The Leeds Tribune | July 11, 2019

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July 11, 2019 | Volume 4, Issue 24

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Leeds ramps up plans to develop 100 acres at prime Exit 140 intersection

BY CINDY FISHER Leeds Tribune Staff The Leeds City Council is ramping up plans to develop the 100 acres they own at a

prime location off Exit 140 at Interstate 20.

At the last two regularly scheduled meetings, the council approved a Memorandum of

Understanding with two firms to work on the city’s behalf to find developers that will bring the best projects for the community to that 100 acres.

The MOUs are not contracts and have no fees attached.

They are agreements with boundaries set to guide firms toward deals the city wants to make for the land the city

received in a swap deal with landowner U.S. Steel.

City officials have discussed looking for big-box retailers and restaurants or other separately built stores as outparcels. They also have plans for a sports complex.

The City Council did not discuss at their meetings any details about either MOU. According to city documents requested by the Leeds Tribune, the first agreement is with property development firm GBJ LLC, owned by Jason Grimmett of Birmingham.

This firm is instructed to look for a public-private partnership to oversee building a 150,000 square foot retail building and leasing it to retailers who are new to the area.

Categories include apparel, furniture, sporting goods, grocery, home improvement, pet supplies, restaurants, office space, hotel and medical uses.

In subsequent phases, development will reach 375,000 square feet of retail and commercial when completed, the document says.

Leeds also tasked the firm with overseeing construction of a regional sports complex that has a multi-purpose indoor facility of about 125,000 square feet. It would also have 12-20 athletic fields for soccer, lacrosse, football with baseball and softball fields on an adjacent 275-acre parcel next to the commercial project.

Marketing the complex should be completed by fourth quarter of 2019.

The city has an impact study for the sports complex but will have GBJ commission an economic impact study that will direct on financing the project.

Economic incentives may include sharing newly generated sales tax income and lodging taxes up to 25 years.

Thousands of acres of property is available for development around Outlet Shops of Grand River, including the city's property.

New retail store coming to downtown Leeds

BY BLAKE ELLS Leeds Tribune Staff Downtown Leeds is getting a new retail store.

Neva Reardon, owner of Mum & Me Mercantile downtown, is opening a consignment store a few doors down from her boutique retail store later this month.

Mum’s Unique Consignment Boutique will be located at 8008 Parkway Drive, which is a historical space that once housed the Leeds Post Office and served as a photography studio.

The higher-end consignment store opens as Mum & Me Mercantile celebrates two years in business in downtown Leeds this August.

Mum & Me offers bath and body products, purses, handmade jewelry, scarves, acces-

sories, women’s clothing, men’s gifts, handmade specialty items, art, home decor, kitchen accessories, picture frames, glass, pottery, dishes, candles, handmade dish towels, greeting cards, t-shirts, golf shirts, hats, backpacks, baby & children’s clothing and fresh flowers.

She says the new space will bring the same quality customers have learned to expect from her inventory, but through consignment.

“They’re totally different concepts,” Reardon said. “One is a gift store and boutique and the other is consignment. The space became available and we felt that downtown Leeds was looking for something else in the retail market.”

Inventory at the new consignment shop will be accepted on

an appointment basis. The store will accept higher end clothing, furniture and housewares.

Reardon, a Shelby County resident, first took interest in the Leeds community as a member of the congregation at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church.

“I saw Leeds as a town with potential growth,” Reason said.

“It was a cute little town, and I felt like they needed retail. And that’s why I’m opening the new shop, too. I feel like Parkway Drive needs retail shops—places that people can come shop and then go eat at Three Earred Rabbit or go down and have a beer at Rails and Ales. People can come into downtown Leeds, park and walk around and have something to do.”

Since investing in the community, it’s been important to

Reardon to see a vibrant downtown. She believes that’s reliant on occupying vacant spaces with retail and restaurants rather than offices. She believes that will benefit everyone in the community.

“It’s important to me to see Leeds return to what Leeds used to be,” she said. “We used to come and shop and hang out and go to dinner. That’s what Americans are looking for.

They’re looking for small towns where you feel like you’re a part of something. You’re not afraid to park your car and walk. You see people you know.

It’s a community; it’s a town.”

If you’re interested in learning more about how to sell goods on consignment at the new shop, contact Reardon and her staff at mumsconsignmentleeds@gmail.com.

Neva Reardon’s daughters work with her at Mum & Me Mercantile and will be running the new store in downtown Leeds.

Grand River Drive-In hosts grand reopening SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 4

The Grand River Drive-In, under new ownership, opened on July 3 with a celebration attended by 3,000 people. The drive-in sold 1,700 tickets to see the movies on the three screens used that night. The reopening included fireworks, a live band and games.

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July 11, 2019

THE LEEDS TRIBUNE

Community Moton community garden earns nonprofit status

BY BLAKE ELLS Leeds Tribune Staff It took less than a year for Albert Daw’s vision to bear fruit. The Rose and Community Garden that Daw began near the Moton Community Center behind the baseball field is now a 501(c)(3) organization.

The new name for the nonprofit is Community Action Togetherness Service, or CATS. “We had been collecting donations for a while,” Daw said. “We managed to make up the application fees through donations and fundraisers.”

The garden, which features plants and trees that have been planted in honor or memory of loved ones, sits on 46 acres.

About 25 acres are currently in use, but Daw said he hopes the garden eventually covers the entire space.

