The Trussville Tribune – April 3 - 9, 2024

senger managed to get out of the vehicle and escape into the nearby woods.

The third man, seated in the back seat, was not able to get out of the car and was apprehended by police at the scene.

A manhunt to locate the two suspects who ran from the crash was launched around 4 a.m.

Multiple agencies including the Springville, Argo,

and Trussville Police Departments as well as personnel with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Clair Correctional Facility were involved in the search.

Law enforcement used

dogs, in addition to drones and a JCSO helicopter, to track the two men, who stayed together during their escape.

The men were pursued down to Carrington where they then turned around and headed back up through the woods.

The dogs lost track of the men after around four hours of searching and the manhunt was suspended around 8 a.m.

Walton said there was still lots of law enforcement in the area and they anticipated that the men would soon reappear.

About an hour later, a local resident spotted the suspects near Advent Circle and called the police.

An officer arrived on the scene and soon spotted the men in the woods nearby.

The men were again pursued and ran through from Advent Circle to the woods behind Central Baptist Church where they were surrounded.

As of 11:27 a.m. the two men who escaped had been taken into custody. “At no time were any of the citizens of Argo or Springville in any danger. We pretty much had them all contained in the woods,” Walton said.

Investigators are currently trying to determine if there were any previous warrants for their arrests and what their motivations were to flee.

One of the men will have at least five charges brought against him, one will have four charges, and one will have two charges, according to Walton who added that there will likely be more charges filed against the men.

The suspects have not yet been identified but appear to be from Birmingham.

It is not yet known if the vehicle was stolen.

Walton thanked Argo Police Chief Roy Busler, Trussville Police Chief Eric Rush, and all law enforcement involved in the manhunt.

“This is what it takes, you know, all of us working together, having the technology that we have now with drones with infrared, night vision, you know, specialized canine units, and stuff like that and it all comes together,” Walton said.

“I don’t care if you wear a State Trooper badge, or if you wear a Department of Corrections–which they were involved, done a fantastic job for us, which they always do–everybody comes together and we work together to do the job that we need to do to keep these people in St. Clair County safe and that’s what we’re gonna do.”

move out of their studios and paint in the world.

“I love Plein Air painting like this,” O’Brien said.

“It’s from life. It’s very much in the moment. You’re capturing that day, that time of year, and there’s a quality to it that makes it timeless.”

All of the paintings will be showcased and available for purchase directly from the artists during the Birmingham Heritage Jazz Band’s performance at the Trussville Entertainment District on Saturday, April 20.

O’Brien recalled that last year “people in Trussville were eager to see these local scenes. Many of them were people’s houses or views of the river, the school, so they just kind of flew off the wall.”

The concert, which will be free to the public, will see the 18-piece orchestra perform 1930s big band pieces, harkening back to the origins of the Cahaba Project.

Following Heritage Days, the paintings will be temporarily put on display at the Trussville Public Library for the month of May.

Also returning this year will be China and Mary Ann Pettway of the world-renowned Gee’s Bend Quilters, who will host a meet and greet at the library as well as a two-day quilting workshop.

“For some people [meeting the quilters] is a once in a lifetime thing. These two quilters that are with us are with the original generation before Gee’s Bend Quilting was discovered,” O’Brien said.

“They’re in great health but they’re getting older and, like I said, it could be once in a lifetime for someone to come and meet them and see what they do.”

During the meet and greet on Friday, April 19, the collective will also have some of its pieces available for purchase.

“Some of them are priced as low as $15 for these little coasters, so there’s a range for everyone’s budget. Some of the larger quilts fetch prices of $10,000 and $20,000,” O’Brien noted.

Locals can also get a hands-on experience with the group as part of their two-day quilting workshop from April 19-20 at the library.

Tickets, which cover both days of the workshop, are $100, and as of Tuesday 18 of the 24 spots have been filled. A list of supplies to bring to the event can be found on the Heritage Days’ website. The foundation is also introducing a new event this year–Trussville Jeopardy.

The event, which will be held on April 16 at the library, will test locals’ knowledge of the Cahaba Project and Trussville history. Winners will receive prizes donated by local business-

es, who will also be offering special Heritage Deals in stores during the week.

The week will close with ever-popular Historic Home Tours on Sunday, April 21.

The tours will feature three houses, including the oldest in Trussville–the Hickman-Yarbrough house–which dates back to the 1850s.

Tickets are $20 and will go toward supporting the creation of a Daffodil Trail in Trussville’s Historic District.

All ticket holders will also be eligible to win a raffle basket filled with gifts from Trussville businesses.

O’Brien said she looks forward to having families come out and enjoy the events.

“We look forward to growing Heritage Days even more with the home tour, with the artists returning every year and I’m excited to see what other events we’ll offer next year,” O’Brien said.

For information on the full events schedule and to register, visit: https://cahabaheritage.org/2024-heritage-days/

“Chris Smelley, 37, went fishing in his blue and black kayak around 8:30 am and has not returned,” officials said at the time the search began. “WCSO and South Walton Fire District have jet skis in the water off of Grayton Beach searching for Chris.”

2.5 pounds of marijuana, 4.9 grams of cocaine, six firearms–one converted to be fully automatic–and a digital scale.

The four suspects have been identified as Jecorie Dewayne Robinson, 32, Rapheal Demetrius Jordan, 25, Damondre Juan Miller, 26, and Calvin Leon Pickett, 34–all of Birmingham.

Robinson was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana in the first degree with a bond of $10,000.

Jordan was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana in the first degree, both with a bond of $5,000 each.

Miller was charged with loitering for drug purposes and resisting arrest, both with a bond of $1,000 each.

Pickett was charged with loitering for drug purposes and resisting arrest, both with a bond of $1,000 each.

All four of the men have been released from the Jefferson County Jail.

Smelley is the former quarterback for South Carolina and the current football coach at Sylacauga High School. He played high school football for American Christian Academy in Tuscaloosa.

His younger brother, Brad Smelley, played tight end for Alabama under Nick Saban.

Multiple agencies participated in the search.

Earlier sources indicated

Smelley was 15 miles offshore. The U.S. Coast Guard report listed the location as approximately 2 miles offshore. Alabama

high school coach Chris Smelley.

The weapons and drugs seized at the residence. Courtesy of JCSO.

