The Trussville Tribune – March 20 - 26, 2024

Sean of the South Page 8 Indy Winner Page 19

Trussville Library Board defends decision to keep challenged books on shelves

Trussville PD

Shoplifting

Review: Trussville and Pinson residents among accused

From Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE – The Trussville Police Department released its latest shoplifting review on Thursday, which includes eight arrests from Feb. 27 through March 11, 2024.

See SHOPLIFTERS, Page 6

By Chris Basinger Staff Reporter

TRUSSVILLE – Over a hundred people amassed in the Trussville Public Library Monday evening to make their voices heard on whether certain books should be removed from the library because of their content.

The boardroom was so crowded that some attendees had to stand in the hall and were only able to hear the proceedings.

At the start of the meeting, Library Director Jason Baker recounted the events that led up to the heavy turnout.

“We’re gathered here to hear from the first complainant regarding materials held at Trussville Public Library. This is the first concern about content and materials held at TPL in the time that I’ve been here, which is 15 years,” Baker said.

He went on to say that on Dec. 5, Sheila Wright and two others came to the library to

share their concerns about some of the titles found on its shelves, many having to do with sexual orientation and gender identity.

“I explained that we’re a public library and public libraries serve all people in the community. And in an effort to compromise and accommodate, and as a one-time exception to our policy, we agreed to review the list of items that she currently had checked out,” Baker said. The board took the list of

41 titles, read and reviewed them, and notified Wright of their decisions.

Of those 41 books, the board chose to take 11 out of their inventory because they did not meet the criteria for retention because of their low circulation numbers.

Five of the books were left in their original places, seven books were moved to the adult department, and 18 books will be moved to a

See LIBRARY, Page 5

Trussville Entertainment District celebrates first-ever St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl

Tribune

Tiny Tails University is described as a “fun, engag-

presentation in an award ceremony

See SPRINGVILLE, Page 5

Springville man arrested for impersonating an officer in Trussville

From Tribune staff reports JEFFERSON COUNTY – A man who allegedly impersonated a law enforcement officer and conducted traffic stops near Trussville was arrested today, according to ALEA Sergeant Jeremy Burkett.

See IMPERSONATION, Page 4

Pinson Library to hold news literacy panel focused on election misinformation

From Tribune staff reports

PINSON–Alabama Media Professionals, a volunteer-run nonprofit, is inviting the public to attend a panel discussion on recognizing misinformation ahead of the 2024

See PINSON, Page 6

See CHEF, Page 7

Library Board Chair Debbie Waid speaks on the

Sheila Wright speaks on why she believes the challenged books should be removed from the library. Chris Basinger/ Trussville Tribune

The Trussville Tribune

Lass But Not Least: Let’s Hear It For The Girls

By Ken Lass

I’m sitting in my living room watching the girls class 7A state championship basketball game. The Hewitt Trussville Huskies are playing perennial power Hoover. The Hewitt girls have been trailing the entire game, but now in the fourth quarter they are staging a terrific comeback. I’m shouting and pumping my fist for the Trussville girls, as though they can hear me through the TV screen. In the end they come up two points short. I slump back into my recliner and reflect on how amazing this was.

No, it’s not amazing the Hewitt girls were in the finals. They’ve been good for some time now. What I found amazing was that a girls high school basketball game was on statewide television. I am old enough to remember when that would have been impossible.

Somewhere in a deep, dark corner of my bedroom closet lie my high school yearbooks, spanning the school years from 1966 through 1969. In them you will find many pictures of girls participating in activities such as band, chorus, Spanish club, Future Teachers of America, yearbook staff, booster club, science club and drama club. What you will not find are any pictures of girls’ sports teams.

Because there weren’t any.

There was absolutely nothing wrong with being in those other activities. But the most popular and prestigious extracurriculars at my school were the sports teams, and the boys who played on them. Particularly football and basketball. The ticket to recognition and popularity for girls was cheerleading. I vividly

recall on game days, usually Fridays, the cheerleaders would wear their flashy outfits to school all day. Those brightly colored sweaters and skirts would stand out in a classroom or in the hallways like a beacon of light from a lighthouse across a calm lake. All the other girls admired them, and all the boys wanted to date them. But there was still a tacit understanding that their function was of a supporting role. They would come out on the gym floor during the pep rallies and do a few cheers, but only after the football players had been called out to center court to be acknowledged.

Ken Lass, Tribune columnist

Their function was to get the student body fired up to encourage the real stars, the players. I remember thinking how unfair that seemed to be. Those cheerleaders were really skilled. How many football players could do backflips and handsprings? Or the splits? Especially the splits!

Sadly, it was typical of the social order of the era. Boys were the stars. Girls were the support. When my mother was in high school, girls were expected to focus on learning skills such as typing, cooking and cosmetology. Very few went to college. My grandmother used to tell me that, in her day, many girls didn’t go

to school at all, or just went through a few grades in order to learn to read and write. As our culture has evolved over the last century, some of the trends are concerning and disturbing. But one thing we have gotten right is the emergence of sports opportunities for girls. Now they get to be the stars. They get to be on statewide television. Hewitt Trussville girls are grabbing headlines and video clips for their excellence, not only in basketball, but softball (three state titles in the last five years), track and field, flag football and other sports. Even cheerleading has become a competitive sport, as it always should have been.

My eight-year-old granddaughter has taken dance and fine arts. But she has also done soccer and gymnastics. It makes me smile to know that, if she wants to play basketball or softball or flag football, the opportunities will be there. Opportunities that did not exist for my female classmates over fifty years ago. Boys have always had sports heroes to look up to. I idolized Bart Starr, Jerry West and Henry Aaron. Today there is Lebron James, Patrick Mahomes and Lionel Messi. But now the girls have Caitlin Clark, Serena Williams, Simone Biles and Alex Morgan.

Whether it’s marching in the band (which has a competition of its own), putting forth convincing points for the debate team, acting out a role in the school play, or dominating on the chess team, options have never been better for our young ladies. And when the Hewitt girls are on television, it’s must-see TV for our community.

These days schools have to add several more pages to those high school yearbooks. It was long overdue.

Member of the Alabama Press Association

Cooler heads prevail in Trussville library concerns

By Scott Buttram, publisher Opinion

TRUSSVILLE — On Monday night we witnessed a pretty common occurrence in Trussville. Even if you were in the room, you may have missed it due to the circus surrounding an otherwise routine library board meeting.

You see, the Trussville Library Board meets monthly and has been doing so for decades. And decades and decades.

On Monday night they did what library boards have been doing since before most in Trussville were born – their job.

And they must be doing a pretty good job because the issue drawing crowds lately stemmed from a complaint about some of the books in the library. The first such complaint that anyone can recall since the Trussville Library opened in the 1930s.

Governor Kay Ivey, months ago, instructed public libraries in Alabama to put a process in place that allowed citizens to voice concerns over specific books and a process to review those books or risk losing state funding.

The Trussville library board had already complied with the Governor’s request before any of this became a local issue. To be clear, Ivey did not ask or require libraries to ban books.

In December, a Trussville resident provided a list of 41 books that she was concerned with. It’s basically the same list that has been circulating on the Internet for months. While library board policy says books for review should be submitted individually, the board accepted the full list and went to work reviewing all 41 titles.

Eleven of the books were already slated for removal for a very simple reason. No one was

checking the books out. Any media outlet insinuating that the books were removed due to the complaint is intentionally misleading their audience.

Five of the books were left in their original places, seven books were moved to the adult department, and 18 books will be moved to a new mature teen content area within the adult section.

The citizen that raised concerns over the books was then notified of the board’s decision.

In February, she spoke at the library board meeting and expressed dissatisfaction with the board’s decision. She demanded all 41 books be removed from the library and she brought friends with her. Among them, political activists and preachers.

In fairness, not everyone concerned with the books were demanding a book ban. There were reasonable people within the group who were open to reasonable solutions.

On Monday, another organized group descended on the library board meeting. Despite the fact that they were fully aware that the decision had already been made and there was no book ban, the “read freely” group decided to show up and oppose a book ban that doesn’t exist.

Evidently, reading freely and reading comprehension are completely unrelated.

In fairness, not everyone who spoke on Monday was interested in political showboating. Comments from Maria Knowles, a longtime Trussville resident, were especially heartfelt, reasonable and supportive.

There are good people on both sides of the issue. Thoughtful people. Unfortunately, they’re too often drowned out by the political parroting crowd that always seem to insinuate

themselves into every group or issue that arises.

There is nothing wrong with a citizen expressing concerns with certain books for any reason. It is not unreasonable for parents to expect books be placed in age appropriate areas.

It is also not unreasonable to oppose removing books based on religious or political objections.

It’s been said that banning books in a public library is a slippery slope. It’s not. It’s a cliff. Fall off, there is no coming back.

I’ve seen most of the 41 books on the list. While the content isn’t my cup of tea, other responsible adults may view them differently. They have that right. That should be their decision, not mine.

Had the Trussville Library Board agreed to ban the books, what precedent would they have set? What would happen when the next list of books raising concerns includes the Bible, books written by Billy Graham or C.S. Lewis? Would precedence require that those books be removed if citizens complained, too?

Library board meetings should not be political battlegrounds. In fact, they should be apolitical.

While I will readily admit that there are some public libraries that placed themselves in the line of fire with bizarre programs and events, the Trussville Public Library did not.

I’m grateful to live in a town where people can express concerns, have disagreements, and move forward with workable solutions. I’m grateful for a volunteer library board and a library staff that do their jobs, thankfully, in anonymity most of the time.

Mostly, I’m grateful to live in a town where cooler heads prevail.

AEA engaged in CHOOSE conversation, supports minimum teacher salary

By Amy MarloweExecutive Director, Alabama Education Association Guest Commentary

As Alabamians, we pride ourselves on being supportive of our neighbors, communities, and most importantly, our children. Doing the best we can for Alabama’s children is a topic that usually brings even the most polarized individuals together for the common good.

“A rising tide lifts all boats” is what we believe when efforts are debated to bring opportunity and hope to Alabama’s students.

As the Executive Director of the Alabama Education Association, maintaining the status quo has never been the focus of our association. Our mission is to always innovatively advocate for the support of rank-and-file educators who dedicate their lives to educating the next generation. Surrounding Alabama’s children who attend our local schools with the most capable educators and professional staff helps prepare them to compete in a global market while pursuing the American Dream.

