The Trussville Tribune – February 21 - 27, 2024

See PINSON, Page 4

City of Clay seeing impact of grocery tax cuts as inflation reduces spending

By Terry Schrimscher

CLAY — The Clay City Council met for the first regular meeting of the month on Tuesday night, February 13, at City Hall. There were no petitions or hearings and the Council moved quickly through the short agenda in a

See CLAY, Page 5

Arbor Day art finalists, schedule of events announced

From Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — On

Tuesday, the Trussville City Council passed resolutions designating Feb. 19-25 as Tree City Week, also referred to as Arbor Week, and Feb. 24 as Arbor Day.

The State of Alabama

Gina Carano Page 7

Trussville lowers Hwy 11 speed limit, hear plans for upcoming tree giveaway

By Scott Buttram publisher

TRUSSVILLE — A major thoroughfare in Trussville will get a speed limit reduction and the Trussville Tree Commission is preparing to give hundreds of free trees away to citizens in honor of Arbor Day.

Those were two of the highlights in the Trussville City Council regular meeting on Tuesday night. The meeting went quickly, but the council moved a lot of business forward through the consent agenda.

Additionally, the council recognized Trussville City Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year Hannah Lutz and Secondary Teacher of the Year Charlotte Booker. TCS recently honored both for their outstanding service to Trussville students.

The council unanimously approved reducing the speed limit on U.S. Highway 11 from Deerfoot Parkway north to the city limits just past the entrance to Carrington. The current speed limit is 55 mph and the vote lowers the speed limit to 45 mph.

The reduction in speed was approved and recommended to the council by the Public Safety Committee. Trussville Police Chief Eric Rush cited the development along the northern stretch of road which includes two of the city’s largest neighborhoods, Carrington and Stockton, as factors in lowering speed limits.

Earlier Tuesday, the Tribune reported that Leola W. Manuel, 82, of Trussville, had died following a crash at Carrington Drive and Gadsden Highway on Monday.

Rush also pointed out that the 55 mph speed limit dropping to 35 mph in the Paine Elementary School zone, while legal, isn’t optimal. He said, coming south in Hwy. 11, the transition from 45 mph to the 35 mph school zone is safer and makes more sense.

Ralph Mitchell of the Trussville Tree Commission also addressed the council as they passed resolutions for the upcoming Tree City Week from Feb. 19 – Feb. 25 and Arbor Day on Feb. 24. It will be the commission’s third Ar-

bor Day celebration and tree giveaway.

Mitchell thanked Mayor Buddy Choat for reinvigorating the Tree Commission and the council for their financial support. Mitchell said the commission combined their city budget allocation with grants from Sen. Shay Shelnutt and Alabama Power to obtain 230 3-gallon bucket trees and 300 bare root trees to give free to residents on Arbor Day. The tree giveaway will be from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Mall under pavilion on Feb. 24. A recent survey of the protected trees that form the oak canopy in the Cahaba Homestead Historic District listed 498 trees. Mitchell said the commission worked with the surveyor to identify the historic district boundaries and the number of protected trees rose to 569 in the recount.

Mitchell said 32 trees have been replaced with about 60 to go. Approximately 22 to 23 trees need to come down and the commission plans replace all of them.

See TRUSSVILLE, Page 4

Alabama Senators eye comprehensive gambling legislation: ‘It would be very embarrassing for the Senate to fail’

Caleb Taylor 1819 News

MONTGOMERY — The gambling debate will now move to the State Senate after the House of Representatives passed two comprehensive bills on Thursday. House Bill 151 (HB151) repeals all constitutional amendments allowing gambling in certain parts of the state and removes the state’s constitutional gambling prohibition. House Bill 152 (HB152) authorizes a series of provisions legalizing casino gaming in specific locations, a statewide lottery and online sports betting.

“It passed the House with 70 votes. That’s significant. I think it would be very embarrassing for the Senate to fail on this one,” State Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Atmore) told 1819 News on Thursday. “It is very, very similar to the bills that I dropped two and three years ago. I like it. There’s parts of it that I don’t like, but I can’t argue with the results. I think it’s going

to give Alabama a chance to capture this industry, cap it, control it, regulate it, tax it, stop the growth, and have a regimen that we can enforce and collect.”

Albritton said he didn’t know of a timeline yet for when the bills would appear in committee in the Senate.

“Most of the Senate was sitting back in laissez-faire mode, hoping that they wouldn’t have anything to do,

but the House got mean and sent it up. We’ve got some work to do. We’ve got some training and instruction and going through it. I don’t know how long it will take. We’ll see,” Albritton said. “There’s not anything new. There’s not anything in there that we haven’t seen previously. It’s just in different positions, I guess.”

State Sen. Larry Stutts (R-Tuscumbia) said he wasn’t

sure how much support the two gambling bills currently had in the Senate.

“I am not sure of the potential vote count in the Senate. I remain opposed to gambling,” he said. “I have not seen exactly what amendments were added in the House. Gambling doesn’t generate any goods or services; it just redistributes available money that would be spent or other things with the state taxing the transaction. Casinos aren’t built by winners but by losers. We outlaw other schemes that are designed for one to lose money, but efforts are being made to sanction this statewide. It isn’t good for families, our moral climate, or the culture.”

Senate leadership said both bills would be treated no differently than other types of legislation.

“The Alabama Senate is prepared and ready to address gaming and lottery legislation passed by the House of Representatives,” Senate

See GAMBLING, Page 5

All-Tribune boys team Page 13

See BOUNCE, Page 2

Leeds BOE recognizes teachers for achieving national certifications

By Nathan Prewett For the

Tribune

LEEDS – The Leeds Board of Education recognized three teachers for achieving the coveted certification by the National Board of Teaching Standards during a meeting

See LEEDS, Page 5

From Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — Ascension St. Vincent’s East Freestanding Emergency Department in Trussville officially opened to the public on Friday, Feb. 16 at 6 a.m., according to a statement released on

MARTY’S TRUSSVILLE

Photo: Irochka

Trussville City Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year Hannah Lutz and Secondary Teacher of the Year Charlotte Booker were honored by the City Council.

urday and Sunday sessions begin at 10:30 a.m. To secure your tickets and partake in the Funbox experience, visit: https://funbox.com/birmingham.

“I’m so excited to bring Funbox to the Birmingham area,” franchise owner Mustafa Saleemi said. “It’s something people have never seen

before. The whole family can enjoy the park together and really let out their inner child. Funbox promises to astonish and enchant families with its endless opportuni-ties for screen-free enjoyment.”

For its grand opening weekend from March 1 to March 3, Funbox pricing will be set at just $18 with a portion of the proceeds benefiting two local foster organizations, Heart Gallery Alabama and Garret’s Place.

Heart Gallery Alabama is a non-profit organization that connects youth in foster care with caring adults who provide the stability and guidance they need to thrive. Garret’s Place serves foster chil-dren and the families who care for them by providing for basic needs, connection and support. They provide suitcases, clothes, books, toys, school supplies and other items to children entering the foster system.

The chosen selections are for the State Superintendent’s Visual Art Exhibition and will be on display through February 23 for the K-6 work and March 1-22 for the seventh graders through seniors.

Students from from Layken Rubin’s art classes at Hewitt-Trussville High School are sophomores Sawyer Henderson and Harper Ramadan; juniors Sydney Boggess, Raymie, Brechin and Aaralynn Gilles; and seniors Kathryn Henderson, Elly Morris and Kelsey Norris.

Representing HewittTrussville Middle School is the artwork of sixth graders Kinsley Halpin and Michelle Treese, and eight graders Sawyer Hancock and Eleanor Tucker. Kristin Meriam is the stu-dents’ art teacher.

From Paine Elementary

School, the art creations of kindergartener Paige Sexton, first grader Vivi Philpot, second grader Grayton Mann, third grader Olivia Cates, fourth graders Liam Davidson, Grace Geline and Raegan Ryan, and fifth grader Sophie Burt are on exhibit. The eight artists are from Ange-la Santiago’s and Kelsi Andrews’s art classes.

OS1 Orthopedic & Sports Injury Clinic Expands Reach with Second Location Coming Soon to Trussville

Special to The Tribune

BIRMINGHAM — OS1

Orthopedic & Sports Injury Clinic, a full-service, walkin, orthopedic clinic, recently announced their second location which will open in March 2024 at the Pinnacle in Trussville. The first location of the practice opened in Hoover in the summer of 2020.

“We are eager to bring our full-service orthopedic clinic to Trussville, offering a comprehensive suite of services that cater to the diverse orthopedic needs of the community,” said Dustin Taylor, President & CEO at OS1. “OS1 looks forward to serving Trussville and the surrounding communities with the same dedication to unparalleled service and quality that has defined our reputation.”

