Pinson mayor gives update on budget, new school principal appointments
By Nathan Prewett, For Tribune
By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
local schools.
ICE detains Iranian national in Alabama 2 months before wife gives birth
By Avery
Boyce,
CBS 42, and Tribune staff
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
4
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –
Newlyweds find themselves separated after waiting five years for marriage approval by the United States. Morgan Gardner grew up in Locust Fork. It’s a small Blount County town,
as members of
See DETAINED, Page 5
Your candidates for local office
After prolonged political lecture from Mayor Thomas, Springville
By Terry Schrimscher
The Springville City Coun cil took a detour Monday night before it returned to unfinished business held over from the Feb. 17 meet ing. After an extended work session and a short break, the March 3 meeting began around 6:45 p.m. derway, the council ap proved the minutes from the last meeting in February.
Local pageant winners competing in Miss Alabama this week
afterward, Thomas said he trations because the council sometimes delays making decisions it needs to make. He discussed his motion to add unaddressed items from the February meeting to a proval. That approach was
Mayor Dave Thomas mo tioned for them to reconsid er the minutes noting members motioned to adjourn before conducting business on the agenda without that motion being recognized.
From Tribune staff reports
Qualifying officially closed on Tuesday for this year’s municipal elections. Here are all of the candidates running for mayor and city council in Trussville, Springville, Clay, Pinson, Irondale, Center Point, and Argo. The cities of Moody and Leeds have not yet released their lists of candidates. They will be included in next week’s edition. (I) – Indicates incumbent
Thomas then proceeded to deliver a dissertation, as he called it, for the next 55 minutes, cross-referencing political history, addressing recent editorials, and quoting Teddy Roosevelt, Jesus, and Socrates along the way. Although not technically a filibuster, the lecture was designed to prolong the meeting allowing Thomas to air his displeasure at the lack of
Trussville: Mayor • Lisa Bright • Ben Short J.T. Smallwood
focus on city business.
At one point, Thomas challenged members of the council to raise their hands if they agreed never again to leave a meeting before the conclusion of business. No hands raised. Along the way, he said the council’s lack of leadership on salaries would be a burden on the city.
City Council Place 1 • Ben Horton Wayne Taylor
City Council Place 2
• Brian Jackson
ter,” Thomas said. “The example they set by refusing to adjust salaries wasn’t about their faux martyrdom, sacrificing for the greater good,” he added.
City Council Place 5
• Kimberly Farr • Anthony Montalto
Springville: Mayor
• Austin Phillips Russell Starns
City Council Place 3 • Jaime Melton Anderson (I) Leslee Hughes
“The council had every opportunity to redress the error but chose otherwise, wanting to move on, showing their frustration and the effectiveness of the filibus-
“The example they set was that if you make an error it can’t be corrected. That the error becomes a mistake,” he said. “But now the window to act has closed as of last Wednesday, shackling the next administration with the consequences of their actions,” he said.
• Dave Thomas (I)
City Council District 1 Marvin Herrin
Speaking to The Tribune
Many other cities in the prove non-controversial items with a single vote through a consent agenda, a procedural process used to sion and lengthy meetings. After re-introducing parliamentary rules to the meeting process, Thomas led the council through new business which involved acceptance of bids for a new sewer project which will need further action for financial decisions. The council also renewed the city’s garbage collection contract with Waste Management.
• Katrina Hennings (I)
Items from the February agenda were addressed individually. The purchase
City Council District 5
• Alec Bosworth
See CANDIDATES, Page 2
See SPRINGVILLE, Page 2
Foxhound Bee Company to bee-gin construction on new education center
Irondale awarded $5.3 million grant for water system upgrades
From Tribune staff reports
IRONDALE, Ala. –
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
IRONDALE, Ala. – Bee
enthusiasts will soon be swarming to Irondale to visit a new beekeeping education center designed to teach students and community members about the world of pollinators.
Birmingham-based Foxhound Bee Company is preparing to break ground on the 5,000 square foot
safe drinking water for years to come.”
Ellianos brings signature coffee to Trussville
By Chris Basinger, Managing Editor
Human bones found by local dog are connected, coroner says
From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
– A human skull and a left tibia found by a dog in East Birmingham last year are confirmed to have belonged to the same person, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. The link was confirmed
The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed the city’s newest drive-thru coffee spot–Ellianos Coffee–with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Wednesday. The new shop, serving “Italian quality at America’s pace,” celebrated by giving community members and
Leeds High School freshmen take action to address rising school shootings
By Tanna McGuire
By Chris Basinger, Managing Editor
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
The Trussville Beautification Board has announced the winners of this year’s beautification contest, which recognizes some of the prettiest properties in the city.
It will also significantly ease the financial burden of construction projects aiming to enhance water quality and improve infrastructure reliability.
“We are extremely grateful to receive this grant from ADEM,” stated Mayor Stewart said. “This funding will go a long way toward offsetting the cost of critical construction projects and ensuring that Irondale continues to deliver clean and
Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. announced on Monday that the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) has awarded the city with a $5.35 million grant to support capital upgrades to the city’s water system, including temporary PFAS removal measures. The funding, provided through ADEM’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), will assist the city in continuing its pursuit of temporary PFAS treatment measures and modernizing its water system infrastructure.
in the coming weeks, which will serve as an expansion from its current location in Hardware Park. In addition to educational opportunities and STEM programming, the center will also sell a range of products sourced from bees, including honey and beeswax, as well as supplies for beekeepers. It will be built across from the all-new Ruffner Sports Complex, which
opened on Saturday.
The entire grant amount—$5,351,460—is being provided as principal forgiveness, meaning the city will not be required to repay the funds.
“When looking for a place to build our new beekeeping store, we continued to hear comments about how Irondale was doing great things,” said founder Adam Hickman.
“Everyone on the project seemed to speak highly of working with Irondale and its leadership. So, when we approached the
According to a statement, the award is contingent upon final application approval and the completion of the State Environmental Review Process (SERP), and the project must meet all applicable Buy America, Build America (BABA) requirements, unless ADEM or the EPA grants an exemption.
LEEDS, Ala. – Over the past 25 years, school shootings in the United States have surged to alarming levels, with a reported 574 incidents occurring between 2000 and 2025, according to data from Statista. Three Leeds High School freshmen, Amelia Davis, Madilynn Johnson, and Beatrice McCormick, members of the Leeds High School Chapter of Future Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), are determined to address this pressing issue through their state conference project.
