The Trussville Tribune – January 19 - 25, 2022

The Tribune

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From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — A Thursday evening patrol stop resulted in a pair of felony arrests, and an ensuing warrant led to the confiscation of illegal weed and weapons, as well as a small cache of cash.

See TPD, Page 3

St. Clair County Arena converted to address pandemic needs Special to The Tribune

ODENVILLE – The St. Clair County Arena will be converted to meet the community’s needs during the coronavirus pandemic.

The St. Clair County Arena has been home to a lot of great events through the years.

See ARENA, Page 3

Court docs: Barker attempted to strike two people with vehicle From The Tribune staff reports

NASHVILLE — Reports from the January 15, 2022 arrest of former Alabama quarterback and Trussville native Jay Barker reveal that he was taken into custody after police say he attempted to ram another vehicle with the vehicle he was driving.

See BARKER, Page 4

Identifying victims of human trafficking, “trafficking is not biased”

By Hannah Caver Staff Writer

ODENVILLE — The Wellhouse in Odenville shares potential flags and indicators to identify human trafficking.

See TRAFFICKING, Page 2

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Lass But Not Least

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Big Springs

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2022

LPD Lieutenant retires, thanks community for being his family

By Hannah Caver Staff Writer

LEEDS — Policing in a city like Leeds requires patience, diligence, and an understanding of the community that officers serve. LPD Lieutenant Wilbert Griffin has done that throughout his career, and now it’s time for him to step away.

Griffin shared a quote by George Washington Carver that meant a great deal to him as he served the city.

“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong.

Because someday in your life, you will have been all of these.”

Griffin said he wanted to treat people the way he would like to be treated, and during his time with the Leeds Police Department, he was able to give back to those who were there for him.

“I’ve tried to spend my time with children, and I’ve tried to spend my time with the elderly because I hope

Griffin wanted to be present in the schools and he could give back to the community. (Photo courtesy of Wilbert Griffin)

that one day, true enough, I can look back in life and say, well, I really have been all those things,” Griffin said.

Before joining the Leeds Police Department, Griffin was an underground coal miner for 18 years, but after a close friend informed him he “wasn’t cut out to be a coal miner,” Griffin began looking into the Leeds Police Department.

“My first interview was with the Leeds Police Department. I left there think-

ing I would never have a job there,” Griffin said. “I just didn’t think I fared well with the interview.”

But to Griffin’s surprise, he got the job, and in August of 1997, he donned the uniform for the first time. Everything seemed to be falling into place a couple of years after being hired, Griffin got married, but only a year into their marriage, tragedy struck: Griffin’s wife was killed in a car accident in 2000.

It was a difficult time in

Griffin’s life, but he explained that he believes light will always shine through the darkness.

“If it weren’t for the citizens of Leeds, I would not be here today,” Griffin said.

“They really helped me tremendously, and ever since then, I’ve tried to give back to children here at the department and at the schools.”

Griffin explained how the officers with Leeds Police Department were his family, and he expressed his gratitude for how they stood with him through the good and the bad.

“Thank you to the city, citizens, and thank you to the people that I work with,” Griffin said.

All the times that the community has stood by him and taken him in under their wing have not gone unnoticed. In his efforts to give back to the city of Leeds, Griffin has been a part of Read Across America; he’s been a D.A.R.E officer, a school resource officer, and even headed up programs where he gave Christmas gifts to children in need.

See LPD, Page 5

Helping a neighbor: Leeds Outreach nonprofit serves those in need

By Nathan Prewett For The Tribune

LEEDS – Several cars had already arrived just before 9 a.m. on the road leading past the civic center on Parkway Drive, where volunteers at Leeds Outreach were preparing for their Wednesday, January 5, 2022, drive-thru food distribution.

A wheeled conveyor snaked across the garage-like entrance to Leeds Outreach, located at the back of the civic center, where around 60 boxes of food were set on tables inside. This drive-thru-styled distribution, you can imagine, was the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the center to shut down in March 2020 and adopt another way to get meals out to those that need them.

She said that the center’s current director, Beverly Riddlesperger, has been there for 14 years. It operates as a 501(c) nonprofit with a staff of volunteers.

“We used to be an open pantry where [clients] can

Left to right: Donna Musgrove, Stacy Woods, Lynda Dial, Lisa O’Neil, Beverly Riddlesperger, Paul Lawrence, Susan Nelms, and Ken Nelms. (Photo by Nathan Prewett)

walk in and we could talk with them, and they could take what they needed a certain number of times a year,” Riddlerperger said. “Right now, we’re just doing this Wednesday food distribution, and we’ve seeing between 60 and 50 families, for the most part, every week, every Wednesday since we shut down.”

Leeds Outreach was founded in 1994 by five local pastors: Jim Short from First Methodist Church of Leeds, Peter McCarthy from Saint Theresa Catholic Church, Ray Foreman from First Baptist Church of Leeds, Don Gray from Valleyview Baptist Church, and Edward Beckes from Leeds First Presbyterian Church.

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Fabric Machines Classes Demos

CENTER POINT — Center Point High School’s principal, announced his retirement.

Van A. Phillips, Sr. is an awarding-winning principal who began his career in education as an English and science See RETIRE, Page 6

Leeds Board of Education hears financial reports, news on state education funding

By Nathan Prewett For The Tribune

LEEDS – The Leeds Board of Education met briefly on Thursday, Jan. 13, where they heard a financial report for the month of November 2021 and some comments from Superintendent John Moore on state education funding.

See BOE, Page 4

Mayor: Longhorn Steakhouse to open in former Ruby Tuesday location From Tribune staff reports

See LEEDS, Page 5

See COVID, Page 4

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From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — According to a social media post by Trussville Mayor Buddy Choat, Longhorn Steakhouse will be opening in Trussville. The former Ruby Tuesday building on Chalkville Mountain Road was identified as the location.

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News - Pages 1-6 Opinion - Page 7 Obituary - Page 8 Calendar - Page 9 Classified - Page 9 Sports - Pages 10-12

Center Point High School’s principal announces retirement

Riddlesperger first became involved with the program when her youngest daughter began preschool and had known the assistant director at the time, who asked her if she was interested in working at the Outreach’s office.

“I believe in the organization,” she said. “I think that we’re good stewards of the resources that we’re given, and I just felt like it was a much need program for this city.”

“I have great parents; my brother was always sort of my moral compass. And I didn’t know that this would become a passion. I just knew that I could help when my daughter was little. And I try not to say that I love what I do because the goal is for there to not be a need for what I do, but it has become a true calling.”

Riddlesperger noted that as they serve the needs of citizens who qualify for the assistance, they get to know some of them.

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January 19 - 25

Trussville police bust nets 46 pounds of weed, plus cash and weapons

WED THU

See RESTAURANT, Page 5

TCS releases statement regarding COVID in schools From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — Trussville City Schools (TCS) Superintendent sent an announcement to parents and guardians regarding COVID.

The Trussville Tribune

Page 2

Trafficking

The

From front page

Trussville Tribune 190 Main Street Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664 Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com Tanna M. Friday, Managing Editor news@trussvilletribune.com Bobby Mathews, Sports Editor bobby.mathews@trussvilletribune.com Hannah Caver, Staff Writer SALES STAFF Ryan Jennings, Director of Advertising & Sales Shari Moore, Account Executive Meredith White, Account Executive Lauren Taylor, Office Mgr/Traffic Coord.

Member of the Alabama Press Association

Human trafficking does not have a demographic that it focuses on as Chief Development Officer of the Wellhouse, Holly Bunn, said human trafficking affects different people.

“People from any background, ethnicity, or walk of life can be trafficked,” Bunn said. “The one commonality is vulnerability. Those who are vulnerable are the ones who are most likely to be trafficked.”

Bunn explains that human trafficking is the selling of another human being. It is an exchange of sex for money or something else of value.

In 2020, the Polaris Project, a nonprofit, non-governmental organization that works to combat and prevent sex and labor trafficking in North America, carefully tracked the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on victims and survivors.

When comparing post-shelter-in-place time with preshelter-in-place time in 2019 and 2020, the number of crisis trafficking situations increased by more than 40 percent, from approximately 60 percent in a 30-day period to 90n percent.

The WellHouse responded to this need by sheltering and caring for more survivors in 2020 than any previous year.

Once available, COVID-19 tests were administered upon intake, and if necessary, a two-week quarantine at the Trauma Center was provided so our work could continue.

“Sex trafficking is happening in our communities today,” Bunn said. “With people who are in relationships or perceived relationships, people who believe themselves to be loved by somebody who’s trafficking them. That person could be a boyfriend, even a family member, or a husband.

It’s a very complex issue with a lot of variables going on at once, and many times vic-

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Human trafficking is a “private transaction” that many people don’t see because it happens behind closed doors and due to traffickers moving their victims constantly to remain hidden.

(Photo Courtesy of The Wellhouse)

tims don’t even realize that they are victims because they think this is just something that they’re having to do to get by for the time being.”

Vulnerabilities can fall into different categories. A victim may not have a good support system, absentee parents, not a lot of friends, financial struggles, substance abuse, 0r anything that a person could use to rope a victim into human trafficking.

“They just aren’t really well connected in general,” Bunn said. “Human trafficking is not biased.”

Human trafficking is a “private transaction” that many people don’t see because it happens behind closed doors and due to traffickers moving their victims constantly to remain hidden.

Trafficking can go unseen because many times, the victims cannot speak for themselves, but understanding the signs can help victims and potential victims in the future.

