The Trussville Tribune – January 24 - 30, 2024

The Tribune

TRUSSVILLE • ARGO • MOODY • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • SPRINGVILLE LEEDS • MOODY • TRUSSVILLE • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO SPRINGVILLE • TRUSSVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • TRUSSVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • PINSON CLAY CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • TRUSSVILLE PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY TRUSSVILLE • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS MOODY • TRUSSVILLE • PINSON·CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • TRUSSVILLE • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • TRUSSVILLE • PINSON • CENTER POINT TRUSSVILLE • ARGO • MOODY • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • SPRINGVILLE

WED THU

FRI

SAT

SUN MON

TUE

68 64

67 58

66 55

62 47

54 37

53 32

56 35

82%

95%

51%

58%

20%

7%

12%

www.TrussvilleTribune.com

Argo honors Officer of the Year during Council meeting

Martin gives State of Schools Address, proposes 12.9 mil increase to help with TCS growth

ARGO - Argo Police Officer Jason Mitchell was the center of attention Monday night, January 22, during the second regular monthly meeting of the Argo City Council.

Mitchell was named Argo Officer of the Year during the brief meeting which began with a work session at 5 p.m.

See OFFICER, Page 6

Trussville BOE request ad valorem vote, recognizes student and faculty honors

By Scott Buttram publisher

TRUSSVILLE — Trussville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Patrick Martin recognized multiple individuals and groups of students and faculty members for recent See VOTE, Page 3

Pinson Council approves renewing contract with Waste Management

By Nathan Prewett For the Tribune

PINSON – The Pinson City Council voted unanimously to approve renewing its contract with Waste Management during a meeting on Thursday, Jan. 18.

See WASTE, Page 6

Veteran orthodontic specialist brings 17 years of experience to practice with Trussville presence Special to The Tribune

BIRMINGHAM — An orthodontics practice with local ties, Birmingham Orthodontics, announced in a press See ORTHODONTIST, Page 7

Inside the Tribune

News - Pages 1-9 Lifestyle - Page 10 Opinion - Page 11 Outdoors - Pages 12-13 Savvy Senior - Page 14 Calendar - Page 15 Classified - Page 15 Obituary - Page 16 Sports - Pages 17-20

By Crystal McGough

TRUSSVILLE – Trussville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Patrick Martin gave his State of the Schools Address, the first of its kind for Trussville, at the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024.

Martin’s address consisted of two main parts, the first looking back upon the school system’s recent accomplishments with the 2024 Annual Report, and the second looking forward to the growth of Trussville City Schools.

“This is a time for us to share our celebrations as a school system, but also what our needs are in order to stay one of the top school systems in the state of Alabama,” Martin said in a previous interview with The Tribune.

“We have a lot to be proud of.”

During his address, Martin said one thing the school system is proud of is how it pursues excellence in the ar-

Dr. Patrick Martin gives the 2024 State of the Schools Address (Photo by Crystal McGough)

eas of arts, athletics and academics.

“Today, we had a chance to experience a little bit in each one of those areas,” he said, as he introduced Mark Knauss, the new band director at HTHS. “Prior to us having lunch, we were serenaded by the smooth sounds of our Jazz Combo Band.”

Next, Martin recognized HTHS Choir Director Allen Gillespie for his accom-

plishments, both recent and throughout his past 50 years as an educator.

“This was a little bit of a surprise for me; I was hoping that Allen Gillespie would be up north with the high school chamber choir,” he said. “The Alabama Music Educators Association has their annual conference and two choirs across the entire state from high schools and middle schools were

2024

asked to come join them at the conference and perform.

Our Hewitt-Trussville High School Chamber Choir was one of those two. Because of the weather, they had to cancel the conference.”

In the area of athletics, Martin recognized HTHS Head Football Coach Josh Floyd, who was recently named Alabama Football Coaches Association’s 7A Coach of the Year.

“Coach Floyd did something this season that no coach has done since 1996, and that was get us to the state semi-finals,” Martin said. “Because of that, the Alabama Football Coaches Association named him our 7A Coach of the Year.”

Martin also recognized the high school’s varsity softball team, under the leadership of Head Coach Taylor Burt, for not only winning three of the last four state championships, but also being chosen for the Nike Elite Program.

Massive fire in Leeds destroys abandoned church From Tribune staff reports

LEEDS — Firefighters from Leeds Fire and Rescue battled a massive blaze at an abandoned church on Ashville Road on Saturday evening, according to city officials.

“Around 5 p.m. today, we were notified of a fire at the old church on Ashville Road,” See FIRE, Page 4

Moody Council recognizes officers, hears feasibility report for possible school district

By Nathan Prewett For the Tribune

MOODY – During a meeting on Monday, Jan. 22 the Moody City Council heard a feasibility report for a possible new school district and recognized two local po-

See SCHOOLS, Page 5

Mi Tierra Linda Supermarket to bring fresh, multicultural, experience to Center Point

By Terry Schrimscher

CENTER POINT – Shoppers seeking a wider variety of ethnic foods will have a new option for grocery shopping later this year when Mi Tierra Linda opens in Center Point. The approximately 23,000 square foot grocery, specializing in foods from Central and South America, is planned for the newly renovated Center Point Plaza located at 2375 1st Street NE in Center Point.

“Hopefully, we can start construction the first week of February,” said Claudia Rodriguez, one of three business partners planning to open Mi Tierra Linda. The company received a $10,000 business grant from the city which was approved in the January 18 meeting of the City Council.

“The new business incentive program was established to stimulate positive change and growth in Center Point, said Council President D.M. Collins. “The addition of a multicultural supermarket

Page 9

Page 17

January 24 - 30

By Terry Schrimscher

African Choir tours Trussville

Wrestling finishes third

See MOODY, Page 7

Argo man arrested for murder of father, attempted murder of mother in Moody

By Scott Buttram publisher

MOODY — An Argo man has been charged with the murder of his father and the attempted murder of his mother on Monday night in Moody, according to Moody See ARREST, Page 8

Center Point Council approves business grant for multi-cultural grocery, denies funds for student travel

By Terry Schrimscher Mi Tienda Linda is planned to open later this year in the newly renovated Center Point Plaza located at 2375 1st Street NE in Center Point. (Photo Terry Schrimscher)

not only enhances our city’s grocery landscape but also reflects the growth of our Latino community.”

Mi Tierra Linda is ex-

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pected to create jobs for 35 employees when the store is opened. Although the owners are waiting on final inspections and approvals to begin

construction, Rodriguez said the company has already passed training courses in

CENTER POINT – The city of Center Point City Council met January 18 at City Hall for the second regular meeting of the year.

See SUPERMARKET, Page 6

See CENTER POINT, Page 4

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The Trussville Tribune

Page 2

January 24 - 30, 2024

Antiques

The

Trussville Tribune

190 Main Street Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664 Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor news@trussvilletribune.com Jana Mathews, Finance Manager Leigh Hays, Director of Sales & Marketing SALES STAFF Butch Cole

Member of the Alabama Press Association

Sean Dietrich

The antique store was on the side of Highway 231. It looked like it had been an old filling station once.

The sign said Open. So I walked inside.

I’m a sucker for antiques.

I don’t just like antiques themselves. I like the spaces where antiques have parties.

“How you today?” came the voice of the woman behind the counter. Her hair was silver. Piled atop her head. “Can’t seem to get warm in this weather. Tell you what.”

There were old heaters going. Space heaters. The kind your granny used. Heaters that leave third-degree burns on the calves of 5-yearold boys. The good kind.

I browsed their selection.

I bought a book by Erma Bombeck. An old church chair.

When I went to pay, I was short on cash. “You take credit cards?” I asked.

She shrugged. “We got to

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call it in.”

Next, the woman brought out an old knuckle-buster credit card machine. The old machines, the ones that create an impression of your card on carbon paper. It is also an antique.

This was too good to be true.

“Bet you haven’t seen one of these in a while,” she said.

Her name was Susan. She has owned Jinright’s Hillside Antiques & Collectibles for as long as I’ve been alive.

She bought the store with her husband, Benny, right after they got married.

They didn’t have two dimes to rub together. People said the store was an unwise investment.

“But we both liked antiques, so we figured, why not?”

They somehow managed to keep the lights on. Many times they kept the place running with money out of their own pockets.

“You have to have other jobs if you’re an antique

store owner, otherwise you’ll starve.”

Benny was in law enforcement. Susan taught school.

She was a high-school English teacher once. Then she got her master’s from U of A, and taught gifted kids.

“It’s flat hard teaching smart people. They know more’n you do. There were some days when those kids taught me.”

She’s been out of the teaching game for 20 years.

She wouldn’t want to go back. Not in today’s world.

“Teachers don’t make any money no more. And there’s all sorta politics and rules you got to follow. When I was teaching, we just followed our hearts, did what we knew was right.”

As she speaks, I notice photographs Scotch-taped to her wall. A yearbook photo of a high-school girl in an evening gown. A kid in a martial arts uniform. There is a photo of former head Alabama coach, Nick Saban, who just retired last week.

“Lord,” she said. “I thought we was going to have to bury my husband when Saban retired.”

She’s lived here in Pike County her whole life. Her father was a probate judge.

Her grandfather was a probate judge. Her great-grandfather was a probate judge.

This place is in her DNA. “And that’s why we’re all plum crazy.”

But she’s sweeter than Karo syrup. She’s got a unique way of speaking that is pure South Alabama. I feel so homesick I could cry.

We talked about olden days. About the winds of change. About the way the world used to be. About how life is ever-changing. And how it’s never going to go back to the way it was.

“Lord, I wish someone would’ve told me life goes so fast. One day, I’m a little girl.

The next day, I look at myself, and I look like I belong in an antique store.”

Would that we could all be so beautiful.

January 24 - 30, 2024

The Trussville Tribune

Local / Region

Page 3

Vote

From front page

accomplishments in Monday’s Board of Education meeting.

In the business meeting portion of the regular BOE meeting, the board approved Martin’s recommendations for personnel moves, special events and a slew of spring sports schedules.

Additionally, the BOE approved a resolution for the Trussville City Council requesting a city-wide ad valorem vote to fund a new elementary school and an expansion of Hewitt-Trussville High School and Hewitt-Trussville Middle School to accommodate the growing enrollment.

“This is follow-up to the State of the Schools address that I brought before the Chamber of Commerce on Thursday,” Martin said.

“What this resolution would do is request the City Council to put a measure on the ballot later, summer or fall of ’24, where we’re looking at a 12.9 mil increase.”

Martin said the additional revenue would be used strictly for capital projects to stem overcrowding.

“What that would do is fund three projects,” Martin said. “The C-wing at the high school, several projects at the middle school, as well as a new elementary school.”

HTHS Students recognized for receiving the Global Seal of Biliteracy were Emily Prickett, John Murphy Copus, Janie Steele, Adelynn Alexander, Carter Lybrand, Sarah Kate Smith, Beck Petersen, Noor Soltan Alamari, Marleen Venegas DeAnda, Esward Barrera, Mia Sellers, Angie Ruiz, Katie Smith, Franccesca Garcia, Sara Slaughter.

TCS Teachers of the Year were also introduced. Hannah Lutz was selected TCS elementary teacher of the year while Charlotte Booker was named for the secondary

Paine students performed selections from Willie Wonka KIDS. (Photo Tribune Staff)

school honor. Both teachers will now be considered for state teacher of the year.

Paine Elementary bus drive Paul Guthrie and aide Jay Segars, along with HTMS bus driver Lisa Crumley were recognized for receiving bus driver of the year honors.

Hewitt-Trussville High School Teacher Melanie Dimler was named a State Finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teaching.

The award recognizes those teachers that have both deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful

in those areas.

HTHS head football coach Josh Floyd was recognized for being named 7A Coach of the Year by the Alabama Coaches Association. Floyd led the Huskies to their first semi-final appearance in the playoffs since the 90s.