Anita Eaves of 402 Water Oaks Lane was awarded Best Home Overall while Charles Varner of 4759 Kendall Circle was awarded second prize.
The Carrington community entrance won Best Use of Color. Second place went to Taylor Cox of 217 Brentwood Avenue.
Joshua Cox of 406 Nichols Way won first prize for Best Home Landscape Design, and Brian Gray of 302 Rockridge Avenue was named in second.
Jan Monski of 7304 Old Mill Trail was awarded Best Garden Home Overall while Doug and Barbara Smith of 306 Hewitt Street were given second place.
Jim Meads of 6384
sentiment, emphasizing thecal toll that school shootings take on students and their families. “You shouldn’t have to worry about beinging to learn,” Johnson said.
“We need to make sure that every school feels safe and ready to handle anything that could happen.”
“When people’s lives are on the line, we can’t just do the bare minimum,” Davis said.
“Schools should take intruder drills as seriously as they do fire or tornado drills.” Johnson echoed this
The young leaders have not only compiled critical statistics but are also working with local officials and educators to promote stronger safety measures in schools. Their project, which will be presented at the FCCLA state conference in March, aims to raise awareness about the devastating impact of school shootings and propose actionable changes to improve safety protocols in Alabama are insufficient and is advocating for more frequent and comprehensive drills.
Circle won Best Garden Home Landscape Design while second went to Nancy Adcock of 5048 Ziglag Place. Finally, the Longmeadow community entrance
named
McCormick highlighted the importance of turning awareness into action.
“School shootings are such a huge problem, and we
The awards will be presented at the next Trussville City Council meeting on Thursday, June 26.
See MISS ALABAMA, Page 3
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
A concept of the new education center in Irondale. (Foxhound Bee Company)
Pictured: Beatrice McCormick, Madilynn Johnson, and Amelia Davis.
of the city council. (Terry Schrimscher/Trussville Tribune)
Irondale City Hall (Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune)
Anita Eaves' home was awarded Best Home Overall. (Trussville Beautification Board)
Trussville Tribune
190 Main Street
Trussville, AL 35173
(205) 533-8664
Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com
Chris Basinger, Managing Editor chris.basinger@trussvilletribune.com
Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor John Goolsby, Sports Editor news@trussvilletribune.com
Sherry J. Parker, Marketing Executive & Photographer, sherry.parker@trussvilletribune.com
Notice is hereby given that Hand Service Company, Inc., 110 Greenbrook Dr., Hazel Green, AL 35750, has completed all work on the Well #17 and #18 Project 3-010-23 and 3-011-23, for Trussville Gas and Water. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project, should immediately notify the above named contractor and Trussville Gas and Water, 127 Main Street, Trussville, AL 35173.
City Council Place 3
• Chris Nail (I)
City Council Place 3
• Angelica Jefferson (pending ethics commission filing)
• Dawn Tanner
City Council Place 4
Paula Sims
City Council Place 5 Chris Esquire
• Noel Holt
• Glenda Kirkland
Irondale: Mayor
661-1188 www.parcelstoo.com
• Erin Kimberly Arnold
City Council District 4
Robert “Santa” Box (I) Mary Brasher Sherer
City Council District 5 Melanie Harris Colston
• Anjanette Burkett Robinson
• Aaron Sims (I)
Center Point: Mayor Frederick Burkes D.M. Collins
• Bobby Scott (I)
City Council Place 1
• Jasmaine Deloach
• Raymond Olan
City Council Place 2
City Council Place 3
• Tasha Hogan • James Howell
Tonya Sigers
City Council Place 4 Moses Whitaker
City Council Place 5
• Shante’ Lee Coleman Glenn Williams (I)
• Wanda Wright Argo: Mayor
• Randy Hettich
• Paul Jennings
City Council Place 1
• Michelle Leigh Coalson
Dennis Griffin
City Council Place 2
• Tom Suggs
• Keffera Stokes
City Council Place 3
• Rick Hopkins Stephanie Hynes
City Council Place 4
• Ronnie Bowman Mike King
City Council Place 5
• Gordon “Corky” Massey
• Alan Thomas
L oca L / R egion
Pamela Garrett awarded first runner-up at Ms. Senior Jefferson County Pageant
From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
– Longtime Trussville resident Pamela Garrett recently celebrated a milestone in her personal journey, finishing first runner-up in the 2025 Ms. Senior Jefferson County Pageant held at the Boutwell Auditorium in April.
Garrett was first invited to participate in the pageant two years ago, and though she never imagined herself participating prior she thought, “Why not try?”
“I knew it would stretch me beyond my comfort zone, but I also sensed it could be an opportunity for growth,” Garrett said.
“I competed for the first time in 2024 and, although I
Ellianos
From front page
drive-thru customers a spin on the wheel for special deals on food and drinks.
Ellianos has locations in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, offering everything from coffee, smoothies, and energy drinks to breakfast bowls, sandwiches, pastries, and pup cups.
“The community here is really great. Everyone here seems to be so in tune with everyone, very family focused, really willing to help and serve, and I do believe Trussville is a coffee-lover place,” franchise owner and manager Zeelu Patel said.
“I’m very excited to be
didn’t place, the experience lit a fire in me. It exposed areas of personal development I wanted to improve and inspired me to return the following year—not to win, but to keep growing.”
She entered again this year with fresh determination and confidence and went on to be named first runner-up.
“The real reward was the journey itself—one filled with joy, encouragement, and genuine sisterhood,” Garrett said. “Every contestant was a cheerleader for the next, and the support we shared was nothing short of beautiful.”
“This milestone means even more as I reflect on this past year,” she added. “I recently walked through
the emotional journey of being a caregiver to my mother, who passed away earlier this year. Though it was difficult, it deepened
my strength and gratitude, and this pageant became a celebration of resilience and new beginnings.”
Outside the pageant world, Garrett is active in her church, leading small groups focused on unity, diversity, and fellowship among seniors and loves to stay active, whether it’s a good workout or chasing after her beloved grandchildren.
She said she hopes her story encourages others to keep growing and showing up for themselves and their communities.
