By Eloise Smith, General Manager (Photo by Amy Thrash)

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The Southern Torch family is proud to announce the appointment of Marla Jones as its new Managing Editor. Marla has been a proud member of the Southern Torch team since the beginning. She has previously served as an advertising executive and sports editor.

"We are so fortunate to have Marla in the Southern Torch family. We just love her!" said General Manager Eloise Smith. "As our brand and audience grow, we are proud to have Marla on our leadership team. Our best days are certainly ahead of us and Marla will be a big part of the future of Southern Torch."

Jones is an alumnus of both Sylvania High School and Jacksonville State University. She is married to Scott Jones and they have two sons: Justin and Logan. They also have three grandchildren: Tate, Tripp, and Caroline.

Jones has said previously that she first developed a love for sports while watching both of her boys play basketball, football, and baseball. 

“I am honored to take on the responsibilities of being the Managing Editor of Southern Torch,” said Jones. “I have watched Southern Torch grow from an online news source to the number one source for news in DeKalb County, Alabama.”

“From advertising and sports and now to hard news, I enjoy every aspect of this job,” she continued. “I hope to continue delivering the news in a fair, balanced way and be a good storyteller for our entire audience.”