The Trussville Tribune – April 5 - 11, 2023

Leeds Council hears new proclamations, discusses modifying R-5 zoning code

By Nathan Prewett

For the Tribune

LEEDS – During a regular meeting on Monday, April 3, the Leeds City Council heard two proclamations honoring dispatchers and a recently passed citizen of Leeds be-

Clay-Chalkville student killed in Birmingham shooting

From The Tribune staff reports

CLAY – Birmingham Police are investigating after a Clay teenager was gunned down in the city on Saturday. The victim has been identified as Kamaree Shondale Phillips, 17, of Clay, and a student at Clay-Chalkville

Deerfoot Baptist Church hosts widows banquet

Special to The Tribune TRUSSVILLE – The Deacon body at Deerfoot Baptist Church in Trussville sponsored a lovely widows banquet on March 24, 2023. All widows of the church were invited to attend.

Each invitee received a handmade invitation trimmed in fresh lavender.

Upon arrival, each guest

Funeral for fallen Huntsville Police officer held Monday

From The Tribune staff reports

HUNTSVILLE – Huntsville Police Officer Garrett Coulter Crumby, who passed away March 28, 2023, in the line of duty, was laid to rest at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park on Monday, April 3, following a service at Mayfair Church of Christ that morning.

According to the Huntsville Police Department (HPD), officers responded to a shooting call on March 28, at 4:45 p.m., in the 4600 block of Governors House Drive. When officers arrived, a female shooting victim was located.

“Two responding HPD officers were shot by an offender at the scene,” according to a statement released by the department. “The officers were transported to Huntsville Hospital with life-threatening-injuries.”

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said one of the officers died at the hospital.

“Tonight, our State grieves the death of another member of the law enforcement community—one who, when called upon, ran toward dan-

ger in aide of a female victim,” said Marshall. “Huntsville Police Officer Garrett Crumby and fellow Officer Albert Morin were responding to an emergency domestic violence call for service when they were ambushed by an armed suspect. The suspect had already shot and injured a

female victim who was present on the scene. “Both officers were transported by ambulance to Huntsville Hospital where they received emergency treatment. Officer Morin is now out of surgery and remains in critical condition, while Officer Crumby did not

Springville to seek trial period to evaluate city-operated ambulance services

survive his injuries.”

Police said the offender barricaded himself inside an apartment at the scene. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded and assisted Huntsville Police. The offender was apprehended about 6:20 p.m. and transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

“This is a devastating loss for our department, the Huntsville community and the State of Alabama,” HPD

Chief Kirk Giles said. “We send our heartfelt condolences to the officer’s family as they mourn their loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice. As we grieve with our fallen officer’s family, we have another officer fighting for his life. Please keep all our officers and the entire department in your prayers.”

The female shooting victim was transported to the hospital where she is receiving treatment.

The Huntsville Police Department would like to thank the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Madison Police

Ribbon cutting held for new Grandview Emergency Department in Trussville

By Nathan Prewett For the

By Terry Schrimscher

For the Tribune

SPRINGVILLE – The Springville Council reopened discussion about public ambulance service Monday night, April 3. Most of the discussion took place in the

Pinson Main Street holds first community Parking Lot Yard Sales

By

Crystal McGough

Associate Editor PINSON – The first Parking Lot Yard Sales event on Main Street, Pinson, today brought out a variety of both sellers and shoppers to enjoy the beautiful weather and take advantage of some great deals.

19-year-old charged with murder of 15-year-oldvictim

From The Tribune staff reports

JEFFERSON COUNTY

– The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office announced that investigators charged 19-yearold Matthew Jacob Jeffery today, April 4, with murder in the death of a 15-year-old-

Tribune TRUSSVILLE – The parking lot was a mix of casual wear, first response uniforms, business attire and blue scrubs as a ribbon cutting was held for the newly established and relatively soon to open Grandview Emergency Department facility in Trussville.

From The Tribune staff reports ALABAMA – The Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc. organization had queens and members of their Board of Direc-

BANQUET, Page 7 See SENIOR, Page 5

“Really, freestanding emergency departments and specifically the one in Trussville is about meeting a community’s needs,” said Dr. Kevin Cope, DO and emergency medicine specialist at Grandview. “A lot of the Trussville community uses Grandview services. We recognized that Birmingham’s a fairly large geographic area and recognized that the residents of Trussville deserved a facility here and that we could provide an elevated level of care.”

ed about the new department. Among them was none other than James Spann, who sits on the board of trustees at Grandview Health Center as chairman.

who died in the recent Lifesaver 4 crash before delivering a prayer.

Early morning fire at Burger King closes restaurant

Before the ribbon was cut in front of the entrance to the facility, several speakers talk-

Spann asked for a moment of silence in honor of those

“We are just thankful for this opportunity,” Spann said during the prayer. “Life’s really short for everybody here and for those of us who are

in the healthcare business it’s just an incredible opportunity, it’s incredible that we have to serve and at the same time it’s an incredible responsibility.”

See BURGER KING, Page 7 See MURDER, Page 3

MARTY’S TRUSSVILLE

Robin’s Sewing Shoppe

Opinion - Page 8

Lifestyle - Page 9

Outdoors - Page 10

Calendar - Page 11

Classified - Page 11

Obituary - Page 12

Sports - Pages 13-16

Page 3

Huntsville Police Officer Garrett Coulter Crumby passed away Tuesday, March 28, in the line of duty. (Credit: Berryhill Funeral Home & Crematory)

Officials, partners and staff members cut the ribbon. (Photo by Nathan Prewett)

L oca L / R egion

Officer

From

Grandview CEO Daniel McKinney recognized the board of trustees, the Trussville Chamber of Commerce, the elected officials, the EMS workers, and affiliate ApolloMD, as well as Brassfield and Gorrie, which constructed the building.

“My comments are going to be incredibly brief,” McKinney told the crowd. “But I do want to say: I think this is what’s right with healthcare. When we look at what’s right, I think this is a prime example. It’s an organization, a collective group of individuals taking a chance on a community to expand healthcare and needed service to that community.”

Trussville Mayor Buddy Choat was among the speakers.

“You know, I tell people all the time,” said Choat. “Grandview’s no exception. You have choices, where to go, where to put your facilities and offer your services, but we’re honored that you chose Trussville. We feel like we’ve got a community that

will not only support you, you’ll support our community, offer things that we’ve needed out here that we were not able to get.”

The facility is a freestanding emergency services provider that is not a full hospital but can provide transportation to hospitals if needed.

“What this freestanding emergency department provides for in Trussville and the surrounding areas is improved access to care,” said another speaker, emergency physician and Trussville resident Dr. Jeremy Rogers.

“We desperately need more emergency medicine beds available in our community

and that’s what this provides. Particularly here in the heart of downtown Trussville.”

Rogers said that the department operates 24/7. A number of health issues can be addressed by staff physicians such as chest pains, abdominal pains, trauma, ankle sprains and many others that often need immediate attention. The location is a convenient spot for those who need help much quicker.

The department also boasts “state of the art” technology with diagnostics, CAT scans, ultrasound, x-rays, lab services and medication. Rogers said that there is a network of specialists such as

surgeons, general surgeons, and cardiologists.

“What this represents to me is really an extension of Grandview,” Rogers said. “This is not a full hospital, it’s a freestanding emergency department but in many ways this is an extension of our facility into the city of Trussville.”

Last to speak was Drew Mason, who represented Grandview’s corporate partner Community Health Systems.

“The community has chosen to give us a chance,” he said. “And let me just say to the city of Trussville and to the community business partners that are here: I promise you we will not let you down. There are too many well attended people here that are in scrubs and our clinical leaders who have done this before, who have asked the community to believe in them. I promise you that they are going to take this incredibly seriously.”

The facility is not officially open yet, but it is hoped that doors will open within the month of April. It is located at 5542 Vanlerberghe Lane.

From front page Department for assistance answering calls in the City of Huntsville while HPD officers grieve this tragic loss.

“Our part of the country has been reminded again this week of the pure heroism of those who make up the thin blue line—the dividing line, at times, between life and death for the citizens that they swear an oath to protect,” Marshall said. “These two law enforcement officers responded to a domestic violence call this evening, knowing full well that they would be placing their lives on the line in defense of their fellow man. We must never take their service and sacrifice for granted.”

According to Marshall’s office, Officer Crumby was a three-year veteran of the Huntsville Police Department. He previously served

From front page

High School, according to Officer Truman Fitzgerald. Jefferson County School officials confirmed that he was a 10th grader.

Phillips was the 10th homicide victim in Birmingham in the previous 12 days, the third high school student in that span.

Police were dispatched at 4:10 p.m., to the Magnolia Court Apartments, 3 Westchester Court, on report of a person shot.

“Officers arrived on the scene and observed the victim lying outside of a vehicle suffering from an apparent gunshot wound,” Fitzgerald said. “Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel arrived on the scene and transported the victim to St. Vincent’s East for immediate medical care.”

The victim was pronounced deceased by St. Vincent’s Hospital Staff.

“The preliminary investigation has revealed the victim was sitting inside of a vehicle when he was approached by an unknown suspect,” Fitz-

gerald said. “The suspect fired shots at the victim then fled the scene. There is no one in custody.”

“It is tragic to have one of our students leave for spring break and then not return because of an act of violence,” CCHS Principal Dr. Eugene Dallas said. “As I shared with our school community, there really are no words for a time like this. Our school mourns with Kamaree’s family. We stand with them. They are in our prayers.”

Dr. Walter Gonsoulin, Superintendent of Jefcoed, said

the loss of any student is felt throughout the district.

“I wish to express condolences to Kamaree’s loved ones, his friends, and his teachers,” Gonsoulin said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We will have grief counselors at Clay-Chalkville High School Monday for any student or staff member who needs assistance.”

If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, please contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit @ 205254-1764 or Crime Stoppers @ 205-254-7777.

victim on Monday, April 3, 2023. Jeffery is being held without bond in the Jefferson County jail.

David Agee with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said that Jeffery is being held without bond in the Jefferson County jail.

According to a prior statement from JCSO, “On Monday April 3, 2023, at 6:40 p.m., Jefferson County Deputies were dispatched to investigate a report of a person down in the park at 100 Bayview Drive Mulga, Alabama. Deputies arrived and found a 15-year-old male deceased on the scene as a result of a gunshot.”

for eight years with the Tuscaloosa Police Department. He is the first Alabama police officer to fall to gunfire this year, but the third to be shot in the line of duty.

On Thursday, March 30, Governor Kay Ivey ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to honor Officer Crumby. Flags remained at half-staff until sunset on April 3.

“On behalf of the state of Alabama, I express my deepest sympathies to his family, friends and fellow law enforcement professionals,” Ivey said. “I am forever grateful for Officer Crumby’s dedication in keeping our communities safe and serving the people of Alabama. Additionally, I call upon all Alabamians to uplift Officer Albert Morin in prayer as he recovers from injuries sustained during this tragic event. We stand with the men and women who sacrifice everything to protect our communities.”

The body of the victim was transported to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office for examination.

On Tuesday, Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates identified the 15-year-old victim as William Mullins IV of Mulga.

