Associate Editor TRUSSVILLE – ACTA
Theatre opened performances of their latest play, John Patrick’s “The Curious Savage,” last weekend, with performances at 7 p.m. on Friday
TRUSSVILLE – The Trussville Board of Education heard from Alabama Association of School Boards educational consultant Dr. Michael Barber during their workshop on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, concerning the ongoing search for a new superintendent of Trussville City Schools.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Frank P. Costanzo called it an “exciting night” as the council prepared to hear the names of the five finalists for the position.
“Tonight is a big night; I am here to talk about the finalists for the position of superintendent of Trussville City Schools,” Barber said. “I think you have a very strong candidate pool and I’m excited about sharing the names and reading their letters to you and talking about their professional experience to you.”
According to Barber, there were 29 applicants for the po-
sition representing seven different states. The five finalists are Dr. John Barge of Kingston, Ga., Dr. Kevin Maddox of Birmingham, Ala., Dr. Bart Reeves of Saraland, Ala., Dr. Holly Sutherland of Haleyville, Ala., and Mr.
Charles (Tony) Willis of Florence, Ala.
Dr. John Barge is currently self-employed as an education consultant in Kingston, Georgia. He has previous experience as the superintendent of McIntosh County Schools
(2015-2019) and State School Superintendent for the Georgia Department of Education (2011-2015), in addition to several other positions in education since 1998.
“I believe my extensive background and experience in educational leadership has equipped me with the necessary skills to lead Trussville City Schools,” Barge stated in a letter, which Barber read to the council. “As your superintendent, I commit to provide solid leadership, make students a priority, provide support to employees, build community trust, and to be a positive representation of the Trussville City Schools. I appreciate your consideration for this important position.”
Dr. Kevin Maddox is currently the Assistant Superintendent at the Homewood City Board of Education, Alabama, a position he has held since 2012. He is also the Adjunct Professor at Samford University, and
From The Tribune staff reports
meeting
TRUSSVILLE – The 2023 Alabama Home and Garden Show had another successful show at the Trussville Civic Center last weekend, providing visitors with access to a variety of home improvement vendors from Friday, Feb. 10, through Sunday, Feb 12.
According to Tribune publisher Scott Buttram, there were “over 50 vendors representing products and services for almost anything imaginable inside and outside your home. It (was) really a one stop shop for free expert advice on any home, garden or lawn projects you may be considering.”
This was the fifth Home and Garden Show hosted by The Tribune. Presenting sponsors were one of Alabama’s oldest and most trusted roofing companies, Hinkle Roofing, which has participated in all five Trussville shows, and Batts’ Chimney Services. Contributing spon-
sor was video and audio specialist ihangTVs.com
“Ferlando (Parker, CEO and Founder of ihangTVs. com) does a great job,” Buttram said. “Guys, if you’re thinking about upgrading your man cave, that’s where you want to go.”
Visitors were introduced
to dozens of businesses, many of which had their unique products on display, including outdoor furniture, home video arcades, man cave audio and video services, fencing, decks and porches. For the home, there were bath and kitchen renovation specialists, roof, window, gutters
Irondale City Council grants extension for delayed shopping center, recognizes several community leaders
By Loyd McIntoshFor The Tribune
IRONDALE — The Irondale City Council granted two deadline extensions for
and door contractors, among many others. There were also “cash and carry” vendors including Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes and the always popular Tandi Cakes.
Door prizes were given away throughout the weekend with many vendors also offered their own giveaways.
From The Tribune staff reports
JEFFERSON COUNTY — The Jefferson County Department of Health regularly inspects establishments in Jefferson County where food is prepared or sold for human consumption. Two types of inspections, scored and alternative (nonscored), are performed throughout the year.
This information is presented by the Tribune in the spirit of public safety. These inspection scores are directly taken from the Jefferson County Department of Health.
The following is a list of the most recent scored inspections:
From The Tribune staff reports
HOOVER — A Center
Point man is in the Shelby County Jail and another man was hospitalized following a shooting on Sunday at Chuck E. Cheese in Inverness, according to a statement from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
“On Sunday, February 12, 2023, at approximately 4:50 p.m., Shelby County 911 received a call of a reported shooting at Chuck E. Cheese, located at 4647 US Hwy 280 in North Shelby County, officials said. Shelby County deputies immediately responded to the scene and requested assistance from the Hoover Police Department. Once on scene, deputies identified the alleged gunman and detained him without incident. A victim was also identified and found to have suffered a gunshot wound to his abdomen. Cahaba Valley Fire and Rescue transported the victim to a nearby Birmingham hospital. At this time, the victim is
reported to be in stable condition.
Criminal investigators responded to the crime scene as well as to the hospital to gather additional information about the incident.
“During the course of the investigation, it was learned that the victim and suspect were acquaintances attending the same family gathering,” according to the statement. “Following an altercation during the family gathering, witnesses and evidence support that the suspect shot the victim.”
Officials said the suspect has been identified as 23-yearold Jacques Delawrence Hunter, Jr., of Center Point, Alabama. Hunter has been charged with one count of Assault 1st and two counts of Reckless Endangerment and is being held in the Shelby County Jail on bonds totaling $125,000.
Sheriff John Samaniego stated, “I’m proud of our patrol deputies for their quick response, apprehending the suspect, and making the scene safe to render aid,” Sheriff John Samaniego said. “In Shelby
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County we have zero tolerance for violent crime. Our investigators will continue to work diligently to ensure the responsible party is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
I would also like to thank the Hoover Police Department and Cahaba Valley Fire and Rescue for their quick response. ”
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office investigators continue to investigate the shooting, and Samaniego encouraged anyone with information about this crime to contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at 205670-6000.
You can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777, or on their website at www.crimestoppersal.com. The investigation is still ongoing and the Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with additional information to call the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at (205) 670-6000. An anonymous tip can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama at 205-2547777, or on their website at www.crimestoppersmetroal. com
ers convicted after 2015. In 2021, the Alabama legislature amended the bill making it retroactive for all state inmates.
Police Department, Brandall Wayne Wadsworth was arrested on Monday, Feb. 6, for Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (UPOCS) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
“Wadsworth was recently released from prison and reoffended within 3 days,” the post stated.
According to jail records, Wadsworth, 38, of Trussville, was being held in the St. Clair County Jail on a $3,000 bond. He was also charged with parole violation.
Wadsworth was listed among the almost 400 state prisoners who received early
release from prison. He was serving time for a burglary conviction and was to be released on Oct. 25, 2023, before receiving early release.
The original early release bill applied only to offend-
The amendment was sponsored by Rep. Jim Hill -R, Moody.
“Actions have consequences,’’ Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris told Carol Robinson.
“The Pell City Police Department is determined to keep the scourge of drug possession, use, abuse and distribution out of community.”
Wadsworth was arrested when he went to meet with his parole officer and was found to have Buprenorphine Hydrochloride pills. The pill is commonly used to treat opioid addiction, but Wadsworth didn’t have a prescription for them, according to Robinson’s report.
has previous experience as a principal at Homewood City Schools (2007-2012), a principal at Talladega County Schools (2003-2007), assistant principal at Talladega County Schools (2001-2003) and a teacher/coach at Talladega County Schools (19962001).
“I consider it an honor and a privilege to apply to lead one of the top districts in Alabama,” Maddox stated in his letter to the Board. “… Much like Homewood, Trussville City Schools is a multi-faceted organization with a tradition of sustained excellence. Our districts are very similar in terms of overall size, academic expectations, extracurricular successes, and community support. Because of my diverse experiences working in a similar high performing school district, I feel uniquely qualified and prepared to take on this challenge.”
Dr. Bart Reeves is currently the Alabama Association of Schools Boards Assistant Executive Director/Government Relations, a position he has held since 2021. Formerly, he was Superintendent of Satsuma City Schools in Alabama (2018-2021), High School Principal at Jasper City Schools (2017-2018) and Superintendent of Jasper City Schools (2015-2016), in addition to several other positions in education since 1998.
“After reviewing the Board’s qualifications and expectations, I am convinced that I am a viable candidate with the knowledge, skills, and the ability to lead Trussville City Schools,” Reeves stated in his letter. “Additionally, I am highly motivated, experienced, and ready to
take on the responsibilities of becoming your superintendent. I’m currently in my 26th year in education. I have superintendent experience in the Jackson County and Satsuma City School systems. … I’m familiar with Trussville City Schools, its culture, and the high expectations school officials and the community have for its school system. It would be an honor to lead such an esteemed school district.”
Dr. Holly Sutherland is the current Superintendent of Haleyville City Board of Education, Alabama. She has been in this position since 2017.
Before that, Sutherland was a principal at Haleyville City Schools (2014-2017), a principal at Hoover City Schools (2008-2014), assistant principal at Hoover City Schools (2006-2008) and a teacher at Hoover City Schools (20012005).
“Given my experience as a superintendent, prior leadership experience at multiple levels, advanced level of education, success in the achievement of goals and objectives in the commitment to helping all students succeed, I am prepared to provide an educational experience where students will receive the highest quality education that will ensure future success,” Sutherland’s letter stated. “… I consider myself a visionary leader in student development with a firm understanding of and appreciation for the impressive tradition of excellence that the Trussville school district is known for.”
Mr. Charles (Tony) Willis is currently the Superintendent of the Demopolis City Board of Education in Alabama. He has held this position since 2021. He is also the Supervisor of Accountability at Decatur City Schools, a ti-
tle he has held since 2020. His previous experience includes principal at Decatur City Schools (2018-2020), principal at Sheffield City Schools (2013-2018), assistant principal at Limestone County Schools (2008-2013), and Dean of Students at Mars Hill Bible School (1996 to 2008).
“It is with much excitement and eagerness that I submit my application and resume for consideration for employment as the superintendent for your outstanding school district,” Willis stated in his letter. “In your flyer, you list five qualities of the ideal leader for your district.
I hope that you will find I am able to give both qualitative and quantitative data to strongly support each of the five. … I am involved in the community, and I love few things more than diving into data and finding solutions alongside my team so we can make things better for students and employees. I love what I do, and I would love to work with the wonderful district in Trussville and resolve to become not just one of the best in the state, but work tirelessly until we are the undisputed best district in the state.”
