The Trussville Tribune – Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2021

The Tribune

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By Erica Thomas, managing editor

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FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL

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Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2021 Trussville City Council honors HTHS Track Teams, approves alcohol license for new restaurant

WED THU

ELITE 8

Page 11

50 Cents

Capital murder Severe erosion on Cahaba trial set in deadly Service threatening part of Trussville’s Road shooting greenway

TRUSSVILLE – The Trussville City Council honored the Hewitt-Trussville High School Boys and Girls 7A Indoor Track & Field Champions during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021.

See SERVICE ROAD, Page 4

See CITY COUNCIL, Page 7 Cahaba River in Trussville. Photo: Ron Burkett.

Sen. Linda Coleman presents $20,000 check to Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

By Crystal McGough

PINSON – Alabama State Senator Linda Coleman presented a $20,000 check to Birmingham-Southern College’s Southern Environmental Center Director Roald Hazelhoff, at the Pinson City Council meeting on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021.

See TURKEY CREEK, Page 5

Springville City Council rejects mayor’s budget, passes its own

By Terry Schrimscher

SPRINGVILLE — The Springville City Council met on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, for the second regularly scheduled meeting of February. The meeting was rescheduled from Monday night due to inclement weather.

See SPRINGVILLE, Page 3

Feds seize roughly 10M fake N95 masks

By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Federal agents have seized roughly 10 million fake 3M brand N95 masks in recent weeks, the result of an ongoing investigation into counterfeits sold in at least five states to hospitals, medical facilities and government agencies.

See FAKE MASKS, Page 8

By Erica Thomas, managing editor

TRUSSVILLE — The city of Trussville is planning to bring in experts to look at erosion on the Cahaba River, near the city’s Greenway.

The area of concern sits about a quarter of a mile north of Cherokee Drive, parallel to Pump House Drive. Director of Parks and Recreation, David Vinson, said the problem likely stems from trees that have fallen into the Cahaba.

“It’s gotten a lot worse over the winter,” Vinson said.

“The trees and debris are basically damming up one side

and pushing the water the other way. That’s why it’s cutting into the bank.”

The part of the river that has shifted is now edging close to the greenway sidewalk. Frank Jones, with the city’s Public Works Department, said experts will have to be called in, to examine the problem.

“We’re going to have to get somebody to come in and move those trees,” Jones said.

“We don’t have the equipment to do that. I went yesterday and looked at it and we are going to get more people to come out and look at it.”

Mayor Buddy Choat said

Fallen trees thought to be cause of shift in Cahaba River.

Photo: Erica Thomas.

the issue is a top priority. He has already talked to Milam and Company and he has reached out to the Cahaba River Society for input.

“We have to address this sooner than later,” said Choat.

“If we have a few more heavy rains, we’re going to be in trouble.”

Choat said his concern is not only the sidewalk on the greenway, but the safety of the people walking in the area.

“I was surprised at how many people use that area,” Choat added. “I probably saw 15 people walking on that sidewalk at lunch yesterday.

Where the problem is, it could

get a lot worse. I would hate to know that it was unsafe for people to be on the greenway through that area. That’s my biggest concern is making sure we do the right thing to keep people safe.”

Beth Stewart, with the Cahaba River Society, said the removal of the trees may not be necessary.

“It may be that they don’t need to fully remove the trees,” said Stewart. “It may be that they need to just cut the part of the trees that are obstructing the river flow.”

Stewart plans to visit the location and offer support to the city.

Diggin’ up bones of the past: Trussville collector shows off thousands of artifacts

By Erica Thomas, managing editor

TRUSSVILLE — If you have a hankering to take a walk through the past, the home of Gary Michael Roper, of Trussville, is where you’ll want to find yourself. Whether you’re a history buff or just appreciate old things, there is something to see and learn about at his Pop Stone Circle home.

Roper has been collecting artifacts from Trussville and other parts of Alabama for most of his 77 years. Now, at least one room in his home is dedicated to his hobby. From the floor to the ceiling, display boxes full of items cover all four walls. He has display cases and shelves, neatly organized to resemble a museum.

“I’ve been interested in collecting all my life,” Roper said. “I just love history.”

Roper has a large collection of artifacts including arrowheads, pottery, jewelry

News - Pages 1-7 Opinion - Page 8 Education - Page 9 Calendar - Page 9 Classified - Page 9 Obituary - Page 10 Sports - Pages 11-12

Gary Roper shows off artifacts collected from around Alabama.

and tools. He has dozens of amulets, which Native Americans wore around their necks.

The jewelry was thought to give protection against evil, danger, or disease.

“Some of them were made out of slate,” Roper explained. “Some of them were made out of steel tight that they made their pots out of.

The pot would break and then they would use them.”

Over the years, Roper has learned many things about the way of life for Native Americans. He knows how they picked a place to live, how they made things, and how they fed themselves.

The intricate details of their crafts are appreciated through Roper’s eyes. All arrowheads, for example, don’t look exactly alike. But Roper said there is a rhyme and

reason behind every unique marking on an arrowhead.

“If you look at some, they go off to the side,” Roper said. “Some have tips on the end. Some people might look at one and think, ‘oh he made that crooked,’ but he didn’t make it like that on accident.

He made it just like he needed it to be used.”

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See WANTED, Page 4

Center Point man pleads guilty in 2019 slaying of Birmingham officer

By The Associated Press

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — A man charged with shooting one Birmingham police officer to death and wounding another pleaded guilty to capital murder Monday and was sentenced to life without parole.

See CARTER, Page 4

See ARTIFACTS, Page 3

Robin’s Sewing Shoppe

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Man wanted by Trussville PD after tense chase

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Parents beware: Predators known to use popular chat website

By Erica Thomas, managing editor

TRUSSVILLE — A website that has been around for approximately 10 years is growing in popularity among online users.

Omegle allows users to chat or video call random strangers.

See CHAT WEBSITE, Page 6

The Trussville Tribune

Page 2

The

Trussville Tribune 190 Main Street Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664

Erica Thomas, Managing Editor news@trussvilletribune.com

From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — The owner of the Piggly Wiggly and Ace Hardware in Clay, announced he is opening a new Ace Hardware store in Trussville.

The new store will be located at 307 Main Street, in Trussville. It will be in the former location of Tuesday Morning, next to Fresh Value Marketplace.

Ace Hardware offers a

By Erica Thomas, managing editor

Erik Harris, Sports Editor erik.harris@trussvilletribune.com SALES STAFF Ryan Jennings, Director of Advertising & Sales Shari Moore, Account Executive Meredith White, Account Executive Lauren Taylor, Traffic Coordinator

Member of the Alabama Press Association

Ace Hardware opening on Main Street in Trussville

PALMERDALE — The Palmerdale Fire District dedicated a Fallen Firefighter Memorial on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, following the twoyear anniversary of the death of one of their own.

The statue in front of Palmerdale Fire Station 1 was unveiled during the ceremony. It reads, “Our proudest endeavor is to save lives of men-the work of God Himself.

Under the impulse of such thoughts, the nobility of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, even at the supreme sacrifice.”

A plaque beside the memorial bears the name of Palmerdale fallen firefighter, Brenden Pierce. The 21-yearold died after suffering a medical episode on Feb. 19, 2019.

Pierce was on duty, working weather-related calls, at the time of the episode. He was

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Fallen Firefighter Memorial dedicated in Palmerdale

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next day.

Pierce was a 2017 grad-

uate of Westbrook Christian School.

Palmerdale Fallen Firefighter Memorial at Station 1. Photo: Center Point Fire District Chief Gene Coleman.

Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2021

The Trussville Tribune

Page 3

Local / Region

Artifacts From front page

Roper said the feeling he gets when he finds something from the past, brings to life a way of living that has been long forgotten for many.

“If you find an arrowhead, you realize that some man, in order to make a living, was using that,” said Roper. “He had to be good at it or he’d starve to death. He knew how to make a bow, he knew how to make an arrowhead, he knew how to make them fly straight. A lot of things that have just been lost because we don’t have to do that. I wonder a lot of times how many people could survive if they didn’t have nothing. I’m talking about nothing.

And these people were good at it and there’s an awful lot you can learn from it.”

Roper has read books, spoken to experts, and researched items he has found. Although he doesn’t know the exact age of all of his thousands of artifacts, he knows each item was once an important part of someone’s life.

“You learn about a lot of mysteries that you can’t explain,” he said. “I’ve got a world of stuff.”

Some of those mysteries include hundreds of shark teeth he has found 175 miles from the coast. Roper believes those shark teeth date back to Biblical times when God flooded the earth.

“I have gone back and read the Bible over and over again,” Roper said. “It said that everything in the dry land died. But nowhere in there does it say anything in the ocean died. That’s what cleaned up the mess… the sharks. These particular sharks came up. Now you tell me how come sharks are 175 miles from the ocean!”

Among finds in Trussville, other than Native American artifacts, Roper has collected old pocket knives, jewelry, Civil War relics and an old John Deere emblem.

“That’s John Deere when they made nothing but plows,” said Roper. “I just found that the other day.”

Roper once found evidence that a Confederate soldier lived in the area behind McPherson Oil. He found things including locks and bullets. He has also collected

Confederate States of America belt Buckle found near Childersburg.