Matthew Jacob Jeffery (Credit: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office)

Photo by Nathan Prewett

fore discussing an ordinance that would change the R-5 zoning code for garden homes in the city.

The meeting began with the reading of the proclamations by Mayor David Miller, the first of which was to declare the week of April 10 to 14 Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. The council recognized three members of Blount County 911.

These were Brittany Rivera, a dispatcher and telecommunicator, Susan Blackwood, a dispatcher and shift lead and Director Derrick Walker.

The proclamation honors telecommunicators and dis-

Springville

From front page work session prior to the regular meeting. During the session, the Council took time to address misinformation on social media platforms and discussed ongoing concerns about ambulance response times in the city.

As first reported in The Trussville Tribune in August of last year, the Council has been trying to find a solution for long wait times for ambulance services. Some residents in need of care have complained of waits as long as two or three hours.

patchers for their role in first response work. Police Chief Paul Irwin and Fire Chief Chuck Parsons spoke in favor of them, with Irwin saying that dispatchers can potentially save the lives of officers when relaying information.

“Some of you may not be aware, but several years ago we shifted to the state recommended system for the 911 program,” Miller said. “We were one of the first in their program to do that, and we went with the Blount County organization, and I think that Chief – both chiefs – will tell you that it’s been a real boon to the city of Leeds.”

Afterwards, Miller and Councilwoman DeVoris Ragland-Pierce presented the other

After hearing details of another example of a long wait, this time for a child needing care, members of the Council spoke up about two previous decisions against a contract that would have made an ambulance available for the city to use in critical situations.

The Council voted against leasing a reserve ambulance from Regional Paramedical Services (RPS) in February and asked Fire Chief Richard Harvey to clarify terms of the contract at that time. Harvey returned to the Council with updated terms, but the measure was again defeated at the March 20 meeting.

proclamation, this one honoring Rodean Russell, who was a crossing guard for 30 years before her recent passing.

“I think most everybody who’s lived in Leeds for a long period of time like we have and remembers Ms. Rodean and her service to the city for over 30 years,” Miller said. “And with her recent passing thought it was most fitting that the city provide a proclamation, a memorial proclamation to honor Rodean Crawford Russell.”

Sometime afterwards Kenneth Washington brought up an issue that arose with trains blocking tracks in the city. He commended the fire department for resolving it.

Parsons then spoke about several incidents involving

Council members Toles and Phillips voted with the mayor in favor of leasing the ambulance from RPS at the March 20 meeting. Members Vinson, Hennings, Walker, Parker and Reaves voted against the measure.

“I’d like to believe, I truly believe, that we all have the best intentions and our communities at heart,” said Mayor Dave Thomas. “That said, I was a little confused two weeks ago. I had assured Richard that he had overcome all of the objections so it should have been, what I felt, a unanimous vote in favor of, but it didn’t go that way. So, tonight I’d like

trains. One was a report of a train that had a water leak. It was determined that rain had gotten into the train and was being filtered through part of it, leaking contaminated water. He encouraged residents to report blocked crossings at www.fra.dot.gov/blockedcrossings.

The trains were with Norfolk Southern. Miller said that a formal complaint has been filed with the company.

During the regular meeting the council turned its attention to an ordinance that would modify the R-5, Garden Home District code and take R-6, Patio Home District out of the city codes. The modification came at the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning

to take the opportunity in this work session to further discuss what other objections or concerns does the Council have.”

One concern raised by members of the Council was wall time, the typical wait time a responder must spend at the hospital after transporting a person to the emergency room. By law, the responders or ambulance crew providing transportation must wait with the ambulance patient until the person is officially admitted to the hospital as a patient.

Harvey said the concerns over wall time are not applicable to the discussion in Springville.

Commission, which believes that it will make garden homes more aesthetically pleasing.

The amendments to the code can be seen on the agenda packet on the city’s website.

Zoning chair Eddie Cook said that the modified R-5 code would allow alleyways at all lots for vehicular access at the back of the properties and that front access would only be permitted by exception of the commission. Garbage cans and garbage pickups would also be made in the back of buildings.

Additionally, it would allow more sidewalks and green spaces, he said.

Curtis White, who is president of home building business Curtis White Companies, spoke and said that he support-

“I don’t even feel like that’s an issue because the patients we’re going to be transporting are going to be critical patients that will not wait on a wall,” said Harvey. “The issues the private ambulance services are having, we’re not going to have those same issues.”

In previous meetings, Harvey has stated the city’s ambulance would only be used a few times a year to transport critical patients who cannot wait for care from a private company.

“I don’t think us having our own ambulance is a long-term solution,” said councilmember Austin Phillips. “I don’t think

ed what the code would do in terms of aesthetics but raised concerns about it increasing the pricing of homes.

“The only problem is that we have an affordability crisis right now with new homes,” he said. “The average new home today – if we can get something under $300,000 would be pretty lucky. I think what’s in Leeds now – probably about ($286,000) above a normal garden home lot. When you go to the alleyway, when you push that garage in the back then you’re increasing the cost of the house.”

After some discussion this ordinance was not passed but was instead considered a first reading and will be brought up at the next meeting.

that’s what we need over an extended period of time. We don’t have the revenue to be able to take care of that.”

Phillips voted against the contract in February, but voted in favor of the measure in March after Harvey addressed his concerns. He said he hoped St. Clair County could work to find a long-term solution.

The Council asked Hill to prepare an agreement to lease the ambulance for a trial period with the understanding that the agreement can be terminated at any time. The Council, once approved, would review the agreement and evaluate the program after six months.

1430

Senior

From front page tors in all 10 Chicos stores on Saturday, April 1, 2023. The Ms. Senior Alabama women greeted shoppers, assisted in choosing styles, modeled clothing, and encouraged other women that they have a purpose in the community at all ages, and it is never too late to fulfill their dreams.

The theme for Ms. Senior Alabama 2023 is “Dare to Dream…Don’t dream your life – live your dreams.” Titleholders from throughout the years were present in all 10 Chicos stores along with area queens, both past and current delegates.

The current Ms. Senior Alabama 2022 Susan Downs was in the Spanish Fort Chicos location. Susan is the founder of the nonprofit, Kid’s Play Alabama, providing resources for children to participate in sports. Susan is also mother to the last Miss Alabama to win Miss America, Dr. Deidre Downs.

The current Ms. Super Senior Alabama 2022 Carol Hara was in the Dothan location. Carol is 80 years old and swims laps at the community center weekly, performs Theatrical Storytelling, and volunteers in food kitchens, senior centers, and schools.

Ms. Senior Alabama 2021, who was Miss Alabama 1984, and then Ms. Senior World

60s 2022, Tammy Little Haynes was in a Huntsville location. Ms. Senior Alabama 2009, who went on to win Ms. Super Senior Universe, Sally Beth Vick was in the Foley location. The Dare to Dream theme was taken from Susan Down’s philosophy of life: “Dare to dream! Life is a journey and opportunities and adventures don’t always find us, we have to find them. Search for ways to grow, whether it is learning a new skill, taking a class, joining a group, making a

new friend or volunteering where needed. I decided to make a life-long dream come true at age 65 when I founded a non-profit. I am constantly amazed at the impact that decision has had on my life. Experience life to its fullest each and every day, grab every opportunity and dare to dream what you thought was impossible.”

Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc. is a 501 c3 organization dedicated to enrich the lives of senior women, while offering opportunities for them to

share their experiences, wisdom, and interests with others. The Ms. Senior Alabama competition is for women ages 60 – 69, and the Ms. Super Senior Alabama competition is for women ages 70 and above. MSA promotes confidence and strives to build self-esteem through encouragement of peers. The women form friendships and network all over the state of Alabama. Our goal is to inspire women to pursue interests and

dreams through our message that it is never too late, and you always have a purpose.

Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc. has been in existence since 1985. The organization is made up of a Board of Directors who volunteer their time to ensure that Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc. has the necessary resources to carry out its purpose of funding the Ms. Senior Alabama State Pageant, as well as se-

curing the most outstanding senior woman to represent the state. Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc. functions exclusively for charitable, educational, and entertainment purposes to keep older adults informed on matters of interest to them and their welfare. The mission of Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc. is to provide advocacy for senior women via a statewide organization.

2023 Ms. Senior Alabama Delegates, not pictured Ms. Senior Fairhope Cindy Kozlowski

MSA Inc 2023 Board of Directors

Ms. Senior Trussville Temple Wells

Ms. Senior Bessemer Crystal NeVille

Ms. Senior Fultondale Cindy Piteo

Ms. Super Senior Birmingham Rosia Underwood

Ms. Senior Alabama 2022 Susan Downs

Ms. Super Senior Alabama 2022 Carol Hara

“The pandemic killed the whole street,” Patti said. “We didn’t have much business anyway on Main Street. Most everybody knows that Main Street was dead, but the pandemic just polished it off. … That’s why we do Trade Days … We’ve got to help people.”

Pinson Trade Days took place eight months of the year

last year, with the City of Pinson helping out by hiring police officers to shut down the street and paying for portable restrooms for the event.

However, at the Dec. 8, 2022, meeting of the Pinson City Council, the council voted to reduce their support of Trade Days from monthly to quarterly.

“We’ve gave them a year, mostly every month, except for CityFest, Butterbean (and) certain months we couldn’t do it,” Councilor Glenda Kirkland said. “It cost us $18,000 last year to support them with the officers and port-a-johns that we

furnished.”

As it is currently, Pinson Trade Days is scheduled to be held the first Saturdays of March, June, September and November, with Parking Lot Yard Sales taking place the first Saturdays of every other month. The primary difference between the two events is that, on yard sale days, Main Street will not be closed to through traffic and there will be no portable restrooms available for shoppers.

During Saturday’s event, Patti said the through traffic actually seemed to draw more shoppers, so she’s considering the possibility of the

community yard sales replacing Trade Days altogether.

“Let’s get some feedback on vendors – and that the road was open – then after that we’ll know if the better event is Parking Lot Yard Sales or Pinson Trade Days,” Patti said.

For both events, vendors will continue to be offered free booth space, a rarity for these types of events. All vendors and sellers are asked, however, to sign up in advance by visiting

Patti’s on

Patti’s on Main Street Flea Market and Consignment Shop (Photo by Crystal McGough)

Pinson Councilwoman Glenda Kirkland and Patti, of Patti’s on Main Street. (Photo by Crystal McGough)

Barking Bee Coffee co-owner Heather Manning with the company mascots Krisha and Danger (Photo by Dan Manning)

Photo by Crystal McGough

Price’s Ice Cream and vintage car show (Photo by Matt McGough)

Photo by Crystal McGough

Banquet

From

was greeted by their deacon, then seated at a table adorned with fresh floral arrangements, cloth linens, china and stemware. Light music played in the background.

The luncheon was opened in prayer. Individual vegetable charcuterie cups were served as an hors d’oeuvre. This was followed by a spring salad mix entree that included seasonal fruit, toasted pecans, and homemade poppyseed dressing. Hibiscus tea was served as beverage. Dessert

was homemade key lime mousse cups.

