The Trussville Tribune – Apr. 26 - May 2, 2023

Argo declares vacant seat on council, clarifies questions on zoning

By Terry Schrimscher

For the Tribune

ARGO – The Argo City Council met for the second regularly scheduled monthly meeting Monday night, April 24. The Council moved through the lengthy agenda quickly in the work session

Pinson Council proclaims April Fair Housing Month

By Nathan Prewett For the

Tribune

PINSON – The Pinson City Council proclaimed the month of April to be Fair Housing Month during a meeting on Thursday, April 20.

As read in the proclamation, April 11 marks 25 years since the passage of the Fair

Ascension St. Vincent’s East ER nurse shares life-changing experience

By Crystal McGough

Associate Editor

TRUSSVILLE – Jacob Davidson didn’t always know exactly what he wanted to do with his life, but one thing he did know was that he wanted to spend it helping people.

Steele Hall Brewing opens in Trussville

By Chase Holmes News Reporter

TRUSSVILLE – Steele

Hall Brewing opened its doors for the first time Friday, April 21, 2023.

Co-founders Scott Worthington and Eric Mitchell said they didn’t spread the word on purpose.

“We really just let friends and family know we were going to be open,” Worthington said. “We considered the entire weekend to be a soft opening and make sure everything is good for our first week.”

When Saturday rolled around, people were outside and ready to check out the newest brewery to the Trussville Entertainment District.

Customers were greeted with a distinct atmosphere that Worthington said sat somewhere between home and the driving range.

“Some people have said it has a backyard feel, some have said it’s like a country club,” he said. “Whatever the case, we wanted to make it feel welcoming.”

In addition to the front

lawn green space, there is a deck area with tables and chairs that stretches across the front of the building and includes seating that faces the street.

Worthington said their beer was crafted to be welcoming too, and they kept style diversity in mind when designing their selection.

The brewery plans to have

five core beers that will remain on tap continually and then a selection of one or two beers that will change each week. The five cores are:

• Bama Beer, an American lager meant for those who might not want a craft beer and are looking for something familiar.

Felice Birra, meaning

Residents of Argo express concern during public hearing on zoning plans

“Happy Beer”, is an Italian pilsner with lemon-lime notes.

• Malachite, a wheat beer with a crisp, lime taste.

Camellia, a juicy orange IPA.

Hyperscale, a sour ale made with dragonfruit and passionfruit.

Worthington said he tends to favor the Malachite.

The brewery is currently incubating its first weekly beer selections, which include a hazy IPA, a raspberry sour, a hazy double IPA, and a witbier. You can expect to see them show up on tap sometime in the near future.

Steele Hall will open its doors for its first full week on Wednesday, April 26, at 1 p.m.

The brewery will be open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Times are as follows:

• Wednesday and Thursday:

1-9 p.m.

• Friday: 1-10 p.m.

• Saturday: 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.

You can find Steele Hall Brewing on Facebook and Instagram.

ACTA Theatre presents ‘Over the River and Through the Woods’

By Terry Schrimscher

For the Tribune

ARGO – More than 300 people filled Argo City Hall Tuesday night to learn more about the city’s proposed zoning plans and speak out on rumors circulating on social media. Representatives from

Leeds High School courtyard gets a makeover

By Nathan Prewett For the Tribune

LEEDS – The sky over Leeds High School was cloudy and gray, but this was fine by Brandon Meeks and the other volunteers who gave the courtyard on campus a much-needed makeover as they installed the last of the seating after a week on the project.

Springville Civil Air Patrol to host Open House

From The Tribune staff reports SPRINGVILLE –Springville Civil Air Patrol squadron AL-126 will be hosting an Open House event at the National Guard armory in Springville on April 29, from 10:30 a.m. –2:30 p.m.

See ASCENSION, Page 7 See CAP, Page 5

JCIB senior from Trussville named National Merit Finalist

From The Tribune staff reports

IRONDALE – JCIB student Mallory Whitt, of Trussville, was recently named National Merit Finalist in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program, a distinction that places her among a group of 15,000 students, represent-

See FINALIST, Page 6

Pages 1-7

Outdoors - Pages 8-9

Lifestyle - Page 10

Calendar - Page 11

Classified - Page 11

Obituary - Page 12

Sports - Pages 13-16

By Crystal McGough Associate Editor TRUSSVILLE

– ACTA

Theatre opened its performance of “Over the River and Through the Woods,” by Joe DiPietro, on Friday, April 21, at 7 p.m.