Jecorie Dewayne Robinson (top left), Rapheal Demetrius Jordan (top right), Damondre Juan Miller (bottom left), and Calvin Leon Pickett (bottom right).

Attendees learn about the living tradition of quilting in Alabama during last year’s Gee’s Bend Quilters meet and greet. Courtesy of Maura Davies.

While hearing reports from department heads, Police Chief Paul Irwin said that he and Sgt. Coney Phillips attended the first law enforcement summit on elder abuse ever held, which was in Washington D.C. in February.

“We obtained a wealth of information that we not only brought back to our department but also brought back to the whole state of Alabama,” he said. “So that was an honor for us.”

He said that SROs will begin accompanying student athletes to cities with an uptick in violence, citing an incident in one city where a game involved a shooting perpetrated by a student’s mother after an argument broke out.

Notably, he reported that some suspects in the case of the Pathway Baptist Church fire have been identified and that they are working with the district attorney, but as the suspects are juveniles no additional information is being given out at this time.

The church was an abandoned building that had been previously known as Leeds First Baptist before being renamed Pathway. The council voted to declare it a public nuisance in order to clean up the ruined site.

Miller said that the city government has been determining the costs to perform

the work, specifying that so far they have “just north” of $150,000. He added that they should know the final costs by the next meeting of the council.

Additionally, Irwin said that the department obtained 14 search warrants in January and 28 in February. “That’s not only because of the investigators but the officers identifying crimes that need to be investigated,” he said. “And then our detectives take it a step further to investigate those crimes and make sure that we’re protecting our cities and also the businesses, because a lot of these arrests are people taking advantage of businesses.”

At the beginning of the meeting Mayor David Miller addressed a situation at a playground in which an equipment piece was thought to pose a danger.

In his comments, Miller said that a slide in the playground had developed a jagged hole, leading to comments on social media about it posing a danger to children though he said that this was not the case. Since the hole was discovered that portion of the slide has been blocked until it can be resolved. The city engineer is currently working to get bids on having the slide replaced, he said.

“It’s very expensive,” he said. “But it’s served us for many years, and we will be replacing it as soon as we get

a quote. I say it’s expensive, it’s quite a bit more expensive than when it was originally installed because of all the rules have now to make it ADA-compliant.”

Later in the meeting the council voted to engage with Rivertree Systems as a private collection and auditing firm. This is in addition to the services of Avenu, with Rivertree to provide for smaller businesses in the city.

“Our auditing firm is doing a really good job,” Miller said of Avenu. “They’re a very large corporation, and [Rivertree] gives us an opportunity to have a smaller, more intimate type of relationship in our auditing system.”

“Rivertree would be an adjunct to the audit collections system provided by Avenu. This doesn’t cost us anything but it does provide a service that’s more in tune to our mom and pop businesses, our smaller business without a huge firm coming in.” In other business the council: Approved a bid from Rusty’s Barbeque to continue providing catering services to the senior citizens program.

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.

Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@ gmail.com.

Richard Lovell, who has served with the department for 22 years, was promoted to captain and will oversee the support services, CID, and corrections divisions.

Chad Jones, who has been with the department for 22 years, was promoted to lieutenant and will be over the special operations division.

John Middleton, who has served for eight years with the department, was promoted to sergeant and will be on the night shift patrol.

Anthony Martin, who has served with the department for five years, was promoted to corporal and will stay in the direct enforcement unit as a lead worker and relief supervisor.

continue to investigate. Anyone with information on the vehicle and/or driver should contact ALEA Troopers at 256-353-0631. promotions.

Jordan Thomas, who has been with the department for five years, was also promoted to corporal and will serve as a lead worker and relief supervisor on the night shift patrol.

The Trussville City Council congratulates the officers on their promotions. Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune

by Megan D. Swidecki, 38, of Hanceville. The crash occurred on Cullman County 38 near Cullman County 46, approximately three miles south of Dodge City. Self, who was from Bremen, was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. The passengers of the GMC–61-year-old Kelley M. Waunch, a 7-year-old, an 8-year-old, and a 10-year-old–were injured and transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Troopers with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division will continue to investigate.

ACTA

From front page of the show, adapted from Jules Verne’s 1872 novel by John Hildreth, will open on April 12 and have performances going until April 21.

Shari Olm, the play’s director, said the production’s tight-knit group of eight cast members–ranging in age from 16 to their mid-70s–have been rehearsing for the last five weeks in multiple roles as they ramp up for opening night.

“I’ve got a good cast,” Olm said.

“I have a really good assistant director that has helped me a lot and the cast is more or less just, if I come up with an idea, they go, ‘Okay, we’ll do that,’ so it’s very nice to have a cast that is just very accepting and willing to just go with it.”

Tickets are available on ACTA’s website and proceeds will go toward ACTA’s future productions, summer camps, and ACTA Jr. “It’s the next generation that, you know, we want to bring the joy of community theater to,” Olm said.

Carter Sanderson will feature as Phileas Fogg in ACTA’s production of “Around the World in Eighty Days.” Courtesy of Greg Heyman.

Hea L t H and W e LL ness

Get a kick out of soccer safety with an orthopedic surgeon

Written by P. Lauren Savage, Jr., M.D., of OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports

The fields are getting their green back, and soccer season is here once again. As a doctor specializing in bone, joint and muscle care, I want to help shed light on common injuries encountered in the exciting game of soccer. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just stepping onto the field, understanding these injuries and how to prevent them is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.

To help keep safety a priority this soccer season, let’s explore the anatomy of soccer-related injuries, discuss preventive measures and outline treatment options to keep players in top form.

Understanding Common Soccer Injuries Soccer is a dynamic sport that demands agility, strength and coordination. Unfortunately, the fast-paced nature of the game can predispose players to various injuries. Here are some common soccer-related injuries to be aware of:

1. Ankle Sprains Anatomy Lesson: Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments surrounding the ankle are stretched or torn, typically due to a sudden twisting motion.

How It Happens: Landing awkwardly after a jump, changing direction rapidly or colliding with another player can lead to ankle sprains.

2. Hamstring Strains

Anatomy Lesson: The hamstring muscles, located at the back of the thigh, are susceptible to strains when stretched beyond their limits.