AEA has been very engaged in the debate on the CHOOSE Act, which was passed by both houses of the Alabama Legislature and signed by Gov. Kay Ivey last Thursday. While the bill could be better in some significant ways, our team helped lead the effort to improve it while substantively engaging with members of the Legislature. Sometimes, being at the table to make legislation more effective, especially when it focuses on the needs of students,

is better than reflexively being in opposition.

AEA supports parents in making choices for their children that may impact the rest of their lives. Our association passionately advocates for all families to have that ability.

However, AEA also believes Education Trust Fund (ETF) resources should be used to provide more funding for pre-K enrichment, equip all public-school buses with air conditioning so our students don’t suffer during hot summer months, and ensure Alabama’s teachers are compensated at levels reflecting their critical importance to our children’s development.

Let’s focus on what matters most for our children enrolled in public schools to overcome the current challenges many school systems face. Gov. Ivey has boldly stated her desire to make Alabama one of the best states in America for teachers to work and live. Currently, Alabama teachers fall behind their neighboring peers in compensation, and now is the time to match

their commitment to our children with better compensation.

AEA supports Gov. Ivey’s recommendation for a minimum compensation level for all teachers of $47,600. Raising the minimum salary for teachers to this level will aid in recruitment, retention, and longevity.

Today, more is expected of our teachers than ever before. Managing multiple classes, processing mountains of paperwork, and making schools safe places for children is not a job; it is a calling. Providing better compensation for our teachers is the right thing to do at the right time for so many unsung heroes in our Alabama classrooms.

Let’s do what is long overdue for those who give so much to our students. Let’s choose to do what is right by supporting Gov. Ivey’s push to prioritize teacher compensation while strengthening all of our local school systems. The real choice is ours to make.

Amy Marlowe is the Executive Director of the Alabama Education Association

Amy Marlowe, AEA Executive Director

The

On

a man impersonating a law enforcement officer and launched an investigation.

According to a public Facebook post, a woman encountered the man posing as an officer Tuesday morning on I-59 near Trussville.

The man who pulled her over was driving a silver fourdoor truck with a K-9 sticker on the back window and was flashing white and yellow colored lights.

He got out of the truck wearing normal clothes and told her that he was an off-duty Alabama state trooper.

When she questioned why he did not have red and blue lights, the man told her to get out of her car so he could show her the back of his truck, which he said had red and blue lights.

According to the post, the woman refused and the man said he would give her a verbal warning for “reckless driving and speeding.”

Afterward, the woman reported her experience to law enforcement.

Milhorn has been officially charged with impersonating a peace officer and was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

tor stepped up to set things straight for the two local students.

A resolution to provide $4,955 for travel expenses for the interns did not pass in the January 18 meeting of the Center Point Council but the students were able to travel to the conference last week thanks to generous gifts on their behalf.

“This week students Morgan Escott Holmes and Amy Taveres attended the National League of Cities Congressional Conference in Washington DC because of the generous contributions of so many community members and stakeholders, who understand the importance of investing in our youth, developing our future leaders, and providing them with opportunities to learn and grow outside of the classroom through real world experience, exposure, and connections with other leaders nationwide,” said Council President D.M. Collins.

Holmes and Taveres were among more than 200 students from across the country in attendance. The students joined more than 170 Alabama municipal leaders and more than 3000 state and local leaders nationally where

they attended workshops, met with members of Congress and attended an address from President Biden.

In a message to the Trussville Tribune, Collins expressed gratitude for many of the donors who raised funds to send Holmes and Taveres to the conference. Among the donors, Collins listed: Jefferson County Board of Education, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Hendrix Law Firm, Green Acres Farm, JW Package Store, Chris the Plumber, Gary Palmer for Congress, Councilman Glenn Williams, 1st Ave Tire Shop, Rochelle’s Coffee Bar, Frederick Burkes, 360 Photoventures, Cara Wilhelm, Terry

Ingia Gentry and Project Success Ministries.

Mayor Bobby Scott and council members Ebonee Copeland and Glenn Williams attended the conference along with Collins, Holmes and Taveres.

The next meeting of the Center Point City Council will be held March 21 at Center Point City Hall. The meetings start at 6:30 p.m. and agendas are posted on the city website, www.cityofcenterpoint.org prior to each meeting.

John Samuel Milhorn of Springville was charged with impersonating a peace officer in Trussville. Photo via JCSO

Muhommad, Amy Stephens, Natalie Thicklen, Krystal Butler, Kristen Weaver, Julie Pignataro, Vernecia Jones, Courtney Dollar,

Taveres (left) and Holmes (right) with Alabama Senator Katie Britt. Contributed.

Centerpoint Council President Collins with Taveres and Holmes meeting Alabama Congresswoman Terri Sewell. Contributed.

Morgan Escott Holmes (left) and Amy Taveres (right) pose with Center Point Council President D.M. Collins at the National League of Cities Congressional Conference. Contributed.

Taveres (left) and Holmes (right) with Alabama Congressman Robert Aderholt. Contributed.

Center Point Council members Glenn Williams, D.M. Collins and Mayor Bobby Scott at the National League of Cities Congressional Conference with students Holmes and Taveres. Contributed.

Springville

From

during the 5:30 p.m. work session prior to the regular meeting of the Springville City Council.

The promotion was put into effect on March 11 but the formal ceremony before the Council was delayed in order to have the Mayor and Council present.

During the regular meeting, the Council presented a video created in response to the opioid crisis. The video, produced by Asa Sargent, was shown at Springville High School in cooperation with the Life Light Project.

According to the Life Light Project website, the organization promotes The Life Light Project is opioid awareness and education by hosting an electric festival themed DJ/ dance party. Parts of the Springville video were filmed at a Life Light party at Springville High School.

“We basically demonstrated that you can have a good time, in fact you can blow the roof off, without risking—literally gambling—with your life with opioids,” said Mayor

Dave Thomas after the video presentation.

Thomas said he and some of the teachers walked around during the dance and selected random students to leave the dance floor. He explained the symbolism behind selecting different students to leave the party.

“We explained later that those were the victims of overdose and death,” Thomas said. “They’re no longer at the party. You don’t get to see their faces nor them yours.”

To learn more about the Life Light Project, or to view the Springville video collaboration, visit lifelightproject.com. The video can

also be viewed on the City of Springville Facebook page.

In other business, the Council approved the following: Added the task of exit interviews for employees leaving city employment

An agreement for entertainment services for a planned music festival

• Added updates to the city’s cell phone policy

• $14,000 for the purchase of a used service truck

The next meeting of the Springville City Council will be held at 6 p.m. on April 1 with a work session at 5:30 p.m. prior to the meeting.

Library

From front page

new mature teen content area within the adult section.

Baker closed by saying that at the last board meeting in February, Wright read a letter demanding the removal of all 41 titles as well as additional materials not originally named.

Before the public comment period opened, one representative from each side of the library debate was given the floor for three minutes.

Wright spoke on the origin of her complaint and detailed some of specific content in the challenged books including depictions of sex and the questioning of gender identity.

“As stated in our letter of February 17, we are asking that the Trussville Library Board clean up the Trussville library by removing all material with inappropriate content as outlined in the letter involving minors or advertised for minors,” Wright said.

“We are totally opposed to simply moving the material to the adult department where it is still accessible. We wish to protect minors from indoctrination and exposure to what most of us consider unhealthy.”

Marti Slay, a member of the Trussville Friends of the Library and Read Freely Trussville, spoke next and recounted her own experience allowing her son to read a book about a boy who was on the spectrum, which included language some would find offensive.

“Many here would have this book removed from the shelves because of its language. I felt it was an important book for my son to read and learn from,” Slay said.

“That’s the beauty of a public library, there is something for everyone and as American citizens we have the freedom to choose. No one has the right to tell me or

other parents what we think is best for our children.”

During the meeting’s public comment period, which was limited to 30 minutes in total, all of the Trussville residents who spoke did so in support of keeping the books, touching on their beliefs that parents should be the ones who have the ultimate say in what their children should and should not read and that removing the challenged books would disproportionately impact marginalized groups.

Many of them were also wearing stickers that read “Let Freedom Read.”

Matt Georgia, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 14 years, said, “I did four deployments overseas into combat zones where I was sent to defend freedom…I did not think I would have to come back to America and continue to defend that freedom so that our children could read what they want to read. We as parents can decide what is appropriate or inappropriate for our children without input from the community.”

Following the public comment period, Library Board Chair Debbie Waid spoke on the board’s ultimate decision to not remove all the challenged books. “While anyone is personally free to reject books and other materials, you may not

restrict the free choice of others. You are free to select or reject materials for yourself or your minor children but may not restrict the freedom of others to use or access materials or information,” Waid said.

She added that every child up to age 15 has their library card connected to a parent’s card and that parents are able to see anything their child checks out upon request.

Waid ended the meeting by saying, “The library board feels that we have made the appropriate decisions regarding these 41 items. We have researched applicable law concerning freedom of speech and First Amendment rights, and like it or not, we must conform to current laws which restrict removing books for content. Therefore, we stand by our decisions.”

After its conclusion, Wright expressed her dissatisfaction with the meeting.

“It was lopsided and I didn’t think that our people had an opportunity to voice their concerns. This was not just about gender ideology and LGBTQ, we were concerned about explicit sexual activity, excessive profanity, bestiality, promoting underage drinking,” Wright said.

“What we’re saying is this is vulgar filth that’s in some of these books and we want them removed.”

Marti Slay speaks in defense of keeping controversial books in the library. Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune

Officer Kevin Thompson was promoted to Corporal during the Springville City Council meeting on March 18. Photo: Terry Schrimscher

Students at Springville High School dance with lights during the Life Light Project dance party for Opioid awareness. Screenshot from Springville opioid awareness video.

Shoplifters

From front page

Those accused of shoplifting include Rachel Allen of Birmingham, Juana Francisco of Pinson, Magdalena Francisco of Pinson, Jamie Mitchell of Pinson, Richelle Moore of Birmingham, Na-

Pinson

From front page

elections this Thursday at the Pinson Public Library.

