The Trussville Tribune – March 23 - 29, 2022

The Tribune

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By Crystal McGough For The Tribune

PINSON – Thomas “Marty” Martin, of Martin Engineering, gave a presentation to the Pinson City Council Thursday night, March 17, regarding flood plain concerns in the city.

See PINSON, Page 5

Springville holds public hearing on new neighborhood

By Terry Schrimscher For The Tribune

SPRINGVILLE — The Springville City Council met for the second regular meeting of March on Monday night, March 21. The agenda consisted primarily of public hearings for the rezoning of property.

See SPRINGVILLE, Page 4

Ribbon-cutting ceremony held for new restaurant in Leeds From The Tribune staff reports

LEEDS — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for a new restaurant in Leeds on Friday, March 18. The City of Leeds and the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon at Grand G’s See RESTAURANT, Page 5

Former astronaut visits Chalkville Elementary School

By Hannah Curran Editor

CENTER POINT — A former astronaut visited Chalkville Elementary School (CES) on Wednesday, March 16, to talk with students about the Aerospace Corporation’s STEM explorers program.

See ASTRONAUT, Page 6

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My Life as a Hobby

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Dobbs HoF

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2022

Leeds Council forgives library budget deficit, appoints new trustee to library board

By Nathan Prewett For The Tribune

LEEDS – The Leeds City Council voted to forgive a $97,000 deficit from the Leeds Jane Culbreth Public Library and appointed a new trustee to its board at a meeting on Monday, March 21.

Linda Miller was chosen to be appointed to the library’s board after being the sole applicant for the position, which had been held by Joseph R. Kemp until his recent resignation reportedly due to scheduling issues. This term is to be served until January 2024.

Miller had previously served on the council until 2020 when current council member DeVoris Ragland-Pierce was elected to the seat.

Later the council voted unanimously to forgive the deficit invoice, totaling $97,703.21 according to the agenda packet.

“We have a situation where, due to management issues, the library is in a deficit situation, and the city has

The Leeds City Council voted to forgive a $97,000 deficit from the Leeds Jane Culbreth Public Library and appointed a new trustee to its board at a meeting on Monday, March 21.

(Photo by Nathan Prewett)

no desire to shut down the library, and the library doesn’t have the funds to pay this, so this is a resolution that will forgive that particular debt,” Mayor David Miller said.

Funding for the library has been a subject of controversy during the past few meetings after the council voted to reject an allocation proposal

from the director, Melanie Carden, in February. The decision was met with disapproval from some in public during comments.

One of the issues between the city and the library at the last meeting was the deficit reportedly incurred in 2021.

The subject of the library returned during public com-

ments with one being from Victoria MacDonald. She questioned the application process for being appointed to the library board, saying that a link to do so on the website doesn’t work and asked how to apply, to which Miller replied that it is done in person.

See LEEDS, Page 6

From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — Doug Marshall from Presbyterian Home for Children in Talladega joined the Trussville See ROTARY, Page 6

Rep. Rolanda Hollis helps schools in Center Point fight to end ‘Period Poverty’ CENTER POINT — Representative Rolanda Hollis helps schools in Center Point fight to end “Period Poverty” on Monday, March 21.

See BILL, Page 4

Satellite office for the Trussville Police Department (TPD) is planned to be between Finish Line Shoe Store and Zales Jewelry Store.

“I just hope more police presence will obviously deter crime and give us a better response time to that end of the city,” Rush said.

The satellite office will also be available for the officers to use while working to write reports, eat lunch, or take a break. Rush explained that they could use the satellite office for whatever they needed to do.

Rush hopes the visibility of the police presence will

have a positive impact on crime in the area.

“I think it will make the shoppers in that area feel safer,” Rush said. “There’s a police presence and actual office up there dedicated to the police department.”

The Pinnacle hopes that having an additional office base and additional places for the police to operate will allow officers to better serve by having more locations from which to respond to calls.

“We hope this partnership exemplifies the continued commitment that we have to the city of Trussville,” Jones said. “We’ve really enjoyed the partnership that we’ve developed with the Chamber of Commerce, and after our successful holiday movie on the lawn event, we’re looking forward to hosting more events with them. We hope this partnership with the TPD will similarly benefit the community and The Pinnacle.”

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Trussville Day Break Rotary Hosts Presbyterian Home for Children’s Marshall

From The Tribune staff reports

Robin’s Sewing Shoppe

News - Pages 1-7 Opinion - Pages 7-8 Calendar - Page 9 Classified - Page 9 Obituary - Page 10 Sports - Pages 11-14

By Crystal McGough For The Tribune

See ARGO, Page 4

By Hannah Curran Editor

Inside the Tribune

Argo Council discusses upcoming ALDOT meeting, political ‘meet and greet’ ARGO – During an Argo City Council meeting held on Wednesday, March 16, Mayor Betty Bradley reminded citizens that the Alabama Department of Transportation

Pinnacle to open satellite Trussville PD office TRUSSVILLE —The Pinnacle in Trussville plans to open a satellite office for the Trussville Police Department (TPD) between Finish Line Shoe Store and Zales Jewelry Store.

Jason Jones, one of the owners of the Pinnacle shopping center, said the vision for The Pinnacle has always been for it to be a family-friendly community gathering spot and a place where local businesses and entrepreneurs can thrive.

“For us partnering with the city of Trussville Police Department allows them to better accomplish their community mission while also ensuring the Pinnacle continues to be a place where everyone can gather and shop without safety concerns,” Jones said.

Trussville Police Chief Eric Rush explained that this satellite office would be similar to the satellite office at Walmart, and the plan is to have the satellite office open in a month.

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www.TrussvilleTribune.com

March 23 - 29

Pinson Council hears flood study presentation from Martin Engineering

WED THU

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Center Point City Council notifies landlord of alleged drug activity from tenant, landlord in disbelief

By Faith Callens For the Tribune

CENTER POINT — The Center Point council notified the landlord of a Northeast side property on March 17 See CENTER POINT, Page 3

The Trussville Tribune

Page 2

The

Trussville Tribune

Savvy Senior: Super Cheap Smartphone Plans for Scrimping Seniors

By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior,

Can you direct me to some really cheap wireless smartphone plans for seniors who don’t use much data? I use my smartphone primarily for texting and talking but need some data for checking my email and a few other things when I’m away from Wi-Fi. Right now, I pay $30 per month but am looking for a better deal.

Senior Scrimper

190 Main Street Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664 Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com Tanna M. Friday, Managing Editor news@trussvilletribune.com Hannah Caver, Editor hannah.caver@trussvilletribune.com Bobby Mathews, Sports Editor bobby.mathews@trussvilletribune.com SALES STAFF Ryan Jennings, Director of Advertising & Sales Leigh Hayes, Account Executive Shari Moore, Account Executive Meredith White, Account Executive Lauren Taylor, Office Mgr/Traffic Coord.

Member of the Alabama Press Association

March 23 - 29, 2022

Dear Scrimper, There are several super cheap wireless providers I can recommend for older smartphone users who are looking to save money by paring down their cell phone plan. Here are three of the cheapest options available that you can switch to without sacrificing the quality of your service.

Cheapest Wireless Plans For extremely light smartphone data users, the very cheapest wireless plan available today is through Tello (Tello.com), which lets you build your own plan based on your needs or budget. For as little as $6 per month you can get unlimited texting, 100 minutes of talk time and 500 megabytes (MB) of highspeed data. Increases in talk time or data can be added in $1 increments.

Tello uses the T-Mobile network and gives you the option to bring your existing phone or purchase a new device, while keeping your same phone number if you wish. If you want to keep your phone, it must be unlocked. Just enter your

phone’s ID (press *#06# on your keypad to get it) on Tello’s website to make sure that it’s compatible with the network.

Another super cheap plan to consider is the annual prepaid plan offered through Boost Mobile (BoostMobile. com). For only $100 per year (or $8.33 per month) this plan provides unlimited talk, text and 1 gigabyte (GB) of 5G or 4G data each month.

If you need more data, their $150 annual plan (or $12.50/ month) gets you 5 GB. Boost Mobile uses the T-Mobile and AT&T networks and lets you use your existing phone (if compatible) or buy a new one.

And a third option to look into is Mint Mobile (MintMobile.com), which is recommended by Consumer Reports and has one of the

best values for a cheap plan.

Mint offers a $15 per month plan (plus taxes & fees) that provides unlimited talk and text, and 4 GB of 5G/4G data each month. They too use the T-Mobile network and will let you use your existing phone (if compatible) or buy a new one.

Lifeline Program If your income is low enough, another option you should check into is the Lifeline Assistance Program. This is a federal program that provides a $9.25 monthly subsidy that could go towards your phone or internet service.

To qualify, you’ll need to show that you’re receiving certain types of government benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), SSI, public housing assistance, veterans’ pension and survivors’ benefit, or live on feder-

ally recognized Tribal lands.

Or, if your annual household income is at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines – $17,388 for one person, or $23,517 for two – you’re also eligible.

To check your eligibility or apply, visit LifelineSupport.org. If you do qualify, contact a wireless provider in your area that participates in the Lifeline program and sign up for service with them.

You can also ask your current company to apply your Lifeline benefit to a service you are already getting, if it offers the benefit.

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.

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The Trussville Tribune

March 23 - 29, 2022

Page 3

Local / Region

Assault incident at HTHS gym leads to weapons arrest From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — A reported assault incident at Hewitt-Trussville High School (HTHS) gym lead to a weapons arrest on Saturday, March 12.

According to the Trussville Police Department (TPD), officers were notified of an assault at the HTHS gym that stemmed from a disagreement during a basketball game. A witness stated the 21-year-old assault suspect left the building, went to the parking lot and returned to the gym with what appeared to be

a gun in his pocket.

The suspect then walked to the 25-year-old victim and struck him in the face with a closed fist before he was reportedly instructed to leave and fled the scene with two other men in a white Honda Accord.

Trussville police were alerted to the incident. While responding to the call, two officers spotted the suspect vehicle at the Shell station on Deerfoot Parkway and approached the suspects.

Cordarius Ellis, 21, of Birmingham, who fled the scene with the assault suspect, was arrested by TPD after fail-

ing to provide a pistol permit when officers found a brown pistol lying on the passenger-side floorboard of the vehicle.

Ellis was charged with Firearms License Required and was transported to the Trussville City Jail, where he bonded out on Saturday, March 12.

According to police, Ellis is not a suspect in the alleged assault and no one had been charged with the alleged assault at the time of publication.

