From
By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
Trussville Springs opens new entrance
From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
The long awaited permanent entrance to Trussville Springs is opening today, giving residents a more accessible way into the community after 18 years.
Norfolk Southern will officially open the new entrance to Trussville Springs starting Wednesday, April 23.
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.
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
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
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
The Trussville City Council voted to reappoint Kathy Brown to the Trussville City Schools Board of Education following a recommendation by the School Board Selection Committee during its meeting on Tuesday.
derway, the council ap proved the minutes from the last meeting in February. Mayor Dave Thomas mo tioned for them to reconsid er the minutes noting mem bers motioned to adjourn before conducting business on the agenda without that motion being recognized. 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
Many other cities in the prove non-controversial items with a single vote through a consent agenda, a procedural process used to
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.
The appointment was made as part of the meeting’s consent agenda and was approved by all except Councilor Perry Cook, who voted against.
ing to adjust salaries wasn’t about their faux martyrdom, sacrificing for the greater good,” he added.
about the selection committee’s recommendation process.
The decision, however, did not come without controversy as multiple residents raised concerns about both her reappointment and the lack of transparency
“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-
By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
LEEDS, Ala. – Fourth graders at Leeds Elementary School embarked on an immersive three-day field trip last weekend, taking them through the city’s history from Native American hunting grounds to its incorporation as a city 138 years ago.
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
IRONDALE, Ala.
– Bee
“This is history students can walk through, listen to, and imagine,” said Mary Beth Lochridge, F.A.C.E. Coordinator for Leeds City Schools. “They’re not just learning names and dates— they’re seeing how the story of Leeds was shaped by the choices of real people, some of whom they’re even related to.” The tour was a collaboration between Leeds City Schools and the Leeds Historical Society.
enthusiasts soon be swarming to Irondale to visit a new beekeeping education center designed to teach students and community members about the world pollinators.
During the discussion, councilors voiced support for the current recommendation process, saying it has helped form what they believed to be the best school board the city has seen.
“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.
ing 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.
coroner says From Tribune staff reports
Students traveled to three historical sites in Leeds–the first being Mt. Hebron Baptist Church to meet Hezekiah Balch Moor, who was portrayed by Leeds City Schools Superinten-
Birmingham-based Foxhound Bee Company is preparing to break ground on the 5,000 square foot facility
dent John Moore. Moore, a direct descendant of Hezekiah Balch Moor, talked about the early settlers of the Leeds area after the Creek War and one of the oldest churches in the city. The second site was the J.W. Bass House, the family home of Ruteria Bass. Students heard stories about life after the American Civil War, the community’s growth, and how Bass’s husband founded the town and the first school.
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 third was the Georgia Pacific Railway Depot where students learned about J.B. Elliott, also known as the “Duke of Leeds,” how the railroad came to be, and how it led Leeds to become an industrial hub.
“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
Students also learned about the Upper Cahaba Valley, which was a ceremonial and hunting area for the Creek, Cherokee, and Chickasaw tribes and be
FIELD TRIP, Page 3
Speaking to The Tribune
Items from the February agenda were addressed individually. The purchase
In the current process, which has been used for the last five years, a selection committee reviews applications, interviews applicants, and recommends one candidate to the council.
The committee is made up of five members–the mayor, the council’s board of education liaison, the council president, the board
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
See TCS BOE, Page 5
See SPRINGVILLE, Page 2
schools. Current federal require-
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), are determined to address this pressing issue through their state conference project.
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of Trussville’s own True40 Studio in the Gateway on Thursday. The new “fitness boutique” combines principles of strength training, cardio, barre, Pilates, and yoga for a high-intensity, low-impact workout.
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
sentiment, emphasizing the emotional and psychological 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
ing awareness into action.
“School shootings are such a huge problem, and we
do fire or tornado drills.” Johnson echoed this
See STUDENTS, Page 3
190 Main Street
Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664
Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com
Chris Basinger, News 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
Brookelyn Rush, Office Manager
Brannon Dawkins, Tribune Unscripted Producer & Account Manager
The Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB) is partnering with Odenville to create a plan, with the public’s involvement, using funds from its Building Communities Grant Program.
The comprehensive plan will be a “roadmap” for both short-term and longterm decisions on the future growth and development of a city for the next 5-10 years, and can be used if the city decides to adopt zoning regulations in the future.
“This action-based plan will focus on key areas such
From front page
The temporary entrance will be closed at that time.
“We’re excited to have a safer way to get in and out of Trussville Springs,” Councilor Lisa Bright said.
The new entrance is just north of the current entrance on U.S. Highway 11.
It will be a divided road with the entrance and exit separated by a median. New railroad crossing signals and crossing gates have also been installed.
The road work is sched-
as new development, redevelopment, infrastructure and public services, transportation, rural preservation and natural resources, parks and recreation, and quality of life,” a release from the
city stated.
The process of planning is expected to take 10 months to complete.
The city is requesting residents to provide input as the plan comes together.
A “kickoff public meeting” is set for May 8 at the St. Clair County Arena and Event Center at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A website with a survey has been created and can be found at www.planodenville.com.
“We want to hear from our residents and businesses,” said Mayor Buck Christian. “The planning process allows everyone an opportunity to participate. We encourage you to get involved; this is your opportunity to guide the future of Odenville.”
Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@ gmail.com.
uled from Monday, April 28, through Friday, May 16, and will be done between Poplar Street and I-59.
The work will involve milling, paving, and striping the road. The city said it will be
coordinating efforts to minimize disruptions during that time and ensure that emergency access is maintained.
s o n S
C o m m u n i t y C o l l e g e f o r 2 1 y e a r s t e a c h i n g i n b o t h t h e B u s i n e s s a n d L i b e r a l A r t s D e p a r t m e n t s i n t h e a r e a s o f B u s i n e s s M a n a g e m e n t a n d M u s i c M i l d r e d i s a r e c i p i e n t o f t h e A l a b a m a C o m m u n i t y C o l l e g e S y s t e m A w a r d o f E x c e l l e n c e a n d P h i T h e t a K a p p a F a c u l t y S c h o l a r A w a r d S h e s e r v e d a s a C o m m i t t e e M e m b e r f o r t h e A l a b a m a L e a g u e o f M u n i c i p a l i t i e s C o m m u n i t y a n d E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t a n d H u m a n
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From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
The Trussville Public Library is set to host a brand new animal adoption event this Saturday, May 3, that will give community members a chance to read stories to adoptable dogs and cats.
The new Wagging Tales Festival will also feature free programs for all ages, a vendor market, food trucks, a donation drive giveaway, and an author event with renowned poet Charles Ghigna. The library is partnering with three shelters and rescues to put on the event–
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●Trussville City Council Meetings:2nd and 4thTuesday of eachmonthat6 p.m., CityCouncil Annex
●Trussville BoardofEducation Meetings:3rd Monday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
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●ClayCityCouncil Meetings:2nd and 4thTuesday
torium withstories,songs bubbletime, andlotsoffun!