Barber provided each board member with a packet of materials that included the candidates’ transcripts, letters of recommendation, accolades they have received during their careers and more.
Dr. Costanzo said the interviews of the candidates will not be live-streamed, in order to not give some candidates the unfair advantage of listening to interviews that went before them. However, he did say the interviews will be recorded and made available to the public once all interviews have been completed.
• Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy.
• Secured facility, which means your love one is safe.
• Activity Programs to keep your loved one active.
We accept Medicare, Medicaid, Private, most HMO’s www.trussvillehealth.com
Feb. 20-25, Alabama’s Arbor Week, while learning about trees and their importance in not only our world, but our local communities.
While National Arbor Day is April 28, the state of Alabama celebrates Arbor Week each year during the last full week of February.
“Each state chooses, according to their zone and their climate, which week in the year would be best to plant trees,” said Jenna Jones, recording secretary for the Trussville Tree Commission. “So, in Alabama, it’s the last week in February.”
The Trussville Tree Commission, recently re-established in August 2021, has put the last two years to good use planting trees around the city of Trussville, having planted 18 trees in the past year alone.
“We are trying to replace trees that have been lost –the older trees – so we have a goal to plant six more this spring and probably at least 12 in the fall,” Jones said.
Arbor Week is a good opportunity for the Commission to spread awareness and help get the local community not only excited but involved in tree conservation.
This year, the Commission will be celebrating Arbor Week with a new distinction, as an official member of Tree City USA.
“We have now joined surrounding communities that are members of Tree City USA,” Jones said. “It’s quite a recognition.”
According to forestry.alabama.gov, “The Tree City USA program was created in 1976 during the bicentennial year of the Declaration of Independence. Sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the Na-
tional Association of State Foresters, the program has provided thousands of American communities’ guidance and national recognition to build effective community tree programs.”
In order to join the program, the Trussville Tree Commission had to meet certain qualifications.
“Under the guidance of Katie Wiswall (Alabama Forestry Commission) we completed the application,” Jones said. “As of 2023, we are now members of Tree City USA. That was no small feat to accomplish, but we are very proud of that. Thanks to our liaison, Councilman Perry Cook, and the 2022 Tree Commission that was newly
formed, and the signature of Mayor Choat, we qualified. It’s a feather in our cap, and now it’s a responsibility that we would like to keep up year after year.”
As far as Arbor Week goes, a group of art students from Hewitt-Trussville Middle School, along with teacher and sponsor Kristin Meriam, did an art project to help advertise for the weeklong event.
Each student submitted a painting of trees and the Commission selected winners.
“We chose a first and second place and got the students’ permission to use their paintings for advertisement,” Jones said. “We’re trying to include the students. When
you go through somebody else’s interest and you pull them into your interest, you just kind of learn about each other. Our mission is to support more trees and there are ways to do it that make people feel involved.”
Each of the students’ Arbor Week artwork will be on display all week, Feb. 20-25, at the Trussville Public Library.
One student, Bryant Gardner, was selected to have his painting on display at the office of the Alabama State Superintendent of Education in Montgomery.
On Thursday, Feb. 23, the Trussville Public Library will host guest speaker Henry Hughes at 6:30 p.m. Hughes, the retired Director of Education at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, will be speaking on native trees in the urban landscape.
On Saturday, Feb. 25, the Alabama Forestry Commission will be giving away bare root/tree seedlings at the pavilion on the Mall from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Also that morning, Girl Scout Troop 30679 will be helping to plant the celebratory Arbor Day tree near Heritage Hall, and Jean Cox, VP of Friends of Pinchgut Creek, will be providing face-painting.
There will be door prize giveaways at both Thursday’s and Friday’s events, as well.
and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. For anyone who missed opening weekend, it’s not too late to see the show as there are still three more performances this weekend. This is one show you do not want to miss.
dreams may seem.
In Mrs. Savage’s words, “There are plenty of charities for foolish people in desperate need, and none for people with a desperate need to be foolish.”
Throughout the play, theater-goers get to be metaphorical flies on the walls as they observe the beautiful relation-
With a perfectly chosen case, and directed by Angie McGowan, “The Curious Savage” brought its opening-night audience to both laughter and tears.
This play tells the comedic and yet heartwarming story of Mrs. Savage, a widow who inherits $10 million dollars, but is declared insane and put into a group home by her greedy and self-centered stepchildren after she uses the money to start a memorial fund in honor of her late husband.
While her formal name for the fund is the “Jonathan Savage Memorial Fund,” her personal name for it is “The Happiness Fund,” because she uses the money to make people’s dreams come true, no matter how silly the
ships Mrs. Savage forms with the residents and staff of The Cloisters Sanatorium, who ultimately come to her aid in the conflict with her stepchildren.
How this story unfolds, however, is a secret only to be revealed by purchasing a ticket and filling a seat at one of the remaining shows.
This weekend’s show times are:
• Friday, Feb. 17 – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 18 – 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 19 – 2:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at www.actatheater.com or at the door, and cost $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens (60+), and $10 for students. Concessions will also be available at the theater for $1 each.
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With little discussion, the council unanimously approved both deadline extension requests.
vehicle age stays below five years and to secure the maximum resale value of each vehicle.
From front page a delayed shopping center currently under construction Tuesday night.
Among the items discussed in a packed agenda, the Irondale City Council heard from Bert Boykin, attorney for the development firm HEPLEEDS, regarding construction delays that have delayed the completion of a long-awaited shopping center on Grants Mill Road.
The project, which will be anchored by Publix Supermarket, started construction in October 2021. According to Boykin, HEPLEEDS has faced several challenges, including supply chain issues related to COVID-19. Boykin said, however, that HEPLEEDS encountered a serious problem during the process to clear and grade the land.
“Through that process, they discovered a lot of what’s called ‘uncontrolled fill,’ which is unstable dirt or material that could not be used to stabilize the shopping center. That had to be removed,” said Boykin. “Hopefully those problems are behind us.”
He added that HEPLEEDS has made substantial progress in other areas, including completing 75% of the retaining walls, erecting the walls for Publix, and he indicated the utilities are currently being installed.
“But the unexpected dirt issues caused substantial construction delays,” said Boykin, “in the midst of everything else that the rest of the world was experiencing with materials and problems coming out of COVID.”
Boykin asked the council to approve an extension, moving the deadline for the opening of Phase I – including the Publix – from Feb. 21, 2023, to March 1, 2024, and extending the deadline of Phase II from April 1, 2024, to Oct. 1, 2024.
“I pray every day that you get some good weather,” said District 3 Councilwoman Cindy Cuellar.
The City Council also approved an expenditure of $1 million plus closing costs for the purchase of the old Marks Fitzgerald building located at 1847 Crestwood Boulevard for a new police headquarters and municipal court building.
During a period of discussion, Irondale Police Chief Jason Wiggins said the location is perfect for a new police headquarters as it will reduce the current number of police buildings in the city from one to four, getting “everybody under one roof.”
However, Cuellar raised concerns about the 30-day due diligence period, citing the length of time the building has been vacant and a desire to have more time to inspect the property before closing.
“That property has been for sale for well over three years,” said Cuellar. “I would really feel much more comfortable if we could change that from 30 days to 60 days to give us plenty of time to do our due diligence because that’s kind of quick.”
“That was requested but it was denied by the seller,” responded City Attorney April Danielson.
The City Council also discussed a proposal to engage with Enterprise FM Trust fleet management service to manage the city’s fleet of vehicles.
“We’re not getting rid of our fleet department,” said Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. “What we are doing is finding a better way to manage the fleet that we do have here.”
The proposal would give Enterprise FM Trust the authority to manage the city’s fleet to ensure the average
In the first part of the meeting, Mayor Stewart presented several awards and proclamations, including a proclamation celebrating the achievements of Carrington Simone Hodge, a senior at Jefferson County International Baccalaureate (JCIB), for being named as a Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama in 2023.
“On Saturday, January 21, 2023, Carrington was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama for 2023 and awarded cash scholarships during a statewide scholarship program for high school girls,” said Stewart, reading from the proclamation. “NOW, THEREFORE, be it herby resolved that I, James D. Stewart, Jr., Mayor of the City of Irondale, issue this proclamation honoring Miss Carrington Hodge for her outstanding accomplishments as a Distinguished Young Woman and for making the City of Irondale proud.”
Other proclamations and awards included: Reading of a proclamation in observance of Arbor Day Week in late February
• Mayor Stewart awarded the inaugural Community Champions Award to four individuals for their volunteer efforts to make Irondale a better place to live: Carolyn Jones, Paul Tierney, Trey Chaney, and Ginny Brown
• Police Chief Wiggins presented the 2022 Police Officer of the Quarter and Police Officer of the Year Awards: Matt Batson, first quarter; Madison Howell, second quarter; Davis Adair, third quarter; Sgt. Randy Rodriguez, fourth quarter; Matt Batson, Officer of the Year.
public hearing for a request to rezone a property on Kelly Creek Commerce Park that will serve as a distribution center.
The council heard reports from department heads for the month of January. Police Chief Thomas Hunt’s report said that there were 1,354 calls for service, 33 arrests, 28 warning tickets, 96 citations, 67 reports, 81 misdemeanors (59 closed), 24 felonies (17 closed) and police vehicles drove 14,758.
Fire Chief Larry Horton said that there were 188 responses, eight fires (one residential, one business, one vehicle, and five woods, grass or rubbish), 113 emergency medical calls, seven wrecks, 12 public services, 22 lift assists, 22 false alarms, one mutual aid received and 24 overlapping calls.
There were 33 annual inspections, 3 re-inspections and one fire pump inspection, Horton said.
Afterwards the council opened a public hearing for the request, which was made by Graham and Company, to rezone 20 acres of the property from AG-1 Agricultural to B-5 Commercial Industrial Park District. Graham and Company is the developer.
Mike Graham from the company spoke and outlined what the center will do.