The program was presented by Cindy Huguley, who ministered to everyone in message and song. Mrs. Huguley delivered an appropriate message on how to proceed in Christ’s love and direction during widowhood. She gave examples of Biblical and Godly widows.

The banquet was closed with prayer and opportunities for each widow to have a photo op with their deacon and friends.

It was a fabulous and fun day of fellowship at this Deerfoot Baptist Church banquet.

Burger King

From front page

The call of a reported fire came in at 4:57 a.m. on Tuesday. Ultimately, Shotts said, all TFRD stations responded to the blaze which was well involved when the first firefighters arrived on the scene.

“Flames were already coming through the roof when we arrived and that’s a pretty good sign that it had probably been burning for awhile,” Shotts said.

TFRD personnel will remain on site to watch for flair ups until the fire is deemed completely out.

Shotts said the fire marshal will investigate the cause of the fire when it is safe for

Trussville Fire & Rescue responds to a fire at Burger King on Chalkville Mountain Road early Tuesday morning

him to go inside the building.

“The roof has collapsed in the rear of the building and there is sagging in the roof beyond that,” Shotts said.

“The air conditioning units are roof mounted and that’s a

lot of weight up there.”

Burger King employees were on the scene and said the restaurant had not yet opened and workers were just arriving for the morning shift as the fire trucks arrived.

opinion

Paul DeMarco: Alabama lawmakers to decide competing plans to benefit taxpayers

By Paul DeMarco

There is a lot of debate at the Alabama Statehouse these days as lawmakers decide whether to enact a permanent tax cut or a one and done tax rebate.

In her state of the state address, Governor Kay Ivey, proposed that legislators take surplus funds and give each taxpayer a simple one time $400 rebate or each family $800. When it comes to leg-

By Phil Williams, 1819 News

Commentary

These are strange and often unprecedented times — made even more so as Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg indicts former U.S. President Donald Trump on allegations of campaign misconduct.

As of this writing, we haven’t seen the actual indictment, but when it is unsealed, we will know for certain what the charges are. For now, the charges are believed to revolve around alleged payments made to two women, both porn stars, who allegedly had affairs with Donald Trump in 2006.

Bragg has made no bones about his bias toward Trump and made waves soon after his election to office by saying he would not prosecute certain crimes, among them prostitution. Consider that this DA will not prosecute paying for sex in the form of prostitution, but will prosecute paying

islation, Governor Ivey has been pretty successful with what she has wanted on Goat Hill. Thus, it would have been a reasonable assumption to believe the governor’s wishes would have made it to her desk in the form of a bill for her signature.

However, there is now a lot of steam for a long term proposal to remove the four percent state grocery sales tax. This has been debated for years and Alabama is one

of only a few states that has the tax. The income from the tax goes to the state education trust fund to the tune of some $500 million each year. The tax has never been removed before because the funds go to supportAlabama public education, but with a surplus of $2 billion this may be the year the state finally removes the grocery tax once and for all.

So will state representatives and senators sidestep

the governor’s plans for taxpayers and substitute their own plans?

The tax has never been removed before because the funds go to the Alabama education budget, but with a surplus of $2 billion this may be the year Alabama finally removes the grocery tax once and for all. There is a lot of time left in the session for state leaders to decide how to proceed forward. The governor has not backed off of her

proposal and the education community has always opposed any efforts to terminate taxes that fuel Alabama public education.

We will see if Alabama taxpayers finally get the permanent tax relief that they have desired for years in the next 90 days.

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

Phil Williams: Lawfare

someone not to talk about sex that was consensual. These are strange and unprecedented times indeed.

I am not unconcerned about the morality of a public office holder, especially of one who sits in the Oval Office. I don’t care for such behavior one bit, but the original allegations of infidelity dating back to 2006 are denied by Trump.

My chief concern in this writing is the alleged crime being prosecuted, namely, that Trump’s campaign somehow benefited from these women being paid for their silence, and that therefore a campaign finance reporting violation occurred.

Such a legal theory raises the question as to why Hillary Clinton merely paid a small fine for paying to have the infamous and discredited Steele Dossier prepared and disseminated to benefit her campaign. Shouldn’t we also be concerned whether Joe Biden

benefited from the shutdown of the Hunter Biden laptop story during the 2020 presidential campaign? No wonder conservatives feel we are looking at a two-tiered system of justice!

As an attorney myself, I have had clients believe they were aggrieved by others, but I had to advise them that the courts were not their true recourse.

One client told me he wanted to sue someone out of principle. I told him I wouldn’t do it. Lawyers have rules of professional conduct that govern our profession. Filing suit purely for the purpose of revenge is no more than revenge. Within the realm of civil law, the Alabama Code also contains the Litigation Accountability Act, allowing someone to sue to recoup their own damages if they can prove that suit was filed against them frivolously.

On another occasion, a client correctly believed he had

been wronged, and we started the process of litigation, at which point he told me he was going to file a police report and also try to press criminal charges. Once again, I had to take a deep breath and tell my client what he did not want to hear, namely, that the rules of professional conduct stipulate a lawyer may not threaten criminal action against someone in order to gain the upper hand in a civil action. Sometime later I discovered that he filed a police report without me knowing. Needless to say, I am not his

attorney anymore.

As an attorney, my job is to zealously pursue and defend my clients’ interests, but I also know that sometimes I must advise my clients that what they feel is not the same as what they can go to court for. It is for this reason that lawyers are sometimes referred to as counselors because we are actually giving counsel, both pro and con.

New York City may be a more liberal venue than beautiful north Alabama, but the even and unbiased application of the law is still supposed to be the rule, and sometimes the clients aren’t the only ones needing to hear things they don’t want to hear. Sometimes lawyers need to be told things that go contrary to their own notions.

A good lawyer must occasionally step back, look objectively at a case or prosecution, and make sure that he doesn’t have his own grievances, emotions, politics, or preju-

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION FOR BIDS

dices wrapped up in it. Somebody should have done that with Alvin Bragg. Someone should have told him that the practice of law is not for vendettas and that lawyers should not be engaged in “lawfare.”

I take pride in being a licensed officer of the court. Pride of profession is there for anyone who practices law and adheres to its legal and ethical standards. Bragg is supposed to be held to the same rigorous standards and rules of conduct.

My sense is that Bragg may have a reckoning coming his way.

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.

Sealed Bids will be received by Trussville Gas and Water located in Trussville, Alabama, until the local time set forth below, for furnishing all labor, equipment and doing the work of constructing, according to Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents on file in the office of Trussville Gas and Water, the project hereinafter described. No bid will be received after the time set forth below; and the Bids will be publicly opened and read at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173.

Interested contractors can obtain prequalification applications from TG&W Engineering Department (“Engineering Department”), 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173; Telephone: (205) 228-1091 and must submit the completed prequalification application to the Engineering Department at the above address, no later than 4:00 p.m. on April 25, 2023.

Project Name: Commerce Lane Gas and Water Main Extension Bid Date and Time: May 9, 2023 at 10:00 A.M.

1. Installation of Approx. 1300 L.F. of 8” D.I. Water Main by Open Cut

2. Installation of Approx. 1400 L.F. of 2” PE Gas Main by Open Cut

3. Installation of Approx. 120 L.F. of 2” PE Gas Main by Directional Bore or Punch

4. Installation of Approx. 60 L.F. of 1” H.P. Stl. Gas Main by Directional Bore or Punch

Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents for the project described above are open to public inspection at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173. Telephone: (205) 228-1129.

Trussville Gas and Water reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid, and to accept any bid considered advantageous to the Owner.

No bid may be withdrawn after the time for opening bids has passed. Trussville Gas and Water reserves the right to hold the bids for a period of Sixty (60) days after the date of receiving Bids.

If said bid equals $20,000.00 or more, a certified check or bid bond must accompany each bid in an amount of not less than five percent (5%) of the total bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00. The payee of such check, or the obligee of such bond, shall be Trussville Gas and Water.

Contractor agrees to comply with all specifications, plans and contract documents as furnished by Trussville Gas and Water. Contractor must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34 Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975. Prior to submitting a bid for this project, contractor must be prequalified as a Gas and Water Line Utility Contractor for Trussville Gas and Water. Contractor prequalification applications may be obtained at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173.

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

Phil Williams is Policy Director for the Alabama Policy Institute.

Lass But Not Least: My Car Won’t Stop Emailing Me

By Ken Lass

If you’re like me you fight the battle with junk email every day. It begins once you purchase something on the internet. Your address hits the cosmos and suddenly your inbox is bursting with solicitations for everything from super glue to breast enhancement.

In a typical day I will be informed about affordable healthcare plans, the best auto warranty deal, super bargains on hotel rooms, and how something I am eating for breakfast might be causing me to have early dementia. Apparently there are new options for handling my credit card debt, my eyelashes aren’t long enough, and there’s something I can add to my coffee that will burn my belly fat 690 percent faster.

Clearly they don’t check your marital status before sending out their spam. A lady named Veronica wants to know if I am lonely. Another site called Elite Singles asks if I am searching for that special someone. Actually, I am. I’m searching for that special someone who can stop these emails.

My brother Bob has a similar problem, only the source of his emails is even more curious. They are from his car. Bob just bought a brand new Lexus RX 350. It’s loaded with nearly every state of the art gadget you can think of, and it wants to communicate with its owner. Often. The car will email you if you leave a window open, or if you leave the sun roof open, or if you leave a package on the seat, or if you are due for maintainance, or for any number of other reasons. Bob says the most frustrating thing is you can’t email it back to tell it to stop.

It also talks to you, sometimes rather stridently. Bob says the car verbally scolded him when he briefly took his hands off the steering wheel. One time it informed him as to what was in his glove compartment. It can also hold you hostage. If you try to get out of the car when there is traffic coming past, it will refuse to let you out.

And then there are the beeps.

A wide range of beeps, double beeps, long and short beeps. It sounds like Artoo-Detoo, the robot from Star Wars, is in the back seat. The trick is to figure out what each beep is trying to tell you. They could mean anything, from a door left ajar, to a military coup in Bolivia. Bob hasn’t mastered it yet.

Sometimes the car can be downright bossy. It reads the stop signs and street lights in front of you, and will activate the brakes if it doesn’t think you are slowing down quickly enough. Don’t like to wear a seat belt? Too bad. The driver seat won’t adjust until you buckle up. Nor will it adjust if you have an item on the floor behind it.

The side mirrors sense if you’re in a tight spot and will contract on their own. It’s almost impossible to steal this car. Each potential driver must create a profile on the app, and the vehicle won’t start unless it recognizes you. Any intruder will encounter a cascade of beeps, and, probably, another email will be sent to Bob.

Of course, all of these features are designed for safety, and most all of them can be turned off…..theoretically. All the operating instructions can be found on the dashboard display screen, which is large enough to service a small movie theater.

Sean of the South: Sad In Tennessee

But here, too, there is a challenge. You have to decipher the alphabet soup that describes the systems. There is LCA (Lane Change Assistance), DCC (Dynamic Cruise Control), and PDA (Proactive Driving Assistant). There is also LDA, AHS, PCA and more. Fortunately, Bob is smart enough to learn all the acronyms. I would be too SMC (Short-term Memory Challenged) to learn all that stuff.

