LEEDS TRIBUNE YOUR ONLY SOURCE FOR LEEDS AREA NEWS www.LeedsTribune.com
June 27, 2019 | Volume 4, Issue 22
50 ¢
Moody High School wrestling champion to compete for world title in Bulgaria BY NATHAN PREWETT Leeds Tribune Staff He is described as a worldclass wrestler by his coaches, but Moody High School student Cory Land, 15, is not the kind to chest-thump about his previous victories, which will bring him to an international tournament next month in Bulgaria. “It’s a surreal feeling,” he said. “It really hit me that I’m going to be on a plane to a different country in the next month, so it’s exciting and a little nerve-wracking.” On June 1, Land won the Cadet Greco-Roman National Championship in Ohio. “I just had to believe in my coaches and my training partners and what they taught me and the training that led up to it,” he said of his last victory. Weighing at 105 pounds, the two-time state champion won a National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) national tournament. He now qualifies for the U.S. team at the tournament to be held in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. He is the sole Alabama resident of the team. Land said that the team is made up of individuals hailing from all over the U.S. such as Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Ohio and so on. All of the countries taking part in the upcoming tournament will have their own world team trials. Land will be squaring off with the winners of those trials who could be from Russia and other nations. Jake Elkins with the Ironclad Wrestling Club in
Trussville will be coaching Land in the world tournament. “We preach that you can do anything you want to in wrestling if you put your mind to it,” he said speaking of the versatility of size and weight for those who take part in it. “If you put in the work, if you make the right choices and surround yourself with the right people and Cory is the ultimate testament of that. It’s been a joy and a privilege to coach him since day one.” Moody High School’s head wrestling coach Greg Jefcoat came to know Land when he competed against his son in a match. Since then they’ve known each other for years. “He works extremely hard,” he said of Land. “He’s very tenacious and he puts the works in. Everything he’s accomplished he didn’t get luck or hot or anything like that. He’s earned it. He’s a constant competitor and wrestling’s like a bank: whatever you put in is exactly what you’re going to get out and since he’s willing to make the dedication to put that work in he’s reaping the rewards. Land said that he was inspired by his brother to get into wrestling. After playing football and trying out for basketball, Land’s brother was encouraged by his coach to try for wrestling. “I was watching him, and I was like, ‘Yeah, that looks really fun’ and so I started,” he said. Afterward, Land was hooked and began playing in different styles.
Moody High School student Cory Land, 15, won the Cadet Greco-Roman National Championship in Ohio on June 1 and now practices for a world title. “So there’s three different styles,” Land said. “Folk style, free style and Greco. And folk style is high school wrestling, so state championships – that’s all folk style. And in the summer, it’s free style and Greco. My best style is Greco, that’s what I made the world team in, but I do all three.” Elkins added that Land will be representing the U.S. in the
Greco style at the world tournament. Free style and Greco wrestling are what are featured in international tournaments, he said, calling it a “huge ordeal.” Land said that he wants to take his wrestling aspirations beyond high school and do it professionally. “I want to go to a D1 [Division 1] college and
wrestle,” he said. “And then out of college I want to go train for worlds on a senior level and the Olympics and all that.” Elkins expressed full confidence about Land’s chances in the world tournament, which will begin on July 29 and end on Aug. 4. “Until someone shows me otherwise, I believe that
Crowning achievements
SEE PAGE 2 FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THE MISS LEEDS AREA PAGEANT
New Miss Leeds Area, Miss Outstanding Teen named in 40th annual pageant BY NATHAN PREWETT Leeds Tribune Staff Celebrating the 40th occasion since its beginning in 1980, the Miss Leeds Area and Outstanding Teen was held at the Leeds High School Auditorium on Saturday night
where 20 candidates competed for the titles. And the honors went to Charity Bowden, 20, who won Miss Leeds Area and Emma Terry, 16, who won the title of Outstanding Teen. Bowden will go on to Miss Alabama next June.
"I just went into the day praying that I would do my absolute best and kind of no idea what would happen and just be willing to put it all in the Lord's hands," said Bowden. "I'm just overwhelmed with joy, unbelievably excited for this year and what's to come."
The pageant was a colorful display of talent competitions, personality and music, some of which were performed by Braidyn Lazenby and Mary-Coker Green who were the previous Miss Leeds Area and Outstanding Teen respectively.
he’s the best Greco wrestler in the world in his age and weight class,” Elkins said. “And it’s up to someone else to prove that he’s not. He hasn’t lost a Greco match in three years and we compete against the best kids in the country everywhere we go and so until someone proves otherwise, I’ll keep believing.”
"I'm definitely a little emotional because it's been such a fantastic year," said Lazenby, who was wiping tears from her eyes. "But Charity is going to be a fabulous representative for Leeds. She's so talented and so smart and I know that she loves Leeds because she's part of the community."
Pageant organizer Sandra McGuire, center, with Charity Bowden, 20, who won Miss Leeds Area, and Emma Terry, 16, who won the title of Outstanding Teen in the pageant Saturday night.
Bowden performed "I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart" by Patsy Montana as part of the talent show. Terry, who is in her junior year at Leeds High School, performed a ballet en pointe. Terry will go on to Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen. Zoe Champion currently holds the state title, which she won in March of this year. "Emma Terry is a wonderful person," said Green. "I've enjoyed getting to know her. She's been my buddy for the past year. We really clicked at state this year and I was extremely excited to see her win." Candidates took part in on stage interviews and a fitness competition followed by talent shows as well as evening gown and and on stage question/social impact statement competition. "I am just so excited and shocked," said Terry, describing herself as in a state of disbelief at winning. "I am so excited that I get to represent the area I've grown up in and loved for so long." The judges making up the panel for the pageant were: Debbie Benson, Fran Curry, Robert Mills, Carol Wright and H. Kenneth Holcomb. The candidates for Miss Leeds Area were: Shian Harper, Mary Catherine Dulaney, Lauren Reaves, Harley Chapin, Anna Kathryn Schloss, Isabella Powell, Emma Owen, Aleya Gilley, Sammy Rizzuto, and Caroline Whatley. For Outstanding Teen, the candidates were: Carson Champion, Holly Ferguson, Lona Jo Henderson, Emma Claire Bishop, Emma Terry, Mary Elizabeth Madden, Maddie Machovec, Sophia Porrill and Marissa Luna.