“We’re open for business and we’re looking for distributors, light manufacturing,” he said. “And it’s intended to be a large distribution type building.”
Mayor Joe Lee said that this will create 600 new jobs and is a $125 million investment.
No one spoke against the matter during the hearing and will be considered at the meeting on March 13.
Later in the meeting the council passed the last item on the agenda, which was to approve repairs and paving of
sections of the Avalon subdivision. The streets of the subdivision were accepted into the city after a request from the Homeowners Association or HOA was made in 2022.
The estimated cost is $102,809.62. The HOA will pay 75% of the costs and the city will pay 25%.
In other business, the council:
• Approved a request from Park and Recreation Director Mike Staggs to extend (advertise and hire) for the front desk and custodial positions at the Civic Center through February of 2024,
• Approved Staggs’ request to purchase a John Deere Gator for the park for $12,589, Approved Horton’s request to accept the Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $150,000 for 21 new Air Packs,
• Approved Horton’s request to pay grant writer for successfully obtaining the 2021 grant in the $150,000, Approved Horton’s request to purchase Hydraulic hose for the HURST tool for $736.52,
• Approved Horton’s to purchase materials to build a uniform closet for $2,400,
• Approved a request from Library Director Sara Roberts to renew the Proquest (Heritage Quest Online) subscription from March 1 to February 2024 for $1,167.75,
• Approved a request from Hunt to repair Car # 347
with motor replacement for $8,000, Approved Hunt’s request to bid for new radios for police and fire department as part of a new system and not to exceed $245,000,
• Approved a request from Public Inspections Department Director David Crowe approval to purchase a new computer and software for $1,035.44,
• Approved a request from Public Works Department Director Steve Mitchell to bid for new Christmas Snowflake decorations for Moody Parkway at a cost not exceed $40,000, Approved a request from Councilman Lynn Taylor to amend the 2022-2023 city budget under Christmas decorations and add $45,000.00 ($40,000.00 to cover the Parkway Drive snowflakes bid if accepted and $5,000.00 for trees, lights and other decorations throughout the city) with the total budget increased to $48,000,
• Approved a request from Lee to pass resolution R2023-02-13 City of Moody Capital Assets Policy, Approved a request from Lee to pass resolution R2023-02-13A City of Moody and Moody Fire Department Purchasing –Procurement Policy,
• Approved a request from Lee to pass resolution R2023-02-13B Moody Fire Department Record Retention Policy, Approved a request from Lee to donate $1,000 to the Friends of Moody Schools Foundation, Inc., and
• Approved a request from Lee to sponsor the Miracle League for $5,000. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at Moody City Hall on 670 Park Ave.
at 11 a.m., Feb. 10, at the ADEM offices at 1400 Coliseum Boulevard in Montgomery, to discuss the Moody landfill fire. Nearly two weeks ago, several organizations, including the Environmental Defense Alliance, GASP, and Cahaba Riverkeeper announced their intents to attend the meeting and request that they be allowed to make presentations to the commission on the subject.
Former Environmental Management Commission chair Dr. Samuel Miller headed the meeting, in the absence of the current chair and vice chair. Despite the absences, the meeting did have a quorum.
Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) Director Lance LeFleur attended the meeting and made the following statement to the Commission:
“First, I want to express our sincere empathy and concern for those who have had their lives upended by the fire at the vegetative waste disposal site near Moody. We know many have been affected by smoke. Some have had to temporarily move to avoid exposure. We have heard people’s frustrations – and we share them.
“From the beginning, we recognized the best way to protect their health and safety is to put out the fire and thus eliminate the smoke as quickly as possible.
“To that end, from the moment the fire was reported to us, ADEM has been actively involved in efforts to extinguish the fire. ADEM immediately engaged with the Moody Fire Department, the Alabama Forestry Commission, the St. Clair County Commission, the State Emergency Management Agency, the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency and others.
“Unfortunately, none of us has the resources or ability to extinguish an underground fire
of this nature. “We also reached out to the EPA to ask for assistance. Because the fire involved vegetative materials not subject to either state or federal regulations, the EPA said at the time that it lacked authority to take action. ADEM persisted, however, and asked the EPA to deploy its advanced air monitoring units to clearly determine the level of risk that smoke from the fire posed to public health. The EPA agreed, and its tests found the presence of four chemicals above the accepted minimal risk level on the fire site itself and two of the chemicals above the accepted minimal risk level offsite at a single home about 300 feet from the fire.
“As unwelcome as that finding was, it did allow ADEM to then ask the EPA to take the lead in extinguishing the fire. Unlike state or local agencies, the EPA does have resources and contractors on retainer with the expertise to tackle an underground fire like this one. The EPA agreed, and work to put out the fire began January 19.
“Work is proceeding well. Smoke from the fire has been greatly reduced. EPA expects the fire to be out in a matter of weeks if not sooner.
“We want the public to know that ADEM personnel are on site every day. We are providing regular updates to the public at MoodyFireUpdate.com. In addition to the air monitoring at the six nearby stationary monitors and the EPA mobile air monitors, the Department is monitoring water quality. Test results show the fire does not appear to be having any discernable effect on water quality. We will continue to monitor water quality and report our findings along with air monitoring results.
“As we have stated before, ADEM will investigate and take appropriate enforcement action against the site operator after the fire is out.
“This fire is an extraordinary event. It exposed short-
comings in the ability and authority of state and local governments to respond to situations that are outside the scope of regulated activities but nonetheless pose risks to the public. We are in talks with representatives of county governments and other agencies about ways to close these gaps.
“Our goal, as always, is to protect the health and safety of our citizens and the environment, and to make sure we have the tools and authority to do so. We must work together and do all we can to ensure an incident like this does not happen again.”
During the public comments portion of the meeting GASP staff attorney Sidni Elise Smith and Environmental Defense Alliance (EDA) attorney David A. Ludder spoke on the landfill fire.
“GAPS is the Greater Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution,” Smith said. “Just to address some failures, I’m going to go through a quick timeline. … I went through ADEM’S e-file for ELI, which is the Environmental Landfill Incorporation, which is the location of where this Moody landfill fire is taking place. … Dating back to January of 2013, there was a record of complaint filed that was closed a couple of months later. There was no further action taken after it was investigated. Throughout these different notices of violations and side-investigation memos, you’ll see descriptions talking about it being an unauthorized dump, that the landowner is
not innocent, it was marked as a fire hazard potential on several occasions.
“You’ll see where the inspector marked waste descriptions as construction demolition waste, household waste, scrap tires, etc. And that goes on, where in 2017, it’s still some of the same things. They come out, they investigate, they still determine that the landfill is responsible for being an unauthorized dump. Several correspondences, several memos.
“Still, we’re in 2023 – we got the EPA sampling report where they revealed that there were chemicals identified that exceeded certain levels where removal action may be triggered. We know that they’re working on everything and the most recent document in the e-file is a letter from ADEM to the land owner requiring the operator to provide certain documents of certain transactions that are taking place with the landfill. So, with the Moody landfill fire timeline, we know that this was reported on Friday, Nov. 25, back in 2022, and to date, as you heard earlier, they are making efforts to extinguish the fire; that is a top priority. As an air pollution regulation organization, we are concerned with the lasting impacts beyond extinguishing fire. That is a public health concern.
“So going back to the failures, it is our assertion that ADEM failed to regulate. While we understand that ADEM claims they had no
authority over ELI because the landfill was not regulated, there should have been rules in place for when a green waste landfill poses or presents as a regulated landfill, due to noncompliance, abuse of leniency, etc.
“… It is also our assertion that ADEM failed to enforce. So, while ADEM claims no authority for land matters, ADEM is still responsible for the air under the authority mentioned earlier.”
Additionally, Smith asserted that ADEM failed to respond, saying that GASP and the EDA both provided data that there was an air contaminant concern and ADEM failed to declare an air pollution emergency.
GASP’s final assertion, Smith said, was that the Commission failed to advise, and “ADEM was not properly advised by the Commission on how or what to do to effectively regulate ELI in the past five or so years, nor how to directly handle this Moody landfill fire situation.”
Smith proposed, on behalf of GASP, that the Commission needs to direct ADEM to regulate green waste, as it is part of the definition of solid waste. Her second proposal was that the Commission direct ADEM to create an action plan to tackle emergencies like this in the future. Thirdly, Smith proposed that ADEM include organizations like GASP, who represent the community, to contribute to discussions and planning of certain environmental rules, regulations and laws.
Next, Environmental Defense Alliance (EDA) attorney David A. Ludder addressed the Commission.
“In my opinion, the Department has sufficient statutory authority today to have regulated the environmental landfill site, as well as other green waste disposal sites,” Ludder said. “What I would like to do is very briefly summarize how I get to that conclusion.
“First off, this provision of
the Code of Alabama says that solid waste shall be disposed according to requirements of this article and the rules of the department, and shall be disposed of in a permitted landfill. Of course, the Environmental Landfill Inc. site was not a permitted landfill.
“So, the question is what is solid waste? Does it include green waste? The statute defines solid waste as including ‘any other discarded materials.’ The statute does not define what discarded materials are, and when a statute is silent like that, the courts look to dictionary definitions of terms to find out what the ordinary usage of the term is.
“So, the dictionary definition of ‘material’ and ‘discarded’ are reflected here: material is basically any matter; and discarded is any material that has been rejected, cast aside, or abandoned, as no longer needed or wanted. So that is probably what the courts would look to, at least in the absence of a statutory definition.
“Now, in one ADEM rule on the solid waste program, there is a definition of discarded material – it’s very much like the dictionary definitions. It is material that is thrown away, abandoned, disposed of, or otherwise given up without the intent to reuse, recycle, or reclaim. Green waste that is put in a landfill is a discarded material … as defined both in the ADEM rule and in dictionary definitions.”
Ludder then reminded the Commission that, according to the Code of Alabama, solid waste, which by definition includes green waste, is required to be disposed of in a permitted landfill. He said the EDA is concerned about other green waste landfills in the state that are not being regulated.