Technological complexity aside, Bob loves the car and I can see why. I got a ride in it recently and it moves like a dream down the road. You know how most of the newer cars have a rear view camera that shows you the mailbox you just knocked down? Well, the Lexus goes further. Somehow it shows you a birds-eye view of the top of the vehicle, wide enough to see everything around it, so you would not only see the fallen mailbox, but the elderly man in your blind spot who had to dive out of the way. Fortunately, he will probably be warned by various beeps coming from inside the car.

There will come a day when we will climb into our cars, set our destination, then sit back and relax while the vehicle drives itself down the street. This innovative car certainly seems like a transitional step toward that end. Bob drove us to the beach where we watched the majestic waves roll in and dug our toes in the sand. Some of that sand clung to my feet, and wound up getting shaken off on the floormat of the backseat of Bob’s new car. I didn’t mention it to him.

But he’ll probably get an email.

(You can read more from Ken at kenlassblog.com)

By Sean Dietrich, Sean of the South Commentary

A Catholic church. It was lunchtime. The chapel was empty when I wandered in. The janitor was Latino and spoke fractured English. He was elderly, with lily-white hair.

“May I help joo?” he said.

I asked to speak to the priest.

“Have a seat,” the custodian said, “the Padre will be with you shortly.”

I sat in a pew. The church was stone quiet. The A/C compressor kicked on. I could feel the Blessed Virgin looking at me with either disapproval or shock.

Because I’m not Catholic. Not even close. Truthfully, I don’t know what I am. Neither did I know why I was here.

I was raised Southern Baptist. We were the kind of strict people who fought against alcohol and premarital sex because it could lead to bingo.

But today I am broken. Every time I think about the three 9-year-olds who were gunned down in Nashville, my heart shatters. I cannot stop weeping. I think of the three adults who were slaughtered in the hallways, and I fall to pieces.

“I’m not Catholic,” I explained to the custodian.

He shrugged. “Nobody’s perfect.”

I waited for the priest. And the janitor waited with me, which was nice of him.

The old man sat in the pew beside me. We both stared at the intricate stained glass above the altar, glowing like multi-colored fire.

The janitor’s face looked like aged leather. It made me wonder what a man his age was doing, still tying down a nineto-five.

“Joo are not Catholic,” he said, “yet you are here?”

“Well, I figured, how could it hurt?”

He nodded.

More silence.

I looked at the framed paintings of the 14 Stations of the Cross on the chapel walls. Jesus sort of looked like a Ken doll with a beard. “Joo are here for a confession?” the custodian asked me.

“I don’t know. Maybe. I guess I just wanted to talk to someone.”

Nod.

The truth is, I was in Nashville when the school shooting happened. I was only a few miles away from the disaster. I was on the sidewalk when a motorcade of emergency vehicles started zipping by. Sirens were everywhere. Later I drove by the school and my blood went cold.

I can’t quit thinking about it. It makes me so deeply sad I can’t stand it.

“Joo know what I do when I am sad?” the old man said.

“What?”

“I close my eyes, and I just breathe in and out. Like this.”

The old man performed a breathing exercise. I was starting to wonder if this man was all there.

I smiled. “That’s nice.”

“Joo try it.”

“Try breathing?”

“Yes.”

“No thanks, I just had lunch.”

“Try it.”

So I closed my eyes and I

breathed in and out. I felt awkward and idiotic. He seemed very proud that I was breathing.

“And joo know what I do when I breathe?” he said. “I say one word.”

“What word do you say?”

“Dios.”

Then the man proceeded to demonstrate again. He closed his eyes. He breathed inward through his nostrils, slowly, then he exhaled and whispered “Dios.”

“Does it work?” I asked.

“Oh, sí.”

“So it’s basically a oneword prayer?”

He shook his head. “No, sir. It’s not a prayer. It is—how you say?—letting go.”

“Can I ask you a question?” I said.

“Okay.”

“Are you on medication?”

“No, why?”

“Never mind.”

We were quiet for a few minutes. I looked around the sanctuary, wondering where the priest was. I figured he’d forgotten me.

The old man spoke. His voice was melancholy.

“When I was growing up in Mexico, there were evil men in my neighborhood. They kill my little brother when he was a boy. This is why I left Mexico.

“My mother, she was strong, the day we bury my brother, we cried so hard, and she teach us all to close our eyes and breathe just say ‘Dios.’ She tell us that if we know no other words, if we cannot speak, if we are too hurt to move, all you say is ‘Dios, Dios, Dios,’ and this is enough. God will carry you.”

Turns out I didn’t need a priest.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS TO PREQUALIFY AND BID

Notice is hereby provided to contractors who want to bid for Project Name: Gas Leak Survey 2023 of the Utilities Board of the City of Trussville d/b/a Trussville Gas and Water (TG&W).

The general description and approximate principal quantities for the project are as follows:

1. Leak survey of approx. 548 miles of gas main

2. Leak survey of approx. 27,274 gas service lines

3. Advanced Mobile Leak Detection(AMLD) required

Plans, specifications, general conditions, supplementary conditions, addenda, bonds, the contract, bid proposals and other project and contract documents may be obtained from the Engineering Department.

Bids on the subject project will be opened at TG&W Engineering Department, 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

All bids must be delivered to the following address by hand, UPS, FEDEX or other delivery service (Note: USPS cannot deliver to this address) and received by the bid date and time specified:

Trussville Gas and Water

Attention: Bryan Smith, P.E.

6620 Green Drive

Trussville, Alabama 35173

The specifications and contract documents book shall remain intact and shall be submitted complete as the bid in a sealed envelope. The outside of the envelope shall carry the identification:

A. Gas Leak Survey 2023

B. Sealed Bid – Not to be opened until May 1, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

C. Contractor’s State License No.:___________________

Liability insurance certificates shall be required of the successful bidder and such certificates shall list Utilities Board of the City of Trussville, its officers, agents and employees as additional named insured.

A bid shall not be accepted from a contractor that was 90 or more days late completing a contract for TG&W within the previous 5 years.

TG&W reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities.

Curse strikes Mason’s smallmouth fishing bonanza

By David Rainer

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Re-

sources Veteran Tennessee Riv-

er guide Jimmy Mason had been on a roll recently until a phenomenon known only to a specialty segment of the media and their numerous guides struck. That phenomenon is known as the outdoor writer’s curse.

Mason guides mainly on Pickwick and Wilson lakes in northwest Alabama, and his clients had landed eight smallmouth bass that weighed 6 pounds or better. For those who aren’t familiar with smallmouth fishing, that 6-pound mark is the holy grail, similar in accomplishment to catching a 10-pound largemouth bass.

The day before I headed to Florence to join Mason for a day of fishing, the weather forecast indicated only a miniscule chance of rain. When I got to the destination, the rain chances were upped to 40%. Yep, you guessed it – it rained on us almost the entire time we were on the water.

Meanwhile, Mason had to borrow a friend’s bass boat because of trolling motor issues on his new boat.

Undaunted, we launched at McFarland Park and headed for the Wilson Dam tailrace on Pickwick, expecting the smallmouth that had been so willing to bite during the previous week to still be cooperative.

Wrong. We were throwing the favorite swim baits into the current in all of Mason’s honey holes and basically came up empty. After a couple of unproductive hours, I asked him if he’d ever heard of the outdoor writer’s curse. He had no idea what I was talking about.

I texted one of my outdoor writer buddies from Huntsville and told him how tough the fishing was. His response was “outdoor writer’s curse.”

I finally hooked a fish and thought the drought might be coming to an end, but

I soon realized it wasn’t a hard-charging, drag-stripping smallmouth on the line. It was a blue catfish, about 4 pounds.

The next strike, about an hour later, had me a little more excited because of the fight. Nope, it was a 4-pound hybrid striped bass.

After hitting all of Mason’s favorite spots, he said, “Let’s load the boat and head to Wilson.”

About 30 minutes later, we were putting the boat in near the Wheeler tailrace on Wilson, where Mason has had great success.

“How long has it been since you’ve been skunked,” I asked.

“At least a couple of years,” Mason said.

“You probably had an outdoor writer in the boat,” I responded.

Mason finally connected and thought the day might be improving, but it was a 2-pound largemouth. He caught another largemouth and a hybrid before we finally cried “Uncle.”

To cap the frustrating day, and at least add a comical ending to it, I managed to accidentally pull the cord on my inflatable life jacket as we got out on the boat ramp and ended up looking like Chris Farley in the movie Tommy Boy.

I asked Mason when the best time is to catch a trophy smallmouth.

“Until today, I would have said right now,” he laughed.

“You know Pickwick is known

for its smallmouth. So many of my clients come here for that smallmouth of a lifetime. Pickwick and Wilson, which I look at as almost interchangeable, are two of the best lakes to have a chance to catch that 6-pound smallmouth. This time of year, they’re moving up in that pre-spawn feed.”

Mason said the smallmouth bite can happen as early as February when north Alabama has a warm spring, but with normal weather patterns, the smallmouth pre-spawn feed happens during March and can extend into April.

“Current is such a big deal on the Tennessee River,” he said. “You’re looking for eddies. You’re looking for areas where the current will bring the bait to them, like rock piles, gravel bars, shell beds and high spots, anywhere the fish can sit in the slower water and wait for bait coming by in the faster water.”

Mason said those conditions could be available in a variety of water depths from 3 to 5 feet to as deep as 10 to 12 feet.

“During the pre-spawn feed, a lot of fish will get right on the rip-rap banks, the bluff

banks,” he said. “That’s when you can go with crankbaits, like the 200 Bandit in red colors or a Bomber Flat A. You want a bait with a tight wiggle that will get down to 6 to 8 feet. You’re looking to imitate a crawfish. You’ve got to get tight to the rocks, making those long casts parallel to the rocks. The fish are sitting in those little current eddies along the rocks.”

As the spring progresses, the smallmouth start transitioning to spawning activity, but Mason said it’s not like flipping a switch.

“As the water temperature gets into the low to mid 60s, the fish go from looking to feed to spawning,” he said. “And not every fish will spawn at the same time. You’ll still have some pre-spawners.

“More so on Pickwick than Wilson, Pickwick is a drawdown lake, and the fish won’t make a big spawning push until the lake comes up to full pool, which is usually around mid-April.”

When the spawn commences in earnest, Mason switches tactics and baits. He goes from a fast-moving bait, like a swimbait with a ½- to ¾-ounce jighead and 4 ½-inch grub in shad colors, to what he calls a dragging bait, like Yum Dingers, Wacky rigs or small Shaky Head baits.

“You seldom see a smallmouth bedding in Pickwick because they spawn in 4 to 8 feet of water, deeper than you can see,” he said. “I’ve actually only seen one visibly on the bed, so it’s blind bed-fishing. You’re going into those areas with slack water near current with a hard bottom. Using finesse plastics is by far the best way to catch them. When you feel that gravel in the slack

water, you know you’re in the right area.

“The Horseshoe is one of the big spawning areas on Pickwick, but anywhere up and down the lake where you have gravel and slack current, you’ll find spawning smallmouth.”