Taken individually, each indicator may not be deterministic of trafficking, nor is this list meant to be exhaustive. This list is intended to encompass all forms of human trafficking, some indicators may be more strongly associated with one type of trafficking. Indicators reference conditions a potential victim might exhibit.

• • • • • • • •

•

•

•

• • •

Common work and living conditions: Is not free to leave or come and go as he/she wishes; Is under 18 years of age and is providing commercial sex acts; Is in the commercial sex industry and has a pimp/ manager; Is unpaid, paid very little, or paid only through tips; Works excessively long and/or unusual hours; Is not allowed breaks or sufferers under unusual restrictions at work; Owes a large and/or increasing debt and is unable to pay it off; Was recruited through false promises concerning the nature and conditions of his/her work, and Is living or working in a location with high-security measures (e.g., opaque or boarded-up windows, bars on windows, barbed wire, security cameras, etc.).

Poor Mental health or abnormal behavior: Exhibits unusually fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/ paranoid behavior; Reacts with unusually fearful or anxious behavior at any reference to “law enforcement;” Avoids eye contact, and Exhibits a flat affect.

Poor Physical Health: Exhibits unexplained inju-

ries or signs of prolonged/ untreated illness or disease; • Appears malnourished, and • Shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture.

Lack of Control: • Has few or no personal possessions; • Is not in control of his/her own money, and/or has no financial records, or bank account; • Is not in control of his/her own identification documents (e.g., ID, passport, or visa); • Is not allowed or able to speak for him/herself (e.g., a third party may insist on being present and/ or interpreting), and • Has an attorney that he/she does not seem to know or has not agreed to provide representation services.

Other: • Has been “branded” by a trafficker (e.g., a tattoo of the trafficker’s name); • Claims to be “just visiting” or is unable to clarify where he/she is staying or to provide an address; • Exhibits a lack of knowledge of whereabouts and/ or does not know what city he/she is in; • Exhibits a loss of a sense of time, and • Has numerous inconsistencies in his/her story.

The Wellhouse is currently focusing on rescue efforts and increasing awareness in the state and nationwide about their comprehensive aftercare programming.

Human trafficking victims who enter the Wellhouse go through the “restoration process.” This process has several steps. First is the cry for help, second is the victim turned survivor, third is the Wellhouse Trauma Center, fourth is the immediate shelter, fifth step is the steps to freedom, sixth is the graduation, and the final step is transitional living.

January 19 - 25, 2022

The Trussville Tribune

Local / Region

Arena

From front page

From rodeos to circuses to church events and craft shows and many other things. Now, there is an opportunity to also use this arena to help save lives, thanks to a one million dollar grant.

At a recent meeting at the arena, local officials gathered with architects, construction managers, and grant writers to discuss how they could use the grant money to best meet the needs of St. Clair County citizens.

Grant writer and consultant Terry Acuff said that the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) awarded St. Clair County $600,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) cares act funds to address pandemic needs within the county. Another $400,000 was awarded to bring the total grant to $1 million.

“They could pick any project they wanted to do,” Acuff said. “They communicated with all of the cities and municipalities and had to have two-thirds support. This is the project they selected – due to the fact that it was a testing facility. With it being a testing facility, they thought they could also do other things related to vaccinations and things like that.

This is the facility they chose to do. Right now, we are in the design stage of this project. Hopefully, this project will be completed and can start in late summer.”

St. Clair County Commission Chairman Paul Manning said as this comes to fruition, it’s a great day for St. Clair County.

“With all of the different entities working together, it shows we care about the citizens of St. Clair County,” Manning said. “The pandemic has truly put a strain on this county the past two years. We are looking forward to using one of our facilities to hope-

Page 3

Several officials throughout St. Clair County met with architects, grant writers and construction managers at the St. Clair County Arena recently to coordinate an initial vision. A $1 million grant through ADECA and the state was awarded recently to St. Clair County to help address pandemic needs throughout the county.

Local officials are working closely with the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency to put together a plan that will best serve the citizens of this county. (Photo courtesy of St. Clair County public relations rep Gary Hanner)

fully be able to save lives. I appreciate Terry Acuff, the local Emergency Management Agency, Jason Goodgame, and the personnel at the arena for coming together to see a need to better serve our county.”

Jason Goodgame is the construction manager for the St. Clair County Commission.

He said the meeting was for the purpose of setting up an initial vision for the St. Clair EMA for what will be done to the arena.

“We want to make it a vaccination site for the future,” Goodgame said. “Or other related things in case of tornadoes, etc. The goal today was to give everybody who has a scheme in the game to produce what they need to operate the building. That way, we can make a program list of what we are going to build and what will be acceptable for everybody. We can put it together and move forward with the project.”

St. Clair County attorney James Hill said the meeting was so essential.

“The uses and benefits that this arena has brought to the county have been significant over the past decade,” Hill said. “We want to ensure that we maintain that asset and the

uses that this asset has created while at the same time improving it in the event that we have a terrible event like we have gone through the past couple of years.”

St. Clair County EMA Director Patrice Kurzejeski said it has been a huge burden in the past to identify a centralized location within the county to receive, store and distribute pandemic supplies, vaccinations, and testing.

“We have now identified the centralized location, which is the arena,” Kurzejeski said.

“We will be able to use this arena not only for pandemic needs, but tornado relief items from FEMA in cause of a tornado. We no longer have to search for a place.”

Commissioner Tommy Bowers said he was excited to work with Chairman Paul Manning and the other commissioners to improve the safety and standards of living in St. Clair County.

“With the growth of our county, this pandemic site which will be centered in our county, will be a great asset,” Bowers said. “With very little

local taxpayers’ money used on this project, it’s a win-win for those who use the arena and those who might need to use this improvement in the future.”

Commissioner Bob Mize said he thought the meeting went well.

“This was just the beginning of a project that will take a lot of planning and hard work to complete,” Mize said.

“When finished, our county will have a facility that all will be proud of. I’m just thankful to be a small part of it.”

Commissioner Jeff Brown wanted to thank all the people involved in putting this project together.

“It’s a great project and has been a successful venture,” Brown said. “This will help us modernize and be ready for some future pandemic or whatever disaster may come along down the road. This is a big step for the future of St. Clair County.”

Commissioner Ricky Parker said it is so important to get this facility ready for the EMA and possible pandemic purposes.

“There are just so many things we can use this arena for in case of inclement weather, disasters, or a pandemic,” Parker said.

Ashley Hay is the Public Recreation Asset Manager for the St. Clair County Commission. She has an office at the arena and said this meeting was so important because there were so many different groups present that needed to interact with one another.

“We all need to be on the same page as we discuss what the arena is currently being used for and what the future of it is for,” Hay said. “It’s good that everyone is bringing their ideas here as we realign this arena to include it being a pandemic center.”

TPD

From front page

Trussville police arrested Damien Beckham, 32, and Candida McCary, 46, following a traffic stop. Beckham has outstanding warrants from Georgia (felony theft) and Illinois (felony aggravat-

pounds of weed, as well as several firearms and around eight grand in cash at the residence.

Beckham and McCary have both been charged with drug trafficking, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Trussville police recovered 46 pounds of weed, multiple firearms and thousands of dollars in cash during a Thursday, January 13 traffic stop that saw the arrest of two people.

(Contributed photo)

ed assault with a vehicle on a police officer).

After the pair was taken into custody, Trussville police worked with the St. Clair County District Attorney’s Office to execute a search warrant at their residence.

TPD Lieutenant Clint Riner said Monday that authorities discovered 46

Bond has been set at $1,510,500 for each suspect.

Authorities warn that despite mounting calls for legalization and potential legislation to allow for medical use of marijuana in the upcoming state house legislative term, recreational possession and use of marijuana is still illegal in Alabama.

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The Trussville Tribune

Page 4

BOE

From front page

Chief Financial Officer Ryan Miller gave the report for the second month of the fiscal year. 16.50 percent of the general fund revenues and other financing sources were received, with 12.26 percent received of the local revenues.

Miller said that this was down 28 percent from this time of last year due to the timing of when the school system received its annual appropriation from the Jefferson County’s one-cent sales tax that would have put the number up 9.00 percent.

Expenditures and other fund uses in the general fund were 16.76 percent of

Chief Financial Officer Ryan Miller gives a report for November 2021 at a Leeds Board of Education meeting on Jan.15. (Photo courtesy of Nathan Prewett)

the budget, over a target of 16.67 percent. Accounts payable were $525,209. Gross payroll expenditures were $1,111,580.09, and the month was ended with an excess of expenditures over revenues in the general fund of $69,933.

The unreserved fund balance

Barker

at was $3,031,143.

Before the meeting was adjourned, Moore shared some news regarding his trip to Montgomery, where he learned from the legislature that the education trust fund grew over 16 percent over the year along with a “large” unreserved balance in the fund.

He also said that the house and senate are preparing to fill the rainy-day fund. Additionally, he mentioned Alabama Governor Kay Ivey’s recent proposal to implement a 4 percent pay increase for education employees.

“Hopefully, we’re going to hear some great things coming out of Montgomery as far as the education budget is concerned,” he said.

From front page

Harry Jerome Barker is a 49-year-old radio personality.

Barker was booked into the Davidson County Jail on a felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

He was placed on a 12-hour domestic violence hold at the jail. Barker has been married to country music singer Sara Evans since 2008. The pair are currently separated and living apart but still married.

Barker, a 1990 graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School, led Alabama to the 1992 national collegiate football championship, including a Sugar Bowl win against top-ranked Miami on January 1, 1993. He is the school’s alltime winningest quarterback and was for years a part of the top-ranked morning drive time sports talk radio show in the Birmingham market.

