Stewart returns.

Stewart is an almost 20 year veteran of the Rainsville Police Department. As long-time assistant police chief, he has a wealth of experience in running the day-to-day operations of the department, as well as standard police work, such as patrolling and investigations.

Along with years of law enforcement experience,

Stewart has also served his state and country for over 26 years with the national guard as a contracting specialist.

Other items on the agenda at this week’s council meeting included an ordinance issue, along with addressing security issues at city hall.

Councilman Graham brought to the council’s attention that the state had contacted the city regarding Ordinance #02-17-2011 being in violation of the Interstate Commerce Clause regarding taxation. The council will consider amendments in the near

future to the ordinance in order to rectify the issue. Councilman Holt also brought to the council’s attention that new security measures must be added at Rainsville City Hall after the building had been left unsecured on more than one occasion. Holt recommended security cameras be installed and a system be implemented to log employee usage.

The council also decided to change its next regularly scheduled meeting from Monday, February 14, to Tuesday, February 15 in lieu of the President’s Day holiday.

to Little River Canyon, and (if grant funding can be secured) a proposed sidewalk that if made a reality would begin at the South Y and extend all the way down Hwy 35 to Walmart. He said other projects he hopes to address at some point are

the repair of Terrapin Hills sewer system, the eventual completion of Veterans Park, the teardown of the old hospital and a concrete canal running from the North Y to the South Y to address the problem of flooding once and for all.

Municipal elections

Continued from page 1

Plans for re-election “The industry that we do have here has continued to grow, and that even includes Renfro from the sock industry as they’ve expanded to meet the needs of their agreement with Fruit of the Loom.”

Chesser said some of the things he will be

focusing on in the near future include the paving of Valley Head Road, rebuilding the intersection of Airport Road and Hwy 35, changing all city streetlights over to LEDs, repaving at the airport, a walking trail project connecting the city park

in Fort Payne will be held in August. So far Chesser is the only candidate to have announced an intent to run for mayor of Fort Payne in 2016.

Continued from page 1

City council denies permit for GOP event DCRP’s request, and that approving the permit could prove dangerous for the city.

“There’s no rule against it obviously, but if you make it available to political parties, it has to be all political parties even if it were Isis,” Watson said. “I think we had a couple (political events) at

the pavilion last year, some in the city park and we had several Tea Party meetings.

Like I said there’s nothing illegal about it. There are some parties out there that it could become an issue with though. We would have to accept all if they’re a recognized political

party—the Libertarians, the Socialists, the Communists, the Nazis.”

Councilman Walter Watson, who originally seconded the motion to approve the permit noted that he obviously was not in favor of approving permits for extremist groups like those mentioned by Attorney Watson, but did not see a threat from renting to Democrats or Republicans. Councilman Watson said however that if opening the Coal and Iron Building to traditional parties also opened the building to the groups Attorney Watson mentioned, he felt all political groups should be denied permits for events held at the Coal and Iron Building.

Councilman Dana Goggans pointed out to the council that in years past, in the case of extremists groups like those mentioned

by Watson, the city had denied permits. “I don’t remember specifically when, but we have turned down rallies we didn’t want in the past and then later still allowed other groups to have rallies,” Goggans said.

“I’m not telling you you can’t do it,” Attorney Watson stated again. “But once you open the door, the door is open for all.”

Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser responded to Attorney Watson’s comment about open doors, “Did we not already open that door last year by having events for both parties at the pavilion last year? And we’ve allowed the park to be used for the Tea Party more than once.”

“Well that doesn’t open it for the Coal and Iron

Building,” Attorney Watson responded.

As conversations about hypothetical threats from hate groups, terrorists, extremists and Libertarians, waged on for several minutes, eventually religion was thrown into the mix.

“While we’re discussing that, is the political realm extended to the religious realm? If we allow Methodists or Baptists, we have to use our park for some function and an Islamic group, which I don’t reckon we have around here, or Jewish or Catholic or whatever—we couldn’t turn them down either.”

Unrelated to Watson’s observation regarding religion, Goggans asked, “So the way we have it right now, they (DCRP) would be allowed to have the event at the pavilion or in the park if they wanted, is that correct?” Goggans would then make what would be the final effort of the evening to salvage the group’s proposed event. “We could wait until there is an issue with an event that comes to us,” Goggans said.

“We could let this event go on and when something comes to us down the road that’s questionable, we cut it off at that point.”

“No. You can’t wait until you get that,” Attorney Watson responded. “It has to be either, or.”

A suggestion to table the matter was posed, but the point was brought up that the event is just a few days away, tabling the matter wouldn’t do any good.

“Well, I’m saying in essence that we turn this one down,” Attorney Watson said, “but it might be good if we call the League and some

other municipalities to determine what we’re going to do in regards to political parties and political requests.”

Ham said,”I say we wait until we come up with a solid plan, and it may be a year from now but a solid plan.”

As it appeared that the permit would not be approved, Fort Payne City Clerk Andy Parker asked for clarification. “So we tell them no?”

“We’ll take some time to take a look at this to make sure I’m not making a mountain out of a molehill, but I’m pretty sure I’m not,” Attorney Watson said.

“So, on this item?”

Parker questioned again for final clarification.

“Just no action,” Attorney Watson explained.

“Therefore it’s not approved.”

In a conversation with Southern Torch on Wednesday, Mayor Larry Chesser said that he thought that any reasonable organization, political or non-political who approach the city requesting facility rental should be given approval.

Both the mayor and council expressed optimism that a policy could be reached very soon. To watch the full video of the meeting from Tuesday night, visit Southern Torch’s Youtube page.

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Friday–February 5, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

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

Senator Hank Sanders speaks at NACC

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— To celebrate Black History Month, Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) was visited by Alabama State Senator Hank Sanders (D-Selma). Sanders spoke to a roomful of college students about the types

of adversity he has witnessed and faced in his life and career.

