The Southern Torch, Vol. 3, Issue 17

> PAGE 12 THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2017 / VOL. 3, NO. 17 / $1.00

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Lookout Mountain Homicide Bill that allows county being investigated as a crime commission to raise gas

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

Last Man Standing On Saturday, the tie breaker game was played to see who would advance to the second round of the State Playoffs.

THIS WEEK IN POLITICS DeKalb Co. Commission purchases new buses, makes appointments The Commission met this week to make board appointments and purchase new buses.

Law Enforcement discovered Alberto Pablo Felipe, 36 of Fort Payne, deceased after a domestic situation reported on County Road 232 turned violent last week. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — While it was speculated earlier that

a homicide two weeks ago might have been self-defense, we can confirm that the District Attorney’s office is investigating the incident. A man

DeKalb County Softball Champs!

was found deceased last Friday on County Road 232, between Fort Payne and Collinsville, on Lookout Mountain, after a domestic situation was reported.

“This is an ongoing investigation, and no further information will be available until the conclusion,” said a spokesperson for the Ninth Circuit District Attorney’s Office.

Alberto Pablo Felipe, 36 of Fort Payne, was discovered face-down in the roadway last Friday, after multiple calls

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tax advances

After a statewide gas tax fails, Montgomery comes with a new bill to allow the tax to be enacted at the county level. (File Photo)

By Tyler Pruett,

Managing Editor tyler@southerntorch.com MONTGOMERY, Ala. — While the gas tax bill has been declared dead not only for this year, but the next, another bill has made it through the appropriate senate committee that would allow county commis-

sions to raise the tax at the county level by as much as 5 cents.

The bill, Senate Bill 386, will allow Alabama county commissions to raise the local gas tax by way of popular county vote and also requires the counties to provide

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County flies flags at half staff to commemorate April 27 tornadoes

Congratulations to the Plainview Lady Bears!!! They defeated the Collinsville Lady Panthers 15-5, to win the DeKalb County Softball Tournament!!!

Summer reading program signups begin!

The memorial to commemorate those that lost their lives, located at the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum in Rainsville. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett

Managing Editor tyler@southerntorch.com

The Rainsville Public Library is beginning signups for their summer reading program on May 1. (Tyler Pruett |Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett,

Managing Editor tyler@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Sign-up for the Rainsville Public Library’s Summer Reading Program begins Monday, May 1st and runs through Thursday, June 2nd.

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FORT PAYNE, Ala. — DeKalb County Commission President Ricky Harcrow said at Tuesday's meeting, “The sixth item is that I’ve requested that our flags on our county buildings be placed at half staff in memory of the tragic tornado that hit our community in 2011, on April 27th."

Thursday marks the sixth year since a massive tornado raked across the county, taking with it 35 people in the area. The tornado killed 238 people across Alabama, and was later rated at an EF-5 when it passed through Rainsville, boasting wind

peak greater than 200 miles per hour with a path measuring 33.8 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, according to the National Weather Service.

“I remember going to Rainsville that night, and stepping across body bags. For as long as I have the capacity to remember, I’ll remember that day,” said Harcrow.

The committee has chosen this year not to have a public event like we normally do in Rainsville, but they have requested that I make the announcement that it will not happen this year,” said Harcrow, “but I do want to encourage all of our municipalities, as well as issue executive orders to our county

buildings, to fly our flags at half staff.”

“That was a desperate day for a lot of folks, a lot of friends and a lot family, we all saw a lot of graphic stuff at that time,” said DeWitt Jackson, District IV Commissioner.

“Our hearts and prayers still go out to the families of those who lost lives,” added Jackson.

District III Commissioner Chris Kuykendall said, “It was a difficult time.

Everybody that was affected, personally…. It was heartening to see how quickly and positively the community reacted.

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Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Friday.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Friday–April 28, 2017

April 27 tornadoes, page 1 They made the families suffering somewhat easier. These people should not be forgotten, that’s for sure.”

District I Commissioner Shane Wootten said, “I want to thank Commissioner Jackson and Commissioner Harcrow for offering to do this, I think it’s a great memorial for people that lost their lives that day. It was a very tragic day for DeKalb County, but what followed showed the heart of the people of DeKalb County. We’re glad to be able to honor them.”

District II Commissioner Scot Westbrook recounted the day, who was serving as a firefighter in Fort

Payne at the time, “It was truly a tragic day…. We’ll never forget that. I have seen in the few years since a lot of progression made in preparedness, not only here in the community, but in the state, region, and across the nation. I too agree that bringing the flags down to half staff is a great statement and a very honorable thing for us to do.”

“Please continue to be prepared for these type of situations, because we never know when they are going to happen. As long as we are prepared, hopefully we won’t ever experience this great of loss in this area again,” Westbrook added.

County Attorney

Charles E. Mauney recounted how some of his extended family lost everything in the storms, and then concurred that the tornadoes showed the “heart” of DeKalb County.

“As Commissioner Wootten said, it really showed family coming together as a family in this county. We love each other here, even though we don’t always agree,” said Mauney.

The commission also explained that the committee in charge of the memorial service had decided to hold a service each fifth year after the fatal storm. The county commission will commemorate the day by lowering flags to half staff each year.