The HTMS Girls Indoor Track Team were honored for winning the Metro South championship. HTMS Coaches are Chase Pate, Reese Guthrie, Mike Deibert and Steard Carlisle.

Team members are Ellie Adkins, Charlotte Alexander, Abigail Allen, Lily Armstrong, Kinley Arrington, Bella Aycock, Harper Benedict, Dorit Boakye-Yiadom, Bayleigh Brown, Jiliana Glenn, Addison Greenway, Elise Hansen, Riley Hanson, Brooke Hatcher, Kaelyn Hutzel, Aubrey Isom, Blair Lybrand, Mckenzsey Maxwell, Lauren Melton, Anna Kayt

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Millington, Caroline Morrison, Dailah Moultry, Lexi Meigoot, Piper Neumann, Ava Jane Peacock, Olivia Reese, Alexis Richey, Ella Richey, Avery Elise Spears, Emma Stalls, Hadley Turner, Brooklyn Vandegrift, Emmie Willoughby, Maggie Wolz, Kenley Wright and Natalie Wright Martin then noted that January marks the 31st annual observance of School Board Member Recognition Month in Alabama by recognizing the TCS BOE. Martin expressed his appreciation and thanks Board President Kim DeShazo, Board Vice President Kathy Brown, and board members Sherrye Tolbert, Steve Ward, and Jason Daniel for their service to Trussville.

Additionally, BOE members and the audience were treated to Paine Elementary Musical Theater students’ presentation of selections from Willy Wonka KIDS. Participating students were Abbie Langley, Adelaide Tribble, Andi King, Andrew Leggett, Annie Cates, Aubree Cleckler, Aubrey Free, Aubrie Payne, Ava Aycock, Averey LaFon, Avery Roberts, Bella Shepherd, Bishop Lowery, Brantley Adams, Brynlee Miller, Camille Swann, Carrington Foster, Carson Cooper, Carter Stewart, Charity Jasper, Charlotte Vessels, Collins Bowman, Deval Rush, Dyson Garrett, Ella Dooley, Ella Jefcoat, Ellie Bridges, Emma Shores, Emma-Reese Morrison, Ever-

ly Welch, Evie Riley, Georgia Teffeteller, Grace Chappelle, Grace Nie, Gracie Benjamin, Hannah Payne, Harper Ozley, Isaac Clark, Isabelle Broyles, Jack Turnipseed, Justus Terry, Kate Cantwell, Kaylee Sims, Kayleigh Alexander, Kinley Brummitt, Kinslee Trammell, Leah Pinola, Leighton Johnson, Lizzie Vineyard, Logan Kinner, Lorelei Phillips, Lucy Prince, Madison Anthony, Maggie Kate Riley, Malin Lindstrom, Mayson Miller, Micah-Smith Harbison, Paris Ramadan, Raegan Weller, Skylar Gibbs, Walker Jones, Yeseong Lee, and Zoe Stewart The Willie Wonka KIDS production opens on January 29 and 30 at 6 p.m. at Paine Elementary School.

The Trussville Tribune

Page 4

January 24 - 30, 2024

Fire

From front page

Fire officials said. “When our units arrived, they found the church full of flames.”

LFRD said they attempted to enter in the front door of sanctuary area and a basement door but the fire was already massive in both areas and they had to pull back and do a defensive (surround the building) mode.

Officials said attention had to be placed on area houses due to high winds blowing embers across Ashville Road.

During this fire there were windy conditions and below freezing temperatures causing some hazardous conditions.

“We know this was a devastating fire to the community,” LFRD officials said. “If not the oldest, one of the oldest church buildings in Leeds.

Several citizens grew up or attended this church when it was First Baptist Church and while it was Pathway Baptist Church. Every effort was put into extinguishing this fire.”

Even off duty members came to assist because they saw the smoke while traveling towards Leeds on I-20, as well as others learning through social media.

“They came because they knew this was a challenging and dangerous fire due to the age of the building and that the building had been vacant for many years leaving several areas in a dilapidated

Photo Terry Schrimscher Abandoned church in Leeds lost in massive fire.

(Photo credit Jim Gilbert)

state,” officials said. “We all know that people occupy this structure for various reasons, some for exploring, some for nefarious reasons, and some for shelter. We hope and pray no one was in this structure.”

The cause is still under investigation. The Alabama Fire Marshall’s office has been contacted and will be assisting in the investigation.

LFRD officials expressed appreciation for support they received from across the community and neighboring communities while they were

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battling the massive structure fire, including the Moody Fire Department which assisted in fighting the fire.

“Thanks to Leeds Alabama Police Department for blocking roads and keeping everyone safe,” Fire officials said. “Leeds Street Dept for barricades and sanding the street and sidewalk in the area. The wind and temperature caused an icy street and side walks.”

Officials thanked RPS for having a unit there and using it as a warming station, as well as Chick-fil-A and Waffle House for supplying food and drinks to firefighters.

“We will be monitoring the fire overnight and into tomorrow so be aware that Ashville Road from Whitmire Street to Morgan Street will be blocked,” officials said.

“Please use caution in the area. This a great community we serve that comes together when there is a need and that was shown today!”

Center Point From front page

Mayor Bobby Scott and the Council began the meeting by welcoming a new store to the city.

Claudia Rodriguez, one of three business partners planning to open a new multicultural supermarket in the city, spoke to the Council during a public hearing. The store, Mi Tierra Linda, is expected to open later this year featuring fresh foods, baked goods and a restaurant highlighting Center Point’s growing Latino population.

Rodriguez spoke during the hearing because the company was nominated for a business incentive program grant by the City Council and the Economic Development Committee. No one spoke in opposition to the nomination and the Council approved the $10,000 grant later in the meeting.

Mi Tierra Linda is expected to create 35 jobs when the store opens. Rodriguez said

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she hopes renovations on the storefront located in the Center Point Plaza at 2375 1st Street NE will begin in February.

In other business, the Council voted against a proposed contract for a street sweeper service. Mayor Bobby Scott also updated the Council on 12 roads recently resurfaced using Rebuild Alabama funding.

The Council also approved action on 38 properties marked for abatement of litter. The properties were designated as public nuisances for reasons such as trash, weeds, and debris.

The Council also denied a resolution funding travel for two city interns to attend the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference to be held in Washington DC in March. The resolution would have provided $4,955 for travel expenses for the interns, Morgan Escott Holmes and Amy Taveres.

In a statement after the meeting, Council President D.M. Collins expressed her disappointment in the vote to the Trussville Tribune.

“It is particularly disheartening that these dissenting votes come from women leaders [Councilmembers Jones and Copeland], as supporting the advancement of young women in leadership roles is crucial for fostering a diverse and inclusive community,” said Collins. “The National League of Cities

Congressional Conference provides a unique platform for students to learn, network, and develop essential skills that would undoubtedly contribute to their future roles as community leaders.”

Collins added she and Councilmember Glenn Williams are continuing to work to find funding for the two students to attend the conference and added she has received an outpouring of support from the community.

“I firmly believe in the value of investing in our youth and developing future leaders for our city, state, and the entire nation. While we faced opposition from two council members, I am confident that our community stands united behind the importance of providing opportunities for our young leaders,” Collins said. “We may well be nurturing the next Senator, Congresswoman, or community advocate, and it is crucial that we support and nurture their drive and enthusiasm for service and leadership.”

She noted anyone interested in helping fund the travel for the students can donate through the Center Point Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Center Point City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month at City Hall located at 2209 Center Point Parkway. The next meeting will be held Thursday, February 1, at 6:30 p.m.

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January 24 - 30, 2024

Schools From front page

“Hewitt-Trussville Athletics is not just having excellent performance at the state level; this slide shows we are also doing it on a national level,” he said. “I give a lot of credit for this to both our Coach Taylor Burt of our softball program, as well as our athletic director Lance Walker.

“Hewitt-Trussville Softball was asked to be a Nike Elite member, of which only 12 Nike Elite systems are across the United States, and you can see, we are the second smallest high school on this list. You can see from Oklahoma to California, Texas – this is a really big deal for our softball program and it’s a point of pride that across the entire country, there are only 12 systems that are given this designation. Here in the state of Alabama, there is only one other program for all sports that has this designation and that’s Mountain Brook basketball. I think that’s a credit both to Lance Walker, our athletic director, as well as (Coach) Taylor Burt for the great things that she has done with our softball program.”

Additionally, Martin said that the city and school system will hopefully be breaking ground in March on a new softball complex.

“I feel that this will be one of the top softball complexes in the state for high school sports,” he said.

Academically, Martin shared graphics showing that not only was Trussville City Schools one of 12 school districts statewide to earn all A’s on the Alabama School Report Card, but Cahaba Elementary was named the ninth best elementary school in the state of Alabama by U.S. News and World Report, with Magnolia Elementary being named 14th and Paine placing 17th.

He also pointed out stats such as Hewitt-Trussville Middle School being given the designation of an A+

School of Excellence for the second consecutive year, and Hewitt-Trussville High School being named the 12th best high school by U.S. News and World Report in the state of Alabama.

Additionally, Martin said the high school has seen an increase in students participating in AP courses and taking AP exams, with 74% of test takers averaging a 3.2 on their exams.

“We want to put our students in a position to be competitive when they go on to college, when they go on to careers; we want to build a very firm foundation for them,” he said. “Our ACT scores are trending upwards from a 20.1, in 2021, to a 21.2, in 2022, to a 21.3, in 2023. The reason I think this is significant is if you stop and you think about the world that we were living in these last three years, and what we’ve seen from the media in terms of how students may be behind because of some of the social challenges that we had. In Trussville, we continue to trend upward.”

Moving into the second purpose of the State of the Schools Address, Martin asked members of the community, “What will the next chapter of Trussville City Schools look like?”

“I completely understand the gravity of what I’m going to ask the community of Trussville,” he prefaced. “I appreciate that and I respect it and I understand it . With that said, I can tell you, as a superintendent who hasn’t even been here a year, I don’t want to be in a position of coming to you and asking you what I’m going to ask you. Please understand that … I can assure you that no superintendent wants to come in immediately and make significant changes, but after the Board of Education and myself hired a demographer back in September … that’s the position that I’m placed in. And if we’re going to do what’s right for students, I feel like this is the direction

The Trussville Tribune that we need to go.”

Martin explained to those at the Chamber luncheon that the school system was in significant need of pursuing three expansion projects: a new elementary school, a new and larger cafeteria – in addition to other renovations – at the middle school, and the addition of C-Wing at the high school.

“In the fall of 2016, two new elementary schools (Magnolia and Cahaba) were opened and you can see we had just over 4,500 students back in the fall of 2016,” he said. “Since that time, we have now increased another 500 students. This is what we want, correct? Individuals think so highly of Trussville, they want to move their families here. … But still, it creates an issue in terms of those spaces and those places to accommodate those students.

“The city council had the foresight to know that this growth was coming, to know that individuals would want to move to this community, and so as you’re all aware, we have the 2040 Plan, and as part of the 2040 Plan, it discusses that it’s the responsibility of the community of Trussville, that as more students and more families move to this community, that there will need to be infrastructure changes to accommodate that growth.”

As a solution to this problem, which Martin says is a good problem for Trussville to have, he recommended a 12.9 millage increase to try to bring Trussville City Schools in range with other competitive school systems in Alabama, primarily to fund growth and expansion projects in the schools.

Currently, the millage rate in Trussville is 62.1, which puts Trussville between Bessemer (68.7) and Hueytown and Gardendale (both 60.1).

In comparison, Mountain Brook’s millage rate is 109, Vestavia Hills is 92.6, Homewood is 75 and Hoover is 72.6.

A 12.9 mil increase would

bring Trussville to an even 75, the same as Homewood.

“It’s still far below some systems but puts us probably in the area of the systems that we want to compete with,” Martin said to The Tribune.