The response has been extremely positive. Just six months after planting his first tree on the property, Daw’s trees were bearing fruit. Many residents have already offered donations of $25 or more for plantings, and several local churches have shown interest in dedicating entire sections of the garden to their congrega-

tions. Daw says that the new nonprofit status will also allow him to receive grant money.

“We’re already working on the community aspect of it,” Daw said. “Because of the nonprofit status, we’ve been able to obtain a small grant through Home Depot and another through Lowe’s, which have supplied the blocks for the garden. A few churches have also come on board and want their own gardens. It’s really opened up the door.”

The community garden features several peach and apple trees, and it includes more than 65 rose bushes.

Albert Daw started the mission to plant a community garden in the winter.

The Moton garden has grown since Daw started it last winter and now it is a nonprofit.

“It’s in full bloom,” Daw boasted. “It’s full of color.

There’s several pinks, reds, yellows, oranges and whites. They are just popping. There are blooms everywhere that haven’t even begun to open yet.”

Next summer, Daw plans to add a vegetable garden. Planting

for the next season is expected to begin this week. When the project began, Daw did most planting himself, but he’s since received volunteers from area churches and neighbors of the garden.

Admission to the garden is free.

Daw is still actively looking for donations to fully fund the

nonprofit application status and for plants and trees within the garden. Donations can be made payable to: Albert Daw Jr., 8615 Swafford Ave., Leeds, AL 35094. For more information about the garden or to learn more about volunteering, call 205. 383.8626.

Summer camps keep kids active at Moody Civic Center Moody Civic Center held a Speed & Agility Camp as part of their summer camp season.

The last camp will be wrestling from July 22-25. Those camps are ages 5-12 and take place each day from 9-noon.

Registration is $60 per child.

This summer, the civic center has also hosted volleyball and basketball camps.

For more information on registering for the remaining summer camp at the Moody Civic Center, call 205.640.0321.

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4-H in St. Clair County to take teens on tour of Jax State

BY BLAKE ELLS Leeds Tribune Staff If you’re looking for last minute activities to entertain and educate your children this summer, 4-H of St. Clair County has an option.

Limited space remains for the 4-H Clover Classroom day trip to Jacksonville State University on July 25, where students will tour campus and landmarks that tell the history and traditions of the university. The trip is just $10 per person, and it includes lunch and a guided tour by an Alabama Cooperative Extension System professional or a 4-H volunteer.

Adult chaperones can also tag along for $10 each.

Students do not need to be a 4-H member to participate,

but they do need to be between 9-14 years of age. This summer, the St. Clair County 4-H has offered camps and workshops to students from across St. Clair County and East Jefferson County. Topics have ranged from cooking to sportfishing and bees and honey production.

The 4-H Clover Classroom day trip will depart from the St. Clair County Extension office at 8 a.m. and return at 4 p.m. To learn more about the St. Clair County 4-H and to register for the day trip, contact Allison King at 205.338.9416 or by email at clarkla@aces.edu.

In Alabama, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is coordinated at Auburn and Alabama A&M Universities and as the youth development

component, 4-H serves more than 50,000 youth within the state. The mission of 4-H is to serve all youth, especially those in urban and rural areas who are at a disadvan-

tage because of life’s circumstances. Alabama 4-H is an innovative, responsive leader in developing our state’s young people to become productive citizens.

MEDICARE PART D COUNSELING KIDS ANTIBIOTIC CLUB IMMUNIZATIONS

8420 1st Ave SE, Leeds, AL

(205) 699-5195 millspharmacies.com 4-H hosted summer camp trips to the 4-H Center in Columbiana

THE LEEDS TRIBUNE

July 11, 2019

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News Leeds City Council to address economic incentive packages for future development

BY CINDY FISHER Leeds Tribune Staff The Leeds City Council will host a meeting in August to discuss economic incentives for entities that are interested in locating to Leeds.

The city has approved two tax incentive packages in the last two months, one for the Grand River Drive-In expansion and another for Buc-ee’s travel center to locate at Exit 140 of Interstate 20.

Both incentives included a break in sales taxes for a decade or more. Grand River Drive-In owners received 1.5 cents off sales taxes for 15 years and Buc-ee’s received 2.5 cents off sales taxes for 30 years.

Leeds owns 100 acres in the area off Exit 140 and is seeking retail and other development that are likely to ask for similar incentives. U.S. Steel owns thousands of acres in Leeds that are also being discussed for development.

Mayor David Miller said the city wants to hear what the retailers and developers are asking for in relation to the project they are bringing to Leeds and what economic incentives would fit.

The date of the meeting has not been announced.

Leeds makes tech additions Developers and residents will soon be able to apply for business licenses, search databases of city information and

John Henry Festival wins designation as state bicentennial event Redevelopment Authority discusses commissioning a $75K John Henry statue

BY CINDY FISHER Leeds Tribune Staff The upcoming John Henry Celebration & Festival planned for downtown Leeds on Sept. 21 has been officially designated as part of Alabama’s Bicentennial celebration.

Stephanie Corwin, event coordinator, told the Redevelopment Authority on Monday that the application was approved for the festival to be included in the lineup of events across the state that honor the Alabama’s 200th birthday.

That allows the festival to include the official logo in its marketing materials and help spread the word statewide about it being held in Leeds.