Lookout Mountain Homicide, page 1 were made from residents of the area about a male being face down, and bleeding in the roadway, apparently stabbed. Felipe would succumb to his wounds.

Information will be limited until the conclusion of the investigation, but the incident is currently being investigated aggressively as a crime.

It’s also been reported earlier this week by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office that the unnamed

female who allegedly stabbed Felipe, called emergency dispatch and reported being attacked. Eyewitnesses allege, however, that law enforcement was notified by a passerby who saw Felipe bleeding, lying in the roadway, opening up the possibility that the “victim,” may have reported being attacked by Felipe, after Felipe had already been stabbed.

The female’s name is being withheld until the investigation is concluded.

This a complicated

matter, but after talking to those conducting the investigation, we can say for sure that investigators are working hard and committed to getting to the truth in this matter. Once it’s concluded, we’ll be able to share the full story.

Check our webpage, http://www. southerntorch.com, for updates as more information is available on this incident.

Summer reading program, page 1 This year’s theme is, “Build a Better World.” Children who have completed grades K-6 and live in DeKalb or Jackson counties are eligible to participate in the program. The Rainsville Public library will have several programs throughout June and July, concluding with the Awards Day & pool party sponsored by Farmer’s Telecommunications and the City of Rainsville on July 27.

All participants will have reading goals they must meet to come to the pool party.

The library will also have a pre-K reading program for children ages 2-5, young adult program for 12-17, and an adult program for 18 and up. Visit the

library for more information.

The library would like to thank their sponsors; without them they could not hold our Summer Reading Program with such a high level of participation and success!

Monica Smith, who heads up the library's summer reading program, pointed out that this year, they’ll be partnered with DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon to provide the kids with outdoor activities and education.

2017 Summer Reading Program Sponsors: •Farmer’s Telecommunications Cooperative •City of Rainsville •Wal-Mart Super Center •Stevi B’s

•Little River Canyon National Preserve •DeSoto State Park For more information, contact Monica Smith, Children’s Services Librarian, Rainsville Public Library, Phone: 256.638.3311, Email: rpl1@farmerstel.com

3 firefighters, homeowner treated after blaze on Sylvania Gap Road

According to the Blake Volunteer Fire Department, three firefighters were treated at the scene for over-exhaustion. The homeowner, who was thought to still be in the structure, thankfully made it out and is ok. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett,

Managing Editor tyler@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Late Sunday night, April 23, at approximately 10:30 pm, emergency dispatch was notified of a structure fire on Sylvania Gap Road (County Road 27), a short distance from the city limits of Fort Payne. The neighbor that reported the blaze also notified dispatch that a resident was currently at home.

The Blake Volunteer Fire Department was the first to arrive on the scene, being located a short distance up the mountain on County Road 27 from the fire, with the Pine Ridge Volunteer Fire Department also responding. The structure stood on a hill, and posed a challenge to first responders, who were forced to drag hoses and equipment up the hill. The structure’s location on the road in the sharp curves also necessitated caution when firefighters tackled the blaze.

“The house was fully involved when we arrived on the scene,” said Blake VFD Chief Marlon Lands. “The spot in the road caused

some difficulty, but at least the road isn’t that busy that time of night.”

Chief Lands explained that the Sylvania Fire Department and Pine Ridge Volunteer Fire Departments also assisted, and that deputies from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office secured the roadway.

“Thank the good Lord nobody had any serious injuries,” said Blake Fire Department Assistant Chief Jason Foster. “We thought the homeowner was still inside, so when our oxygen ran out, we continued on.”

Foster said the combination of working uphill and running low on clean air led to 3 of the firefighters being treated at the scene for exhaustion, Foster being one of them.

“We were under the impression that he was still inside, so we were pushing it, we didn’t want to give up” explained Foster.

The homeowner, Sam Palmer, had thankfully been awakened by the blaze, and made it out his bedroom window and into the yard behind the house.

“I felt my feet get hot, and that’s when it woke me up,” Palmer explained. “I crawled out of the window and

passed out in the back yard.”

When Blake VFD responded to the scene, they couldn’t see Palmer in the back yard, as the driveway was located on the opposite side of the structure from Palmer, putting the blaze between himself and first responders.

Electricity was also still active on that side of the house, creating further difficulty in locating Palmer.

While Palmer was later and fortunately located outside the structure and not inside, first responders pushed themselves to the max to ensure everything had been done to save a life; including push themselves to exhaustion and needing medical attention themselves.

The house was a total loss, with firefighters remaining on the scene until 2 pm. Palmer pointed out they have insurance, but he lamented the loss of things you can’t replace. He also expressed his gratitude to the first responders and that he made it out ok.

“There’s just so many personal things you can’t replace,” he explained.

“I’m just thankful I made it out alive.” said Palmer.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Friday–April 28, 2017

3

COMMUNITY

Black Dutch

By Bill Potter ST Contributor

When I was a child, my grandfather always said his mother’s family, the Dickert's were something he called Black Dutch and I always wondered what exactly this term meant. As a child, naturally I assumed it meant like the typical “Dutch” they were originally from Holland, but that is not the case. It seems that in the 19th century the term “Black Dutch” was a catch-all ethnicity used in the Appalachian Mountains, and someone claiming to be Black Dutch could in

fact be any of a number of ethnicities from Southern Germans to tri-racial Melungeons to almost pure bred Native American.