“When you look at ad valorem, those systems who we want to be compared with, the ones that are the top performing systems in the state, that just shows the revenue that they’re able to draw from compared to ours. The Vestavia system, not only are they pulling 92 mil compared to our 62, but what a mil generates in Trussville is about $500,000, and what a mil generates in Vestavia is about $900,000. So not only are they generating about 30 more mill, but what a mil is able to generate is greater by almost (double) … we’re almost half of what a mil in Vestavia generates.”

To answer what will probably be one of the first questions on taxpayers’ minds, Dr. Martin presented a chart with a breakdown of how much the 12.9 mil increase will cost each household annually.

According to the chart, 12.9 mil is equivalent to $129 per $100,000 of Home Value (Assessment). For a home valued at $100,000, that would be +$129/annum or $2.48 per week. For a home valued at $300,000, it would be +$387/ annum or $7.44 per week.

A home valued at $500,000 would have an increase of +$645/annum or $12.40 per week.

Martin said 100% of funds generated by this millage increase will go directly toward one of three projects that line up with the city’s 2040 Plan, the first of which is the proposed new elementary school at Glendale Farms.

“The numbers state what the 2040 Plan stated, which was there will be a need for a new elementary school,” Martin said to The Tribune. “When you look at the best elementary schools in the state (according to Niche and U.S. News & World Report) … you’ll see

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Page 5 Paine Elementary School, by far and away, is the largest elementary school in the state. It’s pushing 1,400 students. So, when you look at the top performing elementary schools in the state, there are no (other) schools that go over 1,000.

“I think the 2040 Plan states that Paine should never be over 1,200 students (current enrollment is 1,339),” he added. “That was a goal that the city put for Paine, so by building another elementary school, we bring that number back down close to what that expectation was under the 2040 Plan.”

The second project Martin mentioned is a new 15,000 square-foot cafeteria at the middle school, as well as a new competition gym and renovations of the old cafeteria to make special education classrooms.

“For the middle school, we’re just under 90% capacity,” Martin said. “I went and met with every PTO when I first took this position, and I could barely get through my middle school presentation before the hands of those mothers and fathers went up (asking), ‘What are you going to do about the kitchen cafeteria over there?’ … Our kitchen cafeteria space … is not big enough to accommodate even half of the students. Over half of the students are having lunch in their classrooms. …

We can do better, Trussville.”

Martin proposed to use the auxiliary gym and the old band room to create a 15,000 square-foot cafeteria that’s more suitable for the HTMS student body. He also said TCS would like to create a new competition gym, and then plan to use the current middle school kitchen and cafeteria area for special education classrooms.

“Our special education classrooms are just regular classrooms that have been made into special needs spaces for our students who are self-contained and have our most significant need,” Martin

told The Tribune. “We need to create a more suitable space for those students and doing this would allow us to do that.”

The final project the mill increase would fund is the much-anticipated C-Wing at the high school.

“We are currently at 106% capacity in terms of our high school,” Martin said. “Even with C-Wing, and 22 (additional) classrooms, four of which would be science labs, we would still be just under 80% in terms of our capacity at the high school. This has been talked about for a long time. This has been pointed out in the city’s 2040 Plan, but in my mind, basically what this is, it turns the high school from an F to an E. …

Essentially what it does is it gives you that third wing off the back of the building and moves our capacity from over 100% down to under 80%.”

Martin said, as a person who keeps up with politics and the economy, he understands now is not an ideal time to be suggesting a tax increase.

However, looking at the numbers, he anticipates that cost of these projects will continue to raise the longer Trussville waits to begin.

“In 2023, we are hoping to be between $400-450 per square foot,” Martin said. “In talking with individuals in the field, in talking with our design teams, we don’t see that number coming down. If anything, that number is going to continue to climb. And so, when I asked the question before, is now the right time, in terms of where the economy is, in terms of where we stand currently, the answer to that is no. But if we keep waiting, the chances are very good that that cost is just going to continue to climb and what could be a $40 million elementary school could be $60 or $70 million.

And so what I’m proposing to the community, with the support of our Board of Education and our city council, is a 12.9 mil increase.”

The Trussville Tribune

Page 6

Waste

From front page

“It really is a public safety and sanitation issue,” said Mayor Pro-Temp Robbie Roberts. “We kind of take it for granted that the garbage guy comes around and fixes the stuff up but if you look back through history you will find that that didn’t always happen and as a result, disease, bad animals, other kinds of things can really flare up and so it’s an important duty for the council to be involved in.”

The decision came months after discussion, including numerous complaints regarding the company’s services.

In the last several months, the council has discussed alternatives, with the time coming up

optional third year.

Because the time is approaching to renew the contract there is no more to bid for other services, said Councilman Brad Walker, though this gives them time to further research the alternatives.

“As painful as it is for me to say that in front of the community that has struggled with the garbage pickup, I think we’re out of options at this point,” he said. “And we need to continue that contract for now.”

Using a translator due to his ALS condition, Mayor Joe Cochran said, “We have talked it to death.”

The extension was passed unanimously.

Additionally, the council approved culvert repairs on Gilmer Drive and Flight

don’t want anybody turning into the road and have their car disappear.”

Zoning Official Bob Jones said that the InSite Engineering firm proposed digging up the dirt over the pipes and pour a non-shrinking grout with wings on top of the pipes before building a type of bridge over it. He said that the bridge should keep drainage from going inside. Afterwards the area will be backfilled and paved over.

The project is slated to begin in the next 30 days. The council approved allotting $100,000 for the bidding and completion of the repairs.

In other business the council set the dates for upcoming city events throughout the year. These were CityFest on May 4 from 10 a.m. to 2

Photo by Nathan Prewett

to renew the current contract.

The alternatives were bidding out for other services or bringing them in house.

In the meantime, the council also considered extending the contract with Waste Management for one year while they research what else to do.

However, Roberts said that he met with officials at the company, who declined a oneyear extension but offered a two-year extension with an

Drive near the intersection of Highway 79. A sinkhole has been detected on the roads, prompting action.

“Things wear and tear over the years, flooding, waterway and everything,” Roberts said. “And stuff just begins to erode. Unfortunately, we’ve got some serious problems there on one of them. The good thing is that there’s hardly any pedestrians down that way but we

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p.m., Veterans Day Luncheon on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the Christmas Parade on Dec. 6.

Discussion on leasing the Powell Avenue House mentioned at the last meeting to potential renters was tabled to a future meeting.

The council also approved sales tax exemptions for covered emergency preparedness items on July 19-21 and on Feb. 23-25.

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January 24 - 30, 2024

Argo Officer of the Year Jason Mitchell poses with member of the Argo City Council and Mayor Bradley (Photo by Terry Schrimscher)

Officer From front page

“I’ve known Mr. Mitchell for a very, very long time.

I’m proud to call him a good friend,” said Argo Police Chief Alan Busler. “I’m even prouder to have you here with us. I hope there’s many more years of great service,” Busler added as he presented the award.

Busler noted Mitchell was the very first Argo officer to be sent to Police Academy.

Mitchell did not offer a speech to the gathering but took a few minutes to pose for photos with the Council and with fellow officers.

Council members expressed gratitude for Mitchell’s service to the city and congratulated his mother, who was in attendance.

Mitchell was presented with an engraved acrylic

award. His name was also placed on an Officer of the Year plaque which will remain at City Hall.

“Jason does a good job for this city. He’s always helpful and tries to do what he can to help our citizen,” said Mayor Betty Bradley. “We really appreciate you, Jason,” she added.

Earlier in the meeting, Bradley offered thanks to Argo first responders who worked during the recent ice storm to keep roads safe in the city by helping sand ice patches. Bradley said the city is currently short-handed in the maintenance department and noted the police officers and firefighters filled in where needed for the city including opening the storm shelter for a warming station.

During the regular meeting, Councilmember Ann Brown made a motion to add

a new item to the agenda to amend the application for a zoning variance request. The motion to establish a $75 fee for the application passed unanimously with all members of the Council present for the vote.

In her Mayor’s Report to the Council, Bradley announced the city has received $100,000 from St. Clair County for road repairs.

The the next regular meeting of the Argo council is scheduled for February 12 with a work session at 5 p.m. and the regular meeting following immediately after the session. An agenda for each meeting is posted in local businesses including Hill Top Farms, Argo Hardware, Liberty Automotive, Shell, Southland BBQ, Fox’s Pizza and Buckeye Grocery. Agendas are also posted on the city’s Facebook page.

Supermarket From front page

food handling in preparation for the store opening.

Mi Tierra Linda means “my beautiful land” and the store will feature a variety of items to showcase the food and culture of countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Argentina and other nations from the regions of Central and South America.

“We want to get people together so they can know more about our culture and about our food,” Rodriguez said.

She said the supermarket will feature a bakery, a tortilleria and a restaurant.

“We’re going to have two buffet tables, a hot and a cold buffet table,” she added.

“We’re going to have tacos, quesadillas, tortas, and typical food from our country.”

Learning about other cul-

Mi Tienda Linda will offer a variety of fresh-baked breads from Mexican, Central and South American recipes like these loaves of Mexican Conchas sweet bread. (Photo Agcuesta).

tures through food is popular with young shoppers.

According to Supermarket News, major grocery chains are seeing increases in sales of global foods.

Multicultural groceries are

a booming market nationally, accounting for $50 billions in grocery sales, according to the grocery industry magazine Progressive Grocer. The market is expected to grow at 2% or more per year across the nation.

Collins offered praise for city leaders who recognized a growing market and invested in the community with the grant funding.

“Thank you to the economic development committee and city council for their pivotal role in channeling funds towards this project, contributing to the city’s overall diversity and prosperity,” Collins said.

The Trussville Tribune

January 24 - 30, 2024

Moody From front page

lice officers for their response to a car wreck in December.

In a brief regular meeting the council heard from Police Chief Reece Smith as he described the actions of officers Austin Burns and Stephen McLaughlin, who responded to the wreck on Dec. 27 in which a car carrying two occupants left the roadway on Kelly Creek Road before hitting a tree and catching fire.

“Both officers disregarded their own safety as they physically removed both passengers before the vehicle burned completely,” Smith said. “Unfortunately one victim lost his life but another passenger is still here today due to their actions.”

Ivey L. Mason, Jr, 85, died while Sharon B Mason, 83, survived. She is expected to make a full recovery. Smith commended the actions of the officers.

“That’s the type of police officers you want,” Smith later added.

After the regular meeting was concluded the council heard the report from members of the Criterion K-12 Consulting group. The report was approved during a meeting in August 2023 when it was announced that city officials were contemplating forming a school system that would be independent of the county.

Around six months later Doctors Frank Costanzo and Phill Hammonds from Criterion, along with retired chief financial officer Sheila Jones, delivered their findings for the council to consider. As in the August meeting Hammonds said that the study would not make any recommendations but would collect data to help the city make a decision.

The study examined information regarding population growth, school attendance, transportation, facilities and finances. In population growth the city has 13,587 residents as of 2022, up from

Criterion member Phil Hammonds delivers a presentation on the feasibility of forming an independent school system for Moody. (Photo by Nathan Prewett)

Officers Austin Burns and Stephen Mcglaughlin are recognized

by Police Chief Reece Smith. (Photo by Nathan Prewett)

11,138 in 2011. It was projected that around 2,400 students will be attending schools in Moody in the next five years.

“Growth is a good thing,” Hammonds said. “Growth also brings a lot of challenges but it brings a lot of opportunities as well.”

During her outline of the finances Jones said that the total long-term debt of establishing a district would amount to an estimated $64 million and includes the building of the new Moody High School. The various costs would be different based on funding from two scenarios: the budget by the city that includes a one cent sales tax or the budget by current attendance zone.

“And a school budget is very similar to a household budget, right?” Jones said.

“We all list what we bring in.

We list what we spend and then we see what we have left over. Same thing in a school system budget.”

Additional revenue increases would be required to make the proposed formation a reality, along with financial reserves in the amount of $3.5 million to $3.8 million should be approved to cover startup costs, as well as a one-month operating reserve of $1.6 to $1.9 million.

Legislative action by St. Clair County will be required to receive proceeds from the one cent sales tax funding, said Hammonds.