Prior to public comments, Dr. Samuel Miller stated that, per the Commission’s rules, commissioners would not be responding to comments that could be of a legal nature, which would include any discussions of the landfill fire.
meeting held Monday night, Feb. 13. The mayor and council held a work session at 5 p.m. prior to the meeting to discuss the agenda.
The council held the first reading of a proposed ordinance to create a planning and zoning commission for the city. A public hearing on the commission will be scheduled for the next regular meeting of the council on Feb. 27.
“A skilled city planning commission will keep in mind the community’s dominant industry, population, growth rate, and industry need,” said Mayor Betty Bradley, speaking to The Trussville Tribune. “By drafting a city plan based on the many zoning categories created by the state or county, the commission can efficiently and effectively develop a balanced city.
“Zoning is broken down into multiple categories to help balance a city to ensure proper land use and provide value to citizens that own property,”Bradley added. “As well, zoning helps protect the local environment and keep property values stable.”
City Attorney Michael Brymer explained the process for creating the commission. Once the ordinance is passed, the council must then pass a resolution to appoint members to the commission.
Bradley asked Brymer to check with state laws to determine if service on the commission is limited to city residents or if business owners in the city can serve.
Matthew Martin presented a request to the council to de-annex his property to allow his child to attend Trussville schools. Martin’s home is currently zoned for Clay schools but he said his son has experienced bullying and threats on school buses and while at Clay Elementary school.
The council denied the zoning request and advised Martin to aggressively take his concerns to the Jefferson County Board of Education.
Matthew Vincent also spoke to the council with zoning issues. According to his complaint, the city needs to establish construction regulations to protect homeowners whose property is damaged
by builders. Vincent said his property on Cedar Creek Road has suffered damage from mud flowing from a home being built on his street. He also said the city roads are being washed out because there are no regulations protecting property owners.
Bradley also introduced a complaint from residents and property owners on Bush Lane. According to the complaint, a homeowner on the road is stockpiling construction debris and conducting noisy work late at night.
Bradley said the public street has also been damaged by the heavy equipment being moved on the road.
“He has ruined the city roads,” Bradley said. “I’ve had the fire chief go out there and look and he sent me a let-
Feb. 14, 2023, at the Pinson Rock School Complex.
“Heart and Sole” was more than a romantic and entertaining alternative to standing in lines at pricey restaurants; couples who attended were also asked to bring a donation of shoes or a pack of socks to be given to homeless people in and around the Pinson area.
ter saying it’s getting almost impossible for a truck to get in and out of there for emergency situations.”
Mayor pro tempore Dusty Stinson said the council will notify the property owner of the complaint and follow legal means to address the situation.
“We’re going to put them on notice that there’s a nuisance,” said Stinson. “They will have a time to remedy that nuisance.” He said it will first be brought before the council and then would proceed to court if the property is not cleaned in the designated timeframe.
In other business, the council approved an updated plat map for the Grant Crossing development.
The council also approved $1000 for rock and seed blankets to prevent erosion of landscaping at City Hall.
Argo Fire Chief Scott Payne said the department received a total of 54 calls in January. Payne also awarded Lt. Brent Rejonis with the Firefighter of the Year award for the department.
In the nomination submitted by a fellow firefighter, Rejonis was commended for his willingness to fill in where needed and for taking over the EMS software program.
The next regular meeting of the Argo City Council will be Monday, Feb. 27, at Argo City Hall. The agenda will be discussed in a workshop at 5 p.m. and the meeting will immediately follow.
“This whole idea came from my sister-in-law, Pamela Ruff,” PVAC founder DieDra Ruff said. “I knew I wanted to do something for Valentine’s Day, like a Valentine’s dance, but she said, ‘Heart and Sole,’ and that we could collect and give away shoes – I liked that. Everybody’s got shoes that they’re not wearing. So, that’s why we call it ‘Heart & Sole,’ for the shoes, and to give from your heart whatever you can. Then we’ll just make it a date night. Everybody is
law firm, Munos Mexican Grill in Pinson, Jefferson County Schools Director of Art Dr. Terrence Brown, and the National Association of Black Farmers, West Virginia.
As for the collected donations, Ruff said that a second event will be planned soon to give away the socks and shoes to the homeless, while also feeding them a meal. Those details are still to be determined.
“Once we collect everything, we’ll set up a separate date and let people who are in need go through the bins and get what they need,” she said. “And then we’re going to feed them.”
Additionally, Ruff said that the Pinson Valley Arts Council “Heart & Sole” Val-
looking for something to do on Valentine’s night. Couples are looking to go out to dinner or something like that. Just come to us, bring an extra pair of shoes, and you’re being a blessing as well as being blessed, because we’re going to feed you and entertain you. And bringing socks or shoes –whatever you bring – is being a blessing to somebody else.”
For only $25 per couple, plus a donation of shoes or socks, couples enjoyed catered food from Papa Sal’s in Clay, danced to music provided by DJ Drummergirl, and played games such as Bingo and “How well do you know your partner?” There were also door prizes, and plenty of beautiful decorations made by Pamela Ruff.
Sponsors for the event were Alpha United Ministries, Reginald Daniel LLC
entine’s event will become an annual event.
To learn more about the Pinson Valley Arts Council or
get information on upcoming events, look them up on Facebook or call DieDra Ruff at (404) 379-0096.
1.1 BID INFORMATION
A. B. C.
Project: Owner: Engineer:
S.R. 174 Water Main Relocation - Rebid The City of Springville Canyon Engineering, LLC
1.2 ANNOUNCEMENT
A. Your firm is invited to submit a sealed Bid for the project listed above. Owner will receive Bids at the Springville City Hall, located at 160 Walker Drive, Springville, Alabama, 35146, until 2:00 PM local time on the 14th day of March 2023, at which time and place the Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids not received by the indicated time will not be opened.
B. Project Description: Installation of approximately 260 LF of 12” HDPE or FPVC by Directional Bore, 290 LF of 10” D.I., two 12” tapping sleeves and valves, 2 gate valves, removal of 170 LF of 10” water main, and related appurtenances.
C. The Owner requires the Project to be completed in 60 calendar days.
st
D. Bidding Documents for a Unit Price contract may be obtained from the office of the Canyon Engineering, LLC, 404 1 Street E., Fort Payne, Alabama, 35967. Electronic copies will be a free download to all potential bidders. Paper sets are available upon receipt of a $50.00 non- refundable amount per set.
E. Potential bidders may view the Bid Documents at the office of the Canyon Engineering by appointment only
F Bidders will be required to provide Bid security according to the requirements in Document 002113 - Instructions to Bidders and Document 003100 - Available Project Information.
G. Refer to other Bidding requirements as described in Document 002113 - Instructions to Bidders and Document 003100Available Project Information.
H. Submit your Bid on the Bid Form provided. Bidders are required to submit the bid form, bid bond, and the E-Verify documents at the time of the bid. Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope bearing the name and address of the bidder, the bidder's General Contractor's license number, the project name, and bid date. Bidders are asked not to submit the full contract documents and specifications book at the time of the bid.
I. Bidders must carry the Municipal and Utility construction classification as listed in the roster of the Alabama State Licensing Board for General Contractors to be considered for the award of the project.
J. Your Bid will be required to be submitted under a condition of irrevocability for a period of 60 calendar days after submission.
K. Owner reserves the right to waive irregularities and to accept or reject any or all Bids.
Dajialyn was born with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and at 3 months old was placed on the waiting list for a heart transplant. When her foster parents got the call to care for her, they never hesitated – and in July 2021, they received the call with the news she would get her new heart. Within hours she was at Children’s of Alabama in surgery. Her transplant was a success, and Dajialyn is walking, talking and doing all the things that keep parents of any toddler on their toes.
Learn more at ChildrensAL.org/heart
Most natural gas pipelines are buried underground. This is not only for safety reasons, but also to protect them from the weather and ensure reliable service for all consumers. Although pipeline leaks and incidents rarely occur, keeping the delivery of natural gas for everyone remains our highest priority.
Natural gas utility companies like ours set high standards to keep natural gas pipelines incident free. The natural gas industry invests billions of dollars in research, testing, damage prevention, training and awareness to ensure pipeline safety. The natural gas pipeline system is regulated by numerous federal and state government agencies.
In your area we work closely with public fire and safety officials to promote natural gas safety. Damage prevention education and training takes place at least once a year, so local officials are prepared and know how to respond if there ever is a natural gas emergency.
As your neighbors and a part of your community, we know the importance for everyone to be well informed and know how to respond in case of a natural gas emergency.
Natural gas is one of the safest, most reliable and environmentally friendly fuels in use today, but leaks can occur. There are three key ways to recognize a natural gas leak.
Look
Blowing dirt, bubbling creeks or ponds, dry spots in moist areas or dead plants surrounded by green, live plants also may indicate a natural gas leak.
Listen
An unusual hissing sound near gas lines or appliances may indicate a natural gas leak.
Smell
In its raw state, natural gas is colorless and odorless. Natural gas utility companies add a substance called mercaptan to create the familiar, rotten-egg like odor you associate with natural gas. You should take action even if you detect only the faint odor of natural gas in the air.
Here are some keywords to help you remember what to do if a natural gas leak is suspected.
Leave
Leave the area immediately. Do not try to find or stop the leak.
Don’t Touch
Do not smoke, use any type of phone, flashlight, turn on or off any lights or appliances or operate any kind of vehicle or equipment that could create a spark.
Dial Immediately notify us. (205) 655-3211 or 1-800-755-3211
Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if a natural gas appliance is operated in an enclosed space that has no access to fresh air. Because improper installation of gas appliances can lead to carbon monoxide build-up, it is important that only qualified, licensed service personnel install your gas appliances.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly. Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble flu symptoms and include headache, dizziness and/or nausea. If you have any of these symptoms get fresh air immediately.
You may decide to purchase a carbon monoxide detector. If so, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends that the model you choose meets the Underwriters Laboratory Standard 2034. Under no circumstances should a carbon monoxide detector be used as a substitute for regular inspections by qualified service personnel.