Many Alabama families of Black Dutch descent exhibit an olive complexion and very dark hair common to a Mediterranean origin, which lends credence to the theory that the Melungeons and some Black Dutch descend from Turkish Sailors who had worked aboard Spanish ships in colonial times, while others feature the high cheekbones characteristic of the Native American population.

The Coopers were an early Sand Mountain

We will feature a weekly series of walks in the past with special contributor, Bill Potter. We wait in

anticipation for what memory he will recall next week!

Black Dutch family.

Other Black Dutch or Melungeon family names were Adkins, Beam, Black, Blevins, Brown, Bunch, Bundren, Burke, Burns, Davis, Dickert, Fields, Gist, Gunter, Keys, Lackey, Lowrey, Redwine, Riley, Shankles, and Sizemore.

In the 1830’s prior to the Trail of Tears, many Native Americans, particularly Cherokee, began to claim Black Dutch as their Heritage to explain their dark complexion and avoid removal to the Indian

Fort Payne Optimist Club's 9th Annual 'Race to Embrace'

Territory. In those days, being Native American in Alabama was as dangerous as being a Jew or Gypsy in 1937 Berlin, so many did what they had to do to pass as people of European heritage.

Also thanks to the land and gold greedy 19th Century federal government non-Europeans were forbidden from owning land, so this made being Black Dutch preferable to being a Cherokee or Creek Indian not only for safety sake but also to keep from being robbed of your belongings and your

very home by the friendly Yankee Army personnel charged with carrying out these immoral federal orders.

Black Dutch just became what you were and in time the reason for adopting the moniker itself was forgotten along with the true meaning of the term.

In conclusion, if you hear you have ancestors who were Black Dutch this both means everything and

means nothing. There is no way that the term itself can lead you to discover the history of your family since it was a catch-all term used by several different groups. The term will however give you a bit of insight into the type of oppression our ancestors faced in what was nominally a nation serving as a bastion of the world's freedom.

In reality Black Dutch is a leftover term from 18th and 19th century America where being anything short of a white man was considered the mark of dishonor ...which viewed from the hindsight is a mark of dishonor in itself.

First State Bank holds 5K 6th Annual

NOW WITH CHIP TIMING!

5K Run/Walk Fun Run

Participants are encouraged to Walk or Run in Memory or in Honor of a Loved one!

Saturday, April 29, 2017 7:30 a.m.

DeKalb Lake, Sylvania Alabama 720 Co. Rd. 194 Sylvania, AL. 35988

Name________________________________________________________ will be held following available on the FSB

By Staff Reports

After finishing the games, students from each school were called up and all were presented with trophies, and everyone was all smiles to have their picture taken! (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett,

Managing Editor tyler@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne Optimist Club hosted their 9th Annual “Race to Embrace” at Wildcat Stadium at Fort Payne High School earlier today (Friday, April 21).

Volunteers and students from all over DeKalb County Participated in the group’s annual event, filled with fun games for the special needs students of DeKalb County Schools and The City of Fort Payne.

“This is our ninth year having the event,” said Fort Payne Optimist Club President Brian Baine. “It’s a great day for these students to get outside and enjoy themselves.”

“We have a lot of

businesses and volunteers from all over the county pitch in to make this day a huge success,” said Baine.

“Next year will be our 10th year, and we’re planning on doing it big to celebrate 1o great years of, ‘Race to Embrace!'”

‘Race to Embrace’ is truly a community effort, with organizations such as the Fort Payne TimesJournal, members of the DeKalb County Young Republicans, and students from Northeast Alabama Community College pitching in to help make this heart-warming event happen.

Gadsden State Community College’s Nursing Program also participated; manning the first aid station. Each school also brought other students to help with the event.

Fort Payne optimist club and city council members Johnny Eberhart and Lynn Brewer were there to volunteer and help promote the event.

“It was just a great atmosphere and a great day,” said Eberhart. “We’re really glad to help with such an amazing thing.”

Brewer pointed out what to her was the best part of the day, “the best part is seeing all the smiles during the trophy presentation.”

For this year’s event, participants were blessed with perfect whether, and the atmosphere couldn’t have been better. After finishing the games, students from each school were called up and all were presented with trophies, and everyone was all smiles to have their picture taken!

Staff: Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor Zach Hester, Art Director

Southern Torch (ISSN 46-3499737) is printed weekly by The Daily Sentinel.

Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at Rainsville, Alabama.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Southern Torch PO Box 614, Rainsville AL 35986-0614

Marla Jones, Sports Editor Amy Thrash, Advertising Executive Membership rates: Regular yearly rate–$30 Senior or Veteran yearly rates–$25

Birth date: __________Age: ____Sex: _______Phone:________________ the completion of the website at www.fsbal.

The 6th annual First Address______________________________________________________ race, door prizes will be com, on the banks State Bank 5K Run/ given out after the facebook page or at any City/State/Zip__________________________________________________ Walk Fun Run is set for ceremony.

Proceeds go & NUMBER FSB branch in Fort EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION Saturday, April 29th at ______________________________________________ to the FSB Relay for Life Payne, Rainsville, 7:30 am in Sylvania, AL team. Participants are Henagar or Grant.