The event will be hosted by journalists and media scholars who will explain their processes and answer audience questions.

tasha Smith of Trussville, Taraneka Temple of Birmingham, and Stephanie Tooson of Hoover.

“All arrest and arrest photos posted on (our Facebook page) are public information. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty,” the TPD’s post read.

professor of communication and media at Samford University, Dr. Matt Barnidge, associate professor in the Department of Journalism & Creative Media at The University of Alabama, Alander Rocha, government, policy, and healthcare reporter for the Alabama Reflector, An-

Presentations will focus on journalism ethics, the history of the media’s role in political campaigns, and how current technologies are expected to affect the information landscape this year.

Speakers will include Dr. Bill Singleton, assistant

drew Yeager, managing editor for WBHM, the National Public Radio affiliate in Birmingham, and Virginia Martin, news editor, Birmingham Watch.

The event will start at 6 p.m. and end around 7:30 p.m. this Thursday.

Birmingham-Southern - a $30 million investment for a $2 billion return

By State Sen. Jabo Waggoner and State Sen. Rodger Smitherman

Last spring, the Alabama Legislature passed the Distressed Institutions of Higher Education Revolving Loan Program Act with a unanimous vote in the Senate and a supermajority in the House.

The program was established to provide loans to certain eligible colleges and universities experiencing financial hardship that could lead to closure of the institution. The leadership of both houses, everyone engaged in crafting the legislation, and most members understood throughout the process that the Act was designed to address Birmingham-Southern College’s financial situation.

BSC’s current administration is dealing with financial hardships imposed on it by decisions made by a previous college administration coupled with the financial downturn the global economy experienced in 2008 and thereafter.

The eligibility requirements the Legislature established for the program were all ones that Birmingham-Southern was known to meet, including an existential need, sufficient collateral for the loan with the State holding a first security interest, and a restructuring plan detailing how the college planned to turn a financial corner through use of the loan proceeds.

Why did legislators decide to provide a $30 million loan to Birmingham-Southern? The answer is simple.

Each year, BSC adds nearly $91 million in real economic impact to our state’s economy. That adds up to close to $2 billion over the 20-year life of the loan. BSC also directly and indirectly generates more

than $6 million in state taxes every year, with $4.5 million of that helping to feed the Education Trust Fund. That economic impact and the income stream from those taxes are of direct benefit to the state and to our citizens.

It seemed obvious to us that providing a loan of $30 million—to be paid back with interest—made a great deal of sense in light of the fact that BSC’s economic and fiscal impact meant the loan would, in effect, be repaid not just once but many times over.

Birmingham-Southern College met the qualifications, including offering the State first-security interest on collateral more than sufficient to back the full amount of the requested loan and presenting a solid plan for financial restructuring.

Unfortunately, after months of delays, BSC was denied the loan in October, with the publicly stated reason that it was “a bad credit risk.”

This puzzling justification placed BSC in an obvious and untenable Catch-22: The college found it could not get the loan it needs to

survive because it is a bad credit risk.

But if it were financially healthy enough, it would no longer qualify under the Distressed Institutions Loan Program.

When we crafted the 2023 legislation and when members voted overwhelmingly for it, we did not intend for any applying institution to be denied the loan based on an illogical interpretation of the statute. We believe the Legislature intended to ensure the prompt issuance of loans to eligible colleges or universities to address their financial hardship before they become fatal.

That is why a group of legislators came together to sponsor an amendment to the 2023 bill in the current session that addresses this fundamental problem.

Our bill — SB 31, which was passed by the Senate on Tuesday, March 5 — amends the Distressed Institutions Loan Program Act by:

Changing the administrator of the program.

Requiring that a bank that does not have a creditor relationship with the applying institution de-

termine the adequacy of collateral and a financial restructuring plan.

• Mandating the recipient pay back the loan in 20 years, with interest at the published rate for the State Revolving Loan Fund (an existing fund through which major infrastructure projects are financed) at the time the loan is made.

• Specifying annual reports to legislative leaders and committee chairs. Providing that the administrator approve or deny the loan within 30 days of application.

We urge our colleagues in the House of Representatives to move promptly on this bill to ensure the original intent and will of the Legislature are fulfilled and to end the uncertainty surrounding Birmingham-Southern’s future. Time is of the essence.

Students, parents, faculty, staff, the Birmingham community, and two adjacent historic neighborhoods are unnecessarily having to live with fear and uncertainty over the future of an institution that we simply cannot afford to lose in Alabama.

The economic proposition that BSC’s continued operation offers is overwhelmingly in favor of the state and its economy. By loaning $30 million in funds that have already been appropriated for the purpose, we can catalyze nearly $2 billion in tangible economic impact over the life of the loan.

As stewards of the state’s financial resources, we believe we should take such a good bargain whenever we see one.

Sen. Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills and Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, are sponsors of SB31

Top row (L-R):Rachel Allen, Juana Francisco, Magdalena Francisco, and Jamie Mitchell. Bottom row: Richelle Moore, Natasha Smith, Taraneka Temple, and Stephanie Tooson.

A photo of Birmingham-Southern College’s campus. Courtesy Birmingham-Southern College

The menu Drawing from the chefs’ combined experience, the menu will feature spearcaught fish and Gulf seafood, as well as produce from local farmers. Dish highlights will include whole roasted duck, Cantonese-style crispy pork belly, a selection of raw fish and rice preparations, scallion pancakes and seasonal offerings of tempura vegetables. On the sweet side, customers can expect a variety of Japanese shaved ice.

2019. Evans is the 2022 winner of the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: South Award.

Hailing from New Zealand, Joseph brings a wealth of experience, having worked at multiple establishments in Australia before relocating to Birmingham, where he joined the team at Automatic Seafood & Oysters.

The beverage program will showcase an array of Japanese spirits and sake alongside a curated wine selection and imported Asian beers on draft. The seasonally driven cocktail menu will feature a variety of familiar favorites and creative riffs.

The space

Dating back to the 1920s, Current Charcoal Grill’s in-

teriors at 1625 Second Ave.

South feature soaring ceilings and double-layer brick walls. Designed by Suzanne Humphries Evans, the concept’s palette is heavily influenced by the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean, according to the announcement. It incorporates touches of teal, blue and black intermixed with earth tones of clay and copper throughout.

The restaurant will be outfitted with Shou Sugi Ban wood paneling, a 200-yearold Chinese altar table, shibori-dyed fabrics and rice paper lanterns. Seating can accommodate up to 120, with dual bars, a 70-foot-long banquette, expansive booths and a lounge.

Additional details on the opening date, hours and reservations will be available soon. Follow @currentcharcoalgrill or visit currentcharcoalgrill.com for updates.

Center Point woman wanted on identify theft charge

From Tribune staff reports

JEFFERSON COUN-

TY – A Center Point woman is wanted in Gardendale on felony warrants charging her with identity theft and obstruction of justice by using a false ID, according to Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama.

Ashley Rayshun Goldthwaite, 29, is 5 feet tall and weighs 165 lbs. She has long black hair and brown

eyes. Her last known address was the 1300 block of 4th Way NW, Center Point.

Tips from the public that lead to the solving of a felony case, a felony arrest, or the issuance of a felony warrant could be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

If you have information about this individual, contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 205-254-7777.

Birmingham woman wanted on organized retail theft charge

From Tribune staff reports

ST. CLAIR COUNTY – A Birmingham woman is wanted in St. Clair County on a felony warrant charging her with organized retail theft, according to Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama.

Shanice Nicole Blackmon, 35, is 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 110 lbs. She has short black hair and brown

Pets

From front page ing and educational event” which features snacks, show and tell, and an up close visit with featured pets. Parents are required to be present in the store while their children attend. Reservations are suggested as only 25 spots are available.

The March 27 Spring Break party will feature a visit with a puppy, a cat and even a bunny. The total time for the event is an hour and a half. The lesson will feature an opportunity to learn about each animal and time to visit with the animal. Guests also

eyes. Her last known address was the 1500 block of Cooper Hill Road, Birmingham.

Tips from the public that lead to the solving of a felony case, a felony arrest, or the issuance of a felony warrant could be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

If you have information about this individual, contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 205-254-7777.

participate in a question and answer session where they can learn anything they want to know about the animals. Admission is free but

space is limited. Each child will receive a swag bag. To reserve a spot for your child, call the store at (205)5821488.

James Beard Award-winning Chef Adam Evans, right, has announced plans for a new Birmingham restaurant, Current Charcoal Grill, with partner-Chef Luke Joseph. (Caleb Chancey)

Chef Kwame Onwuachi, left, awards Chef Adam Evans with the Best Chef: South award at the 2022 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago. (Jeff Schear / Getty Images for James Beard Foundation)

Ashley Rayshun Goldthwaite

Shanice Nicole Blackmon

By Sean Dietrich Sean

I have received a lot of questions lately. I decided to combine the most frequently asked questions and answer them in the Q-and-A format. Here we go.

Q: Why is your blog/ column called “Sean of the South”?

A: When I started writing in earnest, my dear friend, Melissa Wheeler, named this column after one of my favorite songs, “Song of the South,” by the band Alabama. Which is the only song I know that contains flagrant lyrics about sweet potato pie. She is a very smart woman, and one of my dearest pals.

Q: What are some other names you tossed around?

A: Some runners-up were: “Sean of Green Gables,” “Little Orphan Seanie,” “Portrait of the Baptist as a Young Man,” and my personal favorite, “Sean With the Wind.”

Q: Do Southerners really say “bless your heart”?

A: Yes and no. For starters, everyone—and I mean every single person—in my family utters the phrase “bless your heart.” But nobody says this expression in the ridiculous way that faux-Southerners use it on Netflix.

Sadly, Hollywood script writers have butchered our cherished colloquialism, and now it’s become a painful cliché.

The modern-day Bless Your Heart joke started during the infancy of the Internet, when chain-email forwards were mankind’s only form of digital entertainment.

Back then, whenever your inbox received a chain-email, this message often came from an elderly relative who sent thousands of email forwards each day to innocent family members.

Many of these messages were political, others were

Sean of the South: Questions

urban legends, some emails encouraged readers to send their insulin money to Oral Roberts Ministries Inc.

But whenever these emails were humorous, you would stop what you were doing, gather the whole fam around the PC, and read the email aloud.

