Moore wins Leeds mayoral race; Rose elected to council in District 1
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
By Jakob Gurley
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
It has been a year of firsts for Dobbs Ford as
owners Joey and Rachel recently celebrated their first year as managing partners and as members of
LEEDS, Ala. – Eddie Moore has secured the mayoral seat in Leeds following a runoff election, defeating Kenneth Washington after the initial vote failed to produce a majority winner.
Clay Council approves new library committee, tax policy recension
By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
After prolonged political lecture from Mayor Thomas, Springville Council approves pay raise for police
By Terry Schrimscher
Mayor-Elect
Austin Phillips looks ahead to growth, infrastructure, and preserving Springville’s small-town charm
CLAY – The Clay City Council approved a resolution rescinding the 5 mill ad valorem tax and appointed a new library committee after the previous one was dissolved more than a year before, both of which were met with some criticism from a large audience on Tuesday night.
SPRINGVILLE, Ala. –
The Springville City Council took a detour Monday night before it returned to unfinished business held over from the Feb. 17 meeting. After an extended work session and a short break, the March 3 meeting began around 6:45 p.m.
Mayor Charles Webster explained that the policy was implemented in 2014 when there was an effort to establish the city’s own police force but proved too expensive for property taxes to cover.
As the meeting got underway, the council approved the minutes from the last meeting in February.
Mayor Dave Thomas motioned for them to reconsider the minutes noting members motioned to adjourn before conducting business on the agenda without that motion being recognized.
“So we moved to put that property tax in the general fund,” he said. “Which we never designated it for anything else.”
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
He further explained that the city has had “issues” with garbage pickup fees within the last two years, drawing complaints from residents. He spoke with City Manager Ronnie Dixon about possibly using the 5 mill to try and reduce the fees, he said, but this was not feasible because not all residents had pickup.
focus on city business.
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
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.
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
By Jakob Gurley
SPRINGVILLE, Ala. – As Austin Phillips prepares to be sworn in as Springville’s next mayor, he says his administration’s focus will be balancing
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.
The alternative was to rescind the 5 mill, which Webster estimated would take $150 to $200 per year for residents depending on their property value.
“So, the reason to do this is to help every citizen in Clay with your garbage pickup, so you will be adjusted on the property tax,” he said. “You will not be paying that 5 Mill property tax anymore. As far as the budget goes, we’ve looked over the budget. It’s not
“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-
Foxhound Bee Company to bee-gin construction on new education center
Moody High School student taken into custody over written threat
By Jakob Gurley
MOODY, Ala.
– A writ-
ten threat discovered at Moody High School on Monday, Sept. 23, prompted a swift response from school administrators and law enforcement. Officials confirmed the threat list, created by a current student, included every member of the senior class. Reports also suggest additional lists may have been made that involved underclassmen and former students.
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
Clair County Schools Code of Conduct.
Principal Chris Walters said he was proud of the quick and coordinated response between administrators, the school resource officer, and police.
tain the learning environment.”
The principal emphasized that the school treats every threat seriously, whether it is determined to be credible or not.
“We’re just really appreciative that our School Resource Officer and Moody Police Department jumped on it with us and really helped with the investigation,” Walters said. “They made it as smooth as possible and without having any interruptions to the school day.”
IRONDALE, Ala. – Bee
Administrators immediately isolated the student from the rest of the school population, ensuring no contact with classmates while an investigation was launched. School officials stressed that at no point were students or staff in immediate danger.
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.
The Moody Police Department has since taken over the investigation, and the student is in custody.
District leaders confirmed the student will also face disciplinary action under the St.
Birmingham-based Foxhound Bee Company is preparing to break ground on the 5,000 square foot facility
Walters acknowledged the seriousness of the threat, noting how situations like this weigh heavily on staff and students.
“Anytime you get a situation like this, your first thought is always about the safety of everyone on campus — students, teachers, and staff,” Walters said. “That was our number one concern, and once we ensured safety, we could main-
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.
“For us, anytime we get a threat — credible or non-credible — we immediately launch an investigation,” Walters said. “We have procedures in place, and our school resource officer is phenomenal. Moody Police do a phenomenal job, and if we need to involve other authorities like detectives or the district attorney, we bring them in right away.”
Walters also credited the teamwork between school staff and law enforcement for keeping the campus safe.
“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
“Our police are phenomenal here in Moody,” Walters said. “They do such a good job helping us make sure everything is handled properly, and it’s really nice to have that strong partnership.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
See BEES, Page 3
going to affect hardly anything.”
He said that the increase in sales tax will cover expenses.
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.
“The example they 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.
“I’ve thought about introducing a property tax for everybody to vote on,” he stated. “So you could do a 30 mill property tax or something in that effect to cover the cost of garbage. It has to be put before the citizens for a vote, so you would have to vote on it.”
He speculated that this
Speaking to The Tribune
By Tanna McGuire
could be considered in the future but that the recension would be the best option for the time being.
A citizen who did not give her name then spoke out.
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.
Items from the February agenda were addressed individually. The purchase
“I don’t feel that the council should be voting on this right now when the community has not had a chance -” she said but was cut off by Webster, who said that the council voted on the
See CLAY, Page 5
See SPRINGVILLE, Page 2
Moody Council approves tax abatement for steel components company
Human bones found by local dog are connected, coroner says From Tribune staff reports
By
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
Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune MOODY, Ala. – The Moody City Council has approved a ten-year tax abatement in the hopes of locating a steel components company from Pennsylvania to Kelly Commerce Park.
See BONES, Page
Irondale issues proclamation for suicide awareness, provides support for local organizations
Leeds High School freshmen take action to address rising school shootings
By Terry Schrimscher
IRONDALE, Ala. –Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. and Councilor John W. London presented a proclamation recognizing National Suicide Prevention Month to Nick Tyler from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention during the September 16 meeting of the Irondale city council.
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.
In comments thanking the council, Tyler reminded everyone of the importance of the “988” Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — a number anyone can call if they are in emotional distress or experiencing a mental health crisis.
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
“Suicide is something that can absolutely be preventable,” Tyler said. “Last year, alone, the new stat that came out in 2024 that we had over 860 people die by suicide in Alabama. Already in Alabama, Jefferson County, we have lost 55 men to suicide,” he said.
perform lockdown or intruder drills; in Alabama, public schools are required to conduct two such drills per semester. However, Davis believes these measures are insufficient and is advocating for more frequent and comprehensive drills.
sentiment, emphasizing thecal toll that school shootings take on students and their families. “You shouldn’t have to worry about being scared when you’re just trying to learn,” Johnson said.
“When people’s lives are on the line, we can’t do the bare minimum,” Davis said.
“Schools should take intruder drills as seriously as they do fire or tornado drills.” Johnson echoed this
“988 is a humongous resource, just like 911 if you have an emergency, if you have a mental health emergency, 988 is a huge resource. Free. You can call it, you can text it, you can get on the website, you can chat with it,” Tyler said. After learning the City of Warrior challenged oth-
Mayor Stewart pledged $1,000
“We need to make sure that every school feels safe and ready to handle anything that could happen.” McCormick highlighted the importance of turning awareness into action.
the
the
“School shootings are such a huge problem, and we
See STUDENTS, Page
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)
Nick Tyler accepted a proclamation for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. He is shown with council member John London and Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. Photo: City of Irondale.
Clay Mayor Charles Webster. Photo by Nathan Prewett.
The Trussville Tribune
Sean of the South: Sweat the Small Stuff
By Sean Dietrich
Dear Self.
Pay attention to the little stuff today.
Things you usually overlook. The seemingly insignificant.
Notice these things.
russville Tribune Page 7
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Local Meetings
●Trussville City Council
Meetings:2nd and 4thTuesday of eachmonthat6 p.m., CityCouncil Annex
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●Trussville BoardofEducation Meetings:3rd Monday of eachmonthat6 p.m.,
TCSCentral Office
●ClayCityCouncil Meet-
Things like short sentences. Or typoz. Smiles from strangers. The shape of an arbitrary cloud. The cardinal in your backyard birdbath that reminds you of a loved one. The scattered thought you’re having now about black licorice. Where’d that come from?
speed by.
●Yarn Manglers: Thursday July 25 at 2p.m.- Knitters and crocheters, join us for fellowshipand creativity!
Terry Schrimscher, Interim Managing Editor trusstribeditor@gmail.com
●Parks and RecTrivia: Thursday,July25at6 p.m.
ings:2nd and 4thTuesday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
●PinsonCityCouncil Meet-
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●ClassicCinema: Friday, July 26 at 2p.m.- Come and watchaclassicmovie in the library auditorium!
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●CenterPoint City Council
Meetings:1st and 3rdThursday of eachmonth, at 6:30 p.m.
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●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
Bicentennial Park:Thursday July 25 at 4p.m.- It’stimeto saygoodbyetoanother wonderfulSummerReading Program!Enjoy free access to theSplashPad, crafts,food trucks,& so much more!
●GlowParty:TeenFinale: Thursday,July27at4 p.m.
The red fox that sprinted across your neighborhood sidewalk this morning. The butterfly that randomly landed on you, for no reason at all. The song that played overhead in the supermarket at just the right time, which was your mom’s favorite tune.
-Celebrate theend of another successful teen summer readingprogram duringour Glow PartyTeenFinale. Enjoysnacks,games,music,& otherglow-in-the-darkactivities!
Notice. Notice. Notice.
When you drink your coffee this morning, DRINK your coffee. Pay attention to EVERY SIP. Really taste it. The Norman Rockwell book that’s been on your coffee table since the Punic Wars so that it’s almost invisible to you. LOOK at it. The near miss you had in traffic at the stoplight last night. The way the deer on the shoulder of Highway 9 peacefully looked at you when he saw your vehicle
The random text you received from a person you were randomly thinking about during the exact moment you were thinking of them.
Pay attention, Self. Don’t let these things slip by unnoticed.
Notice all little stuff that occurs. Not just some of it. Every tiny, perceivably meaningless thing that is going on in your life.
Because nothing is meaningless, of course. It all has meaning. Even the random semicolon that you use for no conceivable reason at all; it has meaning.