Trussville Gas & Water is responsible for maintaining the gas lines that carry natural gas to your meter. However, you are responsible for all gas lines on your side of the meter. These lines include all piping that goes:
• From your gas meter to the appliances on your property
• From a curb side meter to the home, when the meter is not right beside the home
• From your meter underground to a building, pool, spa heater, barbecue or other gas appliance.
Not maintaining gas pipelines could result in potential hazards due to leakage. To properly maintain your gas lines, you should have them periodically inspected to identify unsafe conditions including corrosion and leaks, and repair any unsafe conditions immediately. A licensed, qualified professional can assist you in finding, inspecting and repairing your buried gas lines.
Most natural gas pipelines are buried underground. Markers indicate only the general, not exact location of pipelines. They also show the natural gas operator and emergency phone number. The markers do not show the depth of the pipelines or the number of pipelines. Underground gas lines on your property are not marked in most cases, so you should know the location of your gas meter. Be cautious when digging in areas where the lines may connect or extend from the meter to appliances on your property.
A major cause of pipeline leaks is thirdparty damage. This may include contractors or excavators digging, grading, and working along roadways. Please always notify Alabama One Call by dialing 811 no less than two days before starting any excavation.
Even if you cause what appears to be only minor damage to the pipeline, immediately notify the pipeline company. A gouge, scrape, dent or crease to the pipe or coating may cause a future rupture or leak. It is imperative that the pipeline owner inspects and repairs any damage to the line or related apparatus. Many states have laws requiring damages to be reported to the facility owner. Do not attempt to make repairs to the line yourself.
Pipelines may be located anywhere. This is why it is important to know where they are before digging for any reason.
When digging, excavating, drilling or moving earth in any way that could damage underground utility pipelines, you must contact Alabama One Call by dialing 811 no less than two days before starting the excavation. This will help avoid costly damage or injury.
A new, federally mandated national “Call Before You Dig” number, 811, was created to help protect you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines while working on digging projects.
Every dig job requires a call, even small projects like planting trees or shrubs. If you hit an underground utility line while digging, you can harm yourself and those around you, disrupt service to an entire neighborhood and potentially be responsible for fines and repair costs. Smart digging means calling 811 before each job. Whether you are a homeowner or a professional excavator, one call to 811 gets your underground utility lines marked for free. Don’t assume you know what is below. Protect yourself and those around you– call 811 every time.
The nation’s infrastructures, including pipelines, are a matter of national security. If you witness suspicious activity on a pipeline right-of-way, please report it to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible or call Trussville Gas & Water at (205) 6553211. Threat advisories may be found at the Department of Homeland Securities Web site at www.dhs.gov.
Adult Book Club
Wednesday, February 15: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Trussville - Cahaba Room
AGE GROUP: ADULT (AGES 18+)
EVENT TYPE: BOOK GROUP, ADULT PROGRAM
Educational seminar about Medicare options. Learn about important Medicare Parts A and B topics that could impact you, including enrollment, costs, benefits, etc. Your questions will be addressed by Health Benefits specialist Linda Reynolds. Registration is optional.
Cat Craft Club: Feline Silhouette Painting
February 16 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Pinson Public Library (RSMC), 4509 Pinson Boulevard Pinson, AL 35126 United States
have fun, do a craft, & have a snack.
Storytime is designed for pre-K children, but all ages are welcome.
Dog Man Mania
February 18 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Pinson Public Library (RSMC), 4509 Pinson Boulevard Pinson, AL 35126 United States
Book Club meets on the third
Wednesday of each month at 2PM. We will read a variety of selections, both fiction and nonfiction. Specific titles will be announced for each month. Description
Join us for Adult Book Club!
Connect with your community and share your thoughts about the books you’ve read.
Book Club meets on the third
Wednesday of each month at 2PM. Contact the Adult Dept (205-655-2022 or tr.adult@ jclc.org) if you need assistance in obtaining books. 2023 meeting dates are Jan 18, Feb 15, Mar 15, Apr 19, May 17, June 14, July 19, Aug 16, Sept 20, Oct 18, Nov 15.
Book selections:
January - Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
February - River of the Gods: Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile by Candice Millard
March - The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd
April - Horse by Geraldine Brooks
May - Song of the Cell by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Video Game
Tournament - Teen
Wednesday, February 15: 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Trussville - LBK Auditorium
AGE GROUP: TEEN (6TH12TH GRADE)
EVENT TYPE: TEEN PROGRAM, GAMING
(Teens & Adults, 6th grade & up)
Love cats? Love crafts?
Then we have the purrrfect club for you! Cat Craft Club is a bi-monthly event for teens & adults to gather together to make a cat craft.
February’s craft is a feline silhouette painting! We’ll supply everything you need to make a cat-inspired work of art!
No registration required. Snacks will be provided. This event is only teens (6th12th grade) & all adults
Children’s Storytime
Thursday, February 16: 10:30am - 11:30am
Trussville - LBK Auditorium
AGE GROUP: EARLY LEARNERS (BIRTHPRE-K)
EVENT TYPE: STORYTIME, CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
(All ages)
Celebrate the popular book series & everyone’s favorite crime-fighting canine during Dog Man Mania on Saturday, February 18th from 1 to 3 PM. There will be crafts, activities, games, & more for all ages.
So You Wanna Learn to Cook Series - with Jennifer Conn of Quality Kitchen
Sunday, February 19: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Trussville - Parkway Room
AGE GROUP: ADULT
(AGES 18+)
EVENT TYPE: CLASS, ADULT PROGRAM
A 5 part series - Jennifer will teach you some awesome quality hacks for cooking to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and eat for energy. She will share the best foods to “break” a fast & more!
Space is limited, so registration is required. Series dates: Feb 19, Apr 16, Jun 11, Aug 20, Oct 8
Homeschool Hangout: Fire Safety
February 21 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
(M-F 8am-6pm ET).
HEALTH/BEAUTY
ATTENTION OXYGEN
THERAPY USERS! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. FREE information kit. Call 844-322-9935.
ATTENTION: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - $99 + FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 866-505-0828.
FOR SALE
2 Cemetery Plots - Jefferson Memorial Gardens - Love Garden Side by side. Paid $2575, will sell for $2000. 205-3053325
DirecTV Satellite TV Service Starting at $59.99/month! Free Installation! 160+ channels available. Call Now to Get the Most Sports & Entertainment on TV! 844-594-7108
NEED NEW Flooring? Call Empire Today to schedule a Free in-home estimate on Carpeting and Flooring. Call Today! 1-888-381-0916.
UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home
844-601-1342.
Each month the library will be hosting a video game tournament for teens. We will play a different competitive game each month with our champion winning a prize. The type of game will vary. Some months it will be a fighting game, a racing game, or even motion games. Snacks and refreshments are provided at the event. Open to anyone in the 6th to 12th grade. (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)
Understanding Medicare
Thursday, February 16: 1:00pm - 2:00pm Trussville - Parkway Room
AGE GROUP: ADULT (AGES 18+)
EVENT TYPE: ADULT PROGRAM
Join Ms. Alicia for stories, songs, bubble time, and lots of fun! The event will be held in the library auditorium every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. All ages. Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison: Chickens
February 17 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Pinson Public Library (RSMC), 4509 Pinson Boulevard Pinson, AL 35126 United States
Pinson Public Library (RSMC), 4509 Pinson Boulevard Pinson, AL 35126 United States
GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. 1-877-323-5516
Use ItchNoMore® shampoo on dogs & cats to relieve secondary dermatitis, treat yeast infections, & eliminate doggy odor. At
ton Rd. Fultondale, Al 35068. Tables, Booths, Menus, Restaurant stuff, Misc. G213. Pam Carson 1225 1st Ave. Fultondale, AL 350638. x-mas stuff, boxes, misc. H264. Dan Henderson 5016 Little Turtle Dr. Birmingham, AL 35242. Furniture, Bed, Paintings, Misc, Dresser, Clothes, Paint, Bags, Lamps,. F146
Join us for a community gathering of homeschool students on Tuesday, Feb ruary 21st at 1:30 PM.
(All ages)
Join us for Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison on Friday, February 17th at 10 AM. Our theme is chickens! We’ll read books,
Call Jarod @ 205-747-6309
Please note the special/ changed date & time for this event. Our presenter is Center Point Fire District! We’ll learn more about fire safety from the firefighting professionals. We will also explore the new Fire Safety House that will be set up in the Rock School Center Auditorium. Homeschool Hangout is a monthly event for homeschool students to learn together, meet new friends, & use resources available at our library. Commercial & Residential
$75 OFF INITIAL PEST
june 29, 1943 ~ february 1, 2023
(age 79)
Mavis Ann Cameron, 79, of Birmingham, passed away on February 1, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband Don Cameron, father and mother Walter & Christine Burgess, and sisters Sue burgess & Faye Kesner. She is survived by her son Chad Cameron, his wife Molly and two granddaughters Blair and Halle Kate. She is also survived by nieces, Lisa Kruger, Amanda Hinson, Christina Kight-McVay, and Lisa Weiss. A funeral service will be held in her honor at Jefferson Memorial Cemetery (Trussville) on Sunday February 5, 2023. Visitation starts at 12:30 pm with chapel service at 2:00 pm. There will not be a grave side service. Ann lived a long full life and was dearly loved by many. She was a devoted wife and mother. She graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. She taught school for 38 years. 32 of those years were spent teaching 1st grade at Tarrant Elementary School in the same classroom. She was the American legion teacher of the year in 1983, nominee for Jacksonville State Teacher Hall of Fame, and TarrantPinson Valley Rotary Club Educator of the year 1995. In retirement she became the neighborhood grandmother to the children that lived around her. She loved all of them deeply and treated them like her own.
august 13, 1939 ~ february 1, 2023
(age 83)
Dezree Ann (Cockrell) Carroll went home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 1, 2023, in Birmingham, AL.
Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Dezree Smith Cockrell.
She is survived by two sons, Blake Carroll, Burke Carroll (Heidi), daughter, Andrea Havranek (James), two sisters, Sandra Lyons (Terry) of Pelham, Al, and Carol Williams (Roger) of Braselton, Ga, and six grandchildren, Michael Carroll, Erin, Emily and Claire Rockwell, Ava and Evan Carroll.