●Yarn Manglers: Thursday, July 25 at 2p.m.- Knitters and crocheters, join us for fellowshipand creativity!
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Ghigna, aka Father Goose, will do a Q&A and book signing. Books will be available for pre-purchase and signing.
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Other events will include arts and crafts and an outdoor storytime. Attendees can also bring a can of pet food, a toy, or an item from one of the shelters’ wishlists to the library and be entered for a chance to win a giveaway. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about the festival, visit the library’s website.
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They also learned about Rowan Oaks, Henry Little’s log cabin site, and other early sites. The event ended with a 138th birthday celebration for the city, which was incorporated on April 27, 1887, at the Bass House Museum.
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“This partnership shows how schools and community organizations can work together to make history come alive,” said Moore. “And for our students, it’s a powerful reminder that their story is part of a much bigger one.”
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“This has been in the works for almost a year so thank you to all my friends and family who have sat with me at lunch while I’ve been on my computer working,” Franchisee Monica Davis said, also thanking the community and those in attendance.
“Thank you for coming and seeing the studio. I am really glad y’all are here,” she added.
Weare atherapist-o providingquality, hands-on excellence is key to 16 and it will run every Saturday from 8-11 a.m. until
True40 aims to give locals a new spot to move their bodies and feel empowered.
The new studio has been hosting free classes this week and is currently offer-
TherapySouth Trussville 1483 GadsdenHighway, Suite 116 Birmingham,AL35235 (205) 655-1921
Clinic Director:MikeStallworth, PT, DPT
Aug. 2. This is the third year of the market, which offers fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, baked goods, honey, and handcrafted items.
TherapySouth Clay/Pinson 6723 Deerfoot Parkway, Suite 105 Pinson, AL 35126 (205) 681-5131
Each week will also have special giveaways, live music, and more. The market is held by the tracks alongside Irondale City Hall at 101 20th Street South.
From Tribune staff reports
IRONDALE, Ala. – A Trussville man has died from injuries he suffered in a crash on Friday, according to Jefferson County Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates.
Christopher Scott Smith, 55, was transported to UAB Hospital where was pronounced dead at 12:45 a.m. on Saturday. Yates said Smith was the driver of a motor vehicle involved in a single-vehicle collision with a tree.
The same dog found the second bone, a left tibia, on Dec. 12, 2024.
Using GPS trackers, officials have outlined the dog’s roaming range, but searches of the areas frequently visited have not turned up any additional remains.
The wreck occurred at 8:45 p.m. on Friday at the intersection of Floyd Bradford Road and Bishop Lane.
The Irondale Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the wreck.
From Tribune staff reports
IRONDALE, Ala. –
Irondale police have taken a suspect into custody after a man was shot at a business on Tuesday, according to the Irondale Police Department.
At approximately 11:48 a.m., Irondale 911 dispatchers received multiple calls reporting an altercation between employees at a business in the 2900 block of Alton Road.
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 as and Water. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or othe connection with this proj mmediately notify the
Officers responded to the scene and found the victim suffering from a single gunshot wound. He was transported by Irondale Fire and Rescue
to UAB Hospital for treatment.
Officers also took a male suspect into custody at the scene without incident.
d contractor and Trussville
and Water, 127 Main Street, Trussville, AL 35173.
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 T ille Gas and Water. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or othe connection with this proj mmediately notify the above na d contractor and Trussville Gas and Water, 127 Main Street, Trussville, AL 35173.
“The incident remains under active investigation,” a statement from the department read. “Detectives are currently working to gather all relevant facts, interview witnesses, and determine the circumstances surrounding the altercation.”
This story will be updated when more information becomes available.
From Tribune staff reports
CENTER POINT, Ala. –
Firefighters from the Center Point Fire District battled an early morning blaze at a local apartment complex on Sunday.Trussville Fire and Rescue provided mutual aid
assistance.
Officials said Center Point Fire District responded to a structure fire at 5:37 a.m. on Shadow Wood Circle.
Crews arrived to find a two story apartment building with heavy fire con-
ditions in the 2nd story apartments. The apartment building is believed to be vacant.
Center Point officials said there were no injuries reported and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that M
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d immediately notify Lathan Associates Architects, P.C.; Candace Boles 205-988-9112.
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From front page
of education president, and the city’s director of human resources.
This year, that includes Mayor Buddy Choat, Councilor Lisa Bright, Councilor Ben Short, BOE President Kim DeShazo, and HR Director Mandy Dixon. Choat, Bright and Dixon have served on all five committees since the current process was implemented.
The applicants are scored based on multiple factors including the strength of their application, resume, and community involvement.
Eight community members submitted an application this year to serve on the board.
They included Kathy Brown (current board member and R.N.), Adrienne Cox (territory manager in medical device sales), Anthony Freeman (engineering supervisor), Dr. Melanie Glover (literacy specialist), Dr. Emma Goodman (assistant professor of health policy and organization), Dr. Nia Johnson (associate professor of communication and media), Patsy Jones (publishing group vice president of marketing), and Dr. Scotty Moates (environmental manager).
Based on their scores, the applicants were narrowed down to four finalists–Brown, Glover, Johnson, and Moates.
The finalists were then interviewed in private by the committee.
Councilor Ben Short clarified that after the interviews committee members rank the finalists, which determines who is ultimately recommended to the council.
Brown was ranked first by all of the committee members except Short, who ranked her second.
During the council’s discussion, Cook said that he supported the selection process but would like to look
into some possible changes to the process and the school board such as enacting term limits or expanding the board.
“Let’s look at the process and do what we can. If it needs changes, fine, if it doesn’t, leave it alone,” Cook said.
Brown was first appointed to the school board in 2014 and has served since then, being reappointed twice during that time, this being the third.
The reasoning he gave for voting against Brown’s reappointment was the handling of the controversy surrounding former Superintendent Dr. Pattie Neill near the end of her time with the school district. Brown served as president of the board of education at that time.
“Back in the days of Dr. [Pattie] Neill, you know, there were some things that just from my perspective… there were some things that just really wasn’t handled in the best way that I thought they could’ve been handled,” Cook said.
He later added, “I just remember some things happened back with some students with our, some people on the board that’s on there now, are currently on the board, they allowed things to happen that should not have happened. And I just think it gives an opportunity for some others to step up and do the same things that this board is doing.”
Councilor Lisa Bright then provided some background about the selection process and noted that in the last five years, two new board members have been appointed.
“I do hear the concerns about time on boards, I will remind everyone that Stan Garrett served on our school board for 15 years, he served three full terms, and I don’t believe that there was any concern at that point in time. I know things need to change sometimes and they
need to morph and I’m always willing to hear that. I’m not in concrete on that we have to stay this way forever but it was a good process to start when we were on some rocky roads with our school and some of our leadership and I feel strong behind the decisions that we made as groups,” Bright said.