In his summary, Hammonds said that in the experience of Criterion, forming an independent school district takes approximately two years.

A PDF copy of the study will be made available on the city’s website at www. moodyalabama.gov.

In other business the council: • Approved a proclamation declaring January as Human Trafficking Aware-

ness Month, • Approved a request from Smith to purchase two handheld radios for $4,531, • Approved a request from Smith to replace two desktop computers for the patrol division for a cost not to exceed $2,400, • Approved a request from Parks and Recreation Director Mike Staggs to purchase nine loads of infield mix for the athletic fields for $17,775, • Approved a request from Library Director Sara Roberts to spend up to $3,000 for the Summer Reading performers and program supplies, • Appointed Angela Cisco to the library board of trustees, • Approved a request by Fire Chief Larry Horton to purchase uniform garments for $2,000, • Approved a request by Horton to send Lt. Mulkey to a fire marshals conference for a cost not to exceed $1,000, • Approved sending Andrea Machen to a retail show and conference in May for a cost not to exceed $3,300, • Approved a request by Horton to purchase medical supplies for $1,300, • Appointed Mark Wood to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals, • Approved a request by Smith to replace a transmission for $5,915, • Appropriated $6,000 to St. Clair County for half the costs for a Phase II Apple Study to replace a bridge on Kelly Creek Road, and • Amended the Policy and Procedures Manual to clarify the aggregate hours worked for a period of consecutive days by police and fire employees.

Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at Moody City Hall on 670 Park Ave.

Page 7

Dr. Nada Souccar Photo credit Birmingham Orthodontics

Orthodontist From front page

release on Friday, Jan. 19 that Dr. Nada Souccar had joined its team.

Dr. Souccar is an orthodontist with a distinguished career that spans 17 years and includes more than a decade of instruction at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, where she most recently served as an associate professor.

Birmingham Orthodontics is an orthodontic practice based in Birmingham, Ala. In addition to the Trussville clinic on Main Street, it has clinics located in Alabaster, Greystone and Hoover. The practice employs more than 60 employees, and Dr. Souccar joins a staff of orthodontists that includes founder Dr. Michael McCarthy, Dr. Erika Hartman, Dr. Careybeth Rivers, Dr. Katelyn Feinberg and Dr. Alexis Pugh.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining the caring, patient-focused team at Birmingham Orthodontics,” Dr. Souccar said. “I

take immense pride in helping patients create beautiful smiles and seeing the impact orthodontic care can have on their success and self-esteem. I know my new colleagues share my passion for providing the best and most advanced orthodontic treatment.”

Dr. Souccar has lived in Birmingham since 2009 and earned both her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) and her Orthodontic Certificate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

She has received numerous awards for her research and teaching, including the Fred and Dianne Garrett Biomedical Research Award and the Eugene E. West Fellowship Award, both from the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

A member of the American Association of Orthodontists and Southern Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Souccar is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

The Trussville Tribune

Page 8

January 24 - 30, 2024

McCalla man arrested for 36-year-old man killed terrorist threat against in Blount County crash Tuscaloosa hospital From Tribune staff reports

File photo From Tribune staff reports

TUSCALOOSA — Police in Tuscaloosa have arrested a McCalla man for making terrorist threats, a class C felony, against DCH Regional Medical Center, TPD spokesperson Stephanie Taylor said.

Jeffrey Chase Jones, 35,

was taken into custody in Bessemer. He is accused of sending messages threatening violence against the hospital staff along with images of weapons to the hospital system’s accounts.

Taylor said officers responded to the hospital at 2 p.m. and conduct a thorough

search of the facility. Officers also contact Northport Police to coordinate security at the DCH Northport campus.

Jones was taken into custody and charged at 7 p.m. following an investigation.

The U.S. Marshall’s Task Force assisted in the investigation and arrest.

Center Point man wanted on felony warrants charging domestic violence by strangulation From Tribune staff reports

CENTER POINT — Birmingham police and Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama are looking for a Center Point man who is charged in felony warrants.

According to Crime Stoppers, Patrick Alexander May Jr. is wanted in Jefferson County on a felony warrant charging him with domestic

violence by strangulation.

May is 31-years-old, 6 feet tall and weighs 220 lbs.

His last known address is in the 400 block of Winchester Drive in Center Point.

If you have information related to May’s whereabouts, you could be eligible foe a cash reward. You can call Crime Stoppers and remain anonymous at 205-2547777.

BLOUNT COUNTY — A single-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 4:10 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, has claimed the life of an Altoona man, according to Sgt. Jeremy J. Burkett of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

“Joel M. Hicks, 36, was critically injured when the 2009 Toyota Camry he was driving left the roadway and overturned,” Burkett said.

“Hicks was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was ejected.”

Burkett said a 62-year-old Oneonta female passenger in the Camry was also not using a seat belt and was ejected.

Hicks and the female passenger were both transported to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for medical treatment.

Hicks later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at UAB Hospital.

The crash occurred on

Blount County 29 near Rainbow Drive, approximately four miles south of Oneonta, in Blount County.

No further information is available as troopers with the ALEA Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.

20-year-old Eufaula man killed in south Alabama crash From Tribune staff reports

BARBOUR COUNTY — A single-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 9:45 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, has claimed the life of a Eufaula man, according to Sgt. Jeremy Burkett of the Alabama Law enforcement

Agency.

“Darius J. Pinkins, 20, was fatally injured when the 2010 Nissan Rogue he was driving left the roadway and struck a tree,” Burkett said.

“Pinkins was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

The crash occurred on Alabama 51 near the 48 mile marker, approximately two miles south of Clayton, in Barbour County.

No further information is available as troopers with the ALEA Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.

Arrest

From front page

Police Chief Reese Smith.

John Bowlin, 35, of Argo, arrested for the murder of his father and attempted murder of his mother.

“At 11 p.m., Moody police were dispatched to a call for service regarding a possible domestic assault,” Smith said.

Officers arrived at the location and found John D. Bowlin, 61, and his wife Connie L. Bowlin, 60, suffering from gunshot wounds.

John D. Bowlin was pronounced dead at the scene and Connie Bowlin was transported to UAB Hospital where she is in stable condition.

Smith said police have charged the Bowlin’s son, John Adam Bowlin, 35, of Argo, with murder and attempted murder. He is currently in the St. Clair County

John Bowlin, 35, of Argo, arrested for the murder of his father and attempted murder of his mother.

Jail where he is being held without bond.

“Further investigation led officers to a residence in the 800 block of Argo Margaret Road,” Smith said.

With the help of the St. Clair County SWAT team, officers took John Adam Bowlin into custody.

“We were able to take

him into custody without incident,” Smith said. “I’m thankful for that.”

Smith thanked the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, Center for Applied forensics at Jacksonville State University and the police departments of Argo, Odenville and Margaret for their assistance in the case.

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The Trussville Tribune

January 24 - 30, 2024

Page 9

Sozo Children’s Choir Lass But Not Least: from Africa to Perform Small Talk, Big Lesson at Gateway Church in Trussville

By Ken Lass

The Sozo Children’s Choir will perform in Trussville in February. (Courtesy Sozo Children)

BIRMINGHAM — The Sozo Children’s Choir from Uganda, Africa will perform at Gateway Family Church on Wednesday night, February 28 at 5:30 p.m. The church, located at 5450 Mary Munger Road in Trussville, is one of more than 60 performances on the U.S. portion of the choir’s 2024 Revolution Tour.

The choir, which performs in churches, schools and businesses around the country, is comprised of 13 children from Uganda who launch their 5th U.S. tour with performances in Alabama before stops in New York, Maryland, Delaware, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. The choir, which last toured in 2022, has been touring churches in Uganda for most of 2023 before beginning the trip to America.

“The choir began as an outreach program for us in 2016 and is a great experience for the kids we serve in Uganda,” said Suzanne Owens, CEO of Sozo Children. “The choir tour is a mission trip but it’s more than just a chance for the kids to visit America.

We want the kids to come away from this knowing they are loved and that they matter,” said Owens.

Sozo Children is a Birmingham-based ministry serving children in Uganda who have been rescued from extreme circumstances such as abuse, abandonment and trafficking. The ministry provides housing, healthcare, counseling and an education to more than 150 children in Uganda and operates an upscale thrift store, Sozo Trading Co. in Birmingham which provides a portion of funding for the ministry and serves as a launching point for local outreach opportunities.

Admission to the perfor-

The Sozo Children’s Choir features 13 performers from Uganda who tour as a mission trip for the children.

(Courtesy Sozo Children)

So I was having this conversation with a friend the other day. She’s 81 years old, looks twenty years younger, and is quite possibly the sweetest, kindest and friendliest person I know.

We were just making small talk which, of course, always leads to complaining about the weather. It was a frigid January morning and we got on the subject of school kids having to wait outside for the bus in the cold.

It was at this point I remarked that many of today’s kids are so lucky that their parents drive them to school each day. I groused about spending many mornings in my over-sized parka, shivering out on the road in the sub-freezing temperatures, waiting for a rickety old bus to pick me up. I swear they forgot to put shock absorbers on that thing, because every crack and bump in the road sent us flying off the seats toward the ceiling.

I was one of the first pickups on the route, so I had to endure that bumpy journey for over an hour every day of my school life, right up through graduation. Nothing gets your school day off to a better start than showing up queasy and car sick.

Poor, poor me. I guess I was sort of fishing for my friend to feel sorry for me and sympathize. Instead, she broke into a knowing smile and told me this story: She was born in 1942 in Alberta, Alabama, a little community about 30 miles from Selma. Alberta was a mixture of black and white folks who got along and lived together in relative harmony. But schools were segregated then. So at the age of six my friend, who

Ken Lass, Tribune columnist

is black, began to attend Alberta Junior High, which was actually an elementary, middle and junior high combined. The school was five miles away.

School bus? Nope. Every morning all the black kids in the neighborhood would gather as a group and walk it. Rain or shine, they made the trek. She recalled it even snowed occasionally. She had a vivid memory of walking across grass that crackled and snapped after an overnight frost.

I stopped her there. Wait a minute, I said. Aren’t you exaggerating? Isn’t this one of those “I walked to school in the snow every day uphill both ways” type of stories?

She insisted it was absolutely true, and she had the detail to back it up. Five miles every day. Her mind is sharp as a tack and her memory is specific and comprehensive.

Besides, I don’t think her deep Christian values would allow her to tell a lie even if she wanted to. She’s well beyond the point of needing to impress anybody.

She went on, revealing that the daily trudge was especially challenging because

she had a lame right leg as a child, and she had to kind of drag it as she walked. She suspected it was some sort of polio, before they knew what polio was. Thankfully the condition improved as she got older.

Upon finally arriving at school, they would enter a building with no central heating or air, and no cafeteria. The kids brought their own lunch. Heat would come from a tall pot belly stove in the room. Her lunch often consisted of biscuits and syrup. She would have to wait her turn to put them on the stove to warm up. There was a dress code. Girls were not allowed to wear pants. But during the cold winters they were permitted to wear them underneath their dresses, so long as they took them off once in the building.

At the closing bell it was back out on the street for the long march home. She did this every day through the eighth grade. It was not until high school she was able to board a bus that took her eighteen miles away to Wilcox County Training School.

She never forgot her humble childhood. It motivated her to work hard to build a better life for herself, which she clearly accomplished.

Wow. After hearing her story, I felt pretty foolish complaining about my experience. It certainly gave me a new perspective. Suddenly that bumpy bus ride I took every day seemed like a blessing instead of a curse. There’s a lesson in here somewhere. Appreciate what you have, because many others have a far more difficult life than you. I learned that from my friend.

I suspect there is a lot more I can learn from her.

ACTION TREE SERVICE The Sozo Children’s Choir tours to raise awareness for Birmingham’s Sozo Children ministry which rescues children from abuse and trafficking in Uganda. (Courtesy Sozo Children)

mance is free of charge. To learn more about the choir’s performance schedule or to

make a donation to support the children, visit www.sozochildren.org/sozochoir.