How It Happens: Overextending the hamstring during sprinting, kicking or sudden accelerations can result in strains.

3. ACL Tears

Anatomy Lesson: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a crucial stabilizing ligament in the knee joint, responsible for preventing excessive forward movement of the tibia (shinbone) relative to the femur (thigh bone).

How It Happens: ACL tears often occur during sudden stops, changes in direction or awkward landings. The injury is characterized by a popping sensation, swelling and instability in the knee, and female athletes are more likely to sustain an ACL tear than male athletes.

4. Meniscus Tears

Anatomy Lesson: The meniscus is a cartilage structure in the knee joint that acts as a shock absorber and provides stability.

How It Happens: Meniscus tears can result from twisting motions or direct blows to the knee. Symptoms include pain, swelling and locking or catching sensations in the knee.

5. Groin Strains Anatomy Lesson: Groin strains involve the muscles of the inner thigh, which facilitate movements such as kicking and lateral movements.

How It Happens: Aggressive kicking, sudden changes in direction or overstretching of the groin muscles can lead to strains.

6. Concussions

Anatomy Lesson: A concussion is a mild traumatic

brain injury resulting from a blow to the head or violent shaking of the head and body.

How It Happens: Collisions with other players, headto-head contact or falls to the ground can cause concussions in soccer.

7. Wrist and Clavicle Fractures

Anatomy Lesson: The wrist is composed of multiple small bones that form the joint where the hand meets the forearm and the clavicle, or collarbone, connects the sternum (breastbone) to the shoulder blade.

How It Happens: Direct impact or falls onto the wrist, arm and shoulder can result in wrist or clavicle fractures. Symptoms include pain, swelling and deformity around the wrist or collarbone area.

Preventing Soccer Injuries

While injuries are an inherent risk in soccer, there are steps you can take to minimize their likelihood:

• Proper Warm-Up: Begin each practice or game with a thorough warm-up session, including dynamic stretches and light cardio exercises. This prepares your muscles and joints for the demands of play.

• Strength and Conditioning: Incorporate strength training exercises into your routine to improve muscle strength and endurance. Focus on exercises targeting the lower body, core and stabilizing muscles.

Technique Training: Work with a coach or trainer to refine your soccer techniques, including proper tackling, shooting and

landing mechanics. Good technique reduces the risk of awkward movements that can lead to injury.

• Use of Protective Gear: Wear appropriate protective gear, including shin guards and properly fitted footwear with cleats suitable for the playing surface. Goalkeepers should also utilize gloves to protect their hands.

• Hydration and Nutrition: Stay hydrated before, during and after matches and training sessions. Maintain a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, protein and essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health and recovery.

Treatment Options

In the unfortunate event of a soccer-related injury, timely and appropriate treatment is crucial for optimal recovery. Here are some common treatment options:

• Rest and Ice: For acute injuries like sprains and strains, rest the affected area and apply ice packs to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Compression and elevation can also aid in the healing process.

Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design a customized rehabilitation program focused on restoring strength, flexibility and range of motion. Therapy sessions may include exercises, manual techniques and modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

• Bracing or Taping: Depending on the injury, bracing or taping may be

recommended to provide support and stability to the affected joint or muscle. These measures help prevent further injury and facilitate a safe return to activity.

• Medication: Over-thecounter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and inflammation associated with soccer injuries. However, always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication.

• Surgery: In cases of severe ligament tears (such as ACL tears) or complex fractures, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore stability and function to the affected joint. Modern surgical techniques aim for minimally invasive approaches to expedite recovery.

Symptoms Requiring Medical Attention

While many soccer injuries can be managed with rest, ice and proper rehabilitation, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation. Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Severe Pain: Intense or persistent pain that interferes with your ability to bear weight or perform normal activities may indicate a significant injury such as a fracture or severe ligament tear.

• Inability to Move Joint:

If you’re unable to move a joint through its full range of motion or you experience significant stiffness, it could signify a more serious injury that requires medical assessment.

• Visible Deformity or Swelling: Any noticeable deformity, such as a misaligned joint or abnormal swelling, suggests a potential fracture or severe soft-tissue injury that needs immediate attention.

Numbness or Tingling:

Loss of sensation or tingling sensations in the affected limb could indicate nerve involvement, which requires evaluation to prevent long-term complications.

• Head Injury Symptoms: Concussion symptoms such as persistent headache, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, nausea or visual disturbances require immediate medical evaluation to assess for potential brain injury.

As you lace up your cleats for the soccer field, keep in mind the importance of injury prevention and proper management. By understanding the common soccer-related injuries, implementing preventive strategies and recognizing when to seek medical attention, players can enjoy the game safely and confidently.

From dribbling past opponents to defending the goal, passion for playing the game needs to be matched by a commitment to staying in the game and free from advanced injuries. Soccer is not just a sport; it’s a vibrant community that celebrates teamwork, athleticism and camaraderie. Let’s strive to keep the spirit of the game alive by playing smart, staying vigilant and supporting one another on and off the field.

Securing Your Income: A Crucial Aspect of Financial Stability

By Seth Edgil, Financial Advisor – Keystone Financial Group

In the realm of financial planning, one critical yet often overlooked facet is the protection of one’s largest asset. While many typically associate this asset with tangible possessions like homes or retirement savings, experts emphasize a different perspective: the most substantial asset for most individuals is their ability to earn an income. Income serves as the bedrock of financial stability, facilitating mortgage payments, meeting daily obligations, and fueling future savings endeavors. It is the lifeline that sustains individuals and families, making its protection paramount.

At the forefront of income protection is disability income insurance—a tool designed to safeguard individuals in the event of illness or injury rendering them unable to work. This insurance acts as a financial safety net, replacing a portion of the individual’s income during challenging times so that essential financial commitments can still be met. Disability income insurance is a contract entered into with a financial institution, such as an insurance company. In the contract you are agreeing to pay a portion of your income as a premium. The institution is accepting the risk that in the event you are unable to earn an income due to illness or injury; they will return a portion of your total income back to you as a benefit. This is the conceptual cornerstone of protecting your income through financial planning.

Determining if one is adequately protected with disability income insurance requires a comprehensive assessment of financial needs and obligations.