Sanders graduated from Harvard Law School and established a law firm. He became the first African American state senator in the Alabama Black Belt. He was the top of his high school and college class. He was awarded several awards

and scholarships, including one that took him to Africa for a year.

Sanders has also been greatly involved with his community.

“In order to talk honestly and frankly, it requires some self-examination. It requires some self-examination from me. It requires some self-examination from the various officials from the college. It requires some self-examination from everybody,” Sanders said.

“Let me tell you why black history is critical for white Americans. We think about black history basically being for black people, but it can’t be if all of you are here. First, black history and white history: you don’t call it white history, you call it

American history. They are different sides of the same coin. Anything I talk about black history, there’s a white side. Any time you talk about American history, there’s a black side to it.”

Sanders went to talk about indentured servitude and how it was “legal slavery,” finding reasons to keep black people for longer than the initial seven years.

“They said black people were not human; we were subhuman,” Sanders said. “Your children and your children’s children could be kept, too.”

Sanders discussed chattel slavery as well.

“You couldn’t speak about your history because that made people restless,” Sanders said.

The senator discussed

the Dred Scott Decision, also known as Dred Scott v. Sanford.

“All of this was called white supremacy,” Sanders said. “It became part of the culture throughout the country.”

Sanders said, “After the 13th amendment was passed, white supremacy still existed even though slavery did not.” Sanders then talked about lynching and how it was “state sanctioned terrorism.”

Sanders went on to talk about having to overcome obstacles in the Senate and also becoming a lawyer. He also talked about his personal experience with racism and growing up in less than ideal living conditions.

colleges, the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program named Northeast Alabama Community College as one of the nation’s top 150 community colleges eligible to compete for the 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and $1 million dollars in prize funds, as well as Siemens Technical Scholars Program Student Scholarships.

The Prize, awarded every two years, is the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among

America’s community colleges and recognizes institutions for exceptional student outcomes in four areas: student learning, certificate and degree completion, employment and earnings, and access and success for minority and low-income students.

“This is a great honor for Northeast students, staff, faculty, administrators and our community,” stated NACC President Dr. David Campbell.

“What makes us even more proud of this recognition is that the key criteria for selection is student success and achievement. When all is

said and done, student success and achievement are what we are here for as an educational institution. The entire Northeast community is dedicated to this goal and our personnel work very hard at achieving it. The college itself financially supports student achievement through a wide range of support services, everything from a technology learning center, a career lab, student tutors, faculty advisors, transfer advisors, developmental studies coordinators, and technology and computer labs for most all subjects.

Our faculty and staff are

dedicated to seeing that our students succeed.

This is in fact the fourth time since 2010 that the Aspen Institute has identified Northeast as one of the best community colleges in the country, making Northeast one of the few community colleges in America to receive this level of distinction.”

Northeast is the only college selected from Alabama eligible to compete for the 2017 Aspen Prize. A full list of the 150 community colleges is available at www.AspenPrize.org.

College as one of the nation’s top 150 community colleges eligible to compete for the 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and $1 million dollars in prize funds, as well as Siemens Technical Scholars Program Student

Scholarships.

The Prize, awarded every two years, is the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges and recognizes institutions for exceptional student outcomes in four areas: student learning, certificate and degree completion, employment and earnings, and access and success for minority and low-income students.

“This is a great honor for Northeast students, staff, faculty, administrators and our community,” stated NACC President Dr. David Campbell.

“What makes us even more proud of this recognition is that the key criteria for selection is student success and achievement. When all is said and done, student success and achievement are what we are here for as an educational institution. The entire Northeast community is dedicated to this goal and our personnel work very

hard at achieving it. The college itself financially supports student achievement through a wide range of support services, everything from a technology learning center, a career lab, student tutors, faculty advisors, transfer advisors, developmental studies coordinators, and technology and computer labs for most all subjects.

Our faculty and staff are dedicated to seeing that our students succeed.

This is in fact the fourth

time since 2010 that the Aspen Institute has identified Northeast as one of the best community colleges in the country, making Northeast one of the few community colleges in America to receive this level of distinction.”

Northeast is the only college selected from Alabama eligible to compete for the 2017 Aspen Prize. A full list of the 150 community colleges is available at www.AspenPrize.org.

NACC named Aspen finalist

Dr. David Campbell, President of Northeast Alabama Community College.

By Staff Reports

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— Highlighting the critical importance of improving student success in America’s community

Sand Mountain Pottery

By Staff Reports

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— Highlighting the critical importance of improving student success in America’s community colleges, the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program named Northeast Alabama Community

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

Torch staff have a blast at Loomis Bros. Circus

By Dwayne Adams dwayne@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— The Loomis Bros. Circus brought tons of excitement and family fun to

the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center Tuesday and Wednesday, where they thrilled audiences with elephants, White

Siberian tigers, and internationally renowned circus performers, bringing the wonder and amazement of the American circus to

DeKalb County.

Southern Torch’s own Marla Jones and Diego Reynoso made quite an entrance during the event, riding in on an

elephant as Guest Ringmasters for the Southern Torch.

Check out the photos below, and thanks for supporting the circus!

Southern Torch’s own Diego Reynoso and Marla Jones made a grand entrance on an elephant, as Guest Ringmasters for Loomis Circus.

Circus Ringmaster Justin Loomis prepares the crowd for the next event.

The cast of characters included international circus performers, performing traditional acts and thrilling feats.

Beautiful White Siberian Tigers graced the arena.

Upcoming events Feb. 6 - Royal & Toulouse with Soul Karnival: Royal & Toulouse will perform with Fort Payne band Soul Karnival at Vintage 1889 in Fort Payne. Event begins at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Vintage 1889 at 256-845– 3380.

Feb. 7 - Kamama Chrysalis: Come in and enjoy cider and cookies and meet the new Kamama Partner’s.

Fontana Stinson will be the new Chef and will manage the café. She will be introducing her new menu and have some tastings. Clare Donohue will be the new Gallery Manager. She will be raffling off a few items.