EMAIL_______________________________________________ at DeKalb Lake. Cost to encouraged to walk or Shirt Size (Circle One) S M L XL XXL enter is $25. Race day run in memory or in **NOW WITH (Make checks payable to: Relay for Life 5K) registration is set for honor of a loved one! or as parent or guardian of the named minor) for and in consideration of time entry in the aforementioned event, do hereby release, remise, waive 6:45I,andindividually am.

A(andceremony forever discharge the DeKalb County Lake, First State Bank, Race The City of Sylvania, and Relay for Life, supporting groups (of said event) it’s TIMING** forms will beand any and allCHIP directors, any officers, agents, officials, employees, volunteers, and sponsors from any and all liability claims, demands, actions, or causes of action whatsoever arising out of, or related to, any injury, illness, loss of damage, including death relating to participation in the aforesaid event. I further state I am in proper physical condition to participate in this event and will abide by all rules of the event. I also agree that if the event is cancelled for any reason that all entry fees are non-refundable. I ALSO GIVE FIRST STATE BANK MY PERMISSION FOR MYSELF OR MY CHILD TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED, VIDEOTAPED, NAMED IN NEWSPAPER ARTICLES, OR POSTED ON THE BANKS WEB SITE OR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES, WHICH INVOLES OR RELATES TO THE 5K FOR RELAY FOR LIFE.

Signature____________________________________________ (PARENT OR GUARDIAN IF UNDER 18)

Date___________________

Walking or Running in Honor or Memory of:________________________

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Friday–April 28, 2017

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

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Friday–April 28, 2017

5

When It's Time, Cable Time

By Staff Reports

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Two members of the Rainsville business community, Marla Jones, Southern Torch sports editor, and Marshal Stiefel, S&S Auto Sales, have aligned with Dish Network/Cable Time LLC to be the stars of their current

promotional series.

You may have seen the series, known as The Bundle Blues with Florence Jean and Wendell Earl on the Cable Time facebook page. Be sure to look for the next chapter of Wendell Earl's and Florence Jean's adventures to pop up in our Facebook feed!

Upcoming Events

Marla Jones and Marshal Stiefel made their acting debut as Florence Jean and Wendell Earl in the current Cable Time series, The Bundle Blues. Photo/Production by Amy Thrash

April 20-23 & 26-30: NACC Theatre Presents...Shrek The Musical At the Tom Bevill Lyceum on the campus of Northeast Alabama Community College. ThursdaySaturday evening performances will begin at 7:00 pm, and Sunday matinees will begin at 2:00 p.m. All seats are reserved, and tickets are $5.00 each. Tickets go on sale to patrons on March 9 and the general public on March 23. Phone the theatre department at 256-638-

4418 or 256-228-6001 x 2218.

256-845-0535.

April 27 - 30: The Jungle Book, Presented by the Fort Payne High School Drama Club April 27, 28, 29 @ 7pm – Doors open at 6pm April 30 @ 2pm – Doors open at 1pm. To purchase tickets, stop by Fort Payne High School, DeKalb Theatre or the cast and crew will be selling tickets. They are $5 each. Tickets will be available day of the show. Any further questions, please call

April 29: First State Bank 5K Run/Walk Fun Run Join First State Bank for the 6th Annual Relay for Life 5K Run/Walk Fun Run. Participants are encouraged to walk or run in memory or in honor of a loved one. DeKalb Lake in Sylvania. Final registration beginning at 6:45 a.m. – 7:15 a.m. and race begins at 7:30 a.m. 256-845-6101

FORT PAYNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

RAINSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Contributed by Carol Beddingfield, Executive Director

Contributed by Tim Eberhart, Executive Director

Fort Payne is seeking ideas for a city flag!

What do you think about Rainsville?

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Third Saturday Sunset flags on the light poles downtown really added to the event. This type of flag is a great way to advertise.

The City of Fort Payne is taking the idea a step further. The City Council and Mayor Chesser in partnership with Main Street invites the public to design a Fort Payne City flag.

The contest is open to all ages. However, you must live in the city limits of Fort Payne to be eligible.

The overall design must capture the spirit of Fort Payne. It will be interesting to see the different perspectives on what constitutes the true Fort Payne spirit.

Could it be the features of our great city? Or could it be our historical past? Or where we would like to see our city in the future?

Other points to ponder would be placement of the flags.

Should they also be in other parts of our city?

Colors, symbols and designs will be considered in choosing the winner.

A cash prize of $500.00 will be awarded to the 1st place winner and $250.00 to second place.

The top 10 flag design winners will be presented with a Certificate of Appreciation.

To enter, a form can be obtained at the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce, 300 Gault Avenue, North. The form with your design should be mailed to the Fort Payne City Hall, 100 Alabama Avenue, North by June 15, 2017.

The winners will be announced on June 30th at 7 PM at the Independence Day Celebration at the Fort Payne Sports Complex.

For more information call Fort Payne City Hall at 256-845-1524.

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Last week a visitor from a large city and I had a long conversation about our small city and it’s amenities and attributes. He shared his perspectives on those, and asked a good number of questions about our commercial district and our chamber of commerce.

It reminded me how helpful an outsider’s point of view can be in many instances. For our chamber, knowing how others see things can be helpful in regard to setting priorities and, in turn, being more effective at doing the things we should be doing.