The event that was once called Leeds Downtown Folk Festival has not been held since 2011. The all-day outdoor event was once named one of the top 10 tourism events in Alabama during the month of September by the Alabama Tourism Department.

The festival is based on a story about John Henry, an AfricanAmerican railroad man, who is believed to have died after winning a contest against a steam drill as the company he worked for blasted tunnels through mountains south of Leeds in the 1880s.

There is even a historical search in Leeds for his unmarked grave.

Sam Pezzillo, a member of the Redevelopment Authority that is overseeing the event, says the event likely stopped being held because the budget reached $20,000 a year.

The Redevelopment Authority on Monday approved a budget of up to $6,000 for the 2019 festival.

The festival will include local musicians instead of more expensive out-of-town groups. It will have vendors, food trucks, tours of the Depot, roaming musicians and more.

A movie about John Henry will be shown at the Livery

throughout the day and storytellers will be there to share the history of Henry.

The Leeds Redevelopment Authority also started discussion about commissioning a nationally known sculptor to create a John Henry statue for Leeds that would be a draw for historians and visitors yearround.

The artist, Branko Medenica, has shown keen interest in building an 8-foot statue of the legendary John Henry, a tall African American man who worked at the railroad in the late 1800s.

The statue would sit on a 5-foottall pedestal.

Estimates for the statue are $75,000 to $100,000, but Redevelopment Authority members at their meeting Monday believed the investment would be a consistent draw to Leeds and put Leeds on the map.

The artist is known for making the Jesse Owens statue at Jesse Owens Memorial Park in Oakville, Ala., and many others.

Leeds council on Monday donated money to two Leeds baseball teams that are headed to the World Series. For more, see Page 8. log a complaint using a new Development Services portal available online at leedsalabama.gov.

The Leeds City Council on Monday approved spending $9,000 a year on software that will update Leeds codes online to include the most recent ordinances and regulations approved in the last four

years. Zoning Administrator Brad Watson said the city hasn’t updated its codes online since 2015 and the new program will put new rules online as it is approved and reduce confusion for residents searching the site.

The upgraded software system will also assist with “meeting management” for meeting

content and agendas for about eight city boards, including the city council and planning and zoning commission.

Mayor David Miller encouraged the council to approve the software upgrade, saying it is “a step forward in technology and transparency.”

The item was approved unanimously.

POLICE BLOTTER The Leeds Tribune is 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 July 3-9.

Information comes from the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office website at www. stclairsheriff.org.

Kevin Hodges Booking #: 7124 Age: 35 Gender: M Race: W Address: MOODY, AL Arresting Agency: ST CLAIR CTY SHERIFF Facility: North Booking Date: 07-02-2019 1:45 pm Charges: FTA BURGLARY 3RD Bond: $0.00 Jason Fowler Booking #: 7622 Age: 29 Gender: M Race: W Address: MOODY, AL Arresting Agency: ST CLAIR CTY SHERIFF Facility: South Booking Date: 07-04-2019 12:02 am Charges: FTA POSSESS REC CONTR SUBS, FTA FRAUD USE CREDIT DEBIT CARD, Escape 1st Bond: $0.00 Gregory Lee Booking #: 11426 Age: 50 Gender: M Race: W

Address: Bessemer, AL Arresting Agency: LEEDS POLICE DEPT Facility: South Booking Date: 07-03-2019 6:50 pm Charges: Shoplifting Bond: $1,000.00 Reginald Campbell Booking #: 2745 Age: 39 Gender: M Race: B Address: LEEDS, AL Arresting Agency: LEEDS POLICE DEPT Facility: South Booking Date: 07-04-2019 10:52 pm Charges: Appears in Public Place Under Influence, convicted felon in possession of fire arm, Terrorist Threat Bond: $0.00 Dennis Greer Booking #: 11445 Age: 27 Gender: M Race: W Address: JEMISON, AL Arresting Agency: LEEDS POLICE DEPT Booking Date: 07-08-2019 2:07 am Charges: Shoplifting Bond: $1,000.00 Ricky Nichles Booking #: 2246 Age: 41 Gender: M Race: W Address: LEEDS, AL Arresting Agency: ST CLAIR CTY SHERIFF Facility: South Booking Date: 07-05-2019 9:07 pm

Charges: Assault 3rd, TOP 2nd, Robbery 2nd Bond: $0.00 Erik Zacarias-Osorio Booking #: 11442 Age: 23 Gender: M Race: H Address: Leeds, AL Arresting Agency: MOODY POLICE DEPT Facility: South Booking Date: 07-07-2019 2:27 am Charges: Driving Under the Influence (Alcohol), Criminal Mischief 4th Bond: $2,000.00 Dennis Cline Booking #: 4146 Age: 32 Gender: M Race: W Address: Leeds, AL Arresting Agency: LEEDS POLICE DEPT Facility: South Booking Date: 07-08-2019 8:02 pm Charges: (Simple Assault) Family Bond: $1,000.00 Emmanuelle Davenport Booking #: 11450 Age: 35 Gender: M Race: B Address: BIRMINGHAM, AL Arresting Agency: LEEDS POLICE DEPT Facility: South Booking Date: 07-08-2019 5:29 pm Charges: Shoplifting Bond: $1,000.00

The city of Leeds held a play during the John Henry Festival before the last one in 2011.

1 OUT OF 10 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 is 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.