The concept of a walk-in clinic is not new nationally but was not well known in the area before OS1 opened

Center Point

From front page

purchase during the second regular monthly meeting on February 15, 2024.

“If anything would happen, like something happened at the church this weekend, people are just doing things,” said Councilman Glenn Williams Sr. “I’d hate for something to happen to our employees,” he added.

Williams mentioned a past incident at City Hall where an angry person threatened City Clerk Tameeka Vann and

in Alabama. However, the advisory board consists of a group of doctors from one of the most renown names in the industry, Andrews Sports Medicine.

OS1 distinguishes itself from traditional emergency rooms and urgent care clinics by focusing on a wide range of technology-based services, including sport and injury assessments, ultrasound guided injections, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP), and onsite x-ray and MRI services. The clinic is designed to meet the needs of patients needing prompt care for sports-related and orthopedic injuries. The clinic also offers sports physicals for aspiring athletes.

The business model was carefully developed through a collaboration of entrepreneurs, healthcare leaders and IT experts including founder Bill Dexheimer, who continues to serve as Chairman of the board of OS1 Holdings, Inc. Another name familiar

expressed concern that City Hall needs to be more secure to protect employees dealing with the public.

The motion to purchase bulletproof glass for $12,007.96 was approved unanimously. Council President D.M. Collins was absent due to illness but spoke to the Tribune after the meeting.

“In light of the escalating nationwide violence and growing concerns for the safety of public officials, in-stalling safety measures in City Hall is a necessary,” said

to the area, Dr. Bruce Irwin, founder of American Family Care, was a founder OS1 and served on the board until his death last year. Randy Johansen, President of American Family Care, currently serves on the board.

OS1 Holdings, Inc., through OS1 Management, LLC, is an Orthopedic Urgent Care Management Company, partnering with Physician owned practices, to bring OS1 Sports Injury Clinics to communities across the country.

The Trussville clinic is the second of several planned clinics for OS1, according to Orthopedics This Week magazine. Current plans include opening three clinics a year.

The new OS1 Orthopedic & Sports Injury Clinic in Trussville is located a few doors down from Belk, at 5006 Pinnacle Square, Suite 106, Trussville, AL 35235. For more information, please visit www.bettersooner.com.

Collins. “This proactive step protects those who serve our community.”

The Council also approved $29,072.45 for the purchase of helmets for Center Point youth sports pro-grams.

“Kudos to the council for approving funds for youth safety helmets in the recreation program,” Collins said. “It’s always important to prioritize our children’s well-being, this agreement ensures routine safety maintenance of the helmets, it’s assuring to know that all children participating in our sports program

Alabama lawmakers face quick deadline to pass election integrity legislation

By Paul DeMarco

Two years ago, Alabama voters passed a constitutional amendment that required any changes to election law must be enacted no later than six months before voters go to the polls. The impetus for the law was based on the concerns of what had occurred around the Nation in the 2020 presidential election law when the states made last minute changes to the absentee ballot process. Since this is an election year, one of the first bills the Alabama Senate will take up will ban harvesting of absentee ballots. The new law would prohibit individuals or groups from receiving payment for the collection of absentee ballots from voters to deliver to the courthouse. This has been a long-time problem in Alabama that has raised concerns about some absentee ballots counted

will have safe helmets,” she added.

In his report to the Council, Mayor Bobby Scott reminded everyone of the “Earn as you Learn” essay contest. The contest offers prizes to local students for short essays in recognition of Black History Month.

The Center Point City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month at City Hall located at 2209 Center Point Parkway. The next meeting will be held Thursday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m.

Paul DeMarco

in Alabama. There has been a real question about the authenticity of ballots and thus state representatives and senators want to get this resolved once and for all.

This year it could be an even bigger issue with the high-stake election in Alabama’s Second Congressional contest in the fall. With the new Unites States Supreme Court ordered Congressional map, this will be one of the most competitive elections in the Nation. With Republicans holding a razor thin majority of the United States House of Representatives, Democrats

are going to pour in hundreds of thousands of dollars to take this seat. Thus, you can count on Democratic organizations actively soliciting absentee ballots.

The bill died in the Alabama Senate on the final day of the session, but if it passes the senate in the next week or so, state representatives have promised they would move it quickly to Governor Kay Ivey’s desk for her signature. While there are a lot of important bills that will be debated this session, clearly passage of this legislation will have an immediate impact on state elections.

Let’s see if lawmakers keep their word to ensure honest elections. Alabama voters must have confidence in the integrity of state elections.

Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives and can be found on X formerly Twitter at @Paul_DeMarco

The Center Point City Council approved the installation of bulletproof glass in City Hall. Photo Terry Schrimscher

Mitchell and fellow Tree Commission member David Dobbs will be guests on Tribune Unscripted at noon on Thursday to discuss the Arbor Day tree giveaway and update the audience on the tree survey in the historic district.

In public comments, Jim Wolfe addressed the mayor and council regarding concerns about the condition and width of Edgeview Avenue.

Edgeview Avenue is one of several roads expected to see an uptick in traffic as residents in adjoining neighborhoods will use it to access the loop road being created around the Main Street-North Chalkville Road intersection.

Wolfe pointed out the narrowness of the road in some spots and the overall condition as traffic is already increasing in the southwest sector.

Mayor Choat said he already had city personnel looking at the situation with the road to determine the best course of action.

“It’s fairly narrow in some places, quite honestly,” Choat said.

Recommendations will be made to the council when the report is complete.

Choat said later that Alabama Power is currently moving and resetting more power poles in relation to the loop road moving forward.

Additionally, the mayor said that he had been notified that ALDOT plans to repave U.S. Hwy. 11 from I-459 to to Waterson Parkway in Trussville. The entire project will reach all the way to Roebuck in the city of Birmingham. That project is anticipated to begin in May.

The council voted to go into executive session to discuss a commercial development and real estate. They then adjourned without additional

action. The following actions were taken by the City Council;

Consent Agenda

• Appoint Richard Alhquist to the Tree Commission, succeeding Eric Frederick, with term ending February 28, 2026

Appoint Sheree Mitchell to the Tree Commission, with term ending February 28, 2027

• Reappoint Tree Commission members David Dobbs and Jenna Jones, with terms ending February 28, 2027

Engage Sain Associates on an as-needed basis with a $70,000 cap for the year.

Regular Agenda (Resolutions, Ordinances, etc.)

• Proclamation Honoring Teacher of the Year Charlotte Booker Hewitt-Middle

Proclamation Honoring Teacher of the Year Hannah Lutz Paine Elementary Proclamation Declaring Trussville Freedom Celebration Day a Citywide Event July 4th 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

• Proclamation Recognizing Tree City Week Feb. 19-25

Proclamation Recognizing Arbor Day Feb. 24 Ordinance to Lower the Speed Limit on a Portion of Gadsden Highway Deerfoot to north city limits from 55 mph to 45 mph.

• Resolution to Transfer Education Trust Fund Money to the City Board of Education

Accounts Payable

• Alabama Vegetation Management Conference for Assistant Public Works Director Justin Ferguson & Heavy Equipment Operator Jonathon Hicks, February 27-28 in Tuscaloosa. $400 registration fees plus

accommodations

South East Field Training Officer Association Conference for Police FTO Cpl. Bobby Tomlin, May 12-16 in Orlando. $275 registration fee plus accommodations

• Interview & Interrogation for Detectives Course for Police Detective Michael Pressley, March 25-29 in Gatlinburg, TN. $575 registration fee plus accommodations

• Hold the Line-K9 Conference for Police Sgt. Nate Holloway, Cpl. Casey Shelnutt, Officer Steven Jordan & Officer Rodney Pierce, April 9-12 in Myrtle Beach, SC. $1360 registration fees plus accommodations

• Municipal Clerks Spring Institute for City Clerk Dan Weinrib, April 17-19 in Tuscaloosa. $265 registration fee Hired Isabella Hall as fulltime Firefighter (Grade 19FF – Step 1), effective January 27, 2024

• Promoted Jim Nolan to Information Technology Project Manager (Grade 34 – Step 8), effective January 27, 2024

Promoted Evan McCleskey to Landscape Crew Leader (Garde 20 – Step 1), effective January 27, 2024

• Hire Richard Swartz as a full-time Firefighter Paramedic (Grade 21 FF – Step 1), effective February 24, 2024

• Hire Jackson Trotman as a full-time Unclassified Laborer for the Fire Department (Grade 7 – Step 4), effective February 24,

2024

• Approve job change for full-time Public Safety Dispatcher Candice Phillips-Warner to full-time Court Clerk (Grade 13 –Step 10), effective February 10, 2024

Pinson

From front page

Each principal was present to accept a check of $15,000 and spoke, the first being Pinson Valley High School Principal Michael Turner, who said that he had opportunities to go elsewhere but chose to stay in Pinson.