So we are going to launch a simple program to gather a wide range of perspectives on a variety of topics. We want to know your point of view of Rainsville, it’s features and what’s going on here. We’ll use our website and Facebook page, and sometimes this article, to gather the information.

It will be useful to know things such as what people in Grove Oak, Macedonia or Adamsburg think about our restaurants, or what people in Pisgah, Collinsville or Hammondville think about our festivals.

But first of all, you can email us your points of view, words of wisdom and other comments in response to the following question: What do you like most about Rainsville, and why?

Our email address is chamber@farmerstel.com. We want to hear from both Rainsville residents and people in the surrounding area. We expect answers to come in in regard to things like our excellent schools, the sports complex, the Agri-Business Center, etc. So the “why” part of the answers may be the most revealing.

Give us a short or lengthy opinion. Or, send us a top-10 list if you like. Whatever form it takes, we just want to start off by hearing from a lot of folks.

Speaking of what you like most about Rainsville, Body Vision Fitness Center has to be at the top of the list for a great deal of folks.

With its indoor heated pool, workout equipment, classes, etc, it is a tremendous asset to the community.

Many lives have been changed in a positive, fitness-related way–and entire fitness-related movements have emerged in the community–due to Body Vision being where it is and what it is.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Friday–April 28, 2017

FAITH

Faith Words The Southern Torch is pleased to announce the first of a series from pastors around the DeKalb County area. We are pleased to welcome new perspectives from outside of our office onto the printed page. If you are a pastor in our area, please feel free to submit your "faith words" by emailing it to marla@southerntorch.com! This week, we are proud to introduce you to Cates Noles, the pastor of Rainsville Community Church!

By Cates Noles Pastor

Rainsville Community Church

The last words of a dying man… many times they are some of the most remembered words a person says.

Thomas Paine, a founding Father of the U.S. was quoted as saying, “O Lord help me! O God what have I done to suffer so much? But there is no God! Now contrast that to the last words of the Evangelist, John

Wesley; “The best of all is that God is with us...Farewell” Genesis 50:25 NLT - Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear an oath, and he said, "When God comes to help you and lead you back, you must take my bones with you."

Joseph was 110 years old when he says I’m leaving. He encourages those around him to remember God’s had promises. I ask you all to seriously consider this question, what will

be your last words that will be your quotes? What will people say that you said after you’re gone? Joseph’s last words were words of faith that we read in Hebrews 11.

Hebrews 11:22 NLT - It was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, said confidently that the people of

Israel would leave Egypt. He even commanded them to take his bones with them when they left. (emphasis mine) Joseph said, “carry my bones… faith words! Let us all have more faith words! Joseph’s last words were about remembering God’s promises.

NOW BOOKING FOR 2017

THE FISHERMEN SOUTHERN GOSPEL QUARTET

DEATH NOTICES W.T Wilson Funeral Chapel Martha Jo Adkins - 81 of Dawson, passed away Saturday April 21, 2017. Funeral services are set for 2pm Sunday, April 23, 2017 at the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Glen Stansell and Bro. Wayne White officiating. Burial will follow at Liberty Cemetery @ Painter.

The family will receive friends from 5pm until 8pm Saturday, April 22, 2017 at the funeral home.

James Raymond Hamilton - 79 of Dawson passed away Monday, April 24, 2017. Funeral services will be held at 2pm on

Wednesday, April 26, 2017 from New Harmony Church.

Burial will follow in Mt. Tabor Cemetery.

Bro. Lynn Darnell & Bro. Roger Watkins will be officiating. The Family will receive Friends from 5-9pm on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 & from 11am until 1pm on Wednesday April 26, 2017 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Lee Dale Hall Martin - 67 of Rainsville passed away Monday, April 24, 2017. A Memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Friday, April 28, 2017 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be held from 12noon until 9pm on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Corner Stone Funeral Chapel Beulah Atene Davis - 85 of Trenton died Thursday, April 20, 2017 at her residence. Funeral services are Sunday at 4 pm at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel. Burial will be Monday at 2 pm ct at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Floral City, FL. Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 pm Friday, Saturday from 10 am until 8 pm and Sunday from 10 am until service time.

Tommie Carole Beaty - 80 of Ider died Thursday, April 20, 2016 at her residence.

Funeral Services are Sunday at 2:00 pm at Ider Church of God with Bro. H E Lafevor, Bro. Benjamin Young and Bro. Rex Beaty officiating. Burial will follow in Fuller Cemetery. Family will receive friends Saturday from 2 to 8 pm and Sunday from 10 to 12 at Corner Stone.

Curtis Lamar Robinson - 53 of Bryant died Saturday, April 22 at his residence. Funeral services are Monday at 2 PM ET at Higdon Holiness Church with Bro. Edwin Spurgeon and Bro. Lamarus Gamble officiating.

Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Memorial Park. Family will receive friends Sunday, from 12 Noon to 9 PM ET and Monday from 11 am ET until service time.

Joseph Verdell Smith - 69 of Flat Rock died Monday, April 24 at his residence. Funeral services are Thursday at 11 am at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Dean Johnson officiating.

Burial to follow in Higdon Cemetery.

Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 on Tuesday 10:00 to 8:00 on Wednesday, and 9:00 am until service time on Thursday.