For Director Sharon Olm, this play holds a special place in her heart as she played one of the lead characters, Aida, in a performance in Leeds approximately 10 years ago.

“I just loved the show; you see so few shows written

for older people,” Olm said. “This one has two sets of grandparents and, technically, they’re supposed to be in their 80s. It’s just a homage to the older generation and the difference between how they look at things and how their grandson looks at things.”

The play tells a story of two sets of Italian grandparents living in Brooklyn, New York, in 1985, and their relationship with their adult grandson who is considering moving away for his career.

“This is what I call a slice

of life,” Olm said. “It’s not a comedy and it’s not a drama, and I wouldn’t call it a dramedy; you just have your highs and lows of everyday life. It will hit moments for everyone that they can relate to.”

Not wanting their grandson to move away, the grandparents devise a plan to try to make him stay.

“My cast is wonderful, and they do an absolutely phenomenal job in portraying the characters, because this is not Brooklyn and we’re not Italian,” Olm said.

The six-member cast is made up of Carter Sanderson (Nick), Michael DiLaura (Frank), Suellen Wilkins (Aida), Shelby Taylor (Caitlin), Steven Ross (Nunzio) and Karen Lord (Emma).

Two of the actors were from the Helena area, Olm said, adding that her favorite part of directing the play was meeting new people.

“To see the cross pollination of theater … I was real pleased with that because

See ACTA, Page 3

Republican Women of Trussville invite public to hear presentation from Pfizer whistleblower

From The Tribune staff reports TRUSSVILLE – The Republican Women of Trussville will be hosting a presentation by Pfizer whistleblower Deb-

See PFIZER, Page 4

See LEEDS, Page 4

See PINSON, Page 5

Photo by Crystal McGough

Photo by Crystal McGough

Photo by Chase Holmes

L oca L / R egion

Zoning

From front page

the consulting firm of Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) were present to discuss proposals for future growth.

“This is only the first meeting. There’s going to be one more meeting and then we turn it over to the planning commission and city council,” said Corey Sosebee, urban designer for GMC. Sosebee started the meeting with a presentation he said he hoped will dispel some of the misinformation that has been circulating.

The city worked with GMC to create a comprehensive plan in 2022, which can be viewed online at www. argoalive.com. According to the data in the plan, Argo grew 145% during the 20year span between 2000 and 2020 making it one of the fastest growing towns in the Birmingham metro area.

GMC surveyed more than 500 Argo residents to get ideas for the needs of the city and held five planning sessions detailed in the plan. Sosebee said one of the proposed changes contained in the plan has already been a positive for Argo.

ACTA

From front page

it’s difficult sometimes to get people here from other areas,” she said. “But it’s community theater, and I want everybody to feel like they can come. It’s always fun to get new people in so that we can perpetuate the theater.”

A second performance of “Over the River and Through the Woods” took place Saturday night, April 22. For those who missed

the first two shows, there are still four more opportunities to see it.

“It’s a really fun experience for everyone,” Olm said.

“If you want to see a very emotional, sentimental show, this is the show to see.”

Upcoming show times:

April 28 – 7 p.m.

April 29 – 7 p.m.

April 30 – 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and $10 for students, and can be purchase at actatheater.com.

“The right turn lane was secured through a grant process that we went through with the city,” Sosebee said. Construction is scheduled to begin soon on the turn lane from Hwy 11 onto Argo Margaret Road which is expected to ease some of the afternoon traffic along the busy corridor.

Several residents spoke their concerns about zoning districts detailed in the plan and how changes might affect different areas of the city. Some expressed fear that zoning would allow the city to take their private property

and repurpose it for another use. Others were concerned that it would crowd out family farms in favor of commercial districts.

“The maps were just samples,” said Mayor Betty Bradley. “The planning and zoning board would implement whatever zoning actually takes shape.”

