The Trussville Tribune – April 24 - 30, 2024

Moody residents charged in elder fraud scheme

From Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –Five people, including two Moody residents, have been charged in an elder fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples on Wednesday. In March, a twelve-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charged Mykia

See

FRAUD, Page 3

Gardendale man killed after metal beam strikes car

on I-65

From Tribune staff reports

JEFFERSON COUNTY

– A Gardendale man died after debris struck his vehicle Monday morning near Warrior, according to Senior Trooper Vu Quang.

According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office,

See DEBRIS CRASH, Page 7

Springville honors high school principal for service to the city

By Terry Schrimscher

Springville — The City Council of Springville honored Gregory D. Moore Jr. with a proclamation Monday night, April 15 during the second regularly scheduled council meeting of the month. Moore, who serves

See PRINCIPAL, Page 5

Pinson Trade Days setting up shop May 4

monthly event, held in the Pinson Entertainment and Business District, features food trucks, vendor booths, and a cruise in for car enthusiasts.

Businesses interested in

Springville City Council members blast mayor for hosting marijuana event

By Chris Basinger Staff Writer

SPRINGVILLE, Ala.–

Springville City Council members were blindsided last Friday afternoon by the announcement that Mayor Dave Thomas would be hosting a “420 Fest” over the weekend in St. Clair County.

As first reported by 1819 News, Thomas said some people will be partaking in marijuana at the event, which was scheduled for April 20, but that he would not be.

Multiple Springville city councilors said Thomas did not inform the council of the event and that the City of Springville had no involvement in it.

“He never ceases to amaze me. He continuously embarrasses me, the council, the City of Springville, and St. Clair County,” Councilor Sherry Reaves said, adding that marijuana is still illegal in the state.

“It’s just ridiculous. We’re supposed to be an example

for the city as council members and I just don’t understand why he thinks he has to put that out there.”

Councilor David Vinson said he does not support drug use and that the city council

had not endorsed the event.

“This is the first I’ve heard of it and it’s not something that I would condone myself,” Vinson said.

Councilor Austin Phillips, who was also surprised

by the news, said, “I don’t subscribe to that lifestyle, that’s not what I take part in, and I don’t really think I condone what’s going on

See MAYOR, Page 2

Trussville celebrates second annual Heritage Days festival

TRUSSVILLE, Ala.–The Cahaba Homestead Heritage Foundation (CHHF) hosted its second annual Heritage Days festival over the last week, joining together with the community to celebrate the Cahaba Project and Trussville’s history.

workshop, and a performance by the Birmingham Heritage Jazz Band at Trussville’s Gateway Entertainment District.

The festival was capped off on Sunday with a tour of three historic local homes, including the oldest house in Trussville–the Hickman-Yarbrough house.

members’ knowledge of local history.

Cahaba Homestead Heritage Foundation Historian Gary Lloyd served as host for the evening.

Steve Waid, Johnny Orr, and Nina Orr competed in the first game.

Arthur Payne, Tandi Glenn Smith, and George Glenn.

Glenn came out on top and won a vintage basket from Trussville Antique Mall filled with hydrangeas, items donated by the Cahaba River Society and CHHF, and a LaFarre gift card.

HewittTrussville ranked 8th best high school in Alabama

From Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — U.S. News and World Report, long known for ranking American colleges and universities, has released the 2024 list of rankings for high schools in each state and nationally. Hewitt-Trussville High

See

Irondale breaks ground on new public library

By Chris Basinger Staff Writer

IRONDALE, Ala. – The City of Irondale broke ground at the future site of the new Irondale Public Library Thursday afternoon, celebrating the city’s latest project that looks to “build community, build the future.” Irondale City Council members, library staff,

See LIBRARY, Page 3

City of Irondale breaks ground on redeveloped Ruffner Park

By Chris Basinger Staff Writer

IRONDALE, Ala. – The City of Irondale held a formal groundbreaking for the new baseball and softball fields at Ruffner Park Wednesday morning. Elected officials, construction contractors, public

See RUFFNER PARK,

Moody mayor proclaims Parental Alienation

Nathan Prewett

The week-long event featured the Alabama Plein Air Artists painting scenes of Trussville, the Gee’s Bend Quilters two-day quilting

Last Tuesday night even featured Trussville’s very own version of Jeopardy at the Trussville Public Library, which tested nine community

Waid was the eventual winner and took home prizes provided by ACE Hardware, CHHF, the Trussville Chamber of Commerce, and Munoz Mexican Grill.

Debbie Waid won the final game of the night, which also featured Jake Garrett and Jenna Jones.

Waid was awarded a prize

The second game featured

See HERITAGE DAYS, Page 6

See PREVENTION, Page 4 See PINSON, Page 3

From Tribune staff reports

Springville Council and Mayor Thomas, October 2, 2023.

Plein Air art painted during the week. Chris Basinger/T russville Tribune Community members compete in Trussville Jeopardy. Courtesy of Amy Peterson O’Brien.

Trussville, AL 35173

(205) 533-8664

Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com

Chris Basinger, Staff Reporter chris.basinger@trussvilletribune.com

Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor news@trussvilletribune.com

Jana Matthews, Finance Manager

Brookelyn Rush, Office Manager

Leigh Hays, Director of Sales & Marketing

Butch Cole, Sales

Alabama woman struck, killed while sitting in roadway

From Tribune staff reports

MARION COUNTY — A

single-vehicle crash involving a pedestrian that occurred at approximately 3:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, has claimed the life of a Brilliant

with this coming up this weekend.”

He added, “I certainly would not have supported this on any sort of a governmental level.”

When speaking to 1819 News last week, Mayor Thomas, who has been open about his support for legalizing marijuana, said the event would be “family-friendly”

woman, according to Senior Trooper Cody Farrar of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

“The pedestrian, Tiffany L. Matlock, 30, who was sitting in the roadway, was fatally injured when she was

and will be similar to other 420 celebrations being held across the state.

“It’s really about walking the talk. This wasn’t just a campaign thing,” Thomas explained. “I mean come on. Look at the serious issues facing this state and this nation and we want to spend our limited resources and time on harassing adults making adult decisions for themselves on, you know a perfectly natural plant product that requires

struck by the 1996 Chevrolet C1500 driven by Anthony D. Acker, 53, of Brilliant,” Farrar said. “Matlock was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

The crash occurred on Alabama 233 near the 13 mile

zero processing.”

“We’re not out here getting stupid,” he said. “Actually, we’re out here trying to inform and educate. You know, here we are putting on a 420 Fest and we’re doing life right. In fact, I’m encouraging people to ask questions and make comments because if they want to have an intelligent, rational, informed conversation about drugs, drug addiction, that sort of thing, let’s have one.”

marker, approximately six miles northeast of Brilliant, in Marion County. No further information is available as Troopers with the ALEA Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.

Representatives of the Alabama Cannabis Coalition will also be in attendance and are helping organize 420 Fest, which will be held at Little Canoe Creek Campground off Beulah Circle.

“We’re going to have a good time unless somebody comes and shuts us down,” Thomas said. “The only people that can do that are law enforcement because we’re out in the county. There are no ordinances.”

Library

From front page

friends of the library, building contractors, and community members gathered at the grounds to mark the occasion.

“We’re just excited with all of the activity that’s going on in the city,” Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. said.

“When we work on these things for such a long time and nobody can see what’s

Elder Fraud

From front page

Henderson, 32, of Moody, Cynthia H. Mixon, 50, of Fairfield, and Corey Webb, 44, of Moody, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. According to the indictment, between December 2020 and February 2022, Mixon and Henderson, who are mother and daughter, were the caretakers for the elderly victim. Corey Webb was Henderson’s husband.

During that time, the three defendants allegedly devised a scheme to defraud the victim by charging the victim’s

going on behind the scenes, it brings you great joy that you can have the community to come out and to be able to celebrate the successes that are going on in the city.”

Construction on the new library, located at 1032 Grants Mill Road, is set to begin in a couple of weeks.

When it opens, the 16,000-square-foot library will double the size of the existing facility, providing room

credit cards through accounts set up by Square, Inc. and Stripe, Inc., issuing checks to themselves drawn on the victim’s bank accounts, and transferring the funds they received to their own personal bank accounts.

Two additional defendants have also been charged related to this scheme–Whitney Wallace, 33, of Birmingham and Shakira English, 23, of Birmingham.