Springville From front page

The primary issue during the meeting was the approval of the annual budget, which has been in consideration since it was first proposed by the mayor in January. Several members of the council asked for clarification on the budget, presented by Mayor Dave Thomas, regarding funding for new positions being created. Councilor Katrina Hennings made a motion to adopt a different budget which was presented by the City Council in previous work sessions instead.

“I will certainly defer to the council but we need to tighten our ship up in terms of procedure,” said Thomas.

“What we have before the council is the Mayor’s proposed budget. You can vote it up or down, you can substitute, you can amend it, but we’ve got to adopt a budget and then do something with it.”

After a motion to approve the budget as presented by the mayor failed, the council’s budget was then passed by the council.

The total operating expense in the council budget is $6,273,513 which is subject to revision based on changes made during the meeting.

A resolution approving the creation of a new Executive Assistant to the Mayor was not in the council version of the budget and several members of the council questioned the need for the position at the present time.

“I have been Mayor pro tem for 40 years, I guess, and

I’ve always been available,” said Councilor Wayne Tucker.

“I’ve had contact from several people I represent and the first thing they ask is why we need an executive assistant to the mayor and I can’t answer that. I can’t see it myself.”

The resolution creating the position was tabled for future consideration. Other job-related resolutions were passed, including: • Resolutions authorizing one part-time and one full-time general laborer in Parks & Recreation • A resolution authorizing one part-time magistrate for city courts

• A resolution authorizing one additional building inspector • A resolution authorizing a deputy City Clerk • Resolutions authorizing one part-time and one full-time firefighter • A resolution hiring two full-time laborers for streets The city also passed a resolution to approve a contract with Windstream to convert city phone and cable services to fiber optics. Once completed, the upgrades are expected to save the city approximately $800 a month.

The council approved the purchase of a new fire truck for $569,845 and will discuss terms for financing at a later meeting. The truck is expected to be delivered by April of 2022.

After a brief Executive Session, the council approved a resolution merger clause with Wright Farm Development, one of the parties involved in the building of

other Confederacy items including a C.S.A. belt buckle and a comb, from around the state.

Roper uses a metal detector to find some items. He has gone as far as the Gulf of Mexico to unearth treasures of yesteryear. Around bodies of water, Roper likes to search inside banks that have eroded.

“One time in Montgomery, in around the Alabama River, a burial had fallen out of the bank and tumbled down the bank,” Roper remembered.

“They had buried the Indian

with a water bottle. Walking along and saw it. It has a swirl pattern on the top with four s’s in a square. Out of that came two lines and turned to one side and there was a hand there. There are four hands, and they only have three fingers and a thumb. An Indian artifact expert told me that’s not a man’s hand. The swirls are for north, south, east and west and that’s the hand of God.” Since finding the artifact, Roper has found many more items with the same design. It never ceases to amaze Roper

Bowl found near Native American burial in Montogmery.

the Archer’s Cove neighborhood.

Mayor Thomas also presented a resolution to the council regarding the new jail being built in Pell City and the eventual closing of the jail in Ashville, which could also result in a reduction or elimination of court services in Ashville. Thomas said the closure would create hardships on cities across St. Clair County.

“It would needlessly put a strain on police departments which are already stretched to the breaking point to just provide basic public safety,” said Thomas. “One arrest could take an officer off of our streets for the better part of a shift. Or, if that arrest was made at the end of a shift we’re looking at costly overtime,” he said.

The proposed resolution calls for the repeal of legislation in an appropriations bill signed by Governor Kay Ivey in June of 2019.

Old locks found in Trussville

at how creative and inventive people were hundreds of years ago.

“They were brilliant at a lot of these things,” Roper said. “The whole area was a supermarket for them. They used everything for something.”

Roper has shared his knowledge and findings over the years in schools and at

meetings with organizations.

He hopes to continue to share what he has learned with others.

“It gets in your blood,” he said. “It’s something that you have to do or that you love doing. There’s a lot to know about the past and things like that and a lot of people walk over it for a lifetime and never know.”

John Deere emblem found in Trussville.

Trussville’s Shelnutt sponsoring elderly abuse bill From The Tribune staff reports

MONTGOMERY — Senator Shay Shelnutt of Trussville is once again sponsoring legislation aimed at reducing instances of elder financial abuse, a problem that costs older Americans billions of dollars every year.

Senate Bill 181, the Elderly and Vulnerable Adult Financial Protection Act, allows banks and credit unions to refuse or delay a transaction whenever financial abuse of a customer is suspected and the customer is at least 65 years of age or unable to manage his or her own affairs because of physical or mental impairment.

The bill unanimously

Sen. Shay Shelnutt

passed the Alabama Senate last week and now moves to the Alabama House of Representatives.

This is the second year in a row that Shelnutt, who chairs the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, has sponsored this bill, which

is supported by the Alabama Bankers Association, the League of Southeastern Credit Unions, and the AARP. Last year’s version failed to become law because the Alabama Legislature was forced to adjourn earlier than expected in 2020 due to COVID-19.

In addition to banning the transaction itself, Shelnutt’s legislation installs reporting protocols for financial institutions and creates a process for contacting selected people associated with the customer, such as a relative, attorney, or accountant.

The bill will be managed in the House of Representatives by Rep. Chris Blackshear of Phenix City, who chairs the House Financial Services Committee.

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The Trussville Tribune

Page 4

Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2021

CRIME STOPPERS: Center New trial date set for man charged with sex abuse, Point man wanted on felony domestic violence charge human trafficking in Jefferson, Name: Gender: DOB: Height: Hair: If you have information on the whereabouts of Taylor, you are asked to call Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama at (205) 254-7777. You will remain anonymous and could

Wanted From front page

By Erica Thomas, managing editor

TRUSSVILLE — Local law enforcement agencies are searching for a man wanted on several charges after leading Trussville Police on a chase.

On Monday, Feb. 8, an officer with the Trussville Police Department located a vehicle that was the subject of a BOLO (Be on the lookout)

by Birmingham Police. The white Scion TC was headed south on Gadsden Highway, around 2 a.m., at a high rate

Service Road From front page

From The Trussville Tribune staff reports

JEFFERSON COUNTY — A man charged with capital murder and attempted murder, stemming from a shooting on Service Road, will go to trial this fall.

Walter Edward Juskiewicz, 32, is suspected of shooting and killing 39-year-old Arnulfo Ortega. Ortega was killed on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said Ortega was going to buy a car from Juskiewicz, a co-worker, on

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of speed, according to a police report.

The officer attempted to make a traffic stop but the driver refused to pull over, running a red light near the Interstate 459 on-ramp.

The officer said the vehicle crossed over into the median and went into a ditch, but turned around and continued onto the roadway. The officer said he had to swerve to avoid colliding with the Scion.

The pursuit continued up an access road until the driver of the Scion stopped the car and fled on foot. The driver did not put the car in park and it rolled and hit the patrol vehicle but did not cause

damage. No one was hurt in the incident but police said the suspect got away. Birmingham Police and Irondale Police assisted Trussville Police, searching the area for the suspect.

Birmingham Police identified the suspect as Paul Allen Caufield, 34, of Birmingham.

Trussville Police confirmed Caufield is now wanted on several warrants including attempting to elude, reckless endangerment, and reckless driving.

If you have information on the whereabouts of Caufield, you are asked to call the Trussville Police Department at (205) 655-2101.

the night of the shooting.

Juskiewicz showed up and began shooting at the victims, according to investigators.

Ortega was struck, but a second victim was able to escape.

Juskiewicz’s trial was originally set for a bench trial on March 8, 2021, but Judge Michael Streety’s office said that has been changed to a jury trial on Aug. 23, 2021.

Juskiewicz is being held at the Jefferson County Jail without bond on the capital murder charge. In late 2020, an officer inside the jail said Juskiewicz was hoarding medication he had a prescription for, in order to sell

them. The pills were found inside his cell in October. He is now charged with promoting prison contraband.

In 2013, Juskiewicz was charged with first-degree sodomy and sexual abuse of a child less than 12-yearsold.

Court records show Juskiewicz pleaded guilty to both charges in December of 2015. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison with two years to serve. Eight years of the sentence were suspended if he completed five years of probation. He received credit for 324 days served at the time of his sentencing.

Juskiewicz was also told to register as a sex offender.

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From The Tribune staff reports

PELL CITY — A man accused of human trafficking and sexual abuse is scheduled for trial in St. Clair County on March 15, 2021.

Pell City authorities said Brent Lee Higginbotham, 27, of Ragland, is accused of soliciting a teenager for sex. The teen was in a parking lot on Main Street South when police said she was approached

by Higginbotham. The teen said Higginbotham blocked the door of her car and made sexual comments to her. He was later arrested and charged with

human trafficking and tampering with evidence.

The incident in Pell City happened on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. At the time, Higginbotham was out on bond in connection to a 2017 case in Trussville. Police said the

14-year-old victim told them that Higginbotham grabbed her in the parking lot of Trussville Crossing Shopping Center on Chalkville Mountain Road.