On Wednesday, Trussville City Schools provided a Use of Facilities Agreement show-

ing Trussville Park and Recreation (TPR) had reserved the HTHS gym on Saturdays for youth basketball ages 6 -18.

Drew Peterson of TPR said on Thursday that there were no scheduled events at the HTHS gym on Saturday and that TPR had not used the gym at all for the current basketball season after being informed by TCS that the gym needed to be available for the school teams during the season.

“There was no approval for anyone to be in the HTHS gyms after 1 p.m. Saturday, March 12,” TCS Superintendent Pattie Neill said in a

Center Point From front page

about several complaints of illegal drug activity surrounding his property.

City’s attorney Julian Hendrix said several reports were made from residents since February 2021 indicating a high traffic volume of individuals coming in and out of the property and awful smells.

Hendrix said the complaints reported from residents was consistent with drug use or some drug production.

Alvis Kelly, who is the landlord of property said the tenants have lived there for six years and it would be a surprise to know the residents are doing drugs.

“I’ve known these people for 15 to 20 years,” Kelly said. “I will be real surprised if they are doing drugs. Two of them have worked for me in the past and we did random drug tests and never had any kind of issue or any kind of

Center Point City Council meeting. (Photo by Faith Callens)

problem with that. Now, I know they have been getting an air conditioner fixed, had different people coming over to get it looked at, seeing what they can do to get it fixed but since they been it the house, they have been getting the floors repaired, and they have been doing that on their own, out of their own pocket.”

“I don’t really see a problem with the tenants but I’m not sure of where the drug allegations come from,” Kelly said.

Mayor Bobby Scott — along with other members

of the council — told Alvis that the city inspector said he seen items such as bottles surrounding the house that could be used to make an illegal drug substance such as crack cocaine.

Cordarius Tyree Ellis

statement issued by Public Relations Supervisor Jason Gaston, on Thursday afternoon. “Our gyms are reserved for our TCS coaches first, and if the gyms are not in use by TCS teams, Parks and Recreation may request approval for gym use by filling out a Facility Usage Form. According to our records, on the day of the incident, Parks and Recreation was approved to use the gyms from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. To our knowledge, the incident happened after the approved time slot for Parks and Rec Saturday afternoon.”

Neill did not provide any additional information.

“The Alvises would say they had a good relationship with the tenant, and it would be a shock to them if that was a drug house. My understanding from the Avises is, if it is a drug house, they don’t want them there but if it’s not a drug house, they don’t want to lose a tenant,” a representative for Kelly said. “We like to work collaboratively to figure that out.”

Mayor Scott told Alvis that the city would like to resolve the complaints quickly as possible and find solutions to put an end to the disturbance on this street.

The council planned to revisit the issue surrounding Kelly’s tenant at a later council meeting.

Other Business Items approved on the consent agenda: • Resolution Animal Control- The council resigned

their contract with Animal Control and plans on working with another company to help the city.

• Resolution Travel Advance- The council approved another travel advance for an employee’s education and job training.

• Resolution World Autism Day- The council approved a resolution to support World Autism Day to show their support for individuals and families who have Autism or has a loved one who has it.

• Resolution Appropriation to the CP Fire DistrictThe council approved an $240K check which was given to the Center Point Fire District to help with equipment needs. These funds were ARPA funds given by the city for public safety.

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The Trussville Tribune

Page 4

Bill

what she did was we had a previous donation day where a lot of people came out and gave items,” Scott said. “We

will be hosting another day to collect items this Saturday, March 26.”

The bill states that there

is “a grant program to award funds to local boards of education to provide feminine hygiene products to students enrolled in qualifying schools at no cost to those students.”

The State Department of Education will administer the program, and the department will develop procedures for the administration of the program.

Grants shall be awarded annually beginning with the 2022-2023 school year and every following school year.

HB 50 is currently pending Committee Action in Second House.

The development would also annex and rezone unincorporated property owned

by Betty Bettis. This property lies north and east of Old Mill Road and north of Robinson Street behind the historic district of downtown.

“We hope to put quality homes in an awesome community where folks are proud to live,” said Thomas Johnson, head of community development for Holland Homes.

Johnson spoke on behalf of the Bettis and Windham interests and said the plans to move property into the city limits for PUD zoning would allow the city more input.

Johnson said Holland Homes has worked with Springville for the past seven months to revise the plans to

meet the needs expressed by people in the area.

“Some of the things we’ve looked at was taking as much traffic as possible away from highway 11, which we’ve accomplished by routing the vast majority of the lots out through Murphree’s Valley,” Johnson said.

Road plans were rerouted to take pressure off the traffic at the middle school.

“We’ve also reduced the lot count from 484 lots down to 246,” he said.

Citizens, speaking in the public hearing, expressed concerns over traffic, school crowding, water pollution, and home sizes. Although Johnson said the smaller homes would be between 1400 and 1800 square feet, the plans call for a minimum of 1100 square feet, which caused some concern about crowding and home values.

The hearing was the first public reading of the proposal. The Council did not act on the zoning request or the annexation during the meeting.

The requests are expected to appear on the agenda in April.

Ken Beasley spoke to the council in a public hearing to request the rezoning of prop-

erty on Walker Drive to be rezoned from B-3 business to I-1 industrial. Beasley owns the storage unit facility on Walker Drive. He currently has 217 units and plans to add approximately 40% more after the rezoning of the adjacent property.

After the hearing, the Council approved the rezoning request.

Trey Massey spoke to the Council about rezoning the Bagley/Clements property near Spring Valley Church on US Hwy 11 from A-1 agricultural to I-1 industrial.

Massey is the owner of Massey Asphalt Paving. He has proposed building offices and storefronts and an equipment storage facility on the land.

Several residents spoke in opposition to the plan due to concerns about large truck traffic and flood zones from the stream behind the property.

The Council did not act on the ordinance during the meeting, placing it on the agenda for the first meeting in April.

The proposal was not approved by Planning and Zoning when presented in February.

From front page

Hollis introduced a bill that requires schools, K-12, local boards of education to provide feminine hygiene products in women’s restrooms of certain schools at no cost to students.

Center Point Mayor Bobby Scott said Hollis dropped off supplies at Erwin Middle School and Center Point High School.

“It did pass in the house, and they’re looking for it to pass in the Senate, but today

Photo courtesy of the City of Center Point Facebook Page

Springville From front page

One proposal involved a Planned Unit Development (PUD), named The Haven, to be located near the Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve—a Forever Wild property located near Murphree’s Valley Road in Springville. The Haven is a project of Holland Homes, based in Auburn, Ala. Preliminary plans for The Haven included as many as 484 homes, although that has been revised.

Springville native Daniel Holland owns Holland Homes. The proposal was presented to Planning and Zoning in August of 2021. The proposal would rezone 40 acres of property owned by Lewis Windham to PUD.

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Argo

From front page

will be holding a public meeting, on March 24, regarding the closure of the Argo, Deerfoot Parkway and Chalkville Mountain Road interstate ramps. The planned closures are due to a new construction project, which will widen the north and southbound lanes of I-59 from the I-459 interchange to exit 141.

“I want to remind all the citizens that … ALDOT is having a meeting about the closures of the three exits,” Bradley said.

“We are hoping they’ll reconsider. … All public is welcome to attend that meeting, so if you can attend, please be there.”

The meeting will be held at the Trussville Civic Center on Thursday, March 24, from 4-6 p.m.

Argo City Council meeting on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 (Photo by Crystal McGough)

During the pre-council workshop, Argo City Attorney Michael Brymer said, “I think all of the folks up and down the I-59 St. Clair County corridor have been very diligent about making sure everyone’s on the same page and raising the same concerns with, kind of, a unified front with ALDOT. I’m talking about Springville, Argo, Trussville, Margaret.

Mayor Bradley, particularly, has been very concerned about ensuring that first responders … that they are not impeded with doing their job that they need to do. The goal is to try to be consistent with the front … presenting a unified front. …

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If you’re a citizen of concern and want to let ALDOT know, come out on the 24th and let them have it.”

Bradley also reminded citizens that there will be a public “meet and greet” on April 12, where citizens can get to know their elected officials.

“The city has been getting several calls from some of the citizens wanting to know who their elected officials are; a lot of them don’t know,” she said. “All public is welcome to attend that meeting, so if you can attend, please be there.”

The meeting will be held at the Argo Municipal Complex, beginning at 6 p.m.

“Scott Buttram, with The Trussville Tribune, will be the moderator for this event,” Bradley said. We would like, if a candidate plans on attending this, to please let us know so

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that they can be added to the list because each candidate’s going to be given a certain amount of time and that time is going to depend on how many candidates we have.”

City Councilor Ann Brown announced that there will be a dedication for the city’s Book Nook on April 9, at 11:30 a.m.

The dedication will be held at the park by city hall.

The Springville Area Rotary Club donated the Book Nook, which is similar to a Free Little Library, to the city of Argo at the Nov. 8, 2021, council meeting.

“We encourage everyone to come out and support that, especially if you have children,” Brown said. “There will be plenty of books for each child to take home a book from the Book Nook.”

The date of the next Argo City Council meeting has been changed from Monday, March 28, 2022, to Tuesday, March 22, 2022. The meeting will be held at the Argo Municipal Complex immediately following a 5 p.m. pre-council workshop.

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The Trussville Tribune

March 23 - 29, 2022

Trussville To Go $2500 Scholarship topic and deadline announced

T2GO is a local restaurant delivery company servicing the greater Trussville TRUSSVILLE — Truss- area. Ben and Amanda Short ville To Go (T2GO) formed the T2GO will be providing a scholarship to give $2,500 scholarback to the comship to one junior munities that or senior within have supported the T2GO delivT2GO’s mission ery area. of delivering loIf you’re a cal meals. student at TrussThere was a ville, Huffman, two-way tie in the Clay, Pinson, or a hoPhoto via scholarship’s first year, meschool program, be Facebook. and Isabella Weyersure to download the man (Hewitt-Trussapplication and submit your ville) and Marques McKessay by April 15, 2022. Ap- inney (Clay Chalkville) plications can be download- won a T2GO scholarship. ed at www.t2goscholarships. In addition, Abby Weems com (Hewitt-Trussville) was Applicants for the schol- awarded the 2021 T2GO arship must compose an es- scholarship. say with no more than 2,500 “In years past, the scholarwords. ship was only open to graduFrom The Tribune staff reports

ating seniors, but we wanted to open it up this year to give juniors a chance at winning the scholarship as well,” Ben Short said. “We are grateful for this community and are blessed to be able to offer the scholarship for the third year, we look forward to reading the essays from this year’s applicants.”