“This experience reminded me that it’s never too late to embrace a new challenge, celebrate who you are, and uplift others along the way,” Garrett said.
here, and I’m very thankful and very grateful for the Trussville community and my staff,” she added. “I wouldn’t be here with-
out them today, and also the support from my corporate and my family members. I’m just really, really thankful.”
Miss Alabama
From front page
Miss Historic Springville Carson Champion, Miss Trussville Reagan Hanson, Miss Leeds Area Samantha Hennings, and Miss Hoover Emma Terry.
Champion, 20, is from Valley and is a student at the University of Alabama.
Her talent is a lyrical dance performance of “What the World Needs Now Is Love” and her service initiative is Champions SERVE.
Hanson, 19, is from Trussville and is a student at the University of Alabama.
Her talent is a lyrical dance performance of “One Moment in Time” and her service initiative is Reagan’s Rally: Encourage to
S.E.R.V.E.
Hennings, 22, is from Springville and is a student at Faulkner University.
Her talent is a vocal performance of “Broken Wing” and her service initiative is Willing Hearts Devoted to Heroes.
Terry, 22, is from Leeds and is a UAB graduate.
Her talent is an en pointe ballet performance of “Flashdance” her service initiative is Stomping Out ALS One Step at a Time. Contestants will be evaluated based on their talent, interview, on-stage question, health and fitness, and evening gown.
Miss America 2025 Abbie Stockard, who was crowned Miss Alabama last year, will crown the new Miss Alabama.
Top row, from left: Carson Champion and Reagan Hanson. Bottom row: Samantha Hennings and Emma Terry. (Miss Alabama)
Ellianos is located at 7260 Gadsden Hwy, in front of Publix, and is open seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Franchise owner Zeelu Patel cuts the ribbon to celebrate the opening of Ellianos Coffee. (Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune)
Pamela Garrett is awarded First Runner-Up at the Ms. Senior Jefferson County Pageant. (Walker & Co. Photography)
“We did go through several things there on the budget and talked about some of the stuff that we’d like to do about consolidating some budget items and areas to kind of streamline the budget,” Roberts said, referencing the work session held last week. “It’ll make it a little more friendly for the council’s review and also for the public to be able to understand where the money’s being spent.”
He added that a preliminary budget report has been completed and that a meeting will be scheduled in early July with auditors in order to begin a formal report.
“We were very pleased with the findings and everything that they had on that and a lot of the stuff that we’ve been working on will match up with the direction that the auditors have been wanting us to do,” Roberts continued. “So, that’s a nice thing.”
He went on to address the school principal appointments. Gerolyn Woodruff has stepped in to be principal of Pinson Valley High School after Michael Turner was selected to be the interim superintendent for Bessemer City Schools. According to the Jefferson County Board of Education, Woodruff has been a teacher at Erwin Middle School, assistant principal at Shades Valley High School,
Rudd Middle School, and Pinson Valley High School. She was the principal of Rudd Middle School for the 2024-2025 school year.
With the opening at Rudd Middle School, Kristopher Fischer now fills in that role. He was an assistant principal for one year at Pinson Valley High School and four years at Hueytown High School. He has taught English and Exceptional Education, and coached baseball and football.
Jermaine Howard is the new principal at Kermit Johnson Elementary School. Previously, he was an assistant principal at Minor Middle School and Pinson Valley High School. His teaching background includes physical education, in-school suspension teaching and worked in administration in the Minor and Pinson zones.
“These guys have worked together before and so they really want to build a nice team effort,” Roberts
said. They will begin on July 1. At the end of the meeting, Councilor Glenda Kirkland said that there will be no Trade Days event in July due to it falling on the Fourth of July weekend.
In other business the council:
• Approved an agreement with the Jefferson County Commission for election services for $3,227.19, Purchased furniture for the Parks and Recreation director for $1,595,
• Purchased equipment for the Splash Pad for $3,202.94, and
• Granted $1,500 to ClasTran, a bus service that transports the elderly and disabled.
Pinson City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of every month at City Hall on 4410 Main Street. Live-streamed meetings can be seen on the city’s Facebook page.
Trussville City Schools has openings for certified bus drivers
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TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – As soon as one school year ends for students, school districts begin working toward the upcoming year.
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Leeds math tutor faces additional sexual abuse charges
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SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. – A Leeds man who recently made posts in multiple local Facebook groups offering math tutoring is facing new first-degree sexual abuse charges in Shelby County.
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Carl Frog Price, 66, was originally indicted by the Shelby County Circuit Court in April.
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“The report stated the victim was in the residence of the suspect while a sibling received tutoring,” officials said. “The victim reported during this tutoring, the crime occurred.”
said the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Unit conducted in-depth interviews of the suspect and presented the case to the Grand Jury of Shelby County.
“Carl Frog Price has been an active tutor for children in the community and surrounding communities for over 25 years,” SCSO officials said.
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“If you or anyone you know has any information on this subject and would like to report a crime, please contact Investigator Watkins at 205-670-6255 or by email at swatkins@shelbyso.com. You can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777, or on their website at www. crimestoppersmetroal.com.” Price is being held in the Shelby County Jail on a $115,000 bond.
Pinson Mayor Robbie Roberts. (Nathan Prewett/Trussville Tribune)
Carl Frog Price
Woman killed in St. Clair County crash that injured 3 kids
From Tribune staff reports
ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ala. – A single-vehicle crash just north of Riverside early Monday morning left one
Detained
From front page
about 45 minutes from downtown Birmingham. In 2020, Gardner picked up a controller and began playing Call of Duty. While playing online, she met Ribvar Karimi.
For the next five years, Gardner and Karimi would meet in Istanbul, Turkey and spend weeks together. Eventually an online relationship kindled into a loving marriage.
“He applied for the K1 visa in August of 2023, it took 15 months just to process our visa application,” Gardner said.
The couple went through a six-month interview process and later a very intense background check.
Finally in 2024, the United States Immigration office approved his K1 visa, which allows immigrants to enter the U.S. with the intent of marrying a U.S. citizen, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Last October, Karimi arrived in the states and three months later the couple became married.
Five months after tying the knot, ICE came knocking at the door.
woman dead and four people injured, according to ALEA Senior Trooper Brandon Bailey. At approximately 1:45
a.m., Vickie Franklin of Rag-
land was fatally injured when the 2008 Nissan Maxima she was driving left the roadway, struck an embankment, and overturned.