Q: Are you going somewhere with this?

A: Yes. One of the popular comical email forwards from the 1990s was the Bless Your Heart email, which suggested that “bless your heart” was actually Southern code for “you’re a dipstick.” This became such a popular notion that many of my elderly family members quit saying “bless your heart” because they didn’t want to be rude.

So, let me set the record straight, the idea that our beloved phrase is an insult is ghastly and absurd. Whenever my Aunt Eulah says “bless your heart,” trust me, she means it. The fact that Aunt Eulah only says these words to me after I have done some-

thing truly idiotic is merely consequential.

Q: I just read that some years ago you moved away from Florida to Alabama? Is this true?

A: Yes.

Q: Why would anyone LEAVE Florida? I want to move TO Florida!

A: You and 329.5 million of your closest friends. Things are getting overcrowded here.

Q: Really?

A: Yes. Each year, Florida has one of the highest population increases in the nation. In fact, as I write this, four perfect strangers are assaulting me with their elbows, spilling Starbucks coffee on my laptop, and fighting for usage of the same power outlet. And this is my living room.

Q: How overcrowded is Florida, can you provide me with a few tedious statistics?

A: Gladly. My home county used to be a small fishing town with roughly 16,000 people and 19 teeth. We liked it this way. It was the kind of laid-back village where you

could go out to your mailbox completely naked and none of you neighbors would mind, inasmuch as they were all buck naked, too.

Today, however, Walton County’s population is approximately 80,000. We now attract around 5 million summer visitors each year. Which means that, at any given moment, 5 million people are wandering through Publix, buying wholesale gallons of Coppertone Aloe Vera Aftersun Cooling Gel with Lidocaine. This population spike is why our highways have been under construction since the Punic Wars.

Q: Wait. The highways are STILL under construction?

A: Yes. The Florida Department of Transportation estimates renovations in our county will be completed in October of 2098.

Q: Wow.

A: To be fair, many people in my old neighborhood still fetch their mail naked. Although we are all much

older now and it will give you nightmares.

Q: I still don’t get it. Why move to Alabama, of all places?

A: NASCAR, baby.

Q: Seriously?

A: Well, sort of. We have a lot of family in Alabama. Also, Walton County, Florida, is considered L.A. (Lower Alabama) since our county borders the Twenty-Second State. Meaning: West Floridians are Sunshine State residents with “We Miss You Nick Saban” stickers on our ATV wheelers.

Q: So you’re saying most Walton County people are basically Alabamians? What about county residents who live in Rosemary Beach and Seaside?

A: New Yorkers.

Q: I once read that you like peanut butter in a big way.

A: Yes, that’s true. I consume roughly 26 ounces of peanut butter every two days.

Q: How many jars is that?

A: About a jar a day.

Q: Whoa, seriously?

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A: Seriously. I like to eat Smucker’s Organic Creamy peanut butter when I check the mail.

Q: Why do you write so many angel stories? Because, frankly, I do not believe in angels.

A: The funny thing is, neither did I. But then something changed. Long ago, when I started writing a column for a tiny local newspaper, with a circulation of about 6.3 humans, a lady sent me a story about a near-death experience. The story involved an angel who saved her from a near-fatal wreck.

I wrote a 600-word column, then someone from the paper mailed my column to a famous magazine that publishes angel stories.

Q: What happened?

A: What happened was, I received an email from the editor of the magazine. The editor told me, in so many words, that I was a talentless toad-face who wrote like a fourth-grader. She hated my story, she hated my “short sentences,” and she encouraged me to pursue a career in commercial ditch excavation.

Q: What did you do?

A: I shared the story online. It was one of the biggest stories I ever published. In a few days, my inbox was overloaded with thousands of angel stories—messages ranging from readers in China, all the way to Alaska.

In fact, the stories are still coming in. On average, I receive between 3 to 10 angel/ miracle stories per day. Often, I sit before my screen and weep. In fact, while writing this column, I had to pause to read an angel story, and I am still a mess.

Q: So you believe in angels?

A: Do I? Are you kidding? Did you SEE the last SEC championship?

Q: No, I hate football.

A: Well, bless your heart.

ABC Form C-1 August 2001

Sealed proposals will be received by Jefferson County Board of Education, 2100 18th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35209, until 2:00 p.m. CST April 12th, 2024 for JEFCO 2024 Re-Roofs for BES, BRES, JCLC, LES, PES, and PVHS at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read. All proposals must contain Jefferson County Bid # 19-24 on the outside of the proposal.

The work includes removal of existing roof material (membrane, insulation, associated metal flashings and trim, etc.) and installing a new roofing system (membrane, cover board, insulation, associated metal flashings and trim, etc.).

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

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

Joint venture arrangements must qualify solely on the strength of the principal firm’s qualifications. Notarized Contractor’s Qualification Certificates must be submitted to the Architect along with any request to obtain Bid Documents by a General Contractor by Friday, March 22nd, 2024. The required Form of Certificate is AIA Document A305 Contractor’s Qualification Statement 1986 Edition and may be obtained from the Architect.

Drawings and specifications may be purchased from Alabama Graphics, 2801 5th Ave, South, Birmingham, AL 35233, 205-252-850.5 Contractors must purchase sets at their own expense - no deposits or refunds will be allowed. Drawings may be examined at the offices of TURNERBATSON, 1950 Stonegate Drive, Suite 200, Birmingham, Alabama 35242, the office of Birmingham Construction Industry Authority (BCIA), and F.W. Dodge Birmingham (a.k.a. McGraw Hill), Associated General Contractors, Construction Market Data on Friday, March 15th, 2024.

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

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at Jefferson County Board of Education – Executive Conference Room at 2:00 pm, CST, Tuesday, March 26th 2024 Attendance at Pre-Bid Conference as well as in-person observation to all location prior to the bid opening by Prequalified Contractor Bidders is Mandatory.

Awarding Authority:

Jefferson County Board of Education

Dr. Walter Gonsoulin, Superintendent Architect: TURNERBATSON

Sean Dietrich (Photo courtesy of seandietrich.com)

when we got out of line. Sometimes they were pranksters.

I spent a week at Camp Winnataska when I was 11. I slept like a rock on one of the top bunks after full days of hiking, swimming, horseback riding, and dodgeball. But one morning as the bugle sounded, I awoke with confusion to find my bunk in the middle of the floor with all my cabin mates staring at me. I had no idea how I got there! My counselors thought it would be a hoot to carry me outside while sleeping, bunk bed and all, but the bed was too big to get out the door! I got over my initial shock and we all had a good laugh about it.

I wasn’t mad. Why? Because I trusted my counselors and never thought for a second there was any harm in it. They had already earned our trust.

You see, just days earlier one of the counselors had gotten out of line. He was a high school kid working with elementary-age boys who thought that being the cool counselor gave him the right to be a bully. Anytime he felt like it he would shove a kid, call him demeaning names, or rub shaving cream in his face. What do you do when you’re just a knot-head, 11-year-old boy and this guy is in charge? Wasn’t he supposed to be the boss? Didn’t the adults who ran the camp pick him because they thought he was good for us?

Then the older counselors caught wind of it. We all listened wide-eyed as they wore the bully out in the next room. One of my peers looked around at our shocked faces saying, “I don’t feel bad for him. He deserves it.”

The bully was gone the next day. Those older guys were our heroes. They could

have hung me up by my toes and fed me worms and I would have laughed because they had already proven themselves to us. The point is this: Adults need to be keenly aware of who is working with their kids. We cannot simply take for granted that anyone with the name and title of “camp counselor” is automatically okay. Likewise, adults who select others to serve as counselors in their organizations bear great responsibility. Anyone who works with children should be required to go through some measure of scrutiny, background checks, and criteria-based interviewing.

Anyone in charge of programs that work with minor children should ask themselves: Am I putting people in charge of kids that I wouldn’t

Legal Notice

allow to babysit my own children?

Which brings me to Space Camp, hosted by the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC), and the counselors themselves – or in Space Camp parlance, “Crew Trainers.”

Space Camp and the USSRC are amazing assets to our state. My own daughter attended Space Camp and I have fond memories of visiting the USSRC myself. Movies have been made about Space Camp and parents spend thousands of dollars to send their kids from all over the world.

The Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission (ASSEC) oversees the USSRC and Space Camp and lists some amazing people as appointed members. They receive millions in state appro-

priations and local tax dollars to support Space Camp, and they all have some explaining to do.

Apparently, the USSRC now hires those who take their personal agendas into the lives of our kids. That’s wrong, and it will not go unspoken. Somehow Space Camp forgot that its mission is its audience.

Word broke recently of one Space Camp Trainer who proudly posted on his social media that he identifies as a “Butch coded space queer” while wearing a rainbow flag on his Space Camp uniform. In a separate post, this same individual displayed a “gender is a universe” sticker on his notebook in hopes that Space Camp attendees would see it. He was not a solo act. Parents now relate their shock at discovering that male train-

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 New Athletic Pavilion for Hewitt-Trussville High School located at 6344 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

ers who “identify” as female sleep on the girls’ floor and walk into the girls’ changing areas while our daughters dress.

Parents were not advised that a state-run, world-class facility in the good ol’ red state of Alabama was of the mind that men could pretend to be women and then work with little girls. This is escalating at an enormous rate with parents expressing their outrage and future attendees already dropping out.

Local, state, and federal

officials have all engaged, and rightfully so. Constituents need to know their elected leaders are not okay with children being exposed to agendas that put them in awkward and insecure positions. State legislation is being proposed to address the issue.

The pronoun police have also swooped in, denouncing anyone who dares question the well-meaning “butch coded space queer.” Per usual, they made the issue about the adults and their agenda rather than the security of kids and the sanctity of parent’s rights.

Parents have every right to speak out, and anyone who tells them to mind their own business and go stand quietly in the corner is simply wrong. This is a parental rights issue, a religious liberty issue, a civil rights issue. No child should be made to feel insecure or threatened just so that adults with identity issues can feel better about themselves.

Let’s get “camp” back to being about the kids, not the adults. Put camp, education, and experiential learning, back to a place where there is a deep and meaningful intent to make kids’ lives better without trying to foist adult lifestyles on them.

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.