He also will sometimes use a specific spinnerbait in the spring, a Booyah with a single willow-leaf blade.

“That Hildebrandt blade has really got a lot of thump to it,” Mason said. “One of the key deals in the current is a single No. 5 willowleaf will not rise nearly like a double willowleaf or a willowleaf-Colorado. Those are really hard to keep down in a heavy current.”

When the spawn comes to an end, the fish are hungry again. Mason then returns to his pre-spawn tactics.

“Post-spawn is a really fun time because the fish are back in the feeding mode,” he said. “One of the cool things at that time of the year is the topwater bite gets really good. That’s about the time the shad spawn begins, late April to mid-May. You’ll get a good topwater bite

on the rock banks in the morning.

“When you get down to the mid-lake section where there’s a lot of grass, the shad spawn is really heavy down there from the Colbert Steam Plant down to Waterloo. You can get a good topwater bite on a Super Spook Junior or a halfounce spinnerbait with double willows so you can cover water fairly quickly through the grass. The key that time of year is when you see shad follow your baits, you know the smallmouth are around. That’s a super fun time of the year. That usually lasts two to three hours in the morning. Then you can go back with the soft plastics, like a Carolina-rigged creature bait, or you can slowroll a spinnerbait in a little deeper water. Those fish will pull out just a little bit on those same bars.”

Visit www.northalabama.org/listing/jimmy-mason-guide-service/356/ to learn more about booking a trip with Mason on the Tennessee River. Just remember not to invite an outdoor writer to go with you.

In the past two weeks, Mason’s clients have landed eight smallmouth that weighed 6 pounds or better. (Courtesy of Jimmy Mason)

Guide Jimmy Mason shows off a 6-pound smallmouth landed on Pickwick Lake recently. (Courtesy of Jimmy Mason)

c a L enda R

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Registration

April 5 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Pinson Public Library (RSMC), 4509 Pinson Boulevard Pinson, AL 35126 United States Free (Adults)

Come to Pinson Public Library on Wednesday, April 5th from 10 AM to 12 PM for help registering for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a federally funded program administered by the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries’ Farmers Market Authority Section. SFMNP provides eligible seniors with a $50 benefit card to purchase fresh fruits & vegetables from certified farmers at farmers markets & farm stands in the state of Alabama.

The Pinson Fresh Farmers Market is proud to be a certified market!

The only information you will need to bring for your application is your total HOUSEHOLD INCOME. No documentation is needed; please just know the total.

Eligibility:

*Age – person must be 60 years of age or older the day of application, AND

*Income level – recipients’ gross household income (income before taxes) must not exceed the following limits:

$2,096.00 monthly……for a household of ——1

$2,823.00 monthly……for a household of ——2

$3,552.00 monthly……for a household of ——3

$4,279.00 monthly……for a household of ——4

$5,006.00 monthly……for a household of ——5

$5,735.00 monthly……for a household of ——6

If you are able to register for yourself or to help someone else register, please visit: https://agi.alabama.gov/ farmersmarket/

Children’s Storytime

Thursday, April 06: 10:30am - 11:30am

Trussville - LBK Auditorium

AGE GROUP: EARLY

LEARNERS (BIRTHPRE-K)

EVENT TYPE: STORYTIME, CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

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

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

Yarn Manglers (Knit & Crochet Group)

Thursday, April 06: 2:00pm - 4:00pm Trussville - Cahaba Room

AGE GROUP: ADULT (AGES 18+)

EVENT TYPE: DROP-IN, CRAFT

to investigate the disappearance of Jesus’ body from the tomb.

Easter Weekend with Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

April 8 - April 9

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, 4 Perimeter Park S Birmingham, AL 35243 United States

Medical training available for Veterans & Families!

To learn more, call 866-4751014 (M-F 8am-6pm ET).

HEALTH/BEAUTY

ATTENTION OXYGEN

THERAPY USERS! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. FREE information kit. Call 844-322-9935.

Knitters and crocheters, join us for fellowship and creativity!

Knit & crochet meetup group (aka The Yarn Manglers).

Bring any projects you are working on; join us for fellowship and creativity. This is a great way to check in, catch up, see what everyone is working on, and get help if you are stuck. Please join us - newcomers are welcome!

Join our Facebook group: YARN MANGLERS ANONYMOUS

Let’s Jam!

April 6 @ 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Pinson Public Library (RSMC), 4509 Pinson Boulevard Pinson, AL 35126 United States

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille is ready for an excellent Easter weekend with Rare and Well Done® menu options for the whole family to enjoy both dine-in and to-go. Patrons are invited to dine-in on Easter Sunday with a prixfixe menu or enjoy a family-style meal at home Saturday, April 8 and Sunday, April 9.

Ferus Presents: Greenwood Rye

April 8 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Trussville Entertainment District, 101 Beech Street Trussville, AL 35173 United States

ATTENTION: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - $99 + FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 866505-0828.

FOR SALE

DirecTV Satellite TV Service Starting at $59.99/month!

Free Installation! 160+ channels available. Call Now to Get the Most Sports & Entertainment on TV! 844-5947108

NEED NEW Flooring? Call Empire Today to schedule a Free in-home estimate on Carpeting and Flooring. Call Today! 1-888-381-0916.

UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient

to shop from home. Professional installation. Top quality - Made in the USA. Call for free consultation: 844809-9165. Ask about our specials!

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-6832005

GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. 1-877-323-5516

AUTOMOTIVE

SUPPORT THE BLIND!

Donate a car to the American Council of the Blind. FAST FREE PICKUP. 24-hour response. Running or not. maximum tax deduction and no emission test required! Call 24/7: 844-601-1342.

AUTO INSURANCE from $29 month Free 2-minute Quote! We Compare all Insurance providers offers for you! Lowest Rates! Call Now 866-450-0943

(Teens, 6th-12th graders)

Are you interested in music?

Are you learning to play an instrument or have you been playing for years? Come jam at the library on Thursday, April 6th from 4:00 PM to 5:30 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.

Free Movie: RISEN

April 7 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 6020 Deerfoot Parkway, Trussville, AL 35173, 6020 Deerfoot Parkway Trussville, AL 35173 United States

Greenwood Rye is a modern jam-grass band, formed in Nashville as the house band for the award-winning bluegrass supper club, Jane’s Hideaway. The band, led by Shawn Spencer on Guitar and Vocals, and a main cast of Cat McDonald (Fiddle, Vox), David Freeman (Mandolin, Vox), Taylor Shuck (Banjo), & Leland Nelson (Upright Bass)

The group writes fun, modern songs that are rooted in bluegrass, throwing in some jam-band tendencies, and an occasional kick-drum or delay pedal. And they love performing fresh renditions of eclectic covers of all genres done with the beautiful sounds of acoustic bluegrass instruments.

Easter Sunrise Service April 9 @ 6:30 am - 7:30 am 6020 Deerfoot Parkway, Trussville, AL 35173, 6020 Deerfoot Parkway Trussville, AL 35173 United States

will have Sunday School at 9:00 a.m., and our regular Worship Service at 10:30 a.m.

STEAM for Kids!

Monday, April 10: 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Trussville - LBK Auditorium

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

EVENT TYPE: STEAM, CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

April is National Inventors Month! Ms. Jan, the science lady, of Dynamic Education Adventures will share about some of her favorite Alabama Inventors and provide handson applications of STEAM! This club is open to K - 5th grade students. Registration is Required!

Please join us on Friday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m., for the movie Risen. Risen was released in 2016 and is rated PG-13. The movie focuses on Clavius, a Roman military tribune, who is ordered

Please join us on Sunday, April 9 at 6:30 a.m., for an Easter Sunrise Service. We

o bitua R y

Brian Moody

OctOber 1, 1973 — March 22, 2023

Brian C. Moody, born October 1, 1973 in New Kensington, PA currently of Moody, AL passed away on March 22, 2023.

Brian Moody was a graduate of Parkway Christian Academy. He was an avid Alabama and NASCAR fan. He enjoyed hunting and fishing was his passion. Survivors include his mother, Susan J. McKinley, Stepfathers, William C. McKinley and Joel Battle, sister, Melanie M. Moody, brother Steven Taylor, girlfriend Lisa McCord and beloved dog and best friend Henry Moody.

Jean Woodham Wilhelm

septeMber 10, 1941 — March 23, 2023

Jean Woodham Wilhelm was born September 10, 1941, in Mobile, AL. Jean graduated from Murphy High School in 1959. After graduation, she married Maurice F Wilhelm, Jr. whom she met while working at Merchants Bank in Mobile. They would have celebrated 63 years of marriage in June 2023. She was a devoted wife to her husband Maurice, and loving mother to their five children: Cindy W. Smith (Alan), Doug Wilhelm (Ann), Cheryl W. Burks (Douglas), Steven Wilhelm (Robin), and Donna W. Box (Whit).

She was a loving grandmother to 15 grandchildren: Rebecca Smith Mayhew(Butch), Heather Smith Ferrara(Robert), Brad Smith(Natasha), Brooke Lowe(Hayden), Hunter Wilhelm, Nathan Burks, Chelsea Burks Curtis(Sean), Garrett Burks(Katy), Camp Wilhelm, Ryan Wilhelm, Jonathan Box, Jeremy Box(Kaitlin), Justin Box(Hannah), Jordan Box(Melissa), Joshua Box.

12 great-grandchildren: Lucas Mayhew, Gideon Mayhew, Leah Mayhew, Julia Mayhew, Analeigh Ferrara, Camden Ferrara, Harris Ferrara, Murphy Lowe, Declan Box, Maisie Box, Piper Box, and Blakely Box.

Jean is also survived by her twin sister, Joan Story(Charles), Patricia Grimes(David), Kathy Fleming(Terry), and many nieces and nephews living in Mobile, AL.

She is predeceased by her parents Alvin B. & Harriett Woodham, and her sister Debbie McMillan.

Flowers are appreciated or you might make a memorial gift to a church of your choice in her name.

Funeral services will be Monday, March 27, 2023 at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, AL. Visitation will be at 11:00am and funeral services will be at 12 noon. Graveside service will be immediately following at Jefferson Memorial Cemetery in Trussville, AL.

Margie Caslin

february 1, 1931 — March 30, 2023

Margie Caslin passed away on March 30, 2023 in Birmingham, AL at the age of 92. She is survived by her son, Rick Barlow and sister Bert Howell, as well as her grandchildren Sara Price, Lyle Barlow, Stephane Conner (Shane), and her greatgrandchildren Caleb, Campbell, Bella, Stevie Lynn, and Samantha. Margie is preceded in death by her husband, Bob Caslin, daugther Kimberley Barlow Hill and her son Steve Barlow. Vistation will be held at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville on April 4, 2023 from 11:00 - 12:00 with a graveside service to follow.