Wilson Funeral Home Merle Scott Pendergrass - 93 of Fort Payne, passed away Sunday, April 23, 2017. Funeral services

will be 2 p.m.

Wednesday, April 26th at Wilson Funeral Home with Elder Greg Phillips and Elder Jim McGill officiating.

Burial will follow in Mt. View Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 12 noon until the 2 p.m. hour of service.

Geraldine Funeral Home Clara E. Bennett - 63 of Crossville, AL passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2017 in Crossville, AL. Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 28, 2017 at 11am from Christ Episcopal Church in Albertville with Father Ben Alford, Jr. officiating.

Burial will follow in Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Asbury, AL with Geraldine Funeral Home announcing, www. geraldinefuneralhome.com.

Crossville Memorial Chapel Claudie "C.J." Brothers - 74 of Crossville, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at his residence. Funeral services will be at 2pm on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at Macedonia No. 2 Baptist Church.

Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemtery.

Bro. Lawayne Levans and Bro. Andy Brown will officiate.

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Friday–April 28, 2017

POLITICS DeKalb County Commisssion purchases new buses, makes board appointments

Commissioners review a purchase for new buses. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett,

Managing Editor tyler@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The County Commission met this week to make board appointments, purchase new buses for public transportation, and receive an update from the county’s road department.

Broyles reported the department was patching potholes, and started the road crews mowing this morning. After a week and a half, and weather permitting, the department was going to get spray trucks started.

Broyles stated that normally spraying began before mowing, but this year the rains had been too heavy.

“Hopefully the weather will moderate between now and then,” said Broyles.

Broyles also pointed out that the department is running new tractors, which required changes in operating procedures, and the crews are adjusting

to the new equipment.

“We’re hoping they’ll work real well,” explained Broyles.

District I Commissioner Shane Wootten asked Broyles about paving, “We have a few projects up in the Cartersville area, do you have any idea on when we can start on that?”

“These things are weather sensitive, the way the weather has been the last month or so, I wouldn’t advise starting on that right now, but hopefully, if we get to where it’s not raining everyday, I hope next month we’ll get started on that,” replied Broyles.

The commission also approved the reappointment of Greg Harris to the DeKalb-Jackson Water Board.

Michael Edmondson, Chief Deputy with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, requested that the commission approve personnel transfers.

Austin Peppers transferred from part

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time dispatch to full time dispatch, to replace Amelia Wilkes, who recently resigned. The commission approved the hiring of Daniel Wilkey to replace Austin Peppers as a part time dispatcher. The commission also agreed to hire Seth Moore as a new corrections officer to replace Kyle Wright in the jail.

Edmondson asked the commission to accept three resignations, Kyle Collier who was a Part Time Dispatcher, along with Eric Sorensen and Marisol Benitez, who were serving as corrections officers in the jail.

The commission accepted the resignations.

The commission also appointed Matt Martin and Trey Wallace as the county’s new safety coordinators, as co-administrators.

Long-serving coordinator, Anthony Clifton, chose not to seek reappointment due to health reasons.

The county also approved the purchase of buses for public transportation for senior citizens to and from senior centers, which Commission President Ricky Harcrow reported that the state would pay 80 percent for.

The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on Tuesday, May 9, in the DeKalb County Activities Building at 10 am.

7

Gas Tax, page 1 voters with a list of projects that the tax increase would fund.

Senator Arthur Orr (R - Decatur) is sponsoring the bill.

The bill would not only allow for the funds to be used for county road projects, but also for road improvements within city limits.

If the bill becomes law, it’s all but guaranteed that a referendum to raise the tax will be on the ballot in DeKalb County for 2018.

The new bill comes after lawmakers dropped a bill to raise the statewide gas tax after the measure couldn’t clear a procedural hurdle, due to lack of support. The need for more money to make infrastructure improvements stretches from Montgomery to Fort Payne, with both state officials and county officials highlighting the lack of funds for road departments.

Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser even discussed the problem from the city’s perspective at a recent council meeting.

At recent meetings of the DeKalb County Commission, the county has also discussed the need for funds to fix roads. The County Road Department has even had to resort to tearing up the old pavement on roads and replacing it with gravel, as the gravel is safer than torn up pavement.

While revenue is needed to help with infrastructure

projects, don’t let politicians fool you.

Increasing a tax on gasoline would increase the daily expenses of every single citizen within the affected areas.

While .05 cents or .04 cents (how much the original bill would have raised taxes), seems trivial, think about: if you buy 10 gallons of gasoline, you would pay .50 cents more. But it doesn’t stop there….

While directly consumers would see an increase at the pump, indirectly, consumers would see a slight increase in all consumer goods purchased due to higher cost of delivery.

Not only will it cost a little more to get to the store, it’ll cost more when you get there.

Now imagine how much this will increase the total cost of living in your daily life i.e.; cost to get to work, feed, and clothe your family. While it’s difficult to determine exactly how much more this tax will cost you, it could reasonably be $3 - $5 per day.

Now think about how much that will increase your cost of living per year, even at a 3 dollar increase per day, that’s over $1000 more per year live your life.

Our state and local government is correct in their assessment that we need more funds for infrastructure, but they are avoiding all possible solutions, to pass this tax on to the average

Alabamian. Dozens of industries in the state could survive a tax increase, without passing it on to every citizen and small business in the state or county.