Saturday Night Live. That pull was so strong that I even considered going to Chicago and enrolling in Second City, SNL’s talent feeder program. But a wife, two young kids, and a mortgage put a damper on that dream. Ah, the road not taken.

A Birmingham morning radio team, Mark and Brian, were also of interest to me. I listened to them on my daily commute. These guys not only had great on-air chemistry, they pushed the envelope on what you could say and do on the radio. In addition, their song parodies were spot on - and funny. Since I could do a number of impressions and make up songs on the spot, I was smitten. So, when they announced a homemade humor contest with a grand prize of an all-expense paid trip to the first-ever Comic Relief concert in Los Angeles, my comedy ember began glowing brighter than ever.

I immediately knew what I was going to do - lampoon

a Birmingham entertainment icon. It was sure to be the grand prize winner. Yes, it was going to be Country Boy Eddie. For those of who don’t know, from 1957 to 1993 the Country Boy Eddie Show ruled early morning television in Birmingham, Alabama. It was a combination of corny jokes, personalized commercials, and hoedown music from his studio band. He would sing the vocals with a nasal twang - an imperson-

ation I could do perfectly. I planned to do a commercial for a Country Boy Eddie concert, making him a star who was singing famous rock ‘n’ roll covers. The question was: how? Nowadays, I could download an app and easily create what I wanted to do; however, in the ‘80s it was much more difficult. I had to get creative. So, I got two boom boxes, one to record, and one to play. Then I found three rock songs with long, recognizable riffs that would

enable me to sing along; “Born In The USA,” “Money For Nothin’,” and “Sussudio” by Phil Collins. Playing the riffs from each song on one boombox, I sang along in my best Country Boy Eddie impersonation while recording on the second one. Finally, I did a DJ voiceover describing the details of the concert and ticket availability. It took hours and hours, but the finished cassette was good. Homemade to be sure, but it sounded almost like an

authentic concert promotion, and it was funny. A few of the contest entries were quite memorable. Someone took the song “There’s A Bad Moon On The Rise” and changed it to “There’s A Bathroom On The Right.” They merely sang their modified vocals over the original song, so you could still hear John Fogerty in the background. It was so bad it was hilarious.

I breezed thru the preliminary rounds into the finals. I was up against some people

who did a song they called the Birmingham Rap - clever, but not that funny.

The day of the championship round came. Since the winner was going to be decided by call-in votes, I tried to stack the deck, reaching out to everyone I knew and begging them to vote for me repeatedly. It was just like a political campaign in Chicago. My wife even asked her students to participate. And since everyone in my office had a dedicated phone line, vice presidents to secretaries called in the radio station.

The vote was very closeonly about a dozen votes decided the outcome. And I lost. But I did get a color TV for second place. Still, it wasn’t Comic Relief. And when I went to the station to pick up my prize, I got some consolation because Mark & Brian told me mine was the funniest submission. And both of them marveled how I did it with only two boom boxes.

I entered the contest again the next year, and finished in the top five. By then, I was on fire for everything funny. Before long, I would start scratching that itch with open mic performances at our local comedy club.

Soon Mark and Brian left Birmingham and went to LA (that’s Los Angeles, not Lower Alabama) where they dominated morning radio on KLOS for many years. Eventually, their success got the pair inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame. They even have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Most of you know what happened to me.

And if you asked any of us why we did it, I’m sure our answer would be,” We just had to.”

Extra Help benefit is estimated to be worth about $5,300 per year. Currently over 13 million people are receiving this subsidy, but there’s around 3 million more who may qualify for it but don’t realize it.

The amount of financial assistance you would receive depends on your income and assets. If you qualify, you’ll pay no premium or deductible (unless receiving a partial subsidy), and no more than $4.50 for each generic drug or $11.20 for each brand-name drug your plan covers in 2024.

To get the subsidy, your resources must be limited to $17,220 or $34,360 for mar-

ried couples living together. Bank accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds and IRAs count as assets, but your home, vehicle, personal belongings, life insurance and burial plots do not.

Also, your annual income must be limited to $22,590 for an individual or $30,660 for married couples. If you support a family member who lives with you, or you live in Alaska or Hawaii, your income can be higher. In addition, the government won’t count any money if you receive help for household ex-

penses like food, rent, mortgage payments, utilities and property taxes.

How to Apply

There are three ways to see if you qualify and apply for Extra Help: online at SSA.gov/medicare/part-dextra-help; by calling Social Security at 800-772-1213; or by visiting your local Social Security office.

The application form is easy to complete, but you will need your Social Security number and information about your bank balances,

pensions and investments. Social Security will review your application and send you a letter within a few weeks letting you know whether you qualify.

If you don’t qualify for Extra Help, you may still be able to get help from a state pharmacy assistance program or a patient assistance program. Visit NeedyMeds.org to search for these programs.

Other Medicare Assistance

If you’re eligible for Extra Help, you may also qual-

ify for help with your other Medicare expenses through your state’s Medicare Savings Program.

State Medicaid programs partner with the federal government, so income and asset qualifications vary depending on where you live. Medicare Savings Programs will pay your entire Medicare Part B premium each month. And in some cases, they may also pay your Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copayments, depending on your income level. To find out if you qualify, contact your state

Medicaid office. You can also get help through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which provides free Medicare counseling in person or over the phone. Visit ShipHelp.org or call 877-8392675 to locate a counselor in your area.

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.

o utdoo R s

Be Sure of Turkey Season Dates, WMA Regulations

By David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural

The spring turkey season in Alabama is fast approaching, and some confusion exists on the dates of the Special Youth Hunt that precedes opening day of the regular season.

Marianne Gauldin of the Alabama Department of

Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division said this year’s opening day of the regular season falls on a Monday. That means the Special Youth Hunt will be on the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding the opening day.

For Zones 1 and 3, where the regular turkey season is set for March 25 through May 8, the Special Youth Hunt will

be March 23-24. The Special Disabled Hunt is scheduled for March 24. In Zone 2, the spring turkey season is April 1 through May 8, which means the Special Youth Hunt will be March 30-31, and the Special Disabled Hunt will be March 31.

Gauldin reminds hunters who pursue the Eastern wild turkey on Alabama’s wildlife management areas (WMAs) to become familiar with all the regulations regarding the WMAs.

“It’s important for WMA users to understand there is a WMA regulation in addition to the rules listed on the maps

of the individual WMAs,” she said. “The regulation extends to all WMAs, and all WMA users should read the regs on the map and also be familiar with the WMA regulation (www.outdooralabama.com/ WMARules).”

Gauldin said WMA users need to adhere to one older regulation and two new ones that apply to turkey season. Those regs deal with the use of turkey calls during preseason scouting, the use of certain game cameras and the use of drones.

The existing regulation states it is unlawful to possess or use any wild turkey

calls to mimic sounds made by wild turkeys from March 1 until the opening day of youth turkey seasons and from the close of youth turkey season to the opening day of physically disabled turkey season or regular turkey season opening day on WMAs with turkey seasons.

One of the new regs states that it is unlawful for any unauthorized person to possess or use any game camera/device capable of monitoring remotely and/or capable of automatically transmitting photos and/or videos from March 1 through May 31 on any WMA without first ob-

Hotel & Restaurant Supply was proud to partner with the Jefferson County Board of Education in the successful completion of the Dish Machine replacement at Clay-Chalkville Middle School.

taining written permission from WFF.

Also new is the reg that makes it unlawful for any unauthorized person to launch, land or possess or use any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)/ drone on a WMA without first obtaining written permission from WFF.

WFF Director Chuck Sykes said these regulations are used to ensure that everyone who takes advantage of hunting on public land this spring will have equal opportunities.

“We manage 750,000 acres across the state for public hunting opportunities,” said Director Sykes. “You’ve got everything from national forests, where you can hunt every day of the season to WMAs with specific dates and times to SOAs (Special Opportunity Areas), where you get drawn for your own spot for three days and don’t have to worry about anybody else being there. So, there are multiple opportunities for residents and non-residents to hunt public land in Alabama.

“It’s public land. It does get pressured. But there are birds there, so the people who

Logan Powell’s SOA hunt guest Tyler Joiner bagged this bird with a 10-inch beard at the Fred T. Stimpson SOA last spring. ADCNR photo

Leave your turkey calls at home when you head out to do some scouting on WMAs before youth season.

as we can, and spooking turkeys before the season is not good for anybody.”

out preseason scouting for turkeys on WMAs, leave those turkey calls behind.

“We don’t want people out there before the season blowing turkey calls,” Director Sykes said. “I don’t do that on my own place, so why would I want that to take place on public lands. Why would you educate a bird before the season comes in? It’s not good common sense, whether you’re talking about public land or private land.

“Why would you want to go out in the woods with a turkey call before the season, call to a turkey and take a chance on him coming up and seeing you. You have that negative experience with a turkey call, and you go back in a couple of weeks and try to hunt him, using the same call in the same spot. That’s just not smart. I don’t want to give the turkeys too much credit, but I think they’re a lot smarter than that. We want to provide as much opportunity

Director Sykes said many states have already banned the use of certain game cameras during hunting seasons.

“Cellular-activated trail cameras have been outlawed in several states, especially in the West, where they used these cameras around watering holes where it’s dry and arid,” he said. “The use of these cameras gives them an unfair advantage over wildlife.”

Director Sykes said WFF is not advocating a complete ban on the use of cellular-activated cameras, but wild turkeys are particularly susceptible to being patterned because they usually stay in the same general area once they fly up to roost.

“Deer can travel at night,” he said. “It’s not the same as a turkey. If a turkey walks up and down a road during the daytime, and you have a trail camera that is sending you pictures automatically, it gives you an unfair advantage over that bird.”

The other popular method

of surveillance is the use of the UAV/drone, which also provides an unfair advantage, said Director Sykes.

“Drones provide yet another way to remotely locate game and also have the potential to disturb and harass wildlife,” he said. “Once again, these prohibitions are in place to provide genuine turkey hunting experience opportunities and hopefully ensure that the last hunter in the area didn’t already educate the turkey or harvest them with these technologies.”

Director Sykes, who has hunted turkeys in Alabama most of his life, said making predictions about the upcom-

Remotely monitored game cameras are not allowed on WMAs from March 1 through May 31.

ing spring turkey season is a difficult task.