Richard Kniep

january 24, 1941 — March 30, 2023

Richard Alvin Kniep, age 82, of Palmerdale, AL was born on January 24, 1941 in Birmingham, AL. He passed away on March 30, 2023. He attended Palmderdale Grammar School and graduated from Tarrant High School in 1959. He attended and was the congregational song leader for many years at First Baptist Church Palmerdale and Doctrinal Bible Church of Roebuck, now Moody, AL. He is preceded by his wife, Brenda Dale Kniep and his parents, Kirk and Erma Kniep. He is survived by his daughter, Karen Dale Cassady and his son, Richard Alvin Kniep, Jr.; grandchildren, Jessica Weiss Pilkinton (Eric), Jerry Albert Weiss (Rachel), Pearce, Kody and Karson Kniep; great grandson, Jude Weiss; siblings, Gaile Kniep Peake (Buddy) and Kirk H. Kniep, Jr. and many nieces and nephews.

AskEddie

6 Strategies for Growing in Grief

Recognize Your Own Strengths

Look back on other challenges you have faced and think about what strategies helped you then. It may be helpful to talk to those who share similar beliefs.

Focus on the Positive Bond

Even though your loved one is gone, it doesn’t mean they must be forgotten or replaced. They will never truly leave you. Instead, focus on your loved one’s legacy and the good memories you have.

Change Negative Thought Patterns

Recognize when your negative thoughts start taking over and change your language. Focus on positive language, such as the courage you are showing while you meet the challenges of loss.

Check-in With Yourself

Take a purposeful look at your journey from time to time. Think about how you have changed. You might even want to keep a journal of your experience so you can see your progress.

Use Your Support Systems

If friends or family offer support, take it, and don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help. If you don’t have friends or family to support you, consider joining a grief support group.

Stay Hopeful

Know that your grief journey will have ups and downs. You can still find joy and happiness again. Think about your future and where you would like to be, and then make small changes to help you reach your goal.

If you have any questions about funeral planning

Stephanie Nix

deceMber 12, 1970 — March 23, 2023

Stephanie Suzanne Nix was born on December 12, 1970 to Jimmie and Linda Nix. Ms. Nix was a graduate of Tarrant High School and attended Jeff State. She was a member of Palmerdale Cross Baptist Church in Pinson. Ms. Nix passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at the age of 52 surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her father, Jimmie Nix. She is survived by her loving mother, Linda Nix and loving brother, Brian Nix.

Pastor Jeff Oates with Palmerdale Cross Baptist Church will preside over the service. Due to an unfortunate family emergency the funeral for Ms. Nix has been postponed untill further notice.

Sundra Morris

january 17, 1946 — March 26, 2023

Sundra M. Morris, age 77 passed away peacefully at her home in Pinson, AL on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Sundra was deeply loved by her family, friends and neighbors and will be missed tremendously. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jerry J. Morris, her parents, and brother. She is survived by her son, Eric J. Morris (Linda) and Rolanda L. Morris. Her 3 beautiful grandchildren, Brittany Crook (Landon), Alex Morris (Cayla) and Alexis Daws (John) and her 4 beautiful great-grandchildren, Grayson, Kaden, Kori Crook and Maleeyah Jefferson. Her sister, Anita McCullough and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews. Special friends, Glenda Jones, Jim and Cathy Alexander and Jerry and Irene Smyly. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Amedisys Hospice and her wonderful caregivers, Shawanna, Regina and Shakinah. Services will be Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville with visitation at 1:00 and funeral at 2:00 pm. Rev. Jerry Speer officiating.

Jay Allen Friedman

deceMber 28, 1959 — March 26, 2023

Birmingham, Alabama

Jay Allen Friedman, 63, passed away peacefully on March 26th, 2023, surrounded by his wife and three children. He was born in New York and was the youngest son of Norman and Lysa Friedman. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida in 1981. He moved to Birmingham, Alabama after college where he lived for over 35 years. He was a caring and loving husband, father, “gdaddy,” and friend. Jay is survived by his wife of over twenty-seven years, Renae; his three children, Jayson (Amber), Logan (Sydney), and Grant; and four grandchildren, Addison, Mason, Lucas, and Andy. He worked as a financial advisor for most of his life where he helped many individuals. He was an avid University of Alabama sports fan and loved to watch westerns on TV. He shared his musical talent by playing his Martin guitar, performing at Carnegie Hall his senior year of high school, in church bands, and for friends and family. He enjoyed his church community at Church of the Highlands. Jay broke numerous records while on the water ski team in college, especially for his ski jumps. He was loved and cared for dearly by his family and friends and will be missed by all.

The funeral service will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, Alabama on April 1st at 2pm. Visitation will begin at 1pm prior to the service. Flowers can be sent to Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, Alabama or donation can be made to the ALS Association of Alabama in Jay’s name.

Samuel McPherson

august 4, 1933 — March 29, 2023

Samuel Ray McPherson was born on August 4, 1933, to the union of Samuel Talmadge McPherson and Ada Louella Sandlin in Birmingham, Alabama. Ray, as his family called him. Received his formal education at Howard College (Samford University). He received a MS Degree in History from the University of Alabama at Birmingham as well as a MS degree in Education from the University of Alabama. Ray served in the US Army as a Sergeant and tank commander in Germany.

Sam was a member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood, Alabama where he served for many years as a Sunday school teacher. He was united in holy matrimony to his sweetheart, Ivory Elaine Friday on April 4, 1959 at Black Creek Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. They were happily married for almost 64 years. Their union was blessed with four children: Emily, David, Mark and Amy.

Sam started his professional career as a school teacher and vice principal at Mortimer Jordan High School where he taught history until 1963. He graduated from F.B.I Academy and joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1963. He served the F.B.I as a field agent in Oklahoma City, OK, Newark, New Jersey, Washington D.C. and Birmingham, AL. He was an instructor for the F.B.I Academy at Quantico, VA from 1972-1976 when he transferred back to his home in Birmingham. He retired in 1986. After retirement, Sam served as the interim police chief of the City of Hueytown and taught criminal justice and history courses at Jefferson State Community College.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed traveling with family and visiting historical sites and battlefield parks. He loved to garden and spend time on his farm in Blount County, Alabama. He had a passion for reading and had a voracious appetite for knowledge. He also enjoyed hi bi-annual McPherson Family Reunions and catching up with relatives. He spent many hours researching his Scottish heritage and family was his legacy.

He is preceded in death by his sisters: Virler Sims and Ruby Duren and his brother, Talmadge McPherson. He is survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine Friday McPherson and his children: Emily McPherson Northington (Dave), David Ray McPherson (Micki), Mark McPherson and Amy McPherson Bramblett (Mike). He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Ryan (Emily), Wesley (Emily), Kate (Brandon), Ben (Marybeth), Erin, Coleman, Claire, Bradley (Anna Elise), Geoffrey, and Jay. He is survived by 10 great grandchildren: Grady, John Wyatt, Mary, Will, Elaina, Millie, Ford, Paulie Faye, Janie, Collins.

A visitation will be held Saturday, April 1, from 11 am – 12 noon at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in Trussville, AL with a chapel service at 12 noon and a short graveside service following.

Bobbie Sample

january 1, 1934 — March 31, 2023

Bobbie Joyce Lee Sample, age 89, of Hoover, Alabama went to be with the Lord on March 31, 2023. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be greatly missed.

Bobbie was married to Donald (Don) Sample for 69 years. Together they established a home rooted in faith with their 3 children. They were members at South Roebuck Baptist Church where Bobbie spent many years teaching 5-yearold Sunday School. In their later years, she and Don were members at Green Valley Baptist Church and spent countless hours quietly serving in the Clothes Closet Ministry.

Bobbie was a stay-at-home mom who treasured this responsibility. She was an excellent cook who always had dinner and a homemade dessert waiting in the kitchen. She was a constant supporter of any activity that involved her children or grandchildren. Bobbie and Don were inseparable and set a great example of what a happy marriage and happy family should look like. They loved their frequent trips to the beach and occasional trips to the mountains.

Bobbie, also known as Mimi, will be greatly missed by her devoted husband, three children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Bobbie is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Lee and Dura Lee. She is survived by her husband, Don Sample, children, Donny (Allison) Sample, Kathy (Hal) Wadsworth and David (Lisa) Sample, her grandchildren, Chris (Megan) Wadsworth, Michael (Madison) Wadsworth, Clay Jones and Abby Jones, and her great-grandchildren, Camille Wadsworth, Mason Wadsworth and Daniel Wadsworth. The family will be holding a private service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Green Valley Baptist Church Food Bank Ministry in her name.

Barbara Ray

august 2, 1936 — March 29, 2023

Barbara Benson Ray (“Mimi”) of Springville, AL was called home to be with our Lord on March 29, 2023, at the age of 86. She was born August 2, 1936 to her loving parents, Lee and Harriett Benson. Barbara was a loving and dedicated wife to her husband of 40 years, Robert M. Ray. She is survived by her husband, her 3 daughters, Nancy (Charles) Jerrolds, Melanie (Ray) Harrison, and Cindy (Jon) Horton, and 2 sons, Robert (Deb) Ray, Jr. and Ricky Ray. She was also a proud grandmother to her 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She was an active member of Central Baptist Church. Barbara was an extraordinarly gifted pianist, who loved to use her gift to glorify God. She played the piano for her church most of her adult life. She loved spending time with her family and friends, and had a way of making everyone feel special. She was loved and cherished by all who were blessed to know her. Her beautiful smile lit up the room. She was a prayer warrior, who loved the Lord with all her heart. She will always remain in our hearts and will be greatly missed.

By John Goolsby

For the Tribune

IRONDALE – Later this month, the NTT IndyCar Series will once again bring the world’s fastest race cars and most diverse drivers to Barber Motorsports Park. The Indianapolis-based series showcases drivers from eleven different countries who race on superspeedways, short ovals, road courses, and street courses. Their 1,600-pound open-wheel cars produce almost 700 horsepower and are capable of reaching speeds of 240 MPH.

George Barber’s creation in Leeds has become one of the best racing venues in the country. The facility is regarded as the “Augusta National” of tracks due to the sheer volume and variety of

High

Barber Keeps On Giving

trees, plants, and flowers on its 880 acres. The picturesque property is home to a worldclass 17-turn, 2.38-mile European-style road course. The IndyCar race weekends have averaged 80,000 people since the first race here in 2010.

Barber is well respected in the racing world and it is a very special place to me. Not only does Barber represents what’s great about Birmingham and Alabama, but it has also given me some fantastic experiences and memories over the years.

Growing up in nearby Irondale, the thought of openwheel cars racing a few miles from my home, in NASCAR country, was incomprehensible. In the early 1980s, the only real way I could keep up with IndyCar or Formula One was through the pages

205-419-5082 205-602-3463

of Road & Trackmagazine. I couldn’t wait to get each month’s issue and devour the stories and results from the previous races. The openwheel racing world might as well have been a million miles away from my 35210 zip code.

As a 12-year-old kid, my dad’s red Craftsman riding lawn mower was, in my young imagination, a Ferrari Formula One car, and the mowing patterns around my house were the most fantastic road courses…even at 4 miles per hour! Nearly four decades later, as I was being strapped into the back of an IndyCar two-seater at Barber, I chuckled to myself when I thought back to those hot summer lawn-mowing days. And for the record, any thoughts I may have harbored of having

the skills to be a professional race car driver were vanquished by the time we exited turn 3. I went to Barber in its infancy for the Grand-Am Sports Car Series races. However, in the fall of 2007, the unlikely occurred. I was among the hundred or so people who showed up to watch IndyCars take the track for the first time.