She added, “I appreciate your concern Councilor Cook and I hear you and I think that is always something we can look at in the future and if we maybe need to morph a few things or whatever that looks like, I mean, there’s never a problem with that, but I do stand behind this group’s decision to appoint Kathy Brown for another term and I hope the rest of the council will see it that way.”
Multiple councilors also said that community members had reached out to them leading up to the meeting to share their concerns about Brown’s reappointment, but stated that they had faith in the selection committee’s decision and the current process, though they are open to making changes to it.
Councilor Jaime Anderson said that in 2020 she ran on establishing a process for selecting school board members and that the process they now have has “really served us well,” adding that the board is responsible for bringing in Dr. Patrick Martin as superintendent and making other important decisions.
“I can honestly say to a person, I do not know anyone who currently serves on our board of education, including Ms. Brown, who does not make decisions based solely on what is in the best interest of the children of Trussville and what’s in the best interest of the city,” Anderson said.
She added that she understood the public’s concerns, but trusts the current process.
“The people who went
over those applications, who narrowed down the candidates and gave those interviews, you were there, I don’t have any reason to question your judgment or your decision and I appreciate, again, the unpaid voluntary time that you took and the thoroughness that you took to interview the candidates and to score them fairly, and so I will support Ms. Brown’s appointment to the school board, in support of the process,” Anderson said.
Councilor Alan Taylor said he also heard from community members ahead of the meeting, but that he also received “many phone calls” from people who supported Brown’s reappointment.
“I also support the process,” Taylor said. “More than that I trust the people that we’ve put on that process wholeheartedly.”
He added that he was open to discussing how they could change the process, but believed they would be on a “slippery slope” if they started enacting term limits for one board while the other boards had no term limits and advocated for consistency.
He also said that just because someone was not selected to serve on the school board does not mean they are not qualified to.
“I think our school board that we have right now is probably one of the best we’ve ever had. We’ve got some very talented people,” Taylor said.
Councilor Short elaborated on his choice of ranking as part on the selection committee, saying, “While I had Ms. Brown as my #2 selection, and the reason I had her there is because we had four amazing applicants, like four very well qualified applicants, and I support her reappointment as well to the school board. Just because I have a differing opinion doesn’t mean I don’t trust the process and respect the people that I’m in the room
with to make that decision”
He added that he supports term limits and that they would need to work to identify what committees they could enact them for.
Later during the meeting, Mayor Buddy Choat commended the council, the selection committee, and Brown for her service and acknowledged the public discourse surrounding the committee’s decision.
“I know a lot of folks may be disappointed that that happened but I was in the room and there was not a better candidate for that position,” Choat said.
During public comments, Kristi Jones asked for more details about how the candidates were scored, which was not definitively explained, and reiterated her belief in term limits.
“No matter how good a person is, when you have served for an extended amount of time you begin to become complacent,” Jones said. She added, “When you get comfortable in your group, it’s so easy to become complacent and forget that it’s about more than just that, to forget to listen. I don’t have anything against Ms. Brown, I appreciate her service, I appreciate all of her service–complacency is my concern.”
Scott Buttram, who is the owner and publisher of The Tribune, also spoke at the meeting, first to clarify on an earlier comment Councilor Bright had made about the city producing the list of applicants and their applications to The Tribune.
Buttram said those documents were released, but “we also need to make the point that the Tribune has requested that list every year for 12 years and this is the first year it was ever provided,” despite it being public information. He then went on to share some of his concerns about the transparency of the process.
“You’ve all mentioned the process and that you like the process. What we’re hearing from the public is that the public has no idea what’s going on in that process,” Buttram said.
“The public is not privy to the questions that are asked of the appointees or the applicants, the public has no idea where they stand on issues like gender, transgender in sports… mask mandates–things that are affecting public schools across the county on a pretty regular basis right now. The public has no idea how any of these applicants responded. Can any of you explain why you think a process that the public is shut out on is a good process?”
He said he supports an appointed school board, but that the community needs to feel like they can trust the council to make those decisions.
“[Councilor Taylor] talked about the confidence he has in his fellow council members and the people on the committee. The public shares that, but if the public is shut out from all the information and doesn’t know what’s going on, who’s being interviewed, what they’re being asked, and how they’re responding, then I’m concerned that that doesn’t build confidence in continuing with an appointed board,” Buttram said. Councilor Short agreed that adjustments are needed, again noting term limits, and said, “I’m all for doing public interviews for our finalists. I think that’s something that we can definitely look at and discuss further. I think there’s an advantage to that.” Council Bright added that there is always room to adjust the process, saying, “I do understand things can’t stay the [same] way continuously forever, but I do pride ourselves in the process we have done to find fantastic board members and it was not intentional to leave the community out.”
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By Seth Edgil, Financial Advisor –Keystone Financial Group
Consumers keep telling pollsters they expect the worst, yet their wallets say otherwise. Economists call the mismatch the “McDonald’s Salad Problem,” a nod to the fast-food chain’s salads, which customers praise in surveys but rarely buy at the counter. The same split now appears in national data: soft indicators such as confidence polls signal recessionary worry, while hard indicators—sales, hiring and wages—point to underlying strength.
Retail and food-service receipts highlight the gap. The Census Bureau pegged March 2025 sales at $734.9 billion, up 1.4% from February and 4.6% from a year earlier. Restaurants remain busy, airlines report near-capacity flights and discretionary spending shows few signs of retreat. Payrolls continue to grow in many industries, and wage gains still outpace inflation in several regions.
Why, then, do sentiment gauges stay so low? Political allegiance is a major reason. The University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers, which have tracked attitudes for 75 years, show respondents routinely grading the economy through a partisan lens. Confidence climbs among voters whose party controls the White House and sinks among those out of power. Since the poll began asking party affiliation monthly in 2017, sentiment has surged for Republicans after GOP victo-
ries, flipped for Democrats after Democratic wins and reversed again when party control changed in 2025. Despite that gap, Republicans and Democrats still move in parallel. The survey’s compilers say correlations between the two groups’ sentiment ran 0.85 during the Trump presidency and 0.86 during Biden’s term, suggesting both camps react to the same economic signals even as they assign different scores. Independents provide the tie-breaker. Their views generally sit midway between the partisan extremes and track
national averages closely, evidence that overall readings are not skewed by either party.