So say it aloud to yourself. “See the little stuff.” Say it when you’re driving. “See the little stuff.” Say it in the shower as you scrub your armpits. Say this a thousand times if you must,
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otherwise you’ll forget. Don’t just look at the little things. Watch them happen. Honor them. Experience them. Hold a little bit of awe in your heart when each itty-bitty grace falls from the sky, just for you. Give it the respect it deserves. For it is a miracle, no matter how small. And miracles deserve to be revered.
Open yourself to the possibilities that each day bears the mark of destiny upon it. Every small event is SUPPOSED to happen. Nothing happens by chance. It’s all been coordinated. Choreographed. Every movement. Like the guy playing cymbals in the back row of the symphony’s percussion section. For most of the concert he’s just sitting there, endlessly counting, occasionally picking his
nose, waiting for measure
7,293,128. Then, finally, he gets to bang his brass. But his two seconds of musical percussion are important. His crashing sound is vital to the entire symphonic work. Without his cymbals, the whole masterpiece would be cheapened. So pay attention to the good. The bad. The crappy. Honor it all. Consider it all sacred. Cherish it all. Because each event is connected in the domino chain of life. When one small thing happens, it leads to another. Then another. Then another. A butterfly flaps its wings in Paris and sets off a tornado in Texas. So keep your eyes peeled, Self. Love yourself entirely. Appreciate everything. And above all, quit talking to yourself aloud. Because you look crazy.
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Schoolwide activities, service projects planned for America250 at Hewitt-Trussville High
By Jakob Gurley
TRUSSVILLE, Ala.
– Hewitt-Trussville High School has been selected as a Semiquincentennial School as part of the America250 celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence in 2026.
History teacher Abby Kirkland led the effort to enroll the school in the program. “I went to Mr. King at the end of last school year and said this is what I wanted to happen,” Kirkland said. “He told me to talk to the leadership team, and they gave the green light. We still have the acceptance letter, and it feels great to officially be part of this program.”
The designation requires the school to implement
cross-curricular activities highlighting American history, engage students in service projects, and promote physical and mental wellness throughout the year. Kirkland said teachers are already developing creative lessons connecting core subjects to U.S. history. For example, during a physics lesson on Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride, students calculated speed using historical data.
In addition to classroom activities, the school plans to organize a series of service projects through America Gives, billed as the nation’s largest service initiative in history. Kirkland said the goal is not only to educate students but also to involve the community in celebrating the country’s
heritage.
“We want students and the community to understand we’re here for a reason,” Kirkland said. “Honoring those who came before us while thinking about the next 250 years is what this is all about.”
The school has already kicked off the program with a Constitution Day scavenger hunt and will continue activities throughout the 2025–2026 school year. All events will culminate in a community-wide celebration in spring 2026, ahead of America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
Kirkland encouraged families and residents to stay connected with the school’s social media for updates on events and opportunities to participate.
Salubrity Medical opens wellness clinic in Leeds
By Sherry J. Parker
LEEDS, Ala. – A new medical facility focused on wellness, prevention, and patient-centered care opened its doors in Leeds earlier this month, bringing expanded health options to the community.
Salubrity Medical held a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony on Sept. 2, drawing local officials, business leaders, and community members eager to welcome the clinic. Dr. Matthew Bennett, a physician with decades of experience across multiple medical disciplines, said he was inspired to open Salubrity Medical to provide state-of-the-art care in a relaxed, professional setting.
“Our mission is to care for the whole patient,” Bennett said. “We want to offer the very best in medical science, but also make sure our patients feel supported, heard, and comfortable.” Bennett brings an extensive background to his new endeavor. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he earned his medical degree at East Carolina University School of Medicine before completing his internship and residencies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is board-certified with more than 25 years of experience as a medical director and chief of staff at a local hospital. His areas of expertise include anesthesiology, interventional pain management, emergency medicine, and
urgent care. In addition, he has pursued advanced training in aesthetic injections, IV fluid management, men’s and women’s wellness, and athletic injury care.
“I’ve always believed medicine is about building relationships,” he said.
“Opening Salubrity Medical allows us to spend the necessary time with patients and address their needs comprehensively.”
The new clinic is very much a family endeavor.
Skye Bennett, who serves as both co-owner and nurse at Salubrity Medical, works closely alongside her husband in patient care. Daughter Kirby Bennett, RN also works as a nurse at the clinic. Dr. Bennett’s nieces, Sydney Williams, RN and Courtney Gilliland, RN contribute to the family dynamic as well, working as nurses part-time.
Salubrity Medical offers a mix of traditional and modern wellness services. Patients can access weight management programs, IV infusion therapy, con-
Leeds Chamber luncheon highlights growth and progress in city schools
From Tribune Staff Reports
LEEDS, Ala – The September Chamber of Commerce Luncheon featured an update from Leeds City Schools Superintendent John Moore, who shared the strides the district has made in both academics and student support.
Moore reported a 95% graduation rate for the district and noted a dramatic increase in Advanced Placement success, with 144 AP exams passed in 2025 compared to just 45 in 2017. Since 2008, nearly $70 million has been invested into school facilities, improving learning environments across the system. In addition, every school now benefits from full-time social workers, nurses, and counselors.
Family and Community Engagement Coordinator Mary Beth Lochridge also highlighted programs that connect students and fam-
ilies. These include Leeds Middle School’s “Lodges,” designed to give every student a place to belong, the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program with more than 55 active matches, peer helper initiatives at elementary and middle schools, free parenting classes for families, and the district’s Summer Summit professional development, which focuses on the “whole person” for employees.
“The single greatest determinant of the value of your real property is the quality of the public school,” Moore told attendees. “Leeds schools are thriving because this community supports them.” Despite the challenges of the June fire at Leeds Primary School, Moore emphasized that enrollment is continuing to grow, with the district now serving more than 2,200 students.
Trussville Public Library announces annual “Bookin’ It 5K” for October 11
From Tribune Staff Reports
TRUSSVILLE, Ala –
The Friends of the Trussville Library, in partnership with the Trussville Public Library, are gearing up for their annual Bookin’ It 5K on Saturday, October 11, starting at 8 a.m. The chiptimed race will begin and end at the Trussville Public Library, providing participants with a scenic route through the heart of the city. Registration for the event is $30, which includes a race t-shirt. Prices increase to $35 on October 3, and registration will remain open until 7:30 a.m. on race day. All proceeds from the race benefit the Friends of the Trussville Library, an organization that supports the library through community programming, advocacy, fundraising, book sales, and volunteer assistance.
“The Friends of the Trussville Library are proud to continue supporting the library and the community through this event,” said a library spokesperson.
Electrical, Great Smiles Orthodontics, Massey, Stotser, & Nichols Attorneys, Film Dog Media, Trussville YMCA, Urgent Care for Children (Trussville), AmFirst, Alpha Beta Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and The Three Eared Rabbit.
cierge-style direct patient care, and specialized men’s and women’s wellness services. Among other services; spa treatments, athletic performance care, and treatment for chronic conditions, ongoing challenges such as post-COVID and long COVID symptoms, chronic fatigue, and low testosterone are available.
For the Bennetts, opening Salubrity Medical is about more than just expanding healthcare services — it’s about creating a center where people feel empowered to take control of their health.
“Our goal is simple,” Skye Bennett said. “To provide exceptional care that helps people live healthier, fuller lives.” The clinic’s name is derived from the word ‘salubrity,’ and refers to the quality or state of being healthy. It can also be used to describe the promotion of well-being or health.
The clinic, located at 8106 Parkway Drive in Leeds, is now accepting new patients.
Local businesses and organizations sponsoring the 2025 race include Amerex Fire, Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce, Firefly
Participants can register online or in person to secure their spot in this fun, community-focused event that combines fitness, philanthropy, and a love for reading. For more information and registration, visit the Trussville Public Library website. Image from Facebook
Superintendent Dr. John Moore speaks at the Leeds Chamber Luncheon. (Photo from Facebook)
Salubrity Medical held a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony on Sept. 2 in Leeds. Photo: Sherry Parker
with no
tricts.
Supplements were approved for Pinson Valley High School (PVHS) Principal Gerolyn Woodruff in the amount of $10,000; Rudd Middle School Principal Kristopher Fischer in the amount of $3,000; Kermit Johnson Elementary School Principal Jermaine Howard in the amount of $3,000 and Pinson Elementary School Principal Nino Mason in the amount of $4,000.
Supplements are also made for PVHS Band Director Edward Brandenburg in the amount of $10,000; PVHS head basketball coach Darrell Barberin the amount of $10,000; and the high school’s special effect teacher Chris Screws in the amount of $5,000.
Before the supplements were approved Councilor Clinteshia Irvin took the time to express appreciation for the officials.
“I want to tell you guys thank you for what you do every day,” she said. “No amount of money can pay you for holding our kids, wiping their noses, being their cheerleaders, and doing all the things, all the unimaginable things that they don’t do in front of us and they only do a school. So, I want you to know: thank you so much.”
Afterwards, allocations were made to the Center Point Fire District (CPFD) and Palmerdale Fire District in the amount of $75,000 each and to the Glenwood
Fire District in the amount of $1,500.
Later CPFD Chief Brandon Dahlen spoke and expressed his gratitude to the council for the allocations. He reported that there were 898 calls for the month of August, with 11 being structure fires, 546 emergency medical services, and 278 of the EMS calls being transported.
Dahlen added that a local church is hosting the district’s training of a group of volunteers for a Community Emergency Response Team or CERT where citizens help in responding to disaster situations.
Roberts mentioned a recent incident in which he saw a structure fire and noted the presence of CPFD firefighters who were being assisted by Trussville first responders. Everyone in the building was escorted safely outside, he said. He added another recent incident that involved CPFD and Palmerdale firefighters.
“We appreciate the camaraderie you guys have and the fact that especially when dry conditions, the wind blowing and everything, how y’all jump on it and get it out as fast as possible,” he said.