Factors such as the duration of necessary income protection, existing assets and insurances, and the required benefit amount in case of a disabling event all factor into the equation. Different policies have different durations of benefit, different elimination periods (waiting period before benefit begins), and different definitions of what constitutes disability. Careful analysis of these facts is an important aspect of your overall financial plan. You could have the most solid financial plan for future wealth generation and saving in the world. However, if you lose your earned income, it might become impossible to bring that plan to fruition.

Statistics underscore the gravity of the situation. According to the Council for Disability Awareness, the average disability lasts nearly three years—a significant period during which income replacement becomes crucial. Would your family be able to continue their lifestyle if you had no income and had to live off of your savings for 3 years? For instance, consider an individual earning $75,000 annually at age 40. Should a disability strike, their income stream until retirement at age 67 could potentially be compromised, translating to a loss of over $2 million. Many times, clients tell me they are very risk averse, but yet they have significant sums of money at risk by leaving their income unprotected.

Moreover, misconceptions abound regarding employ-

er-provided disability income insurance, warranting clarification. While such coverage may offer a degree of protection, understanding its intricacies is imperative. Several issues arise with employer-provided disability income insurance that individuals should be aware of.

One significant concern is the tax implications associated with employer-provided coverage. If the employer pays the premiums for the disability income insurance policy, any benefits received under that policy are typically considered taxable income. This means that the portion of the income replaced by the insurance benefits would be subject to taxation, reducing the effective amount of income replacement received by the individual.

Another consideration is the extent of coverage provided by employer-provided disability income insurance. Often, these policies may only replace a percentage of the individual’s income, leaving a significant gap in income replacement in the event of a disability. Additionally, the definition of disability within these policies may be restrictive, limiting coverage to specific circumstances or types of disabilities.

Furthermore, benefit durations under employer-provided disability income insurance policies may be limited, leaving individuals vulnerable if their disability extends beyond the policy’s coverage period. For example, if a policy only provides benefits for a maximum of five years, individuals with long- term disabilities may face financial hardship once the benefits expire.

One approach that individuals often fall into is what I dub the “Ostrich Approach.” This approach involves burying one’s head in the sand, ignoring the potential risks of disability and hoping that nothing untoward happens. However, this mindset is inherently flawed, as it fails to acknowledge the reality of life’s uncertainties.

Addressing common pitfalls, experts caution against adopting the Ostrich Approach. Ignoring potential risks is not a viable strategy for financial security. Instead, proactive planning is essential in mitigating the risk of disability and ensuring long-term financial stability.

Indeed, disabilities can stem from various causes, not just accidents. Conditions like cancer or mental illnesses can lead to disability, underscoring the need for comprehensive protection. Planning for the unexpected isn’t just prudent; it’s a fundamental aspect of financial well-being.

One message rings clear: securing one’s income is not just a matter of prudence but a cornerstone of financial stability. In an unpredictable world, preparing for the unforeseen isn’t just wise—it’s essential for safeguarding one’s financial future.

Expanding on the importance of disability income insurance, it’s crucial to understand the various types of coverage available. Long-term disability income insurance provides benefits for an extended period, typically until retirement age, while short-term disability income insurance offers coverage for shorter durations, such as a few months to

a year. Supplemental disability income insurance can also be purchased to augment existing coverage, providing additional protection against income loss.

Moreover, disability income insurance policies vary in their definitions of disability.

Some policies define disability narrowly, requiring the insured individual to be completely unable to perform any occupation to receive benefits. Others offer more lenient definitions, providing benefits if the individual is unable to perform their own occupation or any occupation for which they are reasonably suited by education, training, or experience.

Additionally, the amount of income replaced by disability income insurance can vary.

Some policies offer coverage for a percentage of the insured individual’s pre-disability income, while others provide a flat benefit amount. Under-

standing the terms and conditions of the policy is essential to ensure adequate coverage in the event of a disability.

Supplementing disability income insurance with other financial planning strategies can further enhance income protection. Building an emergency fund can provide a financial cushion to cover expenses during a disability, while diversifying investments can help mitigate the risk of income loss due to market fluctuations.

In conclusion, securing one’s income through disability income insurance is a crucial aspect of financial planning. By understanding the nuances of coverage and addressing potential gaps, individuals can protect themselves and their families from the financial con-

2 Birmingham men, Fultondale man charged in Panama City armed robbery

From Tribune staff reports

— Two men from Birmingham and a man from Fultondale have been charged with armed robbery in a drug deal that took a violent turn, according to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.

According to jail records, Patrick Underwood, 21, of Birmingham and Kendrique Wesley, 19, of Birmingham were arrested on Thursday and Friday respectively in Panama City.

Underwood is charged with robbery, residential home invasion with a firearm and is being held on a $1.5 million bond. Wesley was charged with robbery with a firearm and is being held on a $250,000 bond.

A warrant for armed robbery was also issued for the arrest of Christopher Hardeyn Baitey, 19, of Fultondale, Alabama, according to

BCSO. Baitey turned himself in to authorities just before 9 p.m. on Saturday.

According to authorities, the Sheriff’s office received a call at about 3 a.m. on Thursday regarding a shooting in the 8400 block of Thomas Drive at Panama City Beach. The resident told deputies that he had been contacted earlier in the day to sell marijuana to several visitors from the Birmingham area. He met them at his home and conducted the sale with two men, one wearing a ski mask and the second not wearing a mask. The men purchased the marijuana and left only to return a short time later, authorities said.

According to a statement from BCSO, the two were agitated and accused the resident of the home of giving them not enough marijuana in exchange for the money they paid. One of the two men went out to their vehicle

and brought a third man into the home who also wore a ski mask.

The victim, concerned about the anger of the three men, agreed to return the money for the marijuana.

One of the men wearing a mask had a handgun and the other carried a rifle, according to the statement.

As the men wearing ski masks left, they grabbed the

marijuana on their way out the door. The victim shut and locked the door, with the third man still inside the residence.

The victim ran upstairs to get his own firearm and warn the other individuals that lived in the home, according to BCSO.

Once he got his gun, he came and stopped at the top of the stairs, realizing the

Legal Notice

two armed men in masks had been allowed back into the home by the third one.

It is unclear at the time who began shooting first, authorities said, but the resident of the home stated that the two men wearing masks began shooting at him and he returned fire. The resident shot one of the men wearing masks in the abdomen.