In March, Wallace, who was employed as the victim’s house cleaner, was charged with wire fraud.

Between December 2021 and March 2022, Wallace allegedly stole the victim’s credit card information and

for an upgraded collection, technology spaces, and community meeting areas.

Stewart added that the new location will make the library more accessible and hopes that the community will be able to enjoy the new facility for a long time.

“One of my goals when I became the mayor was to leave the city in a better condition than it was before I got here and hopefully, one day,

continued using the card to make purchases for personal items after she stopped working for the victim.

Wallace used the fraudulently obtained credit card information to allegedly purchase items from Amazon. com, Target.com, and DoorDash in the amount of approximately $43,227.12.

In January, English, a hairdresser, was charged in an eleven-count indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

my grandkids will get an opportunity to go to all of these buildings and they will see their granddaddy’s name on there as being an individual that really made a tremendous impact in the city of Irondale while he had an opportunity to be a public servant,” Stewart said.

The new library is expected to open in 12-18 months and has a price tag of approximately $8.55 million.

She maintained a payment-processing account with Square, Inc. that she would use to charge customers’ credit or debit cards for payment.

Between May 2020 and October 2021, English allegedly used her Square, Inc. account to fraudulently charge the victim’s credit cards over $130,000 and then transferred the funds into her personal bank account.

The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and for wire fraud is 20 years in prison. The mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated identity theft is two years.

The Mountain Brook Police Department and FBI investigated the case while Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan S. Rummage is prosecuting the case.

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HTHS

From front page

School is ranked 8th best in Alabama and was the 6th highest ranked traditional high school.

The publication ranked HTHS 12th in 2023 and 15th in 2022. While the Huskies have consistently ranked in the publication’s top 20 high schools in Alabama, this is the school’s first top 10 finish since the rankings began about a decade ago.

HTHS Principal Aaron King credited the hard work and dedication to excellence of the HTHS faculty, staff and students.

“Our new #8 ranking is a win for the entire community,” King said. “We rely on the support of our parents, guardians and students as well as the taxpayers of Trussville to do what we do best as educators. Every teacher, counselor, and administrator in Trussville help to play a part in the success of Hewitt-Trussville High School. We are excited to celebrate this waypoint as the we move the school along our upward path.”

The top two spots went to magnet schools in Montgomery and Huntsville where students must qualify for admission. Another magnet school in Montgomery was ranked at No. 9.

Among traditional high schools, Homewood High School was highest ranked in Alabama at No. 3, followed by No. 4 Mountain Brook High School, No. 5 Vestavia Hills High School, No. 6

Pinson

From front page

James Clemens High School, and No. 7 Spain Park High School. Following HTHS at No. 8 and rounding out the top 10 was Bob Jones High School at No. 10.

“A great high school educates all of its students from different social and economic backgrounds, exposing them to challenging coursework on the path to graduation,” the publication stated in the article. “The highest ranked U.S. public schools in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best High Schools rankings are those whose students demonstrated outstanding outcomes above expectations in math, reading and science state assessments, earned qualifying scores on an array of college-level exams, and graduated in high proportions.”

Rankings were reached by summing school’s weighted scores across six indicators of school quality, then computing a single zero to 100 overall score reflective of a school’s performance across these metrics. The overall scores depict how well each school did on a national percentile basis. For example, a school with a score of 60 performed in the 60th percentile among all schools in the rankings. Hewitt-Trussville’s score was 94.57.

Hewitt-Trussville High School

Irondale officials and library staff break ground at the future site of the new public library. Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune

A concept of the new Irondale Public Library.

Trussville Witches Ride accepting beneficiary nominations

From Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –Trussville Witches Ride has opened its nomination process up to the community to help determine who will be the beneficiary of the group’s fifth annual event this October.

The nonprofit, whose mission is “witchy women riding for a local cause,” aims to raise funds for a Trussville resident in need who could benefit from the support of the community.

“The community’s involvement in nominating beneficiaries has been crucial to

Prevention

From front page

The occasion is part of Child Abuse Prevention Month during the month of April. On April 11, Gov. Kay Ivey signed a proclamation designating April 25 as Parental Alienation Awareness Day and recognizing parental alienation week.

The proclamation cited data by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders that found that the “dysfunctional family dynamic of alienation” qualifies as child abuse.

Ashley Hilburn, who is active in preventing paren-

the success of previous rides, and the organization is excited to receive inputs for the recipient of this year’s event,” the group stated.

Following the nomination process, all identifying information will be removed from the nominations received and the board will review each submission to determine the most deserving candidate.

Nominations will be accepted until May 10.

This year’s event is scheduled for Oct. 19.

Nominations can be submitted via the group’s Facebook page.

tal alienation, received the mayor’s proclamation and stressed the importance of separated or divorced parents to not speak badly of one another in order to prevent a child from feeling guilt over loving both parents and becoming disillusioned.

“While we are thankful for the governor’s proclamation, I firmly believe that the most impactful change begins at the local level,” Hilburn said in a statement. “Your involvement and dedication to this cause are crucial in making a difference in our community.”

Hilburn encouraged the public to take part in “Bubbles for Love” on April 25 in

which people can blow soap bubbles and post pictures to social media with the hashtag #BubblesForLove and #StopParentalAlienation.

Also during the meeting, the council heard from Laura Armstrong from the Friends of Moody Schools Board who asked the council to consider increasing their yearly allocation to $5,000.

She said that regular funding has helped the local schools buy new equipment and stay up to date. More than $300,000 in funding has gone to awarding scholarships over the years, she added.

“The community has been phenomenal,” Armstrong said. “And [the council has] been with us to make this happen, to make the schools what they are.”

She said that lowering funds, especially during COVID, prompted the board to reach out for an increase.

Lee advised her to submit a request in writing to the finance committee for consideration to be put into next year’s budget and offered to try and allocate some money this year.

After some discussion it was decided to revisit the matter at the next meeting.

In other business

the council:

Approved a request from Police Chief Reece Smith to allow the B shift offi-

cers to attend in-service Professional Development training for a cost not to exceed $1,400,

• Approves Smith’s request to replace the windshield on a department vehicle for $600, Approved a request from

Fire Chief Larry Horton to purchase 1,000 feet of five-inch supply lines for $11,500,

• Approved the purchase of a new fire engine to replace an older vehicle for an estimated $840,000, Approved demolishing the fence at the city park in favor of new fencing for a cost not to exceed $35,000,

• Adopted an ordinance related to open burning in the city, requiring calling city hall for a permit, Sponsored the Moody Miracle League for $5,000, and

• Approved Smith’s request to bring in a facility dog for SROs in the amount of $1,400 to be paid for with confiscated funds and with money from the 411 Foundation. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at

Ashley Hilburn and Mayor Joe Lee. Photo by Nathan Prewett.

Members of Trussville Witches Ride. Courtesy of Karli Langner.

Ruffner Park

From

works crews, and local families attended the event, which signaled a new era for local athletics in Irondale.

“This groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter for Ruffner Park that will provide our community with a state of the art recreational facility,” Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. said.

“As we say here in Irondale, ‘Build community, build the future,’ and that’s exactly

what we are doing today.”

The project looks to build three new synthetic turf fields and add new LED lighting, restrooms, walking paths, and a playground to the park, which originally opened in 1960.

Irondale Councilor John London emotionally recalled bringing his three children to the park when they were young to play tee-ball and spending late nights there getting the fields ready for game days.

“It’s been a long time coming and I’m so excited

Principal

From front page as principal of Springville High School, was present to receive the honor and spoke a few words to the crowd in attendance.

Mayor Dave Thomas read the proclamation aloud detailing some of the highlights of Moore’s achievements for the city and the school.

“Dr. Moore served as principal at Springville Elementary School from 2017 to 2020 instilling the building blocks for the love of education in some of our youngest citizens,” Thomas read.

“Dr. Moore became principal at Springville High School in 2020, where he is now charged with preparing our

older youth for college, career and service upon their graduation,” he continued.

“And, whereas Dr. Gregory D. Moore Jr. was recently named the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals 2024 High School Principal of the Year,” Thomas continued. “We congratulate you on this award and thank you for the impact you are having on our community.”

“When you have freshman orientation and you are looking at kids who were in the second grade when you started out here about the be freshmen, you realize you’ve aged a little bit,” Moore said.