Franklin, 34, was not us-
ICE agents told Gardner her husband was being detained because they did not file for an adjustment of status.
In a press release, the Department of Homeland Security stated that Karimi entered the U.S. on a K1 visa, but claimed that he “never adjusted his status—a legal requirement— and is removable from the United States.”
The couple had gotten married within the 90-day period following approval of his K1 visa, that’s the only deadline the couple was aware of.
“I understand that they’ve got a job to do, immigration, but I just feel like he was specifically targeted because of what’s going on
where he’s from, his home country,” Gardner said.
DHS also claimed that Karimi “reportedly served as an Iranian Army sniper from 2018 to 2021” and at the time of his arrest he had a “Islamic Republic of Iran Army identification card” in his possession.
In a Facebook post, Gardner wrote that the online discourse surrounding her husband’s former military service is “exaggerated and far from the truth.”
“Being from Iran, you are required to serve 2 years mandatory or you can’t get a passport to leave,” she wrote. “All of this was turned into immigration during his visa process AND he passed a background check. This was NEVER
ing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was ejected from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Four passengers–31-yearold William Talton of Pell
City, a 12-year-old, a 10-yearold, and a 4-year-old–were also injured and transported to an area hospital for treatment. The crash occurred on Depot Street near Possum
hidden from anyone! I have all of the documents proving this. The branch he served in IS NOT deemed a terrorist organization.”
She continued, “He went through 1.5 years of checks by the same people who detained him. He fought ISIS himself. They seen him as no threat. He is also from the kurdish region of his country and they hate their government.”
Following Karimi’s arrest, Gardner immediately sought legal help.
“My attorney said that in previous administrations something like this wouldn’t happen, that he should be protected because he is married to a U.S. citizen,” Gardner said. “You can file for your green card 15 years
later and they’re not going to come get you, so they just seemed very surprised that they showed up at our house.”
Applying for permanent citizenship was put on hold due to a family emergency.
“Right after I found out I was pregnant, we found out our baby had fluid around his heart, lungs and scalp,” Gardner said.
Gardner is 7 months pregnant. In two months, the newlyweds will become parents and Garder is hopeful she will not have to give birth to their child alone.
“My heart is broken,” Gardner said. “Our baby shower is going to be next weekend and he’s not going to be at home to go to that with me.”
Trot Lane, approximately two miles north of the Riverside city limits.
Troopers with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division is investigating the crash.
Prior to CBS 42’s interview with Gardner, she received a phone call from the Eutaw County Corrections facility. It was her husband. During the quick exchange, she told him that he would be transferred to an ICE facility in Louisiana but is doing everything she can to get him home.
The phone call was cut off about five minutes into the conversation.
“This man loves America, the first purchase he made when he got here was an American Flag,” Gardner said. “If he was here on bad intentions, he wouldn’t have done that, he wouldn’t be willing to walk around with a flag, knowing he could get deported and sent back to a country where he could be killed for that.”
Now that her husband is in ICE custody, Gardner is worried that deportation could lead to death. Whether it’s because of possible future attacks happening in the Middle East, or at the hands of the Iranian Regimen.
“I have been worried sick that if he gets sent back for whatever reason that he’s going to be arrested or killed just because he’s been here already,” Gardner said.
*Amount
Morgan & Rabvar Karimi wedding photo. (CBS 42)
A photo of Rabvar posted by Morgan after he was detained by ICE.
Planning Ahead: How to Help an Aging Relative Organize Finances Before Crisis Strikes
By Seth Edgil, Financial Advisor –Keystone Financial Group
Few tasks are more stressful than piecing together a parent’s finances after a hospital stay or sudden death. Yet with a proactive approach, families can transform chaos into clarity and ensure loved ones’ wishes are honored.
Start the conversation early:
Begin while your relative is still healthy and cognitively sharp. Frame the discussion as a safety measure, not a takeover. A simple opener— “I’d like to help if you’re ever unavailable to pay bills”—often eases tension and invites cooperation.
Create a master list:
Document every bank account, investment, insurance policy, recurring bill and safe-deposit box. Include institution names, account numbers, online logins and key contacts. Store the information in a locked binder, a fireproof safe or an encrypted digital vault. One reliable source of truth spares family members a frantic paper chase when time is short.
Secure essential legal documents:
Consolidate and simplify:
Scattered accounts multiply statements and tax forms. Rolling multiple IRAs into one custodian or closing dormant bank accounts reduces paperwork and makes oversight easier. Cash in old savings bonds that have stopped accruing interest and redeploy the funds to higher-yield options. Simplification lowers the risk of missed required minimum distributions, lapsed policies or forgotten assets.
Automate and prioritize: Set up automatic payments for utilities, insurance premiums and property taxes to prevent late fees if the account holder becomes incapacitated. Use recurring transfers to fund emergency reserves or cover long-termcare premiums. Automation reduces the emotional bur-
Draft or update a durable power of attorney for finances and another for health care. A living will clarifies medical directives, while a standard will or revocable trust directs asset distribution. Ensure beneficiary forms on IRAs and life-insurance policies match current intentions, because those designations override a will.
den on family members and preserves credit ratings.
Revisit insurance and tax strategies: Long-term-care insurance becomes harder to obtain with age or declining health. Evaluate coverage options while the senior is still insurable. Consider Roth conversions in low-income years to reduce future taxable distributions, or qualified charitable distributions from IRAs after age 70½ to satisfy required withdrawals tax-free. If gifting is part of the plan, transferring appreciated stock now may lower overall capital-gains taxes if heirs are in lower brackets.
Leverage technology: Secure portals such as
eMoney allow selective sharing: family can view bank balances; an attorney can access estate documents and physicians can see health directives. Automatic reminders flag bill dates or document renewals. Digital tools complement—rather than replace—ongoing conversations.
Schedule annual reviews: Life events, market moves and tax laws change. Review the financial checklist each year to confirm account balances, update beneficiaries and adjust investments to match risk tolerance and liquidity needs. Treat the review like a wellness exam: preventive care avoids emergencies.