Why do lawmakers not approach these tax increases on industries? Because they have powerful lobbyist, that can either give them thousands of dollars for a reelection if they vote their way, or give thousands to an opponent if not.

Therefore, they’ve kicked the can down the road to you, who doesn’t have thousands of dollars to give to a campaign.

Not only could industries have their taxes increased, but we could also do an assessment of how state money is being spent. It doesn’t matter how much money you have coming in, if it’s not being spent properly, we’ll always have this problem, no matter how much gas costs.

We in no way advocate “tax the rich, give to the poor,” but in this case, if someone needs to be taxed, it shouldn’t be the average Alabamian. We didn’t create this mess, the majority voted for lower taxes. While everyone is focused on draining the swamp in D.C., we should start here at home.

8

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Friday–April 28, 2017

Last Man Standing Plainview Varsity Baseball advances in State Playoffs

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

OHATCHEE, Ala.—In the first round of the Class 3A State Baseball Playoffs, the Plainview Varsity Bears defeated the Ohatchee Indians in a best,

two-out-of-three series.

Ohatchee was the victor in the first game of the series, defeating Plainview with a score of 14-8.

The second game was a nailbiter with the Bears having to win to tie the series. The score was tied 1-1 throughout the

majority of the game.

The game went to ten innings before the Bears scored on a bunt by Clay Cooper to bring in Kline Dewolfe for the winning run. The Bears defeated the Indians, 2-1.

On Saturday, the tie breaker game was played to see who would

advance to the second round of the State Playoffs. It was do or die for the Bears. The Indians jumped to an early lead, and at the top of two, they held on to the 4-0 lead. At the top of the fifth, the Bears put points on the board, when Kolton Farmer

came up to bat with the bases loaded, making the score 4-1. The Indians held onto their lead until the Bears picked up the bats at the bottom of the the fifth inning, and took care of business. Zack Allen hit a double to bring in two and tied the game with a score 5-5.

Brady Black brought in Allen to take the lead and win the game, 6-5.

The Bears will have the home field advantage as they take on the Colbert Heights Wildcats (14-6) on April 28, 2017 at 4:30 p.m.

Fyffe Falls Short in First Geraldine Fell to Pleasant Valley in Playoffs Round Playoffs

By Marla Jones,

Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

GADSDEN, Ala.—The Fyffe Red Devils faced Westbrook Christian in the first round of the State Baseball Playoffs.

The Red Devils had made it to the final game last year and had the determination and talent to get there again. Luck was not on the Red Devils side this year. In Game 1 of the series of the State Baseball Playoffs between the Fyffe Red Devils and Westbrook Christian Warriors, Westbrook won 10-0.

Fyffe fell behind early in the first game of three on Friday night.

Westbrook capitalized on an error to score first.

Westbrook also scored on a double and a single during the first inning.

The Fyffe Red Devils watched the game slip away early and could not seem to recover in a 10-0 loss to Westbrook Christian.

The Warriors were perfect in play and did not commit a single error. Tyler Self earned the win for Westbrook.

He pitched five innings, surrendered zero runs, four hits, striking out seven and walking one.

Will Mashburn took the loss for the Red Devils. He threw for four innings, surrendering

Seth Benefield slides into base during the first round of the state playoffs. Marla Jones | Southern Torch eight runs, three hits and striking out two.

From the plate, Cole Lyles, Justin Stiefel, Seth Benefield, and Brant Rowell each had one hit .

In Game 2 of the series, the Fyffe Red Devils defeated Westbrook Christian in dramatic fashion with a 1-0 walk-off victory. The game was tied at zero with the Red Devils batting in the the bottom of the seventh when Ike Rowell hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Carter Hilley.

On the mound, two pitchers combined to throw a shutout. Seth Benefield started things off strong for Fyffe. He pitched for six and two-thirds innings. He surrendered zero runs, two hits and struck out five. Justin Stiefel earned the win for the Red Devils. He went

one-third of an inning, giving up zero runs and one hit.

Jordan Reynolds took the loss for Westbrook Christian. He pitched two-thirds of an inning, giving up zero runs, one hit, striking out six and walking one.

From the plate, Brant Rowell led Fyffe with two hits in three at bats.

The Red Devils fell behind early in Game 3 and couldn't make the comeback, losing 13-3.

Westbrook captured the early lead, scoring two runs on an error and a stolen base in the first inning. In the fifth inning, Westbrook scored five runs.

Justin Stiefel, took the loss for the Fyffe Red Devils. He pitched one inning, allowing three runs, four hits, striking out one.

Brady Gilbert was the winning pitcher in the first game of the series against Pleasant Valley. Marla Jones | Southern Torch

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

GERALDINE, Ala.—Geraldine hosted the first round of the State Baseball Playoffs as the Class 3A, Area 13 winner, this past weekend.

Geraldine won the first game of the series

with a score of 6-5. Brady Gilbert claimed the win from the mound, pitching seven innings and 5 strikeouts. From the plate, Will Jacobs went 2-4, Justin Murphy ( 2-4) with two RBI’s, Bret Armstrong (2-3) with one RBI, Peyton Mooney ( 2-3 with one run scored, Jordan Cookston (1-4) and two RBi’s, Luke

Maddox had one RBI and one run scored.