Several residents, including former councilmember Corky Massey, spoke in favor of zoning but suggested it should begin with a smaller scope and retain current usage for properties in the city.

Local business owner Ryan Carroll spoke against zoning regulations out of concern for government interference.

“Let me tell you what will happen if we have zoning,” Carroll said. “You will have more government oversight in your life. If you’re okay with that, I won’t hate you for it. That’s your opinion as an American citizen and I am glad to go right along with you.”

Carroll expressed concern that local citizens would have to go before a zoning board to make home improvements such as building a garage.

“This is not a one-sided issue,” Carroll added. “If you’re for it, you might not be for it in a couple of years when it affects you.”

Representatives from GMC stressed the maps presented in the plan were just one vision for the future

growth of the city. Sosebee asked the residents at the meeting to take blank maps provided at each table and color them with markers showing how they would prefer different areas of the city to be zoned for future use.

“For those that wanted to come out and voice opinions on how you think the city should be zoned, the maps are where you need to speak,” Sosebee said. “This is what we’re going to take back to the office and look over and wade through.”

Sosebee said the firm would return to the next meeting with suggestions based on input from the maps to determine where Argo residents would like to see zoning implemented.

“This is just a plan. Nothing can be changed unless we want it changed,” said Ann Brown. “I am in favor with us going with what we’ve got and building from there,” she added.

“If we had subdivision regulations when all of these subdivisions were built, and they were built by people who lived in Argo their whole lives, who built these subdivisions and didn’t finish these subdivisions. And now we’re holding the bag on having all of our roads fixed ourselves.”

Brown has lived in Argo for 18 years and is serving her third term on the city council. She said the city had no guidelines for the subdivisions when they were built

and had no requirement for bonds to complete the roads.

“The city is trying to stop developers and builders from leaving subdivisions half finished and roads not brought up to city code,” said Bradley. “They then leave the citizens responsible for their roads because they have never come before the council to have them accepted.”

Residents of Briar Ridge, Mountain Oaks and other neighborhoods have previously asked the city to intervene and help correct mistakes made by previous administrations when there were no measures in place to ensure work was done correctly. In March, residents of Briar Ridge said estimates to repair their crumbling roads could exceed $1 million. They expressed concerns for the safety of children who travel on the roads in school buses and for the large elderly population in the neighborhood that could become stranded there as plastic drainage pipes continue to decay.

Bradley said zoning could prevent future neighborhoods from being left half finished by requiring developers to provide a bond to complete roads up to code before construction begins on housing.

No date has been set for the second public meeting with GMC. The next meeting of the Argo council is scheduled for April 24 at 5 p.m.

Photo by Crystal McGough

bie Bernal on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the Trussville Civic Center.

Bernal is the former consultant for Pfizer who exposed the company’s Covid virus mutation experiments. She recently spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) with James O’Keefe and she is now working with Eagle Forum of Alabama as a consultant for healthcare policy issues.

“I was a little reluctant to come at first,” Bernal said. “I was scared for my life. I was worried that I would end up in a body bag , or in a car accident. But I realized that the spirit of fear is not from the Lord, and as a believer, I knew that I couldn’t just sit

Credit: Republican Women of Trussville

there. I couldn’t just sit there and watch people get lied to.”

Bernal’s presentation at the Trussville Civic Center is open to the public and will start off with coffee and snacks at 5:30 p.m., with the presentation beginning at 6 p.m.

The clouds certainly didn’t dampen the vibrant colors added to the ground as a part of special education activities, or the trees and gardens that now grow in the space that had previously been mostly blank until the week-long project gave it a new face.

And the cost for the school? Not a dime. This was provided to LHS for free by the Decorative Concrete Council (DCC), which is a specialty council under the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC). Volunteers affiliated with the ASCC traveled from outside Alabama to help with the project.

“So, from across the country all week we’ve had just different people coming in to do this project,” said LHS Principal Rayford Williams. “So right now, the guy that’s hammering, he’s from Seattle. We’ve had people here from Michigan, Ohio, Atlanta, Tennessee.”

The project was initiated by Meeks and James Blair, an ISS teacher at LHS. Meeks is the owner of Birmingham Decorative Concrete and a member of the DCC.