Subscribe today at
www.leedstribune.com
2
June 27, 2019
THE LEEDS TRIBUNE
Community
Miss Leeds Area Braidyn Lazenby leads candidates in a dance in the pageant’s opening.
Miss Leeds Area Braidyn Lazenby Miss Leeds Outstanding Teen Coco with her Rising Star, Blair Lee of Green introduces Rising Star Emma Odenville Elementary School. Kate Kesser at the pageant.
Emma Terry performs a ballet en pointe to “GiGi Medley” by Allen J. Lerner Mary Elizabeth Madden sings “Once More I Can See” from the Broadway for the talent competition portion of the pageant. musical “Wonderland”.
Sofia Porrill sings “Don’t Rain On My Parade” from the musical “Funny Girl” during the talent competition.
Emma Terry is crowned Miss Leeds Outstanding Teen.
Holly Ferguson and Carson Champion.
MEDICATION SYNCHRONIZATION
Isabell Powell gets ready to sing “Yesterday” by the Beatles.
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION FREE MEDICATION PACKAGING FREE DIABETIC TEST STRIPS FREE DELIVERY SERVICE MEDICARE PART D COUNSELING Sammy Rizzuto sings “Someone Like You” by Adele.
Charity Bowden is crowned Miss Leeds Area.
KIDS ANTIBIOTIC CLUB IMMUNIZATIONS
8420 1st Ave SE, Leeds, AL
(205) 699-5195 millspharmacies.com Past winners of pageants in Trussville, Center Point, Walker County and other areas were guests at Saturday night’s occasion.
THE LEEDS TRIBUNE
June 27, 2019
3
News
Mayor David Miller gives details on Buc-ee’s timeline BY BLAKE ELLS Leeds Tribune Staff Leeds Mayor David Miller told the business leaders of Leeds at the monthly Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon on June 20 that Bucee’s is definitely happening. Despite conflicting reports in various Birmingham media outlets last week, the Texasbased mega-travel center chain broke ground on its second Alabama location in Leeds on Wednesday with CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III in attendance. Miller spent a few minutes quelling rumors and speculation about Buc-ee’s. “There have been some al.com stories and on Facebook – What’s Happening in Leeds? – a misinformation site,” Miller joked. “Look, first of all, Bucee’s is coming. It’s been a while. In fact, it’s been a couple of years or so since we first told you that Buc-ee’s was coming. It’s been a hard landing, but it has finally come to a stop.” Miller said that while the groundbreaking happened
this week, residents won’t see noticeable change for a few months as the lot is prepared for the build. And then, the build will likely take as long as 11 months. “I can’t emphasize how big of a deal this is,” he said. “Every town wants to get something like Buc-ee’s. It’s the premier travel center chain in the country.” Miller said that the chain saw a growth opportunity in south Alabama, and after making some changes to their interior layout, decided to incorporate some of those details in their Leeds store. The store is 54,000 square feet and will have well over 200 employees that are compensated above minimum wage. “They say they’re going to pump 18 million gallons of gas in the first year,” Miller said. “They’ll have over 100 gas pumps, and it’s not even a truck stop. They don’t allow trucks on the property. This is going to be a gamechanger for Leeds and one more star in our crown down there at Exit 140, which has become a true destination.”
Leeds Mayor David Miller, center, spoke about Buc-ee’s to the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce on June 20. Speaker was Brian J. Barsanti of the Southern Museum of Flight, to the right of the mayor, with Chamber President Dona Bonnett, far right.
Southern Museum of Flight director talks about plans to relocate to Leeds in 2020
A rendering of the Southern Museum of Flight’s new building that is being relocated to the border of Birmingham city limits and Leeds in 2020. BY BLAKE ELLS Leeds Tribune Staff Plans remain on track for the Southern Museum of Flight to move to Leeds in the coming years. Its current location by the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport has reached capacity, and Executive Director Dr. Brian J. Barsanti says many of the pieces that his team has within their collection are currently housed at the airport. “We’ve run out of space,” Barsanti said. “If you’ve been to the current site, you’ve seen that there are homes all around the periphery. There’s nowhere to expand; north, south, east or west. With some of our collection on the airport’s property, it makes it really difficult to maintain.” The exploration for a new site began in 2010. Eventually, the museum settled on the border of Birmingham city limits
and Leeds. The area where they expect to build is across from Barber Motorsports Park. It’s part of a larger plan that will also include the now-named “Grand River Technology Park.” There will also be new residential areas included in the plan. Barsanti said that the space where the Southern Museum of Flight will be built is approximately 24 acres; it is nearly five times larger than the museum’s current space. Barsanti expects the grading of the land to be completed by late February or early March in 2020. “It’s not easy to find that much acreage in Birmingham,” Barsanti said. “And we feel like we have a great relationship with Barber and there’s a lot of potential. There aren’t many places you can find where that type of relationship already exists, where that synergy exists.” The Southern Museum of Flight presents civilian, mili-
tary and experimental aircraft and memorabilia from the earliest history of powered flight. The museum houses over 100 aircraft, as well as engines, models, artifacts and paintings. The Southern Museum of Flight is also home to the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame with over 70 biographical plaques presenting Alabama aviation history through collective biography. Operating hours at its current site are Tuesday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and free for children three and under. Active military and their families are also free. While there’s no official timetable for the museum’s move, Barsanti hopes to coordinate an official groundbreaking ceremony next year in conjunction with another special event, with hopes for the museum to open in the next couple of years.