Inflation expectations follow the same dance. Voters outside the White House party worry more about price gains, but the direction of change—up or down— tends to be shared across the spectrum. Post-pandemic, short-run inflation fears spiked hardest among Republicans, then moderated faster among Democrats as prices cooled. Behavioral economics helps explain the persistent pessimism. Humans weigh
negative news more heavily than positive, a tendency known as negativity bias. Media outlets, competing for attention, amplify worstcase narratives. Partisan identity then filters those stories, reinforcing existing views. A household with steady paychecks and rising wages may still tell pollsters the nation is on the wrong track after scrolling through alarming headlines. The disconnect carries risks. Households that
follow surveys alone may slash spending or exit markets prematurely, missing opportunities if hard data stay firm. Ignoring genuine cracks—such as rising delinquencies—can leave families overexposed if conditions deteriorate. Analysts say balancing sentiment with objective indicators like retail sales, payroll growth and purchasing-manager indexes is key. For investors and business owners, the salad prob-
Until hard numbers confirm the fears voiced
polls, the economy appears poised to keep serving plenty of fries—regardless of how many
By Joe Hobby, Tribune Columnist
Wait for a rainy, cold, black and white movie kind of afternoon. Have a box of tissues handy, then grab a pint of Ben and Jerry’s. If you’ve got time, watch Casablanca. Now, go back in time and think about a break up – the one that wounded you the most, and then ask yourself, “what song could I absolutely not listen to during that sad time of my life?” Now you have a serious candidate for my list of break-up songs.
I’ve listed a number of my breakup songs below, almost exclusively from the sixties and seventies. There are many great ones from the eighties onward, but this is my list. There are probably some you don’t know.
I’m sure I’ve missed some, and I’m sure I have several you don’t agree with. That’s ok – because music is so personal. It’s like asking who has the best barbecue – there’s a wide variance in the answers, and all of them are correct.
To make my list, the singer needs to sound like they were hurt. In many cases they were – so much the better. The lyrics should also vividly describe the feeling, with the sadness of loss oozing through every word.
If you are looking for a near perfect example, give a listen to “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You?” by Michael Bolton. Not only does this song have great words, but Bolton is also singing them like it just happened to him, and he can hardly get the lyrics out.
We all know the power music has. Years ago, I got dumped, and it broke
my young heart. For the next several weeks, I had to change stations if anything Motown came on the air. It didn’t help that one of her favorite songs was a Temptations tune. Half a century later, I hear it and still think of her.
Here’s a few of my favorites in no particular order:
Taxi – Harry Chapin Chapin masterfully crafts a haunting narrative about two people, and the roads not taken.
Boulder to Birmingham – Emmy Lou Harris
Emmy Lou could sing pages from an accounting textbook and make it sound angelic. Pair that voice with a heartfelt tribute to the death of a special person in her life, and you have something sadly spectacular.
I Can’t Make You Love Me – Bonnie Raitt
My personal favorite. I give it five out of five tissue boxes. Raitt recorded the song in just one take because she said it was so sad that she couldn’t recapture the emotion.
It’s still difficult for her to sing it today, although she finally began doing it in concert, saying, “It’s almost a sacred moment when you share that depth of pain with your audience…”
She’s Leaving Home –The Beatles
This one line from the song absolutely gets me: “She breaks down, and cries to her husband, Daddy, our baby’s gone.”
Adiós – Linda Ronstadt
In her prime, Linda Ronstadt had pipes that were unrivaled. Add some Jimmy Webb breakup lyrics and
you have a full-blown pop tearjerker. “I miss the blood red sunset, but I miss you the most. Adios. Adios.” Whoa.
I Wish It Would Rain & I Could Never Love Another After Loving You –The Temptations I put these two Motown Monsters together because they were both written about a true-life incident. Rodger
Penzabene learned his wife had been unfaithful and wrote the tunes to publicize the heartache she caused him. Once both songs were recorded, he committed suicide.
Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton
er, Clapton said this ballad to his son helped him heal. Music is indeed powerful.
I Will Always Love You – Dolly Parton Anyone who knows anything about Dolly knows she wrote this song to Porter Wagner when she was about
You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling – Righteous
Brothers
The “blue eyed soul brothers” belt out a Phil Spector tune about a guy who trying to reboot a dying relationship. Sadly, in the girl’s mind, it’s probably already over. Erotic and emotional – some writers say it’s the best record ever made.
I Fall to Pieces – Patsy Cline
When she began recording this song, Patsy Cline thought it wasn’t country enough. Wrong. On the fourth take, when every man in the studio was bawling like a baby, they knew it would become a breakup song for the ages.
Crying – Roy Orbison Orbison’s otherworldly vocals paired with background strings gushes sadness. Just the touch from an ex-lover is more than this guy can take. Rolling Stone ranked it 69th on their list of the 500 greatest songs of all time. It’s a top 10 breakup song.
By The Time I Get to Phoenix – Glen Campbell
Another poignant tune written by Jimmy Webb. Frank Sinatra called it the best song of its kind ever written. Who am I to argue with Frank?
If you haven’t heard of some of the songs, listen to them. Or drop me a message with your favorite. There are so many more.
While researching this article, I asked dozens of people what their break up song would be. The best response came from my dentist who said, “Another One
july 27,1948— may 30,2024
november 30, 1945 —
Mrs. Virginia “Jenny” Blankenship, age 79 of Morris, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025 at UAB St. Vincent’s Hospital.
Mrs. Blankenship enjoyed gardening, visiting the beach and spend ing time with her family. In her younger years, she would make the best German chocolate and red velvet cakes, along with homemade biscuits. She loved spending time with her family and was a loving partner of Leo, cherished mother to Bruce, Brett, Dana and Daryl, beloved Meme to Brittney, Colton, Garrett, Allyson, Kyle, Logan, Jax on, Taylor, Brodie, Malorie and Kara. She will forever be in our hearts.
She is survived by her son, Brett Amerson, her stepdaughter, Dana Crowell, her step-son, Daryl Blankenship, her grandchildren, Brittney Hicks (Jason), Colton Amerson, Garrett Amerson, Allyson Vines, Kyle Amerson, Logan Hunter, Jaxon Tidwell, Taylor Tidwell, Brodie Blankenship, Malorie Butler and Kara Blankenship, her great-grandchildren, Lauren Hicks, Emalee Keene, Abagail Eakin, Khalid Amerson, Collin Hunter, Barrett Butler and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Blankenship and her son, Bruce Amerson.