Benefits of early organization:
• Peace of mind for the entire family
Smooth bill payment and uninterrupted investment management
• Fewer probate delays and lower legal costs
• Clear instructions that limit family disputes
• Reduced risk of elder fraud
Getting organized starts with a coffee-table conversation and a simple checklist. Each small step—listing an account, drafting a power of attorney, automating a bill—builds financial resilience and honors a loved one’s legacy long before crisis calls.
Seth J. Edgil and David Guttery offer products and services using the following business names: Keystone Financial Group– insurance and financial services | Ameritas Investment Company, LLC (AIC), Member FINRA/SIPC – securities and investments | Ameritas Advisory Services, LLC (AAS) – investment advisory services. AIC and AAS are not affiliated with Keystone Financial Group. Information is gathered from sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Data provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell any investment product.
Seth Edgil
L i F esty L e
My Life As A Hobby: Grandma Groupies – The Sequel
By Joe Hobby
Everyone knows that most sequels are not as good as the originals. Examples abound in the movie world: Caddyshack 2, The Hangover 2, Jaws 2: Of course, there are some exceptions to the rule like The Dark Knight, or The Empire Strikes Back. So I’m hoping this column, which is my first sequel, will be one of the outliers.
Many of you who read me may recall that a few months ago I wrote an article called Grandmother Groupies. It’s a story of how a woman in her early seventies – namely my wife Carol, acted like a cow-eyed teenager at a Herman’s Hermits concert. The fact it was one of her high school crushes was no excuse to me.
artificial kind. Besides the music, there were Q&A sessions with the musicians – one of which was…Peter Noone. Predictably, Carol staked out a front row seat early, sat down, and hung on every word he said.
She was also determined to get a copy of my article signed by him. So, when he began autographing, she stood near the front, shaking the newspaper and yelling, “Grandma Groupie, please sign!”
Apparently, this got Herman’s attention because he took the paper from her hand, opened it to the article and said, “Lemme see this. There was something in there I didn’t like.”
Grandma GroupiesHobby/Orth 2025
70 years old and she don’t care. Wearing bifocals, she’s got blue hair. Listens to the music over the crowd, turns up her hearing aids extra loud.
She’s a grandma groupie.
Sporting tie-dyed shirts and go-go boots. She’s got a walker, but she sure is cute.
She’s a grandma groupie.
All her kids call her grandmother – she just wants to see the Righteous Brothers.
Saw ’em once in ’65, now only one of them is still alive.
She’s a grandma groupie.
Maybe fishnet hose, it’s not real plain.
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
Apparently, quite a few people read it; however, I didn’t think one of them would be Peter Noone, aka Herman.
For once, and maybe the only time in her life, my wife was speechless. She knew I had hashtagged the article to him; but like me, had no idea anything would come of it. Surprise!
The number one-ranked Hewitt-Trussville baseball team went 4-0 in Georgia over the weekend.
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
Occasionally, when I’m finished writing something, I will hashtag the subject of the article. I learned that trick from my oldest granddaughter. And that’s what I did when I finished Grandmother Groupies. I decided to add: #hermanshermits. Why not? It couldn’t hurt anything, and besides, nothing ever came of my hashtags – well, until a few weeks ago.
IRONDALE
That’s when Carol and one of her friends went on the “Flower Power” cruise. This is a week long trip on the water with a boatload of old bands playing their old hits. It was live music from the sixties and seventies for live people in their seventies and eighties. It’s a fair statement to say that most of the joints on this cruise were the
“Umm, uh… you really read it?,” she stammered.
“Yeah,” he responded. “And there was something in there I didn’t care for.”
The Huskies, 10-0, defeated Mill Creek (GA), LaGrange (GA), Central Phenix City, and Morgan County (GA). “We had a great two-day run for four games,” said head coach Jeff Mauldin. “It
“Well, uh, uh it was a good article. It was, um, about you,” she said, still fumbling for words. Carol was right. I thought the piece flattered him. I had made fun of the seventy plus year-old ladies behaving like teeny boppers. But maybe he didn’t appreciate me saying he should’ve sung “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got A Lovely Walker.” Herman scanned the article, and finally said, “Here it is.” Then he began to read aloud, saying,” How many national championships does Peter Noone have?”
A&M earlier this month.
That’s ’cause those are varicose veins.
She’s a grandma groupie.
Huskies move to 10-0 after Georgia road trip
Caught Herman’s Hermits in ’68, they’re coming back, and she can’t wait. She’ll rush the stage with greatest ease, not bad for a chick with titanium knees.
She’s a grandma groupie. Sporting tie-dyed shirts and go-go boots. She’s got a walker, but she sure is cute.
She’s a grandma groupie.
• Landy Saxton, football, signed with Huntingdon College
• CJ Ford, football, signed with Bethel College Johnny Steele, football, signed with Coffeyville Community College Dreshan Cook, football, signed with Bethel College earlier this month. Aidan Smith, football, signed with Alabama
– Shades Valley had four student-athletes participate in the school’s signing day on Friday. One volleyball player and three football players signed their National Letters of Intent. Volleyball standout Ashley Peake signed with Xavier University. Landy Saxton, football, signed with Huntingdon College.
This was the conclusion of my original article. I told Carol that Herman was a
• Jasmine Terry, volleyball, signed with Lee in November.
• Kindle Wright, volleyball, will sign with Dillard University in March.
• Peake, Terry and Wright played for Coach Kimberly Cook.
• Steele, Ford, Saxton, Cook and Smith played for former head coach Rueben Nelson.
singer in a band, not a superstar like Nick Saban. She, in turn, asked me how many millions of albums Saban sold. And I asked her how many national championships Peter Noone won. Carol, now humiliated, didn’t want to explain who Nick Saban was to a British musician, said nothing. He smiled and signed the newspaper. Perhaps he was just kidding. I hope so.
No matter. Carol sent me an excited text from international waters saying that I was a celebrity because Peter Noone not only read my column but commented on it.
I was pleasantly surprised but reminded her that it’s not quite how celebrity works.
So Peter, if you’re reading this, thanks for the autograph.
And if you truly didn’t get the Nick Saban joke, hey, don’t worry about it. But you might want to Google him.
Epilogue- I was telling a friend this story and he said, “That would be a great title for a song.” So I wrote one, and he set it to music. It’s being copyrighted, Peter, but if you like I’m sure we can work something out.
Here’s the lyrics:
Sit in your seat, just behave, don’t throw your panties up on the stage.