Afterwards Glenwood Fire Department Assistant Chris Whitfield also expressed gratitude to the council and said that the money will be used for what he hopes will be a new fire station. An architect will visit the district in two weeks for preliminary drawings, he told the council.
organizations serving the community. Some of the items were in the regular budget and other funding came from the discretionary funds of council members.
Summer Drive, just outside of Center Point.
Officers found the vehicle with multiple bullet holes in the side of it wrecked in the front yard of residence.
All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police believed it was a targeted shooting and that the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle.
During public comments
On July 13, 2024, Ashley (28), Berry (28), and Brooks (5) were shot in their car in the 1700 block of Indian
Bones
From front page
James Vinning asked all to remember that the one year anniversary of the passing of Mayor Joe Cochran will be on Saturday, Sept. 20. He asked that people take a moment to remember him on that day.
Vinning also touched on the assassination of Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10 that Mayor Robbie Roberts alluded to during the opening prayer and mentioned also two deaths in Mississippi that were noted by national media.
following a DNA analysis of the bones, though authorities still do not know the identity of who they belonged to.
The coroner’s office has reported that multiple missing person cases have been ruled out by the DNA analysis as the identity of the remains.
The skull was discovered by a homeowner on the shoulder of the roadway next to his residence near the 1300 block of 5th Place NW on Aug. 20, 2024.
“We need to pray for their families, their parents and that whatever justice needs to be done is done,” he said. “May the truth come out and no coverups be had. And hopefully, one day, probably not in my generation, but the world can come together in peace instead of hate.”
In other business the council:
Investigators believe the skull was moved from its original location, which remains unknown, to the property by the homeowner ’s dog.
The coroner’s office per-
• Approved a 3% pay raise for city employees, Annexed a property on Womack Road,
• Accepted the 2024/2025 audit report from the previous meeting, and
• Extended its contract with Kevin Wallace, CPA, for accounting services.
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.
Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@ gmail.com.
The council approved $10,000 for the services of Heidi’s Kids, a nonprofit led by Heidi Marimberga who also operates a business in Irondale. The funds were approved for services provided by the organization for the provision of food and support to low-income children and families in the community and allocated $5,000 from the FY 202425 Community Programing Budget with council member discretionary funding of $2,700 from Spivey, $1,300 from Cuellar and $1,000 from Sims.
schools. We provide Christmas to 230 children in the Irondale community. We also provide haircut vouchers and behavior incentive programs at both of those elementary schools. We also provide Christmas to the middle school and the high school through the elementary,” she said.
Following an investigation, BPD’s BPD’s Crime Reduction Team partnered with the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force and the State of Alabama
Marimberga spoke to the council and thanked them for their support including attendance at events in the city.
“We have two resource room in Irondale, one at Grantswood Community and one at Irondale Community,” Marimberga said.
“Through those resource rooms, we offer emergency take home food to 750 children, hygiene kits, clothes, shoes. We provide educational animal shows at both
growth with protecting the character of the city’s downtown.
Heidi’s Kids also operates an Irondale Blessing Box which is stocked every Wednesday. The nonprofit also provides comfort toys for children in emergency vehicles serving the city.
Jacorrian McGregor
Pardons and Parole to apprehend McGregor on Tuesday, Feb. 24 in the 900 Block of Von Dale Lane.
Additionally, the council approved $1,300 from the discretionary fund of council member Cuellar to Mitch Pledger Youth Development. The nonprofit provides physical, emotional, mental and spiritual programs for youth who have experienced trauma as a result of human trafficking.
The council also approved:
$5,700 for use by the Shades Valley ROTC program
• 4,575 to Irondale Fire Department for the purchase of residential Knox Boxes
$1,695 to Irondale Public Library
• $1,000 to Irondale Arts Council
$1,000 to Irondale Com-
formed an autopsy on the skull and determined that the victim had been shot.
The same dog found the second bone, a left tibia, on Dec. 12, 2024.
Phillips, who previously served on the city council after being appointed to fill a vacancy, won the mayoral election earlier this year by what he called “a pretty large margin.” He credits the community’s desire for a change in leadership as a driving factor.
“I think the citizens showed they’re looking for a change, they’re looking for somebody to represent them differently,” Phillips said. “It’s been great getting out and talking to constituents and learning more about what they desire and how they view the community.”
Phillips shared his vision during a recent appearance on Tribune Unscripted.
employees—while also creating opportunities to grow revenue so we can provide more amenities and quality of life for our community.”
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One of the new administration’s first priorities will be updating Springville’s comprehensive plan, a document Phillips says is essential to managing the city’s inevitable growth.
“We can’t manage it if we don’t have a good strategic plan,” he explained. “We need to make sure that we don’t overburden our infrastructure—our roads, our sewer, and even our city
Infrastructure remains a critical issue. The city is currently working with Odenville on a sewer expansion and improvement project that Phillips said should be completed within the next year. The upgrades will support future projects like the St. Clair County rail and commerce park, which officials believe could drive economic growth in the region for decades.
Phillips also emphasized the importance of preserving Springville’s historic downtown while encouraging commercial development on the outskirts of the city.
munity School for a robotics program
• $5,000 to Help 2 Others Foundation (H2O Foundation) to assist local families with water
Man sh Valley
$1,300 to the Exchange Club of Irondale Foundation
From Tribune staff reports
• $900 to Irondale Public Works Department for an anti-litter campaign
• $3,500 to the Shades Valley High School debate team
• $3,500 to the Shades Valley High School Future Business Leaders of America
• $3,500 to the Shades Valley High School girls basketball team
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man was shot at a bingo hall near Grayson Valley early Monday morning. Deputies responded to the bingo hall, located at 5712 Chalkville Road, shortly after 5 a.m. where they found a male employee suffering from a gunshot wound.
• $3,500 to the Shades Valley High School boys basketball team
Center Point Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and transported the victim to UAB Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to the sher-
Up to $1,700 per month to IronBeach Gym to provide health and fitness programs for city employees
The council also approve $120,000 for a fitness court at Beacon Park and $17,500 to Warren Averett for an IT risk revue plus $1,200 for each city IP address tested.
The next meeting of the Irondale City Council will be held at 6 p.m. on October 7 at Irondale City Hall. An agenda for the meeting can be found on the Irondale website prior to the meeting.
From Tribune staff reports
LEEDS, Ala. – Police in Leeds are asking for the public’s help in identifying an individual believed to be involved with an organized retail theft investigation.
“The Leeds Police Department requests the public’s assistance in identifying this individual,” officials said on social media “He is a suspect in an Organized Retail Theft Investigation. If you recognize this individual or have any information about this crime please contact Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama.” CrimeStoppers of Met-
“Our primary effort will be to maintain our downtown—that down-home feel that people love,” Phillips said. “We don’t want to do anything that would be a detriment to the boutiques, ice cream shops, and coffee shops that make it special.” Traffic in the downtown corridor remains a challenge, particularly during school drop-off and pickup times, but Phillips said plans are underway to add a turn lane and cover drainage ditches to improve flow along Main Street.
In addition to infrastructure, Phillips said beautification and maintenance will be part of his agenda. “We need to maintain what we currently have—cutting rights-of-way, keeping sidewalks in good shape, making downtown inviting,” he said. “That takes revenue, and we’ll be looking for options to support those improvements.”
As Phillips prepares to take office, he said he is eager to work with both returning and new members of the city council.
“It’s going to take a group effort,” Phillips said. “But I’m excited for the opportunity to lead and to help shape a future for Springville that allows growth while keeping the heart of who we are.”
Mayor Elect Austin Phillips on Trussville Unscripted
Pinson Mayor Robbie Roberts. Photo by Nathan Prewett.
Mayor Pro-Temp Linda Crowe led the meeting in Mayor Joe Lee’s stead and announced that his wife, Mary, passed away on Friday.
Mary Lee passed away at the age of 81. Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Moody First Baptist Church at 10 a.m.
St. Clair County Economic Development (EDC)
policy and that he had asked them to put it in place.
A brief exchange occurred before she was told that there would not be further discussion. Several from the audience spoke to question the resolution before it was passed by a 5-1 vote.
Later the council briefly discussed the committee for the Clay Public Library.
ordinance to dissolve the library board at the Aug. 27, 2024 meeting of the city council, nor why the council subsequently approved that ordinance and dissolve the library board shortly thereafter.”
He went on to question why the council approved the new committee after a period of “inaction”.
body that had that opportunity to do anything like that?”
Director Don Smith said that the company, Steel Blue Building Components LLC., was looking for expansion to the southeast and was eyeing a location that would serve as an initial spot before constructing a larger space. The project is named Apollo.
state taxes, Smith said. The city would collect $272,000 of that share.
Ju ly 25 -31, 2024
Smith said that the EDC negotiated an agreement for a three-year lease for a temporary location that would be a 50,000 square foot facility until a 130,000 square foot facility is built. The investment would be $30 million before another $25 million.
If the company is brought to the city the schools will benefit from the revenue, Smith pointed out. Its presence could bring around $2.2 million to Moody over a fifteen year period, with the schools to potentially collect $1.68 million.
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“It’s a very good deal,” Smith said. “Plus, the more folks we could have working here and not having to drive outside of Moody to work will definitely help with the traffic and things like that.”
Smith stressed that the potential location in Moody is not official, with an agreement with the state yet to be finalized.
“This is to make sure that we’re doing all we can to make sure that they know that we’re going to do the things that they promised,” Smith said.
Dr. Sharon Gallant was appointed for four years, Dr. Jolanda Terry for three years, Elizabeth Hamilton for two years and Cindy Godwin for one year.
TheTrussville Tribune
If officially kicked off the facility will be located at 2515 Highway 78.
In other business the council:
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The appointments were favored by Councilor Dr. Orletta Jackson-Rush, who introduced the resolution.
CLocal Meetings
That was when the city stated that a budget would be set up and requests for expenses could be made by filling out requisitions and the city would make the purchases. He said that all of the requests from the library were approved for the 13 years of their existence until the board reportedly sought to have a separate account for expenses and make their own hirings.
“So, the only alternative they gave us was to pull out of APLS,” he stated.
He also denied that there was ever a desire to control the library.
Afterwards was Dale Gearhart beginning with a criticism of the ad valorem tax.