“It’s a blessing and I’m hoping that within the time of my years continuing here in

that we have this vision finally coming to fruition,” London said.

“I’m excited to think about those old memories,

but I’m excited to build new memories at this new park, and I might even come out of retirement and coach a little baseball again.”

the community that we can bridge our relationship with the city and do some things with the school to support our kids,” he said.

“They have my heart and

Though Wednesday marked the formal groundbreaking, crews have already been hard at work clearing the park for the new fields as part of the $8.5 million project. The grand opening, as well as the first pitch on the new fields, is scheduled for April 2025.

they know that and I appreciate what you guys do for us,” Moore said.

In other business, The Council approved:

• A memorandum of understanding between the city and Big Canoe Creek Preserve Partners. The partners are the fundraising body for Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve.

• A resolution approving the waiving of peddler’s permit for Creek Fest.

• An ordinance annexing three parcels of land for the St. Clair County Board of Education to build a new Junior High School.

• $60,139.95 for additional new police radios in compliance with the digital radio upgrades in St. Clair County.

In the work session prior to the meeting, the Council discussed ongoing frustrations with debris pickup. The city contracted with EcoSouth for garbage collection and debris pickup but has experienced ongoing lapses in debris pickup coverage throughout the duration of the contract.

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

• Approved a request from the Crandall Crest homeowner’s association to accept Vicki Drive and Briarwood Street as city streets.

Springville Mayor Dave Thomas and Springville High School

Principal Gregory Moore. Photo: Terry Schrimscher

front page

Officials conduct the ceremonial groundbreaking at Ruffner Park. Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune

A map of the redeveloped Ruffner Park.

Trussville PD partnering with DEA for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Trussville Police Department. For over a decade, the event has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—that can become a gateway to addiction.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., local residents will be able

Take Back Day will offer free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at close to 5,000 local drop-off locations nationwide. In partnership with local

bag that included “Trussville, Alabama: A Brief History” by Gary Lloyd, a gift card to DeDe’s Book Rack, and items from Cahaba Designs, the Trussville Historical Society, and the Trussville Chamber of Commerce.

Garrett, a two-time contestant on the actual show Jeopardy, served as scorekeeper and rules expert. He took home a gift bag and gift certificate provided by The Dog Stop Trussville for his participation. The

law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed 8,950 tons of medication from circulation since its inception.

Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain tightly sealed in their original container to prevent leakage.

For more information and to find a collection site near you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.

Center Point approves multiple property abatements, plans free mental health workshops for May 4

By Terry Schrimscher

Center Point — The Cen-

ter Point City Council met for the final meeting of the month on Thursday night, April 18 at City Hall. The full Council was in attendance for the meeting.

The agenda began with two public hearings. The first hearing contained dozens of homes and properties on the November to January abatement lists. No property owners were present to speak or update the Council on the condition of any of the listings.

Properties on the abatement list must be cleaned or maintained by the property owners. Properties not brought up to city standards are cleaned by the city who then bills the owners.

Abatements were approved in the consent agenda portion of the meeting.

The Council approved an ordinance to rezone property located at 436 Tupelo Way from Residential 1 to Institu-

tional 1. Owners of the property are planning to open a Christian school in the home.

Another ordinance legislating non-personnel travel was removed from the agenda after a motion from council member Tiffany Moore.

In discussions with the Trussville Tribune, Moore and council member Ebonee Copeland mentioned recent legislation approved by the Council to assist lower income residents with debris pick-up services. Many cities in the area are dealing with debris vendor costs or lack of service.

The hardship program was sponsored by council member Sharon Jones.

“We understand the difficulties many of our residents are facing, and it’s our responsibility to step in and provide meaningful assistance. This hardship program reflects our commitment to ensuring the well-being of every member of our community,” Jones said in a press release about

the relief program. Moore and Copeland also mentioned the city’s free mental health awareness workshop. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center Point Community Center located at 533 Sunhill Road NW.

The workshop is sponsored by Jones and Copeland and will feature guest speakers, comedian Deno Posey and catering from Eight Eleven Catering.

The Center Point Area Chamber of Commerce will again host its Educational Emphasis Luncheon during the May Chamber luncheon. Principals from area schools will be present to award scholarships to local students. The event is sponsored by Trussville Gas and Water.

The Center Point City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month at City Hall located at 2209 Center Point Parkway. The next meeting will be held Thursday, May 2, at 6:30 p.m.

Gee’s Bend Quilters display their work. Courtesy of Amy Peterson O’Brien.

The Birmingham Heritage Jazz Band performs at the Gateway Entertainment District. Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune

The Center Point City Council meeting.

Trussville woman accused of hitting man sitting in road pleads guilty to misdemeanor

From Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — A

Trussville woman who was originally charged with reckless manslaughter after striking and killing a man sitting in the roadway in 2021, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor criminally negligent homicide on Monday, according to court records.

Lindsay Sara Bland, 33, of Trussville, was accused of striking and killing 29-yearold Enrique Edward Millan, Jr., with her vehicle while he was in the roadway on August 1, 2021.

“Deputies arrived on scene to find a 29-year-old male, who had been struck

by a gray Honda Civic and had died from his injuries,” Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Joni Money said following the incident.

“During the investigation, it was discovered that the driver of the Civic was legally intoxicated.”

After reviewing the circumstances surrounding the death of Millan, a warrant was issued for reckless manslaughter on Oct. 7, 2021. Bland’s bond was set at $30,000 and was booked into the Jefferson County Jail at that time.

On Monday, in a plea agreement with prosecutors, Bland entered a guilty plea to criminally negligent homicide, records show.

She was sentenced to one year in the county jail, which was suspended, and two years of unsupervised probation.

Man killed when Jeep Wrangler rolls over on I-65 in Hoover

From Tribune staff reports

HOOVER — A rollover

crash in Hoover early Sunday morning claimed the driver’s life when he was ejected from the Jeep.

Hoover police said that at 1:12 a.m., the Hoover 911 center received a call of a single vehicle traffic crash on I-65 South, approximately 1/4 mile south of the Old Rocky Ridge Road bridge.

Debris Crash

From front page

at approximately 10:59 a.m.

Jason Heath Fields, 51, was fatally injured when a small metal beam struck the windshield of his 2021 Ford Bron-

5-year-old killed in Blount County Crash

From Tribune staff reports

BLOUNT COUNTY– A 5-year-old Locust Fork child died Monday morning in a single-vehicle crash on Alabama 79 about four miles south of Locust Fork, according to ALEA Senior Trooper Cody Farrar.

At approximately 6:10 a.m., the 2014 GMC Yukon that the child was a passenger in left the roadway and struck a ditch before overturning into a creek.

The child was unrestrained at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Hoover Police Traffic Officers responded to the scene to investigate the crash to determine its cause.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of his family.

Officers responded and found that a 2015 Jeep Wrangler lost control and overturned, ejecting the driver. Hoover Fire Medics pronounced the victim, an adult male, deceased at the scene.

co while driving on I-65. The metal beam is believed to be road debris that had fallen from another vehicle, but the source of the debris and the time it fell from the source is unknown. Fields was pronounced

dead at the scene.

Multiple I-65 southbound lanes were closed for a few hours following the crash.

Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency are still investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

From Tribune staff reports

JEFFERSON COUNTY–A single-vehicle crash along I-65 claimed the life of a Madison man Thursday morning, according to ALEA Senior Trooper Vu Quang. At approximately 7:51

Edwards was transported to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for treatment.

Troopers with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division will continue to investigate.

The driver of the Yukon, Karley B. Edwards, 35, of Locust Fork, was not using a seat belt and was injured in the crash.

Madison man, HewittTrussville grad killed in I-65 crash near Warrior

a.m., a van driven by 35-yearold Brandon R. Watson struck an embankment, overturned, and hit a tree about one mile south of Warrior.

Watson was a 2007 graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School.

“Watson was not using

a seat belt and was partially ejected from the 2019 Chevrolet 2500 Express he was driving,” Quang said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division will continue to investigate.