It’s too late, she’s done it again. That’s not her panties; it’s a pair of Depends.
She’s a grandma groupie.
Maybe fishnet hose, it’s not real plain – That’s ’cause those are varicose veins.
She’s a grandma groupie – she’s singing Hang on Sloopy, Sloopy hang on.
She’s a grandma groupie.
Steele, Ford and Saxton with family and friends. Credit: John Goolsby
Helmers threw a complete game one-hitter with seven strikeouts and offensively had five hits and reached base on 10 of 13 plate appearances.
The Huskies host Huntsville this Tuesday.
Huskies move to 10-0. Credit: HTHS
Joe Hobby, Tribune Columnist
Leonard R. Cooper
june 10, 1924 — june 8, 2025
Leonard Cooper passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 8, 2025, just two days short of reaching the age of 101. Leonard married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Moore, in 1943 one day before he left for the army. They were married 68 years before her passing. Leonard was a decorated war veteran including receiving the Bronze Star. He served as a military police officer before being shipped to Western Europe near the Rhine River to engage in battle.
On his return he entered the construction business and eventually formed his own general contracting company. Leonard was a long-time active member of Huffman Church of Christ. His life was a blessing, and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Leonard was born June 10, 1924, to R.V. and Della Cooper in New Hope, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, his parents, brothers Lurlyn, Neil, Billy, Jimmy, and Gary Cooper. Survivors include his three children Joy, Carter (Donna), and Kelly, grandchildren Jason (Frances), Blair, Gaines, Miller, Mary and Matthew and four great grandchildren. Funeral Service was at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2025, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville. Patty Kendall-Ball officiated the service. The family received friends 30 minutes prior to the service.
Robert Thurlo League
december 25, 1942 — june 10, 2025
Robert Thurlo League, age 82, passed away on June 10, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years Iva League and son Craig League; sister Elna (Richard) Hanson. Robert was born on Dec. 25, 1942, on a farm in Haleyville, AL. Mr. League was a veteran of the US Army and the Army National Guard. He had multiple occupations which led him to Birmingham. A majority of his career was in trucking. He worked at AAA Cooper for over 30 years and was given multiple awards for safe driving. Robert was an active member of Pinson First Baptist Church. He loved Nascar, football, and military history. In his retirement he enjoyed hanging out with his friends at Jack’s, spending time with Jane and her dog Bella.
Mr. League is survived by his life partner Jane Montgomery; two sons, Darryl (Martha) League, Steven (Delayne) League; grandchildren, Kalyn (Dillon) Goodwin, Kyle (Elizabeth) League, Stephanie (Adam) Blackmon, Hailey League, Emily League, Walker League, Presley League, Winston League; great-grandchildren, Mason and Ava; sisters, Bennie (Buford) Thompson, Ann Gault; daughter-in-law Cherie League. He had a bonus family, also Traci (Marin) Chesser, Amy (Scott) Ragsdale and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren in love.
The Pallbearers will be Kyle League, Adam Blackmon, Walker League, Winston League, Scott Ragsdale and Martin Chesser.
Visitation was on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 9:00 am until 10:00 am at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. There was a chapel service at 10:00 am at the funeral home where burial followed at Jefferson Memorial Gardens.
James Earl Buttner
may 10, 1937 — june 5, 2025
James “Chief” Buttner of Springville, Alabama passed away peacefully on Thursday June 5, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.
He was born on May 10, 1937 in Birmingham, Alabama. He grew up in Birmingham and was a graduate of Woodlawn High School where he met and married his wife Jo Buttner (d) of 67 years. After high school he joined the Marine Corps and later joined the Navy, where he became a Navy Chief and was known by “Chief” to many. When he retired from the Navy he became employed at Pemco Aircraft until his retirement.
He was preceded in death by his wife Jo Buttner, sister Armenia B. Clemmons, son-in-law Joe Walker, and son-in-law Ed Higginbotham. He is survived by his brother Dana Paul Buttner of Birmingham, AL, sister Melanie McCrary of Decatur, AL and children Debbie Evans (Bo) of Springville, AL, Dan Buttner of Springville, AL and Milinda Higginbotham of Birmingham, AL. He is also survived by six grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A private viewing was held for family on June 10, 2025 followed by graveside service for family and friends at 12:00 at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville, Alabama. Quinton Williams officiated. Pallbearers were
Jackson, Lee Evans, Jacob Holloway, Dana Paul Buttner, Mac McCreary and Dan Buttner.
He
Jeff Wade
and his siblings, Gene R. Wade, Geraldine Carter, Jimmy Wade, Janice Jones and Johny Wade. Ben Sutton, Ben Howell, Greg Harper, Wes Gardner, Andrew Didcoct, Tim Walls, John Pittman and Pat Johnson served as Pallbearers.
Stephen C. Henson
may 4, 1951 — june 7, 2025
Mr. Stephen Campbell Henson, age 74 of Birmingham, Alabama passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at his home.
Stephen was born in Denver, Colorado. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Montevallo where he was on the tennis team, met his future wife and made lifelong friends. Stephen had a love for Alabama football, playing golf and taking trips to the beach. He would often speak of fond memories of growing up on his grandparents’ farm in Trussville, Alabama.
Stephen was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend that will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife, Donnie Henson, his daughters, Carly Murray (Jeff) and Melissa Wolcott (Chris), his grandsons, Adam Murray, Austin Murray, Logan Wolcott and Brody Wolcott, his twin sister, Joan Hill (Ray) and his nephew, Martin Hill (Emily) along with a host of other nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Evelyn Pogue Henson and his nephew, Robert Hill. Family and friends were cordially invited to a visitation on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 from 12:30 to 1:30 in the afternoon followed by a graveside service at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville.
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● The M.W. Hosey American Legion Post 205, Clay-Trussville, meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Clay
Community Center. Meetings are open to all veterans. Post 205 also meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Trussville Applebee’s for a Veteran’s Pub night.
Trussville Public Library
● Classic Cinema: Friday, June 27 at 2 p.m. - Come and watch classic movies in the library auditorium! This month’s feature: “The African Queen”
● Disc Golf (Teen): Saturday, June 28 at 10 a.m.Come play some disc golf!