Every year the DCC nominates two community projects, with one to take place in the fall and one in the spring, said Meeks.

“So this was a project that I actually, as a company, came here almost two years ago – my company came and looked at this space and gave them a quote for coming in and doing all this at a charge,” he said. “And it wasn’t in the school’s budget and it seemed like it was a big number. So it just kept sticking in the back of my head that this would be a great space, and we have a monthly meeting for the DCC where each month we say, ‘Okay, does anyone have a new business or any project that would be a good fit?’”

Meeks then thought of LHS and nominated it before an annual conference more than a year ago where it was announced that the school was selected for the spring 2023 community project.

One of the additions to the courtyard was inspired by the special needs teachers who suggested a “sensory path,” an interactive tool that is especially good for students with ADD and ADHD. The path is laid with colorful patterns onto the concrete and functions as a sort of game.

“The sensory path is unique in that this is scored into concrete and stained permanently, where a lot of sensory paths that are available online are marketed for being in the hallway of a school and they’re stickers,” Meeks said. “They stick them down on the floor and on the walls. And they’re able to do them inside. This brings that to the outdoors, so this is a great space here that they have at Leeds High School. It needed to be used more in my opinion, so this gives them a way of getting out here and using it.”

A student lounge area was added to the courtyard, as well as a teaching area that can seat 30 students. More than $10,000 in cash was raised by the ASCC to purchase the benches, some of which are arranged around newly planted trees. But with the labor and materials, the project ended up being an estimated $50,000 project, Meeks said.

“Big projects like this, you tell everyone that you can, ‘Do this and it’s going to look great,’” he said. “But to get out here and make it happen and to have everyone re-

ally like it – and I will say this also: we have done many of these projects with the ASCC and the DCC, and this project – Leeds High School and all of this (community) – everyone has been so appreciative and thankful and they come out and tell us, ‘Thank you for what you’re doing.’”

Williams added that the project has accomplished something for the students and staff to be proud of.

“I can see them really taking pride in this space,” he said. “To be out here and take advantage of this space.”

The century path for special needs students.

A list of those who donated to the project.

Housing Act, which prohibits discriminatory practices based on race, religion, sex, national origin, familial status or disabilities.

The council had several members of the Birmingham Realtors Association present for the proclamation read aloud by Councilman Brad Walker.

“I’m glad we were able to do this and be supportive of people and ensure that we are an inclusive community,” said Mayor Joe Cochran. “We love everybody even though it’s not Earth Day.”

“Earth Day” was a joking reference to Walker mistakenly saying this instead of Fair Housing Month before reading the proclamation.

Ryan Adams, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Birmingham Association of Realtors, spoke and said that they cover a number of areas outside of Birmingham, including Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, Chilton, Clay and Randolph counties.

“Fair Housing Month has been very important to us,” he said. “I’m proud to announce

that we set out with a goal of 55 government entities passing this proclamation. All six counties of our jurisdiction have passed it and ya’ll just made the 51st city to pass it, so we have 57 so we exceeded our goal.”

Afterwards the council voted to approve the audit report heard at the last meeting.

“I would say that it was very positive and as a city we’re in a good position,” said Walker. “So we have funds to support us and we’re in good shape as we’re doing these improvements around the city.”

Operations Director Eric Winfrey gave an update on the upcoming City Fest event on April 29. He said that the occasion would feature arts and crafts, children’s activities and food trucks. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Bicentennial Park.

Library Director Allison Scanlan notified the council and the public that there were several openings for the library’s board. She said that duties will involve determining policies, working with the budget and staffing among others. Anyone who is inter-

CAP

From front page

“Looking for a way to serve your community and hone your Leadership skills? Then, go Civil Air Patrol!” said Nicole “Niki” Dill, Public Affairs Officer with Springville CAP squadron AL-126.

Cadet membership in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol, presents cadets with many opportunities, from leadership training and development and National Cadet Special Activities, to Orientation flights and college/flight scholarships.

sea, air, and space platforms.

ested may contact City Hall or the library to apply.