Visitation will be at 11:00 am followed by a graveside service at 12:00 on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, Jefferson Memorial Gardens, Trussville, AL. Memorial donations may be made to Family Promise of Birmingham, AL
january 7, 1967 ~ february 1, 2023
(age 56)
Sandy passed at the age of 56. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Feb.
7, at Palmerdale Cross Baptist Church, Pinson, Al. Visitation will begin at 12 noon followed by a service at 2pm. Graveside to follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, Trussville, Al..
Sandy is survived by her mother, Faye Moore; brother, Wayne (Briana); sister, Deetria (Noel); five nephews: Alex and Zeke Moore; Nicholas, Nathan, and Neilson Holt; one great-nephew, Axel Holt, as well as numerous cousins and many cherished friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert (Bob) Wayne, Moore, Sr.; grandparents: John Roy Moore, Sr and Ora Dee Booker; Harry Thomas and Florine Hodges; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She was an active member of Palmerdale Cross Baptist Church; attended United Abilities for many years; and was a resident of the ARC of Central Alabama.
She was always happy and had a smile on her face, lighting up every room she entered. As a Child of God, she looked forward to going to church to worship her Lord and Savior every Sunday. She longed to meet her Lord and Savior where she would gain her whole body. She is now running, dancing and singing praises with Jesus and the rest of her family who have gone before her. She loved Alabama Football and would let you know that was the only team she would allow being mentioned to her.
The family requested, in lieu of flowers, making a donation to Palmerdale Cross Baptist Church, (4950 Faucett Road, Pinson, Al, 35126) for the Hazael Nunley Van Fund. Hazael (6 yrs old) is a dear friend of Sandy's, who also has Cerebral Palsy.
Often, individuals purchase cemetery plots well before they die. In other cases, they may leave behind a will or document stipulating where they wish their final resting place to be. Occasionally, though, it will be up to surviving family members to select a cemetery that will be suitable.
If your loved one was a military veteran, you might wish to look into VA cemeteries near you, and most cemeteries have veteran sections. And if your loved one adhered to a particular religion, it may be worth investigating cemeteries associated with that faith tradition. A good starting place is to ask your funeral director or a family service representative for a recommendation.
If your loved one is to be cremated, it’s essential to find a cemetery that offers either a columbarium or an urn garden.
When researching local cemeteries, make sure you ask about the cost and any maintenance fees associated with the plot. Also, ask what the cemetery will do to maintain the gravesite and what your responsibilities will be as a family member.
205-322-0543
1591 Gadsden Hwy Birmingham, AL 35235
Jennifer Lynn Black, 42, of Gardendale, Alabama passed away on February 1, 2023. She was born September 6, 1980, to Mickey and Debbie Black. Jennifer grew up between the Pell City and Birmingham area. She went to Pell City High School. Jennifer had different jobs and roles throughout her short life but the most important to her, was being Mom to Madyx and Micha. When she became a mom to Madyx in 2006, her life and priorities changed. And in 2009, when Micha was born, her focus was solely on her role as Mom to them both. She was so proud of them and wanted nothing but the best for their lives. Jennifer was such a kind soul and loved everyone around her. She was everyone’s biggest fan and loved to see others succeed in life.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Deborah “Debbie” Breeden Gallant and her father, Martin ”Mickey” Vernon Black. She is survived by her children, Zachary “Madyx” Garrett; Zander Michael “Micha” Garrett; Husband and Partner, Christopher Michael “Mikie” Garrett; Brothers, Trace (Melanie) Gallant, Lee (Racheal) Gallant; Aunt, Pam (Robert) Elmore; Uncles Mitch (Evi) Breeden, Tracy (Ginger) Black; Nieces, Candace (Brandon) Smith, Chloe Gallant; Nephews, Josh (Jessica) Gallant, Breeden Gallant, Brooks Gallant; Cousins, Jason (Katie) Black, Brian (Christy) Elmore, Cari (Matt) Lemen, Michael Elmore, Kevin Elmore; and many others that loved and cared for her.
Please join us February 9, 2023, at 11 am at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, AL for visitation and service to follow at 12 pm. In lieu of flowers, please visit Jennifer Lynn Black's Memorial Website | Ever Loved for more information about the service and to share thoughts and memories with the family.
august 21, 1933 ~ february 3, 2023
(age 89)
Bertha Ann Neal, 89, beloved Mother, Daughter, Spouse, Grandmother, and Great-grandmother, was called to her eternal resting place on February 3, 2023. She entered this world on August 21, 1933, born to Arthur and Bertha Melancon. She is survived by her daughter Pam Neal; step-son Howard Neal; grandsons Caln Stewart, Adam Blackmon, Andrew Blackmon and Alex Blackmon; granddaughter Tristn Rayborn and great-grandson Emory Ford. Ann was a nurse and nursing teacher throughout her career, establishing the first nursing school at Southwest Community College in Summit, Mississippi. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the graveside, Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, Alabama.
february 13, 1927 ~ february 4, 2023
(age 95)
Mable Deale, 95, passed away on February 4, 2023. Mable was a member of 25th Avenue Baptist Church in Center Point for 65 years where she served as the Sunday School Secretary for many years. Mable worked as a bookkeeper for F.W. Woolworth Company, Woolco, and later Walmart.
Mable is survived by her sons, Thomas C Deale Jr, (Sherry), and Ronald Deale (Melanie), Sister, Margie Kirkland (Ron) and brother, John Dial Jr. She was a loving Grandmother to Candace Deale, Tommy Deale (Jaime), Katie Deale and Anna Grace Deale. She is also survived by several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Mable is preceded in death by her loving husband Thomas C Deale Sr., father John Dial, mother Margaret Dial, and siblings Melba Garrett, Opal Byers, Harvey Dial and Charlie Dial.
The graveside service for Mrs. Mable Deale will be held on Friday, February 10th at 2:00 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville. A visitation will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home one hour prior to the graveside service. Dr. John Thweatt with First Baptist Church of Pell City will preside over the service.
october 1, 1937 ~ february 4, 2023
(age 85)
Helen Irene Alexander, age 85 of Birmingham, AL passed away on February 4, 2023. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church. She is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Grady Alexander and son-in-law, Donald J. Carter. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Carter; son, Johnny M. Alexander; grandchildren, Dianna Rizzo and Dena Carter; great grandchildren, Bryce Carter-Jones, Alexander Rizzo and Fiona Rizzo; nieces, Karen Benson and Linda McDonald; nephews, Jimmy Leipart and Larry Leipart.
july 20, 1924 ~ february 5, 2023
(age 98)
Paul Evans Kirkpatrick, 98, died peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, February 5, 2023. He was born on July 20, 1924 in Winston County, Alabama, but had lived with his daughter and son-in-law in Trussville, Alabama for the past few years.
Paul learned about hard work from an early age. He was raised on a farm in Haleyville before volunteering to serve in the Army during World War II. He was stationed in North Africa and Italy. He loved his country and the American flag. After the war, he went to work for the L&N Railroad until his retirement in 1985.
He married his best friend and sweetheart, Goldie Daniel Kirkpatrick in March 1948. They were married for 73 years until her death in June 2021. He is survived by his children, Paula Hall (Jon), Bill Kirkpatrick (Kathy), John Kirkpatrick (Gale); 7 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his memory to Central Baptist Church, PO Box 434, Trussville, Alabama, 35173.
Services will be held on Friday, February 10, 2023 at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville. Visitation is 9:00am10:00am. Funeral at 10:00am.
Marie Duncan passed away February 9, 2023 surrounded by family and loved ones. She was preceded in death by parents Henry and Audrey White; Step mother Lillian White; the love of her life, husband Joe Duncan; brothers Billy White, Charles White, Harvey White and Dempsey White; sisters Christine Duncan and Faye Johnson; step brothers Carl Payne, Buddy Payne and Jerry Payne; and daughter-in-law Robbin (Harris) Duncan. Marie graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with Masters’ degrees in English and Secondary Education. She taught English in the St. Clair County School System at Ragland and Moody High Schools and touched the lives of many students by caring for their education and their welfare. She was an active and faithful member of Centercrest Baptist Church and then North Clay Baptist Church for over 60 years where she served as a Sunday School teacher for her beloved Sunshine Class, WMU director and as a hostess for numerous bridal showers and weddings. She is survived by sisters Barbara Robinson and Reba Harbison; daughter Beth Cooper (Maurice); sons Mark Duncan (Brandi), Scot Duncan (Amy), Jody Duncan (Traci); and her caregiver ”daughter” Chilsee Yates; grandchildren Christopher Cooper (Ashley), Joshua Duncan (Cindy), Justin Duncan (Paige), Jacob Duncan (Taylor), Jordan Duncan (Ashley Sarvis), Will Cooper (Jennifer), Josh Griffin, Rachel Duncan, Katy aka “Judy” Canada (Jonathan), Isaac Duncan, Austin Griffin, Hunter Hyatt and Walker Duncan; great grandchildren Mallory Bottsford-Leal (Angelica Bottsford-Leal), Adrian Bottsford, Alexis Cooper, Gracey Duncan, Daveion Cooper, Hayden Cooper, RyLee Cooper, Bentley Canada, Afton Duncan, Braxton Canada, Beckett Duncan, Josiah Duncan, Hazel Duncan, Brooks Canada, Seth Duncan and Prince Duncan. Other survivors include many nieces and nephews who were
and a host of close
For The Tribune
PINSON — The Pinson Valley boys’ basketball team continued its unbeaten streak and captured the 6A Area 12 championship Wednesday night.
The Indians improved to 27-0 on the 2022-23 season defeating area rival ClayChalkville 62-50 at Pinson Valley High School.
It was a streaky game for each team as the Indians and Cougars struggled to find the zone consistently from threepoint range.
The Cougars’ defense also, at times, was able to frustrate the Indians’ ball-handlers coming with steals and forcing turnovers throughout the contest to keep Pinson’s lead withing to within striking distance in the first half.