● Fly Fishing: Saturday, June 28 at 10 a.m. - Learn the basics of fly-fishing with Charles Yeager, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve Manager and fly-fishing expert
● Bath Bombs (Teen): Monday, June 30 at 4 p.m.
- Join Ms. September and make your own bath bombs
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- Join September Reed and make your own bath bombs
● Summer Movie Matinee: Tuesday, July 1 at 10:30 a.m. - Come to the library to watch “Harold and the Purple Crayon”
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● Children’s Storytime: Thursday, July 3 at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - Join Ms. Alicia for stories, songs, bubble time, and lots of fun! ● Puzzle Competition: Thursday, July 3 at 6 p.m. - Compete against other teams to finish your puzzle fastest!
Pinson Public Library
● Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison: Friday, June 27 at 10 a.m. - Our theme is black. We’ll read books, have fun, do a craft, and have a snack ●
● Books - The History and Art of Letterpress Bookmaking: Tuesday, July 1 at 5 p.m. - Learn the history and art of bookmaking with Scott Fisk
The New Reality: NIL and the Transfer Portal
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
It wasn’t that long ago that National Signing Day was the defining moment in a high school athlete’s career. Families would pack the gym, banners would hang, and coaches would beam with pride as seniors signed their letters of intent. But that world, the one many of us grew up watching, has changed. And it’s not changing back.
With the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and a wide-open NCAA transfer portal, the college recruiting landscape is being rebuilt in real time. Some embrace it. Others reject it. But regardless of where you stand, the impact on high school athletes, coaches, and college programs is undeniable.
NIL rights have created a new currency in college sports. Athletes—many not even old enough to buy a lottery ticket—are now getting endorsement deals, apparel partnerships, and performance incentives.
For elite recruits, NIL is a game-changer. A fivestar quarterback may now choose a school not based on tradition or a coaching staff but on the size of the NIL package. The new recruiting pitch is playing time, development, and dollars.
An average SEC football player earns around $150,000 annually from
revenue sharing alone. Add in outside NIL income—especially for high-profile positions like quarterback— and a top-tier SEC player could make half a million dollars or more annually once all income sources are combined.
But NIL has created another layer of separation for high school players just trying to get on a roster.
Once viewed as a second chance for players who needed a fresh start, the NCAA transfer portal has exploded into a revolving door of roster turnover. In football and basketball, it’s become common to see dozens of players enter and exit a program yearly.
In 2025 alone, the numbers were staggering. Over 4,000 football players, including over 3,400 FBS scholarship athletes, entered the portal. Nearly 2,700 men’s basketball players entered by the end of April. Women’s basketball saw 1,464 transfers—roughly 29% of all rostered players. What once was a backup plan is now a primary recruiting pipeline. For college coaches under pressure to win now, experience is as valuable as gold. And it’s coming at the expense of high school signees.
The impact doesn’t stop at the college level. Tribuneland High School coaches are seeing it firsthand.
“The NIL and the portal have definitely had a negative impact on high
school recruiting,” said Hewitt-Trussville head coach Josh Floyd. “It is harder than ever before to get a scholarship to the next level.”
“There are some very positive things with NIL for college kids—so it’s not all bad. NIL is helping a lot of kids. However, it is keeping kids staying in college longer, so there just isn’t as much room for high school kids. Some of these guys are 24–25 years old and still have eligibility,” Floyd added.
“The transfer portal definitely hurts the high school kids because colleges put a priority on that instead of high school recruiting. Unless you are a 4- or 5-star and have offers everywhere, the high school recruiting is
later than it was a few years ago.”
Leeds head coach Jerry Hood echoed Floyd’s concerns.
“The portal has the most effect on high school recruiting,” Hood said. “College coaches now must see who they will have from the current team remaining, and then if they can upgrade through the portal. This pushes most high school recruits to FCS schools or Division II.”
“The thought becomes, for most high school players, to find a place to begin your college career and then play your way up. Five- and four-star players will still get FBS attention, as most colleges are now allowing a certain number of high school players and then por-
tal players.”
“The portal impacts our guys by making it harder and longer to get opportunities if you aren’t considered a 3-star or higher kid right now,” said Shades Valley head coach George Bates.
“We have good players who will likely have to start out at lower levels. If they have good years, then they can get into the portal. Any offer—on any level—is huge. We tell our guys to take the best opportunity for them and their family.”
Clay-Chalkville head coach Stuart Floyd said the market itself has become overloaded.
“The portal has made it much more difficult for the typical high school player to receive a scholarship,” Floyd said. “Many teams are building their rosters with portal players and a few high school kids, and the market has now been saturated.”
And even though high school football is king in Alabama, the challenges aren’t limited to the gridiron.
College fans have seemingly had enough with NIL and the portal. While attendance generally remains strong, 55 FBS programs have seen attendance drop by at least 10% compared to ten years ago. Additionally, last year’s CFP semi-finals saw a 17% decrease, while the championship game saw a 12% decrease in TV viewership compared to the previous season.
Has Olympus fallen?
Not quite, but there are troubling trends. “What wasn’t a problem a couple of years ago is now an existential threat to the future of college football,” Paul Finebaum told Sports Illustrated.
After years of criticism over its hands-off approach, the NCAA has started taking steps to bring order to the chaos of NIL and the transfer portal. The following steps have been taken: NIL Oversight and Transparency. A new clearinghouse, run by Deloitte and conference officials, will now review any NIL deal worth more than $600 to ensure it’s fair market value and not just disguised booster money. Student-athletes must report all NIL agreements over $600 within 30 days of signing. That includes who’s paying, how much, and what they’re asked to do. Agents
“I feel bad for high school players,” said Shades Valley basketball coach Audwin Howard. “If you really look at it, their route to obtain a scholarship has become more difficult now than ever. Most D1 coaches aren’t recruiting high school kids unless they’re in the top 100 in their class. I don’t think that’s fair, and it’s making JUCO more difficult for those that wish to continue their education through athletics.”
See PORTAL, Page 11
Trio of Tribune Teams Enter ‘Year One’ Under New Coaches
By Johnny Sanders | Sports Editor and John Goolsby | Prep Editor
TRUSSVILLE —
nett County Assistant Coach of the Year in 2014 and was selected to coach in Georgia’s East/West AllStar Game.