$15 million in equipment would be invested along with 60 employees totaling $3.3 million in wages.
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The EDC requested that a ten-year tax abatement be granted for the equipment at the temporary location that includes property taxes as well as sales and use taxes. The potential revenue from the sales and use taxes would be $432,000 and $482,000 for property taxes. This is the city, county and
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Moore, who received 1,510 votes in the runoff, said he was “without the proper words” following his victory. “I’m so happy. Our people turned out. This is a record-breaking turnout for Leeds and a runoff,” Moore said. “It is a tribute to our citizens for coming back in such high numbers.”
Moore attributed the strong turnout to recent turmoil within city government, saying, “In some cases, maybe unfriendly. And our citizens spoke tonight. I promise that we will treat them, we will work for them instead of the other way around. And I’ll make sure that happens to the best of my ability.”
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The abatement was approved unanimously.
Steel Blue produces steel rollup doors commonly used by manufacturers or storage units.
• Approved hiring Chris Hale to the Moody Police Department as an officer, and
• Approved a request from Library Director Sara Roberts to renew a subscription to Fold3 for $1,315.45.
“That market in the southeast is extremely busy right now with all of the growth that’s taking place down here,” Smith told the Trussville Tribune after the meeting. “And so we work with them to expand their sales needs.”
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Moody City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at Moody City Hall on 670 Park Ave.
Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@ gmail.com.
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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.
TCSCentral Office
“I think it is time that we had some consistency [with the library]” she said. “And what better way to have that than having educators – former educators, former great educators – being a part of that? So, I do think that this is something that’s going to be something good for the city. We get some consistency with the library and what we need to offer within the city.”
The measure was passed unanimously.
●ClayCityCouncil Meetings:2nd and 4thTuesday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
●PinsonCityCouncil Meetings: 1stand 3rdThursday of eachmonthat7 p.m.
●CenterPoint City Council Meetings:1st and 3rdThursday of eachmonth, at 6:30 p.m.
The action comes after the previous committee was disbanded last year following the council’s decision to pull the library out of the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) when issues were brought forth regarding management.
●ArgoCityCouncil Meetings:2nd and 4thMonday of eachmonthat5 p.m.
●Springville City Council Meetings:1st and 3rdMonday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
●IrondaleCityCouncil Meetings:1st and 3rdTuesday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
During public comments Drew Bieber spoke and said that he was present for the last meeting of the previous library committee on July 23 in 2024 before it was disbanded.
“Although I may disagree I can at least understand the decision of this council to withdraw from the APLS,” he told the council. “That said, however, I do not understand why Mr. Dixon introduced the
●Leeds City Council Meetings:1st and 3rdMonday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
al en da r
“This council has seemingly reversed course, and voted to establish a library committee, which is simply a library board by another name,” he said. He pointed out that the action was “strange and inconsistent” that the committee was “suddenly” formed. He then asked two questions, the first being why the previous committee was dissolved and the second being and why the council established a new one last than two months before the new mayor, Jane Anderton, takes her seat.
“As elected officials you are subject to the scrutiny of your citizens,” he said.
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Webster began a response but a tense exchange ensued before Webster said that he would not argue the point further.
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Webster later stated to the Trussville Tribune that several “issues” led to the disbandment, namely with after school programs, the inclusion of LGBTQ material in libraries affiliated with the APLS, and with the library board being a separate entity.
He further explained that city officials met with the APLS after the committee was started in 2012 and were told that the committee needed to be separate and that their budget had to be in a separate account.
“I didn’t want to put that responsibility on anybody,” he said. “Because normally when you do that and you’re not an elected official what do you do when money comes forward and just why do you want to put that responsibility on any-
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“I just wanted to state, mayor, that your explanation was basically lipstick on a pig,” he said. He told Webster that the policy could have been rescinded as soon as it was known that a police force was not affordable and alleged that the administration was actually reducing the general fund and “making it difficult” for the newly elected officials.
He also alleged that the reason for dissolving the old library board was about the supposed control of the city over the library and said that the new appointment should have been chosen by the upcoming administration.
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On a final note, he addressed what Webster stated about online comments that caused emotional harm for his wife. Gearhart then accused Webster and Dixon of making comments that caused similar emotional harm to his own wife during a meeting.
In comments to the Trussville Tribune Webster denied making such statements.
Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@ gmail.com.
Looking ahead, Moore said his first priority as mayor will be improving the city government’s responsiveness and approach to residents. “The very first thing I want to do is make some changes within our govern-
ment. It won’t be wholesale changes, but there are some places where we need some different people,” he said. “If a citizen comes into City Hall and they want a permit or a business license, I think they deserve a conversation, a friendly conversation. Even if they don’t get the answer they like, I want them to be treated with the utmost respect.”
with Beautiful NewBlinds &
your belief in me carried us further than we could have gone alone. Please continue supporting those in office who are committed to the people—we still have work to do, and I’m not done yet,” Washington said.
In the City Council District 1 race, Sabrina Rose was elected with 268 votes, defeating Lee Kelly, who finished with 213 votes.
Kenneth Washington thanked supporters for their efforts. “Thank you for standing with me through my mayoral campaign. Your boots on the ground and
With Moore taking office as mayor and Rose joining the council, city leaders said they are preparing to address pressing issues and move forward from the election.
Mayor Pro-Temp Linda Crowe. Photo by Nathan Prewett.
Mayor-Elect Eddie Moore (Photo Credit Scott Buttram)
L ifesty L e
The Hidden Risks of Using Online Divorce Forms
By Emily McClendon Sponsor Content
The rise of online legal forms and services has made divorce-related paperwork more accessible and affordable. With promises of quick, inexpensive solutions, these digitally available documents can seem like an attractive alternative to hiring an attorney, but they often come with significant risks.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Online divorce form templates are generically designed to handle only the most basic divorce scenarios.
Online divorce form templates are generically designed to handle only the most basic divorce scenarios. For example, if you own a business, have substantial retirement accounts, or face complex custody arrangements, a standard form may
be inadequate to address your circumstances.
For example, consider a couple where one spouse owns a consulting business and the other has stock options from their employer.
An online divorce form will include basic fields for “business assets” and “investments,” but it likely won’t guide this couple through the intricate process of properly valuing and dividing these assets – which could result in significantly undervalued or overlooked assets.
The Jurisdiction Maze From residency periods to methods of property division, divorce laws aren’t uniform across states. Even within states, individual counties may have specific formatting requirements, filing procedures, or local rules not addressed by generic online forms. For example, courts require specific language in custody agreements, and particular
statutes and regulations impact child support, non-covered medical expenses, and other relevant matters. Using a form that doesn’t comply with your local court’s requirements can result in rejected filings or missed deadlines.
For example, consider two parents filing for divorce in Alabama. One spouse accepts a job offer in California and plans to relocate with their daughter after the divorce is final. She uses an online divorce form that includes standard relocation language: “Either parent may relocate with the minor child, provided they give 30 days’ written notice to the other parent.”
However, Alabama requires court approval for any relocation that would significantly impair the other parent’s ability to exercise visitation rights. Otherwise, the Alabama court could order the immediate return of the child to Alabama, and
the relocating spouse might face contempt of court charges for violating the Alabama court’s continuing jurisdiction. Additionally, the non-relocating spouse might seek an emergency modification that transfers primary custody.
Procedural Pitfalls Online services offer divorce forms for completion, but they often leave users to navigate the filing process independently. To avoid delays and dismissals, papers must be properly served on spouses, court deadlines must be met, and procedures must be followed that vary by jurisdiction. Additionally, some states require mandatory waiting periods or mediation before a divorce is finalized.
When Online Forms
Might Work Online divorce forms can be effective for couples with straightforward situations, such as short marriages with minimal assets, no
children, and genuinely amicable splits where both parties are fully informed and honest about their finances. However, even in these cases, consulting briefly with a family law attorney can help verify whether the online forms you’re considering are appropriate for your state and circumstances.
Consulting briefly with a family law attorney can help verify whether the online forms you’re considering are appropriate for your state and circumstances.
The Bottom Line Online divorce forms can initially save money, but the cost of resolving problems later—whether through additional legal proceedings, tax consequences, or enforceability issues—can far exceed any savings. Legal
documents typically require precision and strategic planning, and templated forms can’t advise you that accepting a certain asset division now might create tax problems later or that a specific custody schedule might be difficult to modify later. Divorce is one of the most significant legal and financial transactions that many people will undertake. It deserves careful consideration and, in most cases, professional guidance.
Common foot and ankle injuries in summer sports and activities
By Scott G. Morris, M.D., of OrthoAlabama & Sports
Sponsored Content
As temperatures rise and days grow longer, many of us increase our activity levels — whether through hiking, running, playing sports or simply spending more time outdoors. While summer offers great opportunities to stay active and healthy, it also brings a higher risk of foot and
ankle injuries. These injuries are often the result of increased physical demand, poor preparation and environmental factors unique to the season.
Let’s look at common summertime foot and ankle injuries, what causes them and how to stay active while avoiding setbacks.
1. Ankle Sprains
One of the most frequent injuries during summer activities, ankle sprains
happen when the ligaments supporting the ankle are overstretched or torn. They can result from hiking uneven trails, playing pickup sports or even stepping off a curb the wrong way. An early medical assessment is key to starting the most effective care.
2. Plantar Fasciitis
This painful heel condition flares up with increased walking or standing, especially on hard surfaces or
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when wearing unsupportive footwear like flip-flops. It’s caused by inflammation in the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot and can also be aggravated by a tight Achilles tendon.
3. Achilles Tendonitis
A common overuse injury, especially when people jump into running or high-impact activities after a long winter break. It causes pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle and can worsen without proper rest and stretching. It is mainly due to a tight tendon.
4. Stress Fractures
These small hairline cracks in the bones, often occurring in the forefoot or heel, result from repetitive impact. Runners and individuals who engage in high-volume walking are especially at risk, particularly when they increase intensity too quickly.
Several factors make these injuries more common during the warmer months: Unsupportive Footwear: Summer shoes like sandals and flipflops often lack structure or cushioning, putting strain on joints and soft tissue.