Come on in, bring your children, and draw a heart for our Valentine’s LOVE tree! 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 256-634-3001 for more information.

Feb. 7 - Ider Rec League Sign Ups: Softball, baseball, and T-ball sign ups from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. in the little gym.

Bring copy of child’s birth

certificate. Cost is $35.

Feb. 10 - Desiree Million at the Abbey: Come enjoy vocals and keyboard original blues songs by Desiree Million.

Ticket price includes coffee and dessert. 10 tickets available per show. The Abbey is located in Mentone.

Show time 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call 256-251-3780 for more information.

Feb. 11 - Lisa Schad “Healing Power of Love” Presentation: Lisa Schad will demonstrate and teach the community how to love and care for our bodies, minds, and spirits through techniques involving touch, sounds, and movement. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. $10 registration fee. Call 256-634-3001 for more information.

Feb. 12 - Henagar Rec League Sign Ups: Softball, baseball, and T-ball sign ups. Cost is $25. Register at Henagar City Hall. For more information, contact the city hall at 256-657-6282.

Feb. 14 - Ider Rec League Sign Ups: Softball, baseball, and T-ball sign ups from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. in the little gym. Bring copy of child’s birth certificate.

Cost is $35.

March 18-20 Southern Home and Family Show: The home and family show is a marketplace for your home, garden, and family products and services.

The event will take place at the Northeast Alabama Agribusiness Center in Rainsville. There will be events for kids such as inflatables, magicians, clowns, kids characters, face painting, and more.

There will be thousands in door prizes and giveaways and over 150 booths available. On site sales will be permitted.

Special appearance from Gigi Butler, founder of Gigi’s Cupcakes. For more information, contact 256605-1801.

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Friday–February 5, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 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

RAINSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

February 4, 2016 Tim Eberhart, Executive Director

Despite the disadvantages of being short and somewhat unsightly and frigid, February is a top-10 month in America for shopping and dining out.

For you and I–the good citizens of northeast Alabama–it’s one of the best months to nurture the endangered habit of supporting our local economy by patronizing the retail businesses within our home territory.

Why should we shop and dine locally in February?

To put it plainly, people who shop and dine locally in February are happier than people who travel to other states or distant counties in any month, or people who buy things online only to be disappointed in the quality, fit or finish of the product. They’re happier because they’re not dealing with the ghastly traffic and parking nightmares you always find at the shopping meccas in the large cities, or having to deal with the hassle of shipping something back.

They’re happier because shopping and dining close to home is always more budget friendly. They’re happier because they know they are doing all they can to avoid bad economic side effects for themselves and all the other citizens in their home turf.

They’re happier because they know they are helping make their local merchants happy. Happy local merchants turn around and support things that make the entire community happy. Those things include–just to name a few–local job creation and support for local road improvements, local police and fire protection, local youth sports and local school clubs.

In additions, happy merchants never stop looking for more ways to make the shopping experience better for the local shoppers. That means better selections, better deals and more to love about shopping close to home.

Be happy. Let us shop locally for all our Valentine’s Day, last-minute Super Sunday, comfort food, backup heating, waterfowl-hunting, early-bird Easter, home-improvement or spring fever needs. Let us dine as locally as possible as often as possible. We can give the local economy a shot in the arm during February when we shop and dine locally at every opportunity.

For February shopping and dining inspiration, refer to our commercecentric website at www.rainsville.info. There you’ll find some simple ways to find out more about our member businesses and the happiness that awaits you inside there walls.

CHAMBER CHATTER

February 4, 2016 Carol Beddingfield, Executive Director

The Krazy Kudzu Follies is an event that will entertain the young and old. Community leaders from across DeKalb County will present their best “singing and acting” skills during the performances on March 3, 4, & 5th at the DeKalb Theatre at 7 PM. DeKalb County Bear Grills (aka Mayor Nick Jones) will be giving his tour of Little River Canyon.

Gladys and Tyrone will captivate the audiences with their humor. Learn how Honda cars are really assembled with RTI parts.

Our “men of steel” at Vulcraft will entertain. I do not think you will ever see Star Wars in the same way as Heil presents their version of Storm Troopers and Darth Vader.

We will take you from Lydia the Tattooed Lady, the carnival hit, to Dorthothy in the Wiz. Children will learn to dance from their Super Heroes. Spiderman certainly has some moves!

The cast of 80 participants will definitely entertain you this year. Come out and support the Chamber. Your spirits will be lifted from winters depression.

Tickets for the performances are available at the Chamber office at 300 Gault Avenue, North.

Prices are $15 each or 2 for $20. Get your ticket early. The performances are usually sold out with no tickets available at the door.

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Friday–February 5, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FAITH One Pool, Two Dips

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

Thanksgiving. Gulf Shores.

My family alternated years celebrating Thanksgiving in north Alabama one year and in south Alabama where one of my sisters lives the

next year. She had us go out to Gulf Shores several times when she hosted.

My sisters and their families. Rent some condos. Have fun. Lots of kids with us. Great times. Great family times.

Except. Except that

the temperature in Gulf Shores could be cool.

And the ocean had already gotten much cooler than that comfortable warm summer water. That meant that some of the adults and even some of the kids did not get in the water very long. Or at all.

But I think it is a terrible waste to ever go to the ocean and not get into the water. I have explained to my wife many times that you can just get in the cold water and after awhile your body gets used to the cold and you don’t notice it.

She has never bought that explanation. She is quite content to stay on the beach and smile at her husband and children and now grandchildren.

Several of us decided to ignore the cold and get in. Swim some. Body surf some. Play some.

The cold gives you a feeling of exuberance and joy. The waves always seemed bigger in November.

One day the waves were even better than usual. We got in and stayed out a long time.

My sisters stood on the shore shivering and telling us we needed to get out. Being good males, that only made us stay out longer. One

more wave. And one more.

Finally, we knew we had to get out. We walked up the beach to the condo trying to decide if our skins were really blue. There was an indoor pool. Heated. We decided that would be perfect. We jumped into the pool.