In other business, the council: Approved an additional $5,000 for athletics at the schools,

• Approved $20,709.95 for new football helmets,

• Approved $6,595 to repair the front gate of Rock School and $10,095 for rear gate automation, Approved $19,850 for painting and sealing the baseball and football buildings at the Pinson Youth Sports Complex,

• Approved $5,000 to expand the assistant clerk’s office,

• Annexed a property on Highway 79 Adopted an ordinance allowing council members to meet remotely if unable to be physically present due to illness.

Pinson City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of every month at City Hall on 4410 Main Street. Live-streamed meetings can be seen on the city’s Facebook page.

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

“CAP Cadets are young leaders who want to learn to soar in every aspect of life,” Dill said. “Let your cadet test-fly potential career interests by participating in a range of activities, including Aviation, Aerospace, and Technology themed ventures.”

Though CAP is Total Force partner and auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Cadets are never obligated to join the military. Anyone interested in joining as a cadet must be 12 but not yet 19. Parents: Senior membership is always encouraged. As a Senior Member of CAP, parents will not only support their cadet and their squadron, but can benefit from many opportunities, themselves, as well.

“As we uphold our Core Values (Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect), we remember our Mission Statement: Volunteers Serving America’s Communities, Saving Lives, and Shaping Futures,” Dill said. “Civil Air Patrol is there to search for and find the lost, provide comfort in times of disaster, and work to keep the homeland safe. At 56,000 members and growing, we devote our time, energy, and expertise to the prosperity and fortification of 1,500 communi-

Cadets discuss the importance of Aerospace Science Education in CAP.

ties nationwide, while promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace and STEM education.

“Civil Air Patrol’s missions for America are many, and today’s adults and cadets perform their duties with the same vigilance as its founding members — preserving CAP’s 80-year legacy of service.”

For more information about the CAP Springville Cadet Squadron, contact Major Michael McEntyre, Recruiting and Retention Officer, at Captmikem03@ yahoo.com or visit http:// www.gocivilairpatrol.com.

First Sergeant Taylor addresses cadets as they prepare to review Emergency Services Education and Training during last year’s Open House Event.

Cadets learn about the benefits of "Systems Toolkit", the multiphysics software application from Analytical Graphics, Inc. that lets engineers perform complex analyses of ground,

From left to right: Ryan Adams, Lewis Pitchford, Katrina Page, Joe Cochran, Robbie Roberts and Kyle Forstman. (Photo by Nathan Prewett)

Argo

From front page prior to the regular meeting.

Early in the meeting, Mayor Betty Bradley read a letter of resignation from council member Dusty Stinson, who stepped down from his seat effective April 17. Bradley declared the seat open and told The Tribune the city would be appointing someone to fill the position.

“We will be appointing someone because we still have two and a half years left,” Bradley said. “I don’t think it would be fair to the public to not have that seat filled.”

The Council renewed an existing ordinance that places a temporary moratorium on the addition of mobile homes, manufactured homes, modular homes and recreational vehicles within the limits of the city or on any land annexed into the city while the moratorium is in place. The ordinance does not place a limitation on recreational vehicles stored on a property with an existing residential structure.

The Council also approved an ordinance establishing the creation of a Board of Adjustments that will work

alongside the Planning and Zoning commission.

In the public comments portion of the meeting, attorney Chesley Payne spoke on behalf of Argo to clarify some of the recent confusion about zoning in the city.

“No planning and zoning board, no board of adjustments is going to make any changes to the use of anyone’s property,” Payne said. “To have a property use changed under a zoning ordinance, the property owner themselves are required to come by the zoning board and file an application. You have to request it to be done.”

Many residents have expressed confusion about sample zoning maps on display online at www.argoalive. com. The sample maps were also shown at the public hearing held at City Hall on April 18. Representatives from the consulting firm of Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) led the public meeting and said actual zoning could only be established by the zoning commission.

“Anything you’re currently using it (property) for, whether it be a farm, whether it be a store, whether it be an industrial plant, so long as you are in compliance with

what the current use of the property is and what the current zoning qualification is, you don’t have to come ask anybody’s opinion,” Payne said.

“Having said that, if you’ve got a farm and one day you are approached by a developer who wants to buy your farm and wants to put a huge residential subdivision on that property, and they offer you so much money you can’t turn it down,” Payne added, “you would have to file an application with the planning and zoning board for that to occur.”

