By Sherri Blevins
Fort Payne High School Soccer Team members overtook City Hall on July 18, 2023, at the invitation of Fort Payne Mayor Brian Baine. Mayor Baine invited the award-winning team to the Fort Payne City Council meeting to recognize them for all their accomplishments.
Mayor Baine read their list of accolades. He stated, “They finished the season 26-2-2 and were unbeaten in Alabama games. They ranked 10th nationally at one point in the season and captured the area championship and the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 6-A State Soccer Championship. During the season, they won several tournaments including the Florence Soccer Challenge and the Rainbow City Classic. Christian Barrientos was named the Gatorade Alabama Boys Soccer Player of the Year and will compete for the Gatorade National Player of the Year. Barrientos also was selected to play in the Alabama All-Star game. Four players were named to the All-State Team, and three were chosen to play college soccer.” Baine added, “We appreciate you guys. Congratulations on all your hard work. Thank you, guys, for making Fort Payne look good across the state in soccer.”
DeKalb County Executive Director of Tourism John Dersham reported on his department’s progress. Dersham relayed that last year visitors to DeKalb County who do not have a zip code or an address in DeKalb County spent $163,000,000 in 2022. Money was spent on campgrounds, hotels, and motels. Visitors had to stay overnight to be included in the report. Dersham said, “We have beautiful campgrounds, beautiful state parks, and great hotels, plus we are building more. It is amazing because that money has doubled in the last nine years. It is incredible, and I have to thank you, guys, for your support over the last many years in helping appropriate dollars that have been used exclusively for advertising on television, radio, print, etc., focusing on out-of-towners.” Dersham reminded everyone that the $163,000,000 came from dollars earned outside of DeKalb County and extended his appreciation to the entire Council.
In further business, the Council approved the following items:
• Contract with Shannon Campagna with Mercury Consulting(Previously, her contract was with a different company)
• Work session on August 10, 2023, at 11:00 am to discuss the budget and the disposition of the Child Development Center
• Street Closing on Forest Avenue between 4th and 5th Street on August 12 from 4:00 until 9:00 pm in front of the Leath House for the Great Gatsby Fundraiser benefitting the Rainsville Freedom Run
• Street Closing on September 30 from 1:00 until 4:00 pm on Grand Ave. from 4th Street South to 3rd Street South in front of the ARC Building for the ARC’s Jeep Cruise-in
• Activity permit for Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Bubbles and Balloons giveaway, at the Alabama Walking Park on Sat. July 29 from Noon until 3:00 pm
• Activity permit for United Daughters of the Confederacy, band, and speakers for 110-year-old monument ceremony at the Rotary Pavilion on August 19 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm
• Notice of Claim sent to the City’s Insurance company for Joseph Webb about an accident involving a police vehicle on July 9, 2023