Oh, how wonderful. It felt like a big, warm, water blanket. We soaked in the warmth for a while. Played around a little. Then, since we were in a resort type place, somebody suggested we use some of the other facilities.

We went straight to the sauna. Then the steam bath. Stayed in the steam until we reached that point where all our pores were open and had little beads of sweat coming out. We knew it was time to go back to the room and clean up for a holiday dinner. But we decided on one more dip in that indoor pool. We all jumped in.

Oh, how wonderful. It felt like a big, cool, water blanket. It was the coolest water we could imagine.

Same pool. Same temperature. In a thirty minute space it felt wonderfully warm. And wonderfully cool.

Was the pool water hot or cold? People coming from the ocean said the water was really warm. People coming from the sauna said that it was really cool. Which ones were right? I suspect the pool had a thermometer. It probably read that the water was about eighty degrees no matter how the people getting into the pool felt.

It is dangerous to decide an important question based only on how you feel. Feelings change. You need an instrument, a standard that can tell you exactly what to do. Christians decide issues by doing what Christ says to do.

We find what Christ wants us to do in the Bible. It is our standard, our unchanging guide.

We trust it because we trust Jesus.

Christians are different than the world.

Many years ago people began to believe that if it feels good to you, you should do it. Christians know that what feels good today may feel bad tomorrow. The wise thing is to trust Jesus, not our feelings. Then everything will not be too hot. Or too cold. It will be just right.

A Moment with Megan: Hello From the Other Side

By Megan Blansit Founder of The Beautiful Movement - a youth ministry for high school girls. For more information, visit The Beautiful Movement’s Facebook page, where I post the time, place, and activity for each month

I think sometimes as Christians we are guilty of only making our requests known to God and then being done with our communication (or prayer) until the next

time we “need something.” BUT, I wonder if we are missing out on hearing God speak?

Perhaps God would like to say “Hello” from the other side (Adele pun intended.) Are our schedules too chaotic to see the flip side of the coin (that we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ)?

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

starve or thirst my dog.

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

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

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

I feel like many of us, myself included, would love to go overseas on a mission trip. Loving on babies, sharing Christ, etc sounds like it would bring warm fuzzies, right? I once heard a pastor say that he would never financially support a church member on a mission trip if they weren’t doing some type of mission/volunteer work in the community that they live in. WOW. That’s intense, yet I completely see where he is coming from. Friend, you don’t have to go on some huge, elaborate mission trip in order to be used by God. Maybe

walking an elderly ladies buggy back into the grocery store could be just as big of a blessing.

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

Please, don’t discount small acts of kindness.

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

In closing, I pray that everyone reading this would be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s voice this week. I pray that the Lord uses you in mighty ways to bless others.

Maybe you’re reading this and think, “Well Megan, I need someone to bless me!!” Friend, you will be surprised at the blessing that will come when you bless others.

Want those warm fuzzy feelings? Be a blessing.

As always, thank you for reading. See you next week!

Originally published on Vol. 2, No. 2, January 8th

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

OPINION / EDITORIAL Gains for human rights in Afghanistan lost

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

While the situation for women and children in Afghanistan has improved since the U.S.-led coalition toppled the Taliban in 2001, the region remains one of the worst places on earth to live as a woman or a child. Before U.S. intervention while under Taliban rule, women were publicly flogged for simple things such as leaving their home without a male escort or learning to read and write. After the coalition installed a new government, these repressive laws were abolished and conditions improved greatly during the early occupation. Afghanistan even saw women elected to public office for the first time and girls were given the opportunity to pursue education without fear.

The large coalition troop presence in the war-torn country during the initial years gave civilians access to a reliable security force that could frequently intervene when abusive situations were encountered. American soldiers and marines encountered many situations that combat training could not and did not prepare them for. Violent acts which had long since been accepted as the normal in Afghani culture, but were never the normal or acceptable in American culture. One such tradition is that of warlords owning young boys as sex slaves. Many of these warlords were allied with the U.S., exposing soldiers and marines to this grotesque practice. Individual

commanders on the ground were given the freedom to intervene, punish, and replace these warlords; breaking the cycle of abuse in their areas of operation.

It’s unclear when exactly the policy changes came about, but around 2008 - 2010 reports began to surface of U.S. servicemen being advised to ignore the abuse to maintain good relations with the local militia and police units tasked with fighting the Taliban. Several soldiers and marines were even punished by the military for intervening in these situations. Last September, the New York Times (NYT) published a detailed editorial on the rampant abuse and some of the servicemen whose lives and careers were ruined for standing up for Afghanistan’s children. The editorial even sheds light on this cultural practice, known in Afghanistan as, “bacha bazi, or literally ‘boy play.’” To one special forces officer mentioned in the story, Dan Quinn, the sight of a young boy chained to the bed of a local warlord as his slave was too much to bear.

Captain Quinn was relieved of his command for assaulting the aforementioned warlord.

This practice is unacceptable to those serving on the ground, as it should be to our military and political leadership.

More recently last month, the NYT ran another story detailing the plight of a 20-yearold Afghani woman, Reza Gul. In an argument with her husband of six years (she was forced to marry at the age of 14), Reza’s

husband cut her nose off.

This was not the first occurrence of violence the young woman had to endure at the hands of her husband, but only the worst. In her six years of marriage, her husband and, “members of his family have regularly abused her, beating her and binding her in chains.” This violence against women, like the practice of bacha bazi, runs rampant throughout Afghanistan. If you’re wondering what sparked the argument that led to Reza’s disfigurement, the answer is quite indicative of the culture; the woman’s husband had, “taken his uncle’s 6- or 7-year-old daughter as his fiancee, with the intention of making her his second wife.”