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THE LEEDS TRIBUNE

Community FAITH CORNER

The Overlooked Legacy of Gideon

BY JOSHUA WINSLETT Gideon is a very recognizable character in the Biblical narrative. He and his 300 are used to motivate Christians in their individual warfare and pilgrimage (Judges 6-8).

However, his example in his later years equally serves as an example for believers to consider. Like most judges in Israel, Gideon experienced miraculous victories through the sovereign power of God. Gideon was used to deliver the Israelites from both their own evil doings and the Midianites. Yet, directly after his death the cultural dynamics of the people moved away from God. How does this happen after such a gracious, undeserved deliverance given to them by God? It is true that many times a generation will forget the immediately preceding history (Exodus 1:8). Whereas this is true, this does not seem to be the case for the generation following Gideon. Three things happened that affected the next generation’s trajectory.

First, after the people asked for Gideon to be made king, though he declined, he (Gideon) made a golden ephod. This ephod, or golden breastplate, was probably used as a sign of prestige that he would use a civil ruler.

These ephods were also used for religious worship and it is

possible that Gideon had started his own “contemporary” worship service. Gideon went a long way from the humble unassuming servant he once was to a stumbling stone to those around him. This small action is said to be a snare to Gideon, his family, and make the nation unfaithful (Judges 8:27). This event is given greater gravity when we see how his son, Abimelech, killed his own brethren to usurp kingship over Israel and soon died in disgrace.

This is an instance that believers, especially Christian parents, should note. Gideon is a judge who did mighty things for his God. Yet, the legacy he left his children was less than faithful. Gideon was the mighty military leader of his time but children followed a different close-to-home example. We can seem to be exemplary models of Christianity to the watching world, but our children will follow the real.

They will see what we really worship. They will pattern the habits that only they see. Just as Gideon’s household culture created an individual to whom sought prestige and authority.

We have to ask ourselves, what do we really worship?

What is it that captivates our time, attention, energy, and money? If we really desire to know, we need only look at

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

Joshua Winslett our children. If we prize riches, they will prize riches. If are attention is more focused on recreational activities over the love and worship of Jesus Christ, then we can equally expect to see our children follow that pattern.

Gideon, who is an example of faith in Hebrews 11:32, is also a warning for all Christians to know that our actions can have immense consequences on our children. They will follow a legacy that many do not see. May they see real, authentic and biblical Christianity.

Joshua Winslett is the pastor of Beulah Primitive Baptist Church in Leeds.

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

Grand River Drive-In reopens

A line to play putt putt on the grand reopening day July 3 was long all night.

The event attracted many families.

Kaila Jeffries, 13, Kamryn Johnson, 10, and Kaylee Sager, 7, played on the new playground and later watched Secret Life of Pets 2 at the drive-in.

Bryan Perez of McCalla played Jenga with friends.

Rollin’ in the Hay played on the newly built stage.

THE LEEDS TRIBUNE

July 11, 2019

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Voices Legislative session for most part successful, especially for Gov. Kay Ivey

BY STEVE FLOWERS The 2019 Legislative Session was one of the most controversial yet productive sessions in memory.

Governor Kay Ivey’s first Session of the Quadrennial was a roaring success. It’s hard to remember a governor getting everything they wanted since the George Wallace heydays.

Wallace in his prime simply controlled the legislature. It was more like an appendage of the governor’s office. Kay Ivey has apparently taken a page from the old Wallace playbook. By the way, that is probably apropos as Kay cut her teeth in Alabama politics working for and learning from the Wallaces.

Governor Ivey started out the session by passing a gas tax increase which will fund major transportation/highway needs in the state. She ended the last week of the session by garnering legislation to give the governor control of the Pardons and

Parole Board and then topping that off with legislation that will allow a vote next March on Alabama having an appointed state school board rather than an elected one. If this controversial amendment is approved by voters, then the governor will make most of the initial appointments.

One would have to say that Kay Ivey has pretty much got a lot of influence with this Legislature.

Kay’s years of experience and probably more importantly her relationships with legislators is paying dividends for Alabama’s female Republican governor.

Any legislative session could be considered a success if both budgets pass. It is, by the way, the only constitutional mandate for a regular annual session.

The Education Budget is record breaking.

It is a $7.1-billion-dollar budget with a $500 million dollar increase over last year’s budget. This largest in history budget gives teachers and education employees a four percent cost of living raise. It will also increase funding to the state’s heralded pre-kindergarten program. Alabama Community Colleges will get a significant increase. Legislators seem to realize the importance of technical training in the state in attracting manufacturing jobs. State Senator, Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and Representative Bill Poole (RTuscaloosa), the Chairmen of the Education Budget Committees in the Senate and House did an excellent

job of shepherding the school budget through the legislative labyrinth.

The General Fund Budget which generally lags behind the Education Budget was also passed on a positive note. The budget calls for spending $2.2 billion dollars. It includes a two percent cost of living increase for state employees as well as an eight percent increase for the state’s understaffed prison system. Representative Steve Clouse (R – Ozark) is the veteran chairman of the House General Fund Committee.

One of the downsides of the Session was the Legislature’s inability to pass a Constitutional Amendment to allow Alabamians to vote to have a lottery like 45 other states, including all of our neighboring states.

It would pass overwhelmingly if put to a vote.

Alabamians are simply tired of seeing their money going into the state coffers of Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and Florida.