Using the county’s real-time crime center, investigators were able to identify and locate the vehicle used by the three men with the assistance of the Panama City Beach Police Department.

Authorities said they were located in a condo on Front Beach Road. A tactical entry by the BCSO and the PCBPD was made into the condo.

Once inside, deputies said they found two of the men involved in the armed robbery, and several others staying with them in the condo.

One of the men, Wesley, involved had a gunshot wound and he was taken to a local hospital and charged the following day.

Law enforcement believes this was a shooting related only to the drug deal, and not random.

Deputies said he was the only person injured in the shooting. The three men fled the scene and the resident called 911.

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Blalock Building Company, Inc., Contractor, has completed the Contract for the New Athletic Pavilion for Hewitt-Trussville High School located at 6344 Husky Parkway, Trussville, AL 35173 for the State of Alabama and Trussville City Board of Education, Owner(s), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify, Lathan Associates Architects, P.C., 300 Chase Park South, Suite 200, Hoover, AL 35244. Blalock Building Company, Inc. 7309 Gadsden Highway Trussville, AL 35173

Patrick Underwood, 21, of Birmingham, Kendrique Wesley,19, of Birmingham, and Christopher Hardeyn Baitey, 19, of Fultondale, are charged with armed robbery in Panama City, Fl.

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Commentary

year. It’s been one year since it happened. Blessed are the victims of the Covenant School shooting in Nashville, for they are with God. Blessed are the Covenant School staff members, the traumatized, the wounded, for these shall be called Children of God. Blessed are the three 9-year-olds, Hallie Scruggs, Evelyn Dieckhaus, and William Kinney, whose innocent bodies were demoralized in a senseless act of murder, for they are seated on the lap of the Almighty. Blessed are Cynthia Peak (61), Mike Hill (61), and Katherine Koonce (60), for their lives were beautiful.

Blessed are their loved ones, with broken hearts, with battered minds. Blessed are all Nashvillians who wept one year ago.

Blessed are the shellshocked. Blessed are the confused. Blessed are the pissed-off. Blessed are the traumatized. Blessed are the people who still blame themselves, even though it’s not their fault. Blessed are the bystanders.

Blessed are the men and women in Nashville who can think of no other way to respond to this erratic tragedy than to help others.

Blessed are the total strangers who showed up on the scene 365 days ago, just to cry. Blessed are those gathered outside Covenant School to hold candles, present bouquets, and memorialize the lost ones.

Blessed are the local media persons whose job was to stand in front of cameras and report, matter-of-factly, on the worst crime of humanity.

Blessed are all those with big hearts, who just wanted to help. Blessed are the givers. The doers. The feeders. The bakers. The babysitters. The

shuttle drivers. In a world of people blinded by their own anger, bless you. A million times, bless you. You are not invisible.

Blessed are those who painstakingly tried to maintain peace, especially while everyone else in this world was fighting like rabid canines. As politicians held public urination contests, and random people on Facebook fought from 3,000 miles away.

Blessed are the peacemakers.

Blessed are you, the immediate family members of the victims, whose lives are still falling apart, whose homes are still empty.

Blessed are the mamas and daddies of the dead.

Blessed are the husbands and wives of the deceased.

Blessed are the sons and daughters of the fallen. The brothers and sisters. The aunts and uncles. The grandparents. The grandchildren. The best friends. The fishing buddies. The classmates. Your suffering still makes

no sense, and maybe it never will. You have every right to cuss at God and shake your fist at the sky. But know this: your strength and your courage affected millions. And that’s not nothing.

Blessed are the parents of Audrey Hale, whose 28-yearold child lost her mind; whose daughter committed blackblooded murder. We are praying for these parents.

Blessed are the EMTs, the fire-medics, the patrolmen, the patrolwomen, the throngs

of Metropolitan Nashville Police officers, the spokespersons, the medical examiners, the coroner, the medical workers, the liaisons, the deputies, the office workers. You are the salt of the earth.

Blessed are the students of Covenant School. Blessed are the little boys and little girls with blood smattered on their clothes. Blessed are the innocent children who didn’t know what was happening. You are the light of the world, kids. And believe me, we all

saw your beautiful lights shining. And blessed are you. Whoever you are. Whoever is reading this. One year ago, you were blind with sadness. You were dispirited. You were overwhelmed. You are still mourning.

I didn’t know what to say then, and I still don’t. Because I’m nobody. So I stole these words from someone else: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

s avvy s enio R Who Should Be Screened for Lung Cancer?

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, Who should be screened for lung cancer and how it’s covered by Medicare? I used to smoke but quit many years ago and am wondering if I need to be tested.

Just Turned 65

Dear Just Turned,

Even if you haven’t touched a cigarette in decades, you could still be due for an annual lung cancer screening, based on new recommendations from the American Cancer Society (ACS).

in 2024, and about 125,070

Americans will die from the disease.

ACS guidelines previously said that those who quit 15 or more years ago were in the clear. But new studies have shown that expanding screening eligibility saves lives, even among people who quit smoking years earlier.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 234,580 new cases are expected to be diagnosed

The new guidelines state that adults ages 50 to 80 who currently smoke or used to smoke the equivalent of one pack a day for 20 years should get an annual low-dose computed tomography scan (also called a CT scan), no matter how long ago you quit.

While lung cancer can occur in anyone at any age, cigarette smoking is the top risk factor and is linked to about 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths, and most people diagnosed with the disease are age 65 or older. What makes lung cancer especially tricky is that it’s often symptomless until it’s at an advanced stage, when it’s harder to treat. Early detection can lead to a 20 to 25 percent improvement in survival rates, resulting in fewer deaths from lung cancer.

But a 2022 report from the American Lung Association

found that only 5.8 percent of people eligible for lung cancer screening in the U.S. get screened, and the screening rate is as low as 1 percent in some states.

Screening & Coverage

If you fall into the population eligible for a lung cancer screening, start by speaking with your doctor, even if it’s been a long time since you smoked.

Medicare Part B will cover lung cancer screenings with a low-dose CT scan once a year for people ages 50 to 77 who are current smokers or quit in the last 15 years and have a 20-pack-year history. Patients must have an order from their doctor or health care provider and should not have symptoms of lung cancer.