With the troop draw-down and the ineffectiveness of Afghan security forces, the conditions for the civilian population has been drastically worsening in recent years. Restrictive rules of engagement impede combat operations against the Taliban, while also making it

nearly impossible to protect the innocent from an abusive culture. While respecting other cultures is important when serving in a foreign country, some things should never have to be accepted as that. We cannot treat the subject of child sex abuse as if it were something as benign as taking off shoes before entering a home. Many abuse victims will simply accept it as normal, and grow into adulthood perpetuating the same abuse, thus continuing the cycle. If our troops were not restricted from intervening during the majority of our 14-year presence, the cycle would at least be broken for a generation.

While the emotional damage to the affected women and children should be obvious, the not-so-obvious damage from this practice hides among our veterans. Our soldiers and marines feel a duty to protect the defenseless; it’s a reason many make the decision to serve. This makes it virtually impossible to

ignore cruel treatment of women and children.

Witnessing something this horrific and not being allowed to intervene causes emotional damage all on it’s own, and in my opinion contributes to post-deployment issues such as post traumatic stress disorder.

With the power vacuum created by the exit of foreign troops, families of victims are left with only the Taliban in many areas to punish abusers. This is especially disturbing considering the Taliban promoted this violent culture, and many soldiers have died in an effort to keep them from returning. The NYT article concludes with Reza’s father speaking with the Taliban, and demanding justice. While I absolutely despise our enemy, I can’t help but imagine myself in this father’s shoes. Having only the options of either seeking justice from the only source around, or do nothing, many of us would likely do the same.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS Republicans lay out legislative priorities for 2016 session

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

MONTGOMERY, Ala.— The Alabama Senate Republican Caucus recently announced their legislative priorities for the 2016 session that began earlier this week.

Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston), Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed (R-Jasper), and other Republican state senators presented six legislative priorities, that make up their “Continuing Positive Progress” agenda.

Marsh said Senate Republicans will focus on legislation to spur economic growth, encourage education excellence, and protect children and families.

“A well-managed and efficient state government is in the best interest of all Alabamians and we should never stop looking for ways to make government work better for our citizens,” Sen. Marsh said. “Republicans in the Senate are committed to positive progress and I look forward to working with my colleagues as we continue to focus on common-sense, conservative solutions to the problems facing Alabama.”

Marsh pledged that bills accomplishing the stated goals will be given priority as they move through Senate committees, and receive top placement on the calendar when debated on the Senate floor.

“While addressing our primary goal of passing balanced, responsible budgets, Senate Republicans will also tackle our legislative priorities,” said Sen. Greg Reed. “The people of Alabama elected us to focus on jobs, education, and families – and we’re doing just that.”

Marsh said the “Continuing Positive Progress” priorities include the following themes: Spur Economic Growth Make Economic Incentives More Flexible & Accountable Alabama competes against other states daily for new industries and business expansions.

Creating more flexibility to craft responsible, pay-as-you-go incentive packages will result in more jobs for Alabamians.

Capitalize on Alabama’s Ports Other states’ ports are taking in shipments of products bound for Alabama. Providing economic incentives to create more traffic through Alabama’s ports

will generate exponentially more tax revenue and jobs.

Protect Children & Families

Increase Protection of the Most Vulnerable Victims of Abuse Abuse cases of children under six are often missed because these kids do not attend school yet. Making aggravated child abuse of a child under age six a Class A felony will ensure justice is served to those who abuse the most vulnerable of our population.

Staff The Alabama legislature’s fiscal discipline the last several years is paying off as evidenced by FY2017 revenues projections.

Giving Alabama teachers and education staff a raise that can be responsibly sustained will help with morale and retention.

Provide a Pay Raise to Teachers & Education

Incentivize Accountability, Specialized Hiring & Retention Alabama ranks near the bottom for exiting ineffective teachers and retaining effective teachers. Rewarding educators when they succeed and assisting those who need additional help will help improve education as a whole.

“Alabama Senate Republicans are making the priorities of Alabamians our legislative priorities,” concluded Sen. Jabo Waggoner. “What matters most is doing the peoples’ business by improving the economy, strengthening education, and protecting families.”

opponents the following day. In a speech to supporters in New Hampshire, Trump accused Cruz of dishonesty, and explained his reasoning as, “he lies, he lies because he’s from Canada.”

One crucial factor for achieving success following the Iowa caucuses is momentum.

A strong performance in Iowa is critical, however, historically the winner of Iowa rarely wins the nomination. Typically, candidates exhibiting the most momentum will eventually win the nomination. A good example is the momentum of a football game. If the score in the third quarter is 42 - 35, but the trailing team has scored three unanswered touchdowns with the most recent being a pick-six, most would anticipate that the trailing team will continue scoring and finish on top. Rubio and Sanders represent the trailing team in this scenario. While neither won in Iowa, both managed to finish with almost double the amount of support shown in some of the most recent polling data.

This indicates they are swaying more last minute decision makers and bleeding support from their respective opponents.

On Tuesday, Feb. 9, voters will go to the polls in the first conventional primary of the nomination process in New Hampshire. Strong advantages are shown in polling for Trump on the Republican ticket and Sanders for the Democratic Party, according to Real Clear Politics. Both seem to benefit from being geographically located near New Hampshire, as well as a large anti-establishment movement thats home to the granite state. Although it’s noteworthy that Iowa did not turn out as the polls portrayed. New Hampshire is also home to many moderate Republican voters that may trend towards Rubio who is also enjoying much of the momentum.

On the Democratic side, Sanders possesses strong polling numbers, as well as the momentum of a strong Iowa performance. Be sure to stay tuned as the Southern Torch brings you updates and analysis throughout the 2016 elections!

Expand Suicide Awareness & Prevention Education Training Suicide affects youths of every ethnic, economic, and social background. Equipping K-12 teachers with the tools and training to speak with students about suicide prevention will reduce the stigma associated with suicide and the illnesses and emotions that lead to it.

Encourage Education Excellence

Presidential candidates shift focus to New Hampshire

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz won the Iowa caucuses on Monday, upsetting predicted GOP winner Donald Trump who just narrowly edged out Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for second place.