Sudden Activity Increases: A quick jump into high-impact sports or long hikes without building endurance leads to overuse.
• Heat-Related Swelling: Hot temperatures cause foot swelling, which can affect the way a shoe fits
and increase the risk of blisters, instability and injury.
• Deconditioning: After a sedentary winter, many return to activity without proper conditioning or gradual buildup.
• Additional Risk Factors: Tight Achilles tendons and a history of steroid use may also increase susceptibility to foot and ankle injuries.
Staying active is important, but taking a few simple precautions can help protect your feet and ankles throughout the season. Here are a few preventative measures:
• Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that provide arch support, cushioning and a secure fit with some stiffness.
• Ease Into Activity: Gradually increase the intensity and duration of
physical activities over several weeks.
Stretch Regularly: Focus on calves, Achilles tendons and the bottoms of the feet to improve flexibility and reduce strain.
• Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration keeps muscles functioning properly and helps manage inflammation. Listen to Pain: Don’t ignore discomfort. Early signs of injury can often be managed effectively with rest and targeted treatment.
Your feet and ankles support all your movement, and summer is a great time to stay active. Most injuries respond well to early care, so don’t ignore lingering pain. With awareness and preparation, you can stay healthy and active all season.
L ifesty L e
ICHBW: Should we send that double text?
I Couldn’t Help But Wonder…
By Dixie Dreamer
Texting in the modern dating world often feels like walking a tightrope in stilettos—one wrong move, and you’re plummeting into the abyss of awkwardness and overthinking. And nothing epitomizes this like the infamous double-text. To send or not to send? Is it daring and confident, or are you setting yourself up to look desperate? I couldn’t help but wonder, is the double-text bold… or just plain bad form?
There I was, a woman of a certain age (but not too certain), staring at my phone after texting someone I was dating about our shared plans. The first message sat there, unread, unloved, floating in the void of digital purgatory. Was he busy? Did he forget? Or, in the words of every dating app cliché, was he “just not that into me”?
My thumbs hovered over the keyboard like I was defusing a bomb. A second text seemed so simple—“Hey, just following up!”—but in my head, it carried the weight of emotional stakes I wasn’t ready to admit. A second text would be bold, right? Assertive even? Or was it walking the fine line into needy territory? After all, the rules of modern dating are clear but unwritten. And maybe that’s the problem—I’ve never been good with rules or leaving things unsaid.
Eventually, I caved. One beautifully crafted, perfectly casual follow-up message later, I hit send and waited. And by waited, I mean stared at my phone like a
lovesick teenager waiting for a concert ticket release. Five minutes passed. Then ten. Before I knew it, an hour had gone by, and the silence was deafening. That’s when it hit me. No response is, in fact, a response. It stung, sure. But if someone couldn’t take a second to acknowledge me, why should I spend another second obsessing over them? You want someone who shows up—not someone who leaves you guessing. But here’s the funny thing about dating (and life): trends don’t always hold true. My double-text experience took a wildly different turn with someone else I dated. It was months later, and I remember sending a second message about plans we’d made earlier in
the week. I braced myself for the radio silence I’d come to know, but this time was different. Hours later, he responded—not with an excuse or evasiveness, but with an honest and heartfelt apology.
“I’m so sorry I didn’t reply sooner,” he wrote. “I wasn’t near my phone and didn’t want you to think I wasn’t interested.”
Cue the swooning. His message felt refreshing—like iced coffee after a hundred-degree summer commute. It wasn’t just his prompt “sorry” that caught my attention. It was the intention behind it. He wanted me to know I mattered. Game changer. Two scenarios. Two double-texts. Two starkly contrasted realities. One revealed the games people
play, the other showcased genuine interest. And honestly, that’s the difference in my book. If someone cares, they’ll communicate—even if it takes a little longer. Dating isn’t about demanding perfection; it’s about spotting the effort, even in small moments.
The reality of modern dating is that every notification feels like a stake in the ground of whether your connection is real. And that’s exhausting. I’ve learned to stop holding my phone hostage and refusing the role of perpetual text referee. These days, I default to honesty when I’m dating or texting someone new. I tell them up front that I’m not glued to my phone. Between work, hobbies, and the occasional Netflix binge, my responses may not al-
ways be instant—but they’ll be genuine when they come. Being clear about expectations and communication styles may not sound sexy, but nothing builds connection faster than being real.
Life is too short to stress about unread bubbles and ellipsis dots that never turn into messages. At the end of the day, love isn’t made of perfect contact time logs— it’s forged in understanding each other’s rhythms and trusting the silence when it inevitably happens.
Here’s my conclusion, after much trial and error (and some truly mortifying pep talks into my refrigerator door): If you want to send the second message, send it. Put it out there into the abyss of cyber connection, knowing that the right people won’t read into it—
and the wrong ones aren’t worth your time anyway.
And if you’re on the receiving end? Respond when you can. Be kind, be clear, and remember that everyone has stared at a phone a little too long in desperate hope. Have you faced the nail-biting terror of the double-text? Or been on the receiving end of one?
I’d love to hear about your cringe-worthy (or surprisingly sweet!) texting moments that capture the chaos of modern dating. Send your stories to me at columnist@ ichbwcolumn.com. Who knows—your tale might just inspire the next column. Until next time, remember to double-text wisely (or boldly) and, as always, stay fabulous.
XOXO
o bitua R y
Nicholas Alexander Guest
december 30, 2002 — september 15, 2025
Nicholas Alexander Guest age 22 of Trussville passed away in the early hours of Monday September 15, 2025 from injuries sustained in a traffic accident in Trussville, Alabama. Nick, as he was affectionally called by family and friends was a beloved son, brother, grandson and friend. He was a 2021 graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School.
Nick is survived by his mother Robyn Guest, father Stephen Guest, sister Madeline (Madi) Guest, grandmother Gloria Bell, uncles Greg Smith, Scott Smith (Kathy), Eric Smith (Sandra), and an aunt Darlene McCranie (Chad). He is also survived by close family friends Jennifer Foster, Dr. Mark Foster, Megan MacNaughton (Jonathan) and Luke Foster as well as a host of friends from high school that he kept in touch with regularly. Nicholas was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother Dorothy Smith and grandfather Robert Bell.
A celebration of life service for Nick will be in the chapel of Jefferson Memorial Funerial Home Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 3:00pm with visitation preceding from 1:00-3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, cahabariverkeeper.org, or a charity of your choice.
Betty Sewell Haynes
august 19, 1928 — august 21, 2025
Betty Sewell Haynes, age 97, passed away on August 21, 2025. Betty was preceded in death by her hus-band, Clyde Haynes; infant son, Bradford Haynes; son-in-law, Phil Cline and grandson, Phillip Cline Jr. Betty Haynes graduated from Holt High School, Holt, Al in 1946 and went on to study accounting at the University of Alabama where she met Clyde, also a student. They were married on October 7, 1950, in Tuscaloosa. She worked in the accounting department at Gulf States Paper Co. and eventually in account-ing firms in Birmingham. Finishing her degree in Education she became a math teacher and a principal. She was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional education sorority. Betty was always involved in church, taught middle school Sunday School classes, a Bible study leader in Community Bible Study and several prayer groups. She enjoyed traveling with Clyde in the U.S. and overseas after retirement and volunteered with the Gideons. Since childhood she loved reading books and her Bible. Betty loved the Lord Jesus, her dear husband, her daughters and especially her grandchildren. She loved her family, her many friends and helping others with a kind heart.
Betty is survived by her two daughters Dianne Cline and Yvonne Bibby; grandchildren, Chris Cline (Kim), Ruth Bibby and Haydn Bibby (Jenna); great-grandchildren, Owen and Evan Harrison, Kellen Cline, Angela Bibby and Leo Bibby.
Walter L ewis Cole
july 27, 1949 — august 24, 2025
Service was held at Jefferson Memorial, Trussville, AL on Friday, August 29, 2025. Visitation 2:00 pm with 3:00 pm service and burial followed.
Brother Kent McClendon Officiated.
Born on July 27, 1949 in Birmingham, Alabama at Carraway Hospital. Passed away on August 24, 2025 at the University of Alabama in Birmingham Hospital. He was a Christian, a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather, a friend, a veteran and a mason.
Walter was born to parents William (Bill) Cole & Mary Vickers who have both passed on. He had a Brother Joe Bob Tennison , sisters Mary Coleman , Sandra (husband Frank) Pugh, Shirley (husband Johnny) Rigsby and Wanda (husband Kevin) McCarthy.
Walter was married to his loving wife, Marilyn, of 49 years who passed in 2020 . Together they had three children Debbie (husband Rick), George, and Cindy. They had 5 grandchildren, Sherry (husband Justin), Brandon (wife Natasha), Katie (husband Seth), Rebecca (husband Jay) and Shelby. They also had 12 great grandchildren whom they loved so very much. Braxton, Macy, Liam, Paris, Emma, Ethan, Carson, Maddie, Infant Isaiah that left us way too soon, Isabella, Renley and Andrew.
Walter served in the US Military under the Army division and served in the Vietnam War. He was a heavy vehicle operator and received many medals for his service. But the one he was most proud of was his Expert Marksman medal.
After his time in the military, he worked for American Cast Iron Pipe Company. (ACIPCO) for close to 40 years from which he retired. He also worked in his own vehicle garage which he started with his fa-ther. During his lifetime he made a host of special lifetime friends whom he considered family and loved very much. Helping everyone he knew, as best as he could, was what he spent his lifetime doing and loved every mi-nute of it. He loved to talk and laugh and share time with everyone and will truly be missed by all.
Pall Bearers: Rick Busby, Brandon Busby, Justin Murphree, Braxton Murphree, Seth Wheeler and Jay Freeman.
Leroy “Lee” Terry
december 31, 1940 — august 25, 2025
Leroy “Lee” Edwin Terry, age 84, of Pinson, AL. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lee Terry, who departed this life on August 25, 2025.
Born on December 31,1940 to Frank and Theresa Terry in Forreston, Illinois, was married to Sharon Shores in 1959. They raised a family and remained married for 65 years until Sharon’s passing in 2024.