State Senator Jim McLendon (R-St. Clair) offered the best opportunity and most modern and profitable lottery proposal. However, his Bill was ignored in deference to the Indian Casinos legislation which was overtly written to continue to give these Indian Casinos a monopoly on electronic gaming in the state.

The Indian casinos arrogantly flaunted their influence in the Legislature by offering a watered down, archaic, paper only lottery that would be obsolete within five years.

McLendon’s Bill would have generated $250 million.

The Indian Casino’s Lottery would have given the state a paltry $100 million at best for a few years. The House Democrats boldly and wisely killed the Bill with the hopes that if you are going to approve a lottery, that it would be one that would benefit the state and not the Indian gambling syndicate.

In essence, the Choctaw Indian Casino’s in Mississippi killed the lottery 20 years ago with last minute money before balloting. The Poarch Creek Casinos beat it this time before it could get out of the gate. The power that the Poarch Creek Indian casinos are building in the Alabama Legislature is dangerous.

CBS 42 in Birmingham took a poll the last week of the session asking how their viewers rated the Legislature and Legislative Session.

It was 86 percent negative. However, this is nothing new. Alabamian’s have always rated the Legislature negatively. However, if you ask them about their own legislators, they will either not know who they are or they like them.

Steve Flowers has analyzed Alabama politics for national television audiences on CBS, PBS, ABC and the British Broadcasting Network. Steve has been an up-close participant and observer of the Alabama political scene for more than 50 years and is generally considered the ultimate authority on Alabama politics and Alabama political history.

Prison reform will dominate discussions in Alabama state capitol in coming months

BY PAUL DEMARCO The state is in the midst of negotiating with the United States Justice Department on how to solve Alabama’s chronic prison overcrowding.

This past April the Justice Department released the results of a two year investigation of the state’s prison system and their belief that the conditions in the prisons are unconstitutional.

The allegations against the state’s corrections systems include understaffed prison staff, overcrowding, violence, illegal drugs and weapons. There has been threat of a federal lawsuit against the state, but state leaders and the Justice Department are collabo-

rating to determine what reforms will be considered to address the problems.

This past session more money was added to the upcoming state budget to increase the number of corrections officers in state prisons. There has been discussion the governor will call a special session this fall or early next year where legislation will be introduced to attempt to solve these issues.

However, legislation alone is not the only proposal on the table.

In the past week, the governor issued a request for qualifications to eventually build three new regional prisons.

It has been estimated that the new facilities could cost up to $900 million. The Department of Corrections Commissioner has said the cost to build the prisons will be made up in savings from running more efficient operations and consolidation of prison cost. The goal is to have those new prisons open by 2022.

Definitive proposals to address Alabama’s prison system will be revealed soon, so you will start hearing and reading more about these reforms in the coming months.

Paul DeMarco is a former Alabama State Representative.

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THE LEEDS TRIBUNE

Lifestyle Ways to add flavor to grilled meals this summer Since celebrating the 4th of July, I've been asked by a few people, “What can I do to my grilled food items to make them more exciting?�

I have the perfect solutions for you. These marinades below are not only different, they also fill your food with flavor. If you want to keep your food the same, but just want to add more flavor, you should try this recipe below for "Mushroom Sauce."

If you have an exciting recipe to share in 2019, then please send it to me at P.O. Box 693 Leeds, Alabama 35094 -Andrew M. Armstrong MUSHROOM SAUCE 1 Pound of fresh mushrooms, cleaned and diced 1 stick of butter 2 Tablespoons of flour 1/2 Cup of milk 1 Cup of heavy cream

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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.

Moody Chamber of Commerce meets at City Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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SPICED CHERRY MARINADE 1 large can of cherry pie filling 1/2 teaspoon of cloves 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce 1/8 teaspoon of all spice 1 teaspoon of vinegar 1/4 Cup of red wine 2/3 Cup of water Mix together and pour over your meat. Marinate for 24 hours and then grill.

PURPLE PLUM MARINADE 1 large can of purple plums, pitted

1/4 Cup of oil 3 Tablespoons of onions, minced 1/4 Cup of lemon juice 1/4 Cup of brown sugar 2 Tablespoons of chili sauce 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon of ginger 1/2 Cup of water In a blender combine the ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour over your meat and marinate it in the fridge, covered for 24 hours.

POPPY SEED MARINADE 1/3 Cup of brown sugar 1 teaspoon of dry mustard 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds 1 teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon of paprika 1/4 Cup of vinegar 1 Cup of olive oil 1 clove of garlic, crushed and minced

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Moody Lions Club meets every first and third Mondays at 7 p.m. at Whites Chapel.

In celebration of the bicentennial, the Leeds Jane

Culbreth Library is hosting a film series of movies that are set in Alabama. This showing will be the film, “Selma.�

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 205-6991892 or leedsartscouncilal@ gmail.com.

July 19 The Knights of Columbus hosts bingo every first and third Friday at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church on Ashville Road. Buy cards starting at 5:30 p.m. and games start at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Must be 18 or older to play.

The Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01

DOWN 1 ___ thumbs (clumsy) 2 What buffalo do in "Home on the Range" 3 Change addresses 4 Fashionable 5 Mix (in) 6 Guidelines 7 Important transfusion datum 8 Hamlet's princedom 9 Have vitality 10 Doorway accessory 18 Sample the shrimp 20 Especially suited 22 Body follower 24 Binder 25 Plant of a sort 26 One acting badly 27 Operate 28 It may be costly 32 Wood used to make guitars 34 One might be signaled by a raised hand 38 Put down 40 Nerve-racking exam, for some 42 Busboy's aid 43 "No sweat" 44 Plus 45 You may lend it or bend it 47 "___ milk?"