Linda LeeMones passedawayonMay 30, 2024 in Encinitas, Californiaaftera briefbattle with cancer.She wasbornonJuly27, 1948, in Long Beach, California, Lindawas thebeloved thirdof tenchildrenborntoBill andMedaNorman. Shewas preceded in deathbyher parents, hersisters BarbaraCooley andMerlene Atkinson,andherbrother SteveNorman. Linda leaves behind alarge andlovingfamily,includinghersix brothers andsisters: Bill Norman,BonnieFairchild,Penny Laming ,Jeanette Leap,Tim Norman,and AprilCarl. Sheisalsosur vivedbyher cherished children,ArleneRentz (Lee)and JasonMones (Nicole),andher adored grandchildren, Olivia,Joseph, andLee RentzIV. Linda’s childrenwereher prideand joy. Sheloved travelinganddoingwater excursions with her daughter,Arlene, whetheritwas watchingdolphins or taking aboattoCoronado. With herson,Jason, sheshareda specialbondthrough theirdeepand meaningful conversations.Linda’s career in nursing wasmarkedbydedication andexcellence. Shethrived in nursing andlater in home healthcare.Her work in hyperbaric medicinebeganinLongBeach andeventuallyledher to Birmingham, Alabama, wheresheplayed akey role in startinghyperbaricmedicinethere. Linda’s career progressedtosurgery intensivecare, whereshe often served as head nurse in variousdepartments. After movingback to Californiain1997, shefoundhertruepassion in home healthcare,particularly in workingwithpeoplewithdementia.She cherishedthe one-on-one interactionswithher clientsand theirfamilies, always goingout of herway to ensure theircomfort andwell-being.
june 27, 1949 — april 17, 2025
january 30,1944— july 13,2024
january 20, 1927 —
Thelma S. Corbin, 98, of Hoover, Alabama passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Funeral service will be held at Jefferson Me morial Chapel in Trussville, Alabama at 2:00 pm on Saturday April 26, with graveside service following. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm.
Linda will be remembered forher hardworkingand caringnature.She gave herall to herworkand thepeopleshe loved, leavinga lasting impact on everyone whohad theprivilege of knowingher. Amemorialser vice will beheldin herhonoron herbirthday, July 27 at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Homesand GardensinTrussville,Alabama.
Barbara Imogene Jackson, age 75, passed away on April 17, 2025. Mrs. Jackson was a Critical Care RN with Carraway Methodist Hospital for many years and a devout Christian. She made a home for many troubled children in Alabama as a foster parent, and she was also a big animal lover over the years. Barbara was very fond of fishing and had even talked about going on a fishing trip in the near future. She was preceded in death by her father Leon Brown, Mother Samilea Seaton, sister Sharon Lee Brown, brother-in-law Charles A. Watson II, Mrs. Jackson is survived by her sons Dwayne Brown and Jeremy (Tanya) Brown; grandchildren, Jeremiah Thomas Brown, Kendall Brooklyn Brown, Jennifer (Daniel) Rodriquez, Victoria (Jeremy) Lay; great-grandchildren, Alice Brown, Paul Rodriquez, Illiana Rodriquez, Dawson Lay, Grayson Lay; sister, Leona Watson; brother, Bill Brown; sister-in-law, Mary Brown; former husband, Danny Jackson; niece, Christine Brown; nephews, Charles A. Watson III, Patrick (Sharon) Watson; great-nieces, Alexis Watson, Angelica Watson; great-nephews, Kelton Watson and Sterling Watson.
march 3, 1943— july 13,2024
Visitation will be on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. There will be a Chapel service at 12:00 pm at the funeral home with a burial to follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens.
Be
BonnieE.Spearman, age81, passedawayonJuly13,2024. She wasprecededindeath by herhusband CharlesSpearman;parents,Charles andMarie Gordon,Sr.;brother,Charles Gordon, Jr.; niece, Terri AnnBusk. Sheissur vivedbyher daughter,Regenia (Chip) Keith; twosons, CharlesMcAllisterand Eric (Cathy)Jennings;sister,SandraHollis; nieces,Tammy Gulledgeand Tina (Russell) Zientek; special friend, NolenShivers andnumerousgrandchildrenand other loving family members.
july 17,1948— july 19,2024
june 8, 1944 — april
Betty CarolBrown Goss at theage of 76 died at home in Pinson AlabamaJuly19,2024. Betty lovedher family more than she lovedherself.Shehada passion forlife. Sheloved thelordwith allher heart. Betty worked as ahairdresserand latermoved into workingretail.
Branda Oneal Benefield, age 80, of Pinson, AL, passed away peace fully on April 18, 2025 after a brief illness. He was born in Joppa, AL on June 8, 1944. Oneal was a life partner to Christina L. Gross. He loved the water (Ocean) and spending hours sailing, fishing, bicy cling, or just enjoying the outdoors with Christina. Never meeting a stranger, he would take the opportunity to share God’s love with others. He lived his life to the fullest and is now at rest with his Savior.
Betty is preceded in deathbySon –EarlRobertGoss, Father – Herschel Brown, Mother –Saloma(Chip)Brown,Sisters–SueChamblee, CharoletteJones,Glenda Faye Brown, Patricia Brown, Brothers –Donaldand JamesBrown. Sheissur vivedbyHusband of 54 yearsEarlRansomGoss. Sons Edward RayGossand TimLovell. Friday nightgirlAngelaLewis.One granddaughter Marisa LyndseyGoss. Alongwitha host of nieces,nephews,family andfriends. Herfuneralser viceswereheldatJeffersonMemorialinTrussville on TuesdayJuly23,2024.
Branda Oneal Benefield is survived by his sister; Jenelle Golden, and his nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his moth er, Eva Jane Benefield, and father; Luther Doyle Benefield. The family received friends at the funeral home on Thursday, April 24th, 2025 from 10:00 until 10:30 AM. The family held a private burial.
Returning to work or social settings after a loss can be overwhelming.
To ease the transition, consider these tips:
• Start gradually with fewer hours or days initially.
• Utilize workplace resources, such as counseling services, to help you navigate your emotions.
• Understand that not everyone will be aware of your situation or know how to respond—patience is key.
• Consider designating someone to share your circumstances with colleagues, if needed.
• Most importantly, seek support from friends and coworkers; they often want to help but may need direction on how to do so.
These steps can create a more supportive environment, allowing you to find comfort and balance while adapting to work or social life during your grieving process.
Thelma retired from South Central Bell Telephone in 1982, after 38 years of dedicated service. She was a long-time member of Hunter Street Baptist Church. She enjoyed going on cruises with her children and grandchildren, spending time with her family and friends, reading and bible study.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Leldon Ray Corbin; daughter, Stephanie Taylor; parents, Horace and Avery Sharpton; and siblings, Hobert Sharpton, Jeneene Murphree, Elizabeth Adene Wolfe, Mark Delane Sharpton and Velma Payne.
Thelma is survived by her daughter, Juan Dunlap (Larry); grandchildren, Katherine Knighton (Justin), Tim Dunlap, Marshall Taylor and Corbin Taylor (Callie); two great-grandsons, Mason and Aiden Taylor; and sister, Ruth Beason.
Memorial donations may be made to Hunter Street Baptist Church.