A low-dose CT scan is a noninvasive test where you

lie down and hold your breath while being moved through a doughnut-shaped X-ray machine. The scan takes several X-ray images of the lungs and can help to identify possible abnormalities in the lung tissue.

There are some potential risks with this screening, including the possibility of false positives, which can lead to more scans or invasive procedures. According to the American Lung Association about 12 to 14 percent of lung cancer screening scans will have a false positive, which is about the same rate as with mammograms.

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.

(K-5TH) EVENT TYPE: CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

Are you a fan of Pokémon?

Bring your friends for an hour to play the card game, make a craft, and watch the show in the library auditorium. Let’s Jam! Thu Apr 4th

Public Library, 4509

interested in music?

you learning to play an instrument or have you been playing for years? Come jam at the library on Thursday, April 4th from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM! Mr. Keith will jam with his guitar & be available for questions or inspiration! You can bring your instrument(s) if you are able or just hang out. Teens (6th-12th graders) only. No registration is required.

Adult D&D - Group 2 Thursday, April 04:

Adult Book Club Saturday, April 06: 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Trussville - Cahaba Room

AGE GROUP: ADULT (AGES 18+)

EVENT TYPE: BOOK GROUP, ADULT PROGRAM

An Adult Book Club focusing on books from a variety of genres. From fantasy to contemporary fiction and everything in between, come join us at the library on the first Saturday of every month!

STEAM for Kids!

Monday, April 08: 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Trussville - LBK Auditorium

AGE GROUP: UPPER ELEMENTARY (3RD-5TH) LOWER ELEMENTARY (K-2ND)

ELEMENTARY (K-5TH)

EVENT TYPE: STEAM, CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

Join Ms. Jan, the science lady, of Dynamic Education Adventures for a science show highlighting Alabama Inventors!

STEAM for Teens!

Monday, April 08: 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Trussville - LBK Auditorium

AGE GROUP: TEEN (6TH12TH GRADE)

EVENT TYPE: TEEN PROGRAM, STEAM Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math club for teens.

Yarn ManglersKnit & crochet group

Monday, April 08: 6:00pm - 7:45pm

Trussville - Parkway Room

AGE GROUP: ADULT (AGES 18+)

EVENT TYPE: DROP-IN, CRAFT, ADULT PROGRAM Knitters and crocheters, join us for fellowship and creativity!

Books & Brews Monday, April 08: 7:15pm - 8:30pm

Trussville

AGE GROUP: ADULT (AGES 18+)

EVENT TYPE: BOOK GROUP, ADULT PROGRAM

An evening Adult Book Club meeting at Ferus Artisan Ales

CLEANUP & RESTORATION: A small amount of water can lead to major damage and mold growth in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home’s value! Call 24/7: 1-877-7272344 Have zip code

Patti’s Pinson Trade Days April 6, this Saturday 9:00-2:00

Amateur Talent show starts at 11:00 in front of Patti’s on Main Street flea market and consignment shop !! Come join us and have the BEST TIME EVERRRR !!!

L ifesty L e Lass But Not Least: Getting To Know Joe

By Ken Lass

I don’t know Joe Cochran. I’ve never met him nor spoken to him. But I know about him. And you should too.

I know that he and his wife June moved to Pinson in the early 1990’s. Being a big sports fan, he immediately took an interest in getting involved with the athletic teams at the high school. I know that he volunteered to serve as the public address voice of Pinson Valley’s football team and girls softball team for around fifteen years. He also called some of the Indians’ baseball and basketball games. In fact, he became so much a part of the fabric of Pinson Valley athletics, the school talked him into coaching the softball team at one point. Joe served as president of the education foundation board and worked tirelessly to raise money for the school system and athletic programs.

I know that, shortly after Pinson was incorporated into its own city in 2004, Joe was elected to the city council. Served on it for twelve years. Looking to elevate his level of involvement still further, he ran for mayor, but lost to incumbent Hoyt Sanders. Never one to accept defeat, Joe ran again in 2020, and this time, he won. For the last four years he has been a driving force in promoting the city, encouraging commercial development, improving police and fire protection, and of course, building up the school system.

There’s something else you should know about Joe. He has accomplished all this despite being diagnosed with ALS in 2021. The acronym stands for

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. You may know the condition by its nickname, Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the famous baseball player who lost his battle against it in 1941. It’s a nervous system disorder that weakens muscles and physical function, ultimately affecting a person’s motor nerves. Gradually, simple things such as walking, eating, speaking, and even breathing become a challenge. A person can live with it for years, or it can take you quickly, but there is no cure.

It has not stopped Joe Cochran. I don’t know him, but I know he is still hard at work as Pinson’s full-time mayor, conducting business while wearing an oxygen mask and connected to a mechanical translator. You’ll find him at the city council meetings on the first and third Thursday of each month, his computer screen in front of him. Now finding it difficult to speak, Joe will type what he wants to say, and an electronic voice will speak his words. No matter. He’s still pushing hard to promote his town. In June Pinson will celebrate its twentieth birthday as a city. At a recent council gathering, Joe strongly advocated in favor of an elaborate twelve minute, fifteen-thousand-dollar fireworks show for the CityFest celebration. “Go big or go home” he told the council. Going big has characterized Joe’s life as a public servant. And it has not been lost on the minds and hearts of the fine folks of Pinson Valley. They have rallied around him with numerous displays of love and support. Not long after his diagnosis, he and his family attended the school’s home-

coming football game against Huffman. The community surprised him by unveiling a new title for the stadium media quarters. In large white letters, set against a garnet background, the title read “Joe Cochran Press Box”. Typically humble, Joe told the Trussville Tribune “I had no clue. No clue whatsoever. It’s just overwhelming. It’s more than I deserve.”

No, it’s not.

I don’t know Joe, but I know that In March all former players from the Indians’ softball teams were invited to take part in a charity alumni game named after him. The public was invited, with all donations going toward ALS research and treatment. Joe, of course, was there. There’s a photo of him on his Facebook page, seated in his chair, white blanket covering his legs to keep warm, smiling through his mask, and surrounded by adoring former players. You see, along with all of his city responsibilities, Joe has also been an active supporter of Alabama’s chapter of the ALS association, which provides many services and treatment guidance for those dealing with the disease.