Mayor: Sale of Bass Pro Shops property does not impact store BY CINDY FISHER Leeds Tribune Staff Many Leeds residents have had questions about what the sale of the Leeds Bass Pro Shops property to a new owner means for the city. An investor bought the Bass Pro Shops Leeds location for $36 million to make it a part of their real estate portfolio, which is a common practice, said Mayor David Miller. In a release, Miller said the sale is a real estate deal that doesn’t impact the store in Leeds. He has received many questions and rumors about the Bass Pro deal, asking whether Bass Pro is closing down since it has been sold. “The Bass Pro real estate division recently sold the Leeds property to divide the actual real estate from the
retail store. This transaction enables their real estate division to handle buying, selling, leasing or developing the property without it affecting the retail store itself,” he said. “Nothing changes with the Bass Pro retail store. They are not closing, and they are not moving. It’s how real estate development works.” Miller went on to explain that these types of deals hap-
pen with big retailers all of the time. For example, Walmart doesn’t own their land. Another example is the property at the new Wintzell’s restaurant, which is coming up for sale, “but it has nothing to do with the restaurant,” he said. The property is being bought and sold by developers and that is a totally separate business from the restaurants and retailers.
Coroner looks for family of Leeds man found dead 10 days ago BY CINDY FISHER Leeds Tribune Staff The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office is looking for family of a Leeds man whose skeletal remains were found in his Leeds home 10 days ago. The search is on for the family of Roger Perkins, 55, who was living in a home in the
7400 block of Frisco Avenue in Leeds, according to al.com. Perkins was last known to be alive in March, but when he wasn’t seen for a while, an acquaintance asked on June 14 for a well-being check. Perkins lived in that home with a friend, homeowner James Elliott Hogland, until Hogland’s death in 2018. At the
time Perkins’ remains were found, there was no water or electricity at the house. Perkins’ remains are ready to be released for burial, but coroner’s officials have not been able to find any family members. Anyone with information is asked to call the coroner’s office at 205-930-3603.
POLICE BLOTTER Publisher: Cindy Fisher publisher@leedstribune.com Contributing Writers: Blake Ells • Nathan Prewett • Brad Fisher Sales Representative sales@leedstribune.com
Leeds Tribune is published weekly by Kingfisher Media LLC, 7901 Parkway Drive, Leeds, AL 35094. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices in Pending at Leeds, AL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Leeds Tribune, P.O. Box 340, Leeds, AL 35094.
Copyright 2019 All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or part other than for personal use is prohibited withStay up-to-date on Leeds News at our out the express written consent of the website publisher Kingfisher Media LLC The Leeds Tribune is a news source for the community of Leeds, Alabama. Information gathered for coverage of Leeds is from sources that are considered reliable, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Issues with accuracy or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at publisher@leedstribune.com.
LeedsTribune.com
This week, the Leeds Tribune begins running a list of arrests made by agencies including the Leeds Police Department, Moody Police Department and the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office. This week’s arrests are from June 19 through June 25. Information comes from the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office website at www.stclairsheriff.org. Angela Hayes Booking #: 4568 Age: 44 Gender: F Race: W Address: Leeds, AL Arresting Agency: ST CLAIR CTY SHERIFF Facility: South Booking Date: 06-18-2019 4:05 pm Charges: Failure to Appear No Seat Belt, failure to Appear Rec Stolen Property, failure to Appear Drug Paraphernalia Bond: $1,226.00 Terri Whittemore Booking #: 3449 Age: 40 Gender: F Race: W Address: Trussville, AL
Arresting Agency: MOODY POLICE DEPT Facility: South Booking Date: 06-18-2019 11:15 pm Charges: Harassment-Family Bond: $1,000.00 Nickoya Miller Booking #: 1643 Age: 40 Gender: F Race: W Address: LEEDS, AL Arresting Agency: ST CLAIR CTY SHERIFF Facility: North Booking Date: 03-15-2019 11:12 am Release Date: 06-21-2019 6:15 am Charges: FTA IDENTITY THEFT, FTA FORGED INSTRUMENT, FTA FORGED INSTRUMENT Bond: $0.00 Jose Mata Morales Booking #: 11344 Age: 41 Gender: M Race: H Address: MOODY, AL Arresting Agency: MOODY POLICE DEPT Facility: South
Booking Date: 06-23-2019 11:55 pm Charges: DV HARASSMENT 3RD Bond: $1,000.00 Buster Rogers Booking #: 11348 Age: 50 Gender: M Race: W Address: LEEDS, AL Arresting Agency: ST CLAIR CTY SHERIFF Facility: South Booking Date: 06-24-2019 5:00 pm Charges: FTA CRIMINAL MISCHIEF 2ND Bond: $0.00 Victor Byers Booking #: 464 Age: 30 Gender: M Race: B Address: Leeds, AL Arresting Agency: ST CLAIR CTY SHERIFF Facility: South Booking Date: 06-18-2019 8:13 pm Charges: Promote Prison Contraband (other), Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance Bond: $5,000.00
4
June 27, 2019
THE LEEDS TRIBUNE
Community Valley View Baptist’s VBS kids raise money for Ann’s New Life Center
Valley View Baptist’s new minister finds a home at Leeds church BY BLAKE ELLS Leeds Tribune Staff Wesley Braswell is originally from a small town near Mobile. But he says he has found a second family in Leeds. Braswell took over the congregation at Valley View Baptist Church 10 months ago. Braswell and his family had been living in Leeds for a while; their two children, 8 and 10, have never been part of another school system. Originally from Jackson, Braswell went to the University of Mobile and worked for much of the first decade of his career in south Alabama and the Wiregrass. The Braswell family moved to Leeds in 2011, and in the years since, they have built relationships that have helped overcome the challenge
of having family three hours away. “Our neighbors and friends in the community have become our family,” he said. “They are our support unit, and they are who we call on when we need help. It’s the only home that our children have ever really known; we moved here when my son was 2. We’ve been nothing but pleased with the school system and the hospitality and hometown feel that we get in this community.” When Braswell arrived in the Birmingham area in 2010, he served a congregation in Liberty Park. “When we moved here, we loved our time at Liberty Park,” Braswell said. “But I had always told my wife that I’d love to live and serve in the same place. The position came
open at Valley View, and it was meant to be.” The 38-year-old says that his goal in leading his congregation is to “build relationships with our community to discover hope in Jesus Christ.” “God has given each of us a story and experiences in our life that he wants to use to help point people to him,” Braswell said. “We want to leverage the relationships that we already have in our lives and go deeper to help people learn that the answers that they seek are within Jesus. But also, to create new relationships to help people see the hope, joy and life that they seek can only be found in Christ.” Sunday worship service at Valley View Baptist Church is at 10:30 a.m. To learn more about Valley View, visit valleyviewbaptist.com.