The victim was able to get away. Higginbotham was charged with one count of first-degree sexual abuse by force and a second charge of second-degree sexual abuse due to the age of the victim.

The bond for the Jefferson County case was revoked.

As for the charges in Jefferson County, a status hearing was scheduled for Feb. 16, but court records have not been updated since the scheduled hearing.

Armed robbery reported at Moody Family Dollar, 2 in custody

Deja Robinson. Photo from the Moody Police Department Maurice Todd. Photo from the Moody Police Department From The Tribune staff reports

MOODY — Two suspects are in custody following an armed robbery and subsequent car chase in Moody.

The alleged crime took place on Saturday night at the

Family Dollar Store in Moody.

Maurice Todd, 21, and Deja Robinson, 20, both of Birmingham, have been charged with first-degree robbery and attempting to elude law enforcement. Bond for both has been set at $61,000.

According to a post from the Moody Police Department, the suspects led officers on a car chase through Moody, to

Interstate 20 and into Irondale following the robbery. The vehicle came to a stop after Irondale police successfully deployed spike strips.

As the vehicle came to a stop, both occupants attempted to flee on foot but were taken into custody.

Police say a large amount of cash believed to have been taken from Family Dollar was recovered along with two handguns and assorted clothing, which includes a jacket and ski mask the suspect can be seen wearing in security video taken during the robbery.

The Irondale Police Department, Leeds Police Department and St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office assisted Moody in the pursuit.

Carter

From front page

Jeremy Elwin Owens, 33, of Center Point, avoided a possible death penalty by pleading guilty to killing Sgt. Wytasha Carter on Jan. 13, 2019, news outlets reported. He also pleaded guilty to attempted murder in the shooting of Officer Luke Allums, who recovered, and for shooting at a third officer.

Owens was shot and seriously injured in an exchange of gunfire that happened as officers worked in an area where there had been a string of vehicle burglaries.

District Attorney Danny Carr announced the plea deal

in a statement that said Carter had been a mentor to younger officers.

“We want to continue to give our condolences to the Carter family as well as our commitment to honor the life of Sgt. Wytasha Carter as we continue to serve this community and fight for justice,’′ Carr said.

An attorney for Owens, John Lentine, said Carter’s death “was the unfortunate result of a chaotic situation that

Jeremy Owens. Photo: Jefferson County Jail.

went terribly wrong.”

Owens previously served time in prison for armed robbery. Released from custody, he was free on bond following his arrest on drug and firearms charges when the officers were shot.

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The Trussville Tribune

Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2021

Page 5

Pinson Council adopts 2019/2020 excellent audit, increases funds to Clay-Pinson Chamber of Commerce turned out that way,” he said.

“It turns out that local people shop local.”

The city council unanimously approved a motion from Councilor Dawn Tanner to adopt what she called “the 2019/2020 excellent audit.”

The council also approved a resolution to increase the city’s allocation to the Clay-Pinson Chamber of Commerce from $10,000 to $20,000. Resolution 21-3 passed with one abstention, from Councilor John Churchwell, who is a member of the chamber.

“They do great work in our community and we appreciate it,” Cochran said.

In other city business, the council passed the following: • Resolution 21-4, authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract for advertising and promotion with the Clay-Pinson Chamber of Commerce for the 2021 Alabama Butterbean Festival • Motion to establish a

$15,000 budget for Pinson’s CityFest • Motion to approve $29,800 for field maintenance at PYSC • Motion to authorize up to $5,000 for chain and bollard fencing to prevent parking on the disc golf course at Bicentennial Park Additionally, Mayor Cochran informed the public that there will be a barbecue cook-off at Bicentennial Park on March 6 to raise money for the Rusk Mobile Home Park tornado relief. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“They will be taking financial contributions that day and supplies to help rebuild at Rusk,” Cochran said. “All are welcome to participate.”

The next meeting of the Pinson City Council will be Thursday, March 4, 2021, at Pinson City Hall. Pre-council will begin at 6:15 p.m. and the regular council meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

Left to right: Alabama State Senator Linda Coleman, Birmingham-Southern College SEC Director Roald Hazelhoff, Pinson Mayor Joe Cochran

we may not make it. So, it’s very fortunate; it’s very good to see support come, and I think part of that is because, even during Covid, we are able to track where visitors come from by asking them for zip codes. Through that, Senator Coleman and others could see that we’re … not just a local attraction; this is something that’s joined people from the entire six-county area and beyond. So, it’s important that we have a quality product to offer as we want to grow and expand our programs. I’m very pleased with it.”

By Crystal McGough

PINSON – The Pinson City Council received an audit presentation for the 2019/2020 fiscal year from Charlie Polmatier of Borland Benefield, CPA, Thursday night at the regularly scheduled city council meeting.

“I’m pleased to report that the city’s in fine financial shape; in fact, strong financial shape,” Polmatier said. “The independent auditor’s report … is unmodified across the entire statement, meaning there’s a pass-fail grade in the audit business and this is pass. So, congratulations. I’m also pleased to report that we had no deficiencies or findings to report in terms of your financial report, so kudos to everyone involved in preparing.”

Polmatier said that the financial highlight was that despite having spent significant reserves the past two years in terms of capital improvements, including the Rock

Turkey Creek From front page

Birmingham-Southern College manages the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, which is located in the city of Pinson. The donation will be used to advance the construction of a new classroom pavilion at the entrance of the preserve.

“It’s always good to try to invest in needs in the community” Coleman said. “It’s just my pleasure. Roald had been contacting me and I’ve been out to Turkey Creek. It’s just very peaceful. So, you all

Charlie Polmatier, Borland Benefield, CPA, presents Pinson’s 2019-2020 audit report

School Center, library and other items, the city was able to build back its reserves to a “strong, just-over-six-months operating reserve.”

“From a financial standpoint, the city couldn’t be healthier, from my point of view,” he said. “Congrats, be-

cause I’m always impressed.

A year ago, I guess, everybody was chewing their fingernails off possibly about how (the pandemic) was going to affect not only everyone’s personal life, but their city. Fortunately, while it’s been a rough year for sure,

have something really that I think is going to be a destination point for a lot of people to come.”

Coleman said that the funds came from the Senate District 20 Jefferson County Community Service Grants.

“Thank you, Senator, for doing this for the community and to help us,” Hazelhoff said. “Your timing was impeccable. It allowed us to get back on track and we think that we’re going to be done at the end of March. This help was greatly appreciated.”

After a series of unfortu-

nate circumstances in 2020, including wood cost increases, weather delays and the Covid-19 pandemic, Hazelhoff said the project suffered a serious setback.

“We had serious cost overruns, weather delays and so forth,” he said. “It came to a point that, if we hadn’t had not just this particular check – I mean, we had a series (of donations) and the city also stepped forward – so now we’re back on track to open. We still need to make some cost savings, etc., but there was a point about three months ago where I thought

the city has weathered it financially.”

Not only did the city weather the shutdown due to Covid-19, but Polmatier said sales tax income for the city of Pinson was higher from April through June 2020.

“The ‘doomsday’ has not

The Trussville Tribune

Page 6

M e t r o / S tat e

Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2021

Alabama AG joins 18-state Chat Website coalition urging Biden to remove unlawful immigrants convicted of sex crimes From front page

MONTGOMERY — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general in urging President Biden, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Johnson, to reverse the Biden administration’s last-minute cancellation of Operation Talon, a nationwide ICE program focused on removing convicted illegally present sex offenders from the United States.

casts to the world that the United States is now a sanctuary for sexual predators,” said Marshall and the AG coalition. “This message creates a perverse incentive for foreign sexual predators to seek to enter the United States illegally and assault more victims, both in the process of unlawful migration and after they arrive.

It will also broadcast the message to other criminal aliens who have committed less heinous offenses that any kind of robust enforcement against them is extremely unlikely.”

The coalition said that according to data collected by Syracuse University’s

In a letter to President Biden, Attorney General Marshall and his colleagues argued that canceling Operation Talon could embolden sexual predators who seek to enter the United States illegally and exacerbate issues of sexual assault and trafficking in the immigrant community.

“The cancellation of this program effectively broad-

Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, during the period from October 2014 to May 2018, ICE arrested 19,752 illegal aliens with criminal convictions for whom the most serious prior conviction was a conviction for a sex-related offense.

The attorneys general emphasized how human trafficking and sexual assault are en-

From The Tribune staff reports

demic issues in the immigrant and migrant communities, especially at the border. Citing the Polaris Project, the AGs continued, “the overwhelming majority of victims of sex and/or labor trafficking in the United States were foreign nationals, not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

For cases in which citizenship status was known, 77.5 percent of trafficking victims (4,601 out of 5,939) were not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.”

“We urge you to immediately reinstate Operation Talon, adopt an aggressive enforcement policy against illegal aliens convicted of sex crimes, and send a message to sexual predators that they are not welcome in the United States of America,” the coalition stated.

The Missouri-led letter was also signed by attorneys general from Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.

Biden revoked Trump-era immigration policies, including Operation Talon, on Feb. 3. Retired Immigration and Customs (ICE) Director Tom Homan told Fox & Friends that “people will die, people will be raped. People will be victimized by criminals that shouldn’t even be here” because of the Biden-Harris administration changes.