49 The last word in some stories

ACROSS 1 Parts of shirts or sofas 5 False pretense 8 River stopper 11 Weaver's device 12 Wine word 13 Tide rival 14 Dangerous outpouring 15 Spinach or onion, e.g.

16 Word with weight or worth 17 Common 19 Group of sled dogs, e.g.

21 Imaginary narrative 23 Some encouragement 26 Sing with closed lips 29 Gooey stuff 30 Vacation option 31 A large chunk of Earth 33 Pen's point 35 Hotelier's handout 36 Something disordered 37 Investor's hope 39 Pronoun in the Ten Commandments 41 Pixels and such 44 Nonalcoholic brew 46 Low-quality paper 48 Companion of tried 50 Bourbon flavoring 51 Prior to now 52 Merit by performance 53 Mineral bearer 54 Umpire's call 55 Turned red?

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In celebration of the bicentennial, the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library is hosting a film series of movies that are set in Alabama. This showing will be the film, “Forest Gump.�

Include your community event in our calendar! Email information to news@leedstribune.com.

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St. Clair County Commission meets at Ashville Courthouse from 9 a.m. to 10 Â a.m.

Stay up-to-date with what’s happening around town:

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July 29

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In celebration of the bicentennial, the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library is hosting a film series of movies that are set in Alabama. This showing will be the film, “Woodlawn.�

Moody City Council meets at City Hall from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Esther the Musical at the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center.

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a.m. on the third Friday in July, and ends at twelve midnight on the following Sunday, pursuant to 40-23-210 through 213, Code of Alabama, 1975.

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.

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RICOTTA CHEESE MARINADE 1 Cup of olive oil 1 teaspoon of mixed Italian seasonings 1 teaspoon of lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon of thyme 1/2 Cup of white wine 1 Tabl e s p o o n of Worcestershire sauce 1 clove of garlic, crushed and minced 1 package of ricotta cheese 1/2 teaspoon of sugar Salt and pepper to taste Add all the ingredients together in an electric blender. Blend smooth and pour over your selected meat.

Marinate for 24 hours, before grilling.

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Mix all the ingredients together and pour over your selected meat. Marinade for 24 hours, covered in the refrigerator, before cooking.

Community Calendar

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1 Tablespoon of red wine Salt and pepper to taste SautĂŠ the mushrooms in the butter. Blend in the flour, cream, salt and pepper. Cook, until smooth and thick. When it's almost ready add in the wine.

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THE LEEDS TRIBUNE

July 11, 2019

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Community LHS sees another uptick in students passing AP exams in 2018-2019 school year

BY CINDY FISHER Leeds Tribune Staff Leeds High School has seen another increase in students passing the Advanced Placement exam.

For the 2018-2019 school year, 76 students received passing scores on the AP exams in the nine AP classes offered that year at LHS. The year before, 62 students earned a qualifying score to

receive college credit for the six AP classes offered in the 20172018 school year.

Leeds High School added AP classes to their offerings three years ago to give students an opportunity to take the AP exam and receive college credit.

“Qualifying scores enable students to receive university credit, giving them a “leg up” on freshmen courses,” said Superintendent John J. Moore.

“Our results are due to the efforts of pre-AP and AP teachers at LMS and LHS and their collective dedication to academic excellence.”

The passing scores achieved were: Biology - 9 Calculus AB - 14 Calculus BC - 4 Chemistry - 2 Comp Science - 1 English Language - 12 English Literature - 11

Spanish - 3 Statistics - 6 US History - 10 For the upcoming 20192020 school year, LHS is adding three more Advanced Placement classes, bringing the total to 12. The new courses will be in government, Moore said it is worth pointing out that former calculus teacher KJ Cox had a 100 percent passing rate for her AP students taking the

exams for the fourth year in a row.

“These results prove that students in Leeds are as capable as any students to reach academic heights,” Moore said.

“Our entire community should be proud of these scores.”

Leeds was recently named a School of Distinction for the high number of students passing the exams. In October, the Alabama State Department of Education and the A+ College

Ready Program awarded LHS the Mary D. Boehm Award thanks to 62 students receiving qualifying scores.

Leeds High School was one of three schools in Alabama to be recognized by the College Board that administers the AP program nationally for high achievement and expanding access for students to AP courses. The board recognized over 350 high schools nationally.

Tax free back-to-school shopping weekend coming up July 19-21

BY BRAD FISHER Leeds Tribune Staff Shoppers in Leeds and Moody can do their back-to-school shopping tax free July 19 through July 21 as Alabama holds its 14th annual sales tax holiday.

The Alabama Retail Association reports that shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, computers and clothing free of state sales tax, and Leeds, Moody and Jefferson, St. Clair and Shelby counties are not collecting sales tax on qualified purchases either.

The tax holiday begins at 12:01 on Friday, July 19 and

ends at midnight on Sunday, July 21.

To qualify, clothing items must be $100 or less per article of clothing. Clothing is defined as all wearing apparel suitable for general use, including footwear, outerwear and even diapers.