I-59 in Trussville to be widened to 6 lanes From Tribune staff reports

MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey delivered her State of the State address Tuesday night to the legislature, state supreme court justices and guests in Montgomery. In her speech, Ivey touted state progress citing the plan to use $400 million in federal Covid relief money to build new prisons and her Rebuild Alabama plan which resulted from the gas tax hike.

Ivey said almost all of Alabama’s 67 counties had benefited from the road and bridge building project. She mentioned the West Alabama Corridor which will provide a 4-lane highway from Tuscaloosa to Mobile and a plan to expand I-10 in Mobile to 6 lanes before noting a major project in Trussville.

“And tonight, I am proud to announce that we will be widening I-59 from Chalkville Mountain Road to I-459, in east Jefferson County near Trussville, from four lanes to six lanes,” Ivey said.

Ivey did not provide a start date for the road widening during her speech.

The Port of Mobile, which saw record container traffic last month, will also benefit from the rebuild Alabama project.

“With the current global supply issues, having an international resource in the Port of Mobile is ever more critical,” Ivey said. “As a matter of fact, our exports are up almost 25%.”

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January 19 - 25, 2022 In 2011, Barker, along with former HTHS coach Jack Wood and former Auburn quarterback Brandon Cox, were the inaugural class inducted into the Hewitt-Trussville Hall of Fame by the Trussville City Schools Education Foundation. To date, it is the only class inducted.

The Tennessean reports that documents filed with Metro Nashville General Sessions Court stated the victims were leaving a party around 1:30 a.m. Saturday. As they pulled into the driveway of a nearby home, Barker allegedly reversed his vehicle “at a high rate of speed attempting to hit them, but missed,” according to the arrest affidavit.

Barker drove away from the home, and then the people in the vehicle contacted the police, the affidavit states.

Authorities made contact with Barker when he later

COVID

General Steve Marshall to push back against federal vaccine mandates.

The address, which often resembled a campaign speech, included some puzzling comments, as well.

“Thanks to the wise approach by the Legislature over the years in saving dollars and putting these funds to good use, during my time as governor, we have not once used the word ‘proration’ or spent beyond our means,” Ivey said.

Changes to legislative budgeting eliminated proration years before Ivey took office.

Ivey also addressed education in the speech and referenced the Alabama literacy Act which requires Alabama students to read at a third grade level before being promoted to fourth grade.

“In Alabama, our students will be focused on core curriculum,” Ivey said. “That means being proficient readers by the end of third grade.”

However, following the most recent state school board meeting, Ivey said she would push the legislature to delay the Literacy Act set to begin this year until more data is collected. The delay would mean social promotions for Alabama students reading below grade level would continue.

From front page

According to TCS Superintendent Dr. Patti Neill, TCS commended parents for their diligence in keeping symptomatic students home during the surge in COVID cases.

“Our numbers represent positive cases reported to our schools and clinics by parents,” Neill said. “Because of the diligence of our parents, we are fortunate that very few sick students have actually come to school since starting second semester.”

Neill said that TCS is concerned for all of the families impacted by COVID, and they will continue to do all they can to help families and students have a successful school year.

“Schools are open at this time,” Neill said. “All of our safety precautions are in place on buses and in classrooms. Please continue to utilize safety precautions during this surge while outside of school.”

TCS will issue messages should a temporary change or cancellation in bus routes, classes, or activities occur.

If a student tests positive for COVID-19: Notify the school nurse of the positive test result.

Trussville City Schools (TCS) Superintendent sent an announcement to parents and guardians regarding COVID.

• Stay home for 5 days.

• If a student has no symptoms or symptoms are resolving after 5 days AND the student has been without fever for 24 hours, they may return to school.

• Students who test positive for COVID-19 and continue to have symptoms cannot return to campus or attend any school events until after 10 days have passed since their positive test.

• If the student returns after five days, the student agrees to continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

• If the student does not choose to wear a mask, they may stay home the entire 10 days and the Quarantine Facilitator will continue to support them in completing assignments until the student returns.

Trussville City Schools provided CDC Guidelines for

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Jay Barker’s January 15, 2022 mug shot courtesy of the Nashville Metro Police.

drove by the house.

Witnesses and the people in the vehicle accused Barker of intentionally trying to ram them, which led to Barker’s arrest.

Barker is now free on bond, with a court date in March.

Quarantine: If a student shows symptoms of COVID-19: If a student is having 3 or more symptoms of COVID-19, they may: • End isolation if they get a negative COVID test from a physician’s office OR • If symptoms resolve after 5 days and the student has been without fever for at least 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine they may return to school and activities.

According to ADPH, COVID-19 systems may include: • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, cough, new loss of taste or smell, fever (greater than 100.4) or chills, muscle or body aches, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, fatigue If a student has been exposed to COVID-19: If students have been vaccinated in the last 6 months or have had a booster they may return to school if they: • Wear a mask around others for 10 days.

• Test on day 5, if possible.

If symptoms develop: • Stay home • Get tested if possible Students that are unvaccinated in the last 6 months: • Stay home for 5 days. After that, continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

If symptoms develop: • Stay home • Get tested For more information from the CDC please go to https://www.cdc.gov/media/ releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance. html

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January 19 - 25, 2022

Restaurant From front page

The building has been vacant since Ruby Tuesday closed in june of 2020. No opening date was provided.

In May of 2021, the city council passed incentives for the developer, GAJE, LLC. The city will pay the devel-

oper an amount equal to twothirds of any sales tax revenues collected by the city for 10 years or until the developer has received $850,000.

The city council was told in May of last year that the steak house is expected to produce over $3.5 million a year and is expected to employ 80 – 100 people.

Longhorn Steakhouse plans Trussville location

Leeds

From front page

“You learn a lot,” she said.

“You learn a lot of how people can end up where they might actually need our services and opened my eyes in ways had I not touched their lives or been involved in their lives, I would have never been able to understand.”

“I tell everybody that those people are the first people that step up and want to give and help other people.

So I think knowing what it means to be hungry or not be able to pay their power bills – they’re the first to want to help a neighbor.”

Leeds Outreach is funded by donations from churches both outside and inside of Leeds and from individuals as well as sponsors from businesses, including Publix, Walmart, Oak Mountain Missions, and many others.

Those who are eligible for assistance are those whose income is no greater than 150 percent of the poverty level.

Leeds Outreach’s threshold for assistance was $19,140 in 2019. If someone in need

of food lives in the city limits and can provide proof of income and residence, they can receive help.

Additionally, families can also get utilities, prescription medicines, and school supplies. Clients are commonly single, working moms and retirement-aged women, said an information flyer for the center.

But a certain special day of the year is particularly close to Riddlesperger. In Christmas 2021, Leeds Outreach provided toys and other services for an estimated 200 kids, she said.

“Christmas has always been my passion,” she commented, saying that sponsors were found for 173 of the children, meaning that the Outreach contacted organizations to buy Christmas toys, school supplies, and other needs such as clothing and bedding.

“It’s special and the fact that the community and individuals support us – it’s a big undertaking as you’ll see what our expenses were last year,” she said. “We haven’t closed out financials for the year,

The Trussville Tribune

Page 5

Big Springs Veterinary Clinic opens in Springville From The Tribune staff reports

SPRINGVILLE — The Springville Area Chamber of Commerce participated with local elected officials in the grand opening celebration for Big Springs Veterinary Clinic on Tuesday, January 11. This full-service veterinary clinic is owned and operated by Dr. Johnathan Elliott and his team.

“Beth and I are beyond excited to be opening in Springville. We’ve been in the community since 2014 and have seen how wonder-

but our portion of Christmas is usually close to $10,000 – between $8,000 and $10,000.

It would be undoable if the community didn’t step up and take on shopping for the kids.”

When Leeds Outreach was first established, children would usually only receive toys, but since then, it has expanded greatly to provide not only for the kids and their families.

“We have amazing volunteers here,” she said of those who chose to help out, especially during that busy time of the year. “We’ve been truly blessed, but we couldn’t run without people treating it like their job. You know that they’re going to show up and do what’s asked of them.”

Volunteer staff member Lynda Dial took the opportunity to brag on Riddlesperger and said, “I know she wants no credit for this. I mean, God’s good and lets us do this, but she is outstanding.”

Leeds Outreach maintains a Facebook page and can be reached at 205-699-7291 for donations and volunteer opportunities.

ful it is,” Elliott said. “We have made so many wonderful friends, and those people have helped us so much with this project. We are excited to grow and raise a family in Springville.”

The clinic performs small animal medicine and surgery, exotic animal medicine, house calls by appointment only, as well as boarding services. Elliott enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine with a primary focus on small animal medicine and surgery.

However, he also enjoys the unique ability to treat many different species.

“We are excited to welcome Big Springs Veterinary Clinic to our community,” Director of the Springville Area Chamber of Commerce Nikkie Posey said. “There

LPD

From front page

“Thank you to the citizens of Leeds for making me feel like Leeds is my home,” Griffin said. “The times that they really took care of me, they don’t realize exactly what they were doing for me, but it was very appreciated. I want to tell everybody that I have a great love for Leeds and the citizens of Leeds, and I just thank you.”

As Griffin looks back over his career, he is reminded of the man who walked into the Leeds Police Department with nothing to show that he was qualified for this job.

Still, Chief Tony Hudson and Lieutenant Ricky Parker saw something in Griffin, something that he hadn’t seen in himself, and it was a decision that changed his life forever.