This year’s topic(s): 1. How can you, as a high school senior, go about helping creative positive social change in your community?

2. What is your favorite thing about Trussville, and where do you think we can improve/grow as a community?

For questions about this year’s scholarship, email Ben or Amanda Short at info@ trussvilletogo.com.

Restaurant From front page

Kitchen with owners LaWanda Miller-Yearwood and her husband, Timothy Yearwood.

This new restaurant located at 7521 Parkway Drive in Leeds, opened in October and are already famous for their great food and atmosphere.

So be sure to visit soon and support your local businesses, known for “home-style food with big city flavor.”

Grand G’s Kitchen is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, visit Grand G’s Kitchen’s Facebook page.

(From Left to Right) Tiffiany Ward - Millennial Bank (Chamber VP), LaWanda Miller-Yearwood & Rashaad McIntyre – Grand G’s, Mayor David Miller, Timothy Yearwood, Jr. – Grand G’s, Representative Dickie Drake and Sandra McGuire – Chamber Executive Director. (Photos courtesy of Dona Bonnett)

Pinson From front page

The city hired Martin under contract in the fall of 2021 to perform a flood plain study and provide technical knowledge of what can be done along Pinson’s flood-prone areas.

According to Martin, there are actually five Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) creeks in what is commonly known as the Turkey Creek Water Shed.

These include Turkey Creek, Dry Creek and three unnamed creeks.

“I’ve been doing this since 1974, and this was the most complex I’ve ever worked on, in trying to find a solution,” Martin said. “It’s primarily because of the typography: it’s steep in undeveloped and it’s developed down at the bottom area. Well, in hydrology, that means we’re going to have fast runoff and sharp peaks on the hydrograph.”

One of the first things Martin discovered in his investigation was that there are no master detention plans that will work in Pinson.

“The first thing I looked at was master detention, and that’s just a way to control the runoff and release it at a lesser rate than what it is, but it also manipulates the timing of when one creek runs into another creek,” he said. “We could put a detention pond on the mountain, but it’s going to be millions of dollars in cost and we’re going to have an impoundment of water hanging 100-150 feet above a prevalent highway, and I won’t do that.

Plus, in today’s environmental atmosphere, it’s almost impossible to get a new lake approved. So, there is no master detention plan that I could find that would work.”

Martin said that he did find a couple of other options that could help with the flooding problems. One option would be to take advantage of government grants to build constructive wetlands.

“Since environmental is-

Page 5 sues are front and forward now, you can get a grant from the federal government to build a constructive wetland,” Martin said. “What that does, in this case, it would take a wide floodplain, like you have above the high school, above Innsbrooke, and turn that floodplain, which I believe is owned by the land trust, into a wetland, and it will be like a detention pond. That’s a real good possibility there and I’m recommending that y’all pursue that.”

Martin said that there’s another area, on Turkey Creek, where the city could do a constructive wetland, as well.

Another option would be infrastructure improvements, such as removing or replacing old bridges. According to Martin, that would not only help solve flooding at the bridges, but also lower flood elevations in citizens’ yards.

“Main Street flooding, in downtown Pinson, … in looking at that profile, it’s obvious that if the old, abandoned railroad bridge is moved, we drop flood elevations about two feet without doing anything at Main Street,” he said. “If you could remove the old railroad bridge, it would help the flooding at Main Street immediately.”

More importantly, however, the city needs to have its flood study models updated in order to make informed decisions on how to move forward.

“The information I was working with is what we know of as the effective flood study models, and the hydraulic and hydrologic models,” Martin said. “The ones in Pinson are in pretty bad shape. Two of them were done in 1977 and have never been updated … using equations that were actually developed in 1958 to come up with the flows in the creek. They are seriously out of whack.

“If you could get those models updated … that would help immensely. If we could get these flood studies straightened out so that we could take an

Marty Martin presents flood study results to the Pinson City Council (Photo by Crystal McGough)

honest look at these structures and bridges … then you could get a handle on the flooding.”

In other news, the city council approved a total of $226,175.51 worth of upgrades to be done at the Pinson Youth Sports Complex, PHCC, and Bicentennial Park.

The following motions passed unanimously: • Motion to approve Campbell Asphalt estimate for paving lot at football field – $90,958.40 • Motion to approve O. Jay Fence Company proposal for fence repairs at fields 1-4 – $121,106 • Motion to approve SASO quote for 100 parking bumpers for PHCC, PYSC and Bicentennial Park – $11,111.11 • Motion to approve up to $3,000 for paint for PYSC press box and dugouts, whereas the labor has been offered at no cost, as a gift to the city The council also approved the following: • Ordinance 2022-04, annexing 8140 and 8150 Highway 75 into the city • Ordinance 2022-05, changing the zoning classification of 8118 Highway 75 • Motion to purchase three Xerox Brother color desktop printers, in the amount of $2,250 • Motion to approve Countertop Creations estimate to replace countertops at Rock School restrooms, in the amount of $4,350 The next meeting of the Pinson City Council will be Thursday, April 7, 2022, at Pinson City Hall. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m., following a 6:15 p.m. pre-council meeting.

The Trussville Tribune

Page 6

Astronaut From front page

The Aerospace Corporation started a special STEM program where people like Dr. Larry DeLucas, Technical Staff for the Aerospace Corporation and former astronaut, talk about space and all areas of science and engineering.

training already,” Johnson said. “We’ll be doing more training for our teachers, and they’ll be integrating it into their classes next year.”

Johnson explained that the STEM program would be more hands-on for the students instead of rote memorization. He said it would include a lot of activity around the room, moving around, us-

Former astronaut, Dr. Larry DeLucas, visits Chalkville Elementary School to discuss the discoveries of space exploration. (Photo by Hannah Curran)

“The lecturers are not just within aerospace, they’re from top lecturers at different universities across the country,” DeLucas said. “It’s all about getting young children/ students interested in science and technology.”

This event was broadcasted live via zoom, where 162 schools registered to watch and ask questions about the discoveries of space exploration and had a chance to speak with DeLucas.

CES Principal Rod Johnson said that the students were excited to see a former astronaut and learn about space. Johnson said CES is transitioning to a STEM theme school next year as part of a new pilot program, and this event is in line with that new facet of their curriculum.

“We’re doing a lot of

ing their hands, asking questions, and working together, which is important with kids in elementary school.

“They need an opportunity to learn how to work together and find out that it’s okay to disagree as long as you do so the right way,” Johnson said.

DeLucas explained that speaking to students is always an exciting experience because he receives strange questions about what happens in space.

“They all want to know if I saw an alien when I was up there, and just general questions about what it’s like to look out at Earth and look at the stars,” DeLucas said.

“Then when I tell them about some of the science, I’ll talk about growing crystals in space, they all want to know how to do that.”

March 23 - 29, 2022

Rotary From front page

Day Break Rotary Club earlier this week to share the good news about how the Home provides a place of healing, a path filled with hope, and a way to a brighter future to at-risk children and families from across the state.

“Having the opportunity to increase the awareness about Presbyterian Home for Children and the life-affirming work we do means the world to our organization,” Marshall said. “Thank you to Trussville Day Break Rotary for hosting us today.”

Marshall also invited the community to support the upcoming Sweet Home Soiree to be held on April 2 at The Club in Birmingham. The event will honor the late Tom Winter and his wife Patti and their ministry through the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley.

“Both Tom and Patti al-

Leeds

From front page

After some discussion she said that the application process needs to be easier.

Another spoke on the library, Sandra Bice, noting its impact on her. She spoke on the services that the library had given her, including Hoopla, which had been cut due to the funding issues.

Miller said that the Hoopla service is slated to return.

Bice went on to urge the council about the funding for services and programs.

“I just want you to know how much the library means to me,” she said. “And they need funding for the programs that they get. There are people here who depend on that library.”

Miller responded that the programs are being funded and not cut from the library.

He added that the issue is with the personnel salaries.

Bice said that they needed to

Contributed photo

ways modeled immeasurable love in action for at-risk children, youth, and families over a lifetime of service in addition to being generous and devoted supporters of the Home,” Marshall said.

The event will feature a plated dinner, live music, silent auction, and live auction.

For more information on the event, visit https://shsbirmingham.swell.gives/.

Presbyterian Home for Children is one of the organizations in the state caring for Alabama’s homeless boys and girls, along with their female caregivers in its ‘secure dwellings’ program. In its ‘residen-

tial moderate care therapeutic program,’ the organization also serves teenage girls who have previously experienced extreme trauma and or neglect. In addition, the home serves young female adults in crisis through its ‘transition to adult living’ program and also aids families in crisis

be paid more.

Among those who spoke during public comments was resident Michael Richardson.

He asked why he was double fined for making repairs on a house that he did not think he needed a permit for. A lengthy discussion followed on the permit process.

“If we just forgave the $97,000 deficit from the library, why can’t we forgive [Richardson] for making improvements on his own house?” asked Jason King, who spoke earlier on an unrelated issue. Miller said that the matter would be looked into.

Rep. Dickie Drake spoke during the comments to respond to comments that he said were untrue. One was being “on the very bottom” of approval from Alabama Republicans but said that the American Conservative Union ranked him at 69% and not at the bottom.

He addressed comments saying that he did not vote

on a recent transgender bill, noting that this was true but stressed that he sponsored a bill to require youths in schools to use bathrooms according to their biological sex. He also said that a comment that his campaign raised an estimated $592,000 was not true.

Afterwards, Susan Debose, who spoke at the last meeting, stood and began to address the audience until she was stopped by Miller, who asked if she “had information for the council or making a political speech”. She then apologized and took her seat.

During reports from department heads Police Chief Paul Irwin said “a lot” of warrants have been served along with arrests by officers.

Fire Chief Larry Parsons said that ISO inspections will take place today. Magistrate Laurie Roberts said that an amnesty court will be held on Friday.

The meeting ended with

the council going into executive session to discuss the good name and character of an individual and a potential litigation issue.

In other business the council: • Waived a bond requirement and reduced amount for cash bond for an itinerant business, • Approved a one-time waiver of a license filing penalty for a business after showing “good cause,” • Accepted a bid from Rusty’s Bar-B-Q to provide catering for the city’s senior citizen program, and • Rejected a cemetery mowing bid after it was found to have invalid documents.

Meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of every month at City Hall on 1400 9th Street Northeast.

Agenda packets can be seen online at the City of Leeds website.

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March 23 - 29, 2022

Page 7

My Life as a Hobby: Field of Screams

By Joe Hobby

If it had happened today, it would have been a major sports story – no, a major news story. There would have been iPhone videos on the nightly news and commentary on ESPN. Paul Finebaum’s callers would have melted down the phone lines discussing it. Coaches would have been fired, and lawsuits filed. Someone may have even been publicly flogged. But none of that happened when it occurred in 1968. It went unnoticed unless you were one of the players on the high school football field when it happened. They remember this event the same way people remember where they were when Kennedy was shot.

It was spring of my freshman year at Huffman High in Birmingham, Alabama. The school was brand new, so new, it didn’t have juniors and seniors. Just a freshman and a sophomore class. That meant when we had spring training for football, it was a small, inexperienced group that was participating. And for whatever reason, we thought it was supposed to be fun. It was a

game, right? Weren’t games played for fun? Wrong. This was the heyday of Bear Bryant football, and to our coaches, that meant to take this stuff seriously.

No one took football more seriously than the newest member of our staff, Bobby Johns. He was a three-time All-SEC, two-time All-American, defensive back at Alabama in 1965 thru 1967. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs but eventually chose to coach high school football.

No, this is not fiction. Remember, it’s 1968. Pro football wasn’t as attractive then as it is now. So Johns returned to Birmingham and began his career by reaching out to one of his former high school coaches, Dewell Crumpton. Coach Crumpton was an assistant at Banks High before becoming the head coach at Huffman.

With that connection, Johns quickly joined his staff.

Before he arrived, we had a team meeting where we were given the rules about interacting with our new celebrity coach. The first rule was to call him Coach. If we called him Bobby, we were promised one swat of the paddle for each let-

ter of his name. To emphasize his point, Crumpton swung at the air as he spelled B-O-BB-Y. No one dared risk their butts for that kind of punishment. Soon after, Coach Johns arrived at school, and we began to get used to each other.

Within a few weeks, spring training started. And from the first day, the coaches were unhappy with our efforts. Maybe it was because the freshmen weren’t used to thinking about football in March. Maybe the sophomores were focused on harassing the first-year students. The reason didn’t matter. We were considered one team, a team that needed an attitude adjustment.

The coaches tried everything. They screamed, deprived us of water, and made us run extra wind sprints. We just could not focus on football. It seemed nothing they tried could get our attention – until that afternoon.

I remember it clearly. I was leaving 6th-period history class headed to the gym to get dressed for practice when I saw two of my teammates.

They looked like they had just seen Pennywise, the clown in the locker room.

Joe Hobby, Tribune Columnist

I said,” Hey guys. Everything all right?”

“You haven’t heard?”

“Heard what?”

“Just go inside the gym, and look on the bleachers.

You’ll see.”

And they continued walking, shaking their heads.

This sequence of events filled me with a curious dread.

Obviously, it was something that terrorized my buddies.

But, what could that be?

I got my answer when I walked thru the double doors and passed by the concession stand. There, sitting on the bleachers, was Pennywise – in the person of Bobby Johns. He was lacing up his cleats, fully dressed out in pads and helmet.

My heart jumped in my throat. I knew what this meant.

We were about to pay for our slothfulness. An All-American defensive back was about to practice with us.

As you might expect, the locker room had all the ambiance of a sweaty funeral home.

If anyone talked at all, it was just above a whisper. My fellow linemen were silently thanking the Almighty that we did not touch the football. Today was going to be a bad day to be a running back or receiver.

To be honest, I don’t remember a lot about the practice itself. I suppose that’s because the mind tries to block out traumatic events from its memory.

But I do remember how much he looked like a football player. Everything Coach Johns wore – shoulder pads, pants, helmet, fit him perfectly. On the other hand, my ill-fitting uniform made me look like a six-year-old on Halloween night. All I was missing was a bag of candy.

There is a term old-timers used to describe hard hits passed on a football field: “the pads popped.” I had no idea what that meant until the scrimmage began. Then Coach Johns hit one of our running

backs. Those pads didn’t pop – they exploded. He was like piranha in a school of minnows, running from sideline to sideline, hitting anything that moved. This was especially disturbing to me. I was an Alabama fan, and just a few months ago, Bobby Johns was a beloved hero of mine. Now he was right in front of me, mowing down my teammates.

It was like learning that Tom Hanks was a serial killer. As the carnage unfolded in front of me, once again, I thanked God I wasn’t out there.

I heard some parents weren’t too happy about what happened that day. I don’t know. But, I do know this: the rest of our spring practices were pretty dang good. There’s nothing like the threat of an all-star college defensive back murderizing your teammates on the field to give practice an extra spark.

And you can be sure that for the rest of spring training, we always checked those gym bleachers before we went in the locker room to dress out.

Follow Joe on Facebook at Joe Hobby Comedian/Writer.

Visit his blog at mylifeasahobby.blogspot.com

Opinion

Phil Williams: A gas tax holiday – why would they not?

By Phil Williams, 1819 News Commentary

Charlene and I were talking recently about what it’s like to try to interpret God’s will. To be sure, He is a God of clarity, not a God of confusion. The receiving end of His communications (basically, my side of the conversa-

tion) is usually where things get jammed up. I know that He has plans for us, plans not to harm us but to prosper us, plans to give us a future and a hope, a promise He makes in Jeremiah 29:11.

Now truthfully, there have been some amazingly monumental decisions that have crossed into my life that were actually very easy

Phil Williams

to make: asking Charlene to marry me 36 years ago… too easy; making a late-in-life decision to go to law school in my 30’s…. not a problem; running for public office… I made that decision in about two days’ time.

But on others, I can sometimes find myself operating in the gray. When I find myself in that position, I know that

it’s good for me to not only pray over it, but to get some wise counsel, and even fast at times to help me focus on the task at hand. I will try to assess the opportunity before me in terms of what I believe my gifts or talents would be able to accomplish. If my time permits, I will try to get away from the endless distractions of life and sort the

wheat from the chaff, if you know what I mean.

In those searching moments, I’ve noticed that sometimes I can also view opportunities and recognize that God will line things up and speak to us in our circumstances. A number of times I have found myself viewing See WILLIAMS, Page 8

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The Trussville Tribune

Page 8

Williams From page 7

the events of my life that appear to be opening some door or other and sought insight as to whether they were meant for me to engage, or if they were just distractions from my greater purpose. Those are times where I’m literally asking the Lord: “tell me why I should do this?”

Where it really gets interesting is when events, talents, gifts, even the thoughts and input of others all appear to be lining up and I find my prayer shifting from “Why” to “Why not.”

In that vein, I have literally found myself at times saying “God, this is what I see, and feel, and hear. So please, if it’s not your will then tell me why not.”

When you get down to the “why not” phase of decision-making, you are really in a good place, and that’s a luxury if you get down to it.

So, I say all of that to switch gears into the “why not” that politicians sometimes face. It’s apparent to me that there are any number of things that politicians cannot control. I know that firsthand.

With that said, I also know that there are some things that elected officials can do, and even should do, that they simply choose not to do. Whether because of influences from outside, or because of groupthink within their caucus, or maybe they want to avoid thinking about it, or just that they simply don’t want to.

They too easily lose sight of those “why would you not?” opportunities.

Case in point: there is a national movement right now toward relieving the pain at the gas pump. Multiple state leaders in multiple states from both sides of the aisle have been proposing a gas tax holiday – a moratorium if you will – on the tax amounts that the state charges for each of us to get gas for our vehicles.

In the last week, the gov-

ernor of Georgia signed legislation to relieve Georgians of their state gas tax. Similar action is being passed, or at the very least debated, in multiple other states such as Florida, Michigan, Maryland, and even California. I mean, why would they not?

Meanwhile, our state legislature won’t even debate the issue and Governor Ivey has agreed publicly with the same position touted by liberal Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer that we shouldn’t even temporarily freeze gas taxes because the state needs the money more than its citizens do.

Did you know that every single state in this great nation charges anywhere from 25-51 cents per gallon for gas, on top of any federal and sometimes local taxes? According to a recent study, the average American household is currently facing roughly $2,000 a year in increased out-of-pocket expenses in 2022 due to the cost of gas for their vehicles.

Factor that against Alabama’s median family income of just over $51,000 and that increase at the pump represents an almost 4% cut in pay for many Alabama families. This doesn’t even take into account the rising cost of goods, which are only further exacerbated by higher shipping, farming, and delivery costs due to prices at the pump.

Currently, in Alabama, the state charges 28 cents per gallon in gas tax at the point of sale. Maybe it wouldn’t be life-changing or change the economic trajectory of the state as a whole for the legislature and the governor to take such action. But what if our officials in Montgomery did say, “Hey folks, we see what you’re going through, and we want to do something that benefits everyone, so we’re going to join with the other states who are already doing this and give you a 90, 120, 180-day break from gas taxes and save you 28 cents on the gallon.”

Why would they not? It would be more than just noticeable … it would make a dent in public opinion. It would send the message that they’re not just there to feed government, they are there for their folks back home. Why would they not?

It is not hard, and it is certainly warranted. There is absolutely case precedent and the funds are there to make it up based on the massive surpluses currently in Alabama’s coffers.

That’s where we are and, yes, they are currently in legislative session with time and opportunity to act. But the silence has been deafening. The issue is before them but no open debate has entered into the public forum at all. It really comes down to that kind of decision-making I noted earlier. At this point, the legislature and the governor should find themselves asking “why would we not?” Literally, why would they not?

The governor may not fill up her tank daily anymore, but every member of the legislature certainly does. They are the ones that raised the gas tax so they are the ones that must take the first action. The timing is right, the need is real, the funds to do so are here … the only question that remains to be asked is simply: why would they not?

Phil Williams is a former State Senator, retired Army Colonel and combat veteran, and a practicing Attorney. He has served with the leadership of the Alabama Policy Institute and currently hosts Rightside Radio M-F 2-5 pm on WVNN. His column appears every Monday in 1819 News. 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.

March 23 - 29, 2022

New casino bill would reward illegal bingo operators

Political cartoonist Scott Stantis of 1819News takes aim at one of several gambling and lottery bills that have popped in Montgomery in the last week.

One bill is lottery only, but another – SB293 – covers a lottery and awards casinos licenses to illegal bingo operators across the state.