“You take stock of your life, and you look back and say, ‘What have I done?’ and ‘Have I done it well,” Joe told the Tribune in 2022. “I know now my time is more limited. To be honest, I’ve looked at my life, and it couldn’t be any better. I couldn’t ask for more goodness or better friends and family. I have a wonderful wife and daughter. It’s been just one absolutely magnificent life.”

I don’t know Joe Cochran. But I wish I did. I wish everybody did.

Family Plots: What are my options?

There are several options for burying family members together, each with its price point.

A family plot is a space large enough to accommodate family members. The plots must all be purchased together, so upfront costs are high, but pre-purchasing saves money in the long run.

Columbaria are buildings with niches to hold cremation urns. Families can purchase several niches together. As with a family plot, these will likely need to be purchased at the same time, but they generally come at a more affordable price.

The priciest but most customizable option, a mausoleum is an above-ground building designed to hold caskets. You can build it as large as you wish to accommodate as many family members as you want.

Please scan the QR code to read the full article.

Stallions get seasonopening win on the road

By John Goolsby Prep Sports

Stallions picked up where they left off last year.

United Football League is a product of the merger between the USFL and the XFL.

Renegades received the ball to start the game and returned the ball 48 yards to

two-time defending USFL champion Stallions opened the new United Football League season with a win over the Arlington Renegades, the defending XFL champions.

went 3-1 against some pretty good competition. The first game was on

Monday against Lincoln. The Blue Devils dug themselves a 5-0 hole headed into the bottom of the third inning. From there, Moody would score a single run in each inning from the third thru the seventh. Despite the effort, Lincoln put up a run in the sixth that would be the difference in the 6-5 loss for Moody. However, something clicked, and Moody would have much success for the remainder of their spring break. In the game, JP Leatherwood started the game, going two-plus innings and giving up three hits, five runs and striking out two. Cole Self would enter the game during the third and give up no hits, no runs

and three strikeouts. Brady Dodd would finish things up in the loss with three innings pitched, giving up four hits, one run and striking out two batters. At the plate, a host of Blue Devils had a single RBI. The second game of the day-one doubleheader would see Moody play Collinsville. The Panthers would jump out to a 3-0 lead in the first, but the Moody defense would tighten and not allow another run for the remainder of the game. The Moody bats would put up enough runs in the next three innings to win the game, but they would explode in the fifth inning with 6 runs to add

Scooby Wright. Credit: Birmingham Stallions

The 2024 Moody baseball team poses with strength coach Cam Willis after a workout during the Gulf Shores Classic. Photo by: Cam Willis

Lady Blue Devils making waves in Gulf Shores

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor GULF SHORES –

The Moody Lady Blue Devils took a 9-11 record to the beach for spring break and won three games on Monday to improve to 12-11 on the season.

The first game was against the Cocke County (TN) Fighting Cocks on Monday morning. The two teams tied 1-1 in the first inning and Moody put a run on the board

in the second when Kendall Trimm drove in the waiting Taylor Rogers to go up 2-0. Cocke County tied it up in the third with a run and then Charleigh Chiasson walked with the bases loaded to bring Emma Kile home for the win in the bottom of the fifth to seal the win for the Blue Devils. Ryleigh Hodges went the distance for Moody allowing just two hits, two runs and striking out two batters.

In game two, Moody

took on the West End Patriots, a game that Moody won 7-0. Moody scored a run in the first but then put up four in the third and two more in the fourth to lift them to the shutout win. Kendall Trimm owned the plate, making contact all three times she batted, crossing home on each trip.

Libby Higgins and Emma Kile drove in two runs each.

Bella Turley took care of

See BLUE DEVILS, Page 16

Moody’s Tori Pyles signs to play at the next level

By Rebecca Davis Special for the Tribune

MOODY – Moody High School Senior Tori Pyles recently signed a scholarship to Calhoun Community College to pursue her academic and basketball career. Pyles has been an instrumental leader in the recent success and cultural change in the Lady Devils basketball program. Over her tenure at Moody, Pyles has been selected to numerous All-County and All-Area Teams. She helped guide her team to 3 consecutive playoff appearances and a run to the Sweet 16 this season. Pyles became the first 1,000 Point scorer in Moody High School girls’ history this season as well. Head Coach Rebecca Davis said that it has been her

See TORI PYLES, Page 16

Moody’s softball team poses with strength coach Cam Willis as the girls prepare for day two of the Gulf Coast softball tournament in Gulf Shores. Photo by: MHS Softball

Tori Pyles signs her scholarship to play basketball at Calhoun Community College. Photo by: Rebecca Davis

Stallions

From page 14

line before Carlos Davis hit quarterback Luis Perez and knocked the ball loose.

Defensive back Mark Gilbert scooped the ball up and was tackled at the 24-yard line. Former Ole Miss Rebel Matt Corral started at quarterback for the Stallions. Corral moved the Stallions to the Renegade 40-yard line in five plays but turned the ball over on an interception with 9:10 remaining in the first quarter.

The Renegades went on a ten-play 40-yard drive that was capped off by a 38-yard field goal with 3:12 remaining to take a 3-0 lead.

On the ensuing kick-off, Deon Cain returned the kickoff 32 yards to the Stallions 49-yard line. Birmingham moved the ball to the Arlington four-yard line in four plays before the drive stalled. Chris Blewitt hit a 27-yard field goal to tie the game at three-all with 12:33 remaining in the second quarter.

The Renegades struck quickly. Perez hit Isaiah Winstead with a 51-yard strike to put Arlington up 9-6 with 9:01 remaining in the half. Winstead converted the twopoint conversion with a reception from Lindsey Scott.

The Stallions took over with Adrian Martinez at quarterback. Martinez, a Kansas State star, moved the ball to the Renegade 20-yard line. The drive ended after Martinez threw an interception with 3:15 remaining in the half.

The Stallion’s defense

Stallions

From page 13

stiffened and forced an Arlington punt with 1:31 left in the second quarter.

Martinez was injured on a 20-yard run to midfield with 40 seconds remaining in the half. Corral returned to replace Martinez and hit Cain with a 39-yard touchdown pass to the back right of the endzone with nine seconds on the clock.

Birmingham tied the score at 11-all after Corrall hit Ricky Person, Jr. for the twopoint conversion.

The two teams traded punts on their opening possessions of the second half.