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The Trussville Tribune

Page 10

Lifestyle

January 24 - 30, 2024

My Life As A Hobby: Dear Ken Lass…

Channel must have some appeal with somebody. Bless your heart.

Not to nitpick, but I did notice that you didn’t even show up at Trussville Baptist when I spoke to the Senior Citizens group last spring. I had genuinely hoped for a face to face meeting. I’m sure you would have enjoyed seeing me get a standing ovation. Some people can write and perform, you know.

Well, there’s always next year, at least that’s what my close personal friend Jay Leno said to me when we talked today. Of course, maybe I can get a award from one of the many newspapers and magazines that I appear in throughout the south.

If not, I won’t be bitter. I understand that you are Trussville’s Golden Boy. Oh, one final thing. I did want you to know that I did hire an attorney who will contact the Trussville Tribune concerning a vote recount because of alleged illegal ballot stuffing. In fact, the results have probably already been subpoenaed. Please don’t worry; I’m doing this for you because I don’t want there to be any doubt about the validity of your victories, no matter how suspicious things seem. In the event there are any irregularities, (no matter how small), we will certainly be in touch.

I know what you’re thinking; there’s no need to thank me.

Take care, God Bless. Oh, and in case you don’t know, I love your writing, typos and all.

Best wishes, Joe Hobby

By Joe Hobby

Ken, I just wanted to reach out and publicly congratulate you on your two Trussville People’s Choice Awards.

Wow. Best Column and Best Author is certainly something you should be very proud of.

And you won them both - isn’t that a wonderful coincidence?

Since we are pretty much the only two columnists in Trussville, you basically beat me.

Don’t take this the wrong way - I’m not bitter.

Never mind that my wife forced me to write this. Never mind that your years as a “celebrity” on the local news probably had a big influence on the voters. Never mind that you are a member at The First Baptist Church of Trussville which has about a half million members who almost certainly voted for you. I know that people do tend to side with their own. As for me, I’m a good Methodist and couldn’t even get the entire Methodist vote with the problems we’ve had lately.

Besides, Methodists are tired of voting on anything right now.

Everyone seems to know you in this town. Last week, when my waitress in a downtown Trussville restaurant asked me why I was typing on my phone, I told her I was working on an article since I’m the Tribune’s top columnist.

She stared at me for a moment and said, “Hmmm. You don’t look like Ken Lass.”

I said, “And you don’t look like you’re gonna get a tip.”

But I’m not bitter.

I’m sure you know I’m just stating the facts. And I do acknowledge that at some level, your syrupy sweet columns that belong on the Hallmark

Joe Hobby Tribune Columnist

INVITATION TO BID

PS - for those of you who believe all this, I’ve got some cheap real estate on Highway 11 that I want to sell you.

ABC Form C-1

Sealed proposals will be received by Mountain Brook Board of Education, 32 Vine Street, Mountain Brook, Alabama 35213, until 2:00 p.m. CST February 27th, 2024 for 2024 Summer Renovations to Mountain Brook Junior High at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read.

The project will include the complete renovation of existing public restrooms. It will also include new flooring for existing classrooms in Building ‘A’ as well as the complete replacement of ceilings, lights, and diffusers in the 2nd and 3rd corridors of Building ‘A’. There are minimal renovations to other areas as well as renovations to the robotics area.

A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to Mountain Brook Board of Education in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance required in the bid documents will be required at the signing of the Contract.

The Owner intends to award multiple or single contracts for this work to pre-qualified General Contractor(s). The Owner will accept proposals only from firms which demonstrate their experience and ability to perform the work necessary for this project. Interested General Contractors must submit a Contractor’s Qualification Statement, AIA A305. Minimum qualifications to be certified by prospective bidders include: 1) statutory licensor requirements, 2) bonding capacity in excess of $5,000,000 dollars, 3) minimum of five (5) years successful history as an approved, authorized or licensed General Contractor, 4) successful current experience in construction of a size and scope similar to this Project, and 5) submit list of proposed contractor’s team including subcontractors.

Joint venture arrangements must qualify solely on the strength of the principal firm’s qualifications. Notarized Contractor’s Qualification Certificates (“Application for Contractor Pre-Qualification”) may be obtained from the architect and must be submitted to the architect along with any request to obtain Bid documents by a General Contractor by Thursday, February 1st, 2024.

Drawings and specifications may be purchased from Alabama Graphics, 2801 5th Ave, South, Birmingham, AL 35233, 205-252-850.5 Contractors must purchase sets at their own expense - no deposits or refunds will be allowed. Drawings may be examined at the offices of TurnerBatson Architects, 1950 Stonegate Drive, Suite 200, Birmingham, Alabama 35242, the office of Birmingham Construction Industry Authority (BCIA), and F.W. Dodge Birmingham (a.k.a. McGraw Hill), Associated General Contractors, Reed Construction Data on Monday, January 29th, 2024.

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect (Engineer) or copies thereof. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Architect (Engineer); the bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at Mountain Brook Board of Education, 32 Vine Street, Mountain Brook, Alabama 35213 at 9:30 am, CST, February 8th, 2024. Attendance at Pre-Bid Conference by General Contractor Bidders is Mandatory.

Awarding Authority: Mountain Brook Board of Education Dr. Dicky Barlow, Superintendent Architect: TURNERBATSON Architects, PC

January 24 - 30, 2024

The Trussville Tribune

Page 11

Opinion

Phil Williams: What’s a state to do?

By Phil Williams, 1819 News Commentary

There is a major confrontation brewing right now on the southern border between Texas and the federal government. This confrontation is both predictable and avoidable, and one that raises the question: What’s a state to do?

Practically speaking, what is a state to do when its own well-being is threatened and D.C. won’t assist?

Think back over your lifetime and try to remember any disaster declaration by any state governor that did not result in federal government aid. Every tornado, hurricane, winter storm, flood, or earthquake, when declared a disaster by the governor of any state, regardless of political affiliation, always sees the federal government respond with all available resources to alleviate human suffering and ensure stability. Federal funds are always applied immediately to help displaced civilians find aid and comfort.

Yet Texas Gov. Greg Abbott did just that with the border crisis and was rebuffed.

What we are witnessing on the southern border is one of the worst disasters to ever strike any state. The sheer magnitude of the human wave flooding our border communities is devastating ranches and farms, overwhelming municipal services, stretching law enforcement, wreaking havoc on local economies, overwhelming medical facilities, and injuring and killing innocent people. It is a disaster on a scale not seen during our lifetimes.

Compare the present cost in blood and treasure to the

worst events on record: • Hurricane Katrina caused the deaths of 1,390 people and over $125 billion in property damage • The 9/11 attacks caused the deaths of 2,977 people • In 2004, the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami caused the deaths of over 225,000 people • In 2010, a major earthquake hit the island nation of Haiti, killing hundreds of thousands and leaving the country in ruins In each case, foreign or domestic, the U.S. government rushed to the disaster sites with aid, assistance, and even military intervention.

Congress established tax credits and special loan programs.

But not for Texas. Not on our southern border. Under the Biden administration, a state can be sued if it merely tries to stanch the bleeding of illegal mass migration.

“The El Paso Times” recently reported that 149 migrants died in the El Paso sector of the border during the previous fiscal year. Residents in southern New Mexico are said to be regularly “stumbling on the bodies in the desert.” The International Order for Migration recently named the U.S.-Mexico border as the “world’s deadliest migration land route.” “The Wall Street Journal” reported last March that local officials in Eagle Pass, Texas, must keep a refrigeration truck available for the bodies of migrants who drown in the Rio Grande. In September, the migrant death toll hit 500 – people lured here by Biden’s policies.

Those are just the illegal migrant tolls. The phys-

Phil Williams is Policy Director for the Alabama Policy Institute.

ical and economic damage wrought on the U.S. is no less devastating.

In 2023, the Federation for American Immigration Reform posted a study indicating the overall cost of illegal immigration to U.S. taxpayers was over $150 billion! The Heritage Foundation reports that the Border Patrol encountered thousands of illegals in 2023 with prior violent criminal records, further noting that “[a] 2021 Department of Justice report revealed that 64% of federal arrests in 2018 involved noncitizens, despite them comprising only 7% of the population.” In 2022

alone, over 73,000 people in the U.S. died from fentanyl overdoses – a drug largely trafficked over our southern border – more than double the combined deaths from the three preceding years.

Again, what’s a state to do?

In the absence of meaningful federal assistance, Texas has taken extraordinary steps to secure border regions with wire, walls, and water barriers. The federal government removed them, cut them down, and sued Texas for doing so.

Every governor swears an oath to support and defend

the Constitution of the United States and of the state in which he or she serves. It is an oath, a sacred duty.

Considering that oath, Texas hit the proverbial limit this past week and invoked the 10th Amendment in a big way, with Abbott declaring that his National Guard would no longer allow the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to work in part of Eagle Pass, Texas. The CBS affiliate in Austin reported that the Department of Homeland Security threatened to take “legal action” and examine “all other options” … whatever that means.

Over a decade ago, the Alabama Legislature passed landmark legislation designed to enforce federal immigration law at the state level. We were harangued, threatened, protested, and doxxed. We were also sued and watched as whole sections of the law were diced up by liberal judges. As state leaders, we were ahead of our time and took some solace in knowing that we had done what we could. Seeing the current plight of Texas, I find myself wishing we were back to the lesser levels of devastation and disruption we saw during those Obama years.

So, the question remains: What’s a state to do?

Does the 10th Amendment afford a state the right to defend its own borders?

Arguably, yes. We are watching a confrontation unfold between Texas and the federal government that may become one of the most dramatic legal challenges ever brought over the application of a state’s right to support and defend its own interests in the wake of a disaster – a disaster for which the federal government refuses to help, and even causes to happen.

But Texas is not alone.

Other states see their plight and are responding with aid.

Texas is back in the Alamo doing what Texans do.

God bless Texas.

To contact Phil or request him for a speaking engagement, go to www.rightsideradio.org. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News.

To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.

The Trussville Tribune

Page 12

Outdoors

January 24 - 30, 2024

Blankenship Testifies Before House Committee About Impact of GOMESA Funds

By David Rainer Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

At the request of Alabama Representative Jerry Carl (R) and the House Natural Resources Committee, Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to testify about the crucial funding Alabama receives from oil and gas leases through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA). Commissioner Blankenship highlighted how the GOMESA funding positively affects the Alabama Gulf Coast’s resiliency and quality of life.

Congressman Carl said Commissioner Blankenship’s vast knowledge of Alabama’s coastal resources and conservation initiatives would provide the U.S. House of Representative’s Committee on Natural Resources with valuable insight on the impact of funding derived from oil and gas leases.

“It’s always a pleasure to have an Alabamian here in Washington,” Congressman Carl said. “Today, we’re fortunate to have Commissioner Chris Blankenship join us.

With a wealth of experience since 1994 in the (Alabama) Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), he’s our go-to source for all things regarding natural resources and conservation. He will be diving into the nitty-gritty of the GOMESA funding and how it has a critical impact on Coastal Alabama projects, particularly in the underserved commu-

nities. Think water quality, public boating access and shoreside enhancement of parks, a true game-changer.

Commissioner Blankenship will shed light on the challenges, like the GOMESA cap and the minimum proposed lease sales the next five years, affecting funding for both GOMESA and the Land and Water Conservation Fund project.”

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s 2024-2029 National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Proposed Final Program significantly limits offshore oil and gas lease sales with only three potential sales in the Gulf of Mexico planning area and no new lease sales in Alaska.

For the first time there will be a two-year gap in leasing plans. Also, for the first time since 1958, no gas and oil lease sales will occur during the current calendar year.