“Tonight is a victory for courageous conservatives across Iowa and all across this great nation,” Cruz exclaimed to supporters as final votes were counted Monday night and his victory in Iowa secured.

The first signs appeared tonight that Trump may be vulnerable despite commanding leads in months past in countless national polls leading up to the first real showdown of the 2016 presidential race in Iowa on Monday. Trump barely managed to hold off Florida Sen. Marco Rubio who surged late in the polls as votes were

counted Monday evening, resulting in Trump narrowly defeating Rubio to claim second place in the Iowa caucus.

“This is no ordinary election,” Rubio told supporters. “Our performance tonight in Iowa is an important step towards winning this election.” Rubio emerges from Iowa as the candidate to watch as the 2016 battle for president wages on toward the next stop in New Hampshire.

With 94 percent of the vote in at 11 p.m. Monday night, Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders were neck-andneck as the final votes were counted. Around midday on Tuesday, Hillary Clinton was declared the winner of the Iowa Democratic caucuses, according to final results from the Democratic Party. In a narrow victory, Clinton received 49.9 percent of

the vote to Sanders 49.6 percent.

Immediately following the Iowa caucuses, the field narrowed on both sides, as the Monday vote assessed candidate viability for the first time in the 2016 election cycle.

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee ended his second bid for the Republican nomination; winning the very same Iowa caucuses in 2008. As of print, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul as well as former Senator Rick Santorum had also announced their decisions to conclude their campaigns. The Democrats, who have enjoyed a much less crowded field thus far, saw the exit of former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, who failed to reach viability in a single Iowa precinct.

In the aftermath to what many would call upsets among both parties, the “front running” candidates have been left on the defensive. Real estate mogul Donald Trump, who was largely favored in polling, seemed humbled in his postcaucus remarks, but was quick to vent his frustrations with his

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Friday–February 5, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FAITH & INSPIRATION

Always be helpful

By Diego Reynoso diego@southerntorch.com

This week I had treatment. I had missed a week of treatment because the side effects were bothering me. The burning sensation in my hands was unbearable and I could not get them to close, well they could but man did it hurt bad.

Also the skin was shedding so bad that it

would leave like an open wound. I’ve tried everything under the sun to help. Lotions, cream, ointments and home remedies. I have heard from everyone some form of idea to help. I appreciate everyone’s advice and tips. Nothing goes unnoticed believe me. I seem to manage it some but man does it still find ways to get worse. I mention this because I went Wednesday to take off my pump. I signed in as usual and returned to the lobby to wait. I wasn’t feeling too good so I decided to stand. It was hot in the lobby and I figured by standing close to the outside door I could manage the heat.

As I was waiting the door opened to the back where the chemo lab and doctor rooms are. Two women

proceeded to exit. I glanced up at them and noticed the older woman, probably in her late eighties, was walking slow and looked dizzy.

She was using a cane and the other woman was trying to help her as much as she could.

Unfortunately she was around the same age and wouldn’t have been able to help if she would have fallen. They stopped at the front desk to set up a time for the next visit.

The older woman with the cane leaned up against the wall for support. After they were finished at the front desk they continued to walk through the lobby. She didn’t even make it ten steps before she became dizzy again. She grabbed the wall and immediately I went over to help. I

asked if she needed a wheelchair. She looked up and grinned and said “please”. I took off with quickness even though I was feeling bad. I imagined my grandmother when I saw this woman. So to me I wasn’t gonna let her walk to her car. I helped her into the chair and told her friend that I would take her out if she would pull your car up. After she went outside I asked her if she had treatment? She said no just a doctor visit. But she started informing me the reason for the dizziness wasn’t from treatment, it was from Parkinson’s disease. I was in shock really. I mean, I know to have cancer is a hard thing to cope with but to have such a hard disease like Parkinson’s also is unimaginable. I

think at times with all my side effects that cause so much pain and sickness this woman has to endure two life threatening diseases. I know what I go through is hard and I am thankful for all the people in my life that help me. I just don’t know how I would be able to handle what this woman is going through.

It made me realize that while I may have it bad some days, there is always someone out there that might have it worse. So always be helpful. Someone you know or even a stranger might need help once in a while. And a small gesture like holding a door or in my case getting a wheelchair to help someone to the car could go a very long way.

Supports Team Diego!

Team Diego Shirt–Left Chest: 4"w × 2.6"h

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

As most of you know, in 2012 at age 32, Diego was diagnosed with colon cancer. After the diagnosis, Diego underwent surgery to remove the cancer followed by several months of radiation and chemotherapy. In the four years since, Diego’s health has fluctuated back and forth as he has gone in and out of remission. But two things have remained constant over those four years—first, his need for costly ongoing medical treatment and chemo-

therapy—and second, a display of courage and strength beyond words, a strength that has humbled and inspired us all as he has refused to give up and continued to fight this deadly disease with every ounce of his being. It was in the spirit of that strength that two years ago in an effort to help raise funds to pay for the expensive treatments and mounting medical bills, TEAM DIEGO held a t-shirt fundraiser with the slogan “I AM STRONG” to help relieve some of the financial burden on Diego and his

family. We could never put into words how meaningful and helpful that experience was, not just financially but emotionally and some days even physically. You lifted all of our spirits and gave Diego and his family the strength to continue fighting and the ability to help cover his expensive treatments with heads held high.

More importantly you lifted Diego up every time you wore that shirt.

As most of you are aware, sadly a few months ago Diego’s cancer returned, requiring additional medical treatments and an aggressive chemo again. That’s why TEAM DIEGO recently decided to hold another t-shirt fundraiser for Diego and his family. The last t-shirt design was “I am Strong,” a slogan that couldn’t be more fitting.

Your support helped provide that strength— you helped make it a reality. We are calling on your support again now.

Our new slogan is “We are Unstoppable.” Help us make this slogan a reality. Prices for all regular sizes are $15 with special sizes like 2X and 3Xat $20. Thanks again for all the support and hope you enjoy the new design. We are now taking preorders beginning today. Contact me here or if you have our personal info you can that way.