Lee lived in California for many years working for Marine Terminals in San Pedro, before moving the family to Alabama and working in robotics for the printing industry.
Lee will be remembered for his lifelong love of the NFL and especially his beloved L. A. Rams. Lee was an avid golfer and played as much as he could.
He is survived by his children, Beth Terry Bailey (Dale) and Cale Terry (Ruth); his grandchildren, Alex Bailey (Nikki), Nicholas Bailey, Victoria Bailey Stallworth (Dunk) and Morgan Terry; great grandchil-dren, Logan Ramsey, Rowan Stough, Charlotte Stallworth, Bailey Stallworth and Juliana Bailey. As well as a sister, Sue Terry Roskam (Merv).
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Sharon and three sons, Jeffrey, Michael and Scott.
Visitation was at 1:00 pm, August 30, 2025 at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, AL. Services began at 2:00 PM with burial that followed at Jefferson Memorial Gardens.
Betty Jean Buchanan
august 8, 1932 — august 25, 2025
Betty Jean Buchanan, age 93, passed away on August 25, 2025. She was preceded in death by her hus-band of 42 years Thomas Glenn Buchanan; parents Billie C. and Nana Irene Struder; daughter-in-law, Roxanna Buchanan. She Graduated from Northeast Mississippi Junior College in 1951 with her business degree. Betty worked at TVA as a clerk and typist; Rust Engineering as a Secretary for the Mobile Arm-ing Tower project for NASA; Motion Industries, Inc., as a Senior Executive Secretary. Betty belonged to Hepzibah Baptist Church of Talladega. She was a member of the Birmingham Chapter of Professional Secretary International and was the former President and Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee. Bet-ty was a dare devil and lived out part her bucket list after the age of 70 by going Zip Lining, Bungee Jumping, Parasailing and wanted to sky dive but didn’t get the chance.
She also enjoyed traveling, fishing and country music.
Betty is survived by her children Kenneth Neill (Dee) Buchanan, Allen Eugene (Sharon) Buchanan, Cyn-thia “Cindy” Lynn (Keith) Van Heiden; grandchildren, Allan Andrew Buchanan, Sara Ashley Partridge, Lisa McKinney, Joshua “Josh” (Lynn) Bradshaw, Kimberly (Andy) Lea; great-grandchildren, Wayne Vickery, Chrystian McKinney, Dylon Bradshaw, Isabella Bradshaw, Brooklyn Bradshaw, Robert “REW” Lea. Also, many other loving family members and friends and she is going to be missed by eve-ryone she touched.
Linda Poe
january 29, 1942 — august 30, 2025
Linda Benson Poe was born on January 29, 1942, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Floyd and Ruth Benson. She grew up alongside her beloved siblings, Judy and Johnny Benson, forming bonds that would last a lifetime. Linda was married to the love of her life, Dr. Louis Poe for 62 years. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and devotion. Linda was a proud mother to Lee Poe (Marie) and Kim Harmon (Heath) and later found immense joy in her role as “Gran Gran” to her
A graduate of Minor High School and Alverson Draughon Business School, Linda began her career at the Social Security Administration, where she worked for eight years before choosing to dedicate herself fully to
She
Visitation
the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Malcolm Ray Pledger
october 18, 1934 — september 1, 2025
The funeral service will be held 12 p.m. Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in Trussville, AL. Visitation is the same day from 11am to 12pm. Burial to follow the service with luncheon at North Park Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Jimmie Hale Mission in Birmingham, AL.
Malcolm Ray Pledger of Birmingham, Alabama went home to be with the Lord at 90 years old on Sep-tember 1, 2025.
Malcolm was born to George and Lizzie Pledger in Sipsey, Alabama on October 18, 1934, and grew up with his five siblings in Walker County, Alabama, where he graduated from Walter County High School in 1952. He served in the US Air Force Security Service in the 29th Radio Squadron, Mobile and was stationed in Manila, Philippines for part of his service. After leaving the USAF, he attended Walker Col-lege in Jasper where he studied engineering and played baseball. He continued in the USAF Reserves un-til 1960 and later attended Birmingham Southern College night school in pursuit of his business degree.
After moving to Birmingham, he began a distinguished 25-year career at General Steel Tank Company in 1959, serving as the Vice President of Sales. His responsibilities included international business negotia-tions in Venezuela, Egypt, and England. In 1983 he established his own manufacturing company, Ameri-can Refueler Equipment Company, where he continued working well into his 90th year in partnership with his eldest son Paul, who joined the company in 1997. Malcom never retired, and throughout his long career he loved sharing his experiences and knowledge in the aviation field in support of fellow col-leagues who became friends.
Malcolm was an avid bowler and met his wife, Polly Moore, at the Eastwood Lanes bowling center in the early 1960’s. They were married in 1963. Together with their shared deep faith in God, they raised three children in a home full of love, enjoying summer family vacations to the panhandle of Florida, Alabama football games, and holidays with extended family. He also loved playing golf with family and friends and could be found any given Saturday on the courses at the Grayson Valley Country Club and Roebuck Golf Course. Malcolm’s faith-based commitments extended beyond his family to include his church, local community, and business. He served as a deacon at Ruhama Baptist Church beginning in 1970, leading the bus out-reach ministry and serving as Sunday School Director in the Youth Department. Most recently, he was a faithful member at NorthPark Baptist Church and especially close to members of his Sunday School Class. As a community leader, he was a member of the Optimist Club of Birmingham for many years, and as a business owner, never failed to take care of his team, which included the annual company holi-day dinner at The Bright Star, his favorite restaurant.
To those that knew him, Malcolm was an eternal optimist who never let the truth get in the way of a good story. He was always ready with a kind word of encouragement, or to add someone new to his bedside prayer list. Proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, his smile and twinkling eyes always expressed joy and provided an uplifting view of life. He was a curious, life-long learner who nev-er stopped reading, traveling, or offering words of wisdom. His spirit of adventure included attending Al-abama football playoff games around the county, a trip to Barbados with Polly in the 1980’s and visiting Italy with his sons in 1996. The love Macolm had for The Lord, his family, and his friends was lived out faithfully by him and he will be greatly missed by all.
Malcolm was preceded in death by his loving wife of 31 years, Polly Ann Moore Pledger; parents, George and Lizzie (Sellers) Pledger; three siblings, Virginia Pledger, Norman Pledger, and Marie Fowler. He is survived by his three children, Michelle Tate (William) of Penn Valley, PA, Paul Pledger (Au-tumn), of Birmingham, AL and Mark Pledger (Cristiana) of Birmingham, AL; two beloved grandsons, Alexander and Miles Pledger; two siblings William Pledger (June), Calera, AL and Shirley White (Earl), Wyandotte, MI; and one brother-in-law, Roy Moore (Ann) of Trafford, AL. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and lifelong friends.
Active Pallbearers were Daniel Fowler, Ryan Fowler, Kevin Hass, Shawn McJohnston, William Pledger, Jr., Dakota Wood and Terry Wood. Charles Lusco will serve as an Honorary Pallbearer.
c a L enda R
Local Meetings
● Trussville City Coun-
cil Meetings: 2nd and 4th
Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., City Council Annex
● Trussville Board of Education Meetings: 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m., TCS Central Office
● Clay City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
● Pinson City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
● Center Point City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd
Thursday of each month, at 6:30 p.m.
● Argo City Council Meet-
ings: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 5 p.m.
● Springville City Council
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
● Irondale City Coun-
cil Meetings: 1st and 3rd
Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
● Leeds City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
● Moody City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
● The M.W. Hosey American Legion Post 205, Clay-Trussville, meets on the 2nd Mon-day 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.
Children’s Storytime Thursday, September 25 9:30am - 10:00am and 10:30am - 11:00am
Trussville Library LBK Auditorium
Join Ms. Alicia for stories, songs, bubble time, and lots of fun! The event will be held in the library audi-torium every Thursday at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. This storytime is designed for preschool-aged children and their families! Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. No snacks allowed at the program. All preschool ages. Every Thursday at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. September 25th Theme: Farm.
YA - Magic the Gathering - Card Game
Thursday, September 25 4:00pm - 5:30pm Trussville Library Parkway Room
Come learn to play Magic the Gathering, or find people to play with! Teens (6th-12th) Learn the highly strategic card game, Magic the Gathering. During the game, players will take turns battling one another by casting spells, summoning creatures and using artifacts depicted on individual cards drawn from their personalized decks. All supplies will be provided! This program is open to 6th through 12th graders. (Photographs may be taken during the program and used by the TPL. If you do not want pictures of your child to be taken please let
the Librarian in charge of the event know)
Adult Book ClubHistory Edition
Thursday, September 25
6:00pm - 7:00pm Trussville Library Cahaba Room
A book club where we dive into various topics from World War II. Join us for Adult Book Club, history edition! Connect with your community and share your thoughts about the books you’ve read. The history book club meets every other month on the last Thursday of the month at 6:00PM at the library. Contact the Adult Department (205-655-2022 or tr.adult@ jclc.org) if you need assistance in obtaining books or have any question. Meeting dates and books are listed below. Registration is optional. All books can be found on Hoopla. September 25th - Churchill’s Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare - Giles Milton. AGE GROUP: | Adult (Ages 18+)
ASO Masterworks & Coffee Concert Fate & Fury
Friday, September 26
All day
Trussville Library to get on wait list
We are partnering with Alabama Symphony Orchestra to provide 10 vouchers for the Masterworks and Coffee Concert series of concerts! Each voucher is redeemable for two tickets for Fate & Fury: Beethoven’s Fifth at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center - Jemison Concert Hall. The voucher can be redeemed at the Alys Stephens Center Box Office for one of the following concerts: September 26, 11:00 am September 26, 7:00 pm September 27, 7:00 pm
Vouchers not claimed at the Trussville Public Library
Auxiliary Desk by 48 hours before the first concert of the weekend will be made available to those on the wait list. ASO recommends redeeming the voucher at least 48 hours before your chosen performance as seating options are based on availability. Redeem the voucher at Alys Stephens Center Box Office, 1200 10th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294 dur-ing business hours: M-F 9-5. LIMIT VOUCHERS TO ONE PER HOUSEHOLD FOR THE 2025 SERIES OF CONCERTS. Duplicates will be deleted to make room for other patrons.