“Go where you’re needed, not where you want,” he said. “It’s always been my kind of thing. And so with that being said that’s why I’m here and I feel like I don’t want to speak for my colleagues but I feel like that’s what we’re tasked to do. And lord knows it’s a heavy lift.”

Rudd Middle School Adrian Pryor said, “It’s been an honor being here. I feel like this is home for me. I’ve made it my home and I’m here as long as you guys would like to have me.”

Johnson Elementary School Principal Brandi Wilson thanked Mayor Pro-temp Robbie Roberts for his prayer for the schools’ safety during the opening.

“Well, ya’ll know that this has been my home for 38 years and I love this city and I really do appreciate you guys’ support,” she said. “We need all the support that we can get.”

Pinson Elementary School Principal Ann King said, “I started here in 2011, so it’s been a while. I did leave for just a couple of years and then came back. I really, really again appreciate the support more than you could know.”

She introduced the schools’ new assistant principal, Suhai Douglas.

Center Point Fire District Battalion Chief Chris Horn delivered a report for the past month, saying that there were 902 calls, seven structural fires, 29 incidents where firefighters installed smoke detectors in residents’ homes, and mutual aid was given 15 times

and received seven times.

Horn said that they received a grant from the Alabama Fire College for smoke detectors and that anyone interested in having one installed by firefighters may call 205-853-5090 for an appointment.

He stressed the importance of having smoke detectors and mentioned a house in the Innsbrooke area that caught fire and had such devices in it. During the incident Center Point Fire assisted the Palmerdale District. “I’ve told them numerous times and I’ll tell the council and I’ll tell this publicly: We’re here to serve the citizens,” he said. “It’s not about Center Point Fire, Palmerdale Fire. We’re here to serve the citizens. We’re first responders. I don’t care what’s on the side of that truck. We’re here to serve the citizens and that is what I mean.”

In public comments Chad McMillian said that he found that the meeting minutes are not on the city website at thecityofpinson.com. City Clerk Marie Turner said that the website would be updated with these soon.

Pinson Public Library Director Allison Scanlan said that they would be partnering with the Fresh Farmers Market to provide eligible seniors of ages 60 and up with benefit cards for up to $50 at the upcoming farmers market.

She said that she can provide additional information to

Feb. 15.

anyone who calls the library. The Pinson Public Library can be reached at 205-680-9298.

It was again noted by Roberts that a position on the Pinson Public Library Board continues to be open. Anyone interested in applying for the position may call City Hall at 205-680-5556 or the library. Afterwards the council went into executive session to discuss potential litigation and real estate. When they returned they approved allowing Mayor Joe Cochran to appraise potentially purchasing real estate.

In other business the council:

• Confirmed the Shred-it dates as March 16, June 15, and Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Purchased lighting for the auditorium of Rock School as part of its renovations for $34,615, and

• Approved a slightly changed version of the contract with Waste Management to say that it will be extended to three years, with the third year being optional.

Pinson City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of every month at City Hall on 4410 Main Street. Live-streamed meetings can be seen on the city’s Facebook page. Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@ gmail.com.

Pinson school principals receive the $60,000 grant from the city council on

Art

From front page

recognizes Arbor Day/Week through the last full week of February. In coordination with the Alabama Forestry Commission, the Trussville Tree Commission is co- sponsoring several special events during Arbor Week Feb. 18 –24, 2024.

Gambling

From front page

President Pro Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper) said in a statement to 1819 News. “We plan to address this legislation the same way we handle every piece of legislation our House colleagues send to the Senate. Our process will not deviate, and every member of the Alabama Senate will have the opportunity to voice his or her opinion, offer his or her

Clay

From front page

short meeting which consisted only of reports from members of the Council and City Manager Ronnie Dixon.

In the fall of 2022, the Council approved a twocent reduction in grocery sales taxes. Dixon updated the Council on the impact of that reduction as inflation has further reduced the buying power of citizens nationwide.

“I told you about a year ago that when we reduced the taxes we would expect to see a downfall when people didn’t have any more money,” Dixon said. “The food went up, so we collected more taxes but when they didn’t have enough money to buy food then the tax income would go down,” he added.

“That started in January. January over January, we were down over $20,000 just out of Publix. Nationally, in-

Feb. 18-24: HTMS Arbor Week Art Exhibit, Trussville Public Library

Feb. 22, 6:00

Trussville Public Library Auditorium: Tree Talk with Katie Wiswall of Alabama Forestry Commission; Tree City USA Award; Recognition of Arbor Week Artists; Door Prizes!

Feb. 24, 9:00-12:00 Tree Giveaway @ North Mall

amendments, and vote his or her position on the legislation.”

Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) said, “The Senate Republican Caucus has prepared itself to take on the gaming and lottery legislation passed in the House earlier today.”

“We understand this legislation will attract significant attention, and our process for this legislation will follow

flation has caught up to Clay. Rather than people having $100 to spend on groceries, they’ve only got $80 to spend. So, we’re starting to see that,” he said. “We’ve already put enough measures in place to make sure it doesn’t affect our budget,” Dixon said. “We’re in good shape to keep doing what we’re doing.”

Dixon said the city has made a lot of repairs and patches to the pavement in the neighborhood, but it has reached the point where it needs to be resurfaced.

“It’s a little bit bigger than Twin Lakes, so it’s going to be in the $120,000 range,” Dixon said. “I haven’t gotten the actual proposal yet but based on what we paid for Twin Lakes. There’s nothing else to patch,” he added.

“That will wipe out our paving budget and our 10cent gas tax money,” Dixon said. “That will wipe that out doing that subdivision.

Pavilion; Arbor Day Celebratory Tree with Girl Scout Troop 30679

For the 3rd consecutive year, students under art teacher Kristin Meriam at Hewitt Trussville Middle School will participate in an Arbor Day Art Exhibit at the Trussville Public Library from Feb. 1824. Congratulations to the following finalists!

our normal procedures when legislation passes the House. Our goal for any piece of legislation is to make Alabama better and her future brighter. I look forward to working with our members to discuss and debate this legislation in the near future,” Livingston said in a statement to 1819 News.

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.

All we will have left is our patching money.”

Dixon also discussed a future action on a home that must be demolished for health reasons and then proceeded to inform the Council about a paving project in the Waynesboro neighborhood.

In his report, Dixon said the city granted $30,000 to the Clay Chalkville High School band for a trip to Orlando in March. He said the funds would reduce the amount each student needed to raise for the trip and said it was similar in the amount granted to the football team.

He updated the Council on the Boys and Girls Club of Central Alabama banquet and announced the organization will also be hosting a golf tournament at Bent Brook golf course in Bessemer.

The next meeting of the Clay City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. on February 27, 2024 at City Hall.

St. Vincent

From front page

Friday. The facility is located on Green Drive just off North Chalkville Road.

“We are excited to officially open our doors this Friday. Our team has worked hard for this moment and we are ready to start treating patients,” says Stephanie Diaz, RN, nursing manager, East Freestanding Emergency Department.

This is the first freestanding ED for Ascension St. Vincent’s created more than 80 jobs for the community. The 12,500-square-foot facility is located off I-59/Exit 141 at 6670 Green Drive in Trussville. Officials said the ED will provide more convenient and easy access to 24/7 emergency

Leeds

From front page

on Tuesday, Feb. 13.

In past meetings Superintendent John Moore has described national certification as a difficult endeavor but has called it a “gold standard” in teaching.

“I say this every year but this is the gold standard of our professionals,” he said. “I know it’s not easy. Nothing worth having is easy. I’ve figured that out at my age. But it’s a process and I’ve had teachers tell me through the years that they’ve learned a lot about themselves and their teaching.”

The recognized teachers were given plaques to commemorate their achievements. These were: April Justice, assistant principal at Leeds Elementary School; Robyn Blake, second grade teacher at Leeds Primary School; and Ariel Fountain, geometry teacher at Leeds High School.

Moore said that when he became superintendent he told the board of education at the time that he would set a goal of having 6-10% percent of the staff be nationally certified

care to residents in the area.

The facility provides 12 treatment rooms, decontamination treatment area, onsite lab and imaging, including x-ray and CT, and a helipad for air ambulance transfers.

“It has been our goal over the past few years to extend Ascension St. Vincent’s East ED services,” says Suzannah Campbell, President and COO, Ascension St. Vincent’s East, Blount and St. Clair. “We all remember how hospital emergency departments became more essential than ever during the pandemic, which made it hard to serve our communities. Our new emergency department will help fill this important need by providing high quality emergency care closer to Trussville and sur-

and that the three newly certified teachers have taken them closer to that.