Wesley Braswell, his daughter Olivia, Ann’s New Life Executive Director Susan Meredith and volunteer Julie McCay. BY BLAKE ELLS Leeds Tribune Staff Students at Valley View Baptist Church raised $535 for Ann’s New Life Center in Leeds during their recent Vacation Bible School. “Traditionally, we partner with Leeds Outreach,” Pastor Wesley Braswell said. “We support them every month. During VBS, we collect canned foods for them. It became a little labor-intensive for our volunteers, and it reached a point where we were passing out foods that had been there a while.” Braswell was looking for a way to add some variety to his church’s contributions to the community. “With the climate of our society and the fact that Ann’s is literally on our block, we
thought, ‘Why don’t we see if we can raise monetary funds to support them, too,’” he said. “I was more surprised with the generosity of our children and how they brought the vision of helping mamas and babies get the care they need.” He acknowledged that the move comes in the wake of strict abortion laws in the state of Alabama, and he wanted to ensure that his congregation was doing its part. “Although we’re taking a lot of heat for our stringent laws, we’re backing it up,” Braswell said. “We lead the nation in adoptions and foster care.” The students donated money when they came to dinner each day. While Braswell concedes that the initial suggestion was his, he says that the donations were something already on their hearts, and
his church could not have been more receptive. “The money that those children contributed to Ann’s was a sacrifice,” said Susan Meredith, executive director of Ann’s New Life Center. “Those children that brought that money were children in the community that had to tap into their means. And that money is tender, because it was given from the love of those children’s heart. God is going to bless that abundantly.” When Braswell and his daughter, Olivia, presented the check to Meredith on June 19, Meredith said the money will most likely be used for the purchase of car seats, which are required by state law to be new when given. It’s one of the few items that can’t be donated to the center used.
Wesley Braswell is the new minister at Valley View Baptist Church. He has a wife and two kids.
Community Calendar CHURCH DIRECTORY Here is a list of churches to attend in Leeds. If you know of a church in Leeds to include, email us the church at news@leedstribune.com. Wellspring Worship Center 1433 Vivian St. 205-699-7247 Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 1338 Montevallo Rd. 205-699-2404 First Baptist Church Leeds 7481 Parkway Dr. 205-699-6141 Gathering Place 635 Park Ave. 205-699-4442 Mt. Calvary Baptist Church 1118 Henry Ellen Rd NW 205-699-4414 Valley View Baptist Church 7254 President St. 205-699-8398 Little Rock Missionary Church 7334 Ruth Ave. 205-699-2946
First United Methodist Church 7833 Parkway Dr. 205-699-8575 Fairview Freewill Baptist Church 1804 Park Ave. 205-640-5003 Leeds Presbyterian Church 8317 1st Ave. 205-699-8463 Ashville Road Church of Christ 1401 Ashville Rd. 205-699-2447 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 8546 Rockhampton St. 205-699-3183 Cedar Grove Baptist Church 2001 Cedar Grove Rd 205-699-8446 Tower of Prayer 8429 1st Ave. SE 205-699-8629 St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church 8101 3rd Ave. 205-352-3741
Leeds Worship Center 7315 Parkway Dr. 205-699-8636 Happy Home Baptist Church 1515 US 78 205-699-6756 Mt. Hebron Baptist Church 2617 Eastern Valley Rd 205-699-7803 Little Rock Missionary Church 7338 Ruth Ave. 205-699-2946 Macedonia Baptist Church 7944 Charles Barkley Ave. Beulah Primitive Baptist Church 1424 Ashville Rd. 205-995-8503 Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church 7036 Coosa Ave. 205-702-7099 Eden Westside Baptist Church River Campus 1441 W. Riverview Rd. 205-338-7711
June 29
July 8
July 15
Three on a String performs at Leeds Arts Center. $20 for admission.
AL 200: Freedom Riders at Leeds Jane Culbreth Library. Using images of the burning of the Freedom Riders’ bus outside Anniston on Mother’s Day 1961—images from a collection housed in the Archives of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI)—along with oral history interviews with persons involved in the Freedom Rides, this presentation offers a look at the participants and supporters who risked their lives in an effort to bring about Alabama’s compliance with federal law. In addition, the presentation will consider the roles of violence, the media and law enforcement in the civil rights movement. Presented by Laura Anderson, M.A., C.A., archivist at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Light lunch will be provided. Moody City Council meeting from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at City Hall.
Moody Lions Club every first and third Mondays at 7 p.m. at Whites Chapel.