These revenues play an important role in various state conservation efforts and also provide funding for outdoor recreational access, hurricane protection and coastal infrastructure improvements while contributing to the Great American Outdoors Act. Commissioner Blankenship, who was appointed to his position by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey in 2017, thanked the Committee for the opportunity to explain the positive impacts the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 has had on our beautiful state. He explained that ADCNR is the state agency charged with leasing state water bottoms for exploration, development and production

Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship addresses the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources about the importance of funds derived from oil and gas leases. (ADCNR, David Rainer)

of oil, gas and other minerals and coordinating with the federal agencies on OCS activities.

“I grew up on Dauphin Island,” Commissioner Blankenship said. “Most all my life, we have had production from natural gas wells right off the shores of the island.

Many of my friends I grew up with work in the oil and gas industry. Those good-paying jobs are an economic engine for coastal towns. The views of the platforms and work boats during the day and the amber glow of the lights of the rigs at night are a familiar sight from my hometown.”

Commissioner Blankenship testified that the amount of GOMESA revenue received is based on several factors and fluctuates annually.

“In years when lease sales have occurred, the distribu-

tions to Alabama through GOMESA revenue sharing are generally 50% higher than in years with no lease sales,” he said. “Since the Phase II revenue sharing formula was implemented in 2017, Alabama has received approximately $227 million. Just last year, we received almost $50 million to do good work!

“The GOMESA projects we have funded in Alabama have had a great impact on improving public access to our waterfront, increasing boating access to our waterways, creating some special places for outdoor recreation, improving coastal water quality, and providing critical scientific information that is needed to better protect and preserve Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico and their tributaries.”

Commissioner Blankenship said outdoor recreation,

especially recreation on the waterfront, is a huge part of the quality of life in coastal Alabama, and the projects funded by GOMESA include 15 shoreside waterfront public access and park improvement projects that will enhance the enjoyment that our residents and guests, with and without boats, experience on the waterfront and in the great outdoors.

“I am most proud of the commitment we have made to provide boating access using GOMESA and other funding,” he said. “GOMESA has funded 18 boating access projects in communities of diverse economic situations and will serve all our citizens, no matter their zip code.”

Commissioner Blankenship pointed out that undeveloped waterfront property availability is shrinking rapidly along the coast, making

acquisition for parks and public access even more important.

“Governor Ivey has approved seven land acquisition projects that will create public water and recreation access in our two coastal counties (Mobile and Baldwin),” he said. “One project I would like to highlight is the Mobile Bay Western Shore Acquisition with 1,400 feet of bayfront. This is some of the last remaining undeveloped land that will provide public access along Mobile Bay. This project leverages the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funded Saltaire Nature Preserve Project to really create a special large park space for Mobile County. This project is just one example of how we can use GOMESA in conjunction with other funding sources to do special and long-lasting work.”

Commissioner Blankenship said the growth of Alabama’s coastal population is stressing the sewer and stormwater systems, and numerous utilities in coastal Alabama will use GOMESA Funds to undertake sewer improvements or convert septic systems to sewer treatment to improve water quality.

He also said GOMESA funding will strengthen the new School of Marine and Environmental Sciences at the University of South Alabama and increase the research capacity of its Healthy Ocean Initiative.

“The school is a great asset to coastal Alabama and will train students to improve our fisheries and coastal processes for generations to come and will provide critical scientific data needed to better manage our

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The Trussville Tribune

Page 13

Commissioner Blankenship was among five speakers to address the House Committee. (Rainer)

marine resources,” Commissioner Blankenship said.

“Alabama is also funding the construction of a top-notch large research vessel for the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, an internationally recognized consortium of universities focused on marine science.

This vessel will allow scientists to do a myriad of good scientific work on and off the Continental Shelf providing information and data we have never previously had to inform management decisions.

“All of these projects will have a positive impact in coastal Alabama and add to our already wonderful coastal quality of life. I look forward to working with Governor Ivey to fund similar projects in future years.”

Commissioner Blankenship said Governor Ivey and the State of Alabama understand the critical importance of OCS oil and natural gas production to our economy and national security.

“We have long supported a balanced and reasonable leasing program that leads to the prudent and safe exploration, development and production of OCS hydrocarbon resources,” Commissioner Blankenship said. “The total of three lease sales in the re-

cently published 2024-2029 five-year program is the lowest for any offshore five-year leasing program to date.

“The lack of lease sales will most definitely negatively impact the short-term revenues the State of Alabama will receive through GOMESA revenue sharing.

Compounding this short-term loss of revenue, having fewer wells in operation in the Gulf of Mexico, due to limited lease sales, will impact production in future years and will have a compounding negative impact on revenue sharing moving forward. This lack of fiscal resources will impede our ability to fund beneficial long-term projects in coastal Alabama. This hit is on top of the loss of jobs and business infrastructure related to oil and gas exploration and production in the northern Gulf of Mexico due to fewer operational wells.”

Commissioner Blankenship said the successful development of the Gulf of Mexico OCS clearly demonstrates that responsible offshore oil and gas development can generate many good-paying jobs, spur activity in a host of associated industries and generate billions of dollars in revenue.

“We strongly urge the Administration to support existing revenue sharing with the four participating Gulf states, as well as any legislative efforts to expand and enhance such revenue sharing,” he said. “Further, I believe that the existing revenue sharing cap for the Gulf States under GOMESA should be lifted, thus ensuring a more equitable system to share the benefits of offshore development with the affected states.

Although the current system of limited revenue sharing utilized in the Gulf of Mexico provides state governments with some resources to expand coastal management and conservation as well as build new docks, boat ramps, parks, and other necessary infrastructure and expand other public services, I firmly believe that expanded and enhanced revenue sharing and a return to more normal leasing opportunities will allow states to more properly address the coastal impacts of offshore production and put them in better position to support OCS activities.

“The GOMESA program and OCS exploration and production is of utmost importance to the people and the coastal economy of the State

The Rigs to Reefs program uses decommissioned oil and gas platforms to create artificial reefs for a variety of fish species. (ADCNR, David Rainer)

of Alabama.”

Congressman Carl was instrumental in adding language to H.R. 1 that would revise the formula used to distribute revenue generated from federal oil and leases in the Gulf of Mexico. Specifically, it increases the share of revenue given to the four Gulf producing states (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas). In addition, this section would eliminate the cap on GOMESA revenue sharing. H.R. 1 has passed the House of Representatives and awaits action in the United States Senate.

Louisiana Rep. Garrett Graves has introduced the BRIDGE Production Act (H.R. 5616) that would require the Department of Interior to hold 13 lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and Cook Inlet in Alaska during the 2024–2029 time span instead of the current plan.

In written testimony submitted to the Committee, Commissioner Blankenship emphasized how the oil and gas industry contributes to

Become an

the thriving offshore aquatic populations through the Rigs to Reefs Program. Alabama has the largest artificial reef program in the United States, which helps popular reef fish species, like the iconic red snapper, thrive.

“The largest reefs in our Artificial Reef Program come from decommissioned oil and gas platforms,” Commissioner Blankenship said. “While the rigs are in production, they are called ‘Islands of Life’ as they act as artificial reef structures in the Gulf of Mexico. The habitat created by these rigs in the entire water column, from surface to seabed, is incredible. Organisms of all trophic levels benefit from the structure and marine growth on the platform legs and supports. These ecosystems develop and grow over the many years these platforms are in the water.

The thousands of platforms in the Gulf have created untold benefits.

“Many times, in the discussions on the pros and cons of OCS production, the

positive benefit the rigs have on habitat creation and marine populations, as well as recreational and commercial fishing opportunities, is lost in the conversation. This is a huge benefit to our marine resources and the people who enjoy them!”

Alabama has reefed in place several decommissioned oil or gas production platforms over the past several decades to keep these “Islands of Life” in the state’s marine resources production.

“I have never visited one of these reefs when I didn’t see a sea turtle, shark, or dolphin enjoying the benefits of this protected habitat,” Commissioner Blankenship said.

“It has long been Alabama’s policy that our support for offshore development is contingent on all OCS activities in waters adjacent to our coast being carried out in full compliance with relevant Alabama laws, rules and regulations and in a manner that is fully compliant and consistent with our Coastal Zone Management Program.”

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The Trussville Tribune

S av v y S e n i o r

January 24 - 30, 2024

Are You at Risk of Developing Glaucoma?

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about the eye disease glaucoma?

My older brother was recently diagnosed with it and lost some of his vision, but never had a clue anything was wrong. Could I be at risk too?

Stressed Sibling Dear Stressed, Yes! Having an immediate family member with glaucoma significantly increases your risks of developing it, but there are other risk factors you need to be aware of too.

Here’s what you should know.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss and blindness if it’s not treated. This typically happens because the fluids in the eye don’t drain properly, causing increased pressure in the eyeball.

But the scary thing about glaucoma is that with no early warning signs or pain, most people that have it don’t realize it until their vision begins to deteriorate.

While there are two main types of glaucoma, the most common form that typically affects older adults is called open-angle glaucoma. This disease develops very slowly when the eye’s drainage canals become clogged over time, leading to blind spots in the peripheral or side vision.

By the time you notice it, the permanent damage is already done.

Are You at Risk?

It’s estimated that more than 3 million Americans have glaucoma today, but that

number is expected to surge to more than 6.3 million by 2050. If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you’re at increased risk of developing it.

• Are you African American, Hispanic/Latino American or Asian American?

• Are you over age 60?

• • Do you have an immediate family member with glaucoma?

• Do you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood

pressure, migraines or have extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness?

• Have you had a past eye injury?

• Have you used corticosteroids (for example, eye drops, pills, inhalers, and creams) for long periods of time?

What to Do Early detection is the key to guarding against glaucoma.

So, if you’re age 40 or older and have any of the previ-

ously mentioned risk factors, especially if you’re African American, you need to get a comprehensive eye examination every 18 to 24 months.

Or, if you notice some loss of peripheral vision, get to the eye doctor right away.

If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, annual eye examinations are covered for those at high risk for glaucoma. Or if you don’t have vision coverage, contact EyeCare America, a national public service program that provides free

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glaucoma eye exams through a pool of more than 4,600 volunteer ophthalmologists. Visit AAO.org/eyecare-america or call 877-887-6327 to learn more.

While there’s currently no cure for glaucoma, most cases can be treated with prescription eye drops, which reduce eye pressure and can prevent further vision loss. It cannot, however, restore vision already lost from glaucoma. If eye drops don’t work, your doctor may recommend oral

medication, laser treatments, incisional surgery or a combination of these methods.

For more information on glaucoma, visit the National Eye Institute at NEI.nih.gov, and the Glaucoma Research Foundation at Glaucoma.org.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

The Trussville Tribune

January 24 - 30, 2024

Calendar

Teen Dungeons and Dragons - Group 1 Wednesday, January 24 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Trussville Parkway Room This campaign will continue our journey into Spelljammer!

Dungeons and Dragons is a classic tabletop roleplaying game that encourages creativity and cooperation. The players form a party, go on quests, explore ruins, and (probably) save the world.

Registration for the event is required as space is limited.

Please only sign up for one of the Teen D&D groups or the other. This group will be continuing our Spelljammer Campaign! Please try and coordinate with friends to end up in the same groups. If you have any questions about D&D or about groups you can reach out to us at Jacob.

Sartain@jclc.org or at 205655-2022.

(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) Yarn Manglers Knit & crochet group Thursday, January 25 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Duration: 30 min

Public. Register for a lap-sit story time specially designed for babies aged 6 to 24 months old, on January 25th at 10:00 AM. Space and supplies are limited; registration is required.

Visit the Children’s Annex to register.

Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison: Letter D Fri Jan 26th 10:00am 11:00am Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL 35126, USA

(All ages) Join us for Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison on Friday, January 26th at 10 AM. Our theme is The Letter D. We’ll read books, have fun, do a craft, & have a snack.

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

ACT Test Prep January 27-28 10:00am - 2:00pm

Trussville Cahaba Room Knitters and crocheters, join us for fellowship and creativity!

Knit & crochet meetup group (aka The Yarn Manglers).