Leeds Elementary School Principal Rachael Haley said that there around 10 or more teachers who are applying for certification.

Afterwards Chief Financial Officer Ryan Miller gave a report for the month of December 2023. 26.26% of the general fund revenues and other financing sources were received, along with 28.70% of local revenues, up 101.38% from this time in 2023.

Expenditures and other fund uses in the general fund were 25.12% of the budget, meeting a target of 25%. Accounts payable were $824,044 and gross payroll expenditures were $1,326,697.

The month was ended with an excess of revenues over expenditures in the general fund of $95,226 which is normal for this time of year. The unreserved fund balance was $5,022,969.

Trent Catron from Goodwyn Mills Cawood was present at the meeting and gave an update regarding the ongoing upgrades to the outdated boiler in the cafeteria and

rounding communities.” The construction project began in early 2023 and took less than a year to complete. The new ED is the beginning of a larger goal to expand ER access in more communities.

“Trussville is growing at a rapid rate and we want to put emergency care close to where residents live and work. Making sure people can access healthcare is always important, but making sure everyone can get help during a medical emergency is especially critical,” says Jason Alexander, CEO, Ascension St. Vincent’s and Senior Vice President, Ascension. “This new facility at this site is just the beginning. We have nine acres, which will allow us to expand our services in the future.”

other rooms at the elementary school. Moore said that Catron was involved in the projects of building the primary, middle and high schools.

Catron said that a bid has recently come in at $1,570,000. The timeframe for updating the units in the classrooms will be around ten to 12 weeks, while the unit for the cafeteria will be about 25 weeks, though he hopes to decrease the amount of time for this particular project.

It is hoped that when schools begin, the classroom units will be finished in June or July and the other unit will be finished by late July or sometime in August.

Moore said that students will need to take their lunch trays and eat in classrooms while the cafeteria work is performed. Leeds Primary School will accommodate students who signed up for literacy and summer camps during the summer and that these programs will move back to the elementary school next year.

The next meeting will be held on March 12 at 10 a.m. at the Leeds Board of Education Building located on 1517 Hurst Avenue.

Instant, even heat and precise cooking control. Natural Gas

welcome you and your family to Alabama. I hope that we can share many wonderful years together. I’m sure you probably still have some questions about us since you haven’t spent much time in the south—until now. So, I’ve decided to generously give you a few pointers, some tips that should help you as you get to know us.

My first suggestion to you is when someone from Alabama asks where you are from, tell them that you’re from the south – South Dakota. And then make a comment about your accent. A bit of self-deprecating humor will really get you off on the right foot with folks down here.

And please don’t be offended if people initially mispronounce your name. DeBoer sounds a lot like “da beer” as in, “Hey Verne, hand me da beer!” This is a phrase used frequently in our state.

I know you’ve probably been eating a lot of healthy

food in the northwest like grilled salmon. Not so much here. In Alabama, most of the fish we eat is catfish, and it will be dipped in cornmeal and deep fried in grease. You will discover that it is delicious. Oh, and you need to know that when we say barbecue, it does not refer to just anything you throw on a grill. No! The barbecue we refer to in the Deep South is usually pork - most likely ribs. In fact, if you haven’t already, you should make a pilgrimage to Dreamland. And if you really want to ingratiate yourself to your fan base, just order ribs and white bread - no sides. The old timers will love you for that. It’s what they call “old-school.” Speaking of restaurants, be aware that when a waitress calls you “hon,” they are not talking about Attila. This is a term of endearment you should get used to. And please don’t do anything silly in a meat and three like order water with lemon. This will cast immediate suspicion towards you and your family.

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205-508-3654

You always order sweet tea –pronounced sweetee. Yes, it’s pretty much brown colored glucose, but learn to sip a little of it. When people talk about greens in southern restaurants, they are not referring to something you putt on at a golf course. Greens are something southerners eat - after they are doused with pepper sauce - it’s the tiny bottle you see on almost every restaurant table in the south. The pungent smell will make you think someone poured vinegar over dozens of tiny peppers – which they did. Don’t worry. Shake a little of it on your greens and dig in. You’ll be glad you did. We won’t talk about grits right now, but until we do, you need to remember one thing: never, ever, put sugar in them. Just butter will work just fine.

It’s OK to play golf – even Nick Saban likes to play golf. However, getting boned up on NASCAR will make people fawn all over you.

You may notice that our dirt down here isn’t black and flaky. Nope - it’s red clay. No need to wonder why, that’s just the way it is in this part of the world. However, it is okay to ask someone if you can make pottery or bricks out of it. You can.

Something else that may strike you as curious are the huge expanses of leafy green vines that seems to be all over the place. We call that kudzu, and it grows so fast it can cover a good-sized house it about two days. It will be perfectly acceptable to look at it, shake your head and say, “Wow. Kudzu and Southern Baptists are everywhere in this state.”

I saw a picture of your beautiful family. I’m certainly glad that your wife and daughters have straight hair. That’s because in the summer, our combination of heat and humidity can cause Cher’s hair to curl. Tell your girls that ball caps and pony tails are perfectly acceptable in the world of Alabama summertime fashion.

Finally, a couple more things that are really critical. Throw the ball to the tight end. Please. Even Coach Saban didn’t do that enough. And be sure to beat Auburn every year. Do that, and all the other stuff I talked about won’t matter, aiight? Oh, sorry. That means “all right.”

Sincerely,

Joe Hobby

Phil Williams: Revenge of the sacrificial lamb

Something happened in the legal world recently that could have serious ramifications for the cult of wokism. A sacrificial lamb, who had been offered up to appease the gods (with a little “g”) of wokeness, just launched her revenge.

Over the past several years we have watched as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI), Critical Race Theory (CRT), and shills for Black Lives Matter (BLM), became cause célèbres with no bearing in reality. Those not fully in line with the narrative were offered up as sacrifices to the gods of wokeness. Most notable of these sacrificial lambs is former MMA fighter and actress Gina Carano.

Carano came on the public scene as a Muay Thai fighter and quickly caught the attention of the growing mixed martial arts (MMA) fight scene. She launched into women’s MMA by winning her first fight in 38 seconds, getting the attention of Hollywood shortly after. In 2008 she was the Female Fighter of the Year at the MMA Awards.

Isn’t this what liberals want? Women who can project strength and charismatic presence all at the same time?

Carano began starring in action flicks like “Fast & Furious 6,” while also doing work on the small screen. In 2018 she landed her biggest role, appearing alongside actors Pedro Pascal and the late Carl Weathers in “The Mandalorian,” the first Star Warsbased television series produced by Lucasfilm. It was an instant hit with characters like Baby Yoda becoming all the rage. Carano played the

good-guy-bad-girl character of Cara Dune, a former Rebel shock trooper turned mercenary.

For two hit seasons, Carano was a fan favorite. Her career was off and running. But horror-of-horrors, it turned out that Carano just wasn’t into woke virtue signaling and actually had a mind of her own.

In late 2020, Carano drew the ire of liberals on Twitter (now “X”), who criticized her for not jumping on the BLM movement, leading to accusations of racism. Not long after, so-called fans demanded she put her gender pronouns in her Twitter profile, so she added the words “beep/bop/boop,” which was labeled as evidence of transphobia. She also didn’t get the need for mass masking during Covid and dared to question election results.

The final straw came in February 2021, when Carano’s Instagram had a post decrying the idea of hating someone else for their political views and likening that to the efforts by Nazis to build hatred of Jews.

The gods of wokeness were incensed. The sacrifice had to be made.

In early 2021, Lucasfilm and its parent company Disney announced that Carano was no longer employed. Her Mandalorian character, Cara Dune, ceased to exist. But they didn’t stop there. Lucasfilm let it be known that Carano’s views were the grounds for their corporate decision, saying: “Gina Carano is not currently employed by Lucasfilm and there are no plans for her to be in the future. Nevertheless, her social me-

dia posts denigrating people based on their cultural and religious identities are abhorrent & unacceptable.”

In essence, they announced to all of Hollywood that Carano was not someone who should be hired. She was blackballed for having a conservative viewpoint.

Speaking about it later, Carano stated:

“The truth is I was being hunted down from everything I posted to every post I liked because I was not in line with the acceptable narrative of the time. My words were consistently twisted to demonize & dehumanize me as an alt right wing extremist. It was a bullying smear campaign aimed at silencing, destroying & making an example out of me.”

I don’t know all of Carano’s views on life, religion, or politics. But from this vantage, it is clear she was sacrificed on the altar of wokeness.

But before she was an actress, Carano was a fighter … and this lamb just started her revenge tour.

In 2023, Elon Musk announced that if someone felt they had ever been punished

for posting their world views on Twitter/X, he would be willing to pay for legal representation. Musk was willing to defend anyone who stood in the electronic public square and dared to say something that libs don’t like.