Artwork is available in white on a blue garment, or in blue on a white garment.

Team Diego Shirt–Full Back: 11"w × 13"

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Friday–February 5, 2016

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Back-to-Back County Champs

Plainview Bears accepting the DeKalb County Championship trophy. The trophy has officially been named the L.D. Dobbins Memorial Trophy after legendary Collinsville coach, L.D. Dobbins.

Plainview wins tournament

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Plainview 74Geraldine 69 RAINSVILLE, Ala.— Anticipation filled the coliseum as the Class 3A, No. 3 Geraldine Bulldogs faced the No. 9 Plainview Bears for the Dekalb County Basketball Tournament championship game Thursday night, January 25, 2016.

You could hardly hear the teams being announced over the standing-room only fan section. Inclement weather had postponed this game for nearly a week and anticipation for this game was at an all time high. Geraldine and Plainview were both

ranked in the top 10 for this year. Plainview had defeated Geraldine last year in the final second of the game to win the 2015 Dekalb County Basketball Tournament championship.

Despite being the reigning county champions, Plainview went into the tournament finals as the underdog.

Geraldine had eliminated Plainview in the Sand Mountain Christmas Tournament , giving them one of their three losses for the year.

During the first quarter, both teams shot three pointers like the ball was on fire. With 3:05 minutes left in the first quarter, Senior Clay Cooper shot a 3. The next

Tournament MVP, #20 Jeffery Armstrong tries to sneak past Geraldine’s #1, Colby Lee Mincey.

possession, Kolby Tinker joined in with the first of his multiple 3’s.

Geraldine struck with the first of their 3-point shots when Colby Mincey brought the Plainview lead down to four. The score was Plainview 16, Geraldine 12 going into the second quarter.

In the second quarter, Geraldine brought in their secret weapon #52 Senior, Tate Richey. The 6’ 10”, 319 pound player was a force to be reckoned with. He helped slow the Plainview shooting game and brought the score back within reach for the Bulldogs. Going into the half, Plainview led the

Bulldogs 31-28.

The second half was a battle between two teams who refused to give up.

Plainview scored nine unanswered points in the first part of the third.

Geraldine bounced back and cut the Bears lead down to six. At the end of the third, the score was Plainview 54, Geraldine 48. The Bulldogs outscored the Bears 21-20 in the fourth but could not overcome the lead that the Bears held. The Bears had seven threes in the second half to seal the victory and retain the title of County Champions for 2016.

Final score was Plainview 74, Geraldine 69.

Coach Robi Coker had this to say about his team’s win: “It was everything a championship game is suppose to be. Both teams really competed. I thought we did a good job of attacking their zone and not turning it over.

Several guys stepped up and made big shots. The 17 assists on 23 baskets really stand out. This group does a great job of sharing the ball and finding the open man. It was a total team effort and I couldn’t be more proud of this group of

men I’m fortunate enough to be able to coach.”

Plainview had three players who scored in the double digits. Freshman, #13 Cade Millican led the Plainview team with four 3’s, six rebounds and a total of 24 points.

Sophomore, #20 Jeffery Armstrong, the tournament MVP had 13 points.

Sophomore, #22 Clay Cooper had 11 points and 5 rebounds.

Two players for Geraldine scored in the double digits. #42, Senior Cade White led the Geraldine team with 20 points. #1, Senior Colby Lee Mincey had 16 points for the night.

Head Coach Robi Coker cutting down the net after the Bears defeat Geraldine 74-69, to win the Dekalb County Tournament.

The Dekalb County Basketball The Plainview Bears recently won the Dekalb County Boys trophy is named after the late, Tournament Pictured (not in order): Coach L.D. Dobbins

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

L.D. Dobbins grandson, Luke Griggs and his children. Griggs is the assistant coach for the Collinsville Panthers Boys Basketball team.

Dobbins was a 1954 graduate and All-State basketball player at DeKalb County High School. He coached basketball for 29 years and amassed a career record of 511-311, with two years at Southside and 27 years at Collinsville. He led Collinsville to the state championship in 1975 and was the state Coach of the Year that season.

He had 10 players go on to play college basketball and seven went into coaching. The Collinsville gymnasium is named in his honor.

Coach Robi Coker Jake Slay Caden Millican Phillip Dukes Jeffery Armstrong Cade Willingham Anthony Cooper Koby Tinker Will Kirk Jon Scott

DeKalb Co. All Tournament Team Boys:

Joshua Bailey-Crossville Tyler Blakely-Collinsville Hunter Hill-Sylvania Tate Richey-GHS Justin Murphy-GHS Colby Lee Mincey-GHS Cade White-GHS Will Kirk-PHS Cade Millican-PHS Clay Cooper-PHS MVP-Jeffery Armstrong-PHS

Dekalb County Tournament Champions- Fyffe JV Boys Top row: Coach Heath Thrash, Dakota Dalton, Patrick Johnson, Cole Lyles, Chase Adams, Andrew Dunston, Brody Dobbins, Crimson Long, Ed Pope, Chris Szydlowski Bottom row: Tucker Goolesby, Jon Garrett, Cody Collins, Silas Hicks, Ivan Salvador, Payton Stoner, Brant Rowell, Jamison Durham, Mason Myers

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Ider Lady Hornets win County Championship

Ider Lady Hornets accepting the Dekalb County Tournament Championship trophy. The trophy is officially named the Mike Cochran Award after legendary Fyffe coach, Mike Cochran

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Ider 81-Sylvania 58 RAINSVILLE, Ala.- The Sylvania Rams (17-7) met the Ider Hornets (15-8) in the Dekalb County Tournament championship game on Thursday, January 28, 2016.

Inclement weather had forced the game to be postponed for nearly a week.

Excitement was in the air as the game began. Students and fans from both schools packed the stands to support their teams. This was a get-there-early so you can get

good seat kind of ballgame.