Barber gave me many memories that day. Conversations with Tony Kanaan, Danica Patrick, and Scott Dixon were some of the highlights.

I will always cherish my conversation with Dan Wheldon, the two-time Indy 500 champion, who tragically passed away in an accident five years later. Another memory from that day was talking to Helio Castroneves as he raced in

from shooting Dancing With The Stars in Los Angeles.

Even though he was in a hurry to test, he took the time to speak with me and answer my questions.

Barber gave me a friendship that day. An Auburn professor who happened to be a huge IndyCar fan, Dr. Dennis DeVries, drove up from the plains for that first test. Dennis and I have watched races and tests in the heat, the rain, the cold, and in storms. Whatever the crazy Alabama spring has thrown at us, we’ve “weathered” it over the past 15 years. Last year Dennis and I watched our 12th IndyCar race together with family and friends.

Barber gave me the “Father of the Year” and “World’s Worst Dad” awards on the same day. One year I was

given the opportunity to take a lap around Barber in the pace car. There was one slight problem; my son, Drew, was with me. He had made the annual trip to the track with me since he was five. Usually, it wasn’t a problem to find a place for him because “Mr. Dennis” would typically keep an eye on him. On this day, Dennis had not yet made it to the track. “Where am I going to put him?” I wondered as we queued up in line. A Honda representative gave me a wink and whispered, “he can go.”

As I attempted to explain to the official that my son wasn’t even close to the legal age, he shushed me and pointed to the waiver. With the legalities out of the way, we dashed across

See BARBER, Page 16

John and Drew Goolsby (Photo by John Goolsby) John Goolsby and Dennis DeVries (Photo by: John Goolsby) Drew Goolsby and Mario Andretti (Photo by: John Goolsby)

Shades Valley gets victories over Jackson Olin and Midfield

By John Goolsby

For the Tribune

IRONDALE-Shades Val-

ley (8-9) bounced back from a six-game losing streak with two wins over Jackson-Olin 13-3 and Midfield 15-0 Saturday.

Mountie head coach Darryl Dunbar said the break helped his team. “We took the week to clear our minds mentally,” he said. “We agreed that this would be the day we turn our season around one game at a time.”

The Valley pitching was solid, with fourteen strikeouts, no hits, and three runs. Offensively the Mounties banged out 18 RBIs, 12 hits, and stole 25 bases in the two games.

In the first game against Jackson-Olin, Valley used a trio of Mountie pitchers to keep the Mustangs off bal-

ance. The Mounties recorded seven strikeouts against the visitors.

Valley’s Avery Prichard, Steve Brown, Izzy Davis, and J’Cauis Moore had RBIs in the fourth inning, and the Mounties exploded for seven runs to put the game away.

The Mounties faced off with the Patriots in the night capper and held Midfield hitless and scoreless.

The Mountie bats remained hot and scored twelve runs in the second inning to put the game out of reach.

Prichard led the team with three runs, while Clayton Garrison, Jacaryous Burrow, Davis, and Brown scored twice.

Ty Tippett and Burrow had two RBIs against the Patriots. Brown stole four bases against Midfield.

Shades Valley plays at Mountain Brook Tuesday.

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

TRUSSVILLE – In 2023,

the Springville Tigers and Moody Blue Devils had spectacular seasons in both boys and girls basketball with all teams either winning or playing for the county and area championship, hosting region games, winning region championships and getting to the Alabama State Playoffs. The players and coaches who made it all possible were recognized as the Saint Clair County All-County Teams were announced recently, along with MVP players and Coach of the Year selections.

Making the girls All-County team were Springville’s Audrey Talton, Farrah Hawkins and Bella Bullington.

The Lady Tigers finished the season 20-12, won their seventh-straight area championship, and made it to the Sweet Sixteen of the Alabama State Playoffs. Hawkins was also voted as the County MVP.

Head Coach Warren House said the following about his All-County players, “Farrah is just a good, solid player. She handles and shoots the ball well and provides a lot of energy on both sides of the ball. She led in points, steals, deflections and second in rebounding on our team. A key component of the

team. She had big moments often throughout the year and gave us sparks when we needed it. With Bella, she gives us a good solid performance. She led us in rebounds and scored a lot. She’s a mainstay and she’s got another year left. Her and Farrah have been major components for our team. Audrey, we really hated she got hurt at the end of the year and missed out at the end and in the playoffs. Her and Farrah were the big threepoint threats. It opens up a lot when you’ve got 2 girls who can shoot it like that. That opened up a lot for us. She’s a solid ball handler. She was under the radar and got a lot of the ‘dirty’ plays and points for us. She is really tough and solid while not being as flashy as some others.”

For Moody’s girls, Tori Pyles, Tarryn Woodall and Emma Kile were selected to the All-County Team. Head Coach Becca Davis was chosen as the Saint Clair County Coach of the Year for 2023 as well. The Blue Devils finished the season 18-8 with a trip to the Alabama State Playoffs.

“We played a higher level of basketball this season than we’ve been able to produce previously,” said Coach Davis. “It’s always nice to have individual performances recognized, but we still place a superior emphasis on

team accomplishments. Tori, Tarryn and Emma paved the way for much of our success, but they would tell you their teammates deserve acknowledgement too. Being named SCC Coach of the year is a special honor. I’m a country girl. Our program wants to play the game in a way that positively represents our families, school and county. My success is credited to my support system. I have a wonderful staff. Kristan Cromer makes all of us better basketball players. Adding Madison Dillashaw and Kelsey Ryker this year has brought us a new energy on the bench. I am blessed to have them and our faculty supporting me.”

On the boy’s side, Moody’s Kolby Seymour, Davion Dozier and Caden Helms were selected. The Blue Devils finished the season 19-13 with their first-ever appearance in the Sweet Sixteen of the Alabama State Playoffs. Dozier also earned County MVP honors and Head Coach Chad Bates was voted Saint Clair County’s Coach of the Year.

“Caden had a great year,” said Coach Bates. “His presence on the court helped our offensive spacing. When he started taking it to the basket and hitting some pull-up shots, it made him tough to defend. Kolby was irreplace-

able for us on defense. His instincts and motor make him special. Davion is a great young man, who happens to be very talented. He set the tone for us on both offense and defense. Super proud of him for earning the MVP for the season. It was a great year for us as a team and I am super proud of all of our guys and coaches. Getting Coach of the Year is just a reflection of how blessed I am to get to work with these young men every day.”

For Springville’s boys, Brodie Frederick, Collin Lockhart and Ty Harrison were selected as All County players. The Tigers finished the season 21-11 with an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen of the Alabama State Playoffs.

“We had 5 or 6 players worthy of being selected, but only 3 were chosen. That speaks to the depth of our team and how different players stepped up throughout the season,” said Springville coach Brandon Easterwood. “Brodie, Collin and Ty upheld the standard for Springville basketball. I am very proud of their effort and accomplishments. We only played 2 county teams all season and they are both in our area. It makes it difficult for other county schools to know how good our players really are.”

2023 Saint Clair County All-County Girls Basketball Team

(Photo by: Tucker Webb/The Daily Home)

Shades Valley's Avery Prichard (Photo by: Darryl Dunbar)

2023 Saint Clair County All-County Boys Basketball Team (Photo by: Tucker Webb/The Daily Home)

Hewitt Trussville and Springville own Gulf Shores Classic III

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

GULF SHORES

– The Hewitt Trussville Huskies and Springville Tigers took a trip to the beach for spring break but it was a bit different from the trip many students took this week. This was a business trip and the fact that these two teams from the Trussville Tribune coverage area came home with both the first and second place trophies says all you need to know about how seriously these ladies took the challenge. While both teams did squeeze in some fun this week, they were focused on the task at hand and neither team would disappoint.

On day one, in pool play, the Huskies scored wins over Forest High School (7-0), Enterprise (3-2) and Wilson (3-1). Meanwhile, Springville took on Dale County (7-0), the top-ranked 7A team in the state, Thompson (2-7 loss) and Community High (9-0), going 2-1 for the day.

Day two was shortened by weather but Hewitt got in a game, a 2-1 win over Hokes Bluff, and Springville likewise got one in and blasted Colbert County 9-0. The third and final day was a long one for both teams

as Springville played 5 games and the Huskies played in 4 themselves. Hewitt beat Houston Academy 10-1, Hoover 5-3 and Vestavia 5-1, making it to the championship game. Springville beat Kaneland 11-0, avenged the earlier loss to Thompson with a 3-0 win over the Warriors, beat Hartselle 7-2 and Spain Park 6-4, leading to the championship showdown with the Huskies.

In the championship game, the Hewitt Trussville flexed their muscle and got a big win over the Springville Tigers by a score of 12-0. In typical fashion, Sara Phillips threw a gem in the championship game, allowing no runs against the red-hot bats of the Springville Tigers.

For the weekend, Phillips was brilliant, pitching 15 innings, getting 4 wins, 26 strikeouts and allowing no earned runs. Shelby Hathcock had a good week for the Tigers, doing most of the pitching for Springville, pitching 20 innings, earning 5 wins and 15 strike outs. Georgia Chancellor also got key wins over Thompson and Spain Park for the Tigers.

Springville coach JP Taruc had the following to say about how his team did in the Gulf

Huskies Shine At Over The Mountain Challenge

By John Goolsby For the Tribune

HOMEWOOD – The Huskies turned in another outstanding performance last weekend at the Over The Mountain Challenge at Waldrop Stadium in Homewood.

“We appreciate Homewood hosting a high-quality small meet before spring break,” said Hewitt head coach Tom Esslinger. “It really gave us a great opportunity to put down a lot of personal bests heading into the break.”

points. Mountain Brook was third with 147 points.

Hewitt came away with victories in numerous events:

• Boys 4×100 Meter Relay:

Nathan Thomas Malachi

Johnson Jadon Loving

Michael Igbinoghene, 42.29

Boys 1600 Meter Run:

Wes Ellison, 4:24.12, AL

Top 10 • Girls 100 Meter Hurdles:

Tori Mack, 14.66, AL Top 10

• Girls 100 Meter Dash:

Shores Classic, “I am extremely proud of my girls for beating the number 1 team in 7A (Thompson), beating the number 2 team in 6A (Hartselle) and beating the number 5 team in 7A (Spain Park) all in one day during bracket play. However, we lost to the number 3 team in 7A (Hewitt Trussville) in the championship game. Gulf Coast Classic was loaded with great softball teams. I always like to enter this tournament because you’re going to play the best of the best in different classifications. It makes us tougher in the long run. Plus shows us what we need to work on to get better. I hate we lost the championship game but I am extremely proud of my girls for competing throughout the tournament. I have a great group of girls who are willing to play as one and win as one.”

Hewitt coach Taylor Burt said this about her team’s performance, “We started slow but came out an played our best when it mattered in elimination. Our bats were not great the first couple of days bur the girls really showed up on day 3. Our pitchers did great and we really per-

The girls finished in second place with a score of 179 points. Homewood’s girls took first place with 197

The boys came away with another team victory. The Huskies scored 210.5 points to beat host Homewood with 152 points. The Spartans of Mountain Brook finished in third with 120.5 points.