“I think I qualify,” Carano tweeted.

Carano didn’t have the ability to go up against the industry giants. But then she got a call from lawyers hired by Musk. They were willing to take her case, and the suit has now been filed.

“It has been difficult to move forward with the lies & labels stuck on me, backed & encouraged by the most powerful entertainment company in the world,” Carano wrote, discussing the litigation. “I am grateful someone has

come to my defense in such a powerful way & look forward to clearing my name.”

I hope that Disney learns a lesson. I hope Carano’s lawsuit and others that are coming send a shockwave through Hollywood. It is fair game to fire an actress because they’re not any good at acting, have a criminal record, a substance abuse problem, or any other myriad of for-cause reasons. But not because they have an opinion.

Maybe, just maybe, if Disney had handled this more discreetly and merely said that they wouldn’t be renewing her contract they wouldn’t be spinning up their lawyers right now. But no, Disney needed to offer up a sacrifice. Disney humiliated Carano so the cult of pro-

gressivism would see how on fire they were for the liberal agenda.

But this was no ordinary sacrificial lamb. Gina Carano was a fighter first. Everyone with a conservative worldview should be rooting for her in this fight.

Ring the bell … let’s do this thing.

Ladies and gentlemen, the main event! Revenge of the sacrificial lamb.

To contact Phil or request him for a speaking engagement, go to www.rightsideradio.org. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.

Flickr-Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0

o utdoo R s

Uphill Battle Continues on Bobwhite Quail

By David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Now that the white-tailed deer season has ended, hunters will likely turn their attention once again to small game like rabbits, squirrels and the bobwhite quail, although quail hunting is nothing like it once was.

When fence rows from small farms and family gardens crisscrossed Alabama and the Southeast, the bobwhite flourished. Since largescale farming operations became the norm and many families moved to urban and suburban areas, the quail habitat has significantly diminished and so has the number of wild bobwhites.

“Unfortunately, we can’t turn back the clock to the habitat we had at landscape levels in 1970 and prior,” said Steven Mitchell of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division. “We do have some private lands that manage for wild bobwhites, and they have to intensively manage year-round for wild quail. They have the resources to do that, and they have good populations there. When I say good populations, I’m talking about how many (dog) points per hour. Some places find

four or five coveys per hour. That’s the old Southern style hunting off of horseback and mule-drawn wagons. So, they’re moving, and they have some big running dogs. That’s how they can find those numbers per hour hunting.

“But they have also put in the work on the habitat to have that number of wild birds.”

Mitchell, who recently turned over the Upland Game Bird Coordinator position to Brandon Earls, said WFF tries to improve habitat for quail whenever possible on ADCNR’s wildlife management areas (WMAs) throughout the state.

“It’s difficult to manage public areas for just quail,” Mitchell said. “We have to manage for multiple species, but we do have areas that we consider ‘quail emphasis’ areas, where the management is more focused on improving quail habitat conditions. We continue to identify and expand emphasis areas where feasible. Though bobwhite densities remain low, we have seen some positive responses.

“We still have people who are very interested in quail hunting. Quail hunters are still finding some birds on WMAs. Some have reported finding a few coveys in a three- or four-hour hunt. Those successful hunters contribute their success to weath-

er and scenting conditions. Colder days were reported to be better due to increased movement of quail to satisfy their higher metabolic rates during lower temperatures. Cool, moist days are also best for dogs to locate bird scent.”

One of the emphasis areas is the Boggy Hollow WMA within the Conecuh National Forest, cooperatively managed by WFF and the U.S. Forest Service. This acreage of Conecuh National Forest is being converted into bobwhite habitat through selective timber thinning and more frequent, smaller prescribed

burns. Timber thinning increases sunlight reaching the ground, encouraging the growth of native grasses and forbs to provide food and nesting habitat for the quail. The quail harvest on Boggy Hollow is limited, with a daily bag limit of four birds and a season that ends on February 10, while the private land quail season runs through February 29. Visit www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/ wildlife-management-areas for a list of WMAs and the hunting opportunities available. For more information about quail, go to www.out-

dooralabama.com/what-hunt/ quail-hunting-alabama for links to the publication Ecology and Management of the Bobwhite Quail in Alabama, authored by former WFF Wildlife Biologist Stan Stewart.

“We’re still continuing the work with the U.S. Forest Service on Boggy Hollow,” Mitchell said. “We’re working to manipulate the habitat management scheme there to benefit quail. We’ve seen some success, but the density of quail is still low. Habitat on Boggy Hollow is being improved through tim-

ber thinning, prescribed fire, and establishment of wildlife openings and early successional habitat.” Mitchell returned to how the landscape across the Southeast has changed dramatically in the last 50 years. Those changes have made it difficult for the wild bobwhites to adapt.

“Small farms, brushy fence rows, and unproductive ground left to fallow made up the landscape back then,” Mitchell said. “With those old fence rows and more crude equipment compared to what we have today, it was a different type of farming. It was patchwork farming, and that was everywhere. Those old fence rows, hedgerows, and small fields provided nesting, brooding, and escape cover for quail. It was ideal habitat for quail. All that is different now with clean farming. Fence rows got cleaned up, and you have farming from tree line to tree line. That’s one reason for the reduction of habitat across the quail range.

“Timber management has also changed over time to more short-term rotations. Closed-canopy pine stands don’t provide habitat for quail. Some beneficial habitat is provided after planting, but the canopy closes after a few years and shades it all out as those trees put on vertical growth. Many more years

The northern bobwhite quail is struggling to adapt to habitat changes across the Southeast. (ADCNR, David Rainer)

where they can at least hear the bobwhite’s distinctive whistle.

“We get several of those calls,” Mitchell said. “We have people with different acreages who say, ‘I haven’t heard a quail here since I bought it. What can I do?’ We provide services where we do a site visit and recommend what a landowner should do. That doesn’t mean they are going to have quail, but we can help guide habitat improvements to try.

“Timber density is usually a starting point on most properties. Cover for quail can’t grow without sunlight

getting to the ground, so you have to open up that canopy. With that, nesting conditions improve, and brood-rearing conditions improve. Quail spend their entire life on the ground, and their survival depends on having proper ground cover available yearround. Terms for quail cover include escape or loafing, nesting, and brood-rearing cover. Without getting too far in the weeds on cover types, brood-rearing cover is usually the most lacking habitat component on properties we visit. This is simply weedy areas where adult quail raise chicks. Brood cover provides overhead protection from predators and bare ground underneath allowing quail chicks easy movement to forage for insects.” Another crucial management practice is the use of fire for controlled burns, which improves the habitat for a wide variety of birds and wildlife.

“You need a good burn plan,” Mitchell said. “Quail are called the firebird. Fire is the cheapest and most efficient tool in the box for creating and maintaining quail habitat.”

The good news is hunters can find numerous quail plantations scattered all over the state, with the greatest concentration in the Alabama Black Belt region. Visit www. alabamaquailtrail.com for a list of plantations and lodges that offer hunts on flight-conditioned, pen-raised quail.

For the 2022-2023 season, Alabama had 9,427 quail hunters overall. Of those, 2,700 hunted wild quail and harvested a little more than 27,000 quail. Including the quail plantations with penraised quail, hunters harvested more than 370,000 birds overall.

“Anybody who is wanting a lot of shooting, hunting penraised birds is the way they’re going to have to go,” Mitchell said. “Wild birds can still be found on most WMAs but be

prepared to put in a lot more leg work than gun work.”

For those who want to help monitor the quail populations in Alabama by reporting quail calls, Quail Forever and its partners developed the “Bobscapes” mobile app that allows users to report hearing a quail, which is then entered into a national database.

“Private landowners and public land users can both take a lead role in future conservation efforts by helping define population distribution

and abundance of bobwhite quail across their range,” said Jessica McGuire, bobwhite program manager for Quail Forever’s Working Lands for Wildlife. “It’s an app (bobscapes.org) on your phone so when you hear a bobwhite you can record it, and it sends it to us. The app asks if the citizen wants more information. If yes, it will connect them with us. Our biologists may reach out if you ask for more information, but the information is kept private.”

Traditional hunts on horseback with mule-drawn wagons yield the best results for finding quail.

(ADCNR, David Rainer) Alabama has numerous lodges and plantations where hunters can pursue flight-conditioned, pen-raised quail. (ADCNR, David Rainer)

For

pretty straightforward. If your 2023 gross income – which includes all taxable income, not counting your Social Security benefits, unless you are married and filing separately – was below the threshold for your filing status and age, you probably won’t have to file. But if it’s over, you will.

• Single: $13,850 ($15,700 if you’re 65 or older by Jan. 1, 2023).