Demon Hunters: Catch the Saja Boys! Fri Sep 26th
9:00am - 6:00pm Pinson Public Library September 22nd - 27th
The Saja Boys are on the loose at Pinson Public Library! Locate them in our fun scavenger hunt to earn a creative & cool prize. (All ages)
Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison: Autumn Fri Sep 26th
10:00am - 11:00am
Pinson Public Library Friday, September 26th at 10 AM
Join us for Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison on Friday, September 12th at 10 AM. Our theme is autumn! We’ll read books, have fun, do a craft, & have a snack. Storytime is designed for pre-K children, but all ages are welcome.
Rifftrax Movie Matinee Saturday, September 27
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Trussville Library LBK Auditorium
Enjoy a movie with some funny commentary. Do you love movies and making fun of them? Or, rather, laughing at other, funnier people making fun of them? Then you would love Rifftrax. Brought to you by the guys & gals behind Mystery Science Theater 3000, Rifftrax makes. movies. better. They combine the jokes of MST3K with the blockbuster success of movies not in the common domain but that need to be mocked. So sit back, grab some popcorn, and prepare to laugh. September 27: Twilight
American Girl Tea Party
Monday, September 29
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Trussville Library LBK Auditorium
Join us for light refreshments, desserts, and party games and activities, as we celebrate the start of our American Girl Club for the year. Join us for a teatime celebration of our American Girl Club! Light re-freshments and desserts will be served buffet style. After enjoying tea treats, we’ll play party games and participate in activities. Participants are welcome to bring along a favorite doll or stuffed animal. **Registration for each child is required to attend this upcoming event to ensure an accurate count for refreshments. AGE GROUP: | Upper Elementary (3rd-5th) | Lower Elementary (K-2nd) | Elementary (K-5th)
Crazy 8’s Math Club Session 1 (New Participants)
Tuesday, September 30
4:00pm - 4:45pm Trussville Library LBK Auditorium
Join Crazy 8’s Math Club, where you’ll build stuff, run and jump, make music, make a mess - it’s a totally new kind of math club! This program meets twice a month.Open to first time Crazy 8’s Math Club at-tendees in Kindergarten - 2nd grades. September Themes: Week 1: Glow-inthe-Dark Geometry. Week 2: Beach Ball Party. AGE GROUP: | Lower Elementary (K-2nd)
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Springville earns first win of 2025 with 37-34 victory over Lincoln
By Henry Williamson,
For the Tribune
SPRINGVILLE, Ala.
– The wait is over. On homecoming night, the Springville Tigers picked up their first win of the 2025 season, and Chris Metcalf’s first-ever win as a head coach, defeating Lincoln 37-34 on a last-second touchdown at Bagley Harris Stadium.
Springville wasted no time as Sophomore quarterback Brennen Archer controlled the offense on their opening drive, finding Reid Wallace for a shovel-pass touchdown to give Springville a quick 7-0 lead.
The Tiger defense played with effort and energy as Porter Tibbs came up with a big sack that put Lincoln in a tough spot, forcing them to punt.
About his interception, Tibbs said “I saw the ball go up, put my hands up, locked into the ball and came down with it”.
Lincoln answered back in the second quarter when the running back broke free for a long touchdown to even the score at 7.
The Tigers didn’t hesitate as senior kicker Patrick Williams nailed two field goals before halftime, including one set up by a
tipped-ball interception from Tibbs. Springville went into the locker room ahead 13-7.
Springville extended its lead in the third quarter when Archer connected with Trigg Murdoch on a short touchdown reception, making it 20-7. Lincoln quickly responded with a deep touchdown pass to cut the lead to 20-14. Williams stayed perfect on the night, hitting his third field goal of the night, pushing the lead to 23-14. Lincoln regained some momentum, striking back with a big run and then adding another touchdown to narrow the gap to 23-20 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Tigers kept feeding
running back Gavin Webber, who handled a heavy workload throughout the night. Webber ran in a short touchdown early in the fourth to give Springville a 30-20 lead.
Lincoln kept knocking. The Golden Bears scored with a touchdown drive, and then after a recovered fumble, they took advantage and went the distance for another touchdown that put them ahead 34-30 with just under four minutes left. Springville had to hurry and move the ball up field fast. Archer stepped up for the Tigers. He ran for a fourth down conversion, hit Murdoch and Killian
Indians Tomahawk the Mounties
By Shane Paschal, For the Tribune
PINSON, Ala. – It was the battle of the Valleys in Week Five, as Shades Valley visited Pinson Valley.
The Indians entered the game with a 14-5 lead in the series, but the Mounties had won last year’s contest, snapping an eleven-game winning streak by the Indians.
The Mounties received the opening kickoff but went three-and-out, punting to Pinson, who took over at the Mountie 44. The Mounties intercepted a Pinson pass and returned it to their 26. Antwan Kelser ran for 10 yards, and Jamie Small added 17 for a first down at midfield. The drive stalled, and the Mounties punted. Pinson took over at its 26, gained a first down at the 48, but was sacked for a 10-yard loss and forced to punt. The Indians downed it at the Mountie 31. Moments later, Pinson intercepted a Mountie pass at the 39. Rico Freeman then launched a 35-yard strike to the Mountie 5, setting up first-and-goal. On fourth down, Freeman scored on a two-yard keeper, and with AJ Roper’s kick, the Indians led 7-0. The Mounties started at their 10 but quickly went three-and-out. The quarter ended before they could punt, with Pinson up 7-0.
The second quarter opened with the Mounties lining up to punt, but an Indian offsides gave them a first down. Kelser moved the chains to the 36, then Quincy Poole surged 17 yards to the Pinson 48. The Mounties turned it over on downs at the 40. A bad snap forced Freeman to fall on the ball at the 21, leading to another punt, and the Mounties took over at midfield. Ayden Shackleford ran for eight, but the Mounties stalled and punted again. Pinson took over at its 20. With under two minutes left in the half, Freeman hit RJ Addison on an 87yard bomb. With Roper’s kick, Pinson led 14-0. The Mounties advanced to the Pinson 25 with five seconds left, but the clock ran out. At halftime, Pinson held a 14-0 advantage.
Shades Valley tried an onside kick to start the
second half, but
The
their 12. Another
and-out led to another
son possession at the
Pinson turned it over on downs at the Mountie 43, but they couldn’t capitalize and punted again. Pinson advanced to its 35 before punting, downing the ball at the Mountie 25. Kelser was sacked back to the 8, forcing yet another punt, giving the Indians the ball at the Mountie 35. A Carlos Johnson 11-yard run moved it to the 25 as the third quarter ended, still 14-0. The first play of the fourth quarter was a 20yard Freeman keeper for a touchdown. The extra point was blocked, but Pinson extended its lead to 20-0. The Mounties went backwards and punted. Pinson started
See INDIANS, Page
Pinson recovered at the Mountie 47.
Indians punted, and the Mounties took over at
three-
Pin-
48.
Springville's captains prepare for the coin toss.
Credit: Henry Williamson
By Britney Bailey, For the Tribune
CLAY, Ala.
– The Cougar winning streak continues as the Cougars added another win at home Friday night against the Brandon Bulldogs of Brandon, Mississippi.
The Cougars struck first with a 30-yard field goal from Joseph DelToro early on in the first quarter. The Bulldogs answered at the end of the quarter with a 4-yard touchdown pass to take the lead.
The Cougars opened up their second quarter possession with a series of impressive runs from quarterback Aaron Frye to put them deep in Bulldog territory.
Frye finished out the drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to his usual suspect Corey Barber at the 8:24 mark. An interception gave the Cougars back possession, and Josh Woods seized opportunity with a 1-yard touchdown run to cap off the drive, making it 17-7 after the PAT from Del Toro.
Woods added on six more for the Cougars later in the second quarter on a 3-yard sprint to the endzone, the 2-point attempt failed, but the Cougars extended their lead 23-7 going into the half.
Frye slid in for a 2-yard touchdown run late in the third, after another series of explosive runs, to up the Cougar lead to 30-7. A Bulldog fumble handed the Cougars another opportunity, with Del Toro tacking on three at the start of the fourth.
The Bulldogs answered once more with a touchdown and a 2-point conversion to make it a 33-15 ballgame. Barber returned
the favor with a 60-yard kickoff run to put the Cougars back in Bulldog territory at the 35-yard line. Woods took off for another 20-yards to land the Cougars at the 15, followed by another two short gains. Frye found Barber in the endzone for another 12yard touchdown for the Cougars, to up their lead to 40-15 after the PAT.
Quarterback Cornelius Eldridge entered the game for the Cougars late in the fourth in usual fashion on a series of tough runs, and found Cayden McGhee to ice the game, 47-15. The Cougar defense had an allaround big night, led in part by Isaiah Brown. Cougar Head Coach Stuart Floyd on Brown, “He’s a ball player. He’s one of our top leaders on defense, vocal and physical”.
The Cougars will host Thompson at home in Cougar Stadium next Thursday. “It’s the best we have to offer in the state, year after year, so, we welcome the challenge,” says Floyd on Thursday’s matchup with the Warriors.
Hewitt-Trussville shuts out Pats in region showdown
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. –
The third-ranked Huskies left little doubt Friday night about their standing in Region 3. The Huskies used a physical defense and a balanced offense, 187 yards on the ground and 170 yards through the air, to shut out the tenth-ranked Hillcrest Patriots 24-0.
The Huskies struck first midway through the opening quarter when running back Deuce Alston, 13 carries for 51 yards, dove in from one yard out at the 7:06 mark. Nathan Fritz added the PAT, and the Huskies led 7-0.
The Huskies extended their lead before the end of the quarter when Henry Farrell nailed a 37-yard field goal with 1:42 remaining to make it 10-0.
The second quarter was a defensive affair until Hillcrest appeared to score with a long touchdown run, but a penalty, one of eleven against the Patriots, wiped the play off the board.