“I am so appreciative to know those two gentlemen,” Griffin said. “They saw some-

The grand opening celebration for Big Springs Veterinary Clinic on Tuesday, January 11.

has been a need for veterinary services in the community, and it is so great to see local people filling that need. They have a relationship-based ap-

proach that we strongly feel will help to make them successful here as they care for the animals that we all care so much about.”

thing in me I didn’t see, but they allowed me to become a better officer. They kind of sculpted me, and I just wanted to tell them thank you.”

Griffin met his wife Sharon in 2010 before marrying her in 2013. He explained how she is a school teacher, and she pushed him to be the best he could be.

“I guess she also saw something in me that maybe I didn’t know I had because she always pushed me to do things,” Griffin said. “She invited me to her school to read to the kids and to be known by the kids as an officer, so she propelled me to always want to do things with children.”

The children have held a special place in his heart. He described a picture hanging in his wife’s class that depicts a police car with Sergeant Griffin written on it. Griffin said every time he sees that drawing, it brings him so much joy

to know he’s impacting these children’s lives.

“I’ve read to the kids here in Leeds and her school, and it’s just a warm feeling,” Griffin said. “It’s not just here in Leeds, but when we talk about [Sharon], she’s promoted that for me, she’s shown me how to care about kids.

She’s a loving person, and she’s given me that ability to do the same thing to show that I care, to show that I love kids.”

Griffin said many people have touched his life in Leeds, many of whom he calls his close friends, and he would like to thank all of those people for opening their arms and houses to him and making him feel at home.

“All of it has been a grooming process from the teachers at the school to people that adopted me as their child,” Griffin said. “It’s been a great and wonderful experience.”

The Trussville Tribune

Page 6

Lass But Not Least: My Greenway Family

By Ken Lass

I have a family that I never spend time with, barely talk to, and know nothing about. I call them my greenway family.

Ever since the onset of the Covid scare, I have been a bit gun shy about going to the gym. Nothing against gyms but, you know, close contact, sweaty bodies, sharing common equipment and all that.

So, as a replacement for the exercise, my dachshund Oscar and I embark on a daily walk down Trussville’s greenway. It’s a beautiful stroll along the Cahaba.

I rarely miss a day. Sometimes, my wife, Sharon will go along, but most often it’s just me and Oscar. Funny thing is, it’s turned out to be much more than exercise.

You see, if you want to meet Trussville, I mean really catch a cross-section of the people who live in and frequent our city, take a walk on the greenway. You will encounter young and old, black and white, male and female, tall and short, some who are badly out of shape, huffing and puffing, others ripped like Hercules, jogging past as though they are ready for the Olympic trials.

Most will unfailingly greet you with a smile and a hello. Young tots always want to stop and pet Oscar. He loves the attention. Some are deeply absorbed in whatever is playing on their earbuds and will be too distracted to make eye contact, but they are in the minority.

Then there are the regulars. You won’t know who the regulars are unless you are one, like Oscar and me. For example, there are the two sweet ladies pushing a small child in a stroller. They might be sisters. They kind of look

alike. They always greet me warmly and make a point of saying hi to Oscar. There is the young couple that walks at a terrific pace, grinning and sharing a greeting as they blow past you. They will lap you several times before you finish. Here comes that older gentleman on a bicycle.

He rings his little bell as he comes up from behind to let you know he’s there.

Another couple approaches riding bikes. The man is towing a little enclosed wagon with a dog inside of it. It’s also a dachshund. In fact, he will almost always call out “Dachshunds rule!” as he rides past. One young man passes me saying “Go Pack Go.” I yell back “How ’bout them Cowboys”. That’s all we’ve ever said to each other.

We know each other’s favorite teams only because of the fan shirts we have worn during our walks. There is the Park & Rec employee who always takes a break from cutting grass when I go by to tell me about the latest disc golf competition he is entering. The lady with the large, beautiful dog (not sure of the breed) who has trained it to step off the sidewalk and sit quietly when another dog walks by.

(Oscar would never do that.)

The older fellow who is labored and a bit stooped over.

He never speaks, but always flashes you a big smile and a point of the finger.

Of course, Oscar has his own set of familiar, furry faces. At one time or another, he has buddied up with breeds and mutts of every size, shape, and disposition. He knows who his friends are, and who just wants to be left alone.

I see these random folks almost every day. Don’t know their names, don’t know anything about them, other than

what I observe as they come by. Yet, somehow, they have become a kind of family.

My greenway family. I can’t explain it, but they give me a sort of irrational stability, continuity. All is okay in the world. I miss them when I don’t see them. I’d like to think they miss me too on the rare occasions I’m not out.

Ken Lass, Tribune columnist

Maybe some of them will read this and recognize that I am writing about them. Then maybe next time we pass on the path they might stop and chat a bit. I might even learn their name. But I wonder…. would that ruin it? Is the charm of just passing and greeting and smiling, without having to put any effort into a conversation, precisely what makes the experience so appealing? Uh. This is getting way too deep. Overthinking is not allowed.

Suffice it to say, someday the Covid threat will be over. It will be time for me to go back to the gym. But I’m pretty sure I will find the time to continue my walks. I will need to know my family is still there.

And Oscar has made it clear he requires the extra attention.

(Ken Lass is a former Birmingham TV news and sports anchor, and Trussville resident since 1989.)

Retire

From front page

teacher at Erwin High School within the Jefferson County school system in 1983.

The following year, he joined Fairfield High School as its varsity wrestling head coach, varsity track and field head coach, and varsity football assistant coach. Adding to his leadership responsibilities, Phillips became the school’s sponsor for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Under the mentorship of Fairfield’s principal and coach, Charles McGhee, Phillips began to grow into the educator he is today.

In 1987, his professional development at Fairfield was rewarded as he was named assistant principal and interim head coach of the varsity football team.

Phillips’ leadership growth at Fairfield resulted in his promotion to interim principal at Fairfield High School from December 1990 to May 1991.

The following school year, he accepted a 12-month school term assistant principal position at Hueytown High school under the leadership of Ms. B. Kaye Reach. During his interview for the role, Superintendent Dr. Bruce Wright said to Phillips, “If you are half as good as she says you are, you will be a principal in two years.”

Wright’s insight held true as Phillips was named principal of Minor Jr. High School in July 1994.

Phillips’ leadership at Minor proved invaluable to the school and local community as he supported students, parents, faculty, staff, and community members during the aftermath of the April 1998 tornado.

Recognized as a motivator of young students, Phillips was named Principal of Minor High School in July 1998. While at Minor, he led the development of innovative programs that are now utilized throughout the state of Alabama and the Southeast region.

In October 2004, Superintendent Dr. Phil Hammond

January 19 - 25, 2022 presented Phillips with a unique challenge—leading two high schools at once. Due to the unrest, low graduation rate, high dropout rate, and violence occurring at Erwin High School, Hammond needed a transformational leader who would fearlessly rise to the challenge of getting the school back on solid footing.

Within months, Phillips established processes and procedures that helped Erwin High School improve areas that needed significant attention.

In January 2005, he returned to his role as principal at Minor High School. However, his stay would be short, as Hammond asked Phillips to return to Erwin High School in April 2005 to continue carrying out the measures he put into place for the school.

This bold move by Hammond resulted in two high school communities vying for Phillips’ inspirational leadership. Appearing on the local evening news, the mayor of Center Point stated, “Minor wants him, but we need him,” he added, “We want to have a new high school in Center Point.”

Over the next five years at Erwin, under Phillips’ leadership, the graduation rate rose from 49 percent to 87 percent, the dropout rate lowered from 25 percent to 6 percent, senior scholarship awards rose from $380,000 to over $4 million, and enrollment increased from 880 to 1,300 students. Additionally, along this journey, Erwin High School became Center Point High School.

In August 2011, the City of Center Point went from having the second oldest high school building in Jefferson County to a brand new, $50 million facility built to serve students and the surrounding community.

Throughout his career in education, Phillips has overseen the incremental rise in standardized test scores and decrease in student discipline. He has championed the addition of academic, athletic, career, fine arts, and technology programs to ensure all students are positioned for

success.

At Center Point, everybody is somebody. It was a difficult decision to submit his retirement papers, but Phillips is excited to embark on the next stage of his life.

When asked to list his proudest moments from his nearly 40 years of working to shape the minds and lives of young people, he shared: • My relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

• The unwavering love and support of my wife of over 34 years, Mrs. Pamela Phillips, children, Van, Jr. and Morganne, grandchildren, Savannah, Van III, and Macee, and extended family.

• The unquestioned support of each community and city I have honorably served.

• The support of the best faculty and staff that any principal could ever ask for.

• And finally, but certainly not least, the tens of thousands of students that I came into contact with over my years.

The students are the reason why I worked in education for nearly 40 years.

Philips won many awards for his exemplary work in education and the community: • 2005 – Educator of the Year – Phi Delta Kappa • 2005 – Principal of the Year – Alpha Kappa Alpha • 2016 – Named Pastor of Holy Trinity World Outreach Ministry • 2017 -Alabama High School and Secondary Principal of the Year (first and only recipient in JEFCOED history) • 2018 – Alabama Top 50 over 50 • 20– Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Keeper Honoree • President and Board member Vacca Advisory Board • Member of Alabama Department of Youth Services • Board Member/Executive Committee Member of CLAS • Board Member of AASSP • Board Member and President of AHSAA Central Board of Control

The Trussville Tribune

January 19 - 25, 2022

Page 7

Sean of the South: On That Day

By Sean Dietrich Sean of the South Commentary

A small town. The kind of American hamlet that causes you to start looking around for the Norman Rockwell signature. Hanging begonias. Storefronts with colorful awnings.