June 27 Dumbledore’s Army: Join the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library on the last Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. for Harry Potter fun. Each month participants will be doing a different activity or craft. This club is for 6th gradeAdults. For more information or to sign-up please call or email Ms. Ginny. 205-699-5962 or gedwards@bham.lib.al.us.
July 1 St. Clair County Economic Development Council Board meets from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. M o o dy C o m m e rc i a l Development Authority meets from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Moody Sewer Department. Leeds City Council meeting at the Civic Center meeting room at 6 p.m.
July 2 Moody Kiwanis meeting from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Moody City Hall.
July 7 Tina Miller is the Leeds Arts Council’s featured artist in July. The public is invited to the opening reception at 1:30-3:30 p.m.
July 9 St. Clair County Mayor's Association Meeting from 7:308:30 a.m.
July 11 Leeds Alzheimer's Dementia Support Group - Free support group offered to the community. Hosted by Lakeside Hospice at the Episcopal of the Epiphany on 1338 Montevallo Road in Leeds.
July 16 Moody Kiwanis meeting from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Moody City Hall.
July 18 Leeds Chamber of Commerce meets at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
July 18 - 28 Esther the Musical at the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center at 7 p.m. Sunday performances are held from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $15. To reserve tickets, contact the Leeds Arts Council at 205-699-1892 or leedsartscouncilal@gmail.com.
July 25 Dumbledore’s Army: Join the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library on the last Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. for Harry Potter fun. Each month participants will be doing a different activity or craft. This club is for 6th gradeAdults. For more information or to sign-up please call or email Ms. Ginny. 205-699-5962 or gedwards@bham.lib.al.us.
July 25 – 27 Esther the Musical at the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center. Include your community event in our calendar! Email information to news@leedstribune.com.
THE LEEDS TRIBUNE
June 27, 2019
5
Community Leeds Allstate agent John Leeds resident Keith Brown Saddler helps secure $20K grant named to latest class of for Children’s of Alabama Leadership Alabama BY BRAD FISHER
Leeds Tribune Staff The Allstate Foundation was able to secure a $20,000 grant for Children's of Alabama with the help of 11 Allstate agency owners and staff, one of which hails from Leeds. John Saddler from Leeds was among the volunteers to secure the grant, which will be used by Children's of Alabama to
fund Pastoral Care, the Amelia Center, Child Life, Social Services, Palliative Care and Patient Health and Safety. “Our Allstate volunteers see firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing the communities they serve,” said London Bradley, Allstate field senior vice president. “Giving back is core to who we are, which is why we care deeply about dedicating time to volunteer
and help improve lives across Birmingham.” Other Allstate volunteers were: John Carlton, Vestavia Hills Staci Colburn, Birmingham Byron Eaton, Birmingham Samuel Huguley, Irondale Nathan Marcus, Birmingham David McBrayer, Birmingham Amanda Mitchell, Birmingham Bryan Sheffield, Birmingham John Welsh, Birmingham Robert Yarbrough, Trussville
Keith Brown is a Leeds resident and president of Jefferson State Community College.
VOICES
Accolades for Alabama’s Economic Development Success Keep Coming
BY PAUL DEMARCO Over the past 25 years, Alabama has had its fair share of problems it has faced - public corruption, prison overcrowding, woes with public education and the ever increasing cost for Medicaid.
Where Alabama has shined is economic development and job creation. Since Mercedes-Benz selected Alabama as the site of its first ever American manufacturing facility in 1993, thousands of jobs have been created in the state. With the addition of Honda, Hyundai, and the joint venture of Mazda, Toyota, Alabama has one of the largest workforce in the Nation for automotive manufacturing. Thus, it is no surprise that Alabama was the recent recipient of the Golden Shovel Award from business publication Area Development for the state’s results in recruiting new companies for the state. There was $8.7 billion in new investment in the state last year and over 17,000 new jobs created in 2018 alone. All of this has led
to record low unemployment rates and more Alabama residents working than ever before in the state’s history. Yet, Alabama’s success has not been limited to auto manufacturing, as the aerospace and aviation industries are becoming an even larger segment of the state’s economy. In addition, the technology companies Google, Amazon and Facebook have also invested in Alabama. Alabama’s trophy case for economic development continues to grow and providing good jobs for Alabama residents is something we can take pride in as we seek solutions to address Alabama’s future. Paul DeMarco is an attorney in Birmingham who served in the Alabama Legislature.
BY BRAD FISHER Leeds Tribune Staff Keith Brown, president of Jefferson State Community College President and a Leeds
resident, has been named to Class XXX of Leadership Alabama. Leadership Alabama is a statewide program of Alabama leaders engaged in creating a network of relationships that seeks mutual understanding of problems and priorities for Alabama’s future. Sixty-seven members were named to the class for 2019 – 2020, according to an announcement from organization. During the program year, class members will convene in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile and Montgomery, where they will hear challenging presentations and participate in class discussions that encourage them to make critical, thoughtful assessments of our state and its issues – both challenging and successful – while learning of some extraordinary initia-
tives that are addressing those issues. “Leadership Alabama is an organization comprised of our state’s most accomplished and forward-thinking leaders who share a strong commitment in serving Alabama,” said Gordon Martin, board chair of Leadership Alabama. “The outstanding members of Class XXX are continuing that steadfast legacy and will build on the strong foundation established by the preceding classes.” Executive Director Kate Cotton added, “I am always amazed by the caliber and leadership skills of each new class, and once again, Class XXX includes incredible leaders who are already doing so much for our state. By bringing these 67 individuals together, all of us in Alabama are sure to benefit from their collective passion and knowledge.”
MainStreet Family Urgent Care joins veterans clinic network BY NATHAN PREWETT Leeds Tribune Staff With the implementation of the VA MISSION Act, veterans are now able to seek same-day treatment for minor illnesses and injuries at approved civilian urgent care clinics. Among the clinics approved are MainStreet Family Urgent Care, one of which is located in Moody. With the act, veterans will not have to travel to see VA doctors.