JerryThomasCoss, age80, of Northport,AL, born Sunday, January 30,1944, in Nashville, TN,passedawayonSaturday, July 13,2024, in Fayette,AL. He is preceded in deathbyhis father andmother, Wilbur andMae Coss; and hisfather-in-law andmother-in-law,James and Sara Barker.Heissur vivedindeath by hiswife, Brenda Coss;his son, PatrickCoss(wife)Kris; grandchildrenLaurenBingham (husband) Riley andGrayson Coss; sister,Pat Reynolds (husband) JerryofArdmore,TN; brother, Randy Coss (wife) LindaofAllenPark, MI;brother-inlaw, Ronnie Barker (wife) PattiofBirmingham AL:sister-in-law ConniePendley (husband) Ronnie, of Rowland, NC;manyniecesandnephews.
july 21, 1957 — april 20, 2025
Jerrywas aser vant of Godand man. He wasa faithful member of theNorthport Church of Christ.Heser vedthe Mountain Brook PoliceDepartmentasa patrolman, warrantofficer, andthenretiredasa detective after 27 yearsofser vice.Hewasan outdoorsman,asanavid hunter andfisherman, whowas happytotakeyou in thewoodsoronthe lake anytime.Jerry lovedcoachinglittleleague andmorethananythingheloved beingwithfamily andfriends. We will carryhim in ourheartsforever.
Graveside Services for Mr. John Wayne Caldwell, age 67 of Columbiana, were held on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at Forest
Crest Cemetery where Bro. Larry Smith officiated.
Funeralser viceswereheldatJeffersonMemorialFuneralHomeand GardensinTrussville, AL ,onFriday, July 19,2024. Theser vice wasofficiatedbyhis brother-in-law,Jerry Reynolds. Apolicehonorsgraveside servicefollowed. Hispallbearers were:Grayson Coss, Ryan Barker, Brett Barker,Matt Pendley,Tim Reynolds,and Mike Reynolds.
Mr. Caldwell passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025 at his home. A lifelong resident of Alabama, he was a retired warehouse supervisor and past owner of J & W Lawn Services. He was an avid Auburn fan, enjoyed watching NASCAR and collecting antiques from cookie jars, coins or whatever piqued his interest. Mr. Caldwell was a loving husband, uncle and friend that will be dearly missed.
Ja
ck ie Dewa yne
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Popwell Caldwell, his niece, Tiffany Trejo, his nephews, Michael Kirkpatrick, Christopher Popwell, Daniel Popwell (Shelia) and Michael Popwell, his beloved cat, Buttercup and a host of extended family and friends.
“Way
ne ”F re de ri ck
july 2, 1969— july 14,2024
He was preceded in death by parents, John William and Roberta Parker Caldwell, his brother, Curtis Clyde Caldwell “Buster” and his sister, Sandra Caldwell Kirkpatrick “Sandie”. Family and friends served as pallbearers.
Visitation was held on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 9:30 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association in Mr. Caldwell’s memory: https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give.
march 21, 1956 — april 21, 2025
Jackie Dewayne“Wayne” Frederickwas born July 2nd, 1969 in Hamilton Alabama. He passedaway peacefully July 14,2024 at GrandviewHospitalin Birmingham,Alabama following an extendedillness. He wasprecededindeath by hisfatherPeterJackFrederick,his grandparentsWilliamand Ruth Frederickand Alee andOra MaeMitchell. He is survived by hismotherPeg gy Mitchell, stepmother Sherri Frederick, brothers JimmyFrederick (Amy), Eric Frederick(Candy), MichaelSanderson, andsisters SabrinaMorden, Pamela PharrAguilar (Julio), DianePharr andspecial uncle JamesMitchell. Wayneisalsosur vivedbya host of nieces and nephews andextendedfamily members. Waynewas agraduate of HackleburgHighschool. He wasa furniturebuilder fornumerousyears.Duringthattime,hereceivedcountless awards forhis perfectattendance over hislife. Waynewasan avid wrestlingenthusiast.He
Vickie Lin Coleman, 69, a native and longtime resident of Birmingham, Alabama area, passed away on Monday April 21st, 2025 in her home.
Vickie earned her bachelor’s degree from The Southern Institute School of Interior Design in Birmingham, Alabama. Vickie’s career spanned several years in the Education and Interior Design fields. She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Coleman; her mother Ann Coleman; and her brother Raymond Coleman Jr. She is survived by her loving husband, Gary Brandon, to whom she was married to for 23 years; her son, Thomas (Cher) Blair; grandchildren, Westley, Hunter, and Leslie; sister Linda Wagner; and sister-inlaw Marilyn Coleman.
wasa particularfan of Hulk Hogan. He hada deep love forhis family making sure he checked in on everyone often.
To ourbrother Wayne, your laughter,loveand kindness will be greatlymissedbutnever forgotten.Wecelebrate thestrengthanddetermination youshowedthroughoutyourlife. Though ourheartsare heavywithgrief,wefind comfortinthe memories we shared.Rest peacefully,dearbrother.Yourbattlesare over but youwill foreverliveoninourhearts.The funeralwas held at UnionHillFreewill Baptist Church in Hackleburg, AlabamaonTuesday July 23rd, 2024.
You will always be missed and always loved dearly.
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Trussville Public Library
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- Meet prolific poet Chales Ghigna at the library!
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● American Girl Play Practice: Monday, May 5 at 5 p.m. - Participants of the American Girl Club will meet for play practice. Jo-
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Sealed Bids will be received by Trussville Gas and Water located in Trussville, Alabama, until the local time set forth below, for furnishing all labor, equipment and doing the work of constructing, according to Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents on file in the office of Trussville Gas and Water, the project hereinafter described. No bid will be received after the time set forth below; and the Bids will be publicly opened and read at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173.
Interested contractors can obtain prequalification applications from TG&W Engineering Department (“Engineering Department”), 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173; Telephone: (205) 655-3211 and must submit the completed prequalification application to the Engineering Department at the above address, no later than 4:00 p.m. on May 1, 2025.
Project Name: Hillbrook Phase 2 Gas Main Extension
Project Number: 2-025-24
Bid Date and Time: May 13, 2025 at 10:00 A.M.
1.Install 1,900’ ± of 2” PE Gas Main by Open Cut
2.Install 800’ ± of 3/4” PE Gas Service by Open Cut
Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents for the project described above are open to public inspection at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173. Telephone: (205) 655-3211.
Trussville Gas and Water reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid, and to accept any bid considered advantageous to the Owner.
No bid may be withdrawn after the time for opening bids has passed. Trussville Gas and Water reserves the right to hold the bids for a period of Sixty (60) days after the date of receiving Bids.
If said bid equals $20,000.00 or more, a certified check or bid bond must accompany each bid in an amount of not less than five percent (5%) of the total bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00. The payee of such check, or the obligee of such bond, shall be Trussville Gas and Water.
Contractor agrees to comply with all specifications, plans and contract documents as furnished by Trussville Gas and Water. Contractor must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34 Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975. Prior to submitting a bid for this project, contractor must be prequalified as a Gas Line Utility Contractor for Trussville Gas and Water. Contractor prequalification applications may be obtained at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173.
By John Goolsby, Motorsports Editor
LINCOLN – Austin
Cindric pulled off a thrilling last-lap pass at the Talladega Superspeedway to secure his first NASCAR Cup Series victory of the 2025 season and give Team Penske their first win this year.