If Sen. Tom Albritton gets his way, crime will pay in Alabama. And it will pay handsomely.

Alabama lawmakers side with liberal interest group over state public safety officials Editor’s Note: This is an opinion column.

By Paul DeMarco

Some lawmakers in the Alabama Legislature are again showing that their “law and order” campaign promises do not necessarily match their actions in the state capitol.

This past week a bill being pushed by Alabama Appleseed that would weaken the state’s ability to suspend driver’s licenses for those who do not pay their traffic tickets passed the Alabama House Judiciary Committee. The Alabama Senate has already passed a version of this bill.

The bill raised strong opposition from the office of Alabama Attorney General Steve

Marshal and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The concern is if this bill becomes law, it will take away a punishment to deter those that break the law from being held accountable for traffic violations and associated fines. Further, law enforcement argues that there are already ample safeguards in place that indigent offenders can take advantage of, such as requesting a payment plan for their fines.

Despite efforts to convince lawmakers this legislation was not in the best interest of public safety, a version of this bill passed the full Senate and the House Judiciary Committee.

Notably, the State of Alabama is in active litigation against the Southern Poverty Law Center, which has tried,

and failed, to have Alabama’s current law on driver’s license suspensions struck down.

Thus, both Alabama House and Senate members have voted to help the SPLC in their efforts to dismantle the State’s hard-earned victory in court to pass legislation that public safety officials were fighting.

Hopefully, this bill will die in the few remaining days of the Alabama Legislative session, but shame on Alabama legislators–particularly Republicans–for either not doing their homework or for putting the interests of a liberal advocacy group above public safety.

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

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The Trussville Tribune

March 23 - 29, 2022

Calendar

Mini Art Club – Tweens March 23 @ 10:00 am 11:00 am

Create a mini painting to display in the library art show. Patrons can vote for their favorite artwork once per visit from March 28th – April 3rd. Winners will be announced on April 4th.

Artwork can be picked up from on the children’s department beginning on Monday, April 4th.

Venue Trussville Public Library Video Game Tournament March 23 @ 4:00 pm 5:30 pm

Mini Art Club March 23 @ 5:00 pm 6:00 pm

Create a mini painting to display in the library art show. Patrons can vote for their favorite artwork once per visit from March 28th – April 3rd. Winners will be announced on April 4th.

Artwork may be picked up from the Children’s Department beginning Monday, April 4th.

Venue Trussville Public Library Minecraft Realms March 25 @ 4:00 pm 6:00 pm Free

a specific hour to play.

Registration: https://forms. gle/fL3kUJYGxmsTFeat5 Registration is FREE! Please register each teen separately.

Venue Pinson Public Library (RSMC) Stone Blue Foghat Tribute Band March 26 @ 7:00 pm 10:00 pm Free

Ferus presents Stone Blue a Foghat Tribute Band. Stone Blue will be bringing the hard rocking blues hits and deep cuts of Foghat. Followed by Daniel Bowden soulful blues, this will make for a rocking good time.

Venue Trussville Entertainment District Anime Club March 28 @ 4:00 pm 5:30 pm Free

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Video game tournament featuring various games and prizes.

Each month the library will be hosting a video game tournament. The game each month will be chosen from a variety of genres so everyone will have a good chance of winning. Prizes will be awarded. Snacks and drinks will be provided. There will also be other consoles available during the tournament for everyone to play.

Venue Trussville Public Library

(Teens, 6th-12th graders) This event will be held on the library’s new Minecraft Server on Friday, March 25th from 4 to 6 PM. Teens must own their own copy of Minecraft Bedrock Edition to play. The group will initially meet on the library’s Discord Server, access information will be emailed in advance. Only 10 people may play on the Minecraft Server at one time, so please register for

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(Teens, 6th-12th graders) This event will be held in-person with social distancing. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks.

Join us for a monthly club to celebrate all things anime, manga, & Japanese culture!

Venue Pinson Public Library (RSMC)

Page 9

American Girl Club March 28 @ 5:30 pm 7:30 pm Enjoy discussing this month’s featured American Girl, Julie (1974)! Participants will also play a themed game and make a craft together.

American Girl Club is for those who enjoy learning about history alongside the

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

5K – 5th Grade Students.

Registration is Required.

Venue Trussville Public Library

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The Trussville Tribune

Page 10

O b i t u a ry

Elmira Stamps october

(age 96)

March 23 - 29, 2022

16, 1925 ~ march 14, 2022

Sharon Francis (Wadsworth) Lamon august

29, 1943 ~ march 13, 2022 (age 78)

Sharon W. Lamon, 78, passed away on March 13, 2022, in Center Point, Alabama.

Elmira Collins Stamps went to Heaven and joined her Savior and the rest of her family on March 14, 2022. She was a member of Clearbranch Methodist Church. She was predeceased in death by her husband, Howard Stamps; her sisters, Evelyn and Margaret. She is survived by her children, Betty Stamps Reeves, William Howard Stamps (Janet), Charles Edward Stamps; her grandchildren, Michael Brett Reeves (Heather), Jeffrey Brad Reeves, Somer Sherie Mojica (Adrian), Danielle Nichole Stamps; 5 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members. The family would like to offer a special thanks to the Village at Cook Springs and all their staff. Funeral service will be held on Friday, March 18 at 12:00 PM at Jefferson Memorial in the Chapel. A visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.

Daniel Patrick Mitchell, Sr

Sharon Lamon was born on August 29, 1943 in Birmingham, AL, to Virgil and Elizabeth Wadsworth.

Sharon was a graduate of Hueytown High School in 1961 and went on to enjoy her time in the publishing world as an administrative assistant for Oxmoor House.

Sharon married Larry Lamon on June 3, 1967 in Earnest Methodist Church. Although the couple had no biological children, they had countless nieces and nephews whom they adored and doted on over the years, and Sharon was another mom to them all.

Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Elizabeth Wadsworth, her husband of 46 years, Larry Lamon, their dog McDuffy, her oldest brother, Glenn V. Wadsworth, and her youngest brother, Jerry W. Wadsworth.

Sharon is survived by her sister Deborah Peoples (Phillip); her sister-in-law, Sharon Wadsworth; her sister-in-law, Dorothy Wadsworth; her two beloved dogs Zack and Nick; and a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved more than one could imagine.

A graveside service for Ms. Sharon Lamon will be held on Saturday, at 2 P.M. at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville.

10, 1973 ~ march 13, 2022 (age 49)

Olene S (Speegle) Parker

Daniel Patrick Mitchell, Sr. was born January 10, 1973, and passed away March 13, 2022.

september

january

Daniel was born in Dallas, TX and raised in Birmingham, AL. He recently resided in Myrtle Beach, SC. Daniel was a good man. He believed in and loved God. He always did his best to work hard. If you knew Daniel, then you knew his family and him putting them first. Anything he did he did for the love of his family. Some may not realize how religious he was, but he prayed daily.

Sometimes he could be found laying across his bed praying about the day.

Daniel was a fun loving, always happy, never met a stranger kind of guy. Daniel’s perspective on life: “If I can make one person laugh or smile today, then I’ve done my job.”

Daniel was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Burns Echols and Brother-in-law, Roger Giles.

(age 78)

25, 1943 ~ march 10, 2022

Olene Parker, 78, passed away on March 10, 2022, in Columbus, Ga. Olene Parker was born on September 25, 1943 in Cullman, AL, to Alex and Lizzie Speegle.

Olene graduated from Woodlawn in 1961 and went on to earn an Associates Degree from business school in 1963. She started her career as a Bookkeeper and went on to work for 50+ years for Jemison Reality.

Olene is survived by son- Frank (Kim) Spain, three grandchildren Madison, Tai and Sydney, sister- Sue (Larry) Kilgore and many much loved nieces and nephews.

Daniel is survived by his son, Daniel Patrick Mitchell, Jr (Thea); his daughter, Hope Sims of Argo, AL; his grandson Daniel Patrick Mitchell, III “Trace” of Hoover, AL, his significant other Anna Oden; father, John Mitchell, Sr (Lucy) of San Antonio, TX; sister, Theresa Mitchell Giles of Myrtle Beach, SC; brother, John Mitchell, Jr of Holtom City, TX; nephews, Joseph Canibano and David Mitchell; great-nephews, Zachary, and Blake; great-nieces, Tessa Mitchell and Cailey Canibano, sons at heart, Trey McMurray, and Zachary McMurray. His love for life will live on through them.

Daniel achieved much in short time on earth, but he had a few moments that shined others Daniels first proudest moment was becoming a father at the young age of 18, to Patrick. His second proudest moment was when he became a grandfather at the age of 48, to Trace. They were his life. He was very proud to have “Daniel Patrick Mitchell I, II, III.” Now his legacy will live on through Daniel Patrick Mitchell, III.

Olene is preceded in death by Alex Speegle - father, Lizzie Speegle - mother, Larry Parker - spouse, Wendell (Wilma) Speegle - brother, Melvin Speegle - brother, Betty (Charles) Howard - sister, Ginny Hagood - sister

Some of Daniels hobbies include family time, repairing broken items, watching Andy Griffith, Seventh Heaven, and Fear Factor. His favorite football teams were the Dallas Cowboys and Alabama Crimson Tide. Daniel proudly served his country for many years in the United States Army.

Memorial donations can be made in Olene's name to Alzheimer's Association.

A memorial service will be held in Daniel’s honor at 12:00PM on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, AL.

(age 52)

8, 1969 ~ march 13, 2022

Preston Charles Davis, age 52 of Birmingham, AL passed away on March 13, 2022. A devoted son, who help take care of his Dad during his long illness. He retired from H-Vac industry after 30 years of service. He loved to camp and fish with his Dad. He is preceded in death by his Dad, Cecil Lynn Davis, aunt, Connie Higginbotham, uncle, Cliff York, Jr. and grandparents, Fred Parkin and Mable Strength, Louie Lee and Gladys Kitchens Davis. He is survived by his Mom, Elaine Davis; sister, Amanda Davis; nephew, Josh Tyler (Brittinee); nieces, Jillian and Jessica Davidson; aunt and uncle, Nancy and Charles Harper and Traci Strength; uncle, Lee Parkin (Carolyn); numerous other cousins and his beloved Blondie.

Ask Eddie

Jefferson Memorial is a full-service funeral home and perpetual care cemetery dedicated to serving our community with dignity and compassion.

We Make it Personal®, one family at a time.