“It’s going to be hit or miss, like it always is,” he said. “Some places are going to have a great spring. Some are not. I heard turkeys gobbling their brains out on Tuesday morning. Today (last Thursday), I didn’t hear a peep. That’s the way it’s going to be. That’s the way it’s always been.

“As long as we have some pretty days, especially on the weekends, we’re going to have birds killed.”

Director Sykes reiterated the advice about making sure you know the season dates and the regulations for the property you’re hunting, es-

pecially if it’s public land.

“Since regular season starts on a Monday, we have provided clarity as to when youth and physically disabled hunts will occur,” he said. “For most of the state (Zones 1 and 3), the 23rd and 24th is

youth weekend. If you’re out there on the 16th and 17th, you’re going to get an award (citation).” Visit www.outdooralabama.com/seasons-and-baglimits/turkey-season for more information.

Important Safety Information About The Gas Lines In Your Area

Most natural gas pipelines are buried underground. This is not only for safety reasons, but also to protect them from the weather and ensure reliable service for all consumers. Although pipeline leaks and incidents rarely occur, keeping the delivery of natural gas for everyone remains our highest priority.

Natural gas utility companies like ours set high standards to keep natural gas pipelines incident free. The natural gas industry invests billions of dollars in research, testing, damage prevention, training and awareness to ensure pipeline safety. The natural gas pipeline system is regulated by numerous federal and state government agencies.

In your area we work closely with public fire and safety officials to promote natural gas safety. Damage prevention education and training takes place at least once a year, so local officials are prepared and know how to respond if there ever is a natural gas emergency.

As your neighbors and a part of your community, we know the importance for everyone to be well informed and know how to respond in case of a natural gas emergency.

Detecting A Natural Gas Leak

Natural gas is one of the safest, most reliable and environmentally friendly fuels in use today, but leaks can occur. There are three key ways to recognize a natural gas leak.

Look

Blowing dirt, bubbling creeks or ponds, dry spots in moist areas or dead plants surrounded by green, live plants also may indicate a natural gas leak.

Listen

An unusual hissing sound near gas lines or appliances may indicate a natural gas leak.

Smell

In its raw state, natural gas is colorless and odorless. Natural gas utility companies add a substance called mercaptan to create the familiar, rotten-egg like odor you associate with natural gas. You should take action even if you detect only the faint odor of natural gas in the air.

Take Action For Safety

Here are some keywords to help you remember what to do if a natural gas leak is suspected.

Leave

Leave the area immediately. Do not try to find or stop the leak.

Don’t Touch

Do not smoke, use any type of phone, flashlight, turn on or off any lights or appliances or operate any kind of vehicle or equipment that could create a spark.

Dial

Immediately notify us. (205) 655-3211 or 1-800-755-3211

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if a natural gas appliance is operated in an enclosed space that has no access to fresh air. Because improper installation of gas appliances can lead to carbon monoxide build-up, it is important that only qualified, licensed service personnel install your gas appliances.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly. Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble flu symptoms and include headache, dizziness and/or nausea. If you have any of these symptoms get fresh air immediately.

You may decide to purchase a carbon monoxide detector. If so, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends that the model you choose meets the Underwriters Laboratory Standard 2034. Under no circumstances should a carbon monoxide detector be used as a substitute for regular inspections by qualified service personnel.

Maintaining Gas Lines

Trussville Gas & Water is responsible for maintaining the gas lines that carry natural gas to your meter. However, you are responsible for all gas lines on your side of the meter. These lines include all piping that goes:

• From your gas meter to the appliances on your property

• From a curb side meter to the home, when the meter is not right beside the home

• From your meter underground to a building, pool, spa heater, barbecue or other gas appliance.

Not maintaining gas pipelines could result in potential hazards due to leakage. To properly maintain your gas lines, you should have them periodically inspected to identify unsafe conditions including corrosion and leaks, and repair any unsafe conditions immediately. A licensed, qualified professional can assist you in finding, inspecting and repairing your buried gas lines.

Markers Indicate Pipelines

Most natural gas pipelines are buried underground. Markers indicate only the general, not exact location of pipelines. They also show the natural gas operator and emergency phone number. The markers do not show the depth of the pipelines or the number of pipelines. Underground gas lines on your property are not marked in most cases, so you should know the location of your gas meter. Be cautious when digging in areas where the lines may connect or extend from the meter to appliances on your property.

A major cause of pipeline leaks is thirdparty damage. This may include contractors or excavators digging, grading, and working along roadways. Please always notify Alabama One Call by dialing 811 no less than two days before starting any excavation.

What To Do if You Disturb Or Damage A Pipeline Or Natural Gas Line

Even if you cause what appears to be only minor damage to the pipeline, immediately notify the pipeline company. A gouge, scrape, dent or crease to the pipe or coating may cause a future rupture or leak. It is imperative that the pipeline owner inspects and repairs any damage to the line or related apparatus. Many states have laws requiring damages to be reported to the facility owner. Do not attempt to make repairs to the line yourself.

Call Before You Dig

Pipelines may be located anywhere. This is why it is important to know where they are before digging for any reason.

When digging, excavating, drilling or moving earth in any way that could damage underground utility pipelines, you must contact Alabama One Call by dialing 811 no less than two days before starting the excavation. This will help avoid costly damage or injury.

A new, federally mandated national “Call Before You Dig” number, 811, was created to help protect you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines while working on digging projects.

Every dig job requires a call, even small projects like planting trees or shrubs. If you hit an underground utility line while digging, you can harm yourself and those around you, disrupt service to an entire neighborhood and potentially be responsible for fines and repair costs. Smart digging means calling 811 before each job. Whether you are a homeowner or a professional excavator, one call to 811 gets your underground utility lines marked for free. Don’t assume you know what is below. Protect yourself and those around you– call 811 every time.

We Need Your Help

The nation’s infrastructures, including pipelines, are a matter of national security. If you witness suspicious activity on a pipeline right-of-way, please report it to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible or call Trussville Gas & Water at (205) 6553211. Threat advisories may be found at the Department of Homeland Securities Web site at www.dhs.gov.

10:30am - 11:00am

Trussville LBK Auditorium

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

March:

3/21: Frogs, 3/28: Easter and Bunnies

Yoga By Nancy Springville Public Library

March 22 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

Duration: 30 min

March 22

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.

Mary Poppins Movie Night

Thursday, March 21 6:00pm - 8:25pm

Trussville LBK Auditorium

Join Leadership HT for a fun movie night! We will be showing the 1964 classic version of Mary Poppins! Registration is free, but HT Leadership will be accepting donations to support their citywide service projects. So, grab a blanket for a popcorn-filled evening that will be practically perfect in every way!

Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison: Letter L Fri Mar 22nd 10:00am - 11:00am

Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL 35126

(All ages). Join us for Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison on Friday, March 22nd at 10 AM. Our theme is The Letter L. We’ll read books, have fun, do a craft, & have a snack. Storytime is designed for pre-K children, but all ages are welcome.

Author Talk with Angela McClintock Sat Mar 23rd 2:00pm - 3:30pm Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL 35126

(Adults)

Saturday, March 23rd at 2 PM. Author Talks are an opportunity to meet the author, enjoy a book discussion, & purchase books. Angela McClintock is a licensed independent Clinical Social Worker & she tells a story loosely based on a compilation of her career expe-

riences in her book, The Boy in the Basement. Her book gives insight into the atrocities experienced by some innocent children as well as the emotional toll of child welfare work on Social Workers.

Tech Tuesdays Tue Mar 26th

10:00am - 12:00pm

Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL 35126

(Adults)Need help with your tablet, smartphone, or computer? Mr. Keith is here to help! Drop in on Tuesdays from 10 AM to 12 PM for helpful tech tips & tricks, Please bring your device with you if you are able to do so. No registration is required. Dates for March 2024: 5th, 12th, 19th, & 26th!

Homeschool Hangout:

Animals of AlabamaSkins & Skulls with AWF Nature on Wheels Wed Mar 27th 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL 35126

(All ages)

Wednesday, March 27th, 1 to 3 PM. Join us for a community gathering of homeschool students. For this month’s Homeschool Hangout we will be host Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Nature on Wheels! Learn about mammals of Alabama with their Skins & Skulls program. Homeschool Hangout is a monthly event for homeschool students to learn together, meet new friends, & use resources available at our library.

Preschool Storytime Springville Public Library March 26 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.

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Delores Dixon

may 27, 1943 — march 9, 2024

Funeral Services for Mrs. Delores Dixon (Dee & Nana) age 80, were held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home with Trull Hill officiating. Burial followed at the adjoining cemetery.

Mrs. Dixon passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at her home. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother that will be dearly missed.

Delores is survived by her son, Greg Dixon (Cheri) of Cullman, her daughter, Dana

Simrell (Chuck) of Oneonta, Delores is also survived by her grandchildren, Dalton Simrell (Harley), Tanner Dixon ( Cady), Shelby Dixon, Natalie Simrell (Peyton), Camryn Branch (Daryl), Alandra Simrell, Garret Dixon, and Morgan Dixon, also her great-grandchildren, Joanie, Jonah, Jordan, Elizabeth and Harper and several nieces and nephews. Dee is also survived by her sisters, Mary Reese Boggs (Paul), Betty Reese McCombs (Donnie), and her brother, Ron Reese (Kim), also by her caring friend, Joyce Quinn and her sister-in-law, Hope Dixon Brown (Roy).

Delores is preceded in death by Kerry Dixon, her loving husband of 50 years, and her parents, Thurman and Edith Reese.

Terry Quick

june 2, 1945 — march 11, 2024

Terry Eugene Quick, age 78, stepped over into Glory on March 11, 2024, to be with his Savior Jesus Christ. Terry was raised in Trussville. He was a lover of dogs, music, and football, He was head of security at Lake Villa Assisted Living for many years. He is survived by his daughter Linda Hawkins, his grandson Chase Rohler, his sister Martha J Smith, and his brother Jerry N Quick. He is preceded in death by his parents Emmett and Blanche Quick, brothers Billie and Luther Quick. He was loved and will be missed.