A cute downtown.

There was a loud party happening on Main Street.

I followed the sound of distant music and many voices. I suddenly realized I was still wearing my pajamas. I shuffled into town barefoot, with sleep crusted in my eyes.

The sun was shining. Birds were cackling. People were everywhere. It was a veritable town-wide hoedown.

I saw women positioning casseroles on card tables. I saw children playing tag. Old men in aprons were deep frying hunks of fish.

There was music playing at the hardware store. Good

music. The kind with twin fiddles. People were dancing before a plywood stage. Each front porch was crowded with people drinking lemonade and sugary tea.

Everyone was there, the whole gang. I saw them all. All my loved ones who died and left me behind. All my friends who met untimely ends. All my relatives who were called home too early. All my kin.

They were all right here, holding plates of hot food, mingling with one another. Everybody was smiling, throwing their heads back, laughing until they couldn’t breathe.

I saw grandparents, deceased uncles, departed aunts, and cousins who died before they were old enough to know what life was about.

I saw multitudes of unfamiliar children, dancing while the musicians played “Turkey in the Straw.” I asked an old woman nearby who all these children were.

“Those are the babies who died in the womb,” the woman said. “Aren’t they precious?”

We were interrupted when a large pack of dogs came running through the town, careening up Main Street. They came stampeding like a herd of bison. Among them, I saw six of my own dogs.

I saw Lady, the cocker spaniel who died in my arms when I was a teenager. I saw Joe, who was hit by an SUV in a hit and run. I saw Boone, the collie-mix who died in a veterinary office while gazing into my eyes. I saw Ellie Mae, the bloodhound I’ll never get over.

In a nearby park, I watched old friends play baseball. Mister Reginald was pitching— the retired Methodist minister who once lived on my street.

I saw my grandmother, standing at home plate, holding a hickory bat in her hands.

Lord have mercy. She was a teenager, long and beautiful, with raven hair and Hershey’s

Kiss eyes.

After the ball game, I was hungry. So I found a paper plate and stood in line at one of the food tables. A guy in line said, “Sean! Don’t you remember me?”

I stared at him, but didn’t recognize his face.

“It’s me!” he finally said.

“James!”

“JAMES!” I screamed.

James and I were friends as kids. He died driving home from his very first job. He wrecked his car on the interstate. I sat on the front row at his funeral and wept alongside his sisters.

Mid-hug, I saw someone else familiar. She was standing behind a food table, serving people. I knew those two fiery eyes, flecked with tinges of playfulness. It was my motherin-law.

She was behind a crockpot, wielding a long spoon, wearing an apron that said “KISS ME, I’M METHODIST.”

When she recognized me, she shouted my name and came running around the table to hug me. It was a colossal embrace that made my ribs squeak.

“You have no idea how much we all miss you back home,” I told her.

Next, I saw Aunt Judith, Uncle Tommy Lee, the Williams boy, my old Little League coach, Cousin Elroy, Cousin Rose, Cousin Ray, and dear Mrs. Betty Lamb, who taught me in elementary school. I saw hundreds more familiar faces. Maybe thousands.

Then an old woman grabbed my arm and said, “There’s one more person you need to meet, sweetie.”

She led me to the edge of town, to a meandering river.

There, on a shallow wooden bridge sat a young man, feet dangling over the edge, trousers rolled up to his knees.

He was holding a long fishing

rod like a grown-up version of Huck Finn.

He saw me.

He stood.

My God, he was so young.

He was so very young and so very lean. He had a mess of red hair atop his head, and his patent pending matinee smile was unchanged. He was wearing the same shirt he died in.

We embraced and I heard myself say his name. A word I’ve been waiting to use for a long time.

“Daddy.”

I could smell his deodorant, a scent I haven’t known in years. I could feel his lean trunk beneath my arms, and his beating heart only inches from my own.

“What is this wonderful place?” I asked my father.

“Does it matter?” he said “Yes, it matters. Because I don’t ever want to leave.”

He smiled. “Neither do any of us.”

Then I woke up.

Phil Williams: When our mayors – and governor! – provide cover for breaking the law

By Phil Williams 1819 News Commentary

A few years ago, I realized that I had never read the classic book To Kill A Mockingbird

by Alabama’s own Harper Lee. How did that happen? Apparently, this world-renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning classic with Alabama roots was not required reading anywhere in my educational journey.

So, I found a copy and commenced reading and quickly saw why it is a classic. It’s a fictional tale filled with the reality of things that should never happen in any society, not the least of which is the abuse of the justice system. In one excerpt as the main character, Atticus Finch is defending a black man in a trial against false claims, he makes an impassioned plea to the jury. Allow me just to quote it directly: “But there is one way in this country in which all men are created equal – there is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of a Rockefeller, the stupid man the equal of an Einstein, and the ignorant man the equal of any college president. That institution, gentlemen, is a court. It can be the Supreme Court of the United States or the humblest court in the land, or this honorable court which you serve. Our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this country, our courts are the great levelers and in our courts, all men are created equal.”

I actually believe that to be a true statement. I know that some want to say that our justice system is rigged against this person or that one, but I believe wholeheartedly that the even application of law in our

society sets us apart from so many others in the history of the world.

But what bothers me most recently is when those laws are flagrantly ignored by those whom we have entrusted to enforce them. There is a new trend in our society – the open and deliberate onset of activist prosecutors and politicians who choose to ignore the law.

Case in point: have you heard about the activist prosecutors who are filling out the ranks as District Attorneys in major cities? Most recently, aside from the already egregious cases of the DA’s in Los Angeles and San Francisco is the activist DA in Manhattan, New York. Recently elected Manhattan DA, Alvin Bragg has intentionally directed his staff to reduce any pursuit of prosecution of multiple felonious crimes at no more than misdemeanor level. Regardless of state sentencing guidelines or, for that matter, the desire of the city’s residents to have a safe and prosperous community, DA Bragg has chosen to enact what the new Mayor has dubbed a “hug a thug” policy.

But let me bring it home for you. What about Mayor Randall Woodfin of Birmingham, who has determined on his own that municipal court drug possession charges should not be prosecuted? Woodfin went so far as to issue blanket exonerations of prior convictions in April of 2021, calling it his “Pardon’s for Progress” program.

Is that his role? The laws are on the books and enacted by the legislature. Should a Mayor of one of the largest cities in the southeastern United States be able to just choose to disavow those laws?

Here’s another one: Did you hear that the Mayor of the small town of Springville is running for Governor? In his own words, Mayor Dave Thomas is running for Governor and he smokes pot. What?

Apparently, he wants to see the decriminalization of marijuana but so lacks an understanding of the process that he isn’t aware that as Governor he would not be the one enacting the laws. He would apparently espouse a position that the Chief Executive of the state is allowed to pick and choose which laws to enforce. Never mind that, Thomas apparently served in the State Legislature in the past … why not? Mayor Woodfin does it.

But then there’s the case of Gov. Kay Ivey and casino gaming. You may have heard that the legislature is once again considering the expansion of casino gaming across the state because surely that’s the most important thing for us to be focused on in the age of COVID and federal overreach.

Put aside how any of you might or might not feel about casinos being placed around the state and recall that the bill that was considered just last session (and likely again this year) literally proposed to write into state law that the several gaming interests in this state who have been breaking our laws – literally breaking our laws – for years, would now be rewarded with a monopoly and the divvying up of our state to give them ground to build more casino’s.

I thought “surely not. Ivey wouldn’t stand for that, would she?” Apparently, she would, as evidenced by her own statement last year that enforcement of the laws on gaming was too

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hard.

You heard me: the Chief Executive of our state thought that it was just too hard to enforce the laws, so as a result she was prepared to sign the legislation if the legislature could get it done.

In her words in April of 2021: “Right now, gambling is going on. Much of it is illegal and it is done in the shadows.

We need to put laws on the books, control gambling, enforce it and be sure the people of Alabama are the beneficiaries of the proceeds.”

Let me translate that for you into the language of non-politicians: ”Gambling is illegal but I don’t have the will to enforce

the current laws. So let’s just legalize it and I’ll try to be better at enforcing the laws once I know we can make some money off of it.”

I guess we could say that about prostitution, or illegal drug use too. Heck, let’s just open up the floodgates to anything we’re uncomfortable with having to enforce.

I’ve got news: You have one job! Just one! And that job involves the enforcement of the laws of this state duly enacted by the legislature.

The laws of this state are to be enacted by the legislative body and enforced by the executive. Prosecutors may enter into plea deals but they can-

not choose to openly disavow laws that they have no right to ignore. Executives such as mayors and governors cannot choose to provide blanket cover for the abuse of our legal system by perpetrators from the smallest drug possession case to the largest gambling operation.

If we are to be a nation of laws, then the laws must matter. It really boils down to that.

Phil Williams is a former State Senator, retired Army Colonel and combat veteran, and a practicing Attorney. He has served with the leadership of the Alabama Policy Institute and currently hosts Rightside Radio M-F 2-5 pm on WVNN.

The Trussville Tribune

Page 8

January 19 - 25, 2022

O b i t u a ry

Lillian C. Stiltner

14, 1927 ~ january 8, 2022 (age 94)

july

Lillian C. Stiltner, age 94, of Homewood, AL, died on January 8, 2022. She was born on July 14, 1927, to John and Lydia Church in Ashcamp, Kentucky. At age 18 she married Doris S. Stiltner.