Eddie Seal, General Manager

How can someone combat the feeling of loneliness after a loss?

There are many reasons why you may feel lonely following the loss of a loved one. When a loved one dies, a hole is left behind that no one else can fill. You will miss your loved one’s companionship, voice, or even their smell. Now that your loved one is gone, a piece of you is gone too.

Even though there may be others who are grieving with you and experiencing the same loss, your feelings of loneliness are unique. That is because your relationship with your loved one is unique. And your own social needs are also unique.

Here are some other common feelings associated with loneliness: Feelings of isolation. Following the loss of a loved one it is common to want to be alone. It can be hard to socialize with others when you are grieving. Unfortunately, this can also lead to feelings of isolation, which can make you feel even lonelier.

Feelings of abandonment. It is also common to feel abandoned by your loved one. Grievers may feel left behind or deserted and ask questions like, “How could she have done this to me?” However, it is important to keep in mind that death is something that we can’t control and your loved one didn’t leave you on purpose.

Feeling alone in a crowd. One thing you may notice is how you can feel lonely, even if you are in a group of people. While you are grieving, everyone else is going on with their own lives. Feeling so different from everyone else can make you feel lonely.

The loneliness of grief is difficult to solve. But one thing to know about loneliness is that you can break out of it. When you are ready, reach out to those around you. Accepting help and love from those around you does not mean that you are forgetting your loved one.

Share your feelings with a trusted friend or family member. If you don’t have a friend or family member to talk to, consider joining a grief support group or talking to a counselor or therapist. Know that you do not have to travel on your grief journey alone.

Jefferson Memorial FUNERAL HOME AND GARDENS

205-322-0543

1591 Gadsden Hwy

Birmingham, AL 35235

If you have any questions about funeral planning please email: askeddie@jmgardens.com

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The service for Olene Parker will be held on Thursday, at 2:00 PM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.

Visitation: Thursday, at 1:00 PM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.

Burial: Jefferson Memorial Gardens East, Birmingham, AL.

Janice Bladon july

Preston Charles Davis december

In the last couple of years Olene lived in a memory care facility (Brookdale) in Columbus, Ga due to onset dementia. We are so thankful for her care takers.

26, 1938~ march 20, 2022

Janice Irene Haynes Bladon went home peacefully to be with her Heavenly Father on March 20, 2022 in Trussville, Alabama. Janice was born to the late Randall and Ethel Haynes on July 26, 1938 in Lenox, Iowa. Janice had a very busy and active life, and was blessed with her family and many friends across the country.

She graduated from Lenox high school in 1956. She married Frank Bladon in 1956 and they moved to Ames, and later to Creston, Iowa. They raised two daughters and later divorced.

Janice was a homemaker for many years. She worked for Creston Community Schools from 1979 until 1985. In 1985 Janice moved to Alabama to work as a secretary at Schreiber Corporation. She also worked several years at JWF Machine Shop. She then worked at Chalkville Elementary School until retiring. She was very active in her church and participated in the bell choir and was a charter member of the ceramics group. Janice loved her Open Door Sunday school class! She also loved to play cards and was a part of several bridge groups. She also enjoyed many hours playing tennis, golf and volleyball! But her passion was her family. She enjoyed every event, recital, practice, ball game, celebration – you name it – she was there for her grandkids!

And then there’s sports! She absolutely loved watching almost any sport, but she LOVED her Alabama Crimson Tide! Every Saturday in the Fall you could find her watching College GameDay starting at 8:00 am and all the games throughout the day!

She would frequently send a text that only said Roll Tide Roll!

In addition to her parents, Janice was preceded in death by her sister Doris Moore, sister Marcia Bolinger and her husband Kenny, brother in law Claire Bolinger, and 4 nephews.

She is survived by her daughters Sheila and her husband Bryan Gonseth of Madison, MS and Brenda and her husband Keith McCay of Waukee, IA. Her precious grandchildren, Meredith (Jim) Brewer of Warr Acres, OK, Tyler (Emily) Gonseth of Madison, MS, Miranda McCay of Decorah, IA, and Kyle (Brooke) Gonseth of Panama City, FL. Also survived by her great grandchildren Judah, Jorie, Eleanor, and Theo Brewer and Brantley Gonseth. Also survived by her brother Fred and his wife Joyce Haynes of Lenox, IA and her sister Margaret Bolinger of Creston, IA. As well as numerous nieces and nephews and her dear friends Bill and Cindy Nielsen of Trussville, AL. A memorial service is planned for 1:00 pm Sunday, March 27, 2022, at Trussville First United Methodist Church. The service will live streamed on their Facebook page – Trussville First UMC. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to Trussville First UMC United Methodist Men at 120 N. Chalkville Rd, Trussville, Alabama. We invite you to join us in wearing your Alabama Crimson Tide gear in honor of Janice.

Major Wiley Brownee Channell august

6, 1936 ~ march 17, 2022 (85)

Wiley Brownee Channell, 85, died March 17, 2022. Born August 6, 1936 to Wilson Dewey and Verdie Gerett Liles Channell in Argo, Alabama and a 1954 graduate of Hewitt Trussville where he was a multi sport athlete. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon and a varsity wrestler from Auburn University (then API). Following graduation, he was a career Marine Officer, served in Vietnam and received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device, RVAF MUC of Gallantry Cross w/Palm, Navy Commendation Medal w/“V”, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation and other decorations.

In retirement, he continued his love for the Corps (Always a Marine), was a fan of all things Auburn, and developed his encyclopedic Major League Baseball knowledge first into a blog and then into his book, Baseball Farming.

Brownee was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Bill and Bob Channell and sister Betty Hocutt. He is survived by his devoted wife of over sixty years, Robbie Jack Amerson Channell, his sons Doug (Laronda), and Bo (Carol) and daughters Cindy Channell and Liz Coleman (John); grandsons Zachary, Taylor, John Liles Channell and Jack Coleman; brothers Bailey (Linda), Barney and Ben Channell and sister Brenda Witt (Don).

Visitation will be Saturday, March 26, 2022 from 12-1 PM at Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home, Trussville, with services to follow. Burial will be at Gibson Hill Cemetery in Fayette County. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider donating to a Veterans related charity or to the Gibson Hill Cemetery Fund, address 5223 County Road 46, Berry, Alabama, 35546, two organizations very dear to Brownee’s heart.

William E. Bright, Jr. Attorney at Law

205-655-9284

Page 11

sports Moody vs. St. Clair County Prep baseball 4:30 p.m., March 24

Hewitt-Trussville vs. Austin.

Prep softball 4:30 p.m., March 28

The Trussville Tribune March 23 - 29, 2022

Pinson Valley vs. Leeds Prep baseball 4:30 p.m., March 25

Hewitt-Trussville’s Dobbs inducted into Alabama Sports Hall of Fame From the AHSAA

MONTGOMERY – Twelve major contributors to prep athletics in Alabama were inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame Monday night at a banquet held at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Spa Convention Center. The Class of 2021-22 was selected by a committee assembled by the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association from nominations submitted by member schools and other organizations.

The Class of 2021-22, which combined two years due to no selections being made due to COVID Pandemic in 2021, include administrators, coaches and officials.

Those individuals enshrined Monday night were: administrator Larry DiChiara; contest official and former AHSAA Director of Officials Mark Jones; track and cross country coach David Dobbs; girls’ basketball, volleyball, tennis and softball coach Jana Killen; football coaches Stacy Luker; Jimmy Perry; and

The 2021-2022 Alabama Sports Hall of Fame class. Front row, from left: J.D. Shelwood; Ronnie Stapler; Jana Killen; LaShawn Robinson-Gardiner, representing her father Wade Robinson, now deceased; Don Murphy, representing his father, Wayne Murphy, now deceased; Tim Smith. Second row, from left: Danny Powell; David Dobbs; Stacy Luker; Dr. Larry DiChiara; Jimmy Perry; and Mark Jones. (AHSAA Photo by David Holtsford)

another chance to put runs on the board in the third, when Kenleigh Cahalan doubled and Hannah Dorsett walked.

With two on, Phillips’ sacrifice fly to right field allowed Cahalan to advance to third.

From there, Rudick put a ground ball in play that Vestavia mishandled. Cahalan scored, Dorsett advanced to third, and Rudick reached on an error. At this point, the Huskies led 3-0, and it looked like they would cruise to a win.

It’s always a struggle in the early part of the Spring, when the weather is volatile and games played outside are either shuffled, postponed or outright canceled due to rain, lightning or even high winds.

A couple of weekends ago at the St. Clair County softball tournament, it was colder than a mother-in-law’s kiss, with a wind that seemed to cut right through the bone.

I watched from various freezing vantage points as the Moody softball team played their guts out to Bobby Mathews come from behind to beat a tough and probably technically better team in Springville.

Fly balls were difficult for both teams to judge, snatching pop-ups that should have been outs and pulling them foul. Defensively, it was difficult to judge any fly ball because of the conditions, and it was equally challenging for baserunners. Hard to know when or whether to tag up when you can’t get a read on where the ball’s going.

Rain caused a bunch of games to either be canceled or postponed last week, including a promising matchup

See HUSKIES, Page 14

See MATHEWS, Page 14

Danny Powell; boys’ basketball coaches Johnny Shelwood, Tim Smith and Ronnie Stapler; and selected in the “Old-Timers’ Division” were track coach Donald Wayne Murphy and basketball coach Wade Robinson. Both are deceased.

This group includes two basketball coaches, Stapler and Killen, who have recorded more than 800 coaching wins. Killen has also won more than 900 volleyball matches in her stellar career.

See DOBBS, Page 12

Huskies softball survives pesky Vestavia squad

By Bobby Mathews Sports Editor

VESTAVIA HILLS — The Huskies didn’t play their best ball on Thursday, March 17, surviving a mid-game blast from Vestavia’s Kayla Franklin in the bottom of the fifth before settling in and taking the 4-2 victory.

The Huskies were led

by Riley Tyree, who got the scoring started with an RBI single to left field, scoring Sara Phillips and pushing Riley Rudick over to third base. But with two runners in

Senior catcher Riley Tyree had a huge game behind the plate for Hewitt-Trussville during the Huskies’ 4-2 victory over Vestavia Hills on Thursday, March 17, 2022. (Photo by Bobby Mathews)

scoring position and two outs, the Huskies couldn’t push the lead any further in the opening frame.