With seven minutes left in the third quarter, Birmingham took over at their 40-yard line. CJ Marable moved the Stallions 41 yards on a 13yard run and 28-yard reception.

Birmingham took the lead on an Person, Jr. two-yard touchdown run with 5:10 remaining in the third. The Stallions went up 19-11 on a twopoint conversion by Corral to Gary Jennings.

The Renegades put together an eigh-play 24-yard drive that resulted in a 45-yard field goal with two seconds left in the third period.

As the final period opened, the Stallions put together a seven-play 45-yard drive that resulted in a CJ Marable seven-yard touchdown run with 11:25 remaining in the game.

The Stallions converted the two-point conversion with an Amari Rodgers reception from Corral. The catch was initially ruled incomplete but after a review Rodgers was given credit for the reception and the Stallions held a 27-14 lead.

single that scored senior AhKeela Honeycutt and a homer by senior Sara Phillips that scored Kelly. Kelly and Phillips led Hewitt with two hits and two RBIs. Phillips was the winning pitcher. The senior gave up two hits and had seven strikeouts on 67 pitches. “Our season has seen some ups and downs but the girls are working hard getting better every time they step on

The Renegade’s next possession ended after Gilbert intercepted Martinez’s pass at the Stallions’ five-yard line with 8:48 remaining.

The Stallions put the game away with a massive 15-play drive that took over eight minutes off the clock. The Stallions had a chance to extend their lead, but Blewitt’s 53-yard field hit the right upright with 27 seconds remaining in the game.

The Renegades could not score, and the Stallions emerged with a 27-14 victory.

Birmingham put up 409 yards of offense, and the defense held the Renegades to 262 yards.

Corral was 12 of 21 passing for 201 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for 25 yards.

Martinez was 2 of 6 for 26 yards and a pick.

Marable led the Stallions with 67 yards on 18 carries and a score.

Martinez added 52 yards on the ground and Person, Jr. had one rushing touchdown and 31 rushing yards.

Cain led Birmingham with 66 yards on three receptions and one touchdown.

Linebacker Kyahva Tezino led the Stallions with eleven tackles.

Gilbert had an outstanding game with five tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery and one pass deflection.

The Stallions are on the road at their old USFL nemesis, the Michigan Panthers, next Sunday at 11 AM. The game can be seen on ESPN.

the field,” said Hewitt head coach Taylor Burt.

“I’m proud of our progress so far and am looking forward to the second half of the season.”

The Lady Huskies host #1 (5A) Springville next Thursday at 6 PM.

From page 14

the proverbial exclamation point to the game and seal a 12-3 victory to end the day.

Bryant Hardin would go the distance allowing four hits, three runs and striking out six in the win. Mason Morris and Landon Cherry, who also had a home run, would lead at the plate with three RBI each. After a rained-out Tuesday, the Blue Devils would face Fort Payne on Wednesday in a much closer game than the one they played before. Moody would pick up the 2-0 win in a defensive battle that was tied at zero until the final inning. In that inning, Braden Wright would get on base after being hit by a pitch and then Noah Landers doubled to bring him home. Drew

From page 15

business from the mound, going the full five innings, allowing just one hit and no runs while striking out six.

The finale of the day for Moody saw them take on Columbia Academy, the Bulldogs from Tennessee. The Bulldogs jumped out to a 3-0 lead over Moody in the first. After a scoreless second, the Blue Devils drove in three

From page 15

honor to coach a player such as Pyles. “Players like Tori are the reason coaches go into coaching. Not all kids want to be coached.. not all kids can take criticism and use it to better themselves. Tori always trusted me to have her best interest at heart. She worked constantly to improve herself. Her dedication to our program, along with the support and loyalty that I received from her par-

Brown would hit a double that would bring home Cole Self, who was pinch running for Landers and that is how the runs would be scored for the Blue Devils. Landon Cherry got the complete game win, giving up just one hit and striking out six batters in the shutout.

The weekend finale for Moody would be a 3-0 win over Oak Forest on Thursday in another stellar pitching performance from the Blue Devils. Moody would get a run in the second, fourth and seventh innings with Drew Brown leading the way with 2 RBI. Brady Dodd got the win, going all seven innings and allowing just three hits and striking out four.

Eamonn Kelly, Moody’s head coach, is optimistic after his team’s 3-1 showing

runs in the third and added five more in the fourth to close out the game. Trimm showed up once again, going two of two from the plate. Abi Gray went one of two from the plate, but her one hit was a two-run home run in the fourth inning that ended the scoring for the game. Turley once again got the win, coming in for Hannah Rutledge in the first and allowing just one hit, zero runs and getting four strikeouts.

ents, is something that will stay with me throughout my career.”

Assistant Coach Madison Dillashaw said that Pyles is leaving a well-respected legacy. “Tori has been a leader since she was a freshman. It was a role that she took seriously and did with confidence and respect. Above all, she was a teammate everyone deserves, leading by example and encouragement while holding everyone, even our coaching staff, to a high level of commitment.”

in Gulf Shores. “The team has started to put it together over the last couple of weeks. Really playing team baseball. We’ve started to figure out our rotation and our lineup. Our role players are understanding their roles and helping this team out by doing their jobs. This week was huge playing some tough competition! We faced some really good pitchers and got it done. We got three complete games out of a few of our top guys. I’m just proud of them and happy to be their coach! The last two weeks are going to be really fun!”

The Blue Devils sit at 1311 overall heading into the final stretch of the season. They will face off against Ramsay at home on Tuesday and travel to play the same Ramsay team on Thursday.

Tuesday’s games have been rained out. The top 25 teams in the tournament will be re-seeded for bracket play Wednesday.

UPDATE: Moody defeated Rehobeth in round one of bracket play by a score of 8-3. In the second round, the Blue Devils lost to Gardendale 5-3 and were eliminated from play.

The Lady Blue Devils sit at 13-12 heading into the final stretch of the season.

Pyles, the daughter of Von and Candra Pyles, is excited about her opportunity to play at the next level. “I am thankful to Coach Byrd-Vinson for giving me the chance to play at the next level. Calhoun has a great program, and I hope to be able to contribute immediately. As difficult as it is for me to think about moving on from Moody High School and our program, my goal is to continue to represent my parents, coaches, and teammates to the best of my ability.”