After 11 years of marriage, Lillian’s first husband, Doris, passed away. Later in life, she married Russell Williams. After 26 years of marriage, Russell also preceded her in death. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Judy Cosper and son, Sidney Stiltner.

She is survived by her daughter, Gloria Robinson, daughter, Debbie Schneckenberger (Robert) and 4 grandchildren, Robert Cosper (Arlene), Nichole Warren (Michael), Bill Schneckenberger, Chris Schneckenberger and Tye Stiltner; great grandson, Commer Warren as well as several sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held for Lillian by her family on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens In Trussville, AL. Services will begin at 2 PM.

Betty Millar Filer

22, 1933 ~ january 9, 2022

november

(age 88)

Betty Sue Millar Filer age 88 of Birmingham Alabama, went to be with our Lord on Sunday, Jan 9th surrounded by her loving family.

She was born November 22nd 1933 in Pinson Alabama. She was married to Alvin V. Filer Jr for 22 years and had 3 children. She is survived by Dan, David and Carol her children. Also, she is survived by two of her 11 siblings, sister Shirley and brother Corbett “Gus” of Birmingham and 4 grandchildren - Sarah Filer, Abby Filer, Dylan DeBoer, Kate DeBoer.

Betty enjoyed playing the piano at her church in Pinson and gave piano lessons.

Harold C. Proctor

29, 1930 ~ january 10, 2022 (age 91)

september

Reverend Harold Cleveland Proctor, age 91 of Warrior, AL went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 10, 2022 at his home surrounded by loved ones.

Harold was born on September 29, 1930 to his parents Ollis and Kathleen Proctor in Jefferson County, AL. Harold was an Eagle Scout and grew up in Birmingham, AL. He graduated from Ensley High School. Harold received a Bachelor’s Degree from Howard College currently known as Samford University. He then went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary at Fort Worth, TX. Harold was ordained at the age of 19 in 1949 at Hunter Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL. He served as a Baptist Minister for 72 years, touching the lives of many while remaining steadfast in his faith. He served at Alden Baptist, Eagle Mt. and Nevada Baptist in TX, 66th Street Baptist, Birmingham, AL, First Baptist Church, Albertville, AL, Macland Baptist, Powder Springs, GA, Cleveland Ave Baptist, East Point, GA, Huffman Baptist, Birmingham, AL, New Temple Baptist Church, Warrior, AL. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 29 years, Peggy A. Proctor; his parents; brother, Clarence Proctor; sister, Evelyn Marlow and a nephew, Dwight Delano Marlow, Jr. He is survived by his seven children, Lyndyl Williams, Hal Proctor (Karen), Tracye Craven, Jon Proctor (Jo), Doug Gober (Vickie), Keith Gober, Ty Gober (Monica); sixteen grandchildren, Jennifer Williams, Lyn Wilson (Dustin), Brittany Wood (Stephen), Mary Hunt Turner (Ryan), Hannah Hunt, Michael Patrick, Shannon Gober (Shana), David Gober (Kate), Cara Gober, Anna Rae Wilson (Jeremy), Eric Gober, Joel Gober (Kourtney), Jess Gober (Calley), Nick Gober (Abbie), Ryan Gober, Blaine Gober; thirteen great grandchildren. He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews.

A funeral for Harold will be held at Jefferson Memorial Chapel in Trussville on Friday, January 14th at 12 noon with a visitation for friends and family held from 11:00 a.m. until time of service. The committal service will immediately follow the chapel service at Forest Hill Cemetery in Birmingham, AL. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the “New Temple Baptist Church Building Fund Drive” 4501 Greathouse Rd. Dora, AL 35062

Her heart was her family, She will be missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Meals On Wheels of Jefferson Co. There is a tab to donate right on the website. Mowjeffco.org

Virkie Lou Miller

Funeral service for immediate family and friends will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in Trussville, AL. The visitation will begin at 1pm.

Donations in Betty Filer’s name will need to be made by check referencing the donation being made in her memory.

Roy Chandler, Jr. february

12, 1951 ~ january 12, 2022 (age 70)

Roy Chandler, Jr., age 70, of Moody passed away on January 12, 2022. He was a computer analyst with EBSCO and a member of Leeds First Baptist Church. He loved Jesus and was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed fishing, Alabama Football and Softball, Andy Griffith and Gunsmoke. He is survived by his wife, Mary “Christie” Chandler; his children, Kay Gulledge (Cary) and Roy “Trey” Chandler III; his grandchildren, Hunter Gulledge and Jacob Gulledge, and Roy “Ty” Chandler IV, Pollyanna Grace Chandler, and Haley Sue Chandler; and his sister, Suzanne Frederick. Funeral service will be held on Monday, January 17 at 2PM in the Chapel at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville.

A visitation will begin at 12PM.

Ask Eddie

Jefferson Memorial is a full-service funeral home and perpetual care cemetery dedicated to serving our community with dignity and compassion.

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Eddie Seal, General Manager

Mentally and Emotionally Surviving Grief In the midst of grief, it can feel like your life will never again feel normal. While the grieving process never truly ends, there are some ways you can preserve your mental and emotional well-being, ultimately reaching a place where you can once again feel peace.

The most important thing to remember is that grief has a timetable all its own—and often, it will take up to a year before you begin to feel like your normal self. Don’t rush it. Allow grief to work itself out without trying to expedite it.

23, 1940 ~ january 12, 2022 (age 81)

december

Miller, Virkie L., age 81 of Center Point, AL peacefully returned to the Lord on January 12, 2022. She was born on December 22, 1940 in Vina, AL, attending Hamilton High School. She and her husband moved to Birmingham in 1962. She was a member of Huffman Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her Husband; Bobby Miller, Son; Michael Miller, Parents; Virkley and Elsie Childers, Brothers; William, Charles and Ronnie Childers, Sisters; Kitty Usery and June Miehl. She is survived by Daughters; Anita (Charlie) Davis and Angel (Marc) Brewster; Daughter-in-law Tracye Miller; Granddaughters; Amber (Jarred) DeGrado, Savannah (Bruce) Shaw, Haley (Brad) Williams and Jenna (Patrick fiancé) Miller; Great-Grandchildren; Jacob, Colyn and Kameron DeGrado, Mikey Shaw, Davis and Charlie Ann Williams, Sisters; Joyce Miller and Jan Ozbirn, Sister-in-law; Nancy Childers as well as many Nieces and Nephews. Her family was her heart. As a wife, mother and Gran, she provided, laughter, strength, loyalty, honesty and most importantly unconditional love. She retired from SouthTrust in 2005 after many years of dedicated service. Before working at SouthTrust she spent many years in the retail industry and Birmingham Aero Services. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 12 p.m. in the Chapel at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in Trussville, AL, with a visitation at 10 a.m. Graveside to follow.

Eliseo Orozco

11, 1962 ~ january 12, 2022 (age 59)

july

Eliseo “Takero” Orozco, age 59, of Roebuck, AL want home to be with the on January 11, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.

Takero was born in Michuacan, Mexico. He was friendly. Takero never meet a stranger. He was loved for his big heart and great hospitality. He will be remembered for his giving nature and his wonderful food.

He is survived by his loving son, Efra Orozco; two daughters, Liliana Orozco and Joselyn Orozco; his siter, Tochita Orozco; two granddaughters, Alexa Perez and Lily Perez. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews and one son-in-law, Edgar Perez.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at Jefferson Memorial from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 21st.

The funeral for Takero will be held on Saturday, January 22nd at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Chapel at 2:00 p.m. The family asks that those who would like to join them in the funeral procession from Takero’s home to the funeral home please meet them at his residence at 12:30 p.m.

You may have days or even weeks when you don’t feel like talking, and that’s okay; again, grief has its own pace. Ultimately, though, it’s important to give voice to your pain, and the best way to do that is to find someone you feel safe talking to—either a close friend or the members of a grief support group.

Self-expression can be a healthy way to deal with stress and grief, and there are a number of forms this can take—journaling, drawing, or even taking up a musical instrument.

Maintaining mental and emotional health will also require you to attend to your physical well-being, and that includes exercise. Physical activity releases endorphins, producing a natural “high”—a great way to bolster your emotional health. Sound nutrition is just as important, and keeping healthy but convenient meals handy is a good way to make sure you get the right nutrients.

More than anything else, be patient with yourself. Grief is a natural way to deal with traumatic events, and you’re not going to feel like your old self again right away. Allow some grace as you take things one day at a time, working out your grief at the pace that seems right to you.

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Annette M. Spiers february

(age 86)

13, 1935 ~ january 14, 2022

Annette McCullars Spiers finished her earthly race and went home to live eternally with her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, January 14, 2022. Annette was born on February 13, 1935 in Talladega County, Alabama. She was raised in Lincoln, Alabama where she graduated with the class of 1953 from Lincoln High School. Annette attended business school in Birmingham and worked at Fort McClennan in Anniston. It was while working at the Fort that she met James Spiers, her husband of 55 years. Annette and James were married in 1960. As a homemaker, Annette raised three children in Center Point, Alabama. She was very involved in church, first at Hilldale Baptist in Center Point, then Springville Road Community Church in Chalkville, and finally at First Baptist Moody. For many years, Annette taught women’s Bible studies but one her of greatest joys was teaching 5th and 6th grade Sunday School the last few years of her life.