The user is able to end the chat at any time and the website claims all chats are anonymous.

The platform has become more popular since the coronavirus pandemic began. People stuck at home have flocked to the website to connect with people on a more personal level.

However, the website itself has a warning for users.

“To help you stay safe, chats are anonymous unless you tell someone who you are (not suggested!), and you can stop a chat at any time,” Omegle’s homepage states. “Predators have been known to use Omegle, so please be careful.”

A BBC investigation revealed some young children have used the website to “touch themselves in front of strangers.”

Omegle’s homepage has a banner pushing users to “Talk to Strangers!” but one Lee County, Alabama mom has a viral video of her own, urging parents to step up. Courtney Carter took to Facebook live to warn anyone who has any type of influence on children. Carter said she was made aware of a family that has been negatively impacted by an elementary-aged boy who used the website. She said the boy was playing an online game when he clicked a link and was taken to Omegle.

“It tells him to click to go to this site, this is where everybody finds little groups to play with,” Carter said in the video. “Like, literally kids your age are going to go to this and you’re going to play and it’s going to be fun, right?”

The boy chatted with a person that Carter said threatened him if he didn’t send a photo of himself, so he did send a nude picture.

Carter said after learning

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the devastating news, she went to the website to see what it was all about and to see how it worked. Although the website states that anyone under 18 can only use it with a parent or guardian’s permission, there is no way to stop a child from accessing chats. Carter said she chose the option that she was under 18 and was sent instantly to distasteful and disturbing content.

“It was a cartoon image and it was sickening,” Carter added.

Child advocacy experts advise parents to block the website from browsers used by children and teens. They say children have shared personal information with strangers including their addresses and other ways to contact them such as Snapchat and other social media platforms. TikTok has blocked users from sharing links from Omegle.

Parents are urged to monitor their children’s online activity by having access to all accounts and passwords and frequently checking their online activity. You can also limit access to websites by setting up restrictions. Experts say to be honest with children by telling them you will monitor online activity and by making them aware of the dangers of online predators.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has the follow-

ing tips: Parental Control Tools Filtering and blocking: These tools limit access to certain sites, words, or images.

Some products decide what’s filtered; others leave that to parents. Some filters apply to websites; others to email, chat, and instant messaging.

Blocking outgoing content: This software prevents kids from sharing personal information online, in chat rooms, or via email.

Limiting time: This software allows you to limit your kid’s time online and set the time of day they can access the internet.

Monitoring tools: This software alerts parents to online activity without blocking access.

Some tools record the addresses of websites a child has visited; others provide a warning message when a kid visits certain sites. Monitoring tools can be used with or without a kid’s knowledge.

Software and Sites Designed for Kids Browsers for kids: These browsers filter words or images deemed inappropriate for kids.

Kid-oriented search engines: These perform limited searches or screen search results for sites and material appropriate for kids.

You can watch Carter’s video in this story on www.TrussvilleTribune.com.

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The Trussville Tribune

Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2021

City Council From front page

When the teams won the 51st AHSAA State Indoor Track and Field Championships earlier this month, it was the first time in history both Girls and Boys Indoor track teams won the top prize at the same time.

The resolution passed by the council congratulates “Hewitt-Trussville High School, Head Coach Tom Esslinger, Assistant Coaches David Dobbs, Jamey Curlee, Rachel Higginbotham, Mike Dilbert, Jihan Loving & April Howell, the entire team and their families on both teams’ successful seasons.”

The championships were the 15th and 16th in the school’s history. Head Coach Tom Esslinger thanked his assistant coaches and the athletes.

“It’s been a long journey for sure and they’ve worked extremely hard,” Esslinger said.

Council President Alan Taylor pointed out the success of all athletic teams at Hewitt-Trussville High School.

“Our entire athletic department is just incredible,” Taylor said. “What we’re doing in softball, baseball, basketball, all of the sports is incredible.

Lance Walker is our AD and he’s done a great job, so I want to thank him tonight for what he’s done to make our athletic program what it is.”

Walker said the success of the programs at HTHS is in part because of the community and the support of organi-

restaurant has not been cited for serving anyone underage since he has been with Logan’s in Trussville, which has been seven years. He said the company is part of a responsible vendor program.

El Patron Mexican Restaurant was also given approval for an alcohol license after a public hearing and a resolution passed by the council.

Arturo Cabrera, the owner of the new restaurant, said this one will be his fourth. It is in the Trussville Shopping Center, off Chalkville Mountain Road. Cabrera added that anyone who is served alcohol at the restaurant will be carded.

TENNIS COURTS The city council approved a resolution to improve the surface of two tennis courts at the Trussville Racquet Club.

Parks and Recreation Director David Vinson said the project will add an overlay to the two courts in the worst condition.

This will be the first time the city has used premium courts, Vinson said.

“If we used the old way they would be back in bad shape in no time,” Vinson explained. “This way, with the premium courts, it will be better in the long-run.”

OTHER BUSINESS The council also approved a resolution allowing the mayor to enter negotiations concerning a piece of property, pending approval from the council. Mayor Buddy Choat said the deal would benefit the city.

The following items were approved as part of the consent agenda:

• Hire Shelby Smothers as part-time P&R unclassified laborer (Grade 7 – Step 1), effective Feb 27, 2021 • Hire DeRico Tilley as part-time seasonal P&R track-&-field coach (Grade 7 – Step 4), effective Feb 27, 2021 All measures were approved unanimously, with the exception of Councilor Perry Cook, who was not in attendance at the meeting.

COUNCIL/MAYOR REPORTS During council and mayor reports, Councilor Lisa Bright, who serves as the liaison to the Trussville City Schools Board of Education, updated the council on the latest in the search for the next school board member. A five-member committee has been reviewing resumes and conducting interviews for the next member, who will take the place of Stan Garrett at the end of his term this year.

Bright said the council should have a candidate to appoint by the next council meeting.

Mayor Buddy Choat recognized Garrett, who was in attendance at the meeting.

“I don’t know if many people know this, but Stan is the longest-serving school board member in TCS history,” Choat said. “He will be missed. Stan, I know you served well and I know you put your time in, so we thank you for that.”

Choat also spoke about the COVID-19 vaccine, saying he and Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight have been trying to get vac-

HTHS Track Teams honored at Trussville City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021.

Photo: Erica Thomas.

zations in the community.

“This is an honor for all of us coaches and athletes to be here,” Walker said. “It takes a team of people to make this happen.”

ALCOHOL LICENSES The city council passed a resolution approving an alcohol license for Logan’s Roadhouse, in Pinnacle Square.

The restaurant has been in Trussville but is now under new ownership. Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, the former company filed for bankruptcy and SPB bought the company. The restaurant is still under the same management.

Danny Hall, the General Manager with Logan’s Roadhouse, in Trussville, answered questions from the council during a public hearing on the issue. He said the

• Accounts payable • Registration for TPD Officers Scotty Bates and Robert Antonio at the NASRO Conference, July 11-16 in Orlando. $500 each.

• Registration for TPD Sgt. Joe Dunn; Officers Casey Davis and Stanley Kennedy for Emerald Coast Motorcycle Training, May 11-14 in Fort Walton Beach. $65 each.

• Registration for TPD Sgt. Josh Payne for Supervising Patrol Critical Incidents, June 17-18 in Smyrna, TN. $294.

• Reappoint Tommy George to Zoning Adjustments Board; term expiring Feb 15, 2024 • Reappoint Colin Sears to Parks & Recreation Board; term expiring Feb 28, 2025

cines into Trussville.

“We were unsuccessful, but we have tried,” Choat said.

Choat said people in the Trussville area can contact Christ Health Centers in Woodlawn and in Chalkville for information on scheduling an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Council President Alan Taylor gave an update on the city’s budget, after a meeting with the Finance Committee.

As of Dec. 20, the city’s sales tax receipts were up 2% and internet sales receipts were up 52% from the budgeted amount. Total operating expenses were also down 4% from the budget.

The next Trussville City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

Page 7

FINANCE: Thrive, not just survive, as economic seasons change

By David Guttery

Within our last two monthly editorials, we’ve offered a high-level discussion about how economic variables might change under the new Administration. Among other things, we discussed how a weaker dollar might characterize the coming economic environment, and how such might create opportunities for investors going forward.

Newly appointed treasury secretary Janet Yellen has spoken on many occasions in recent weeks about the need for increasingly greater amounts of stimulus. On Monday, the 22nd of February, the House of Representatives voted on a nearly two trillion-dollar stimulus plan. Funding for that stimulus will come from a complicit Federal Reserve that will be compelled to print additional money as it did last year to fund the CARES Act. As additional dollars are printed, the ones that previously existed become less valuable. We call this debasing the currency. Therefore, investing in anything, the value of which being a function of a strengthening or weakening dollar, is an opportunity.

Broadly, such market sectors would include materials, commodities, precious metals, and energy. Anything denominated by a weakening dollar could experience a positive reinforcement in terms of its price.

We’ve also discussed how weakening dollars and rising taxation often does influence consumer spending behavior, and we’ve described how patterns of behavior can change when the product or service is economically elastic or inelastic in nature.