However, Pinson Valley’s athletes created scoring opportunities when needed, competed for every loose ball, and dominated the boards proving why they are the topranked team in Alabama regardless of classification and the 30th-ranked team in the nation.
Pinson Valley broke an early 2-2 tie with a three-pointer from senior point guard Terry Coner, launching a 16-7 run as Indian shooters found their
touch. After one quarter, Pinson Valley held a nine-point lead over Clay-Chalkville, 18-9.
The second quarter threatened to get out of hand for the Cougars, however, ClayChalkville stemmed the bleeding, forcing steals and hitting timely shots, including a huge three-pointer from sophomore shooting guard Devon McKinnon with just over 3:30 to play in the half to cut Pinson Valley’s lead to seven, 24-17.
Pinson Valley took a ninepoint lead into the locker room at halftime, 26-17, and came out for the second half with vengeance. After forcing a Clay-Chalkville turnover in the Cougars’ first possession of the half, the Indians went on a quick 5-0 run as junior
Caleb White and Terry Connor began to take control of the game.
Once again, the Cougars’ scrappiness kept the game close as McKinnon and sophomore Victor Odari sank three-pointers on back-toback possessions, cutting the Indians’ lead to ten points, 39-29. However, following a timeout, Pinson Valley’s Raymon McCants responded with a three-pointer pushing the Indians’ lead to 13, 42-29.
The rest of the quarter saw each team loft brick after brick as the game took a defensive. Pinson Valley led after three quarters 43-31.
The fourth quarter belonged to Pinson Valley as the Indian’s defense shut down the Cougars’ shooters while
getting hot on offense again. Pinson Valley eventually pushed its lead to 20 points before easing off the accelerator. Clay-Chalkville, however, continued to battle going on a 7-0 run during the final two minutes of the game to cut the Pinson Valley lead to 12.
Final score, Pinson Valley 62, Clay-Chalkville 50.
Pinson Valley Head Coach Darrell Barber said his Indians squad did a poor job of taking care of the ball in the first half, but settled in and took control in the second half.
“I think we just got careless with the basketball. We have to play defense for four quarters and take care of the basketball, and when we get a lead not getting lax,” said Barber. “We always talk about
defense and hanging our hat on defense. Late in the third quarter early in the fourth, I thought we composed ourselves defensively and we made shots.”
Pinson Valley will take on the loser of Thursday’s Cullman-Hartselle game Friday night at Pinson Valley High School. Barber said they will look at the game film and address some issues as they look to advance through the Alabama High School Basketball Playoffs.
“We need to continue to put the pressure on them and do what we need to do because we’re going to get everybody’s best shot,” Barber said.
Clay Chalkville Head Coach Chris Richardson said Wednesday’s contest against
area foe Pinson was exactly what he’s come to expect when the two teams face each other.
“This is a rivalry game so we always compete with Pinson,” said Richardson. “Our guys know a lot of their guys, so it’s always a tough, competitive game every time we play.”
Ricardson said Pinson was able to make tough shots even as the Cougars’ defense fought hard all night, contesting shots and coming up with several blocks during the game.
“They made more plays than us and kind of controlled the game all the way through,” added Richardson. “They got all the 50/50 balls and made all the tough plays.”
“We did a lot of good things tonight, don’t get me wrong,” added Richardson. “That’s a really good team that’ll make good defense look like bad defense with some of the shots they make.”
Clay-Chalkville will be on the road Friday for the next round of the playoffs, taking on the winner of the Cullman-Hartselle contest.
Clay-Chalkville was led in scoring by Odari and McKinnon each with 11 points. Pinson Valley was led by White with 23 points and Coner with 21 points on the night.
TRUSSVILLE
– It is most certainly postseason basketball time in Trussville, Alabama and Tonya Hunter’s Lady Huskies are on a mission, not just to win an area championship, but to possibly prove that they are right up there with top tier in 7A ladies basketball and they have done just that all year.
Thursday night was no exception as the Lady Huskies welcomed in the Chelsea Hornets for the 7A Area 6 championship game. Despite missing one of their best players in April Hooks and seeing Audre Benson getting in early foul trouble, the Huskies were able to depend on some others to step up in the game and help them get the win and the area championship, 46-37 at Bryant Bank Arena.
The Huskies jumped out to a 7-1 lead to start the first quarter, but Chelsea called a time out and rallied the troops to make it competitive. Audre Benson got 2 quick fouls in the first quarter and had to come out of the game for a bit. Hewitt would outscore the Hornets 12-8 in the first period of play. Sara Phillips would lead the Huskies with 7 points to start the game, paired with 3 from Deandrea Powell.
The second quarter would be a tight one. Hewitt would score 14 points on the offensive side of the ball, but the tenacious defense of the first quarter would slip a bit and allow the Hornets to come within a point of them by
scoring 13 in the quarter.
Jordan Hunter would begin to heat up in the second by scoring 8 of their 13 points to go with a pair of three-pointers from Phillips and Powell respectively. Hewitt would head into the break with a narrow 26-21 lead.
That tenacious Husky defense would rear its head again in the third quarter, smothering the Hornets and only allowing them to score 4 points. Meanwhile, on offense, Hewitt would score 11 of their own. Hunter would once again lead all scorers for the period with 5, but the threes kept falling as Powell hit another one in the third and Lilly Gray got in on the fun by hitting one of her own. 37-25 would be the score going into the final quarter of the game and the Huskies could smell victory.
Chelsea would start the final period of the game with a 7-1 run on the Husky defense to get the game to within 6 points, but that would be as close as they got, despite outscoring Hewitt 12-9 in the quarter. Benson would get to
By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor
MOODY – On Thursday night, the Moody Lady Blue Devils hosted the 5A Area 11 championship game against the rival Springville Lady Tigers in a game that saw all of the excitement of a rivalry game with an area title on the line. Both teams came out swinging like heavyweight boxers in the first quarter of the game defensively. Springville would manage just 11 points for the period
and Moody would score one less with 10. Leading the way for Springville would be Farrah Hawkins, who had 7 of the 11 points herself. For Moody, Tori Pyles would hit a pair of three-pointers to lead the Blue Devils with 6 points in the first quarter. The second was much of the same as the teams would tie for quarter with 12 points each. Pyles would be held scoreless for Moody, but teammates Ryleigh Hodges (7 points) and Serenity Rutledge
the charity stripe a couple of times, despite her own foul trouble in the game, and help out her team with 5 points while Hunter added the other 4 of Hewitt’s points, all from the foul line as well.
Jordan Hunter ended the night with 19 points for the Huskies to go with 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 6 steals and a blocked shot. Sara Phillips would add 10 points with 4 rebounds and 1 assist.
“The last 10 days, we’ve had so many girls step up and execute what we are trying to do. They are doing a heck of a job executing. We are so much better defensively than we were even 6 days ago,” said Hewitt coach Tonya Hunter. “Every opportunity we get, we look to get better. We are going to work more on defensive assignments that we need to take care of and move the ball a little bit better.”
On the area championship, Coach Hunter said, “This is so great. We haven’t won one since 2018 and for these Seniors, it is fantastic to get that.”
SPRINGVILLE – If Gene Stallings were a basketball coach, Friday’s 5A Area 11 game would have been his type of game. Good defense, not a lot of scoring, chippy, aggressive. Just two rivalry teams battling it out for the right to call themselves the area champions. At the end of the night, battered and bruised, after 4 quarters and an overtime of beating and banging on one another, the Moody Blue Devils prevailed over the top-seeded tournament host, and heated rival, Springville Tigers, by a final of 35-30.
Starting the game with a bang, the Tigers came out and
jumped on Moody 5-0 in the first quarter and the crowd was deafening early on, getting behind their boys. But Moody would answer with two quick scores, a three-pointer by Caden Helms and a monstrous
dunk by Davion Dozier, tying the game at 5. Dozier would come back down the court and hit a jumper plus the andone and put Moody up 8-5.
MORRIS
– After beating
Pinson on Monday night, the Clay Chalkville Lady Cougars advanced to the 6A Area 12 championship at Mortimer Jordan High School against the awaiting hosts, the Lady Blue Devils who had a bye in the first round of the tournament.
The game was a classic back and forth game, exactly what you would expect from two quality basketball teams who were playing for the right to host the next game of the playoffs while calling them-
the Blue Devils of Mortimer Jordan by a score of 55-51.
The Cougars came out on defense and set the tone for the night, holding the Blue Devils to just 10 points in the first quarter. Clay didn’t blow the doors off offensively, but did score 14 points to outscore the Blue Devils by 4 points to start the game. Kameron Sanders led the Cougars in the first with 6 points to go with 6 from Kamoriah Gaines.
selves area champs. The Lady Cougars answered the call Wednesday night, defeating
The second quarter was much like the first, with the lady Cougars playing good
For the Tribune
IRONDALE – Pell City knew that to bring home the area crown, they would have to stop Area MVP Angela Williams. They were successful with that strategy for the first period.
Fortunately for the Lady Mounties, Williams had other plans. The junior scored 22 points over the next three quarters to lead Valley to a 58-53 victory and the Area 10 championship.
Pell City got off to a fast start and jumped out to an 11-8 lead at the end of the first quarter. Williams exploded for 13 points in the second period, and the Lady Mounties headed to halftime with a 27-21 lead.
Pell City outscored Valley 10-9 out of the break and cut the Lady Mounties’ lead to five points, 36-31, as the two teams headed to the fourth period.
Williams scored 7 points, and Rhaegan Evans and Kyliah Ravizee scored 5 points each in the fourth period to
BIRMINGHAM – The Hewitt Trussville Husky boys basketball team has seen peaks and valleys during this basketball season and Wednesday night was definitely a valley. In a season where the Huskies have proven that they can play with some of the best teams in the state, they have also failed, at times, to finish. Effort has never been an issue with the team but sometimes the ball just did not bounce their way and execution at times may have been an issue. But the boys never quit.
“Even though we are a little down about how it ended, I could not be more proud of our team and coaching staff,” said Hewitt Coach Jeremy Monceaux.