Accessories like cosmetics, handbags, jewelry, sewing equipment and supplies, and eyewear are taxable. Protective equipment and sport or recreational equipment are also taxable during the holiday.

The Alabama Department of Revenue defines “computer” as a laptop, desktop or tower computer system that consists of a central processing unit and

its related devices with a sales price of $750 or less. Computer parts and devices sold without a CPU will not qualify for the exemption. Software and school computer supplies, including a printer, will be tax free, but cellphones are taxable, as are furniture, software for recreational use or video games of a non-educational nature.

School class supplies, art supplies and instructional material with a sales price of $50 or less are exempt. Magazines and newspapers are taxable.

For a complete list of items that are and are not eligible for the tax holiday, go to alabamaretail.org/ alabamasalestaxholidays.

Farris Lock & Key YOUR TRUE LOCAL LOCKSMITH

Automotive Keys Vehicle Lockout Access Control Commercial and Residential Re-key and Repair Leeds High School students Jackson Bartee and Jacob Cain won gold medals for their sports nutrition project at the national FCCLA convention in Los Angeles recently.

205-577-7752

John Farris, owner Veteran-owned

www.farrislockandkey.com

PUBLIC RELEASE Leeds City Schools announces its policy for free and reducedprice meals for children served in schools under the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program.

Local school officials have adopted the following household size and income criteria for determining eligibility: Children need healthy meals to learn. Leeds City Schools offers healthy meals every school day. Breakfast costs $1.25; lunch costs $2.50 (Primary & Elementary; $2.75 Middle & High.

Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced price meals. Reduced price is $.30 for breakfast and $.40 for lunch.

Below are some common questions and answers to help you with the application process.

1. WHO CAN GET FREE OR REDUCED PRICE MEALS? • All children in households receiving benefits from Alabama

Application for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to: Receptionist/CNP Manager at LPS 205-702-2300, LES 205-699-4500, LMS 205-699-4505 or LHS 205-699- 4510.

4. SHOULD I FILL OUT AN APPLICATION IF I RECEIVED A LETTER THIS SCHOOL YEAR SAYING MY CHILDREN ARE ALREADY APPROVED FOR FREE MEALS? No, but please read the letter you got carefully and follow the instructions. If any children in your household were missing from your eligibility notification, contact Anita Carlisle 205-699-5437 x6 or acarlisle@leedsk12.org immediately.

5. CAN I APPLY ONLINE? ___ Yes! You are encouraged to complete an online application

12. WHAT IF MY INCOME IS NOT ALWAYS THE SAME? List the amount that you normally receive. For example, if you normally make $1000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only made $900, put down that you made $1000 per month. If you normally get overtime, include it, but do not include it if you only work overtime sometimes. If you have lost a job or had your hours or wages reduced, use your current income.

13. WHAT IF SOME HOUSEHOLD MEMBE_RS HAVE NO INCOME TO REPORT? Household members may not receive some types of income we ask you to report on the application, or may not receive income at all. Whenever this happens, please write a O in the field. However, if any income fields are left empty or blank, those will also be

SNAP, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) or Alabama TANF, are eligible for free meals.

• Foster children that are und_er the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals.

• Children participating in their school's Head Start program are eligible for free meals.

• Children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant are eligible for free meals.

• Children who are directly certified are eligible to receive free meals.

• When known to Leeds City Schools, households will be notified of their children's eligibility for free meals based on their participation (or a household member's participation) in the: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR); or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), if the State program meets Federal standards.

• When known to Leeds City Schools, households will be notified of any child's eligibility for free meals based on the individual child's designation as Other Source Categorically Eligible, as defined by law. Children are determined Other Source Categorically Eligible if they are: Homeless, Migrant, Runaway, A foster child, or Enrolled in Head Start or an eligible pre-kindergarten program (see: SP 40-2013: Q&As Regarding the Participation of Head Start Programs in Child Nutrition Programs, https://www.fns. usda.gov/qas-regarding- oartici oa tion-head-sta rt-oroa rams-child-nu tri tio n-o roa ram s-0).

2. HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILDREN QUALIFY AS HOMELESS, MIGRANT, OR RUNAWAY? Do the members of your household lack a permanent address? Are you staying together in a shelter, hotel, or other temporary housing arrangement? Does your family relocate on a seasonal basis? Are any children living with you who have chosen to leave their prior family or household? If you believe children in your household meet these descriptions and haven't been told your children will get free meals, please call or e-mail Dr. Burke Wren, 205-699-5437 x8 or wwren@leedsk12.org.

3. DO I NEED TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION FOR EACH CHILD? No. Use one Free and Reduced Price School Meals

instead of a paper application if you are able. The online application has the same requirements and will ask you for the same information as the paper application. Visit [website] to begin or to learn more about the online application process. Contact [name, address, phone number, e-mail] if you have any questions about the online application.

MY CHILD'S APPLICATION WAS APPROVED LAST YEAR. DO I NEED TO FILL OUT A NEW ONE? Yes. Your child's application is only good for that school year and for the first few days of this school year, through September 19, 2019. You must send in a new application unless the school told you that your child is eligible for the new school year. If you do not send in a new application that is approved by the school or you have not been notified that your child is eligible for free meals, your child will be charged the full price for meals.

I GET WIC. CAN MY CHILDREN GET FREE MEALS? Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced price meals. Please send in an application.