“It’s been a week since we’ve seen live pitching from anyone besides our own players, and it showed,” Huskies coach Taylor Burt said after the game. “We came out a little rusty. We did a good job putting a two-out RBI on the board right off the bat, and didn’t put any more up hardly.”

The Huskies went down one-two-three in the bottom of the second, but then had

Rough spring: Area teams face weather delays

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The Trussville Tribune

Page 12

Dobbs From page 11

Two football coaches, Luker and Powell, have won 11 state football titles combined. Luker won five state crowns at Sweet Water and the 2021 Class 2A title at Clarke County; and Powell had four titles at Leroy and one at Jackson.

DiChiara gave the acceptance speech for this year’s inductees. He thanks those who came before them and those who selected them for this special recognition.

“Everyone of us in this room in this induction class just wanted to leave this country a little better place,” he said. “To me there is no better honor than being introduced by a former player to his family as being his coach. I am pretty sure each of us felt the same way. God was whispering to every one of us that he was giving us gift and wanted us to do something with it.

Thank you for allowing me to speak on behalf of this induction class. Class of 2022, you heard that whisper and have done good.”

The Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association, the coaches’ wing of the AHSAA, oversees the Hall of Fame. A selection committee comprised of coaches, administrators and media representatives made the selections from a very impressive list of nominations.

“We thank the Hall of Fame Selection Committee for their dedication and thoroughness in selecting these very deserving individuals,” said Brandon Dean, Director of the AHSADCA. “These outstanding individuals, as well as all the nominees, have dedicated their lives to help promote and support education-based athletics. We can’t thank them enough for their service and sacrifice.

The first class was inducted in 1991. These 12 new inductees will run the total enshrined into the Alabama High

School Sports Hall of Fame to 377.

Dobbs is recognized as one of the AHSAA’s most outstanding track and cross country coaches, Dobbs, 64, grew up in Birmingham. He graduated from Banks High School (1975) and UAB (1990). He received his masters from UAB in 1995.

A man recognized by his peers and students for his kindness and humility, he has led by example on the track and in his own personal life. He has worked with several charities including the Firehouse Men’s Shelter, Community Kitchens and Catholic Charities.

He has also been a leader in the AHSAA serving on the AHSAA Track Coaches Committee, Cross Country Coaches Committee and has been an AHSAA Summer Conference moderator on many occasions.

In 2020, he was named the AHSAA Class 7A “Making a Difference” Award recipient.

A leader who has always been ready to lend an ear or a helping hand to fellow coaches, Dobbs served as head track & field and cross country coach for boys and girls at Hewitt-Trussville High School for 31 years – from 1990 – 2021. Named Jefferson County Teacher of the Year in 1996 and Jefferson County Track and Cross Country Coach of the Year several times, he developed the Huskies’ program into one of the state’s elite programs.

His girls won state titles in indoor track and outdoor track in 1999, and his boys’ and girls’ teams each won the state crown in 2021. That same year, the two teams finished as runner-up in the Class 7A Outdoor Track championships.

More than 90 of his student-athletes signed college scholarships and currently hold 10 boys’ and girls’ overall or Class 7A state indoor track records and eight AHSAA outdoor state overall or Class 7A state records. His wife, Anita, has been working alongside him the entire way.

March 23 - 29, 2022

AHSAA announces new area alignments for winter sports

From The Tribune staff reports

MONTGOMERY — The Alabama High School Athletics Association has announced area realignments for winter and spring sports, which will affect several area teams.

Basketball For Springville, which drops down to Class 5A, the Tigers will move into Area 11 along with Leeds, Moody and St. Clair County.

Class 6A Area 12 now only holds three teams: Pinson Valley, Clay-Chalkville and Mortimer Jordan. Center Point gets a tough draw in 6A Area 11. The Eagles will be playing basketball against 2021-22 6A finalist Huffman, as well as Gardendale. Area 11 also only has three teams.

In Class 7A, Hewitt-Truss-

ville is in Area 6 along with Chelsea, Spain Park and Oak Mountain.

Bowling Area teams in 6A and 7A will see a lot of familiar faces in Region 7, where Hewitt-Trussville, ClayChalkville, Pinson, Center Point will face off against Gadsden City, Huffman, Oxford and Shades Valley.

Wrestling In 7A, Hewitt-Trussville will be in section 2, facing teams from the northern half of the state. The Huskies will compete in Duals 3 against Chelsea, Hoover, Oak Mountain, Spain Park, Thompson, Tuscaloosa County and Vestavia Hills.

In 6A, Center Point, ClayChalkville and Pinson Valley are all slated into Section 2.

Center Point and Pinson Valley have been sorted into Region 5

The Alabama High School Athletics Association has reshuffled area alignments for winter sports for schools across the state.

(File photo)

for Duals along with Gardendale, Huffman and Mortimer Jordan. Clay-Chalkville is in Region 6 for Duals along with Gadsden City, Oxford, Pell City and Shades Valley.

In 5A, Leeds, Springville and Moody are in Section 2.

They are all in Region 3 for Duals, along with Hayden, Jasper, Lincoln and St. Clair County.

Hewitt-Trussville boys’ track & field tops Vestavia meet; girls second From The Tribune staff reports

VESTAVIA — HewittTrussville’s outdoor track & field team traveled to Vestavia for the King of the Mountain event. The Huskies boys finished in first place and the girls finished in 2nd place.

Boys Team Results (Top Five) 1. Hewitt-Trussville 164 2. Hoover 148 3. Vestavia 121 4. Thompson 108 5. Chelsea 38 Girls Team Results (Top Five) 1. Mountain Brook 133.5 2. Hewitt-Trussville 125.5 3. Hoover 95

Hewitt-Trussville’s boys’ track & field team won the King of the Mountain event, while the Huskies’ girls team placed second.

(File photo)

4. Vestavia 88 5. Briarwood 58 Highlights: • Girls 100 Dash: Brianna Beckham 1st • Boys 100 Dash: Malachi Johnson 2nd, James Hammonds 4th, Jadon Loving 5th • Girls 100 Hurdles: Tori Mack 1st • Boys 100 Hurdles: Tyrone Reese 5th, Ethan Womack 6th, CJ Curtis 8th • Girls 200 Dash: Brianna Beckham 1st, Libby Armstrong 4th • Boys 200 Dash: Malachi Johnson 4th • Girls 300 Hurdles: Tori See TRACK&FIELD, Page 14

ANNOUNCING The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) announces the opportunity to obtain information on End Project

Project Number: RACR-037-I59-010 Reconstruction and Lane Addition on I-59 from I-459 to CR-10 (Chalkville Mountain Road) Trussville Civic Center 5381 Trussville-Clay Road Trussville, Alabama 35173 Thursday, March 24, 2022 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM This will be an Open-House meeting without a formal presentation. Project information, including maps and comment forms, will be available for review. Representatives from the Alabama Department of Transportation and the Design Consultant will be available to answer questions.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR FOR INDIVIDUALS REQUIRING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE PLEASE CONTACT:

Online presentation available: www.ALDOTinvolved.com Mr. DeJarvis Leonard, P.E. East Central Region Engineer 1020 Bankhead Highway - West Birmingham, Alabama 35204 Attn: Mrs. Sandra F. P. Bonner REQUEST FOR SPECIAL ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE RECEIVED AT LEAST FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING

Begin Project

The Trussville Tribune

March 23 - 29, 2022

Page 13

Hewitt-Trussville's Hunter, Center Point's Swift named to ASWA All-State teams

From The Tribune staff reports Ed Osley scored three times and the Clay-Chalkville Cougars came from behind to beat Mountain Brook to reach the finals of the 2021 AHSAA 6A football playoffs. (Photo by Ron Burkett)

Clay-Chalkville assistant takes job with rival Mountain Brook

From The Tribune staff reports

CLAY — A key piece of Clay-Chalkville's state championship coaching staff is heading to a rival school.

Brad Easley, who served as the Cougars' quarterback’s coach and passing game coordinator, will join Mountain Brook as the Spartans' in a similar position.

"Excited to be a part of the Mtn Brook family," Ea-

sley announced on Twitter.

"A big thank you to Coach Gilmer and (Michael Lee) for my time at Clay. Was treated extremely well & am beyond appreciative!"

The loss will be felt by the Clay-Chalkville football program and the school overall.

"Hate to lose Coach Easley but you've got to make moves that are best for your family," Clay-Chalkville principal Michale Lee stated on Twitter. "(Mountain Brook) is getting

a great young coach but an even better man."

Easley joins a very good Spartan program that finished with only two losses in the 2021 campaign, both to eventual state champions.

Mountain Brook finished 12-2, falling 51-0 to 7A powerhouse and reigning state champion Thompson, and then dropping a very close one in the semifinals of the 6A playoffs against ClayChalkville, 24-18.

Pinson Valley’s Coner makes ASWA All-State third team From The Tribune staff reports

MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Sports Writers Association has released its annual All-State boys basketball

teams, and one area player made the list.

Pinson Valley’s Terry Coner Jr., a shooting guard who averaged 15.9 points a game in a 2021-2022 season that saw the Indians make

the Sweet Sixteen of the Class 6A playoffs and finish 24-8 overall, made the third team for 6A. The full list is below.

See BOYS, Page 14

MONTGOMERY — Two area players have been named to the Alabama Sports Writers All-State girls basketball teams for their respective classifications.