• Married filing jointly: $27,700 ($29,200 if you or your spouse is 65 or older; or $30,700 if you’re both over 65).

• Married filing separately: $5 at any age.

• Head of household: $20,800 ($22,650 if 65 or older).

• Qualifying surviving spouse: $27,700 ($29,200 if 65 or older).

To get a detailed break-

down on federal filing requirements, along with information on taxable and nontaxable income, call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy of the “1040 and 1040-SR Instructions for Tax Year 2023,” or you can see it online at IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi. pdf.

Check Here Too

Be aware that there are other financial situations that can require you to file a tax return, even if your gross income falls below the IRS filing requirements. For example, if you earned more than $400 from self-employment in 2023, owe any taxes on an IRA, Health Savings Account or an alternative minimum tax, or get premium tax credits because you, your spouse or a dependent is enrolled in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan, you’ll need to file.

You’ll also need to file if you’re receiving Social Security benefits, and one-half of your benefits plus your other gross income and any tax-exempt interest exceeds $25,000, or $32,000 if you’re married and filing jointly.

To figure all this out, the IRS offers an online tax tool that asks a series of questions that will help you determine if you’re required to file, or

if you should file because you’re due a refund. It takes less than 15 minutes to complete. You can access this tool at IRS.gov/Help/ITA – click on “Do I Need to File a Tax Return?” Or you can get assistance over the phone by calling the IRS helpline at 800-829-1040.

Check Your State

your 2023 adjusted gross income was below $79,000.

Even if you’re not required to file a federal tax return this year, don’t assume that you’re also excused from filing state income taxes. The rules for your state might be very different. Check with your state tax agency before concluding that you’re entirely in the clear. For links to state tax agencies see Taxadmin.org/fta-members.

Tax Preparation Help

If you find that you do need to file a tax return this year, you can free file through the IRS at IRS.gov/FreeFile if

Or, if you need some help, contact the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (or TCE) program. Sponsored by the IRS, TCE provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle and low-income taxpayers, age 60 and older. Call 800-906-9887 or visit IRS. treasury.gov/freetaxprep to locate services near you.

You can also get tax preparation assistance through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide service. Call 888-227-7669 or visit AARP.org/findtaxhelp for more information. You don’t have to be an AARP member to use this service.

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

Trussville LBK Auditorium Video Game tournament featuring various games and prizes. 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)

AGE GROUP: | Teen (6th12th Grade)

Registration is required.

AGE GROUP: | Adult (Ages 18+)

Children’s Storytime

Thursday, February 22 9:30am – 10:00am 10:30am - 11:00am

Trussville LBK Auditorium

Join Ms. Alicia for stories, songs, bubble time, and lots of fun!

Join Ms. Alicia for stories, songs, bubble time, and lots of fun! The event will be held in the library auditorium every Thursday at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

All ages. Every Thursday at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

*Themes for the month of February:

2/22: Colds and Sneezes

2/29: Dogs

Video Game Tournament - Teen

Wednesday, February 21 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Let’s Create: Cosplay Runway Thu Feb 22nd 4:00pm - 7:00pm

Pinson Public Library (Teens, 6th-12th graders, only)

Thursday, February 22nd, 4 to 7 PM

Design a costume with available materials provided by the library, then show off your works of art during a runway show! Cosplay is the creative interpretation of fictional characters & pop culture through costumes. Your character can be from any aspect of pop culture or from your own imagination. You will have 2 hours to complete your costume.

Tree Talk with Katie Wiswall

Thursday, February 22 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Trussville LBK Auditorium

Celebrate Arbor Week with one of the Trussville Tree Commission events! Katie Wiswall of the Alabama Forestry Commission will ask “So, of What Good are Trees?” She is a ISATRAQ Certified Arborist and Urban & Community Forestry Coordinator. The City of Trussville will receive Tree City USA award for the 2nd consecutive year. HTMS Art Department and Kristin Meriam will be recognized for their exhibit which is on display in the LBK Auditorium lobby February 18-24. There will also be a tree giveaway on February 24 at the North Mall Pavillion

from 9-noon!

AGE GROUP: | All Ages |

Adult (Ages 18+)

Yoga By Nancy

Springville Public Library

February 23 Duration: 30 min

Register for 30-minute mat and chair yoga sessions every Friday, at 11:00 (beginner mat w/ chair) and 12:00 (chair only). Participants who have not attended recently are encouraged to speak with Nancy about which session time to attend. Due to limited space, please call 205-467-2339 to ensure that your name is on the registration list for each week.

Muscle Strength & Flexibility

Springville Public Library

February 23 Duration: 30 min

Adult beginners can focus on strength and flexibility in this muscle training class led by Nancy. Classes will meet every Friday at 11:30 AM. Space is limited; visit the library or call 205-467-2339 to register.

Preschool Storytime

Springville Public Library February 27 Duration: 1 hr

Preschool Storytime is moving to Tuesdays! Join us as Preschool Storytime with Mrs. Shallon! Children will enjoy interactive stories suited for ages 2-5, related crafts, and yummy snacks, as they make new friends and increase literacy.

Storytime for Growin’

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Bradley James Hagerman

69, passed away suddenly on dec. 16, 2023

Predeceased by his parents, Marvin Hagerman and Betty (Martin) Hagerman, and sister, Kimberly Ryan. He leaves behind a dear sister, Beverly Peltz in Trussville, a nephew in Florida, and an uncle and cousin in Illinois. Interment will be next to his father in Clinton Lawn Cemetery in Iowa.

When Brad was 14 years old, he suffered an accident that left him with serious lifelong physical challenges and the loss of his best friend. Nonetheless, Brad always had a positive spirit and became a Christian as an adult. He was for many years a much beloved member of the Roebuck Parkway and Deerfoot Church of Christ congregations, exhibiting resilience and faithfulness even when faced with tremendous disappointing circumstances in life. He is and will be sorely missed.

A memorial service in Brad’s honor will be held on Sunday, March 3rd at 4:00pm at the Deerfoot Church of Christ building at 5348 Old Springville Road in Pinson/Clay, Alabama.

Aaron Reed Evans

may 13, 1988 — february 2, 2024

The celebration of life service for Aaron Reed Evans, 35, of Birmingham, Alabama was on Friday, February 9, 2024 at Seasick Records. Aaron’s choice of finger foods, dessert, coffee and icy cold Miller Lites were served in his honor at 6 p.m. The service followed at 7 p.m.

Aaron was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Raye Lynn Hendricks Evans. He was the youngest of three brothers and was often quiet, but he became the family comedian as he grew older. Aaron was known as a loving, caring and selfless husband, son, brother, friend, son-in-law and dog dad. He was an avid fan of WWE wrestling, Alabama football, movies, music, hilarious t-shirts, and he was a secret connoisseur of sourdough bread making. One of his favorite wrestlers, Kevin Owens, famously said about his wrestling career, “I’m genuine, and I think people can see that when they watch.” Just like his favorite wrestler, it was his genuine love and friendship that attracted his friends, family and loving wife, Stephanie, to him.

He is a

of Pinson Valley High School in Pinson, Alabama where he played tennis and worked at the Jefferson State Community

Admissions office throughout high school. After graduating high school with honors, he went

to study computer science at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Aaron loved to play D&D, go to baseball games, concerts, bars

Daniel Peer

december 23, 1961 — january 24, 2024

Daniel Ray Peer, age 62, was born on December 23, 1961 and passed away on January 24, 2024. He was born in Moline, IL and attended Geneseo High School. He was preceded in death by his parents Donald Ray Peer and Sharon Jean Schnepf Peer. Daniel was a member of AGAPE Church in Pinson, AL.

Mr. Peer was a journeyman electrician and talented musician. He loved to learn and put it into his daily life. From wiring home studios to massive stadium concerts. He ran on music and electrical work. He was as strong as his hard hat but also so gentle as his acoustic guitar. He is forever loved and will carry on like a melody in the hearts he was closest to.

He is survived by his children, Lita Peer, Terra Forbes and Geddy Peer; sister, Patti Kowitz; grandchildren and nephews.

Wanda Binney

august 2, 1949 — january 31, 2024

Wanda Borden Binney, 74, of Trussville, formerly of Jasper, went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.

Wanda was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy Estill Borden; father, Mack Borden Jr.; mother-in-law, Audrey Binney; brother, Tim Borden; and son-in-law, Edward Skinner.