Laura Hollingsworth

april 23, 1962 — march

Charlie is survived by daughters Linda Ellis (Bob-Dothan), Deanna Phillips (TN), and Bridgett Rucks (Jeff, Sr.-Birmingham); grandchildren: Jennifer Thomas (Eric), Charles Phillips (Stacy), Terri Adams (Daniel) , Bridgett Rager (Jeff), Tim Ellis (Jamie), Joey Farris (Cory), Jeff Rucks, Jr. (Stephanie) and Jay Rucks (Carolyn); greatgrandchildren: Anna and Austin Thomas, Logan (Mallory) and Lauren Phillips, Trevor and Savanna Adams, Chase Phillips (Kassie) and Cheynne Palmer (Nick), Charisma and Lorelei Farris; Emily, Jaxon and Everleigh Rucks; great-grandsons: Ryder Palmer and Carson Thomas, as well as niece Kim Tillman (Cecil) and her family and special friend Vickey Mayfield. The family appreciates the loving care Charlie received from caregivers of Lakeside Hospice in his final days. He is preceded in death by his mother, Florence Brown Poarch and grandmother, Ida Haisten.

A celebration for family and friends is being planned; contact bridgettrucks@gmail.com for details. Donations in Charlie’s memory may be made to Lakeside Hospice (Pell City), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or Wiregrass Hope Group (Dothan).

How do I select a Funeral Home?

One of the first decisions a family makes upon a loved one’s passing is which funeral home to use. Not all funeral homes offer the same services or prices, so it’s good to compare and find what works best for your needs.

Consider any religious affiliations and whether the funeral home works with specific cemeteries or only their own. If your loved one is being cremated, does the funeral home offer a crematory, or do they outsource this service?

Ask for a general price list so that you can compare your options. Funeral homes are required to provide pricing. Funerals can range greatly in cost depending on what you want included, so have a budget in mind.

Please scan the QR code to read the full article.

and Uncle Joseph Samual Reed (deceased).

The family would also appreciate optional donations to Kitty Kat Rescue and/or The Alabama Humane Society in Laura’s memory to support her love of animals.

Martin Alexander Campbell

may 2, 1994 — march 7, 2024

Martín Alexander Campbell (29) passed away on March 7, 2024 in Trussville Alabama.

Born May 2, 1994 to Laura Andrea Campbell Nuñez and Mendell Charles Campbell, he was the second of eight boys. As a child he was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He graduated from Clay Chalkville High School in 2012 As an adult, he pursued a life of service as a in the United States Marine Corps SGT. After recruitment training in Paris Island, SC, he was then recognized as an honor graduate of the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion 3050. He was stationed with Marine Air Control Squadron 1 (MACS-1) in Yuma, AZ and deployed to Kuwait with Air Expeditionary Force 9 (AEF-9) in 2016. Martin later returned to the service joining the Air National Guard as a SSGT, becoming a Fire Fighter for the 117th Air Refueling Wing in Birmingham. Martin was also a System Administrator at TekSouth until the time of his passing.

As a person, he was driven, charitable and strong of mind and body. “Xander” was the protector of his family, especially his wife Lauren and daughter Addilyn. He considered himself the “alpha” of the pack of boys in a family which he loved dearly.

Martin was a perfect example of what a father figure should be. He was a fun daddy who always provided, understood and cared for his little princess every second of her life.

Martin enjoyed working out with his brothers, martial arts, building robots, video games, Anime, and riding his motorcy-

cle. He always knew what to say to make you laugh and always had advice to give for anyone who needed it.

He is survived by his wife Lauren Elizabeth Campbell, daughter Addilyn Grace Campbell, parents Mendell & Laura Camp -

bell, Brothers: Mark Anthony Campbell (Kelly), Nathaniel Andrés Campbell (Bianca), Juan Austin Campbell (Jessica), Lucas Alan Campbell (Ashley), Matthew Aaron Campbell, Mendell Aric Campbell, Thomas Adam Campbell, niece Allysson Eliza Campbell, grandparents Alberto Glicerio Nuñez and Gloria Yalta Alvarez, brother in arms Janorris Thompson and god daughter Amari Thompson. Along with an endless list uncles, aunts, cousins, family and

Martin was preceded in death by his grandparents Charles Monroe Campbell and Nelda Ann Campbell as well as

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you please donate to the Wounded Warriors Project in his honor.

Jessica Suzanne Arroyo

july 2, 1966 — february 26, 2024

Sue was born at Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan to Mariana

Nancy Ann Odalen

Grayson Pope tosses out first pitch for Crimson Tide

By John Goolsby Prep Sports Editor TUSCALOOSA –

Grayson Pope “took the mound” inside Sewell-Thomas Stadium on the campus of the University of Alabama Friday night.

Pope threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Crimson Tide faced Southeastern Conference foe Tennessee.

Pope threw the first pitch to current Alabama pitcher and former teammate Riley Quick.

The pair were teammates at Hewitt-Trussville when Quick was a senior, and Pope was a freshman.

“Riley took Gray under his wing,” said Jamie Pope, Grayson’s mother. “They have been good buddies ever since then.”

The opportunity came when Alabama assistant head coach Jason Jackson, who had recruited Pope, presented him with a baseball and an invitation to throw out the first pitch ahead of the Tennessee game.

“It is an honor to be given this opportunity,” said Pope.

Pope, one of the top baseball prospects in the state as a sophomore and a lifelong Tennessee fan, committed to play baseball for the Vols.

“He was born in Knoxville, and ‘Go Vols’ was probably some of his first words,” his mother said.

Pope’s recovery from a traumatic brain injury in 2023 has been nothing short of miraculous.

“He’s getting stronger every day,” his mother said. “He’s in rehab every day for physical, occupational, speech, and vision therapy.”

“Five days a week, we are at therapy. And he’s doing

therapy at school.”

“He is very determined and has a grit like no other,” she said.

“The double-vision is something we are asking for a lot of prayer and guidance on.”

“The big thing that we are working on right now is getting that corrected. That can

help with many things, his balance, coordination, and walking,” she said.

“He’s making all As in school somehow. I don’t know how he does it with double vision, but boy, it would be much easier with single vision.”

The Popes are incredibly appreciative and grateful for

all the help the family has received.

“We want to thank the Trussville community and the city of Trussville for stepping up and supporting us as a family during this ordeal,” said David Pope, Grayson’s father.

“The prayers, helping financially with bills. We could

not have done it without them.”

The Popes started a foundation, Pray4Gray. The foundation has assisted five families to date.

“We have been able to send them cards and blankets, things that we needed while in the hospital.”

“We are trying to do that for other families in the southeast,” he said. “I had the opportunity recently to talk and pray with the dad of a nine-year-old in Kentucky.”

“We didn’t know each other from Adam, but I was able to tell him that to get through those first six to seven days is so critical and just to let him know there is hope at the end of it.”

“We want to spread that love,” he said.

The reality of a traumatic brain injury is that it is costly. The foundation also helps with expenses related to Pope’s rehab, vision therapy, and other accessories needed to aid in his recovery.

“It’s expensive,” his dad said. “One of the things we are talking about right now is doing a step-in shower for him so he doesn’t have to use Mom and Dad’s anymore.”

“So all the financial help goes toward giving him some quality of life as well.”

“At the end of the day, we want people to know that there is hope at the end of the tunnel. It is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Grayson Pope with former teammate Riley Quick. Credit: Pope Family

Trussville

Huskies shutout Briarwood at home

By John Goolsby Prep Sports Editor

TRUSSVILLE – The

Hewitt-Trussville Huskies (14-4) defeated Briarwood Christian Friday night 8-0.

The victory avenged a 7-6 loss to the Lions on February 26. The Huskies have won ten of their last eleven games and remain undefeated at home.

The Huskies got on the board in the first inning on a single by senior Carson Wideman that scored sophomore Steele Hall.

Hewitt extended the lead

to 2-0 on a sacrifice fly by junior Cam Simpson that scored senior Brett Mosley.

A huge fourth inning saw the Huskies put six runs on the board and put the game out of reach.

A walk scored junior Christian Helmers to make the score 3-0.

A single by Wideman scored senior Carson Zeitvogel to give the Huskies a 4-0 lead.

Junior Colby Durden drove senior Rob Wright home with a single to right field to extend the lead to 5-0.

The score was 6-0 after Simpson drew a walk that scored Moseley.

Wideman and Durden closed the scoring out on two wild Briarwood pitches to make the score 8-0.

Durden picked up the win after going five innings and only giving up one hit and striking out four Lions.

Senior Trey Tyldesley went two innings with five strikeouts to get the save.

Wideman had two hits and two RBIs. Durden had two hits and one RBI.

The Huskies face Boaz Monday at Snead State.

Hewitt Track & Field puts up numerous Personal Records and Season Bests at Homewood Invite

By John Goolsby Prep Sports

The Girls finished fourth out of twenty-four teams, while the Boys finished sixth out of twenty-five teams.

The

“We are waiting for several athletes on the injured reserve to return. After spring break, we should be at full strength for both Girls and Boys,” said head coach Jamey Curlee.

Avery Cahoon came away with the victory in the 1600 meter run. The Florida State signee ran a Personal Record of 4:55.68 to break the Homewood Invitational record and set the fastest time in the state this season.

Madisyn Hawkins took top honors in the discus with

a Personal Record throw of 130-01 feet. Her throw was the second best in the state this season. Hawkins was the runner-up in the shot put with a Season Best throw of 38-00 feet, second best in 7A this season.

Jayda Hammonds was runner-up in the long jump with a Personal Record of 1707.75 feet, second best in 7A this season.

The Girls 4X400 meter relay team made the podium with a third place finish with a time of 4:08.63.

“I’m proud of how hard our kids have worked,” Curlee said. “Even our Junior Varsity continues to record Personal Records every week.”