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My Life as a Hobby: The Geri-Rockers

By Joe Hobby Tribune Columnist

In the past few years, I’ve made a concerted effort (pun intended) to connect with some the music of my youth, you know – the good stuff. That means I’ve tried to see some artists that I’ve missed along the way. So, I’ve attended a bunch of concerts including the likes of Paul McCartney, James Taylor, The Eagles, The Doobie Brothers, Three Dog Night, Grand Funk Railroad, and Jackson Browne. As you might expect, not all of the bands have their original members. Some have quit the group, some have stop touring, and some,

due to the passage of time and a rock ‘n roll lifestyle, have gone on to that great concert in the sky. For example, Three Dog Night was missing a couple of dogs, and Grand Funk Railroad was without one of their original box cars.

I’ve discovered that old music has given rise to a whole new industry – the tribute band. These are groups which only play the music of a specific band. Some of these musical ensembles are better than others, but all the ones I’ve seen have been pretty dang good. For example, The Fab Four is a Beatles tribute that is as close as you will ever get to seeing John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

They were so realistic that I expected a tribute Yoko Ono to come on stage and try to break them up.

My first experience with this genre of music was a group that covered the Allman Brothers. I’m a big fan of the original boys from Macon, so I was skeptical. After all, these are Allman Brothers songs they were playing. How good could they be? I found out quickly when they opened with a version of Statesboro Blues that would’ve made Duane and Greg proud. I was blown away. This band, named The End of the Line, hit the mark.

Fortunately, for me, I’ve discovered a place that fea-

tures outdoor concerts with lots of tribute bands. The setting is the Trussville, Alabama entertainment district located smack dab in the middle of TrussVegas. Towns all over the south are building comparable facilities, and with good reason. They are an asset for their community. Trussville has a nice outdoor stage with a covered pavilion, and green space where kids can, and do run around like, well… kids. On a warm summer night all I need is a good band, a couple of lawn chairs, a burger with an adult beverage or two, and I’m the promised land. The location of the venue can provide some special moments. Cash Back, another fine band that pays homage to Johnny Cash, was in concert last summer. As they were playing Folsom Prison Blues, a train, which regularly travels on the tracks just behind the stage, passed

through, blowing its horn. The lead guitarist looked over at the drummer, and they both smiled and nodded to one another. Talk about being at the right place at the right time.

True serendipity.

What started as a couple of couples has grown to a larger group as I began to extol the virtues of this venue to my friends. It’s an easy sell – for starters, the music’s free. It’s also relaxing, fun, and everyone’s home by 10ish (which I know is a little late for some of us, but what the heck – live on the edge). Now our little posse has grown to as many as a couple dozen, depending on the weather and the artist.

One particular Saturday evening, a large group of us was camped out in our folding chairs, singing and swaying to some seventies tunes. That’s when one of our friend’s daughters looked at us, starting laughing, and

said, Ya’ll are the Geri- Rockers.” The name stuck, and now our group is officially the Geri-Rockers – sporting blue hair, white hair, long hair, and no hair; living with bursitis, arthritis, and high blood pressure. Some of us walk around with artificial hips and knees. We are getting along in the years, but we still get down, enjoying talented artists playing the best music that ever was. Of course they’re not original, but they’re the closest thing you’ll ever see to Tom Petty and Lynyrd Skynyrd in this day and time.

If you’re nearby, and even if you’re not, check the schedule and come join us.

Of course, it’s BYOC – Bring Your Own Chair. You will instantly become a member. There are no requirements, club dues, or secret handshakes.

But you are expected to sing along.

Cochlear open house

Thursday, May 16, 2024 5:00pm – 6:30pm (CDT)

Southern ENT and Sinus Center 1809 Gadsden

To register, scan the code or visit cochlear.com/us/events

Questions? Contact Ashton Hay at 225-494-0481 or ahay@cochlear.com

Joe Hobby, Tribune Columnist

Sean of the South: National Columnists’ Day

By Sean Dietrich Sean of the South Commentary

I didn’t believe him. I thought he was pulling my leg or similar appendage. I was at the airport bar. He told me April 18 was National Columnists’ Day.

“Surely you’re joking,” I said.

“Nope,” he said. “And don’t call me Shirley.”

The bartender pulled us a couple to celebrate. Except, of course, the bartender wasn’t an actual person. Artificial intelligence now pours beer in some airport bars. These robotic bartenders are designed to reduce foam, spillage, flavor, and overall class.

Like the rest of America, everything in airports is going AI. Last week, I saw a robot cleaning up trash in Chicago. Recently, in Cincinnati, I saw a robotic waiter roving terminals, delivering hot meals.

In one airport, I saw a robot selling hotdogs to some ladies from the UK who had never tasted hotdogs before. They placed their orders. The robot dispensed the fare. The ladies looked at their buns with confused faces.

“I say,” the lady asked her friend, “which part of the dog did you get?”

So our beers came. They were artificially perfect. We toasted our plastic glasses. We drank to AI, which experts predict will put the American columnist out of business before the end of this paragraph.

And they have a point.

Last month, an English teacher from Texas sent me a collection of essays turned in by her students, all written by chatbots. It was eerie. The grammar was slightly imperfect, like REAL high-schoolers wrote it. And there were REAL dirty pictures drawn in the margins.

The scary part was, the essays were actually pretty good.

I have another friend who edits a respected newspaper. He discovered his employees have been using ChatGPT to write news reports.

“They let ChatGPT write the rough draft, then clean it up. The whole process takes maybe three minutes.”

My friend Lindsey is a former marketing writer whose job was replaced by a chatbot this year.

“I am a professional dog walker now,” Lindsey told me. “I deal with less crap this way.”

So for Columnists’ Day, I decided I would pop over to ChatGPT and ask my future replacement how things were going.

My first question was:

“Who is Sean Dietrich?”

“Sean Dietrich, better known as “Sean of the South,” is from the small town of L.A. (Lower Alabama) in the Southern United States. He’s a writer, storyteller, and columnist who often shares heartwarming tales and reflections on Southern life and culture through his works.”

Okay. That was easy.

So I asked: “Can you re-

place Sean of the South?”

ChatGPT answered:

“While I can’t fully replicate

Sean Dietrich’s unique style, I can certainly replicate his simple columns in a similar voice. If you have a specific topic or theme, feel free to let me know and I’ll do my best

to write a column for you!” Simple columns? Who is this broad?

Then I typed: “Write a short column about AI in the style of Sean Dietrich.”

ChatGPT replied: “Alright, gather ’round folks, ‘cause I’m Sean of the South, y’all, and I’ve got a humdinger of a column to write about AI, y’all…!”

Oh my God.

“…Now, AI ain’t just scifi mumbo jumbo—it’s real, and it’s changing the world faster than a summer thunderstorm. From smart cows that moo when they’re feeling blue, to cars that drive themselves better than your grandpappy on a Sunday stroll out in the cotton patch…”

Make it stop.

“…But don’t worry, y’all,” ChatGPT went on, “we might be riding the AI wave, but it’s us humans who steer this ship. Let us always remember that AI is here to help, assist, and guide our race toward a new dawn. Here’s to AI, y’all—the future’s looking brighter with AI by our side!” We’re all screwed. Y’all.

Sean Dietrich (Photo courtesy of seandietrich.com)

s avvy s enio R Choosing a Senior Community That Offers All Levels of Care

By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior,

Can you help me identify some good senior living communities that offers all levels of housing and care from independent living to nursing home care? I am in my late seventies and know I need to downsize from my current house, but I want my next move to be my last.

One Move Mary

Dear Mary,

If you want your next move to be your last, an all-inclusive retirement community – also known as a

continuing-care retirement community (or CCRC) – is a great option to consider. Here’s what you should know, along with some tips to help you locate one.

What are CCRCs?

CCRCs are different from other types of senior housing because they provide all levels of housing, services and care in one convenient location.

While the appearance and services of CCRCs can vary greatly, most provide apartments or sometimes single-family homes for active independent seniors. In addition, they also offer onsite as-

sisted living for seniors who require help with basic living tasks like bathing, dressing or going to the bathroom, and nursing home care for residents when their health declines.

CCRCs also provide a variety of resort-style amenities and services that include community dining halls, exercise facilities, housekeeping, and transportation, as well as many social and recreational activities.

But be aware that all these services come at a hefty price. Most communities have entry fees that range from less the $100,000 to more than $1 million, plus ongoing monthly fees that generally range from $2,000 to $5,000 for singles ($3,000 to $6,000 for couples) depending on the facility, services and the contract option you choose.