Brianna Beckham, 12.13, AL Top 10 Girls 800 Meter Run: Av-

ery Cahoon, 2:17.28, AL Top 10

Blue Devils have good showing in Perfect Game Hoover Bucs Classic

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

HOOVER – The Moody Blue Devils competed in the Perfect Game Hoover Bucs Classic at Hoover High School in the latter part of the Spring Break week, playing games Wednesday thru Saturday. While Moody won just 2 of the 5 games they played, the competition was really stiff and the Blue Devils fought through an 0-3 start to win the final 2 games of the event.

In game 1 on Wedenseday, Moody drew the host Hoover Bucs, who are ranked seventh in 7A in Alabama. Hoover got the win by a score of 10-7. The Blue Devils dug themselves a hole in the third, after

two scoreless innings of play, allowing Hoover to jump all over them with 8 runs. Despite the 8-0 deficit, the Blue Devils would not go away. Hoover would make it 9-0 before Moody would get 2 runs in the sixth, yielding another run to Hoover to make it 10-2

heading into the seventh inning. Moody gave it all they had, putting up 5 runs in the final inning, but it would not be enough to overcome the deficit incurred in the third inning. Carson Mitchell and

See GULF SHORES, Page 16

Hewitt Trussville Lady Huskies Softball team, winners of the 2023 Gulf Shores Classic

(Photo by HTHS Athletics)

Brianna Beckham, Jayda Hammonds, and Audre Benson (Photo By: Neil Slaughter)

Moody's Bryant Hardin with the pitch. (Photo by: Kelsea Schafer)

Moody’s Mason Morris with the throw. (Photo by: Kelsea Schafer)

Barber

From page 13

pit lane and jumped into the car. “Who does this; who takes a chance with their kid on a race track?” Those questions quickly disappeared when I saw the smile on my son’s face. Who was behind the wheel? Conor Daly, who just happened to be one of my son’s favorite drivers at the time.

Barber gave me the opportunity to meet drivers that I had only read about in magazines. I always wanted to meet the legends of Indycar: Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Rick Mears, Johnny Rutherford, and Roger Penske. Thanks to Barber, I’ve met and talked to them all. And there at Barber, all those years later, I gave Mario Andretti, Daytona 500 winner, Indy 500 winner, IndyCar Champion and Formula One World Champion, a laugh as I told him about my fascination with open-wheel racing as a kid in Irondale.

Barber gave me the opportunity to spend time with IndyCar media legends. I talked to the late-Robin Miller, the longtime Indianapolis journalist, in the paddock about Barber’s place in the IndyCar universe. “Barber is awesome; all the drivers love it and bring their families,” he said. “Of course, the Indy 500 is number one, the Long Beach Grand Prix is number two, and Barber is number three.” That was pretty high praise from the veteran journalist.

Barber gave me the opportunity to glimpse the past. At a Legends of Motorsports event at Barber, I watched vintage 1970s-era Formula One cars take their place on the starting

Gulf Shores

From page 15 formed well in the situations we needed to, to win.”

The Huskies are now riding a 21-game winning streak with a 25-4 overall record

Huskies

grid. Mechanics, in retro uniforms, busily prepared their cars while “grid girls”, decked out in the period’s clothes, held umbrellas for drivers. As the PA system blasted The Doors’ L.A. Woman, it wasn’t too difficult to imagine I was standing at Brands Hatch, Monza, or Watkins Glen in 1972. Barber has given me the opportunity to see the racing world through the eyes of my son. Drew has met dozens of drivers, almost every Indy 500 winner since 1961, been invited into A.J. Foyt Racing’s garage by the legend himself, had his picture taken with Formula One World Champions Mario Andretti and Fernando Alonso, sat in the car with race winner Simon Pagenaud in victory circle, attended chapel with IndyCar Ministry, eaten in Andretti Autosports’ hospitality, and taken laps around the track to name a few of his unique experiences at Barber. However, I suspect riding Michael Jackson’s Ferris wheel like Bubbles, the chimp, has probably fallen out of his top 10.

Barber is a jewel of Birmingham and offers fans the opportunity to spend quality time with family outdoors and the chance to make amazing memories. If you have not had the opportunity to make it out to an IndyCar race at Barber, do yourself a favor and make plans to attend April 28-30.

You won’t be disappointed, Barber is still giving. ZOOM Motorsports does an absolutely amazing job of promoting events at the track. Tickets can be purchased at indyalabama.com or by calling 877332-7804.

heading into a game at home against Oak Mountain on Tuesday.

Springville moves to 22-4 on the season and the schedule does not get easier as they head to Hoover to take on the Buccaneers on Tuesday night.

From page 15

Girls 200 Meter Dash: Brianna Beckham, 24.97, AL Top 10

• Girls Triple Jump: Haley Melton, 34-7, AL Top 25

• Girls Long Jump: Haley Melton, 16-6.50, AL Top 50, Personal Record Girls Discus Throw: Madisyn Hawkins, 122-6, AL Top 10

• Boys Shot Put: DJ Carter, 54-0, Number 1 in state

• Boys Javelin Throw: Blake Barlow, 157-6, AL

Top 25

• Boys Pole Vault: Daniel James, 13-6, AL Top 25

Blue Devils

From page 15

Mason Morris would lead at the plate for the Blue Devils with 2 RBI each while Brady Dodd and Thomas Taylor split time on the mound. Dodd allowed 8 runs on 7 hits and struck out 2 while Taylor allowed 2 runs on 2 hits.

Game 2 would be on Thursday against a mostly unknown team, as the Bingham Miners traveled from Utah to compete in the event and that is who Moody would play this time around. Bingham is ranked fourth in 6A in the state of Utah. This one would be back and forth most of the game. Bingham would strike first with a run in the first and then 3 in the second, but Moody would answer with 3 of their own in the second inning to make it 4-3 Miners. Slow and steady was the plan for Bingham though, as they put up another run in the third to go up 5-3. After a scoreless fourth, Bingham would put up 3 more runs in the fifth and another 2 in the sixth. Moody was scoreless in those innings. Now, down 10-3, Moody found itself in the bottom of the final inning with a big hole to dig out of. Once again, the Blue Devils

• The following Hewitt athletes turned in Personal Best performances: Girls 400 Meter Dash: Hailey Tolbert, 1:00.75, AL Top 50, Arianna Fisher, 1:03.17, Sara Slaughter, 1:04.63 and Rachel Purnell, 1:06.02

• Boys 400 Meter Dash: Manny Cazeau, 49.91, AL Top 25, Tyrone Reese, 50.58, AL Top 25, Lane Teal, 52.83

• Girls 100 Meter Hurdles: Haven White, 16.62, AL

Top 50

• Boys 110 Meter Hurdles: Dylan Cope, 15.92, AL

Top 50 Boys 100 Meter Dash:

would show grit and pride and would score 3 runs in the inning, coming up 4 runs short in the 10-6 loss to the Miners. Landon Cherry, Kolby Seymour and Johnny Earl would lead the Blue Devils with 2 hits each from the plate. On the mound, Bryant Harden would take the loss, pitching 5 innings and allowing 8 runs on 7 hits.

Friday brought another top 20 team in 7A in Alabama as Moody would take on Briarwood Christian to start the day. The Moody bats were consistent in this one, as they scored in each inning from the second to the sixth. This game required extra innings as it was tied at 6 runs each after regulation. After a scoreless eighth inning, Briarwood put 4 runs on the board in the ninth and Moody could not get anything going in the bottom of the inning, yielding to Briarwood by a score of 10-6. Bourne Grant had a good game, hitting the ball 4 out of the 5 trips to the plate and driving in 2 runs. On the mound, Colby Graves and Cherry (who took the loss) pitched most of the game with Graves giving up 6 runs on 5 hits and striking out one while Cherry gave up 4 runs on 2 hits and struck out 2.

Michael Igbinoghene, 10.88, AL Top 10, Jadon

Loving, 11.00, AL Top

25, Malachi Johnson, 11.04, AL Top 25, Nathan

Thomas, 11.06, AL Top

25, Hudson Bates, 11.08, AL Top 50 and Colin Wadsworth, 11.10, AL

Top 50 Girls 800 Meter Run: Mary Durham, 2:29.85, AL Top 50

Boys 800 Meter Run: Garrett Yokeley, 2:07.57

• Girls 200 Meter Dash: Rachel Purnell, 29.00

• Boys 200 Meter Dash: Malachi Johnson, 22.13, AL Top 10, Colin Wadsworth, 22.22, AL Top 10,

Later in the day Friday, Moody took on Lincoln County, a team out of Tennessee, also ranked in the top 20 in their state. This time, the Blue Devils would get a different result though. After 3 scoreless innings, the Blue Devils would strike first in the fourth inning, getting a run on the board. Lincoln would answer in the fifth with 2 runs but Moody would tie it up in the sixth inning, making the seventh inning a crucial one. All Moody did was put up 4 runs while holding Lincoln to just 1 and the Blue Devils walked away with a 6-3 win, their first win of the event. Grant would drive in 3 RBI while Chase Marshall went the distance in the win, allowing just 2 hits and 3 runs while striking out 11 batters.

The final game of the event for Moody would be against an opponent closer to home in the Oak Mountain Eagles on Saturday. The fireworks started early as Oak Mountain outscored Moody 3-2 in the first inning. After a scoreless second and third, Moody would return the favor, outscoring the Eagles 3-2 and tying the game at 5 each. In the sixth inning, Moody would put 3 runs on the board to take the lead at 8-5

Hudson Bates, 22.73, AL Top 50, Daniel Hickman, 23.44

Boys Discus Throw: Skyler Carrillo, 126-9, AL

Top 50

• Boys Shot Put: Caleb Sears, 41-11

• Boys Javelin Throw: Aaron Tan, 142-7, AL Top 50

Boys High Jump: Dylan Cope, 6-0, AL Top 50

“I thought all of our athletes competed hard and gave it their best at the meet,” Esslinger said. “They have a well-deserved down week for spring break, and we are really looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish the rest of the year.”

and they would never lose it. Oak Mountain would put up one more run in the seventh, but that would not be enough to beat the Blue Devils. 8-6 would be the final and Moody would end the event on a 2-game winning streak. Cherry and Grant would get 2 RBI each at the plate while Payton Isbell got the win from the mound, pitching all 7 innings. Isbell allowed 6 runs on 10 hits while striking out 6 in the winning effort.

“The whole tourney we played lights out,” said Moody coach Eamonn Kelly. “I know we only won 2, but we played some top teams. Two from another state. We saw a lot of great arms which will only prepare us for what’s ahead. The last two wins were huge for us. This week could have gone one of two ways. Get beat by some really good teams or go and compete and see what happens. We did the latter and picked up some quality wins and took some really good teams to the wire. I am really proud of how we competed and what we were able to accomplish being one of the smaller teams.”

The Blue Devils, now 1310 overall, will look to keep that momentum going as they travel to Ramsay on Tuesday.