She is survived by her husband, Edwin Binney of Trussville; siblings Joe Borden of Jasper and Cindy Borden Gilmore of Sumiton; daughters Jennifer Banks Searcy (Leo) of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Shelley Banks-Robinson (Craig) of Sacramento, California; bonus children Keith Binney of Birmingham, Dr. Matthew Binney of Spokane, Washinton, and Melissa Tesney of Trussville; grandchildren Marisa Nevels (Deszmond) and Emily Woodard (Keaundre) of Jasper, Elliot Searcy (Jax) of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Madelyn Tesney and Savannah Tesney of Trussville; and greatgrandchildren Cooper, Charli, Kalani, and Har’Moni.

Wanda was an amazingly talented self-taught artist and leaves behind her legacy of art in many forms with watercolor and oil paintings being the most prominent.

There will be no service, and the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society for Ovarian Cancer Research or to your local schools or teachers for the arts.

Lucky Giles

january 29, 1940 — february 4, 2024

Lucky Lamar Giles Sr. age 84 of Center Point passed away on February 4, 2024. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Barbara Giles, and his parents Marvin Giles and Gloria Benson.

that bread making, something he’d picked up during the pandemic years, was treacherous. He labored over his starter, and he baked dozens of sourdough loaves that friends and family members savored each and every time. When he wasn’t satisfied with the

Aaron is survived by his wife, Stephanie Evans, his mother Raye Lynn Evans, his brother Justin Evans, his brother Corey Evans and wife Natali, his niece Lillie, his nephews Jon Michael, Will and Carter, his aunt Kim Ball and her husband Michael Ball, and his cousin Joshua Slaughter. Aaron was also loved by Stephanie’s parents Ronnie and Terri Clifton and her family. He is preceded in death by his beloved Gee-Mur, Ruby Davene Hendricks and Gee, Harvey Ray Hendricks.

As part of Aaron’s last kind and genuine act on Earth, he made anatomical donations to Legacy of Hope, an organ donation facility. Now, more than 100 people will carry Aaron’s kindness and love with them everywhere they go. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Shelby Humane Society or your local humane society.

The celebration of life was held at Seasick Records, located at 4420A Fourth Ave. S in Birmingham, Alabama at 6 p.m. Aaron’s wife Stephanie asked that all whose lives were touched by Aaron attend his celebration of life wearing something casual, like a favorite t-shirt, in memory of her husband.

What are My Choices for a Memorial Service?

Today’s funeral and memorial services are highly customized based on an individual’s preferences, beliefs, and needs.

The venue, for example, can be highly variable.

Funeral homes still host the majority of memorials, but homes, churches, other places of worship, or even outdoors are also options.

Music and multimedia are also options - you can arrange for a local pianist, singing group, string quartet, or even a live band to accompany the service. You can also arrange a full multimedia remembrance video, pictures, and slideshows.

Many of today’s funeral services are essentially all-day affairs where family and friends spend time together long after the service is over. Your funeral director can help arrange any catering and music for the memorial service.

Please scan the QR code to read the full article.

205-322-0543

He is survived by his children, Cathy Stobert (Mark), Lucky Giles II, Kelly Giles, Kristi Giles; grandchildren Daniel (Wendy), Cherie (CJ), Connie, Lucky III, Whitney (Josh), Karleigh, MaKenlee, Brandon (Kayla), Joshua (Shelby), and Austin (Lauren); great grandchildren, Madison, Jenna, Dylan, Lucky IV, Zyah, Jaxon, Krislee, Karmella, MaKenzi, Josiah, Kelsi, Piper, Eli, Easton, Everett, Elsie, Leah, Luke, and Julia to be arriving in May; brother Cecil Ray Giles (Susie).

He truly had a heart of gold, and he never met a stranger and loved telling stories. He proudly served his country and loved the Lord. He enjoyed his job making custom cabinets and doors. He had a love for children and touched so many lives while coaching football and baseball for over 30 years. He had a great love for fishing and did it as much as possible. He had a great passion and love for his family. He married the love of his life, and they shared 60 years together.

He will be missed by family and friends and will always hold a place in our hearts.

Marjorie Elam

april 10, 1922 — february 5, 2024

Marjorie L. Elam, age 101, of Birmingham passed away on Feb. 5, 2024. Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents Carrie Jahile and John Eddie Jones; her husband William “Jack” Elam. She loved gardening, flowers and fishing. She was a member of the Lutheran Church. She is survived by her children, Linda (Melvin) Elliott, Scotty (Susan) Elam, Lynn Elam, Paul (Terry) Elam; grandchildren, Vincent (Heather) Elliott, Amy (Mike) Bradley, Carrie (Chad) Hoshour, Cullen (Jessica) Elam, Lance (Summer) Elam, Kathryn (Michael) Shapiro; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Colby) Yessick, Jacob Bradley, Elli Anne Bradley, Abby Hoshour, Jackson Hoshour, Emily Kate Hoshour, Bryton Glenn, Jack Elam, Will Elam, Ansley Elam, Lexi Elam, Sadie Elam; great-great-grandchild, Cash Yessick; sister, Evelyn Faye Hunter.

She was a great country cook and the best mother. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild. Family meant the world to her. She was loved by everyone who crossed her path. She will be greatly missed and will always be remembered with love by her family and friends.Marjorie L. Elam, age 101, of Birmingham passed away on Feb. 5, 2024. Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents Carrie Jahile and John Eddie Jones; her husband William “Jack” Elam. She loved gardening, flowers and fishing. She was a member of the Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her children, Linda (Melvin) Elliott, Scotty (Susan) Elam, Lynn Elam, Paul (Terry) Elam; grandchildren, Vincent (Heather) Elliott, Amy (Mike) Bradley, Carrie (Chad) Hoshour, Cullen (Jessica) Elam, Lance (Summer) Elam, Kathryn (Michael) Shapiro; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Colby) Yessick, Jacob Bradley, Elli Anne Bradley, Abby Hoshour, Jackson Hoshour, Emily Kate Hoshour, Bryton Glenn, Jack Elam, Will Elam, Ansley Elam, Lexi Elam, Sadie Elam; great-great-grandchild, Cash Yessick; sister, Evelyn Faye Hunter.

She was a great country cook and the best mother. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild. Family meant the world to her. She was loved by everyone who crossed her path. She will be greatly missed and will always be remembered with love by her family and friends.

Lonnie Ray-Helms

september 9, 1946 — february 8, 2024

Emma Lonnie Ray-Helms, age 77, of Talladega passed away on February 8, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents Eva Mae and William Theron Chappelear; husband, Robert Helms; sister, Helen Davidson. She was a Registered Nurse for many years. She was an artist who loved to paint and draw, and she loved traveling and going on cruises.

She is survived by her son James Ray; Stepchildren, Kim (Daniel) Lackey and Chris (April) Helms; 5 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; sister, Annette (Rodger) Darden; brothers, Bill (Jane) Chappelear and Bob (Jean) Chappelear.

Raymond Phillips

may 13, 1938 — february 11, 2024

Raymond David Phillips, age 85, of Trussville, AL passed away on Feb 11, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents, Pauline and Brack Phillips, brothers Ned and Don Phillips, and sisters Ruth Kay Chappell and Rita Phillips. He is survived by his wife of 61 years and the love of his life, Javell Phillips. Where one was the other was always nearby. They were inseparable. Ray loved to go camping, take frequent trips to the mountains, and eat wherever and whenever he could. He

untimely passing of Pinson’s Caleb White.

What was a constant was incredible play by talented players.

The Trussville Tribune presents the Tribune Player of the Year, Tribune Coach of the Year and the All-Tribune teams: Player of the Year: Clyde Walters, Sophomore, Pinson Valley. The 6’6 guard/forward led the Indians with almost 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists per game. Walters holds offers from Alabama, UAB, Troy and Kennesaw State.

Coach of the Year: Jeremiah Millington, Leeds. Millington took the Greenies from four wins in 2023 to sixteen this year. The Green Wave

won the Area 11 tournament and advanced to the 5A Sweet 16.

All-Tribune First-Team: Devon McKinnon, Junior, Clay-Chalkville

• Victor Odiari, Junior, Clay-Chalkville

• Clyde Walters, Sophomore, Pinson Valley

• Austin Conner, Junior, Pinson Valley Jeremy Chatman, Sophomore, Shades Valley Jeremiah Williams, Sophomore, Shades Valley

• Reid Stodghill, Senior, Hewitt-Trussville

• Tabari Davis, Junior, Leeds

All-Tribune Second-Team: KJ Kirk, Senior, ClayChalkville

• Rashad Bryant, Junior, Shades Valley

• Raymon McCants, Junior, Shades Valley

• Jake Conner, Junior, Springville Brodie Frederick, Junior, Springville Camron Frost, Senior, Pinson Valley

• Ben Warren, Junior, Hewitt-Trussville

• Bradley Blais, Junior, Moody

All-Tribune Honorable Mention: Deonte “DJ” Jiles, Eighth grade, Shades Valley

• Blaine Burke, Senior, Moody

• Chase Jackson, Senior, Moody

• Gavin Bowlin, Junior, Leeds Chris Burge, Senior, Leeds Mekhi Brown, Senior, Center Point

• Colt Wells, Sophomore, Hewitt-Trussville

• Lake Williams, Senior, Hewitt-Trussville

• Braden Henderson, Se-

nior, Springville

• Cade Gleason, Junior, Springville

Hewitt’s Reid Stodghill Credit: Hewitt Basketball

Clyde Walters Credit: HoopSeen

Lady Mounties in Elite 8

By John Goolsby Prep Sports Editor

for his Lady Mounties. “Most of our opponents were in the championship game, Final Four, or Elite 8 last year,” he said. “We lost several close games, and we hoped that our tough schedule would have us

prepared for our area games.”