Also, check out the assisted living and nursing facilities, and find out how decisions are made to move residents from one level of care to another.

With more than 2,000 CCRCs in operation throughout the U.S, finding a facility that fits your lifestyle, needs and budget will require some legwork. Here are some steps that can help you proceed.

Make a list: To find CCRCs in the area you want to live go to MyLifeSite.net and Caring.com, which provide online lists. Once you’ve located a few, call them to find out if they have any vacancies, what they charge and if they provide the types of services you want.

Take a tour: Many CCRCs encourage potential residents to stay overnight and have a few meals in their dining hall. During your visit, notice the upkeep of the facility and talk to the current residents to see how they like living there.

Do some research: While on your tour, find out who owns the CCRC and get a copy of their most recently audited financial statement and review it. Also find out their occupancy rate. Unless it’s a newer community filling up, occupancy below 80 percent can be a red flag that the facility is having financial or management problems.

To investigate the CCRC’s long-term care services call your state long-term care ombudsman (see LTCombudsman.org) who can tell you if the assisted living and nursing care services had any complaints or problems. You can also use Medicare’s nursing home compare tool at Medicare.gov/care-compare.

Understand the contract and fees: Most CCRCs offer three types of contracts: Life-

care, or Type A contracts, which have the highest entry fee but covers all levels of long-term care as needed; Type B, or modified contracts that have lower entry fees but limits long-term care services in the initial fee; and Type C, or fee-for-service contracts, which offer the lowest entrance fees but requires you to pay extra for long-term care if you need it.

You also need to find out what yearly price increases you can expect? How much of your entry fee is refundable to you if you move or die? And what happens if you outlive your financial resources?

To help you sort through all this, consult with your financial advisor or lawyer before committing.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

cLassified

Call (205) 533-8664

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Local Meetings

● Trussville City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 6pm, City Council Annex

● Trussville Board of Education Meetings: 3rd Monday of each month, 6pm, TCS Central Office

● Clay City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 6pm

● Pinson City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 7pm

● Center Point City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 6:30pm

● Argo City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, 5pm

● Springville City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, 6pm

● Irondale City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, 6pm

● Leeds City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, 6pm

● Moody City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, 6pm Trussville Public Library

● Preschoolers at Play - April 24 at 10 a.m. - Are you looking for a place where your child can learn through play? Join us twice a month for this fun, interactive program!

● Children’s Storytime - April 25 at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - Join Ms. Alicia for stories, songs, bubble time, and lots of fun!

● Yarn Manglers - April 25 at 2 p.m. - Knitters and crocheters, join us for fellowship and creativity!

● Martie Duncan - April 25 at 6:30 p.m. - Join us for an evening with cookbook author Martie Duncan!

● Classic Cinema - April 26 at 2 p.m. - Come and watch classic movies in the library auditorium! On the third Friday of every month, we’ll be showing a movie released before 1970. Popcorn and snacks will be provided.

● Fun Day Monday - April 29 at 5 p.m. - Teens (6th-12th) Join us once a month for a challenge!

● American Girl Club - April 29 at 5 p.m. - Enjoy discussing this month’s featured American Girl, Nanea (1941)! Participants will also play a themed game and make a craft together.

● Yarn Manglers - April 29 at 6 p.m. - Knitters and crocheters, join us for fellowship and creativity!

Pinson Public Library

● Homeschool HangoutApril 24 at 1 p.m. - Join us for a community gathering of homeschool students.

● Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison: Letter P - April 26 at 10 a.m. - Our theme is The Letter P. We’ll read books, have fun, do a craft, & have a snack. Storytime is designed for pre-K children, but all ages are welcome.

● Geek Guild: Super Smash Bros. Battles - April 26 at 4 p.m. - It’s time for Geek Guild! Bond over your favorite anime, manga, video games, board games, role-playing games, & other general geekery! We will play Super Smash Bros. on the Nintendo Wii & Switch!

● Author Talk with Amanda Denham - April 27 at 12 p.m.

- Amanda Denham was born in Alabama and still resides there with her husband, family, friends, and her pet rabbits. As a teenager, she loved to read young adult books and comics, which inspired her own creative ideas. Amanda also adores art and usually comes up with her book ideas by drawing her characters. Her stories focus mainly on the relationships between her characters, but there’s always a fantasy twist. Sin Eater is her first published novel.

● Peppa Pig’s Party at the Park - April at 4 p.m. - Join us at Pinson Bicentennial Park for Peppa Pig’s Party at the Park on Monday, April 29th from 4 to 5 PM. There will be lots of outdoor fun with games, a craft, snacks, & more! All ages welcome.

● Tech Tuesdays - April 30 at 10 a.m. - Need help with your tablet, smartphone, or computer? Mr. Keith is here to help! Drop in on Tuesdays from 10 AM to 12 PM for helpful tech tips & tricks.

THE FIELD AT YOUR BEST

Keeping You in the Game This Season

BIRMINGHAM

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

HOOVER

Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

To schedule an appointment, call (205) 622-9844 or scan the QR code below.

o bitua R y

Maria P. Leos

april 21,1954-april 16, 2024

In Loving Memory of Maria P. Leos:

Maria Leos, a cherished wife, devoted mother of two, and loving grandmother to 5 granddaughters, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 16, 2024, at the age of 69. Born in Germany on April 21,1954, Maria was raised with three sisters and one brother by two loving parents; mother Antonia (deceased), father Otto (deceased), sisters Margaret, Martha, Brigitte (deceased), and brother Otto. Maria was a devout Catholic who lived a life rooted in faith. Her faith was her guiding light, providing strength and comfort through the seasons and provided her soul with eternal peace.

Married and survived by her soulmate, Clement P Leos, of 45 wonderful years, Maria was a true partner in every sense of the word. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, respect, and mutual support.

Maria was a mother to Kim Marie Leos and Robert Leos, whom she raised with love and wisdom. Maria taught them

the importance of education, the value of wisdom, and the strength that comes with faith. Her guidance and love shaped them into the caring adults they are today.

Maria’s love for animals, especially cats and her dogs (Ringo & Ace deceased), was profound. Over the years, her home was a haven for many beloved feline friends, each of whom she cherished deeply. Her pets were more than companions; they were family, cared for with the same love she extended to all living beings.

Maria’s absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her, but her spirit remains alive in the memories she leaves behind. She is now comforted in the arms of angels and reunited with love by those that have gone before her. Her life beautifully mirrored her beliefs, and may her spirit encourage us all to lead a life filled with love, faith, and compassion.

Anthony De ming

september 28, 1950 — april 20, 2024 Funeral Services for Mr. Anthony “Tony” Monroe Deming, age 73, will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 12:30 P.M. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home with Gaylon Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining gardens.

Mr. Deming passed away Saturday April 20, 2024 after a short but brave battle with pancreatic cancer.

He is preceded in death by his parents James Monroe Deming and Jonnie Frances Deming. His brother James Michael Deming and his beloved grandmothers Myrtie Olivia Kease (Gran) and Lula Bell Deming (Ma).

He is survived by his wife of 53 years Marilyn Deming. His daughters Ann Cox (Kevin) and Maria Sanders (Cam). His grandchildren Renee Walker (Josh), Ryan Cox (Rachel) and Tyler Cox (Carley). His great grandchildren Noah and Olivia Walker.

Before his retirement in 2017 he spent his career working for local Ford dealerships in the parts department. He was a proud Mason and was a member of the Center Point Masonic Lodge for more than 50 years. Since his retirement he has enjoyed camping, traveling, fishing and playing with his great grandchildren who adored him. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 from 10:30 A.M. until service time at 12:30 PM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.

Susan Garner

may 14, 1952 — april 20, 2024

Susan Paula Garner, a resident of Birmingham, Alabama, was born on May 14, 1952 and she passed away peacefully on April 20, 2024, at the age of 72.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Clara Garner; and sister Helen Garner Tilley.

Susan is survived by her sister, Elsie Garner Mullins; brother Walter Garner; other family members and friends.

Services will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, Trussville, Alabama on April 25, 2024 with a visitation from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm at the funeral home with a graveside service to follow at 2:00 pm at Jefferson Memorial Gardens where burial will take place.

What is a Vault?

Deborah Ann Black

december 23, 1956 — april 18, 2024

Deborah Ann Tucker Black, known to family and friends as “Debbie,” passed away at her home in Leeds, Alabama on April 18, 2024, at the age of 67.