We’ve observed many similar economic characteristics of the Obama Administration within previous commentaries. I drew reference to the eight consecutive years of slowing velocity of money, stagnating wages, and higher liabilities of taxation in the past, and how these things impacted consumption behavior of both corporations and individuals. Now we must consider how the return of these and other variables might impact patterns of consumption in a post COVID economy.

As individuals and corporations are left with fewer net spendable dollars after tax, and the purchasing power of the remaining dollars becomes increasingly weaker, it incentivizes a change in consumption behavior. On the corporate side, it becomes a function of what makes the company more efficient rather than on increasing the capacity to make widgets. On the individual side, it incentivizes a focus on the consumption of staples over luxury items.

Historically, we can also see how this incentivizes a higher level of savings.

For example, in such periods of time, individuals will be much less likely to decrease consumption of toilet paper, household pharmaceuticals, dishwashing detergent, bars of soap, and basic food staple items. Conversely, individuals will not be incentivized to purchase greater quantities of that seven-dollar cup of designer coffee.

This is a high-level example of consumption behavior changing in deference to things that are economically inelastic over the consumption of things that are economically elastic. Investment opportunities are generally found among companies that produce the things, or provide the services, that you will consume regardless of the state of the economy. These companies are generally very large, value in nature, and often times offer a dividend stream of income that is helpful in the reduction of overall portfolio volatility.

We’ve also talked a lot about correlation. When we are working with clients to identify investment opportunities, we must pay particular attention to what we call correlation. At a high level, you can think of correlation as simply the relationship between sectors.

For example, I believe that utilities as a broad sector could be an attractively defensive investment opportunity as we evolve into the economic conditions that may be ahead of us. However, I would not suggest that people blindly invest into just any company in that sector. You must further screen for correlation with coal for example.

I believe that the Biden Administration, like the Obama Administration before, has indicated a policy aversion to fossil fuels. We can anticipate that tighter EPA regulations, and carbon footprint taxation will negatively impact not only the fossil fuel industry going forward, but also negatively correlate to other sectors that are dependent upon fossil fuels.

There are many power generating utilities that have a high correlation to fossil fuels, and in particular, to coal.

Therefore, I would look for utilities that generate the majority of their power through alternative sources such as hydro, nuclear, wind and solar, rather than companies that produce the majority of their power through coal-fired steam plants, in order to avoid the negative correlation between the generally defensive nature of utilities, and fossil fuels.

We’ve spoken often about the changing of seasons, and

how such change impacts behavior. In July, we generally wear shorts and T-shirts as the warmer weather incentivizes the utility of our fashion behavior. Generally, we do not wear shorts and T-shirts in January. The colder weather incentivizes our behavior to wear jeans and jackets instead.

Likewise, as an advisor, I am not simply looking for investment opportunities that will survive the coming change of economic seasons, but rather, I am looking for opportunities that could potentially thrive. To some degree, we can observe previous periods of changing economic seasons for those clues about what might thrive tomorrow.

David Guttery

This is where financial physics comes in handy. Understanding the cause-andeffect relationship helps in determining what might happen next. We are constantly evaluating that with our clients. Again, I would strongly suggest to anyone reading this article, that this is no time for a portfolio to be left on autopilot. If you work with a financial professional, then engage that person frequently at this time. If you are without such professional representation, please give us a call and we would be happy to make your acquaintance. (*) David R. Guttery, RFC, RFS, CAM, is a financial advisor, and has been in practice for 30 years, and is the President of Keystone Financial Group in Trussville.

David offers products and services using the following business names: Keystone Financial Group – insurance and financial services | Ameritas Investment Company, LLC (AIC), Member FINRA / SIPC – securities and investments | Ameritas Advisory Services – investment advisory services. AIC and AAS are not affiliated with Keystone Financial Group.

Information provided is gathered from sources believed to be reliable; however, we cannot guarantee their accuracy.

This information should not be interpreted as a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Past performance is not an indicator of future results.

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The Trussville Tribune

Page 8

Opinion

Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2021

DEMARCO: The 2022 race to represent Alabama in the U.S. Senate off and running

By Paul DeMarco, commentary

The timing of when Richard Shelby would retire from the United States Senate has been a contention of debate by political wags for years.

Shelby was re-elected to his sixth term in 2016 and is now the longest-serving United States Senator in Alabama history.

But now that the senior Senator from Alabama made it official last week, the question is who will be that man

Paul Demarco

or woman that Alabama voters will choose to replace him

in the seat. Senate seats do not come open that often in the state so when they do there is usually a crowded field of candidates.

The state has changed a lot since Shelby was first elected to the Senate in 1986 as a Democrat. Shelby correctly saw the direction the state was heading and switched parties to become a Republican in 1994. Alabama has gone from a blue to a red state with all of its current statewide elected officials as members of the Republican Party.

And not only is the state run by a supermajority of Republican federal and state officials, but Alabama is considered one of the most conservative in the nation.

The election of Tommy Tuberville to the Senate last year is illustrative of the politics that moves Alabama voters. Tuberville was able to handily defeat former Senator Jeff Sessions, considered by many to be a conservative stalwart when he served.

President Donald Trump’s popularity still holds a strong

Sen. Richard Shelby

sway in this state and will no doubt be a factor in the race to replace Shelby.

Candidates know that to

win a race of this nature will take months to raise the campaign funds to be successful.

In addition, Alabama voters expect the personal touch which means crisscrossing the entire state to ask for their vote Thus, while the general election is not until November of 2022, the campaigns will get up and running this Spring for the long marathon to election day.

Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives

Kids Talk about God: What makes Jesus weep?

By Carey Kinsolving and Friends

“Lazarus died and he was Jesus’ buddy,” says Samuel, 5.

We don’t often think of Jesus as having buddies or friends, but he did. From the story in John 11 where a crying Mary meets Jesus to tell him that he could have prevented her brother from dying, we have the shortest verse in the Bible: “Jesus wept,” (John 11:35).

“Since Jesus was human, he had human feelings,” says Savannah, 11. “Jesus wept when Lazarus died. Jesus can weep with us.

“When we have problems, Jesus doesn’t guide us around the problems. He goes through them with us.

Jesus can weep with us or he can weep when we sin. Jesus loves us no matter what.”

Yes, Jesus loves us no matter what! In a world where reciprocal love is the norm, God’s one-way love is so counterintuitive.

A lot of people think about Jesus in the same way they think about karma. If we obey him, he loves us. If we disobey, he doesn’t love us. What goes around, comes around, right? WRONG! What goes around is our sin and rebellion against God. What comes around is not the death and separation from God that we deserve.

What comes around is God’s grace in offering to us what we do not deserve or earn: eternal life by faith alone in Christ alone.

“Grace and peace” is the way the Apostle Paul starts almost all his New Testament epistles. “Grace is the root of our salvation and peace is the fruit,” said

author Tullian Tchvidjian.

When Christians walk in the one-way love (grace) that brought them into God’s family, they enjoy God’s peace. They stop looking to people for affirmation of their value.

Instead of self-esteem, it’s God-esteem. What God thinks about you is much more important than people’s changing opinions. All Christians possess a righteousness that is not their own, the righteousness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).

When Christians receive their value from God, they’re free to give to others without expecting anything in return. Even though all Christians are eternally secure as God’s children, they fail to experience God’s peace when they revert to trying to earn God’s love.

Jesus weeps when we try to

Carey Kinsolving

earn what he gives us freely.

“Jesus was sad because in Romans 12:15, it says, ‘Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep,’” says Almea, 11. “Jesus was crying with Mary because he was weeping with those who weep.”

Thank God that we have

a compassionate savior!

Speaking of the ascended Christ who is on his heavenly throne and praying for his people, the Bible tells us: “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin,” (Hebrews 4:15).

Jesus empathizes with our suffering. He suffered more than anyone. The prophet Isaiah predicted that the messiah would be a “man of sorrows” who “carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:3-4). We do not have a dispassionate God who can’t understand our suffering.

Even though Jesus knew he would raise Lazarus from the dead, he wept with Mary.

He entered into her sorrow over the death of her brother.

Think about this: Jesus knows our sorrows because

he carried them during his ministry and especially on the cross.

Memorize this truth: Hebrews 4:15 previously quoted.

Ask these questions: Are you rejoicing with those who have experienced the liberty of God’s one-way love? Are you weeping over those who are still trying to gain God’s favor by their own efforts?

Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith and spiritual life a powerful boost.

To receive Kids Talk About God three times a week in a free, email subscription, visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod. org/email.

COPYRIGHT 2021 CAREY KINSOLVING

Alabama virus hospitalizations hit lowest point since fall MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The number of people in Alabama hospitals with COVID-19 dipped Thursday to around 1,000, the lowest since late autumn.

The decline in hospitalizations, daily new cases and the percent of tests coming back positive — three major barometers of the pandemic’s severity — is an encouraging sign that the state has emerged from the record-setting winter surge, said Dr. Don Williamson, the president of the Alabama Hospital Association. An unknown, however, is if the state will see another spike from the spread of variants.