Cindric’s No. 2 Ford
edged Ryan Preece’s No. 60
Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Mustang by 0.022
seconds at the line in Sun-
day’s Jack Link’s 500. The two Ford drivers swapped the lead five times over the final six, with Cindric diving low out of Turn 4 and beating Preece in a hood-to-hood drag race to the checkered flag.
Hendrick Motorsports teammates Kyle Larson and William Byron were breathing down their necks but had to settle for third and fourth place.
However, the story didn’t end there.
Hours after the checkered flag, NASCAR officials announced Preece’s Ford failed post-race inspection for a spoiler violation, leading to an official disqualification. The ruling drops Preece to last place in the results, elevating Larson to second and Byron to third.
For Cindric, the win marks a turning point after a difficult start to the season and a reminder that at Talladega, it’s never over until
it’s over.
“I’m just so proud of this team from the [pit] cycles to the fast cars to the fuel-only stops,’’ said Cindric.
“I give a lot of credit, Kyle [Larson] did a lot to take care of me, pushing me at the right times in the tri-oval and as mad as I was at him after Atlanta [race], I feel like we’re good now. That was great and having a photo-finish at Tallade-
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
The Hewitt-Trussville baseball team is moving on to the second round of the AHSAA Class 7A state playoffs after sweeping Sparkman Friday night. Behind dominant pitching and timely hitting, the Huskies (33-2) shut down the Senators 4-0 in Game 1 before clinching the series with a 5-1 victory in Game 2. Christian Helmers set the tone in the series opener, throwing a complete-game shutout. The senior righthander allowed two hits
over seven innings, striking out four and walking two. Hewitt drew first blood when Cale McIntosh grounded out to drive in a run in the second inning. Cooper Huffman’s two-run single in the third pushed the lead to 3-0. Huffman, McIntosh, and Blake Bales each had a hit for the Huskies in Game 1, while Koal Duckett stole two bases to keep Sparkman’s defense honest. In Game 2, Hudson Mitchell backed up Helmers’ performance with a strong outing. Mitchell went the distance, giving up just
round. Credit: HTHS
one run on two hits while striking out eight.
Hewitt’s bats came alive quickly again, scoring twice in the first inning after a single by Duckett and a Sparkman error. Duckett finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs for the Huskies. Cam Simpson also collected two hits.
The Husky’s crime spree of opponent’s bases continued with five steals, including two from Duckett and Steele Hall.
Hewitt-Trussville now advances to face the winner of the Bob Jones – Thompson series in next week’s second round.
John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
Hewitt-Trussville’s boys and girls track and field teams turned in strong performances at the 7A, Section 3 meet over the weekend, with the boys finishing third and the girls finishing fourth. Both squads qualified a host of athletes AHSAA State Championships.
Antonio Wynn ran 11.03 to place fourth in the 100 meters, while junior Dylan Cope took seventh. Cope was dominant in the hurdles, winning the 110-meter hurdles in 14.63, with senior Shaw Helfrich grabbing third (14.80).
Anthony Hawkins cleared 6-02 to take second in the high jump, Payne Stuart (second, javelin) and William Bozeman (fourth, javelin). Michael Igbinoghene placed fourth in the long jump and second in the triple jump. Freshman Zion Westry won the triple jump with a mark of 45-02.
In pole vault Helfrich placed second (14-06), Alex Jones was third (1306), and Charlie Peacock placed sixth (12-00).
The boys’ 4x100m (41.82) and 4x400m (3:22.20) relays both finished second, while the 4x800m relay placed third (8:15.91).
eighth-grader Emmie Willoughby finished fourth (2:16.00). Hadley Turner, another eighth-grader, finished ninth in the 1600m and third in the 3200m (11:22.37).
Leah Anderson finished sixth in the 3200m. Natalie Wiram was eighth. Olivia Burton placed fourth in the high jump (500), while Jaliyah Edwards scored in the discus, javelin, and shot put. Savannah Bullock added a fifth-place finish in the discus and an eighth-place in the shot put. Melton finished second in the triple jump (3505.00).
The Hewitt girls turned in an equally strong effort.
By Tracy Riggs Frontz
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
– Success and being in the title fight is nothing new for New Zealander Scott McLaughlin who has seven wins in his five-year IndyCar career. However, the Kiwi finds himself in an uncharacteristic eighth place in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES points standings three races into the season.
home with his wife, Karly, and their infant daughter, Lucy. He loves being home watching her grow.
a dad. That’s a really cool thing,” he said.
The number one-ranked Hewitt-Trussville baseball team went 4-0 in Georgia over the weekend.
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
The three-time Supercar champion is looking to put his #3 Team Penske Chevrolet into victory circle at the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park in a couple of weeks.
IRONDALE
– 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.
McLaughlin has won back-to-back races at Barber and is looking for a third straight win to get his 2025 title run on track.
Volleyball standout Ashley Peake signed with Xavier University.
When he’s not racing, McLaughlin’s heart is at
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
But on Thursday, the heart of this self-proclaimed “Girl-Dad” was with the hospital patients he visited at Children’s of Alabama.
“It definitely puts life into perspective and proves how lucky it is, how lucky we are, to have a baby girl and it’s okay at the moment,” McLaughlin said. Having Lucy changed his racing in practical ways–like how early they must get to the racetrack. But, in addition, it changed his outlook on his life beyond racing.
was truly a total team effort to win the tournament. Most everyone on the roster contributed in some way to help us win all four games.”
“We played some highly respected programs from Al-
At Children’s of Alabama, he bonded with some of the patients through cars—playing Mario Kart with a teenager, Hot Wheels with a preteen, and Mario Kart Racing Deluxe Obstacle Course with a preschooler. He also colored car images and wooden toy cars with other children and signed autographs.
Sophomore Demetri Hall Jr. scored in three events—third in the 400 meters (48.08), fifth in the 200 meters (22.02), and second in the 300 hurdles (39.12). Daryl Thomas Jr. (fourth, 300 hurdles) and Matthew McGuire (ninth, 400 meters).
abama and Georgia and continued to grow as a team,” he said.
The girls’ relay teams finished fourth in the 4x100m (50.21), fifth in the 4x400m (4:04.23), and fourth in the 4x800m (10:00.73).
Max Ryan (seventh, 800m), Noah Jordan (sixth, 1600m; fifth, 3200m), and John Paul Amari (third, 3200m; eighth, 1600m) each turned in strong runs. Gabriel Knox placed seventh in the 3200m.
Steele Hall, Drew Ollis, Christian Helmers, and Hudson Mitchell. made the All-tournament team.
Eighth-grader Olivia Reese (sixth, 100m) and sophomore Emmie Goodell (seventh, 100m; third, 400m) scored in the sprints. Senior Haley Melton placed third in the 100-meter hurdles (15.77) and fourth in the long jump (16-06.75). Haven White finished fourth in the hurdles and third in the pole vault (1106).