“We were extremely honored when the VA reached out and asked us to be a part of their contracted network,” said MainStreet’s Chief Operating Officer Emile Hughes. “We believe that by having clinic locations in a lot of rural areas throughout Alabama, the VA sees MainStreet Family Care as a huge asset when it comes to expanding convenient, VA-authorized care to Veterans in these areas.”
Those who are eligible for the program are those who have enrolled in the VA health system and have seen a VA doctor for the following: – The Veteran is eligible for the benefit; – The urgent care provider is part of the VA’s contracted network of community providers; and – The services are not excluded under the benefit (such as preventative care and dental services)
Support your community newspaper! Subscribe to the Leeds Tribune for only $26 a year!
ONLY $26 ANNUALLY
Mail form to: P.O. Box 340 Leeds, AL 35094
Advertise and share your message to 10,000 readers of the Leeds Tribune and reach directly to your customers for a fraction of the cost for other media! Email sales@leedstribune.com to get a copy of our 2019 rate sheet and show you care about your community!
June 27, 2019
6
THE LEEDS TRIBUNE
Lifestyle 5 Delicious Low-Carb Recipes Perfect for a Cookout
Grilling is popular in the summer. Photo by georgerudy with stock.Adobe.com. SPECIAL TO THE LEEDS Â TRIBUNE 1
2
3
4
5
11
12
14
15 17
20
6
7
8
9
10
22
21
30
31
23
26
27
28
29
32
33
34
3 Ways to Make the Most of Summer Produce SPECIAL TO THE LEEDS Â TRIBUNE ket and to simply look for the
35
36
38
37
StatePoint Media
39
40
41
46
47
48
49
50
51
42
43
44
45
DOWN 1 Heavy partner 2 Knock one's socks off 3 Year quartet 4 "...___ dust shalt thou return" 5 Burns or Byron 6 Bottom of some scales 7 Hair retainer 8 Move a little 9 Stalk, as prey 10 Breakfast choice 16 Supply in a loft 18 Score marker in cribbage 20 Go downhill, maybe 21 It may be in the ring 22 Got the medal 23 Road boor 25 Part of APB 26 Liotta or Charles 27 Races 28 Lost time 29 "Haven't Met You ___" (Michael Buble) 32 Put in the lineup 33 Supportive 35 Fair amount 36 Say "One club," for example 37 Act like a library 38 Bouquet extra 39 Puts to work 41 Performance part 42 When doubled, affected 44 Come to nothing 45 Drops outside
ACROSS 1 Cat Stevens "Morning ___ Broken" 4 Topping 8 Cyndi Lauper's "___ Bop" 11 Be liable to garnishment 12 "And Then There Were ___": Christie 13 Harbour workhorse 14 Drink "for two" 15 Kind of ring 17 Dalmatian's marking 19 The ''A'' in BA 20 Ghillie or wingtip 22 "___ me?" 24 Aussie animal 27 Like "Deck the Halls" apparel 30 "___ up to you" 31 Dan Fogelberg "The ___ of Love" 33 Go by space shuttle 34 Coin hole 35 Fledgling pilot's challenge 38 Peat or oil 40 Functions 43 Un-even? 46 Roughly half of the world's population 47 Prepare pears 48 Dessert from an oven 49 "This ___ up" 50 Units used to measure carloads 51 Tailor
Summer can be all too fleeting, but one of the best ways to ensure you make the most of the season is by enjoying the generous harvest of fruits and vegetables it brings. Here are three simple ways to make the most of summer produce: GET PRODUCE AT ITS PEAK Produce tastes best when enjoyed during its peak season. Before shopping, check produce guides to see what’s at its peak near you. A few easy ways to be sure you’re getting the cream of the crop are to join a CommunitySupported Agriculture (CSA) group, visit a farmer’s mar-
local label at your supermarket. In a culinary rut? Because CSA members don’t always have the option of selecting the exact items they receive, a subscription is a particularly good idea for those with adventurous spirits looking to expand their horizons. BE SAFE In your efforts to feed your family nutritious produce this summer, be mindful that many fruits and vegetables contain contaminants like pesticides, wax and soil on their outer layer. While independent studies show that washing produce with water or bleach solution still leaves behind large traces of pesticides, there is now a better way to protect your family.
With just a spray and rinse, Arm & Hammer’s Fruit & Vegetable Wash safely eliminates more than 90 percent of residue from the commonly used pesticide thiabendazole, when used as directed -- four times better than water alone. Made with pure and simple ingredients like Arm & Hammer baking soda, water, salt and lemon oil; and free of harsh chemicals, it’s easy to stock your kitchen with it and make it a part of meal prep. For more information, as well as cleaning tips, visit armandhammercleans.com. USE IT UP Don’t let any produce go to waste. Here are five fun uses for fruit and vegetables: • Fruit popsicles: Chop fruit into small chunks and mix
Sudoku 2 7
9
6 3
4
4
1
5 8
8 5
3
7 2
4
4
7
7 2
5
9
4
with juice and even a bit of honey. Pour the mixture into a popsicle mold and freeze. You’ll have a delicious, healthful snack for later. • Fruit or veggie kebabs: The grill is not just for burgers and dogs. Make veggie skewers using mushrooms, zucchini, green peppers and onions. For a light dessert, grill pears and peaches to be eaten on their own or topped with a bit of ice cream. • Pesto: Go beyond the classic basil recipe to get creative with your pesto sauces. From cilantro to spinach to mint, many of summer’s richest green herbs and vegetables make great stand-ins. • Cold soups: The weather may be hot, but that doesn’t mean you need to put soup on the back burner -- or any burner at all. From gazpacho to borscht served chilled, you can cool down with soup this summer. • Preserves: Certain fruits -such as strawberries -- can technically be found any time of year, but are absolutely unparalleled in summer. Capture that magic for the months ahead by turning your favorite fruits into jams. With a bit of planning, you can thoroughly enjoy the vast array of fruits and vegetables harvested during the summer months.