Sylvania came into the game as the top seed of the tournament. During the first quarter Sylvania and Ider were equally matched in the first half. With 6:16 left on the clock in the first quarter, #12 Senior Lauren King, had her first of three pointers for the night to give the Rams the lead, 5-2. Ider’s #24, Senior Makenzie Hughes answered back with the first of her four three’s for the night, to tie the ballgame. #2, Junior Hannah Culpepper took a final shot before the

The Dekalb County Basketball Girls trophy is named after Coach Mike Cochran

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Mike Cochran presents the Ider Lady Hornets the championship trophy

During Cochran’s twenty-eight years of teaching at Fyffe High School, he boost a 627-226 record that contained seven State Championships, including four in a row from 1994-1997. He won 16 Dekalb County Championships and 14 Area Championships. He also coached the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic, four times. Mike Cochran was inducted into the Dekalb County Sports Hall of Fame in 2013 and was inducted this year into the AHSAA Hall of Fame.

Matt Sharp Board of Education paid political Ad by Matt Sharp 351 West St Sylvania, AL. 35988

end of the first to give Ider the 23-22 lead.

The second quarter saw a completely equal matchup with both teams scoring 17 points. Ider Senior, #11 Dani Townson hit a three to end the quarter with Ider in the lead, 42-39.

During the third quarter, Ider took the 60-44 lead over Sylvania due to the expert shooting of Culpepper and Townson.

Ider came into the ballgame as the underdog but showed what teamwork can accomplish as they outscored the Lady Rams in the fourth, 21-14 to seal their victory. They had many obstacles to overcome to get the win. The main one being the enthusiastic fans from Sylvania that were seated directly behind their bench.

The fans came in complete costumes to support their team. Some as super heros, sports reporters, and even Fred Flintstone. Ider forced a total of 22 turnovers and also had ten 3 pointers. Townson led Ider with 23 points.

Culpepper was named the tournament MVP and finished the night with 17 points. “Our girls executed very well. They stuck to the game plan and maintained

Hannah Culpepper, tournament MVP, goes for the score against Sylvania

focus” Ider Head Coach Mark McMahon stated. When asked how it felt to play next door neighbor in the finale Coach McMahon said, “I am very respectful of Sylvania and their coaching staff.”

Sylvania had two players to score in the double digits.

Senior #20, Morgan Frazier had 19 points and four assists.

Lauren King finished the night with 11 points, 4 rebounds, and shot three three point shots.

Ider Lady Hornets-Dekalb County Tournament Winners

Ider cutting the net after their victory over Sylvania

Hannah Culpepper Shelby Hawkins Jaclyn Allday Morgan Flynn Rachel Cavitt Dani Townson Laney Gaddis Makenzie Hughes Allison Stephens Kaylan Brown Catlin Tinker Kelly Hale Head Coach Mark Mcmahon

Dekalb County All Tournament Team, Girls:

Keeston Bobo-Crossville Cassie McDaniel-Crossville Brittany Rivera-Collinsville Aryelle Joins-Collinsville Jacey Bell-PHS Morgan Frazier-SHS Lauren King-SHS Jenny Sweeting-SHS Makenzie Hughes-IHS Elizabeth Hughes-IHS MVP-Hannah Culpepper-IHS

Dekalb County Tournament JV Girls Champions Fyffe JV Lady Devils Top: Coach Tony Bell, Kaylee Anderson, Summer Guinn, Shelby Pettis, Adrian Wooden, Alyssa Morris, Tessa Bynum, Coach Mike Williams Bottom: Lily Taylor, Kaitlyn Wilson, Presley Wilbanks, Kaitlyn Coots, Whitley Fields

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FANS OF THE WEEK! The Southern Torch fans of the week are the Sylvania High School Cheering Section.

These enthusiastic fans were spotted at the Dekalb County Tournament supporting the Lady Rams. Submit your photos to marla@southerntorch.com to be our next fan of the week!

HUNTER OF THE WEEK! Dedra Capps recently killed this buck.

Dedra is from Fyffe and is a CRNP/ Owner at Family First Medicine. She is pictured with her daughter, Maddie Thrash. Submit your hunting pictures to marla@southerntorch.com to be our next Hunter of the Week!

Southern Torch Valentine’s Day Giveaway!

By Angie Reynoso angie@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— Southern Torch is awarding dinner and a movie for two! Post a photo of yourself and your Valentine on our

facebook page from Feb.1, 2016 - Feb.7, 2017 for your chance to win a romantic dinner for two at Wildflower Cafe and two tickets for a movie of your choice at Fort Payne Cinemas. The photo with the most likes and

comments will be the lucky winner and will be announced Feb. 8, 2016.

A brief article and your photo will be in our Feb. 12, 2016 issue.

Don’t be shy and send in your photo’s.

DeKalb athletes sign letters of intent

Casey Eddings, a Plainview High School Senior, recently signed a letter of intent to continue playing softball at Shorter University.

Pictured on the Back row are former and current softball coaches:Steve Bowman, Tony Richards, Jason Traylor, Chris Clark, Jeff Brooks and Whitney Hodges Front Row: Jesse Burt, Brandi Burt, Eddings and Dallas Burt.

Madison Burt, a Senior from Sylvania High School, recently signed a letter of intent to play softball with Snead State Community College on a full scholarship.

Desmon Turner, a Senior from Fort Payne High School, signed to continue his football career with Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio on National Signing Day, 2/3/16.

Back row left to right: Pitching coach-Holli Hill, Head coachTracy Grindrod, Hitting coach-Megan Christensen, SHS Head coach-Holly Currie, SHS principal- Wesley King

Names starting from the Bottom left to right: Mother: Jerelyn Turner, Scholarship Signee: Desmon Turner, Father: Shawn Turner. Top from left to right: Grandfather: Bro. Walter Turner, Sister: Arrielle Turner, Friend: Daruice Maddox, Friend: Logan Ellis, and Fort Payne Head Coach, Paul Ellis.

Front Row left to right: Chris Burt, Madison Burt, Traci Burt

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