Wednesday’s game started with Spain Park, ranked in the top 10 in 7A, only managing 9 points against the Husky defense. Hewitt scored 10 points to win the period over the Jaguars, led by Reid Stodghill with 5 points and Braxton Brown with 3.
In the second quarter, the Huskies would hold Spain Park to 13 points on the defensive side. But Coach Monceaux’s boys could not find the basket in the second period, scoring just 5 points before the half. Brown would have another 3 and Legion Gaston had the other 2 for the Huskies. Hewitt would trail Spain Park 2215 heading into the halftime break.
Hewitt would find some footing on offense in the third quarter but the defense would allow Spain Park to outscore them by one point, 14-13, in the period. Gaston would snag another 8 points to lead the Huskies in scoring in the third while Emeka Anwah would add 5. Hewitt would still trail heading into the fourth quarter, but they were still within striking distance, 36-28.
The Huskies would struggle again to find the basket in the fourth quarter, scoring just 8 points. Gaston led the way with 3 and Ray Rolley and Reid Stodghill had 2 each in the period. On defense, the Huskies played well, allowing just 10 points, but the scoring just was not there for Hewitt on this night.
Hewitt’s Legion Gaston led the way for them with 14 points on the night to go with 7 from Reid Stodghill.
“Obviously, we are disappointed. No one wants to
see their season come to an early end. We did not play our best game tonight which makes it tough, but from an effort standpoint, our players gave everything they had and fought to the end,” said Coach Monceaux.
“We did not close the first half well and I think it got us in the end. It was 15-16 and we had three or four turnovers in the last few minutes before halftime. That was really the only significant run by either team and it just seemed like we were fighting an uphill battle that we could not over come after that,” continued Monceaux.
“These young men went from 8 wins last year to 18 this year and put Hewitt Trussville basketball back in the conversation of relevant programs in our state. We had 8 Seniors and they have raised the bar for what is expected with our program here,” said Coach Monceaux of his team.
From page 16
(3 points) would take up the slack. For Springville, Olivia Carroll would have 6 points followed by a three-pointer for Audrey Talton in the quarter. Springville would go into the half with a narrow 23-22 lead.
The third quarter would prove to be the turning point in the game. Half way through the period, the Tigers held a one-point lead over Moody, 30-29. Then tragedy struck for Springville with 3:30 left in the period. Audrey Talton went down with an apparent knee injury that required a long time out and a trip off of the court on a stretcher. Her message to her team was “please win.” The Tigers took that message to heart.
From that point on, Springville played with a passion they did not have the previous 2.5 quarters of play. Moody was on a 7-0 run at the time of the injury but the Tigers would outscore Moody 10-2 for the remainder of the quarter, outscoring them 17-9 for the entirety of the period. Springville was led by Hawkins with 10 points and
From page 17
defense, only allowing 13 points by Mortimer Jordan. The Cougars improved on their first quarter offense by scoring 16 points in the second, led by Gaines with 8 points and Cheyenne Pearson with 4. The score at the half would be 30-23 with the Cougars leading.
Clay Chalkville would come out of the locker room determined to continue controlling the game on both sides of the ball. On the defensive side of the ball, Clay would hold the Blue Devils to just 12 points while scoring 15 of their own. Kimora Brewster would get in on the
Moody’s Rutledge would lead the Blue Devils with 3. The score heading into the fourth quarter would be 4031 Springville with all of the emotion and momentum on the Tigers’ side.
The final quarter of the game would go back to the status quo of the first two quarters with the teams going toe to toe, with one point separating them as Springville outscored Moody 13-12 in the fourth. Serenity Rutledge would try to bring Moody back with an 8-point quarter but it would not be enough. Hawkins had 7 in the quarter for the Lady Tigers. The final would be 53-43 with Springville winning their first area championship since 2015.
On the night, Moody’s Serenity Rutledge led the Blue Devils with 17 points, followed by 9 from Ryleigh Hodges and 10 from Tori Pyles. Springville was led by Farrah Hawkins who had 24 points and Olivia Carroll with 9. “It was a tough loss,” said Becca Davis, Moody’s Head Coach. “We didn’t play our best and had too many mistakes to win. We played hard,
fun as she led all scorers with 6 points to go with 4 more from Pearson to put the Cougars up 45-35 heading into the final stanza.
In the fourth quarter, Mortimer Jordan had a comeback on their minds, putting up their game-high 16 points during the period. Clay would struggle a bit to find offensive footing in the quarter, only getting 10 points, but that would be enough to seal the win for Clay Chalkville and earn them the title of area champions. Sanders and Gaines would both have 4 points each to combine for all but 2 of the total output for the Cougars in the quarter.
On the night, Kamoriah Gaines had an outstanding
just not well. We want to offer Audrey Talton our sincerest thoughts as she recovers from her injury. Springville had a solid game plan. We wish them good luck in the playoffs. As much as this one hurt, we have to let it go and prepare for a talented Southside team.”
“I was very proud of how our team responded after Audrey’s injury,” said Springville coach Warren House. “The team went on a 10-point run when play resumed. They worked hard on the boards and out-rebounded Moody 35-23. For most of the night, the girls worked really hard defensively. They had to. Moody has several girls who do a great job scoring. My girls have the utmost respect for the way the Moody girls play.”
Springville’s Farrah Hawkins won tournament MVP and teammates Leah Bowden and Audrey Talton were named to the all-area team.
The Tigers will host the winner of Friday night’s game between Southside and Alexandria while Moody travels to play the winner of the same game. Both games will be played on Monday night.
game, scoring 21 points for the Cougars. Kameron Sanders added 14 points while Cheyenne Pearson had 12.
“I am so proud of these girls,” said Kevin Connor, Head Coach of the Lady Cougars. “Coach Robinson does a great job over there and they have been one of the top 2 or 3 teams in 6A for the last several years. To be able to go into their building and win an area championship against that team says a lot about my team. We are going to enjoy this one tonight and start getting ready tomorrow for a good Cullman team on Monday night.
The Cougars, now 21-7 on the season, will host Cullman on Monday night in the next round of playoff action.
Moody
From page 16
Springville’s Ty Harrison would go right back up the court and nail a three-pointer of his own to tie it at 8 late in the first. Springville’s Collin Lockhart would add 2 points to put Springville up 10-8 after one quarter of play. The second quarter did not offer much in the way of scoring, but that doesn’t mean it was not physical. Each time a player drove into the lane on either side of the court, they were punished by the big guys and the refs let them play on this night.
Springville’s Zach Brown hit the only shot of the quarter from the field, a three-pointer early in the game to make it 13-8. Moody’s only points came with just a minute to go before the half when Dozier drove to the basket and was fouled and hit both shots from the charity stripe. Springville would take a 13-10 lead into the locker room. Yes folks, this is still basketball we are talking about.
In the third quarter, Moody looked to swing the momentum and they were successful, albeit not by much. On defense they held Springville to 3 points for the second frame in a row with Lockhart hitting the lone field goal and Brodie Frederick adding a free throw. For Moody, Seymour, Dozier and Helms all hit a shot from the field to get 2 points each and Seymour had a made free throw to win the quarter 7-3 and take the lead heading into the fourth quarter, 17-16.
Springville teleported back to the beginning of the
From page 17
help Valley maintain the lead and secure the victory and Area Title.
Zaniya Mitchell of Pell City scored 10 fourth quarter points and led the Panthers
game at the start of the fourth by going on a 4-0 run and by this time both student sections were in an absolute frenzy. Dozier would answer for Moody by hitting a layup and getting the and-one to close it to a one-point deficit. Helms would hit a three-pointer to put Moody up by 2 but Frederick would do some answering of his own, hitting a clutch shot to tie the game up at 22. The teams would go back and forth scoring and wind up needing an overtime period to close this one out. It was 28-28 at the end of regulation.
The fans were treated to bonus basketball in this championship rivalry game and it did not disappoint. Dozier opened the 4-minute period with a jumper to put Moody up 30-28. Lockhart would take it the other way and get fouled, hitting both free throws to tie it again, now 30-30. Carson Dillashaw would be fouled on the other end of the court and hit one of the two free throws, making it 31-30 Blue Devils. Dozier would do the same, getting fouled and hitting one of two free throws to extend the lead to 2. With 27 seconds left, Kolby Seymour would hit a layup to put Moody up 34-30. Springville’s sharp shooter Ty Harrison got the ball in his hands and got the open look from the arc, but the shot did not fall for him this time as he missed a three-pointer with 14 seconds to go in what would be the Tigers’ final chance to make a push. Dozier would add a free throw to make the final 35-30 with Moody winning their sec-
with 22 points. Williams finished with 22 points. Evans and Zoey Little scored 10 apiece.
Williams, Little and Kia Crayton were named to the All-Area team.
“We’ve had moments where we bent but didn’t
ond area championship in a row over a well-deserving Springville team that left it all on the court, along with the Blue Devils themselves.
Collin Lockhart had a solid effort for Springville, scoring 14 points for his team, almost half of their total output. Brodie Frederick followed with 7 points and Ty Harrison added 6 for the Tigers.
Davion Dozier did score over half of his team’s points, tallying 17 for the night. His supporting case consisted of Caden Helms with 10 and Kolby Seymour with 5.
“We fought hard,” said Springville Coach Brandon Easterwood. “We just didn’t make enough shots. We got the shots, they just didn’t fall. We’ve got to take care of the ball better (to beat Southside). Do a better job boxing out and create opportunities to create better shots.”
Moody’s Head Coach Chad Bates had this to say about his teams performance, “It was a scrappy game. Neither team could shoot it. We couldn’t hit anything. We only had ten points at halftime. I felt like we were getting good looks. They did a good job and they are a tough team.”
“It’s big for the guys,” said Coach Bates about winning the area championship. “I don’t know if Moody has ever been back-to-back area champs, so that’s good. I’m just really proud of the guys and how they fought.”
Moody will host Alexandria on Tuesday night while Springville travels to Southside in the next round of the playoffs.
break,” said head coach Gary Ferguson. “This team has shown a true level of resiliency and simply finds a way to win.”
The Lady Mounties host Gadsden City this Monday in the sub-regionals at 6 PM