Steele went 11 for 15 with ten runs scored, two triples, one double, and six RBIs and was named tournament MVP. Mitchell threw a three-hit complete game shutout with seven strikeouts.
Mary Durham placed third in the 800 meters (2:14.60), while
George Merchant won the 100 meters and finished first in the shot put and discus in the ambulatory division.
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.
Caylin Kennemur won the 100 and. 200 yard dash, shot put, and discus in the ambulatory division.
Hewitt-Trussville will compete in the AHSAA State Championships May 1-3.
A&M earlier this month.
• Landy Saxton, football, signed with Huntingdon College
McLaughlin admires the children who are going through so much and also appreciates their caregivers.
• Jasmine Terry, volleyball, signed with Lee in November.
“When I go to the racetrack, I’m a race driver and I work on this stuff. But when I come home, I’m Dad.
“I love coming home and just having a refresh and getting away from the sport a little bit and just being
• 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
Landy Saxton, football, signed with Huntingdon College.
• Kindle Wright, volleyball, will sign with Dillard University in March.
• Peake, Terry and Wright played for Coach Kimberly Cook.
“In some ways [it] puts perspective of how important it is to have the people–the nurses and the doctors–and how important they are to just society in general for helping those little kids and getting them better and being there on hand for them 24-7.
• Steele, Ford, Saxton, Cook and Smith played for former head coach Rueben Nelson.
See SCOTT, Page 12
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
TRUSSVILLE – Mal-
achi Moore, the former Hewitt-Trussville standout and Alabama defensive back, heard his name called Saturday during the fourth round of the NFL Draft, se-
His athleticism, leadership, and instinct quickly translated at Alabama, where he became a multiyear contributor in Nick Saban’s secondary.
See NFL, Page 12
lected by the New York Jets. The Jets traded with Philadelphia to move back into the fourth round and select Moore. Before starring in Tuscaloosa, Moore made his mark under the Friday night lights at Hewitt-Trussville, where he earned a reputation as a playmaker with a nose for the football.
cation
Meetings:3rd Monday of eachmonthat6 p.m., TCSCentral Office
fellowshipand creativity!
●Parks and RecTrivia: Thursday,July25at6 p.m.
Moore ran a 4.57 in
broad jump, had a 36-inch vertical jump and 15 reps in the bench press at the NFL combine.
“Malachi is everything
you want in a football player and a young man,”
former Hewitt-Trussville head coach Josh Floyd said. “We’re so proud of him.”
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
●ClayCityCouncil Meetings:2nd and 4thTuesday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
●PinsonCityCouncil Meet-
TRUSSVILLE – Former
ings: 1stand 3rdThursday of eachmonthat7 p.m.
●CenterPoint City Council
Hewitt Husky Trey Washington is taking the next step in his football journey.
After going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Ole
Meetings:1st and 3rdThursday of eachmonth, at 6:30 p.m.
●ArgoCityCouncil Meetings:2nd and 4thMonday of eachmonthat5 p.m.
●Springville City Council
From page 11
Meetings:1st and 3rdMonday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
●IrondaleCityCouncil
Meetings:1st and 3rdTuesday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
“Look at this place. It’s full of angels, amazing people. It’s an eye-opening experience every time,” McLaughlin said.
●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
Barber Motorsports Park, located in Leeds, is close to McLaughlin’s heart. It was one of the first tracks he ran on. The track suits his driving style that includes “a lot of risk taking.” Plus, he really loves the environment.
●SummertimeStories: Thursday,July25at9:30 and 10:30 a.m. -JoinMs. Alicia fora summer-themed
“We always get an amaz-
●ClassicCinema: Friday, July 26 at 2p.m.- Come and watchaclassicmovie in the library auditorium!
Pinson Public Library
●SplashBashatPinson ,&
Miss star has signed with the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent. In his final season with the Rebels, Washington recorded 64 tackles, ranking third on the team. Hewitt head coach Josh Floyd has high praise for his
ing crowd out at Barber. You know, there’s always a ton of families. People camp there. That’s an awesome time.
“And that’s something that, you know, all us IndyCar drivers, we enjoy going to every year. So yeah, to win there is special…three times in a row, it’d be really cool.”
●GlowParty:TeenFinale: Thursday,July27at4 p.m.
former three-star player.
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“Trey is one of the hardest working and most humble players we’ve ever had,” Floyd said. “He’s a great player with a high football IQ and had a great career at Ole Miss. We are very proud of him.”
a superspeedway so happy with the performance in the Hendricks.com Chevy.”
ga and get in the Playoffs in front of this amazing crowd, beautiful day in Alabama.’’
the massive infield spider at Turn 5 named “Charlotte” and her babies, the famous “lady in the lake,” and random sculptures of everything from life-size dogs to giant ants carrying a motorcycle.
After leaving Children’s of Alabama, McLaughlin made a stop at Walk-On’s in Trussville.
The driver of the “thirsty 3” also thinks Barber Motorsports Park is great for children due to its “eccentric art.” The Park has a variety of curiosities, such as
He has a few weeks of preparation to be fully ready before coming back to Birmingham for the NTT IndyCar race at Barber, being held May 2-4, 2025.
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Larson, who won Stage 1 recorded his best Talladega finish and moved to second on the points standings. “I wanted to take it, but just felt like the gap was too big,’’ said Larson.“I was just second row inside and just going to do everything I could to try and advance our lane and maybe open it up so maybe then I could get to the outside, but we were all pushing so equally that it kept the lanes kind of jammed up.
“I needed something else to kinda happen, maybe them to get blocking each other or something, but still a great day. A stage win, P3 in the second stage and P3 in the final, so great points day and best career finish on
It was a busy week for Larson, who was in Indianapolis Wednesday and Thursday for an IndyCar open test ahead of the Indy 500.
The first of two unscheduled cautions came when Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch made contact as Keselowski dove toward pit road. Ryan Blaney attempted to avoid the accident but made contact and was forced to retire, as was Keselowski.
“It was just a stack of guys trying to come to pit road as fast as they could and we were kind of the ham in the sandwich that got squeezed,’’ said Keselowski. “I waved down the backstretch to let everybody know I was gonna pit and I came off of four and everybody was so tight behind me that I didn’t even
have a chance to turn left. I hate that it ruined not just our day, but several other people’s day. I don’t think I could do anything different.”
The second unscheduled caution flag was waved ten laps later when Chris Buescher and Christopher Bell made contact. The incident caused Bell to crash hard into the inside barrier. Alabama native Bubba Wallace finished tenth and won Stage 2.
Average Speed of Race Winner: 157.203 mph.
Time of Race: 3 Hrs, 10 Mins, 52 Secs. Margin of Victory: .022 Seconds.
Caution Flags: 4 for 22 laps.
Lead Changes: 67 among 23 drivers.
The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Texas Motor Speedway for next Sunday’s Wurth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY.