Not only did Valley have to face a brutal schedule, they had to do so with early season injuries with an already thin roster.

See MOUNTIES, Page 16

AHSAA Wrestling Championships results

Legal Notice

In accordance with Chapter 1. Title 39. Code of Alabama. 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Blalock Building Company, Inc., Contractor, has completed the Contract for the Career Tech Renovation for HewittTrussville High School located at 6450 Husky Parkway. Trussville, AL 35173 for the State of Alabama and Trussville City Board of Education. Owner(s). and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify, Lathan Associates Architects. P.C., 300 Chase Park South. Suite 200. Hoover. AL 35244.

Blalock Building Company. Inc. 7309 Gadsden Highway Trussville. AL 35173

By John Goolsby Prep Sports Editor

HUNTSVILLE – Fourteen area wrestlers placed at the 2023 AHSAA Wrestling Championships. Hewitt led the way with eight wrestlers placing.

While none of the area wrestlers brought home a state title, six were state runner-up.

5A

Second place: Bryan Jenkins, Moody, 106 pounds

Second place: Logan Hall, Moody, 285 pounds

Third place: Hunter Scott, Leeds, 190 pounds

Fourth place: Landon McKendree, Springville, 215 pounds

6A

Third place: Malik Brown,

Center Point, 190 pounds

Sixth place: Adrian Spivey, Clay-Chalkville, 215 pounds 7A

Third place: Gavin Bittle, Hewitt-Trussville, 106 pounds

Second place: Clark Box, Hewitt-Trussville, 120 pounds

Second place: Bradley Hastings, Hewitt-Trussville, 126 pounds

Sixth place: Ian Hodgin, Hewitt-Trussville, 132 pounds

Sixth place: Jacob Triplett, Hewitt-Trussville, 157 pounds

Third place: Charlie Buttiker, Hewitt-Trussville, 165 pounds

Second place: Delvecchio Alston, Hewitt-Trussville, 190 pounds

Second place: Zack Chatman, Hewitt-Trussville, 285 pounds

Clark Box, Hewitt Credit: HTHS

Coach Gary Ferguson, Lauren Nelson, Rhaegan Evans, Angela Williams and Zoey Little.

Credit: Average Joes Sports

Landon McKendree, Springville Credit: SHS

Hewitt-Trussville's Baseball team before the 2024 season opener. Photo by: #pray4gray

Zaylen Tucker slides in for the winning run in the 2024 season opener against Tuscaloosa County. Photo by: Shawn Bowles Photography

dies are currently in the Elite Eight) and now we have the Hewitt baseball team doing the same.

On Saturday, the Huskies opened their baseball season winning a doubleheader against Gadsden City by a combined score of 56-1 between the two games. You read that correctly.

The season looks to be a very emotional one, as this past year, one of the Huskies’ leaders on the field, Grayson Pope, experienced an unfortunate accident on the golf course when a pop-up storm hit while he and his friends were spending some time at the Trussville Country Club playing golf. When the storm

hit, Pope was on a golf cart and a tree fell on him. Pope is now recovering, and recovering well, from some major brain injuries, even returning to school earlier in the year and having the ability to dress out with his baseball team. There is also a new addition to the outfield wall as the saying “No Fly Zone,” which Pope had written on the glove he used last season, is now written there.

With Grayson in the dugout, the Huskies obliterated the Titans on Saturday not once…but twice.

In game one, the Huskies allowed just one run to the Titans while putting up 29. The game was called in the fifth inning. The Huskies scored nine runs in the first and fourth innings with an

11-score inning in the second. Both teams did hold one another scoreless in the third.

Christian Helmers got the first win of the day, going all five innings for a no-hitter and striking out 11. At the plate, Helmers had four hits and seven RBI.

In game two, the Huskies shut Gadsden City out 27-0. Cooper Huffman got the win here with a one-hitter and seven strikeouts. He also did well at the plate with five hits and seven RBI.

For the day, Brett Moseley had a three-run homerun, Rob Wright had four hits with four RBI and Carson Wideman had three hits and three RBI.

The Huskies starts the season 2-0. They will host James Clements Monday afternoon.

Mounties

From page 14

The Lady Mounties lost nine of their first twelve games.

Ferguson’s plan worked to perfection. His girls went undefeated in area play, won ten of their last eleven games, and find themselves in the 6A Elite 8.

The Lady Mounties defeated Parker 62-45 and Oxford 71-52 on their way to the Elite 8.

The win over Oxford Friday came on the tenth anniversary of Shades Valley’s 2014 state championship.

While the win came on a

Greenies

From page 15

seventh to seal the 6-0 win and start the Jesse Turner era at Leeds the right way.

Both teams fought through the first three innings with neither team crossing the plate. However, in the top of the fourth inning, the Lady Greenies reeled off five runs while holding serve on the defensive side.

The scoring started after Katrina Poe (sub runner) and Sophie Gromko got on base and Maddie Payne drove in the first run of the game as

Softball

From page 15

the right field wall on the second pitch she took as the lead-off batter. From there, the Wildcats would allow no more runs in the inning.

Tuscaloosa County would score another run in the second before a scoreless third inning. The Wildcats would get another run in the top of the fourth before the Huskies’ AhKeela Honeycut hit a two-run homer to bring home Olivia Faggard, who was walked earlier in the in-

historic Shades Valley date, Ferguson wants this team to leave their own legacy.

“That was a big win for our seniors and our program,” he said.

“They have had to see our vision at the forefront of their minds and we have been preaching belief this entire season.”

“We’ve also reminded them of the ones who came before them, and we’ve stressed to them that they must leave their own legacy,” Ferguson said.

Angela Williams is certainly leaving her own legacy.

The senior has scored 32 points in each of Valley’s

Gromko came home and Poe advanced to third. Next up, Marley Miller hit a pop fly that brought Poe and an error would bring home pinch runner Dallas Parker, who stole second earlier on. After Rhyan Carson took advantage of a Homewood error to get on base and then Tanner Galloway would bring her home. Selah Larson would then drive in Galloway to close out the big fourth inning for the Greenies. The game would go scoreless until the final inning where Gromko would fly out and bring home Chesney Ro-

ning, to tie the game at three apiece. The next two and a half innings would be scoreless. In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Huskies looked set to head into an eighth inning battle with the Wildcats. The Wildcats got Ryleigh Wood to ground out and then walked Zaylen Tucker. After striking out Presley Hull, Chaney Peters stepped to the plate. The first pitch was a ball, but Peters blasted the ball to left field for a double that would bring a waiting Tucker across the plate for the winning run.

post-season wins. The James Madison commit, recently named All-State by the AHSAA, is playing her best basketball of the year.

The Lady Mounties are getting good production from all five starters and quality minutes and points from their bench.

In the win over Oxford, starters Zoey Little and Lauren Nelson chipped in thirteen and ten points, respectively.

Lillie Smith came off the bench to hit two big three-pointers.

The Lady Mounties face Huffman in the regional finals at 9:00 AM Tuesday at Jacksonville State.

bison to close out the scoring in the game.

Ashlynn Mayfield led the Greenwave from the mound, pitching the complete game one-hit shutout for Leeds. From the plate, Maddie Payne had two hits in four plate appearances for an RBI to lead the team. Coach Jesse Turner and his girls are off to a great start in an attempt to improve from a 3-14 record that Leeds had last year.

Next up for Leeds is another road game, this time up I-59 to Lincoln on Tuesday evening.

Kate Hicks started the game for the Huskies, and she went four innings, allowing three runs on three hits and getting five strikeouts. Tucker came in and got the win, pitching three innings and allowing one hit and striking out four. Tucker finished with one hit and one RBI while crossing the plate twice.

The defending champions start the season 1-0 and look to keep the momentum going from their opening game as they will head to Central Phenix City on Thursday for the Sidney Cooper Invitational.

Grayson Pope getting his team ready for the 2024 season opener. Photo by: #pray4gray