WILL THE INFORMATION I GIVE BE •CHECKED? Yes. In accordance with program regulations school officials will be verifying the income of some households at some time during the school year. Selected households will be requested to provide income documentation in order to continue receiving free and reduced-price meals.

IF I DON'T QUALIFY NOW, MAY I APPLY LATER? Yes, you may apply at any time during the school year. For example, children with a parent or guardian who becomes unemployed may become eligible for free and reduced price meals if the household income drops below the income limit.

WHAT IF I DISAGREE WITH THE SCHOOL'S DECISION ABOUT MY APPLICATION? You should talk to school officials. You also may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to: Amy Terry, Director of Student Services, P .0. Box 1029 Leeds, AL 35094 or 205-699-5437 x1 or aterry@leedsk12.org.

MAY I APPLY IF SOMEONE IN MY HOUSEHOLD IS NOT A U.S. CITIZEN? Yes. You, your children, or other household members do not have to be U.S. citizens to apply for free or reduced price meals.

counted as zeroes. Please be careful when leaving income fields blank, as we will assume you meant to do so.

14. DO I HAVE TO PROVIDE MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER? Only the last 4 digits of the social security number of the household's primary wage earner or another adult household member (or an indication of "none") is required.

15. MAY I DECLINE BENEFITS? Yes. Households notified of their children's eligibility must contact Leeds City Schools or school if they choose to decline the free meal benefits.

16. WHAT IF ALL CHILDREN ELIGIBLE FOR BENEFITS ARE NOT ON THE NOTICE OF ELIGIBILITY LETTER? If children or households receive benefits under Assistance Programs or Other Source Categorically Eligible Programs and are not listed on the notice of eligibility and are not notified by the school of their free meal benefits, the parent or guardian should contact the school or should submit an income application.

17. WE ARE IN THE MILITARY. DO WE REPORT OUR INCOME DIFFERENTLY? Your basic pay and cash bonuses must be reported as income. If you get any cash value allowances for off-base housing, food, or clothing, it must also be included as income. However, if your housing is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, do not include your housing allowance as income. Any additional combat pay resulting from deployment is also excluded from income.

18. WHAT IF THERE ISN'T ENOUGH SPACE ON THE APPLICATION FOR MY FAMILY? List any additional household members on a separate piece of paper and attach it to your application. Contact Receptionist at LPS 205-7022300, LES 205-699-4500, LMS 205-699-4505 or LHS 205-699-4510 to receive a second application.

19. MY FAMILY NEEDS MORE HELP. ARE THERE OTHER PROGRAMS WE MIGHT APPLY FOR? To find out how to apply for Alabama SNAP or other assistance benefits, contact your local assistance office or call Alabama hotline number 1-800-382-0499.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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Anita Carlisle, Director of Child Nutrition Program for Leeds City Schools

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July 11, 2019

THE LEEDS TRIBUNE

Sports Leeds’ World Series-bound baseball teams raise money for the trip to Mississippi

BY CINDY FISHER Leeds Tribune Staff Two Leeds baseball teams are headed to the World Series in Mississippi this weekend and have been working the city to raise money for expenses.

Leeds Youth Athletic Association’s 10-year-old and 12-year-old teams both made it to the Dizzy Dean World Series and compete July 12-18.

The Leeds City Council Monday night gave $2,500 checks to both teams, for a total of $5,000.

State Rep. Dickie Drake, R-45th District, gave a donation to the Leeds 12U Green Machine team.

The boys asked for money at Walmart on July 6, which is a tradition. The 12U team has made it to the World Series three times in a row – and this is the fourth time.

The 12U team won the World Series last year and will be defending their title this weekend. The team came in sixth place the first year, fifth place the second year before winning it all the third year.

The Leeds 10U team played seven games in

three days to clinch their spot in the World Series.

They came in third in the Dizzy Dean State Tournament. They also won the Sportsmanship Trophy awarded by the Dizzy Dean Tournament Director, staff and umpires.

Donations for the Leeds Youth Athletic Association can be mailed to LYAA at P.O. Box 1245 Leeds, AL 35094. There is also a Go Fund Me account for these young athletes at https://www.gofundme. com/f/green-machine-10uworld-series.

State Rep. Dickie Drake, R-45th District, gave a donation to the Leeds 12U Green Machine to help fund their trip to the World Series next week.

The Green Machine baseball team raised money in the Walmart parking lot last Saturday in Leeds for their trip to the World Series.

Coach Ross Nelson says the Walmart donation spot is usually successful The 10U baseball team is made up of Chase Pardue, Ryder Chambers, Cole Tidwell, Parker Davis, Brady Smith, Jackson Drake, Taylon Gaiter, Tucker Smith, Ayden Bailey, Brody Crawford, Caleb McDaniel, Jackson Robison and Aydan Stephens. Coaches are Keith Smith, Heath Drake and Jared Drake. for the team to raise funds.

Mayor David Miller gives a $2,500 check to Ross Nelson, coach of 12U team and founder of the Green Machine team.

City Councilwoman Linda Miller shakes hands with members of the Green Machine team that will play in the World Series.

The 12U Green Machine team is made up of Grayson Ford, Will Thomas, Casey Williams, Brooks Ford, Ty Bedell, Conner Nelson, Tabari Davis, Hudson Hollis, Cal Thomas, Gavin Howard, Nash Jones and Sam Lollar.

The Leeds High School volleyball team played summer games recently with a win at Corner High School.