The following athletes scored points for the Huskies:

Boys 200 meters: Colin Wadsworth, fifth, 22:48 (season best) and Jadon Loving, seventh, 22:64

Boys 400 meters: Colin Wadsworth, eighth, 51:06

Girls 400 meters: Emmy Goodell, eighth, 1:01:52 (sea-

son best)

Boys 800

Boys 3200 meters: Noah

Jordan, seventh, 10:06.11

Boys high jump: Jamal Hobbs, seventh, 5-10 feet

Girls high jump: Catherine Asbury, fourth, 4-10 feet

Boys javelin: William Bozeman, seventh, 142-04 feet

Boys long jump: Michael Igbinoghene, fourth, 21-11.50 feet

Boys pole vault: Alex Jones, sixth, 12-00 feet and Charlie Peacock, eighth, 1100 feet

Girls pole vault: Haven White, seventh, 9-06 feet

Boys triple jump: Raphael Boakye-Yiadom, fifth, 42-03 feet and Ethan Ridley, eighth, 40-08 feet

Girls 4X100 meter relay, fifth

Boys 4X800 meter relay, fourth

The following athletes recorded Personal Records:

Dylan Cope, Boys 100 meters

Chase Howard, Boys 200 meters

Elliott Greene, Boys 400 meters

Maddox Turner and Laine Walker, Boys 800 meters

Natalie Wiram, Girls 800 meters

John Paul Amari, Boys 1600 meters

Mary Durham, Girls 1600 meters

Amberli Santiago, Girls 3200 meters

Raphael Boakye-Yiadom, Boys high jump

Daniel Hickman, Boys javelin

Caleb Sears, Boys shot put

CamRon Wynn, Boys triple jump

The following athletes set Season Bests:

Demyian Jackson, 300 meter hurdles

Mary Durham, Girls 800 meters

Oscar Spears and Noah Jordan, Boys 1600 meters

Ethan Ridley, Boys long jump

The Huskies are in action April 6 at Spain Park.

meters: Oscar Spears, seventh, 2:01.58 (sea-

son best)

Girls 800 meters: Avery Cahoon, eighth, 2:21.68

Hewitt gets 8-0 win over Briarwood Christian. Credit: HT baseball

Hewitt's Avery Cahoon. Credit: Jaron Cahoon

Springville Lady Tigers win county softball championship

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

MOODY – The

Springville Lady Tigers are your 2024 Saint Clair County softball champions after an undefeated weekend against Saint Clair County and two games against host Moody.

The tournament started on Thursday evening as the Tigers took on the Saints from Saint Clair County. Springville jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first before the Saints answered in the third with a run of their own.

With the game tied, in the top of the fifth, Emmy Leopard drove in a waiting R Ruple and A Cooley brought Leopard home on a double with two outs. Taking over for Bella Bullington, who went the first four innings allowing just the one run on two hits and struck out four batters, Georgia Chancellor picked up the save, allowing a hit, no

runs and striking out two. At the plate, Leopard would lead the team with two runs scored and an RBI.

Next up for the Tigers would be the rival Moody Blue Devils, whom they would need to beat twice to get the championship.

In game one, Springville would get the 6-0 shutout win over the Blue Devils. Scoring a run in the second and fourth innings, the Tigers had a big fifth to seal the deal, scoring four runs. At the plate, S Hathcock would have two hits on as many tries driving in three runs to lead the team.

On the rubber, Chancellor would get the complete-game shutout for the Tigers, going all five innings, allowing just two hits and striking out nine Moody batters.

The final game of the tournament would be a rematch between the two rivals and

See TIGERS, Page 20

Tennessee’s Josef Newgarden wins IndyCar opener in St. Pete; 44 days until Children’s of Alabama Grand Prix

By John Goolsby Prep Sports

Editor

PETERSBURG –Tennessee native Josef Newgarden won the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding on Sunday.

The two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion led 92 of 100 laps. The Nashville native won the pole on Saturday and turned in the fastest lap of the race.

Newgarden, behind the wheel of the #2 PPG Team Penske Chevrolet, beat the #5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet of Pato O’Ward by 7.9121 seconds.

A capacity crowd at the 14-turn, 1.8-mile temporary

street course saw the 2023 Indy 500 winner claim his 30th career INDYCAR SERIES victory. Newgarden now sits as the 13th winningest driver in IndyCar history.

“I had a lot of fun today,” Newgarden said. “I think it’s so deserving for the work they (Team Penske) put in. We’ve worked really hard to close the gap. We didn’t have the speed we needed on road and street courses last year, at least on a consistency basis, and today we brought that speed. We had the execution, as always.”

IndyCar returns to Birmingham in seven weeks, April 26-28. Barber Motorsports Park was the site of Team Penske’s only non-oval win last year. Team Penske

seems to found an answer for their 2023 road racing woes.

Scott McLaughlin, the 2023 Barber winner, rounded out the podium in his Team Penske #3 DEX Imaging Chevrolet.

Team Penske’s Will Power finished fourth in the #12 Verizon Business Team Penske Chevrolet, while Colton Herta was fifth in the #26 Gainbridge Honda fielded by Andretti Global.

Newgarden led from the green flag and built a comfortable lead until Marcus Armstrong’s #11 Ridgeline Lubricants Chip Ganassi Racing Honda hit the Turn 10 wall on lap 27.

The 2024 Saint Clair County Champion Springville Tigers. Photo by: SHS Softball

See INDYCAR, Page 20 Josef Newgarden - Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg - By: James Black

Tigers

From page 19

it would end with a similar result, with the Tigers taking home the title after a 9-3 victory over Moody. The game was scoreless for two innings, but Springville’s bats went crazy in the third as the Tigers score eight runs. Moody would answer in the third with three runs of their own and Springville would add another run in the bottom of the inning. The rest of the game would be scoreless, ending in the 9-3 win for Springville, allowing them to claim the championship. Bullington went the distance in this one, pitching seven innings and allowing three runs on four hits while striking out four bat-

ters. Leah Bowden and Kiley Christopher each had three RBI to lead the team from the plate.

Springville coach JP Taruc had the following to say about his team’s performance over the weekend. “Defensively we played well throughout the tournament. Our bats came in spurts, but was good enough to earn runs in a timely manner. As a team, this tournament has helped us to learn from our mistakes and grow as a team. I am extremely proud of our seniors for being leaders on and off the field that helped us win this county tournament. Kiley Christopher, Bella Bullington, Layla Bradshaw, Emmy Leopard, and Lani Otwell. Winning the county means a lot to us be-

cause St. Clair County school system is loaded with softball talent and any team can win it.”

Bullington won the tournament MVP award and teammates Ashlyn Cooley, Kiley Christopher and Georgia Chancellor were named to the all-tournament team.

Moody’s representatives on the all-tournament team were Abi Gray, Kendall Trimm and Hannah Rutledge.

The Tigers, now 10-3 on the season, will take host Hayden on Tuesday night and then head to West Point on Thursday.

Moody, now 9-9, will look to get back to their winning ways this week with games at Helena on Tuesday and Southside on Thursday.

Christian Lundgaard’s #45 Hy-Vee Rahal Letterman

Lanigan Racing Honda pitted earlier in the race and inherited the lead while the leaders pitted during the caution.

Newgarden regained the lead after Lundgaard headed to the pits nine laps later. After a second caution, the field restarted on Lap 38. Newgarden built a substantial lead during a lengthy green flag run until his final stop just before lap 66. At the end of the leader’s stops, Newgarden cycled back to the lead on Lap 67.

Newgarden wasn’t home free though. A Linus Lundqvist and Romain Grosjean incident on Lap 69 in Turn 10 brought out the third and final caution of the day.

Grosjean was deemed the offender by Race Control and the Swiss Formula One veteran was forced to serve a drivethrough penalty for avoidable contact.

The field took the green on Lap 72, and Newgarden once again flexed his muscles. The Tennessean put the Chevrolet on cruise control and clicked off the final 29 laps to secure the win.

“I feel very relaxed right now,” Newgarden said. “I was

really excited initially, and then it kind of calmed down those last 10 laps. We can move on from here and at least enjoy this first victory.”

Results:

1. (1) Josef Newgarden, Chevrolet, 100, Running

2. (3) Pato O’Ward, Chevrolet, 100, Running

3. (9) Scott McLaughlin, Chevrolet, 100, Running

4. (8) Will Power, Chevrolet, 100, Running

5. (4) Colton Herta, Honda, 100, Running

6. (13) Alex Palou, Honda, 100, Running

7. (2) Felix Rosenqvist, Honda, 100, Running

8. (15) Alexander Rossi, Chevrolet, 100, Running

9. (11) Scott Dixon, Honda, 100, Running

10. (7) Rinus VeeKay, Chevrolet, 100, Running 11. (14) Santino Ferrucci, Chevrolet, 100, Running 12. (18) Kyle Kirkwood, Honda, 100, Running

13. (16) Callum Ilott, Chevrolet, 100, Running

14. (23) Kyffin Simpson, Honda, 100, Running

15. (26) Pietro Fittipaldi, Honda, 100, Running

16. (22) Graham Rahal, Honda, 100, Running 17. (17) Tom Blomqvist, Honda, 100, Running 18. (20) Agustin Canapino,

Chevrolet, 100, Running 19. (27) Jack Harvey, Honda, 100, Running

20. (12) Christian Lundgaard, Honda, 100, Running 21. (21) Christian Rasmussen, Chevrolet, 99, Running 22. (25) Colin Braun, Honda, 99, Running 23. (19) Linus Lundqvist, Honda, 97, Running 24. (5) Romain Grosjean, Chevrolet, 82, Mechanical 25. (6) Marcus Ericsson, Honda, 52, Mechanical

26. (24) Sting Ray Robb, Chevrolet, 33, Off course 27. (10) Marcus Armstrong, Honda, 25, Contact

Winner’s average speed: 96.867 mph; Time of Race: 1 hour, 51 minutes, 29.5954 seconds; Margin of victory: 7.9121 seconds; Cautions: Three for nine laps; Lead changes: 4 among 3 drivers. Lap Leaders: Newgarden 1-28; Lundgaard 29-35; Newgarden 36-65; Herta 66; Newgarden 67-100.

Top 10 in points: Newgarden 54, O’Ward 40, McLaughlin 35, Power 32, Herta 31, Palou 28, Rosenqvist 26, Rossi 24, Dixon 22, VeeKay 20. The Series’ next race is The $1 Million Challenge, a special, non-points race on March 24 at The Thermal Club near Palm Springs, California.

Springville’s All-County softball players. Bella Bullington (MVP), Georgia Chancellor, Ashlyn Cooley, and Kiley Christopher. Photo by: SHS Softball

St. Petersburg, FL – during the 2024 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the streets of St. Petersburg. (Photo by Joe Skibinski | IMS Photo)