COVID-19 hospitalizations have declined from more than 3,000 on Jan. 11 to 1,003 on Thursday, the lowest level

Fake Masks From front page

The most recent seizures occurred Wednesday when Homeland Security agents intercepted hundreds of thousands of counterfeit 3M masks in an East Coast warehouse that were set to be distributed, officials said.

Investigators also notified about 6,000 potential victims in at least 12 states including hospitals, medical facilities and others who may have unknowingly purchased knockoffs, urging them to stop using the medical-grade masks. Officials encouraged medical workers and companies to go to 3Ms website for tips on how to spot fakes.

The phony masks are not tested to see whether they meet strict N95 standards and could put frontline medical workers at risk if they are used while treating patients with COVID-19.

Nearly a year into the pandemic, fraud remains a major problem as scammers seek to

since early November.

“These are the best numbers we’ve seen certainly since November,” “We are headed in the right direction if we don’t do anything to mess it up,” Williamson said.

Williamson attributed the drop in hospitalizations to both a drop in cases and treatment with monoclonal antibodies to lessen the severity of illness.

Other states have also seen a drop in cases. Alabama ranked 22nd among U.S. states in the number of new cases per capita in the past 14 days.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Alabama fell from 2,281 on Feb. 3 to 1,014 on Feb. 17, according to The COVID Tracking Project.

Williamson said an unknown is if the state will see an-

other spike from virus variants.

At least eight cases of a highly transmissible variant that was first identified in the United Kingdom has been found in the state, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

The department said many infectious disease experts have indicated that the current vaccines should be effective against the strain, and that the variant has not been definitively linked to worse outcomes.

Since the pandemic began, more than 480,000 confirmed and probable virus cases have been reported in Alabama, and 9,424 COVID-related deaths have been reported.

Alabama has so far distributed about 685,000 of the 1 million vaccine doses it has received.

exploit hospitals and desperate Americans. Federal investigators say they have seen an increase in phony websites purporting to sell vaccines as well as fake medicine produced overseas and scams involving personal protective equipment.

The schemes deliver phony products, unlike earlier in the pandemic when fraudsters focused more on fleecing customers.

3M, based in Maplewood, Minnesota, is among the largest global producers of the N95 mask, which has been approved by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. It is considered the gold standard in protection against the coronavirus. The company delivered some 2 billion N95 masks in 2020 as the pandemic intensified, but in the earlier months, when masks were in short supply, fraudsters took advantage.

So far during the pandemic, Homeland Security Investigations has used its 7,000 agents,

along with border officials, the Food and Drug Administration, and the FBI, to investigate the scams, seizing $33 million in phony products and arresting more than 200 people. The effort is based at the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, a government watchdog aimed at enforcing international trade laws and combating intellectual property theft.

Over the past two weeks, federal agents have executed search warrants and seized masks in five different states, and more action is expected.

But phony masks have already made it to front-line workers in other cases.

3M has been dealing with increasing instances of fraud.

Over the past year, there have been more than 1,250 raids by law enforcement resulting in the seizure of millions of fake masks. The company has filed more than a dozen lawsuits over reports of fraud, counterfeiting and price gouging.

The Trussville Tribune

Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2021

Calendar

Be Mine Bundles February 1 - February 28

(All ages) Register for a Be Mine Bundle! We want to show appreciation for all of our awesome patrons in honor of Library Lover’s Month. Each bundle will contain goodies & fun for all ages.

Register here: https://forms. gle/mLU2Stie8C4P3ja39 You will be notified when your bundles are ready for pickup.

Pickup time availability may vary. Once you have been notified that your craft is ready, you may then visit the library for pickup.

Venue Pinson Public Library

day night starting March 16.

These are co-ed teams Each team must have 2 women and 4 men or 2 men and 4 women on the court at all times.

There is only room for 8 teams and they are filling up fast.

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TPR’s Car Show March 13 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

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Co Ed Adult Volleyball March 16 @ 6:00 pm - May 11 @ 5:00 pm Reg. is going on now. The teams will play on Tues-

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Area BirminghamSouthern students make Fall 2020 Dean’s List Nicole Kimberly Natalie Kaylyn Kelsey Kaitlin Lauren Kourtney Griffin Johana

Middle Initial F G R N T L N G N Y

Patrick Gary Andre Isaac Natalie Milan Justin Caroline Aysia David Joshua Ethan Reagan Kailyn Michael Annie Abigail Alyssa Michael Kaylan Katlin Braylun Audrey

V W C P N T H S A R W M M A C E S D K M N K

First Name

From The Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.— Birmingham-Southern College announced the students who achieved outstanding academic performance during the 2020 fall term.

Students who took at least three full-unit courses, received a letter grade of “C” or higher for the courses in which they were enrolled, and earned at least a 3.5 gradepoint average on a 4.0 scale are named to the Dean’s List.

In fall 2020, 475 students met these qualifications.

“Congratulations to everyone on the College’s fall dean’s list,” said Dr. Bradley Caskey, BSC provost and vice president for academic affairs. “During an unusual term on campus and around the world, our students stayed focused on academics, accomplishing a great deal while adeptly handling the challenges of COVID-19 restrictions. The BSC community’s diligence in maintaining a healthy campus environment allowed us to continue learning and interacting on the Hilltop. You should all be very proud.”

The following is a list of area students who made the Dean’s List.

Last Name

City

Bernal Sharp Roberts Groom Hutchens Jones Keplinger Nilsen Riner Villavicencio Guzman Safyanov Yarbrough Yu Tiamco Howell Liederbach Slaughter Adams Walker Cruz Ventura Killingsworth Creel Padgett Showers Crane Dial Riggs Yager Gray Hines Schultz Smith Veazey

Branchville Odenville Pinson Trussville Trussville Trussville Trussville Trussville Trussville Trussville Birmingham Irondale Irondale Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Fultondale Fultondale Gardendale Gardendale Gardendale Morris Mount Olive Mount Olive Mt Olive Warrior Warrior Warrior Warrior Warrior

Page 9

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Maisha Iqbal of Trussville makes Dean’s List at RIT From The Tribune staff reports

ROCHESTER, NY — Maisha Iqbal of Trussville (35173) was named to the Dean’s List at Rochester Institute of Technology for the 2020 Fall Semester. Iqbal is in the software engineering program.

Undergraduate students are eligible for Dean’s List if their GPA is greater than or equal to 3.40 for nine credits of traditionally graded coursework; they do not have any grades of “Incomplete,” NE, D, or F; and they have registered for, and completed,

at least 12 credit hours.

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The Trussville Tribune

Page 10

O b i t u a ry

Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2021

Jimmie "PopPop" Coulan Mathews, Sr.

John Daniel Teal

Jimmie Coulan Mathews, Sr., age 92, of Birmingham, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, January 29, 2021. He passed away peacefully and was recognized with a military Honor Walk at Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home. He is survived by his son, Jimmie C. Mathews, Jr. (June) of Trussville, daughter, Polly Mathews Gaskins (Scott) of Hoover, two grandchildren, Lt Hunter Marshall Gaskins (Alex Daru) and Alexis Taylor Gaskins, brother-in-law Sid Mergens of Atlanta, Ga; two nieces, Susan Masters (Scott) of Johns Creek, Ga., and Sandee Edmondson (Scott) of McDonough, Ga. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Dorothy Eugenia Hall Mathews, father William Coulan Mathews, mother Mary Jackson Mathews, brothers Lee and David, and sisters Gladys and Ruth. Born April 24, 1928, in Lyons, Ga., Jim grew up during the Great Depression and often recalled not having many material things. When asked about childhood memories, he remembered feeling lucky to have shoes that fit and simple toys- a stick, a tin can and a rock. As a teenager, he attended Sylvester High School and worked as a farmhand. After high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps training at Camp Lejeune/Signal Battalion & Cherry Point, NC. A proud veteran of World War II, he continued his service as corporal in the USMC Reserve. Jim attended junior college and studied mechanical engineering and drafting in Atlanta. He enjoyed staying physically fit and competed as a Golden Gloves boxer. By 1950, Jim began his career with Friction Materials Co. selling materials to Pollock Paper in Atlanta. The plant manager introduced Jim to a young woman who was the receptionist (Dot). In his words, at that moment he fell in love and never lost that feeling. Jim, Sr. and Dot were married August 20, 1954, in Atlanta and moved to Birmingham where they raised their children and attended Wilson Chapel United Methodist Church. Jim continued his career in sales and was unequivocally dedicated to his life’s work in the businesses he operated for over 60 years. He owned several companies including a golf bag business and a clutch and brake rebuilding business. Jim was always quick to ask anyone he met if they needed a clutch rebuilt. He also designed and patented a clutch rebuilding machine. He was fortunate to work with his son, Jim, Jr., for many years. During his lifetime, Jim valued time with the Lord and those he loved. He enjoyed studying the Bible, teaching Sunday School, and reading the newspaper – especially the funny papers and Dear Abby. He was an avid golfer, a longtime member of the Birmingham Bassmasters and a competitive checkers player. He found great joy in yardwork, working with his hands and drawing. He was affectionately known as PopPop to his grandchildren and dear family friends. PopPop was a gentle, quiet, earnest man who loved his children and grandchildren fiercely. He was always ready with a signature handshake, a patriotic salute, a heartwarming smile and good humor. To the end of his long life, he knew his family by name and genuinely loved his people. He was a deep thinker and had an unwavering faith in the Lord and was calm, content and confident in believing John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The family wishes to thank Heather, Joni, Melissa, Shelley, Shauna, Amanda, Gwen, Todd, Travis and Jason for their consistent care and loving support. Special thanks to the McGraw family.