In Game two, Pleasant Valley defeated the Bulldogs, 6-2. Avery Byars took the loss from the mound, pitching five innings with one strikeout, and allowing five hits. From the plate, Brady Gilbert (2-4) with one run scored, Will Jacobs (1-4) with one RBI, Peyton Mooney (1-2) Luke Maddox went (1-3).

Pleasant Valley defeated the Bulldogs, 9-4, in the third game of the series to advance to the second round of State Playoffs. From the mound, Noe Guevara started the game, pitching for 1 2/3 innings with two strikeouts and allowing six runs.

Mooney pitched 4 1/3 innings with two strikeouts, allowing three runs. Justin Murphy (2-4), Luke Maddox (1-2) with one RBI and one run scored, Jordan Cookston( 2-4) with one run scored, Matthew Malone with one run scored, Avery Byars one RBI and one run scored.

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Friday–April 28, 2017

9

Best of the Best Pictured above: Kendall Hill, Hannah Atchley, Lydia Wooten, Ally Wade, Sydney Blevins, Taylor Lanier, and Lanie Dixson. The Sylvania Lady Rams won the All County Golf Tournament.

Pictured above: Sebastian Totherow, Riley Sisk, Brandon Bright, Casey Reeves, Logan Forrester, Corey Claymore, and Jeremy Smith (coach). Not pictured: Thomas Willoughby. Geraldine won the All County Golf Tournament.

DeKalb County JV Champions

Plainview JV Softball Champions! Geraldine JV Baseball Champions!

Sylvania Tennis Makes History

The Sylvania Boys Tennis team set history as the first

boys team to ever win sectionals. They traveled to state playoffs in Mobile this past Monday. They finished the season as sectional champs and 7th overall in the state. They also were the number one public school in the tournament.

Congratulations to the team, our sports reporter, Jerod Sharp, will have a complete breakdown of the entire tournament in next week's edition!

Teams Set For 2017 Champions Challenge at Montgomery's Cramton Bowl - Aug. 24-25

By Staff Reports MONTGOMERY, AL – Four teams have been selected for the 12th annual AHSAA Champions Challenge Football Classic Aug. 24-25 at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl.

The 2016 Champions Challenge, which will kick off the 2017 prep football season, will feature one game at 7 p.m., each night.

Defending 1A state champion Maplesville and defending 2A state champion Fyffe will meet in the small-school game on Thursday. Hewitt-Trussville and Pell City will play in the large-school game Friday.

The pairings were announced Tuesday by Alvin Briggs, Director of the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association (AHSADCA), the AHSAA’s coaching organization, which hosts the event each year.

“We are very excited about the two games we

have lined up,” Briggs said.

“The Fyffe versus Mapleville game pits two schools that were undefeated last season while the big-school game is a clash between two of the state’s up-and-coming programs. Each have storied histories and strong communities that love high school football. We thank the City of Montgomery for all they do to make these games possible each year.”

Both games will be televised live over the Raycom Network in Alabama with WSFA TV 12 as the anchor station. The AHSAA Radio Network will also broadcast the games live over its statewide radio network.

Fyffe (15-0), coached

by Paul Benefield, beat Aliceville 28-0 in the 2016 Class 2A finals at Jordan-Hare Stadium. It was the Red Devils’ second state championship in the last three years. Fyffe outscored opponents 700-113 with the championship game win the Red Devils’ sixth

shutout of the season.

Coach Brent Hubbert’s Maplesville Red Devils (14-0) beat Pickens County 40-12 last December to claim Maplesville’s third straight Class 1A state title and extended Maplesville’s current winning streak to 23 in a row. His team outscored opponents 683-101 in 14 games last season.

Pell City (6-5) reached the Class 6A state playoffs in Coach Keith Etheredge’s first season at the helm in 2016. He moved to Pell City from Leeds where he served as head coach for 10 seasons compiling a 113-39 record and four state championships. Etheredge’s teams have been known for their explosive offenses and smothering defenses.

Floyd finished his third season at Hewitt-Trussville leading the Huskies (11-1) to a perfect 10-0 regular season record for the first time in the school’s 92-year football history.

Hewitt-Trussville also won

the Class 7A, Region 8 title and outscored opponents 552-289 on the year.

Floyd came to Trussville from Shiloh Christian (Ark.) where he led the school to a 99-21 record over 10 seasons with four state titles in five trips to the Arkansas state high school finals.

The former prep quarterback’s high school coach was current Auburn University Coach Gus Malzahn.

Benefield has s 255-52 career record including 210-41 at Fyffe.

Hubbert is 143-23 at Maplesville and 160-38 overall. Ethredge is 113-39 in his 11-year career (107-34 at Leeds) and Floyd is 121-33 overall and 22-12 at Hewitt over the last three seasons.

Andalusia beat Brooks 34-13, HillcrestTuscaloosa downed Demopolis 42-7 and Hoover topped Central-Phenix City 23-7 in last year’s Champions’ Challenge.

Catch of the Week The Southern Torch Catch of the Week winner is Jacob Harcrow.

Jacob is 7 yrs old and caught this big boy while fishing over the weekend.

To be our next Catch of the Week winner, submit your photos to marla@southerntorch.com.

10

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Friday–April 28, 2017

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