Bring any projects you are working on; join us for fellowship and creativity. This is a great way to check in, catch up, see what everyone is working on, and get help if you are stuck. Please join us - newcomers are welcome!

Join our Facebook group: YARN MANGLERS ANONYMOUS Adult D&D Group 2 Thursday, January 25 5:30pm - 8:00pm

Trussville Cahaba Room Join us to play Dungeons & Dragons! We will meet every other Thursday.

Join us to play Dungeons & Dragons! We will meet every other Thursday playing Spelljammer: Adventures in Space. Home of the stars and gateway to the heavens, the Astral Plane teems with excitement and possibility. With the help of magic, spelljammers can cross the oceans of Wildspace, ply the silvery void known as the Astral Sea, and hop between worlds of the D&D multiverse.

Babies & Books Lap-Sit Storytime January 25th at 10:00 AM. Springville Public Library

Trussville LBK Auditorium Two day test prep for the ACT. The Trussville Public Library will be hosting a two-part ACT Prep class on January 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and January 28th from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The class will be conducted in person in the library auditorium. Saturday will be an extensive review session and Sunday will feature a practice test. Students will need to bring a notebook, pencil and calculator.

Lunch will be provided on Saturday. The fee for BOTH days of the class is $43.50.

No refunds will be issued.

Please follow the link to sign up for the event.

American Girl Club Monday, January 29 5:00pm - 6:00pm Trussville LBK Auditorium Enjoy discussing this month’s featured American Girl, Cecile & Marie-Grace (1853)!

Participants will also play a themed game and make a craft together.

American Girl Club is for those who enjoy learning about history alongside the popular book series. Each month we will discuss the fea-

16

tured girl’s life and time period. Participants are encouraged to read a book from her series to be able to contribute to the discussion. Each meeting will also include games, a craft, and a light snack.

5K - 5th Grade Students.

Registration is Required.

Preschoolers at Play Wednesday, January 31 10:00am - 11:00am

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Trussville LBK Auditorium Join us for a guided sensory time with Ms. Alicia, followed by free play at several stations set up around the large auditorium with various toys.

Join Ms. Alicia for special playtime program for preschool-aged children. A guided sensory time will begin at 10:00, followed by free play at several stations set up around the large auditorium with various toys.

Parents are asked to stay with their child and travel with them as they play with the different selections of toys.

Ages 2-5 years old. Held on 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. No Registration Needed.

Homeschool Hangout: Careers Wed Jan 31st 1:00pm - 3:00pm Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL 35126, USA

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(All ages) Wednesday, January 31st, 1 to 3 PM Join us for a community gathering of homeschool students on Wednesday, January 31st at 1 PM. This month’s theme is careers! We will have professionals available to talk to students about career choices.

Homeschool Hangout is a monthly event for homeschool students to learn together, meet new friends, & use resources available at our library.

SSG Michael W. Hosey American Legion Post 205 7257 Old Springville Road, Pinson, AL. Post Service Officer on Duty every Monday, 1 – 5 PM.

Meets the second Monday of each month at the Clay Community Center on Old Palmerdale Road at 6 PM. Call 205317-0948 for information.

Page 15

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The Trussville Tribune

Page 16

January 24 - 30, 2024

O b i t u a ry

Charles Carpri

december 14, 1944 — january 17, 2024

Charles Ross Carpri age 79 of Pinson passed away on Jan. 17, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents Rosalie and Vincent Carpri. He was a member of Holy Infant of Prague Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Carpri loved being on the water whether boating or fishing. When he was on land he liked to ride his scooter everywhere but most of all he loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a devoted fan of the University of Alabama Football.

Charles is survived by his wife of 52 years Gail Carpri, one son, Joey (Misty) Carpri, and seven grandchidren, Noah, Ava, Cameron, Mason, Bentley, Khloie and Kindle. One brother Ross (Geri) Carpri and one sister Anna Rose Carpri.

James Herring

june 22, 1970 — january 10, 2024

Karen Bagwell

january 18, 1961 — january 17, 2024

Karen Bagwell, 62, passed away on January 17, 2024, in Birmingham, AL. Karen is survived by her husband Clifford Bagwell; son Jeremy Bagwell (Kelsey Velo), daughter Rebecca Robinson (Scott), grandchildren Annabelle, Jared, Ada, and Naomi; brother Dan Jones (Mary Jo), along with many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Karen is preceded in death by her father Bill Jones and mother Beverly Jones Reynolds.

Karen dedicated her life to being a caregiver and was an ICU nurse for 40 years.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, from 11 AM to 12 PM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. Services to follow at 12 PM in the chapel. Burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East.

In lieu of flowers family request donations can be made in Karen’s name to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.

Clay Herring passed away at his home January 10, 2024. He leaves behind a legacy of friendship, family and a love for life. He spent his carer in the HVAC world as a master HVAC technician and loved what he did. His passion for cars, motorcycles and drag racing is what kept him feeling alive and you could find him turning wrenches in his spare time. He is preceded by parents Don and Betty Herring, and step daughter Tiffanie Morton. He is survived by son Hunter Herring, step son Justin Morton (Stacie Morton), grandchildren Ashlynn Morton, Braylen Morton, brother Chris Herring, nephew Cody Herring (Kayla Herring) and mother in law Wanda Morton. Service is Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, AL. Visitation 11:00 am until 12:00 pm and the funeral service will be at 12:00 pm.

Deborah Metcalfe

july 6, 1949 — january 15, 2024 Deborah Ann Metcalfe, age 74 of Pinson, AL passed away on January 15, 2024. She retired from South Central Bell after 30 years of service. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Center Point. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Evelyn Oden. She is survived by her sister, Sheila Frye. In lieu of flowers donations maybe made to First United Methodist Church of Center Point. Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 from 1 to 2 PM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. Services will follow at 2 PM in the chapel and the burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East.

Johnnie Ruth Echols

october 12, 1931 — january 13, 2024

Johnnie Ruth Echols, 92, passed away on January 13, 2024, in Birmingham, AL. Johnnie Ruth is survived by her four children, Sheila (Tracy) Smith, Johnnie D. (Sandy) Echols, Danny (Bonnie) Echols, Mike (Robin)Echols, eight grandchildren, Josh Echols, Philip (Michelle) Echols, Benji Echols, Mark (Brittany) Smith, Heather (Brian) Hinton, Julia (Jeff) Pelton, Laurie (Thomas) Johnson, Kerri (Hugh) Stewart, fifteen great grandchildren, Caleigh (Hogan) Echols Page, Ryan O’Dell, Chloe Echols, Laura Jane Johnson, Colton Echols, Spencer Stewart, Trent Stewart, Laney Hinton, Daniel Hinton, Hannah Hinton, Hattie Hinton, Maggie Pelton, Noel Issac Pelton,Ada Pelton and Ellis Pelton.

Johnnie Ruth was preceded in death by Jimmy Paschal – father, Grace Paschal – mother, Doyle A. Echols – husband The service for Johnnie Ruth Echols will be held on Saturday, at 2:00 PM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.

Visitation: Saturday, at 1:00 PM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. Burial: Sunrise Memorial Gardens, Pinson, AL.

Wilburn “Dyrel” Barnett

december 29, 1927 — january 14, 2024 Wilburn Dyrel Barnett, age 96 of Birmingham, Al, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2024. He was born to Wilburn Bunyon and Willie Mae Garner Barnett on December 29, 1927. He is predeceased by his loving wife of 73 years Mildred Alene Edge Barnett; two sons, Dyrel Dwayne Barnett, and Larry Don Barnett; sister, Alyne Barnett Williams; brother, Gilbert Garner Barnett.

He leaves behind his daughter-in-law, Kay Stephens Barnett; 4 grandchildren, Jennifer Barnett Collins (Cade), Alison Barnett Murphy (Jason), Nicole Barnett Malone, Jeremy Barnett (Courtney); 8 great-grandchildren, Taylor Murphy, Madison Murphy, Mac Kenzie Collins, Walker Collins, Braydon Malone, Haven Malone, Levi Barnett, Lexi Barnett.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm with a service to follow in the chapel of Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville. Burial will conclude in the adjoining cemetery.

Ask Eddie

Clay W. Pitts

january 7, 1932 — january 17, 2024

On Wednesday January 17th, Clay Woodson Pitts, 92, passed away peacefully with family at his side.

Born on January 7, 1932, in Chalkville, Alabama, Clay was our beloved family patriarch. He was our inspiration for hard work and eternal dedication to family. He found mischievous joy in a good practical joke and appreciated that attribute in others. For all the years of his life, he loved cars and racing. He was a patient and skilled mechanic and could fix most anything. A living example of the good Samaritan, Clay was most content when helping others. Clay was a devoted attendee to any family birthday, holiday or end of life celebration. He and his wife Clarice (Adams) raised their son Steve in a loving home.

He attended Hewitt-Trussville High School. As a young man, he fell in love and married Clarice in 1952. Within a year he was serving his country in the U. S. Army, stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return to the States, he established a career with Remington as the retail store manager in downtown Birmingham. Clay chose to retire early from Remington, to care for Clarice who had been battling health issues that led to her untimely passing. Always motivated to stay busy, as a retiree he worked part time for Edwards Chevrolet. Throughout his life, Clay was an avid fan of Alabama football and NASCAR. Later, he spent many happy years traveling to visit family and friends with his loving companion Elsie Gamel. Clay’s longtime church home was First Baptist Church of Trussville, and he was a Past Master of the King Hiram No. 774 Masonic Lodge.

Clay was preceded in death by his wife, Clarice; his sisters, Carolyn Wilder, Louise Pitts, and Nira Long; and his longtime companion, Elsie Gamel. He is survived by his son, Steve, and daughter-in-law, Jill; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

For those who prefer a donation in lieu flowers, please consider a donation to Hopefull Handbags Global Nonprofit (www.hopefullhandbags.org) or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (https://www. michaeljfox.org/).

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sports Hewitt-Trussville Huskies at Spain Park Jaguars, Boys and Girls Prep Basketball, Thursday, January 26, 2024

Shades Valley Mounties vs Woodlawn Colonels, Boys and Girls Prep Basketball, Thursday, January 26, 2024

Clay-Chalkville Cougars at Mountain Brook Spartans, Boys and Girls Prep Basketball, Monday, January 29, 2024

The Trussville Tribune January 24 - 30, 2024

Hewitt boys win region tournament in bowling, girls finish third

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

Hewitt’s Zach Chatman. Credit: John Goolsby

Hewitt wrestling finishes third at state duals

By John Goolsby Prep Sports Editor

BIRMINGHAM – The Hewitt-Trussville wrestling team finished third at the AHSAA 7A duals wrestling meet.

The Huskies won the con-

solation match over Smiths Station 54-18. The Huskies started off by winning eight matches to start the match.

Hewitt lost to eventual state champion Huntsville 3630 in the semi-finals.

Hewitt kept it close with wins by Ian Hodgin, Jacob

Triplett, Charlie Buttiker, Delvecchio Alston, Zack Chatman and Clark Box. “I am very proud of our guys,” said Hewitt head coach Chris Pike.

“They stepped up over the See WRESTLING, Page 20

TRUSSVILLE – The best of the best in bowling in Alabama’s 6 and 7A classifications’ North division ascended on SpareTime in Trussville on Thursday as the Huskies hosted the North Regional Bowling tournament. The Hewitt-Trussville boys won their region while the girls were competitive and finished third.

In the early round, the Hewitt boys took the region crown despite a slow start. After the first game, the Huskies found themselves in fourth place out of the eight competing teams. Gadsden City opened with an 880 while Sparkman followed with an 865 followed by American Christian Academy with an 857. Hewitt rolled an 849 in the opening game.

Game two was a far different story as the Huskies shot a 967, besting Sparkman by 79 pins at 888. Gadsden City shot an 842 and American Christian had an 841.

In the final game of the day, Hewitt stayed in the 900’s, shotting a 927. Sparkman came in second with an 894 while Mortimer Jordan

Hewitt-Trussville bowling

shot an 891 and Tuscaloosa County shot 829 to round out the top four for the game.