Stay up-to-date with what’s happening around town:
4
Folloonw us
9
6 5
“This recipe is quick and simple,â€? says McCormick. “It contains minimal ingredients and it is packed with healthy fats. Plus, it keeps five days in the refrigerator and freezes for up to a month.â€? • South Beach Coleslaw: Coleslaw is a BBQ staple and this recipe for a lighter version of it is easy as 1-2-3! Whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, celery seed and a sugar substitute. Add cabbage and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper and refrigerate until ready to serve. For more details on these recipes and other great tips and tricks to lose weight and live healthier, visit South Beach Diet’s website The Palm at palm.southbeachdiet.com/ cookout-low-carb-recipes. Remember, cookouts don’t need to wreak havoc on your healthy diet. By making some simple swaps and choosing healthier options, you’ll stay on track while still enjoying time outdoors with family and friends.
16 19
25
do, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl and add canned tuna fish. Scoop onto a slice of whole grain bread with arugula, sliced cucumbers and red onions and you’ve got yourself a delicious sandwich to eat in place of that hamburger. • Skinny Shrimp Fajitas: You won’t miss the tortilla with this recipe! Combine shrimp, onion, bell pepper, olive oil and dry fajita spices such as chili powder, garlic, onion, cumin and paprika in a large bowl. Pour into a veggie basket or place on skewers and let the grill do the work for you. • Pesto Cilantro Dip: Bake walnuts at 275 degrees until golden brown, then chop cilantro, garlic, and walnuts in a food processor for about 25 seconds. With the machine running, pour olive oil in a steady stream. Add sour cream, lemon juice and salt. Pulse a few times to combine and you’re done! Serve with fresh veggies.
13
18
24
StatePoint Media
Food on the grill, carb-loaded side dishes and high-sugar desserts are at the center of most seasonal cookouts. But this doesn’t mean you need to avoid those countless neighborhood barbecues to ensure you stay on track with your healthy lifestyle. Courtney McCormick, manager of Clinical Research & Nutrition for South Beach Diet, recommends these five lower-carb recipes that are great to bring along to any cookout. • Shredded Chicken Chili: Just toss some chicken, beans, tomatoes and a combination of chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and oregano in your slow cooker and let that magic machine do all the work. Six hours later, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken and plenty of flavorful fixings for fewer calories than a chicken prepared in a sugary or cheesy sauce. • Avocado Tuna Sandwiches: Mix lemon juice, avoca-
4
3DUNZD\ 'U 6XLWH
2 5
@LeedsTribune
Solutions @TheLeedsTribune
28 Lost time
1 4
3 8
26 Liotta or Charles
9
6
25 Part of APB
3 5
9 7
23 Road boor 21 It may be in the ring
8
2
20 Go downhill, maybe
7 6
1 4
18 Score marker in cribbage
2
5
27 Races 22 Got the medal
@LeedsTribune
16 Supply in a loft 10 Breakfast choice 9 Stalk, as prey
7 2 5 6 1 4 3 9 8
5 3 7 8 6 1 4 2 9
8 1 2 5 4 9 6 3 7
9 6 4 2 3 7 5 8 1
4 9 1 7 2 3 8 5 6
2 5 3 1 8 6 9 7 4
6 7 8 4 9 5 2 1 3
THE LEEDS TRIBUNE
June 27, 2019
7
Community Construction ramps up at Grand River Drive-In to be ready for July 3 grand opening See video of the what’s coming to Grand River DriveIn and Backyard at Grand River at LeedsTribune.com craft beer along with other options and Saw’s BBQ and another restaurant that has not been announced yet. The restaurant area will have glass doors that raise open to give the backyard feel. The playground has been moved and will be fenced in. Next to that is a separately fenced dog park. There future plans at the 14 acres, including a future canoe launch into the Cahaba River and the larger amphitheater for bigger acts. Plans also include to show football games on one of the big screens in the fall and to apply with the city to be designated an entertainment district. “We made the investment because we see the potential here. It’s easy to get to and can be used for entertainment where
people can come and hang out all day,” Clay Green said. Movies start at 9:45 p.m. with options to see on Screen 1 Spider Man: Far From Home and Men In Black: International; Screen 2- Toy Story 4/Aladdin; Screen 3- Secret Life of Pets 2/ A Dog's Journey. Green recommends ordering tickets ahead online to ensure a spot for the films. Go to https://grandriverdriveingrandopening.instagift.com/ When they took over the drive-in, Green said they read reviews and made adjustments to the drive-in from those concerns. For instance, adult-rated movies will not be shown on other screens at the same time as kid movies. The drive-in will also be staffed with about 20 workers to help customers at each screen.
Games include bocce ball, shuffleboard and the putt-putt course. BY CINDY FISHER Leeds Tribune Staff Crews at Grand River DriveIn and the new Backyard at Grand River are busy preparing for their big grand opening on July 3. A stage is being built to be ready for a performance from Rollin' In The Hay. The event will feature 10 food trucks, including Saw's BBQ that will be part of the restaurants and brewpub planned for completion this fall, said Clay Green, marketing manager of The Backyard of Grand River. Doors open at 3 p.m. and fireworks will go off at 9 p.m. Admission is $10 for the event and $15 for a movie and event ticket. Those only attending the event can park at the Outlet Shops of Grand River and enter at the entrance across from Forever 21. The $3 million entertainment complex project is spearheaded by Hunter Lake, the former owner and co-founder of Avondale Brewery. He plans to add a brewery with restaurants in the fall.