Hewitt-Trussville sophomore Jordan Hunter has been named to the 7A All-State Second Team, while Center Point senior Tanita Swift has been named to the Class 5A Second Team. Full teams are listed below.ASWA ASWA GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM CLASS 7A First Team • Syriah Daniels, Auburn, So., G, 6-1 • Aniya Hubbard, Hoover, Sr., G, 5-9 • Reniya Kelly, Hoover, Jr., G, 5-7 • Kelsey Thompson, Davidson, Sr., F, 5-11 • Emma Smith, Vestavia Hills, Sr., G, 5-8 Second Team • Emariah Grant, Bob Jones, Sr., G, 5-3 • Jordan Hunter, HewittTrussville, So., G, 5-9 • Kennedy Langham, Sparkman, Jr., G-F, 5-9 • DeJaria Lewis, Prattville, Sr., C, 6-0 • Amiyah Rollins, Dothan, Sr., G, 5-10 Third Team • Camille Chase, Spain Park, Sr., G, 5-7 • Jestiny Dixon, Foley, Jr., G, 5-7 • Sarah Gordon, Vestavia Hills, Fr., G-F, 5-11 • Jae Smith, Huntsville, 8th, G, 5-9 • Reagan White, Fairhope,

Hewitt-Trussville’s Jordan Hunter (pictured) and Center Point’s Tanita Swift were named to ASWA All-State teams. (File photo)

• • • • •

• • • • • • •

Sr., G, 5-9 Honorable mention Carleigh Andrews, Auburn, Sr., G, 5-9 Jazmyn Bigham, Theodore, Fr., C, 6-1 Alecia Reasor, Thompson, Sr., G, 5-7 Tiana Smith, Daphne, Sr., F, 5-11 Coach of the Year John David Smelser, Vestavia Hills CLASS 6A First Team Alexis Andrews, Park Crossing, Sr., G, 5-8 Bellah Machen, Mortimer Jordan, Sr., G, 5-8 Masyn Marchbanks, Hartselle, Sr., G, 5-8 Samiya Steele, Hazel Green, Sr., G, 5-8 XaiOnna Whitfield, Oxford, So., G, 5-8 Second Team Leah Brooks, Hazel Green, So., F, 6-2 Lindsey Cox, Mc-

Gill-Toolen, Jr., G, 5-3 • Laci Gogan, Pelham, Jr., G, 5-8 • Jace Haynes, Stanhope Elmore, Sr., C, 6-3 • KaLeah Taylor, Oxford, Sr., G, 5-4 Third Team • Madison Dowling, Gulf Shores, Sr., F-C, 5-11 • Zahria Hoskey, Eufaula, Sr., G, 5-7 • Sydney Schwallie, Chelsea, Sr., G, 5-5 • Kelsie Thomas, Park Crossing, Sr., F, 5-9 • Jaden Winfrey, Cullman, Sr., G, 5-6 Honorable mention • Brylan Gray, Fort Payne, So., F, 5-9 • Alyah Postma, Lee-Montgomery, Sr., G, 5-7 • Haley Sanders, Opelika, Sr., G, 5-9 • Fantasia Wilson, Northridge, Jr., G, 5-7 See GIRLS, Page 14

The Trussville Tribune

Page 14

Huskies From page 11

Except that’s not what happened.

Vestavia came back to score in the bottom of the third inning after Ella Gallaspy tripled off of Zaylen

Boys

From page 13

• • • • • • • • •

CLASS 7A First-team All-State Jordan Frazier, James Clemens, Sr., G, 6-5 Win Miller, Vestavia Hills, Jr., G, 6-4 Labaron Philon, Baker, So., G, 6-4 Elijah Terry, Enterprise, Sr., G-F, 6-6 Colin Turner, Spain Park, Sr., F-C, 6-9 Second-team All-State Ja’Mari Arnold, Huntsville, Jr., G, 5-10 Jayden Buckley, Auburn, Sr., G, 6-1 Brady Dunn, Oak Mountain, Sr., G-F, 6-3 Efrem Johnson, Grissom, Sr., G, 6-5

Tucker, who scored one batter later on Libby Pippin’s sacrifice fly to center field.

Burt brought in Kate Hicks in relief, who got the Huskies into the dugout with no further damage that inning, striking out Caroline Redden to end the Vestavia

threat.

Phillips then singled past Franklin, the Rebels’ star shortstop, to drive home Ruby Simon, who had walked and then stolen second earlier in the inning. With Simon crossing the plate, the Huskies increased their lead to 4-1.

Franklin cut that in half with a solo bomb in the fifth inning. Burt left Hicks in after the home run, however, to work her way out of the inning. Hicks hit Pippin with a pitch, and then allowed a single before catching a linedrive comebacker.

• Dadrevius Weathers, Smiths Station, Sr., F-C, 6-7 Third-team All-State • RJ Johnson, Grissom, Jr., G, 6-3 • Calen Lightford, Sparkman, Sr., G, 5-11 • Massiah Morris, Huntsville, Sr., G, 5-10 • Ketwan Reeves, Jeff Davis, Jr., G, 5-8 • Jayven Williams, Baker, Sr., G, 6-0 Honorable mention • Thomas Dowd, Dothan, Jr., F, 6-7 • Jordyn Durley, Florence, Jr., G, 6-2 • Salim London, Hoover, Fr., G, 6-3 • Jalen Orr, Austin, Sr., G, 5-11 Coach of the year

• Frankie Sullivan, James Clemens CLASS 6A First-team All-State • Christopher Blount, Huffman, Sr., G, 6-1 • Barry Dunning Jr., McGill-Toolen, Sr., F, 6-6 • Tucker Gambrill, Cullman, Sr., G, 6-0 • Rylan Houck, Oxford, Sr., F, 6-5 • Corey Stephenson, Hueytown, Sr., G, 6-5 Second-team All-State • Ty Davis, Mountain Brook, So., G, 6-4 • Kolby Horace, Spanish Fort, Sr., G, 6-3 • Michael Jones, Pelham, Sr., G, 6-1 • Caleb Paige, Eufaula, Sr., G, 6-4 • Dee Smith, Park Crossing,

Sr., G, 6-0 Third-team All-State Terry Coner Jr., Pinson Valley, Jr., G, 5-11 Dresean Knight, Minor, Sr., C, 6-10 Colby McAllister, Spanish Fort, Sr., G, 6-4 Josh Paige, Eufaula, Sr., G, 6-4 Tyson Sexton, Scottsboro, Jr., G, 6-5 Honorable mention Tucker Cagle, Cullman, Jr., F, 6-3 Jaden Jude, Athens, Sr., F, 6-5 Kendal Parker, Carver-Montgomery, Sr., G, 6-4 Malik Turner, Fort Payne, Sr., G, 6-2 Coach of the year Stu Stuedeman, Cullman

Team of the Week

Girls

From page 13

• • • • • • • The Hewitt-Trussville girls tennis team traveled to Mobile over the weekend and won the McGill-Toolen Invitational. The Huskies had a perfect 3-0 record for the event and are now 11-3 overall on the season. They’re the Argo Hardware Team of the Week. (Photo courtesy of Hewitt-Trussville Athletics)

• • •

Coach of the Year Melissa Bennett, Oxford CLASS 5A First Team Limaya Batimba, LeeHuntsville, So., F, 5-8 Shaniah Nunn, Fairfield, Sr., F, 6-0 Dorsey Parker, UMSWright, Sr., C, 6-2 Je’Nyiah Silas, LeeHuntsville, Sr., G-F, 5-9 Olivia Vandergriff, Guntersville, Jr., G, 5-8 Second Team Aaliyah Golston, Central-Tuscaloosa, So., G, 6-0 Makala Hobdy, Charles Henderson, Jr., G, 5-5 Ashley Phillips, Alexandria, Sr., G, 5-7 Ramie Reid, Hayden, Jr.,

• • • • • • • • • •

March 23 - 29, 2022

Mathews From page 11

between Hewitt-Trussville baseball and Wetumpka. A meeting of two top-10 teams (Wetumpka is ranked in the top 10 in 6A) would have been something to write about. Unfortunately, Mother Nature didn’t seem to be much of a baseball fan that day.

She’s not much of a fan today, either. As I write this, it’s thundering and lightning, and I can look out my home office window to see rain sweeping in from the west. Rough weather may affect the tournament in Gulf Shores where the Huskies’ softball team is playing. The Hewitt-Trussville girls have gone 4-0 in pool play, whipping Smiths Station, Beulah, Scotts Hill (TN) and Elmore County, and are supposed to start bracket play on Wednesday, March 23. However, games could be postponed depending on what this weather system does.

No one likes losing those games to weather delays.

Players don’t get playing time, and coaches don’t get to see their team respond in real game situations. But weather delays, postponements and cancellations are just a part of the game in the early Spring.

This isn’t the major leagues. Locally, coaches and players are also the grounds crew for their fields, managing the tarp — deciding whether to tarp the infield or leave it uncovered is a key decision at this point in the season — and everyone is working hard to make sure the games happen.

When they don’t, it’s frustrating for everyone.

But just like always, we hope for sunnier skies tomorrow, so that the players can take the field, the fans can fill the stands, and everyone can do what they love to do: play ball.

Bobby Mathews is the sports editor at The Tribune. Reach him at bobby. mathews@trussvilletribune. com or on Twitter: @bobbymathews.

Track&field F, 6-0 • Tanita Swift, Center Point, Sr., G, 5-7 Third Team • Jazzlyn Johnson, Pike Road, So., F, 5-11 • Jayda Lacks, Sardis, Jr., C, 5-11 • Tamya Smith, Pleasant Grove, So., G, 6-0 • Ella Vallas, St. Paul’s, Jr., C, 6-2 • Trinity Webb, Talladega, So., G-F, 5-8 Honorable mention • Jayden Blackmon, Headland, Sr., G-F, 6-0 • Tazi Harris, Guntersville, So., F, 6-0 • Erin Martin, Brewbaker Tech, So., G, 5-10 • Alexias Walker, Selma, Sr., G, 5-5 Coach of the Year • Kenny Hill, Guntersville

From page 12

• • • • • • • • • • •

Mack 4th Boys 300 Hurdles: Tyrone Reese 4th, CJ Curtis 6th Girls 400 Dash: Libby Armstrong 2nd, Arianna Fisher 7th Boys 400 Dash: Weston Lovelady 1st Girls 800: Maci Mills 2nd Girls 1600: Maci Mills 3rd, Sophia Knox 5th Boys 1600: Tristan Teer 3rd, Mitchell Phillips 5th, Chris Mauldin 6th Girls 3200: Sophia Knox 1st Boys 3200: Tristan Teer 1st Girls Discuss: Madisyn Hawkins 1st Boys Discuss: Tanveer Raza 2nd, DJ Carter 3rd, Julian Cox 4th Boys High Jump: Jagg-

• • • •

• • • • • •

erd Moore 1st, Tremaine Hobbs 5th Boys Javelin: Andrew Colburn 4th Girls Javelin: Katie Davidson 7th Girls Long Jump: Haley Melton 6th, Aliza Scott 8th Boys Long Jump: James Hammonds 3rd, Colin Wadsworth 5th, Jadon Loving 6th Boys Pole Vault: Will Cochran 2nd, Ethan Womack 3rd Girls Pole Vault: Haven White 5th Girls Shot Put: Madisyn Hawkins 1st Boys Shot Put: Tanveer Raza 1st, Kade Martin 5th, DJ Carter 8th Boys Triple Jump: Jaggerd Moore 2nd Girls Triple Jump: Haley Melton 2nd

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Team of the Week

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