Annette was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel C. McCullars and Margaret R. Mcullars; and her husband, James B. Spiers. She is survived by her three children, David B. Spiers (Shannon), Philip C. Spiers (Kim), and Susan S. Jones (Jimmy); and two sisters, Mary M. Huie and Judy M. Chambliss. Annette had five grandchildren: Sarah, Christine, Regan, Alex, and Samantha; and one great-grandson: Liam.

Billie Faye (May) Williams 1, 1935 ~ january 16, 2022 (age 86)

september

Billie Faye Williams, passed away on January 15, 2022 at her home in Center Point, AL. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lee and B.O. May, her son, Anthony Brent Williams and her sister, Peggy Wood. She is survived by her husband, Jack A. Williams and her son, David Mark Williams. Billie was also a proud member of the Irondale Gang (School Mates). No services are planned at this time.

January 19 - 25, 2022

The Trussville Tribune

Calendar

Lego Story Showcase January 18 @ 9:00 am January 29 @ 2:00 pm Free

sary of the release of the Harry Potter films with us!

Drop by the library between 12 PM to 6 PM on Friday, January 21st or 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, January 22nd to enjoy HPthemed crafts, activities, & snacks.

All ages welcome. Mask are recommended.

Venue Pinson Public Library Harry Potter Reunion Celebration January 22 @ 10:00 am 2:00 pm Free

(All ages) Create a story scene with Lego & we’ll display it in the library. You can tell your own story or use a story for inspiration.

Create a Lego story at home with your own bricks or visit the library between 01/18 – 01/22 to borrow some of our bricks for your creation. The library’s Lego items will be available for use only inside the library.

Visit the library between 01/24 – 01/29 to see the story showcases on display!

Venue Pinson Public Library Harry Potter Reunion Celebration January 21 @ 12:00 pm 6:00 pm Free

(All ages) Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of the Harry Potter films with us!

Drop by the library between 12 PM to 6 PM on Friday, January 21st or 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, January 22nd to enjoy HPthemed crafts, activities, & snacks.

All ages welcome. Mask are recommended.

Venue Pinson Public Library

(Teens, 6th-12th graders) This event will be held in-person with social distancing.

Attendees are encouraged to wear masks.

Join us for a monthly club to celebrate all things anime, manga, & Japanese culture!

This event is for teens only, 6th-12th graders.

Venue Pinson Public Library Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison: Moon January 28 @ 10:00 am 11:00 am Free (All ages) Join us on January 28th at 10 AM for a moon-themed storytime at the library! We’ll read books & have some fun!

There will be snacks & a craft to take home.

Storytime is designed for pre-K children, but all ages are welcome.

Masks are encouraged inside the library.

Venue Pinson Public Library Montgomery Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald January 28 @ 12:00 pm 1:00 pm Free

(All ages) Celebrate the 20th anniver-

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Anime Club January 24 @ 4:00 pm 5:30 pm Free Join us for a special lunchtime presentation by Dr. Kirk Curnutt, executive director of the F. Scott Fitzgerald Society, Board member of the Hemingway Society, and chair of English at Troy University. Dr. Curnutt

Page 9

will share stories from the book All of the Belles: the Montgomery Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald, and more!

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Auction will be held at Fultondale Mini Storage 2403 Decatur Hwy Fultondale, AL 35068 on 01/31/2022 at 10 am for the following units: B32, John Sims 548 Enclave Cir. Fultondale, Al 35068, ART Items; E108, Marsha Byrd 219 Main St. S. Warrior,Al 35180, Baby items, furniture, other.

lunch; we will provide drinks and dessert. Register here: https://jclctrussville.libnet. info/event/6051996 Venue Trussville Public Library

Page 10

The Trussville Tribune January 19 - 25, 2022

sports Hewitt-Trussville vs. Vestavia Girls basketball 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21

Springville vs. Hartselle Prep basketball 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 21

Center Point vs. Huffman Prep basketball 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 21

William E. Bright, Jr. Attorney at Law

205-655-9284

Total Futbol Club promises a ‘new youth soccer experience’ for Trussville

his life and even represented Canada at the youth level in international competition He came to UAB on a soccer scholarship where he graduated with a bachelors in exercise physiology and also achieved his MBA. Rios coached youth soccer while at UAB with the Hoover Soccer Club. After graduating with his bachelors he started coaching competitively with Birmingham United Soccer Club. In 2011 he started with Trussville United Soccer Club where he was the executive director for the club from the summer of 2018 until the summer of 2021.

Special to The Tribune

TRUSSVILLE — For Derek Rios, the beautiful game is worth sharing. That’s why he’s created Total Futbol Club (TFC) to serve Trussville and the surrounding communities: to share his love of soccer with a new generation of players and teach them skills and strategies to increase their knowledge of the game as well as their playing level.

TFC will start officially in the Spring of 2022, and early registration at discounts are currently available until January 15th. The season runs March 1 through mid-April.

Rios, a native of Toronto, Canada, has played soccer all

See FUTBOL, Page 12

Hewitt-Trussville beats Gadsden City From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — HewittTrussville used a 13-0 second half run to take control of Friday’s basketball game vs Gadsden City to defeat the Titans 67-58.

The game was tied 42-42 in the second half when the Huskies went on the tear to put the game away.

Ray Rolley led all scorers with 26 points in a victory against Gadsden City on Friday, January 14, 2021.

(Photo courtesy of Hewitt-Trussville Athletics)

HOURS OF OPERATION Monday - Friday 7am-5pm Saturday 9am-2pm

David Moore scored eight points and had some big three point shots during the run.

Ray Rolley led all scorers with 26 points. The HT point guard started fast by making three shots from behind the arc in the first quarter. He closed the game out by sinking six free throws in the final period. Reid Stodghill was a perfect 4-4 from the

free throw line on the night and finished with nine points.

Tyler Blake, Emeka Anwah, and Tim Brisco all scored six points each.

The Huskies travel to Brookwood on Monday for a meeting with Holt.

Tip off is set for 2:30 p.m.

Hewitt-Trussville will be back in area play on Friday, January 21, 2022 when they host Vestavia.

Sports looks different when you’re flat on your back It’s been an odd week on the sports front here at The Tribune.

A week ago, I hit three events in the same day: Indoor track at the Birmingham Crossplex, Hewitt-Trussville wrestling vs. Bob Jones and Leeds vs. Cornerstone. That’s not exactly a normal schedule, but it’s not that out of the ordinary for a guy who covers sports in seven cities.

The next morning, I woke up with fever, Bobby Mathews chills, a violent cough and a nose that was alternately stopped completely or running like a faucet.

I feared the worst. Over the past two years, I’ve avoided Covid-19 like, well, the plague. But I’m also realistic: Because I’m around a lot of people, it wouldn’t surprise me if I ended up dealing with the virus at some point. I took an at-home test, but it was negative. I took a PCR test and stayed home because I didn’t want to potentially endanger anyone.

The PCR test came back negative. A flu test also came back negative.

See FLAT, Page 12

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January 19 - 25, 2022

The Trussville Tribune

Page 11

Huskies’ bowling teams qualify for regionals From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — The Hewitt-Trussville boys and girls bowling teams both defeated Hartselle on Thursday to close the regular season.

Both squads finished 2nd in the Region to qualify for the AHSAA North Regional.

The boys finished the regular season with a 9-3 region record. The Huskies jumped out to a 3-1 lead over Hartselle Thursday before the

Tigers battled back to win a game. In the 6th game, Tristan Atwood needed to knock down 19 pins in his final two rolls. Atwood calmly threw two strikes to clinch the win.

The victory was a bit of revenge for the Huskies, as Hartselle had defeated them 4-3 back on December 6 of 2021.

The girls had also lost to Hartselle 4-3 earlier this season, so they needed to win 4-2 or better on Thursday to

qualify for postseason. Hartselle jumped out to a 1-0 lead, but the Huskies stormed back to win three games in a row.

Hartselle cut the lead to 3-2 before the Huskies won game six to clinch a postseason berth.

Both HT teams will travel to Tuscaloosa January 2021 for the AHSAA 6A-7A North Regional. The top four teams from the Regional will advance to the AHSAA State Championship that will be held the following week.

The Hewitt-Trussville boys’ indoor track team blew out the field with 105 points at the Hump Day Invitational on January 12, 2022. (Photo by Bobby Mathews)

Hewitt-Trussville boys win Hump Day Invitational, girls finish third From The Tribune staff reports Hewitt-Trussville defeated Hartselle to move on to the AHSAA Regionals.

(Photo courtesy of Jason Gaston)

Hewitt-Trussville girls beat Gadsden City From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — The Hewitt-Trussville girls basketball team is perfect halfway through 7A Area 6 play

Area 6 competition.

Four Huskies finished in double figures in the win over Gadsden City. Audre Benson led the way with 15 points.

Benson also added seven rebounds and three assists.

and nine rebounds.

A weekend matchup with Lovejoy (Georgia) dealt the Huskies their fourth loss of the season Hewitt-Trussville will be back at Bryant Bank Arena

Hewitt-Trussville’s girls are now ranked No. 2 in Class 7A, and they disposed of Gadsden City 64-37 last week. (Photo by Bobby Mathews)

after defeating Gadsden City 64-37.

Coach Tonya Hunter's team was 19-3 overall following the win and 3-0 in 7A

Jordan Hunter had 14 points and four assists. April Hooks made seven foul shots and also ended with 14 points.

D'yona Jones had 13 points

for Area play on Friday night when they host Vestavia. The Huskies beat the Rebels 4947 in their first matchup in Vestavia.

BIRMINGHAM – HewittTrussville Indoor Track & Field traveled to the Birmingham Crossplex on Wednesday for the Hump Day Octameet event. The Huskies' boys team won the event with 105 team points.