John Daniel Teal, Jr. was born June 23, 1962. He passed away suddenly on Monday, February 15, 2021. John attended Huffman High School and Samford University. John was a huge Alabama Football fan and never missed a game.

april 24, 1928 ~ january 29, 2021 (age 92)

1962 ~ 2021 (age 58)

John was preceded in death by his parents John Daniel and Estelle and infant sister Mary Sue. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 18 years NaTarshia M. Teal, his sister Polly Teal (James) Shields, a step-son Justin (LaDonnik) McGhee, nephew Jamie (Crystal) Shields, brothers-in-law Willie McGhee III, Obadiah McGhee, sisters-in-law LaKieshia McGhee and Karin (Eddie) Cottingham, step-granddaughter Naomi McGhee, nieces and a nephew. He also leaves to mourn two dear friends Stacy Self and Rhonda S. Whitfield and his beloved dog Leo.

Alvin David Jackson

july 27, 1921 ~ february 14, 2021 (age 99)

Alvin David Jackson passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 14, 2021. He was born in Cullman, Alabama on July 27, 1921. Proudly, he served in the United States Army during World War II in Normandy, Central Europe and Rhineland, Germany. Upon his discharge on December 1, 1945, he returned to the love of his life, Julia Kirkpatrick.

They were married on December 5, 1945 and stayed forever sweethearts until her death in 2012.

He is survived by his son Mark David Jackson (Larry) and daughter Judi Eady (Barry). He was the proud Papa to 4 grandchildren: Elizabeth Kistner (Roy), Bradley Jackson (Sarah), Brandon Eady, and Trent Jackson (Heather) and 7 great-grandchildren: Tristan, Rex, Rory, Nikole, Shay, Art, and Julianna. He was proud uncle to a host of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Known for his kind spirit and deep love of Christ, he freely shared with those in need and taught his family how to love well.

Alvin retired after more than 41 years of service with the Birmingham City Board of Education as an electrician. He loved to garden. His green bean vines kept the family supplied for many years. He also enjoyed cooking and was known for making the best collard greens anyone had ever enjoyed. His caring spirit sustained him as he cared for Julia in her later years. He loved unconditionally. He trusted God. He gave freely. He left a legacy for his family to do the same.

Patricia Ann Darden

november 26, 1936 ~ february 14, 2021 (age 84)

James Brian Crow

june 6, 1943 ~ february 15, 2021 (age 77)

James Brian Crow, age 77, passed away at his home in Trussville, Alabama on February 15, 2021.

Brian Crow was born on June 6th, 1943 in Boaz, Alabama as the first child of James Ollie Crow and Mildred Lucille Mitchell. When he was 25, he married Linda Marie Bowman, daughter of Howard Berry Bowman and Margaret Beatrice Blevins, on 05 Aug 1968 in Artesia, New Mexico.

Patricia Ann Darden, age 84, passed away peacefully on February 14th, 2021. Patricia was born on November, 26th, 1936 to the late Loy H. Darden and Pauline Ratliff Darden of Pinson, AL. She was a graduate of Tarrant High School and was employed by Lehigh Cement Company and the Social Security Administration. Patricia was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Pinson and was a world traveler. Patricia loved to read and enjoyed doing needle work. Patricia is survived by one brother; Herbert Andy Darden, three nieces; Andrea Darden Stripling (Dennis), Jill Darden Dunn (Wayne), and Christie Darden Gingras, as well as a host of great nieces and nephews.

Brian was a minister in the Church of Christ for 40 years beginning his service to Christ in 1968. His calling took him to New Mexico, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama before retiring in 2008.

Brady Ray Robbins

Mr. Crow leaves behind his wife Linda B. Crow, his son Jeremiah Brian Crow and daughter-in-law Susan Benson Crow, and granddaughter Amelia Grace Crow.

july 3, 1934 ~ february 14, 2021 (age 86)

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the St. Jude Children’s Research hospital.

Brady "Ray" Robbins -age 86 passed away peacefully on February 14,2021 with family by his side. Ray was know by most as PawPaw what his grandchildren called him he was loved by so many and had such a sharing and giving heart and thought of others above himself. He was a tile setter by trade then truck driver. He has taught so many in the family the trade of a tile setter.

Audrey Hinson Binney

september 19, 1924 ~ february 19, 2021 (age 96)

Audrey Hinson Binney, age 96, of Birmingham, passed away on Feb. 19, 2021. She was a longtime member of Deerfoot Baptist Church, and was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, Foy and Fannie Hinson; her husband, Edwin Binney, Sr.; and her siblings, Thelma Eubanks, Clyde Harper, Bobbie McLendon, Eleanor Wall, Ruth Davis, and Annie Lou Parris. She is survived by her sons, Edwin Binney, Jr. (Wanda) and Charles Binney (Virginia); her siblings, Katherine Smelley and Carl Hinson; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, February 24 at 1pm at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East. A visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.

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This is a more variable figure than you might think. Funerals are hardly one-sizefits-all, and there are a lot of different factors that can determine their total price tag. Some families want their services to be simple and straightforward; others want something more elaborate. Moreover, there isn’t a clear indicator as to whether it is more or less expensive to have a cremation or traditional burial; either can be as simple or as elaborate as a family wishes.

More and more families want funeral services to be all-day gatherings of family and friends, which means food and music are required. This is a perfectly acceptable trend, of course, but these families need to know that their bills may be higher.

Ultimately, the total cost of the funeral is well within your control, and you should know roughly how much you’re going to be spending before the plans become final. Your funeral director should have a list of all the options that are available, along with their corresponding prices. Make sure you sit down with him or her to make some decisions and calculate your total.

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Welcoming Ray into Heaven was wife Ann Williams Robbins and Daughter Cathy Robbins Lankford and a host of other family and friends. He is survived by Daughter Kim (David) Black - Grandchildren - Michael Ray (Stacey) Black - Brandon James (David) Black - Daniel Ray (Amanda) Black - Ashley (Luke) Wilson - Brady Scott (Loretta) Lankford and Great-grandchildren - Graci- Cole-Halli-Luci-Gunner - EthanMcRay.

Cynthia Goodwin Pannell

october 17, 1960 ~ february 12, 2021

(age 60)

Cynthia “Cindi” Goodwin Pannell of Chalkville, Alabama returned to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, February 12, 2021. Welcoming Cindi into heaven are her father Aaron Goodwin, mother Carol Crutchfield, and her brother Greg Goodwin. She is survived by her children Haili (Jack) King and Raegan Griffith, grandson Jack King IV (Jack Jack), siblings Randy (Laurie) Goodwin, Lundi (Richard) Alderson, Pat Goodwin, Kristi (John) Dorris, Joni (Brad) Bartlet, Pam (Pat) Klinker, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Cindi graduated from Hewitt High School in 1979. She was the owner of Castle Keepers for 20 years and was adored by all of her customers. She enjoyed being at the beach, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.

Everyone who knew her knows she always had a smile on her face that could light up a room and was always the life of the party. Her smile and infectious laughter will be so dearly missed.

Luther "Luke" Elmer Johnson, Jr.

february 18, 1940 ~ february 12, 2021 (age 80)

Luther “Luke” E. Johnson, Jr. age 80 of Alabaster, Alabama passed away Friday, February 12, 2021. He was the son of the late Luther E. Johnson, Sr. and Estelle Johnson of Woodstock, Alabama. He is survived by his wife Charlotte Ann, two brothers George E. Johnson of Austin, Texas, Russell Van Johnson of Woodstock, Alabama, a niece Dawn Neel of Birmingham, Alabama and a number of other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Audrey Hinson Binney

Faye A. Murphree

january 23, 1942 ~ february 18, 2021 (age 79)

Faye A. Murphree, age 79 of Birmingham, AL passed away on February 18, 2021. She was a member of First Baptist Church Center Point. She was a member of the Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy John Murphree and her son, Robert John Murphree. She is survived by her daughters, Julie Murphree (Ben) and Sherry Steele (Robert); grandchildren, Jamie Moore, Billy Keith, Mathew Murphree and Joe Murphree; sister, Fran Stanley.

Page 11

655-2095

sports

Keeping Co Community 1st Always

Clay-Chalkville vs. Scottsboro High School at Wallace State Community College Wednesday, Feb. 24

Hewitt-Trussville (Girls) vs. Vestavia Hills High School at Jacksonville State University Wednesday, Feb. 24

The Trussville Tribune Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2021

SURVIVE and ADVANCE Daniel leads Cougars to first-ever Elite 8 appearance

By Erik Harris, sports editor

A pair of local boys basketball teams were in action on Monday night in the AHSAA state playoffs. See game recaps below.