Hewitt put together a 13play 75-yard drive late in the half, driving to the Patriots’ 13-yard line before a fumble ended the Huskies’ scoring opportunity.
The Huskies’ defense took the ball back when defensive back Denarrius “Woogie” Crawford intercepted a pass with 1:47 to play in the half.
Quarterback Jack Floyd, 15 of 18 passing for 170 yards and 16 rushes for 74 yards, gave the Huskies breathing room in the third quarter by directing a tenplay drive that culminated with his six-yard touchdown run at the 7:56 mark of the third quarter, making it 17-0.
The Husky defense flexed their muscle to repeatedly force the Hillcrest
offense into punts and keep the Pats from sustaining drives. Hewitt held Hillcrest to 127 yards of total offense on the night and sacked Hillcrest quarterback Jordan Shambley three times.
Hewitt put the game away with just over six minutes to play with an eightplay, 83-yard drive. Floyd connected with wideout Dylan Cope, five receptions for 74 yards, on a 45yard touchdown pass after the ball was deflected by a Hillcrest defensive back and into the hands of the Virginia commit.
The score and PAT gave Hewitt a 24-0 lead and a 3-0 record in the region.
“They called it in the huddle, and I was just like, I just got to go get it,” Cope said. “I got to do what I got to do. We just got to take it one week at a time.”
Hewitt-Trussville’s defense was the difference all night, bottling up the Patriots’ running game, 25 carries for 56 yards, and
taking away explosive plays through the air, nine completions for 67 yards.
The Huskies’ defensive front consistently won the line of scrimmage battle to get to Shambley, while the secondary came up with big plays to secure the shutout.
“It really started with our defensive line. They got a great push on the front,” defensive back Will Phillips said. “We knew they were going to try some double passes, so as DBs it was more about staying home and not biting on trick plays. Last year, they put up about 450 yards on us, and that didn’t sit well. We had to come out and show them what was up.”
“Obviously it was a little more of a point of emphasis this week, but our defense is always like that,” Hewitt said. “We’re always striving to swarm and send a message.”
Head coach Josh Floyd also praised the defense’s effort. “Just a huge win for
us,” Floyd said. “It’s the third week in a row we’ve played a top ten team, and we’re fortunate to get a win. Can’t give enough credit to our defense — they did an incredible job the entire night.”
Floyd acknowledged his team still has work to do in the red zone.
“We’ve moved the ball, but we’ve got to score down there,” he said.
“That’s something we have to improve. Second week in a row we’ve been inside the 20 and haven’t finished drives. We can’t leave those points on the field.”
“To keep these guys scoreless is a pretty big deal for our team,” Floyd said.
“And that last drive, we ate six or seven minutes off the clock and were able to score. That gave us a little more breathing room.”
With the win, Hewitt moves to 3-0 in the region and 5-0 overall. The Huskies step out of region play next Friday when they host Pinson Valley.
Corey Barber hauls in a touchdown. Credit: Jake McCune
Dylan Cope scores a 45-yard touchdown. Credit: Sherry Parker
Leeds stumbles at Jacksonville, suffers first loss
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
JACKSONVILLE, Ala.
– For weeks, sixth-ranked
Leeds looked the part of a Class 5A contender. On Friday night, the Green Wave ran into a Jacksonville team that proved it belonged in that conversation, too.
The Golden Eagles dominated up front, converted clutch third downs, and capitalized on Leeds’ mistakes to hand the Green Wave a 30-7 region loss.
Jacksonville’s defense set the tone early, overwhelming Leeds’ offensive front and disrupting any rhythm. The Golden Eagles struck first with a three-yard touchdown run by Qua McNeal in the opening quarter, then doubled the margin in the second when Kelvin Hughley ripped off a 56yard scoring run. At halftime, Leeds trailed 14-0. Leeds showed some
Springville
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for clutch completions, and scrambled inside the 5-yard line with 16 seconds remaining.
With four seconds left, Archer powered into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown, the stadium erupted, and Springville celebrated its hard-fought victory.
After the game, head coach Chris Metcalf shared his thoughts on the win and his team’s performance.
spark after the break, finally breaking through with a one-yard Marquintis Meadows touchdown run to cut the deficit to 14-7. Jacksonville responded quickly. The Golden Eagles converted multiple thirdand-long situations to keep drives alive, and a pair of field goals (26 and 31 yards) stretched the lead to 20-7 by the end of the quarter. Any comeback hopes were erased when Jacksonville’s defense struck again, returning an interception for a touchdown to push the lead to 27-7. A 36-yard field goal late pushed the score to 30-7. Head coach Jerry Hood complimented Jacksonville. “Jacksonville played awesome and we played our worst game of the year,” be said. “All credit to Jacksonville. Coach Jeremy Sullivan had his team ready to play.” The Green Wave host 6A Briarwood Friday night.
“I’ve got to give god the glory, allowing me to do this. I’m so proud of our kids, we’ve started the year 0-4. Our verse of the week was Galatians 6:9. Our kids continue to fight for each other, and they got it done tonight”.
Speaking on some key players from tonight, Metcalf listed several, “Gavin Webber and Savonte Killian came up big, Brennan Archer led the troops, the entire O-Line. Those guys absolutely got after it tonight. Defense came up big at the
Moody edges out Helena 31-28
By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
MOODY, Ala – The Moody Blue Devils came into Friday night’s game riding high on a three-game winning streak with the visiting Helena Huskies heading to The Bill for an out of region game. Mistakes by Moody kept things close but the home standing Blue Devils pulled out a 31-28 victory, improving to 4-1.
Helena stared the game with the ball and found some success on the ground, getting the ball into Moody territory, but Josh Willet, Cam Mallory, Henry Smith and the rest of the “Death Row” defense shut them down and held them.
Moody would take over but a Jake Lowery interception would set the Huskies up at the Moody one-yard line. With 4:50 to go in the first, the Huskies would punch it in and go up 7-0 on the Blue Devils.
Moody would waste little time answering when Lowery hit Aubrey Walker from 32 yards out at the 3:34 mark of the first quarter to tie the game at seven.
Helena would start the second quarter with an 18yard pass to go up 14-7 on the home team with 7:58 to play in the first half.
A long kickoff return by Walker would set up the Blue Devils at the Helena 24-yard line. From there, Le’Kamren Meadows busted up the middle for the Moody touchdown to tie the game at 14 with 7:36 to go in the half and that would remain the score until the break.
Moody came out of the locker room and drove the ball into Helena territory, but stalled out, setting up kicker Ryan McPherson for
end. I’ve got to give some love to Patrick Williams, he had a great night, made some big kicks. Overall, our kids did a heck of a job executing”.
The win gives Springville some life in Region 6, and momentum that they can build on heading into the second half of the season.
Springville improves to 1-4 overall, and now 1-1 in region play. The Tigers have a bye next week before traveling to Jacksonville on October 3rd.
a 48-yard field goal that he sent straight down the middle of the uprights to make it 17-14 Moody at the 9:15 mark of the third.
Kylan Baker would pick off a Helena pass on the next drive and, with 8:26 to go in the third, Lowery would find Josiah Dozier from 17 yards out to go up 24-14.
With 11:48 to go in the game, Lowery would throw another interception that would be returned for a touchdown by the Helena defender. The score would now be 24-21 with Moody holding onto the narrow lead.
Lowery would throw another pick on the following drive, but the Moody defense would hold the Huskies out of the end zone to hold onto to the three-point lead.
The offense would lean on the running game and finish the next drive with a four-yard Meadows touch-
Indians
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at its 40, grinding downfield before Conner punched in a one-yard score. The kick failed, making it 26-0 with less than half a quarter left. The Mounties managed little and punted from its 11, with Pinson returning it to the 43. Moments later, Ace Conner blasted up the middle for a 30-yard score. The extra point made it 33-0. Shades Valley went threeand-out again, and Pinson drove to the 1-yard line
down to go back up by 10 at the 5:46 mark of the game.
Helena would not go away, throwing a 49-yard bomb to make it 31-28 with 4:13 to play in the game.
Moody would run the clock out with some first down runs by Kevin James and Meadows to finish the game and finish with the three-point win.
“I would rather learn a lot from a win than from a loss,” said Jake Ganus. “We made a lot of mistakes and they are a really good team. It’s a big game for both of us in this stretch. I’m proud of the kids for finding a way to win. Special teams was the star tonight. We had two big kick returns and the field goal wound up being the difference.”
Jake Lowery would finish the night with three interceptions, but Ganus remained optimistic. “I tell him just to play the next play. We’ve just got to fix
before time expired. The Indians closed out a 33-0 victory.
“Hats off to Shades Valley and Coach Bates,” said Pinson coach James Thompson. “Those guys came in with a good game plan. We were able to make some adjustments on both sides that helped us get going in the second half. I was proud of our players for staying locked in throughout the entire game. That is growth on our end.”
After the game, Mountie coach George Bates
some things. On all picks there were guys open. He’s getting better. I won’t have to go to him, he will come to me to talk about it.”
Le’Kameron Meadows, who finished with 21 carries for 174 yards and two touchdowns said, “It all comes down to my team and my line and wide receivers blocking. I’ve just worked on my speed this year and getting everything right and relying on my team.”
Defensive end Dezron Mobley said, “This was a great team win and I just do my job to the best of my ability. Just got to keep working. We just have to work on little stuff and we will win the games when we do that.”
Moody (4-1; 2-0) will travel to Auburn next Friday for another out-of-region game before homecoming against region foe Center Point in two weeks.
said: “We have to stop the big play defensively, and we have to generate drives leading to points offensively. The special teams were the highlight out of the three phases tonight. Quick turnaround with next game being moved to Thursday.” Pinson improved to 3-2, while the Mounties fell to 1-4. Both teams step out of region play next week, with Pinson Valley visiting 7A No. 3 Hewitt-Trussville, and Shades Valley traveling to 4A No. 4 Cherokee County on Thursday.
Jack Floyd – Quarterback – Hewitt-Trussville Huskies
Moody captains before Friday's game against Helena. Credit: Johnny Sanders
Leeds falls on road to Jacksonville. Credit: Ron Burkett