Overall, Hewitt finished with 2,743 to top Sparkman, who had 2,647. Gadsden City was third with 2,508 and American Christian came in fourth with 2,488.

Eko Burroughs paced the Huskies with a 222, 258, and 205 to lead all bowlers with a 685 series. Tristan Atwood shot 164, 199, and 211 for a 574 series. Nate Dodson had a 164, 222, and 157 for a 543 series. Carter Pannell shot 161, 173, and 173 for a 507 total and Luke Stutsman shot a 181 in his lone game, the final game of the morning.

The girls closed out the day at SpareTime with the Lady Huskies taking third place in the region. The Hewitt ladies shot 723 in the first game with American Christian in first place with a 780 and Sparkman in second with 779. In game two, Sparkman shot 875 with American Christian in second with a 787 and Hewitt with 713 in third. In the third game, Hewitt would finish second with 744 but the dominant Sparkman Senators would shoot 813 to seal the win. American Christian had 693 in the final game. Overall, Sparkman won the region See BOWLING, Page 20

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The Trussville Tribune

Page 18

January 24 - 30, 2024

Lady Huskies flex defense in Area win

Jordan Hunter. Credit: Johnny Sanders

By John Goolsby Prep Sports Editor

The Hewitt-Trussville Lady Huskies basketball team turned in a solid defensive effort to shut down the seventh-ranked Chelsea Hornets 39-32 Friday night.

The Hornets’s offense, av-

eraging 50 points, was held to seven points in the first half.

Chelsea only managed a single free throw in the first half before getting their first basket late in the second period.

“I was very proud of the way we played defense; we were very active, said Hewitt

head coach Tonya Jackson-Hunter.

The Huskies, 20-5 (4-0), defeated Chelsea last week 44-38.

Jordan Hunter led Hewitt with 15-points.

The Lady Huskies travel to Oak Mountain Tuesday night.

HTMS Huskies grab wrestling championship From Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — On an otherwise arctic weekend, the Hewitt-Trussville Middle School Huskies brought plenty of heat on the wrestling mat. The wrestling team took first place in a Jasper tournament for 7th – 9th graders.

Huskies finishing in first place were Stewart Nelms, Sam Starkey, Michael Ross, Cam Hanks (9), Braxton Davidson, Leo Nelson (9) and Archer Warren (9).

Second place finishers were Will Hodgin, Carl Schutz, Trevon McCown, Asher Witam and Cash Mi-

tros.

Thrid place wrestlers were Jameson Brandon, Griffin Alfano, Jones McQuin, Carson Jones, Judson Howard (9) and Parker Krayer (9).

Placing fourth were Colt Stewart, Jayden Stanley, James Harris (9), Banks Vessels and TJ Bullock.

January 24 - 30, 2024

The Trussville Tribune

Page 19

Basketball weekly review and preview: Pinson, Moody, Leeds, Springville

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

That game will be held Tuesday night.

Pinson Valley Boys: After dropping a game in the MLK Classic to Fairfield, the Indians looked to get back on the winning track this past week and did so in dominant fashion. Pinson won their lone game of the week, a 62-30 thrashing of area foe Mortimer Jordan, who came into the contest with a 15-7 record.

In the game, Clyde Walters finished with a double-double, scoring 18 points and getting 10 assists while grabbing eight rebounds.

Austin Coner wasn’t far behind with 17 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Quay Lynch and Jamison Green had eight points each.

Pinson’s second game of the week was to be on Saturday against Meadowbrook (GA) in the Braggin Rights Showcase was cancelled.

Pinson now sits at 15-9 (2-1 in area). They are second in the area and ranked #5 in the state in the ASWA poll. Pinson will have another one-game week as they welcome area rivals and seventh-ranked Clay-Chalkville on Tuesday night before a season finale against Center Point on February 2.

Girls: The Lady Indians, much like the boys, had a one-game week this past week, taking on area powerhouse 19-3 Mortimer Jordan on Thursday night.

The Blue Devils would defeat the Lady Indians 6540.

Pinson’s girls are now 8-12, a big improvement from last year. They are also 0-3 in the area.

This week, Pinson will take on another tough opponent in top-five area rivals the Clay-Chalkville Cougars.

Moody Boys: The Blue Devils continued struggling this week as they lost both games that they played. They 411 are currently on a 12-game losing streak.

The first game of the week was an area game against Saint Clair County by a score of 54-49. Saint Clair jumped out to a 19-9 lead, but Moody fought back in the second quarter, outscoring the Saints 18-12 to make it 31-27 at half. Moody came out of the locker room on fire, winning the period 13-6 to make it 44-33 Moody headed into the fourth. Saint Clair came back in the final stanza with a chip on their shoulders, outscoring Moody 17-9 to finish it off and get the five-point win.

Next up was a trip to Leeds for the big rivalry game. Moody dropped the Battle of the Bridge 54-40.

Moody is now 5-16 and 1-5 in the area. This week, the Blue Devils will travel to Briarwood Christian (Tuesday) and welcome in Winterboro on Thursday and Calera comes to town on Monday.

Girls: The 411 Girls are absolutely on fire. They won both games this past week, continuing a six-game winning streak with wins over Saint Clair County and Leeds, both area rivals.

The Saint Clair County game was a blowout of epic proportions. Moody won 9217. Serenity Rutledge score 26 points in the win while Jayla Whitsey had 21 and Ragan Hodges had 17 points to lead the Blue Devils.

Next on the schedule was a trip to Leeds for the ladies version of the Battle of the Bridge hardwood edition.

Moody won the game 75-23

had a light week with just one game, the rivalry game against Moody.

Leeds beat Moody 54-40 in the area contest, improving to 11-11 on the season, 4-2 in the area. That is good enough for second place.

Leeds has a short break, not playing again until Friday night when they travel to Hueytown. Saturday, the Greenies host Lincoln.

Girls: The Lady Greenies played the lone game this week in the Battle of the Bridge, against the red-hot Moody Lady Blue Devils.

Leeds dropped that game 75-23 on Friday night.

The Lady Greenwave fall to 4-17, 2-4 in the area and sit in third place.

Next for Leeds is a trip to Spain Park on Wednesday followed by a trip to Hueytown on Friday.

Pinson Valley basketball team huddles up during a timeout. Photo by: Johnny Sanders

with Whitsey leading the way with 24 points. Rutledge added 16 points and Tori Pyles had 10.

Moody is now 21-2 on

the season and 5-1 in the area with a firm grip on first place.

This week will see the Blue Devils travel to Briarwood Christian on Tuesday

and host Winterboro (Thursday) and Calera (Monday).

Leeds Boys: The

Greenwave

Springville Boys: The Tigers had a tough draw this week in their only game as they traveled to 21-5 6A Pelham on Friday night.

The Tigers dropped the game at Pelham 69-52.

This week, Springville will host Corner on Tuesday and Plainview on Thursday.

Friday they will take a trip to Etowah and then Monday they will head to Pell City.

Springville now holds a 16-8 record, 6-0 and first place in the area.

Girls: The Lady Tigers also dropped their lone game at Pelham, losing by a score of 54-47.

Springville is now 12-12 and sit in second place in the area with a 4-1 record.

This week, the Tigers will host Corner on Tuesday and Plainview on Thursday before a Friday night game against John Carroll at the Purple Palace.

The Trussville Tribune

Page 20

January 24 - 30, 2024

Basketball weekly review and preview: Hewitt-Trussville, Clay-Chalkville, Shades Valley and Center Point Hewitt-Trussville Boys: The 17-7 (3-1) Huskies defeated Chelsea this past week and will face Oak Mountain and Spain Park this week.

“It is always crazy to me how fast the seasons fly by, but here we are with four games to play,” said Husky head coach Jeremy Monceaux.

“I think our team has done a good job learning and growing from our losses, but until the final buzzer sounds, our focus will continue to be on improving as a team.”

“We have been able to execute well on both ends late in games, and that has allowed us to win some close ones here as of late, and I hope it is giving us some confidence as we close out and win big games,” he said.

“We have had a couple of losses that we thought we could have played better or a little harder, but 17-7 to this point with only one returning player with any real varsity experience, I am, for the most part, happy about where we are, but teams are always judged by how they finish, and that is our focus right now.”

Girls: The fourth-ranked Lady Huskies, 20-5 (4-0), defeated eighth-ranked Chelsea last week.

Hewitt takes on Oak Mountain and Spain Park this week.

“I knew going into the season we were going to be young and inexperienced at the same time and we really

Wrestling From page 17

last few weeks and defeated three of the top five teams in the state from last year and almost defeated the defending

never experienced this in our program,” said Hewitt head coach Tonya Hunter.

“This team is such a coachable team that it didn’t take us long to figure what works,” she said.

“They play extremely hard for each other and it’s a joy to watch.”

“We have three games left on our schedule and we will have our post season playoffs upon us.”

“We will continue to remain focused and take one game at a time,” she said.

tle tested going into post season,” Conner said.

Shades Valley Boys: The 13-10 (2-2) Mounties lost to Pell City last week.

The Mounties host area foes Mountain Brook, ranked third in 6A, and Woodlawn this week.

“It has been a season of ups and downs and injuries have played a part in our season,” said Mountie head coach Audwin Howard.

“We will persevere over it all and are growing up and making strides to obtain our team goals.”

“These young guys are growing up,” he said. “We just have to keep believing in one another and keep pushing.”

Girls: The Lady Mounties stand at 9-12 (4-0) on the season after defeating Fairfield and Pell City last week.

Valley, the winners of five straight, takes on Mountain Brook and Woodlawn this week. A win over the Spartans tonight will give Valley the area title and they would host the area tournament.

Clay-Chalkville Boys: The 6A seventh-ranked Cougars, 18-7 (2-0), defeated Center Point last week.

Clay takes on 6A 5thranked Pinson and Mortimer Jordan this week.

“We are on a six game winning streak going into our third area game at Pinson tomorrow,” said Cougar head coach Chris Richardson.

“We are trending in the right direction at the right time. We are playing an exciting brand of basketball right now,” he said.

“We have multiple guys that are capable of reaching double figures each night.

That shows that we are playing selfless & full of confidence.”

Girls: The 4th ranked Lady Cougars are 21-2 (2-0) after defeating Center Point 87-17.

The Lady Cougars take on Pinson Valley Tuesday and 3rd-ranked Mortimer Jordan

Friday.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our girls,” said Cougar head coach Kevin Conner” “We are in the middle

dual state champs Huntsville High School.”

“They bounced back to defeat Smiths Station 54-18 to finish 3rd in the duals state tournament,” Pike said.

“We are not satisfied with

third, but it is a great accomplishment,” he said. “We will use this to fuel us in our quest to try and win the traditional state tournament in February.”

“I believe in our guys,” he said.

against Mortimer Jordan on Friday and a road game at Mountain Brook next Tuesday.”

“We will definitely be bat-

Center Point Boys: The Eagles remain winless at 0-20 after falling to Woodlawn and Clay last week.

The Eagles play Huffman and Gardendale this week.

Girls: The Lady Eagles are 3-15 after losing to Huffman and Clay last week.

The Lady Eagles face Huffman and Gardendale this week.

by Anna Abney, who had a 141, 160, and 168 on the day, finishing with a 469 series.

Deborah Stovall shot a 150, 180, and 125 to finish with a 455, followed closely by Evie Jones who shot 131, 165, and

154 for a 450 series. Ainsley Rodgers shot a 178 in her lone game for the day, which was game one.

Bracket play for both teams will be this Thursday at SpareTime.

Shades Valley’s Ray McCants. Credit: John Goolsby

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of the toughest part of our schedule and just went 3-0 vs teams ranked in the top 5.”

“Our schedule doesn’t get any easier with a rematch

Bowling From page 17

with a 2,467 while American Christian had 2,260 and the Huskies finished with a 2,180.

The Huskies were led

Ray McCants – Shades Valley Boys Basketball

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