Coaching changes are part of the rhythm of high school football in Alabama, and Tribuneland is no exception. As the 2025 season approaches, three programs with strong ties to our coverage area begin new chapters—two with fresh faces on the sidelines and one with a familiar name in a new place.
Ju ly 25 -31, 2024
Dre’Mail King – Center Point Eagles
Returning to Alabama in 2018, King worked as co-defensive coordinator at American Christian Academy under Chris Smelley. He then took over Greensboro High School in 2020, finishing 6–5 in his lone season. Most recently, he led West Blocton in 2022 and 2023, making playoff appearances in both years and finishing with a combined 12–10 record. King did not coach in 2024.
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King’s coaching résumé spans multiple states and levels. He began as an assistant at Central High School before taking over Sumter Central in 2013, where he coached the third team in the school’s history to a 2–8 finish. He later moved to Georgia, serving as an offensive coordinator at Meadowcreek High School in Gwinnett County and then as an assistant—and eventually head coach—at Carver High School in Columbus.
King was named Gwin-
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At Center Point, King inherits a playoff-tested program with a seven-year postseason streak. The Eagles finished 5–6 last season, their worst record under Bates, but the foundation remains strong.
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“Taking over this program after Coach Bates is a great accomplishment,” King said. “The foundation has been laid—facilities are clean, the players carry themselves well. Now we want to elevate it.”
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The Eagles will open their 2025 season at home against Bessemer City on August 22.
Meetings:2nd and 4thTuesday of eachmonthat6 p.m., CityCouncil Annex
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University, and has coached at John Carroll, Hoover, and Minor.
future NFL talents like Shedrick Jackson and George Pickens. “We want to build a lifestyle of greatness,” Metcalf said. “Greatness is ongoing—you never fully achieve it. That’s what we’ll preach. It leaves a legacy.”
He continued, “Coach Niblett said, ‘The legacy you leave is more intimidating than the day itself,’ and I’ve never forgotten that. We want to put a product on the field the community can be proud of.”
Springville opens the 2025 season at home against Ashville on August 22.
ter Point in December, just as Rueben Nelson stepped down at Shades Valley. On December 20, the Mounties announced Bates as their next head coach.
“It’s surreal following a friend and legend in Coach Nelson,” Bates said. “I’m a football junkie and a glassfull type of coach. My expectations for what can and will be done are through the roof.”
Bates’ hiring was met with strong support from across the coaching community.
George Bates – Shades Valley Mounties
●Trussville BoardofEducation Meetings:3rd Monday of eachmonthat6 p.m.,
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“George does an outstanding job getting his kids ready to play every Friday,” said Clay-Chalkville head coach Stuart Floyd. “But more importantly, he mentors them to succeed in life.”
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His message to the Center Point community is clear: “We are going to raise the expectations of coaches, players, and the school. We want to become first—and we’re going to hit the field running.”
On November 7, Springville head coach Jon Clements stepped down after four seasons, and the Tigers launched a two-month search before naming Chris Metcalf as the new head man.
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Metcalf is no stranger to Tribuneland—he’s a 2008 Clay-Chalkville graduate, earned his degree in math education from Auburn
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ilies, designed to protect them from bad deals. Revenue Sharing Through the House v. NCAA Settlement. Starting in 2025, schools can directly share up to $20.5 million annually in revenue with athletes. That number could grow to $26–27 million per school in the near future. Most of that money will go to football (75–85%) and
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men’s basketball (10–15%), with the remaining funds spread across other sports. Only Division I power conference schools can opt in, and they must accept roster caps to maintain balance and fairness. Transfer Portal and Eligibility Rules. Athletes now benefit from unlimited one-time transfers without having to sit out, as long as
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●ClayCityCouncil Meetings:2nd and 4thTuesday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
●PinsonCityCouncil Meetings: 1stand 3rdThursday of eachmonthat7 p.m.
This is his first head coaching opportunity, but Metcalf has a strong pedigree. He’s worked under coaching giants like Josh Niblett, Chad Eads, Sam Adams, and Aryvia Holmes, and has coached
●CenterPoint City Council Meetings:1st and 3rdThursday of eachmonth, at 6:30 p.m.
●Parks and RecTrivia: Thursday,July25at6 p.m.
●ClassicCinema: Friday, July 26 at 2p.m.- Come and watchaclassicmovie in the library auditorium!
After seven seasons at Center Point, George Bates has taken on a new challenge—this time at Shades Valley. Bates posted a 52–30 record with the Eagles, including two quarterfinal appearances and a playoff berth every season.
Pinson Public Library
He resigned from Cen-
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What’s Ahead
Moody head coach Jake Ganus, who faced Bates once during the 2024 season, added, “He has one of the best reputations in this profession. You could tell from afar that he loved his kids and taught them how to be successful young men.”
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Team New Coach 2025 Season Opener
Center Point Dre’Mail King vs. Bessemer City (Aug. 22)
●ArgoCityCouncil Meetings:2nd and 4thMonday of eachmonthat5 p.m.
Springville Chris Metcalf vs. Ashville (Aug. 22)
Shades Valley George Bates vs. Woodlawn (Aug. 22)
●Springville City Council Meetings:1st and 3rdMonday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
●IrondaleCityCouncil Meetings:1st and 3rdTuesday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
Three programs. Three new eras. And three reasons to keep an eye on the sidelines this fall.
●Leeds City Council Meetings:1st and 3rdMonday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
●Moody City Council Meetings:2nd and 4thMonday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
Trussville Public Library
●SummertimeStories: Thursday,July25at9:30 and 10:30 a.m. -JoinMs. Alicia fora summer-themed
they’re in good academic standing. The NCAA has set specific transfer windows: Football: 20 days in the fall, 10 days in the spring. Basketball: 30 days following the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Other sports: 30-day fall, 30-day winter, 45-day spring. Athletes must meet progress-to-degree standards to be eligible immedi-
ately after transferring. The NLI has been phased out for more flexible written aid agreements. Graduate transfers are now subject to the same rules and deadlines as undergraduates. One truth remains for all the reforms in motion: the college athletics world now plays by different rules. And that means high school athletes and the communities around them must adjust. Hard work still matters, as do character, culture, and the strength of your program. But if families and coaches don’t understand the new landscape, their athletes could be left behind.
The rules have changed, and the stakes have never been higher.
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