The Leeds City Council gave the project a tax incentive package with sales tax abatements for 15 years to lure the developers to Grand River. Construction throughout the project is already underway, with plans to install boxcars for lounge areas that will have decks built at the entrance, just like you would have in your backyard, Green said. Games are being set up for bocce ball and shuffleboard. They will also have life-sized Jenga games and more. The putt-putt course is also ready. The Snack Shack is still under construction and should be complete by August. It will serve nachos, popcorn, pizza and include two bars for ordering drinks to take to the car for the movies or in the backyard hangout area. For July 3, there will be service trucks placed at the Snack Shack’s location, Green said. In the fall, Neighbors Brewpub will offer its own
Crews work on building the stage.
Leeds High School’s HOSA club attended the International Conference in Orlando last week. Photo includes Taylor Dawkins, Piper Davis, Briana Davis, Emilee Roberts and Tamara Strickland with teacher Shannon Logan, center.
Leeds, Moody students named to University of Alabama’s dean’s list Nineteen scholars from Leeds and Moody were named to the President’s List or Dean’s List at The University of Alabama for the spring 2019 term. A total of 11,406 students enrolled during the 2019 spring term at The University of Alabama were named to the Dean’s List with an academic record of 3.5 or above, or the President’s List with an academic record of 4.0 (all As).
The UA Dean’s and President’s lists recognize full-time undergraduate students. The lists do not apply to graduate students or to undergraduate students who take less than a full course load. The spring 2019 list includes from Leeds, Meghan Grace Talley and Suzanna E. Turner, President’s List; Carter T. Allen, Addison Kemp, Scott Andrew Landers,
Eryka Dominique Sanders and David Benjamin Whaley, Dean’s List. From Moody, Anthony K. Knight, Tamara Gardner Melvin, Mason D. Russell and Jordan N. Willingham, President’s List; Maximilian F. Archer, Hunter R. Armstrong, Griffith New Boykin, Ashlyn Montana Maniscalco, Hanna E. Mitchell, Cameron L. Rider and Kayla Michelle Riggs, Dean’s List.
HOSA won Barbara James service awards at Internationals in Orlando.
Farris Lock & Key YOUR TRUE LOCAL LOCKSMITH
Automotive Keys Vehicle Lockout Access Control Commercial and Residential Re-key and Repair
205-577-7752
John Farris, owner Veteran-owned
www.farrislockandkey.com
8
June 27, 2019
THE LEEDS TRIBUNE
Sports New Greenwave Coach Jerry Hood pumps up team, looks for recruits BY CINDY FISHER Leeds Tribune Staff Summer football practice is in full gear, and new Greenwave Coach Jerry Hood has had some surprises for the team. Last week, they had a surprise guest speaker, Kevin Garner, who is a wide receiver coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Garner came to a Leeds High School football practice to motivate the Greenwave team. Hood coached Garner at Oak Mountain High School
and they have remained friends. Garner, who started out as a wide receiver coach for the Cardinals and the University of Alabama before joining the Buccaneers, comes to speak to Hood’s teams each summer. This year he brought his dad and his son to Leeds for the talk. “He was fired up about seeing the place (Homer Smiles Stadium) and to hear the plans I have for the team,” Hood said. “He has a brilliant football mind.”
Practice this summer is three days a week for three or four hours a day. They practice on the field for 90 minutes and then lift weights. The team has 49 members, but Hood would like to add 15 more players through recruitment. “We’ve got one more month and will make a big push after July 4,” Hood said. “If we have 55 to 60 players, we’ll be right where we need to be.” Hood hopes the enthusiasm of the current team members will help, plus he will be
Greenwave Coach Jerry Hood coached Kevin Garner at Oak Mountain High School and remained friends.
in the hallways of Leeds High School when school starts back in August to get to know potential players. So far, the team has done an “awesome job” keeping up with his faster pace at practice and are coachable to the new techniques he’s bringing to the field. “They want to be successful,” he said. Hood is working with the quarterbacks, freshman Jared Latta, Justin Pettus and a third player he’s trying out in the position.
Hood has been active in the revamping of the Youth Football League, which is now part of the United Youth Football of Alabama league and will start playing in that league in fall 2019. When the original league was floundering, Hood said they had to get it together and stay active for him to coach at Leeds High School. That is how important it is to have a “pipeline” of football players, he said. Hood says it is important to teach the next generation of Leeds High School football
players the same techniques early on, and the new crew of coaches are positive and encouraging, which should draw more Leeds kids to play football. One of the best motivators is a supportive fan base, he said, and he wants Leeds to “Catch the Wave.” The first chance to see the 2019 Greenwave team is the scrimmage game on Aug. 16 for the Greenie Night at Homer Smiles Stadium. The first game of the 2019 season is Aug. 23 against Sylacauga.
Kevin Garner, a wide receiver coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, came to a Leeds High School football practice to motivate the Greenwave team.
Leeds High School to host football camp for kids in July Leeds High School Coach Jerry Hood and the football team/staff will be hosting a Youth Football camp in July.
Tentative dates are the week of July 15. The Youth Football League is hosting Mini Session Camps
every Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Leeds Memorial Soccer fields. They are free and open to everyone.
The league, which is now part of the United Youth Football of Alabama league, will start playing in that league in fall 2019.
Siblings of the campers play during the mini camps.
LHS Cheer had four All-American Cheerleaders, won third place in cheer and Most Improved at Cheer Camp.
The new Leeds Youth Football League has been hosting mini camps this summer to train future Leeds High School football players.
Samantha Walker, who serves as Greenie the mascot for Leeds High School, made All American Mascot, UCAs Most Improved Mascot and Top Mascot Mushie Award.
Riley Patterson & Shelby Saunier were named UCA All-American Cheerleaders.
Leeds High School senior Sam Sertell made Honorable Mention in the 2019 All-Birmingham baseball team.