Debbie went to be with the Lord while surrounded by her loving family, friends, and beloved pup Rosie. Debbie was a loving mother and grandmother, also a devoted member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church.

Debbie is survived by son Ryan Black, (Emily) grandchildren Aden and Chloe Black; stepdaughter, Diana Crawford, (Tommy). Also, brothers Steve Tucker (Nadine), Jack Tucker (Cathy) and sister Betty Davis. Sister-in-laws Renee Tucker and Norma Tucker. Also, many nieces and nephews.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Coleman and Tessie Tucker and brothers, Robert Tucker, James Tucker and Gerald Tucker.

The service for Debbie Black will be held on Wednesday, at 10:00 AM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM.

The family would like to express a sincere thank you to her church family, friends and caregivers. Memorial donations can be made in Debbie’s name to Cedar Grove Baptist Church (local mission ministry), Leeds, Alabama and Two by Two Rescue (https://twobytworescue.com), Helena, Alabama.

Richard W. Layton

september 8, 1945 — april 20, 2024

Funeral services will be Thursday, April 25th, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home for Richard W. Layton, age 78, of Birmingham, who passed away Saturday, April 20th, 2024. Steve Layton will officiate. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM for visitation. Arrangements under the direction of Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens.

Richard served in the U.S. Army from 1965 until 1967.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Loretta Layton; children, Paula Layton and Doug (Shannon) Layton; grandchildren, Trent (Heather) Layton, Brandt Roberts, Natalie (Ty) Sherron, Logan Layton; great grandchildren, Waylon Nash, Harper Rae, and Loretta Jane; brothers, Jimmy, Wallace, and Donald Layton; sister, Anne Hawkins; and many nieces and nephews.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Jodie and Eula Bell Layton; and brother, Billy Joe.

Kay Mitchell Golsan

august 12, 1946 — april 18, 2024

Kay Mitchell Golsan, born August 12, 1946, passed away April 18, 2024 at the age of 77. Kay is preceeded in death by her father, Coach O.P. (Piggy) Mitchell, her mother, Agnes Mitchell and her beloved son, Mitchell Bradly Golsan.

In 1962, Kay married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Allen Brent Golsan. Kay and Allen spent the next 62 years raising their family, which quickly blossomed from a family of two, to a family of 32. She is also survived by her daughters, Jeanie Golsan Nabors (Bobby), Julie Golsan Dill (Mark) and “Bubba” Allen Brent Golsan, II (Kelly). Kay is also survived by her grandchildren, Jenna Nabors McDonald (Corey), Brett Allen Nabors (Breanna), Judd Allen Golsan (Angela), Gavin Waid Golsan (Katt), Kati Moore Fernekes (Nathan), Karson Moore Renda (Michael), Kennedy Maddox, Kamdyn Maddox, Brantly Golsan, and Ashley Golsan. She is survived also by her great grandchildren, Weston, Garrett, Charlie, Zoey, Finn, Mays, Scout, Golden, Rowen, and Brody; and sister, Gean Cleckler (Tom). Kay’s love for Elvis and her multiple yearly trips to Graceland will always be a happy memory for her family. Kay is credited with starting the first Elvis Presley Fan Club in Alabama. Next to Elvis, Kay’s love for a great cup of coffee and chocolate is unmatched. Kay will be forever loved and missed by everyone, especially her family. Kay also enjoyed attending and cheering at all of her grandchildren’s sporting events.

The Golsan family would like to thank Megan, Jennifer, and Telia with Enhabit Hospice for their loving care and support during the difficult months leading up to Kay’s homegoing. Friends are invited to attend Kay’s visitation beginning at 12:00 pm, April 24, 2024, until time of service at 2pm, Jefferson Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, Trussville, Alabama, with entombment to follow immediately in Jefferson Memorial Gardens.

A vault is a kind of protective outer layer for your loved one’s casket. Vaults come in many styles and are made in different materials, ranging from copper to bronze to plastic. They are lined and sealed, and the casket is placed inside before it’s buried. Vaults protect caskets from getting crushed by the weight of the earth or by heavy landscaping equipment that passes overhead. They also safeguard caskets from rain and moisture damage.

Vaults don’t just protect caskets; they protect the cemetery grounds as well and, more broadly, preserve the area’s natural beauty. The presence of a vault prevents the ground from shifting and settling, keeping the entire cemetery area flat and well-manicured.

Please scan the QR code to read the full article.

Robert McCrory

january 3, 1932 — april 15, 2024

Robert L. McCrory, 92 of Trussville, went home to be with our Lord on April 15, 2024. He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, E. Jane McCrory, his daughter Julia McCrory Thurman, and her husband David; his son R. Scott McCrory, and his wife Courtney; granddaughters, Kelcey Flynn (Daniel) and Mary Kate McCrory and grandsons Derek Thurman (Morgan) and Tyler McCrory; as well as two great-grandchildren, Daniel Flynn, III (Trip) and Titus Flynn.

Robert was a graduate of Hewitt-Trussville high school, where he lettered in baseball, football, and basketball. He graduated from Auburn University in 1954 with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. He was also a member of the Army ROTC along with several honor societies. After Auburn, Robert served in the Army, being promoted to First Lieutenant with an assignment that concluded with a year in Germany during the Korean War.

After his time in the Army ended with an honorable discharge, he returned to Trussville to join the family dairy business. Robert worked with his father, Lewis Herschel or “L.H.”, in the dairy business until the herd was sold in 1972.

After a time as a surveyor and looking for another career, Robert went back to school and received his accounting equivalency from UAB in 1975. He passed his CPA exam and spent another twenty years working for the firm of Dent, Baker and Company. He continued as a “part-time” farmer until well after his retirement.

Robert was an active member of his church, Clay Alliance Church, serving it for over 50 years in many capacities including Elder, Governing Board Member and Sunday School Teacher. He also served as the pro-bono auditor for the Southern District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Additionally, he was a member of Rotary International and Gideons International and was always involved in his community. He was an avid supporter of organizations that served those in greatest need, including those in other countries through the spread of God’s word and gospel, which continued until the end of his life. He loved his family and was active in supporting them and spending time with them. He will be greatly missed, but we will see him again one day.

A visitation will be held Monday,

Eddie Seal, General Manager

Hewitt takes area championship with 3-1 win over Oak Mountain

By John Goolsby Prep Sports Editor

TRUSSVILLE – The

fifth-ranked Hewitt-Trussville baseball team (26-7, 4-2) punched their ticket to the AHSAA playoffs last night. The Huskies defeated thirteenth-ranked Oak Mountain 3-1 to sweep the series 2-0.

Eighth-grader Hudson Mitchell made his first varsity appearance for the Husky squad and performed outstandingly in a high-pressure

situation.

The right-handed pitcher entered the game in the fifth inning, with Hewitt holding a 2-0 lead. Mitchell pitched two and a third innings, giving up one hit and one run and recording two strikeouts on 47 pitches.

Christian Helmers came in and closed out the game with two outs on nine pitches. Cooper Huffman got the win. The junior went four innings and gave up one hit, no runs, and struck out three Eagles.

Colby Durden led the Huskies with two hits, two runs, and an RBI. Cam Simpson had one hit and one RBI, and Sam Scarborough had one hit and one RBI.

Hewitt’s win, coupled with Spain Park’s victory over Chelsea, forced a tie for first place in Area 6. AHSAA tie-break rules gave Hewitt the area championship.

Hewitt will host the first round of the playoffs Friday night against Hoover with a possible Saturday game.

Bright future for Hewitt baseball

By John Goolsby Prep Sports Editor

TRUSSVILLE

– The Hewitt Trussville baseball

program has a bright future. The varsity team has a 25-7 record and is ranked fifth in 7A. Husky fans can expect

more of the same in the future because the Junior Varsity, Freshman, and Middle

See HEWITT, Page 16

Lady Huskies looking for tenth straight win

By John Goolsby Prep Sports Editor

TRUSSVILLE – The topranked Lady Huskies defeated Oak Mountain last night 9-4. Taylor Burt’s Lady Huskies are 23-4, 6-0 in area play, and have won nine games in a row.