Scottsboro placed second with 88 team points.

The Hewitt-Trussville girls finished third in the team standings. The Huskies will return to the Crossplex on Monday, January 17 for the MLK Track Classic.

Senior shot put specialist Tanveer Raza placed first in that event, tossing the sphere 56-feet, 7 inches to get within an inch-and-a-half of his personal best on his first throw.

The Huskies' girls team took first and second in the 3200 meters race, with Avery Cahoon taking top honors and Sophia Knox in second place.

Tori Mack came in first place in the girls' 60-meter hurdles, and also placed second in the girls' 60-yard dash.

Hewitt-Trussville highlights: • Girls 60 Yard Dash: Tori Mack 2nd • Boys 60 Yard Dash: Weston Lovelady 2nd, James Hammonds 3rd • Girls 60 Hurdles: Tori Mack 1st, Jazmine Hawkins 5th • Boys 60 Hurdles: Tyrone Reese 4th, CJ Curtis 5th • Girls 400 Yard Dash: Maci Mills 1st, Libby Armstrong 2nd • Girls 800: Maci Mills 2nd

• Boys 800: Tristan Teer 6th • Girls 1600: Sophia Knox 4th, Avery Cahoon 6th, Kylee Sisk 8th • Boys 3200: Rush Lachina 4th, Jack Pate 5th • Girls 3200: Avery Cahoon 1st, Sophia Knox 2nd, Kinley Harris 8th • Girls High Jump: Alala McDowell 6th • Boys High Jump: Jaggerd Moore 1st, Andrew Colburn 4th, CJ Curtis 5th • Boys Long Jump: James Hammonds 2nd, Jaggerd Moore 4th • Boys Pole Vault: Daniel James 3rd, Will Cochran 5th • Girls Shot Put: Madisyn Hawkins 3rd, Phoebe Greene 4th • Boys Shot Put: Tanveer Raza 1st, Kade Martin 4th, Julian Cox 7th

The Trussville Tribune

Page 12

Futbol From page 10

Pinson Valley’s Isaiah Sims hits a free throw during a home win earlier this season.

(Photo by Bobby Mathews)

Pinson Valley earns Team of Week honors

By Bobby Mathews Sports Editor

PINSON VALLEY — Never let it be said that Pinson Valley head coach Darrell Barber doesn’t challenge his team.

Over the past week, Pinson Valley has gone 1-for-2 against highly-ranked basketball teams in the area, dropping a tough loss to the No. 3-ranked 6A team, Huffman, in a 67-60 loss that the Indians will want revenge for down the road.

However, they bounced back beautifully, defeating the No. 1-ranked 2A team, Midfield, in an 83-75 overtime victory on Monday at home.

The Indians struggled some this season after losing their “glue guy” as Barber called Isaiah Sims, the senior Mr. Everything for Pinson Valley. It’s not that Sims is the best scorer. It’s not that he’s the best rebounder or the best

ball-handler, and it’s not even his stellar defense that makes him so important.

He’s just impossible to shake, a hugely positive attitude on the court for Pinson Valley and a guy who sometimes just seems to will the Indians to win. In the victory against Midfield, Sims scored 21 points and had 11 rebounds.

Of course, if you contend with Sims, there’s always Cameron White to deal with.

Against Midfield, White absolutely went. OFF. by scoring 43 points, nabbing 6 boards and dealing three dimes for Pinson Valley.

Stop Cameron, and there’s Caleb White stepping up.

Or Terry Coner Jr. Or B.J. Diakite. These Indians have various and sundry ways to make their opponents miserable.

And Sims wasn't even supposed to be on the court at this point in the season. He went down with a foot inju-

ry before Christmas during a home game against Gadsden City. He should've been out for six weeks, but was cleared to play after only four.

"His leadership abilities, his presence, his ability to take charges and get other guys up,” Barber said of Sims after a recent victory against Clay-Chalkville. “I've never seen him unhappy. He's just positive. The whole time he was saying 'We're going to win the game, we're going to win the game' ... we couldn't have gotten it done without him tonight."

That was Sims' first game back after missing 11 games with the injury. He led all scorers that night with 15 points, while Caleb White had 14 and Terry Coner Jr. had 13.

"I just put my trust in God," Sims said. "When I put my trust in God and give Him all the glory, He's gonna give me back all I need him to."

Team of the Week

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He took time off to only coach grassroots soccer but felt led to finally lift off a project he’d always wanted to do.

Derek got so much out of playing youth soccer growing up. He made amazing memories and established lifelong relationships because of it. His coaches always played big impacts along the way. He credits where he is today - married, 2 children, living in Trussville, all because of that experience and those mentors.

He’d like to provide lifelong experiences and help facilitate what can be lifelong relationships among the participants and their families.

This past weekend, TFC hosted its first ever soccer camp for boys and girls ages 5-14.

“Our main goal was to create a fun environment where children can develop soccer skills,” Rios said.

TFC brought in coaches from across the state to provide quality instruction, positive environment and an opportunity for participants to learn: Mike Bissell (VHSC), Ryan Jennings (BUSA), Averi Hathcock (Soccer Shots), Emily White (TUSC), Adolfo Lopez (TUSC), Isaac Searcy (TUSC), Matt Manzella (BUSA), Barry Spitzer (Tuscaloosa United SC), Marcos Ugarte (Legion FC), Luke Searcy (TUSC), and Eric Hansen (SYSA). This team of coaches played a crucial role in providing a quality camp.

“When we began plan-

Flat

From page 10

I was diagnosed with an “unknown upper respiratory illness.” Essentially whatever I had put me flat on my back for days. So if you’re looking for bylines from me in the paper this week, you’re going to be disappointed.

And I hate that.

I have something of a reputation for being at the events I can be, and I value that. I think it’s important for the community to see a representative of the local media covering the student athletes in the area. Forced to do little more than help out with coroner’s reports and field phone calls from my friend and colleague Hannah Caver, I was (am) going a little stir-crazy. I think I’m on the other side of this sickness -- whatever it is -- and I’m hoping to get back onto the sideline soon.

With that said, a couple of things I’ve noted over the past few days: Springville Springville should be ranked in the ASWA boys’ basketball poll. The Tigers roaring under first-year head coach Jeremy Monceaux.

They just suffered only their

January 19 - 25, 2022 ning for camp we projected 30 participants, and ended up with over 90 registered participants,” Rios said. “At the event including walkups, we had over 100. As the camp got underway you could see the joy in play from the participants and the energy and enthusiasm from the staff. As Day 1 came to a close you can hear the chatter toward the exit gates: ‘I can’t wait for tomorrow.’”

Even though there are existing programs in Trussville, Springville and Moody, Rios believes having another soccer option in the area can provide something new.

fun and learn in a safe and healthy environment. “ Rios specifically thanked the community partners who have already come on board with TFC, and he is actively seeking partnerships that will further secure the club going forward for many years.

“It’ll take the help of the community and the surrounding communities,” Rios said. “Partnering especially with people and local establishments that share the same passion will bring to life what we all envision a quality youth soccer club should be.”

“We want to provide another option that leans more toward player development, even at the youngest ages,” Rios said. “There are a ton of other great programs, we tailor to the lifelong learners of the game. I am extremely passionate about the sport, and feel called to pour that passion into all that participate. TFC will provide quality and attention to detail, specific to its players in the area, which enroll to have

Soccer Nation, an apparel vendor, has jumped on board to help provide quality products for members.

Deerfoot Baptist Church has offered their facility and outreach resources to bring the surrounding communities closer through youth soccer at TFC. Birmingham Classic Cuts has also contributed to helping host the winter camp this past weekend and future programs this year.

third defeat of the season this past Friday on the road at Pell City, but they’ve been playing extraordinarily well and really shutting down opposing offenses.

Playing extremely focused and fundamentally sound basketball, the Tigers are proving tough for anyone to deal with at this point in the season.

They have some really strong offensive players, too, including Derek Moore, who’s a threat on the low blocks.

He can shoot, too, and Gavin Gooch is also a tremendous asset to that team, stepping up on both ends of the floor.

Pinson Valley Pinson Valley’s had a pretty good week, too, blowing out Gardendale and Center Point before running into the third-ranked 6A team, Huffman. The Indians had their chances against Huffman, but fell 57-50. This is a different Pinson Valley team than last season, and they’re finding different ways to win.

This is a gritty bunch of kids who are out there doing work. I’m probably most impressed with Terry Coner Jr., who is just scratching the surface of what he can do. Pinson Valley rebounded after the Huffman loss by scoring an overtime win against the

No. 1 team in 2A, Midfield, on Monday, Jan. 17 by a score of 83-75.

Hewitt-Trussville The Huskies have had their problems this season, but they stopped a five-game skid by beating Gadsden City, 67-58 behind a 26-point effort from Ray Rolley.

Hewitt-Trussville has a twogame winning streak for the first time since winning their first three in a row to open the season.

It’s been a tough season so far for the Huskies, but the level of effort from the players remains high. Rolley can shoot the lights out when he’s on, and he’s the spark plug of the team. But Tyler Blake and Legion Gaston have been huge contributors, too, and as the team continues to evolve, I hope the winning will pick up.

We’re getting down to the nitty gritty, where seasons are made and seasons are broken.

Hold onto your hats for the next few weeks, folks. I’m just glad that I’m feeling well enough to be back out there in person.

Bobby Mathews is sports editor at The Tribune. Reach him at bobby.mathews@ trussvilletribune.com or on Twitter: @bobbymathews.

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