Clay-Chalkville 52, Buckhorn 47 Isaiah Daniel ripped off 30 points on Monday night to advance his sixth-ranked Cougars into the Class 6A Elite 8 for the first time in school history.

Daniel’s big night propelled Clay-Chalkville (21-4) on the road as the Cougars knocked off Buckhorn 52-47, matching them with Scottsboro in the Northwest Regional final on Wednesday in Hanceville.

Senior point guard Donovan Shangase also chipped in with 12 points and senior forward Jonothan Harris reeled in 12 rebounds in the historic win.

Head coach Jeremy Monceaux also praised senior guard Sklyer Smith for holding Buckhorn’s primary offensive player to only six points on the night.

The Class 6A, Area 12 champions opened up the playoffs on Saturday with a 58-40 home win over Muscle Shoals.

Clay-Chalkville guard Isaiah Daniel looks for an opening in the Gardendale defense during a home game. Photo by Erik Harris

Mae Jemison 66, Center Point 43 The season has come to an end for the seventh-ranked Center Point boys basketball team following a 66-43 second-round playoff defeat in Huntsville.

The Eagles kept things close for two quarters, but struggled down the stretch as Mae Jemison stretched what had been a 5-point halftime advantage into a double-digit lead that only grew from there. The Jaguars drove inside for bucket after bucket throughout the second half, outscoring Center Point 4224 during the final 16 minutes.

Senior Jordan Chatman put up 26 points in the loss.

KC Irby Jr. was the team’s next leading scorer with five.

The Eagles end their season at 11-8 overall after winning the Class 5A, Area 12 championship. Head coach Rodney Chatman’s boys opened up the playoffs with a 60-54 home victory over Wenonah last week.

As for Mae Jemison, the Area 16 runner-up now looks to a regional final bout with No. 2 Lee-Huntsville on Tuesday in Hanceville.

Moody’s Cory Land captures 4th state wrestling crown

By Erik Harris, sports editor

BIRMINGHAM -- Moody junior Cory Land kept his undefeated streak alive this week against the top wrestlers in the state.

Land on Saturday in Huntsville won his fourth straight state crown and closed out his third straight undefeated season.

See STATE CHAMP, Page 12

Hewitt girls rally back at Sparkman, advance into Elite 8

By Erik Harris, sports editor

HARVEST -The Hewitt-Trussville girls basketball team is headed to the Elite 8 in Jacksonville.

With a 49-42 road win over No. 7 Sparkman last Friday night, the third-ranked Huskies (27-4) have forced a rematch with Area 6 foe and second-ranked Vestavia Hills this week in the Northeast Regional finals.

See GIRLS HOOPS, Page 12

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Page 12

Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2021

No. 7 Pinson Valley stunned in 6A regional

By Erik Harris, sports editor

PINSON -- The Pinson Valley boys saw it come to an end last Friday night at home.

Two days after knocking off top-ranked Hartselle, the No. 7-ranked Indians fell to Scottsboro 69-67 in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs, ending their season at 20-5 overall.

Due to multiple postponements on the topside of the Northwest bracket, Scottsboro is unsure who its Elite 8 opponent will be. Possibilities include No. 6 ClayChalkville, Muscle Shoals, Hazel Green and Buckhorn.

The Wildcats will play one of them next Tuesday in the Northwest Regional finals at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville.

The game went to overtime on Friday tied at 59, and Scottsboro opened the extra period on a 5-0 run that would prove too much to overcome for the home team. Wildcats senior Javaris Branford sank

Girls Hoops From page 11

That contest will be played at Jacksonville State University on Wednesday at 9 a.m.

Middle Tennessee State signee Amiya Payne paced Hewitt-Trussville on Friday night with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists. April Hooks and Aubre Benson added 11 points apiece for the

State Champ From page 11

He padded his prep record to 150-0 with two wins on Friday in the opening rounds of the AHSAA State Wrestling Championships and followed up on Saturday with a technical fall over Homewood’s Sam Sutton (35-4) in the 126-pound state champi-

Pinson Valley wing Moe Calloway reacts to a season-ending loss against Scottsboro last Friday night. Photo by Vickie Unlap

three attempts in two freethrow appearances in the final seconds to preserve the playoff win.

Still, Pinson Valley senior Jordan Worsham found a great look at the would-be equalizer at the horn, but saw

Huskies.

Freshman point guard Jordan Hunter secured 10 rebounds to go with five points, three assists and three steals on the road, as her girls overcame a slow start to save the season. Sparkman stormed out to an 18-4 advantage at the end of the first quarter, but Hewitt worked the deficit down to 20-17 at the half and later carried a 39-28 lead into the final period.

Hewitt-Trussville will have to break an 0-for-3 skid against the Rebels this Wednesday in the Class 7A Northeast Regional finals.

Vestavia beat the Huskies 66-60 in the Class 7A, Area 6 tournament championship game last week after winning both regular season meetings.

Can Hewitt turn the tide when it really counts? Time will tell.

mark, won his semifinal bout over Gunner Birdsong (27-9) of Athens with a pin in just 59 seconds. Sutton won what may have been the best match of Friday’s competition 1110 over Fort Payne’s Cote Blalock (20-1).

Land was joined in the state semifinals on Friday by teammate Ryan Summerland, who lost a 3-2 decision to

into the 138-pound semifinals, where he lost an 11-3 decision to Kyler Adams (35-0), of Wetumpka. Adams went on to lose in the Class 5A-6A finals against Gardendale’s Melton Powe.

Powe and the Rockets would go on to repeat as state champions, edging Arab 189.9-178.5.

In the 285-pound bracket,

it rattle out of the cylender as the clock rolled empty.

Scottsboro fans stormed the floor in Mike Dutton Gym-

Center Point claws into Sweet 16

Center Point head coach Rodney Chatman addresses his team during a first-round playoff win last Wednesday. Photo by Vickie Unlap

By Erik Harris, sports editor

Moody junior Cory Land competes in the 2021 Class 5A-6A State Wrestling Championships in Huntsville last weekend. Photo by Brian Hale, DME

onship match. The match was called at 2:43 with the Blue Devils grappler leading 21-6.

The junior, who notched a 44-0 record this season and currently holds a 151-0 career

Jasper’s Maney Havis. That decision represents Summerland’s only loss of the season, dropping his record to 21-1.

Springville’s Trent Gilham (29-3) worked his way

Clay-Chlkville senior Izziah Williams (27-3) advanced into the state semifinals, losing a 1-0 decision to Benjamin Russell’s Damien Lawry (28-1).

nasium.

The Wildcats offered a ballanced offense that saw four players break double

figures in scoring. Forward Jordan Davis, despite fouling out in overtime, led with 18 to go with 13 from Andrew Parker Bell, 12 from Tyson Sexton and 11 from B.J. Harris.

Scottsboro ran out to a fast start on the road, scoring 13 of the game’s first 15 points.

The Wildcats later ended the opening frame up 13-9.

But the Tribe answered with a big second quarter, lining up four straight 3-pointers from three different players in the final two minutes to carry a 32-24 advantage into the break. Sophomore Terry Coner sank two of those shots to go with one apiece from Joshua Williams and Isaiah Sims, Jr. Williams would finish with a Pinson-high 18 points followed by fellow senior JoJo James with 17 in the loss.

The Indians graduate five seniors this season, including Williams, James, Worsham, Carlos Finch and Moe Calloway.

CENTER POINT — The Center Point boys basketball team grinded out another one last Wednesday night at home.

After pulling off two close calls on their way to a Class 5A, Area 12 tournament championship the week prior, the seventh-ranked Eagles survived another scare on Wednesday in their playoff opener. Center Point (11-8) had four players score double digit points as the Eagles started fast and ultimately held on for a 60-54 win over Area 9 runner-up Wenonah.

“You have to take games like this,” said Center Point head coach Rodney Chatman following the game. “We had a buzzer-beater (against Cordova) and then we had

to come from behind against Hayden and then we had to fight off a pesky Wenonah team, so we’re just going to keep fighting, keep grinding.”

“I’m proud of them because they’re fighting, but we’ve got to mature,” he continued. “Thank the Lord, we have a day to get ready and hopefully we can just keep it going.”

The win put Center Point through to the Class 5A Sweet 16 where it ultimately lost 6643 to Mae Jemison.

To get there, the Eagles leaned on a quartet of upperclassmen, including KC Irby Jr. (16 points), Desmond Gaines (15), Jordan Chatman (14) and Aaron Walker Jr. (11). After going to the fourth holding a 43-39 lead, Walker started the final period with a deep 2 that sparked an 8-2 run.

From there, the Area 12 champs did just enough from the free-throw line — making 11 of their 18 fourth-quarter attempts — to preserve the playoff victory.

Offense came easier in the early going while Center Point jumped out to a 22-12 first-quarter advantage. Jordan Chatman spurred the first-quarter surge with 10 of his 14 total points. The Dragons doubled and sometimes tripled him from that point on.

The extra attention worked as Wenonah started the second on a 10-1 run, cutting the deficit to 1 point. Things stayed pretty tight from then on. Dragons’ senior Kameron Bester tied it up at 37-all with a corner 3 with 1:58 remaining in the third period.

Center Point, like it has all postseason, found an answer and survived.

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