See HUSKIES, Page 16

Hewitt Huskies baseball team after winning the 2024 area championship. Photo by: HTHS Baseball

Tigers eliminate Ardmore, move to round two of playoffs

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

SPRINGVILLE – The Springville Tigers are in the midst of a very impressive baseball season and the latest victim was the Ardmore Tigers. Regardless of the outcome, Tigers were going to win this one, but the Springville version would use great pitching and great defense in the field to eliminate Ardmore and keep their season alive.

The first game the two played on Friday would be a 2-1 defensive battle between the Tiger teams. Ardmore would get a run in the first and hold the 1-0 lead until the bottom of the third where Alex Holland would hit a sacrifice to the pitcher that would bring Kade Willis to the plate to tie the game at one. The game would stay knotted at

one until the bottom of the fifth inning. The bases were loaded and Jake Conner was at the plate. Conner would simply be patient and earn the walk, bringing Willis across the plate once more, this time

for the winning run. Carter Samuelson went the distance, allowing two hits and a single run to go with six strikeouts on the day.

See TIGERS, Page 16

Greenwave force game three, make it to round two of playoffs

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

LEEDS – The Leeds Greenwave hosted the 19-9 Boaz Pirates on Friday night and Saturday for the right to keep playing baseball. Leeds and Boaz split the Friday series, forcing a Saturday game that was dominated by the Greenies to punch their ticket to the next round of the playoffs.

In the first game of the evening, Leeds took a 3-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back. Things got started with a Conner Nelson home run that brought in Ty Bedell, who was waiting on second after getting a single and stealing a base. Graham Gulock would get on and Will Thomas got a single off of a Boaz error that would bring Gulock to the plate for the third and final run of the inning…and the game. Boaz

would threaten a comeback by scoring one of their own in the top of the fifth but it would be to no avail as the Greenies would walk away with a 3-1 win. Dax Phillips pitched for the Greenwave, going all seven innings, allowing five hits and one run and striking out four batters. Nelson led at the plate as he drove in two with his home run.

The second game of the day did not go the way Leeds wanted it to as they fell 4-2 to Boaz. Once again, Leeds had a good first inning, jumping out to a 2-0 lead, but could not find their footing after that.

Phillips had a single to bring home a waiting Nash Jones and then Thomas reached first on a dropped strike that saw Gulock grab the second run of the inning. Boaz would grab one in the second and then get three runs in the bottom of the sixth to secure the win and

force a Saturday afternoon game between the two. Ryder Chambers and Joseph Bryant combined to allow four hits and four runs and strike out four batters while Phillips led at the plate with an RBI. Saturday provided Leeds and Boaz with another day at the ballpark and this time, Leeds would not mess around.

With the second round in their crosshairs, they jumped all over the Pirates and never let up. After a 1-1 first inning, the Greenies put up a run in the second and then exploded in the third with five runs, all the while holding Boaz scoreless after the first. Leeds added three more in the bottom of the sixth and picked up a 10-1 win to punch their ticket to the second round of the playoffs. Nolan Moore picked up the win, pitching six-plus

See

Springville's 2024 Baseball team prays before the game. Photo by: Cricket Jones

Leeds Greenwave 2024 Baseball team. Photo by: LHS Athletics

GREENWAVE, Page 16

2024 Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix: Getting to know Santino Ferrucci

By John Goolsby Prep Sports Editor

The Trussville Tribune will provide extensive coverage of the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds.

IndyCar drivers Felix Rosenqvist, Santino Ferrucci, Scott McLaughlin, and Birmingham’s own Michael Suco, Jr., a rookie in the USF Juniors series, will be spotlighted.

Santino Ferrucci seems to be the perfect fit at A.J. Foyt Racing. The young American is a fiery competitor and, like his boss, appears to have a unique talent for getting around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway very quickly.

For the first time in three years, Ferrucci starts the season with the same team he raced for the previous season. While his employer stayed the same, Ferrucci did make one significant change in the off-season.

Ferrucci married Renay Moore in January.

With an eleventh-place finish at the NTT IndyCar Series season opener on the streets of St. Pete, Ferrucci is very optimistic about the remainder of the 2024 season.

“I think we should be honestly fighting for a top-ten finish in the championship and a win at Indy,” he said. “It is always tough to tell [where you stand] with all the variables, and the series is just so tight now and so difficult.

“You have to be so perfect every time you go out there.”

Ferrucci spent six years in Europe chasing his Formula One dream. The Connecticut native raced in 144 F2000, F3, GP3, and Formula 2 races. Ferruci spent the 2016, 2017, and 2018 seasons as the Haas F1 Team reserve/devel-

opment driver. Ferrucci has the unique perspective to compare IndyCar to Formula One.

“They [F1] have a fantastic series that is global,” he said. “But when everyone is sick and tired of watching the same driver win every week, they should watch IndyCar.”

“I grew up over there watching and racing against Max [Verstappen, the threetime World Champion and current F1 points leader], and he is truly one of the best drivers alive,” he said. If you look at all of American sports, the NBA, NFL, college football, NASCAR, and our series, you never know what is going to happen, and it keeps people entertained.”

While he believes IndyCar is a fantastic series and

offers a much better product on track in terms of competition, Ferrucci feels that there is always room for improvement and that the two series can learn from each other.

“If we took a page out of F1’s book on how to run a race weekend, our series would be the best in the world and once again rival Formula One.”

Ferrucci always thought his ultimate destination was a full-time F1 seat. However, a few on- and off-the-track incidents that Ferrucci calls “youthful mistakes” led to his dismissal from his F2 team, Trident Racing, in the summer of 2018.

Ferrucci first sampled an IndyCar on an off-week in F2

See FERRUCCI, Page 16

Stallions defeat Defenders to go 4-0

By John Goolsby Prep Sports Editor

The Birmingham Stallions improved to 4-0 with a 20-18 win over the D.C Defenders.

Ramiz Ahmed, signed four days earlier due to a Chris Blewitt injury, kicked the game-winning 46-yarder with four seconds remaining.

D.C.’s opening drive ended in a fumble that JoJo Tillery recovered for Birmingham at their 43-yard-line.

The Stallions, with Matt Corral as the starting quarterback this week, moved the ball to the Defenders’ 5-yard line but turned the ball over on a Corral fumble.

The Defenders went on a nine-play, 86-yard drive that resulted in Chris Rowland’s 9-yard touchdown reception from Jordan Ta’amu.

The 2-point conversion failed, and D.C. held a 6-0 lead with 3:35 remaining in the opening period.

Birmingham moved the ball to the Defenders’ seven-yard line but again turned it over with 12:56 remaining in the second quarter.

Birmingham’s defense forced D.C. to punt on their next possession.

Birmingham’s offense stalled, and was forced to punt. Colby Wadman’s punt was blocked, and the Defenders took over at Birmingham’s 36-yard line.

Birmingham’s defense shut down D.C.’s 4th down conversion on the Stallions’ 30-yard line.

Four plays later, Corral hit Amari Rogers for a 50-yard touchdown to tie the game at 6-6.

The one-point conversion attempt failed.

Birmingham’s defense again forced a three-and-out.

However, a lighting delay sent the two teams to their

locker rooms.

When the game resumed, the Defenders were forced to punt. The snap sailed over Paxton Brooks’s head, and the Stallions scored a safety after Jace Sternberger made the tackle in the endzone.

The Stallions led 8-6 with 1:56 remaining in the half.

Birmingham took the kickoff and moved to the Defenders’ 28-yard line.

Ahmed kicked a 46-yard field goal with two seconds remaining in the half to give the Stallions an 11-6 lead.

Birmingham took the second-half opening kickoff and marched to the Defenders’ 14-yard line before stalling.

Ahmed hit a 32-yard field goal at 9:41 in the third quarter to give the Stallions a 14-6 lead.

The rest of the third quarter was defensive, and both teams were forced to punt on each of their next two possessions.

With 61 seconds remaining in the third period, Ta’amu hit Harmon with a short pass, which resulted in a 45-yard touchdown for D.C.

The two-point attempt failed, and the Stallions held a 14-12 lead with 53 seconds remaining in the third period.

Birmingham’s offense failed to pick up a first down on the ensuing drive after Corral was sacked, and the Stallions were called for holding.

An 18-yard punt set the Defenders up on the Birmingham 40-yard line with 13:49 remaining in the game.

The Defenders took over six minutes off the clock as they moved 35 yards in ten plays.

D.C. took the lead on a 23yard Matt McCrane field goal with 7:44 remaining.

Aided by a 20-yard Corral scramble and a 27-yard Cor-

ral to Sternberger completion, Birmingham marched to the Defenders’ nine-yard line. Ahmed was called on to kick his third field goal of the night, and he answered.

Birmingham retook the lead 17-15 after Ahmed’s 27-yarder with 3:29 remaining.

A 31-yard kickoff return set the Defenders up on the Birmingham 44-yard line.

Two plays later, D.C. found themselves in a 3 and 15 situation with 2:10 remaining.

The Defenders picked up the first down on a 19-yard pass from Ta’amu to Harmon at the Birmingham 30-yard line.

The Defenders moved the ball to the Stallions’ 22-yard line.

On fourth and two, McCrane connected on a 39-yard field goal to give the Defenders an 18-17 lead with 1:08 remaining.

A 22-yard Deon Cain kickoff return set the Stallions up on their own 40 with 1:04 left in the game.

A ten-yard Corral completion to Cain put the ball at

Santino Ferrucci - Children's of Alabama Indy Grand PrixBy: Karl Zemlin

Santino Ferrucci – Indianapolis 500 Open Test – By: Matt Fraver

Ramiz Ahmed and Skip Holtz celebrate Credit: Birmingham Stallions

Hewitt

From page 13

School teams brought home championships.

Tigers From page 14

The Middle School team won the Metro Championship and finished with a 27-1-1 record.

The Freshman team de-

In game two, Springville did pretty much the same thing on defense and got a bit more help at the plate to secure a 4-0 victory and earn an extra day of rest on Saturday before round two. Springville scored two in the top of the first inning when Holland hit a single that brought home Ryan King and Grant Martinez to make it 2-0 right out of the gate. A passed ball in the second would bring home Nigel Laws to make it 3-0. The final run of the game would come on a sacrifice fly that brought Tanner Oakes to the plate. Holland picked up the win with six innings pitched, allowing three hits and no runs and striking out

Greenwave

From page 14

innings, allowing seven hits, one run and striking out six batters. Will Thomas drove in four RBI to lead the Greenwave at the plate, followed by

Huskies

From page 13

The Lady Huskies got on the board in the first with a Chaney Peters single that scored Corey Goguts. Hewitt added a second run on a line drive to third by Makailia Hope that scored Olivia Faggard. Sarah Phillips’s bomb in the second inning extended the lead to 3-0.

two more RBI from Moore. The Greenwave are now 19-17 on the season and look to take on Russellville at home on Friday with a possible game on Saturday. The Greenwave have traveled to Russellville for two years in

A three-run homer by Hope scored Zaylen Tucker and AhKeela Honeycutt, giving the Lady Huskies a 6-0 lead.

Oak Mountain got on the board in the fourth to make it a 6-1 game.

Hewitt added two more runs in the fifth to push the lead to 8-1. A Hope single scored Honeycutt, and Peters scored on a passed ball. Honeycutt finished the

feated Spain Park 6-0 to win the Metro Championship.

The Junior Varsity team defeated Vestavia 4-3 to win the Metro Championship.

five. King relieved Holland, pitching the final inning and allowing not hits nor runs and striking out two. Holland also got the job done at the plate driving in two RBI.

Springville now finds themselves an impressive 25-9 headed into round two where they will take on Southside-Gadsden beginning this Friday with a possible tie breaker on Saturday.

a row, both of which have been the end of the season for Leeds. The Greenies are hoping that the home field advantage, along with great play in all phases of the game, will end that losing streak this week.

Hewitt scoring with a homer to push the lead to 9-1 in the sixth.

The Lady Eagles added three runs late on walks.

Hope led the team with three hits, one home run, and five RBIs.

Tucker got the win, giving up one hit and one run and striking out five Lady Eagles.

The Lady Huskies host Orange Beach tonight at 7 PM.

to replace Pietro Fittipaldi at Dale Coyne Racing at the Detroit GP double header in the summer of 2018.

After leaving Trident, the speedy American competed in the last two IndyCar races of the year for Coyne.

Ferrucci set his sights on IndyCar racing for 2019 and signed with Coyne. His ninth-place finish at the season opener in St. Pete showed why European teams had been impressed with the young American’s speed.

Known as a road racing specialist, Ferrucci turned heads at the 2019 Indy 500 by finishing seventh after starting in the 27th position. His impressive drive at the Brickyard earned him Rookie of the Year honors at the 500. Ferrucci backed up his performance at Indy with a fourth-place finish on the high banks of the Texas Motor Speedway. Ferrucci ended his rookie season 13th in the points standings.

Ferrucci returned to Coyne for the 2020 season. Once again, he was impressive at Indy. He finished fourth in the 500 and in the top five on five different occasions. Ferrucci ended his sophomore season in the 13th position again.

Ferrucci found himself without a full-time ride for the 2021 season. He signed a deal to drive the Indianapolis 500 with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. For a third straight year, Ferrucci

Stallions

From page 15

midfield.

Corrall then hit Rodgers for 15 yards to the D.C. 35yard line.

Kevin Austin took a Corral pass and made it to the Defenders’ 28-yard line with 22 seconds remaining.

was impressive. A sixth-place finish earned him a drive with RLLR at Detroit, Mid-Ohio, and Nashville.

Ferrucci tested the waters of the stock car world in 2021. He competed in seven Xfinity races for Sam Hunt Racing and came away with four top-15 finishes.

Unfortunately for Ferrucci, RLLR opted to sign Christian Lundgaard for the 2022 season.

Perennial Indy entries Dreyer and Reinbold Racing tapped Ferrucci for their entry in the 2022 Indy 500. Ferrucci brought home a tenth-place finish for the part-time team.

Ferrucci competed in one other IndyCar race that season, the Detroit Grand Prix for Juncos Hollinger Racing, and in two Xfinity races for Sam Hunt Racing in 2022.

Ferrucci returned to the NTT IndyCar Series as a fulltime driver in 2023 with IndyCar legend A.J. Foyt’s team.

His performance at Indy was nothing short of spectacular. Ferrucci qualified fourth with a four-lap average of 233.661 mph and backed up his qualifying effort with a third-place finish, A.J. Foyt Racing’s best finish in 23 years. He ended the season in the 19th position in points.

Ferrucci, who has a series-best sixth-place average finish at Indy, doesn’t plan to change his approach to the 2024 500.

“I am literally going to do exactly what I did last year, which is funny,” Ferrucci said. “I’m going to the Ken-

tucky Derby with my boss.”

“Once you start traditions like that, you have to keep them.”

Ferrucci is excited to return to Birmingham and Barber Motorsports Park.

“I like it,” he said. “It is like the American version of Spa [the famed Belgium track].

“It’s pretty cool and elevated,” Ferrucci said. It is a tough track to pass on, which obviously makes things difficult.”

“It races well, and it is so awesome with all the fans,” he said. That makes it such a spectacular track.”

Ferrucci has come to learn that Alabamians are passionate about their sports.

“You have got to be a race fan if you live in that neck of the woods,” he joked. “It is racing and college football.”

Ferrucci offered some advice to the state’s college football fans.

“Just like any other tailgate, grab your cooler, come out, and watch us go around the track,” he said. “I promise you there is a lot more to do than what you can do at your average tailgate.”

The Children’s of Alabama Grand Prix takes place April 26-28. Race fans can purchase tickets at indyalabama.com or by calling 877332-7804.

Tickets were sold in 41 states and 12 countries last year and the economic impact to the Birmingham area was between $18 and $27 million.

Ricky Person, Jr. les the Stallions with 57 yards on 11 carries.

Ahmed connected on a 46-yarder to give Birmingham the win.

The Stallions outgained D.C. 356 yards to 251 yards.

Corral was 19 of 29 for 240 yards and one touchdown.

Corral threw two incompletions after a Birmingham timeout and found themselves in a fourth-and-four situation at the nine-second mark.

Rodgers led Birmingham with four receptions for 80 yards and one score.

Ahmed went four of four with field goals of 46, 32, 27, and 46 yards.

Birmingham (4-0) travels to play Houston at 6 p.m. next week.

Scan the QR code to schedule an appointment. No referral needed!

Zaylen Tucker – Hewitt-Trussville Softball

Hewitt Freshman team

HT Baseball