Local resident June Mack spoke during the comments to offer insights on ways to communicate better with the public to avoid future conflicts and misunderstandings.

“I really think a lot of people are frustrated because they feel like they don’t have a voice,” Mack said. She addressed the council on some of the language in the city’s master plan and said it caused a lot of the confusion that has divided people over the issue of zoning. Mack said everyone should make a stronger effort to communicate effectively and build a consensus on issues.

“If we don’t have those

voices on the front end, we’ve got this kind of problem on the back end,” she added.

In other business, the Council approved the following:

Donated $1,000 to the Springville High School Softball team

• Approved $824 for a local government software update

• $240 for a graduation ad in The Trussville Tribune

Approved the hiring of Braxton Layton as a police officer

Approved sending Layton to the police academy

Members of the Springville High School Softball team were on hand to thank the Council for the $1,000 donation. The team recently moved into first place in class 5A and will host a regional tournament next week.

Keith Strickland spoke on behalf of GMC to confirm an agreement with the city to use grant funds to begin the next phase of development on the turn lane from Highway 11 onto Argo Margaret Road, which is expected to ease some of the afternoon traffic along the busy corridor.

The next meeting of the Argo Council is scheduled for May 8, at 5 p.m.

From front page

ing less than one percent of high school seniors. Whitt, who lives in Trussville with her parents Sean and Laurel Whitt, is a senior at Jefferson County International Baccalaureate (JCIB) in Irondale and will graduate on May 19, 2023.

Whitt was one of two students in her high school to receive this award and receive a monetary scholarship from the program.

She was also one of only 5,000 graduating seniors in the United States to be named a U.S. Presidential Scholar, and was the only student selected for this at her high school. Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in community and school activities.

Whitt scored a perfect 36 on the ACT her junior year of high school. She plans to attend Auburn University in the fall and will major in Chemical Engineering. In addition to receiving the National Merit Scholarship, she also received four scholarships from Auburn University, including the Spirit of Auburn Presidential Scholarship, Hydromatics Inc. Engineering Endowment, Amendi Stephens Ever Auburn Endowed Scholarship, and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering Dean’s Annual Scholarship. Additionally, Whitt was a recipient of the Shades Valley Rotary Club Scholarship.

The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Approximately 1.5 million high school students enter the program each year. A finalist must have an

outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth.

A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select approximately 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.

JCIB senior and National Merit Finalist Mallory Whitt

The Springville High School Softball team accepted a $1,000 donation from Argo. The team recently moved into first place in Class 5A. (Photo by Terry Schrimscher)

Transgender college athlete bill passes Alabama House with bipartisan support

By Craig Monger 1819 News

MONTGOMERY — Legislation barring college athletes from participating in sports that do not correspond to their biological sex passed the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

Alabama law prohibits individuals from participating in sports teams that do not correspond to their biological sex in all public K-12 schools. However, university athletics are governed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

House Bill 261 (HB261),

Ascension

From front page

In 2018, when Davidson nearly died of blood loss after having multiple large ulcers rupture in his small intestine, everything changed.

“It was just a normal day; at that time, I was installing security systems for ADT,” he said. “I work up very early, and as soon as I woke up, I felt funny.”

Despite feeling something was off, Davidson drove to Pelham for a work meeting. The meeting, however, did not go quite as he expected.

“I walked in the door and the first thing I did was run immediately to the bathroom and throw up, and it was all blood,” he said. “I was already weak at that point, so I ended up laying on the floor of the bathroom – which was really awful – and just passed out.”

According to Davidson, everyone at the meeting had keys to the building, so it was normal for the last person to leave to lock up. Since Davidson was still in

sponsored by State Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover), would require all public twoyear and four-year institutions of higher education to prohibit biological males from participating in athletic teams or sports designated for females and vice versa.

The bill is controversial but has drawn less debate and pushback than many lawmakers expected.

Newly elected State Rep. Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery) took to the podium to protest the bill, saying it would lead to costly litigation for the state and exclude transgender individuals.

the restroom when the meeting ended, his coworkers all ended up leaving him there alone.

“Eventually – not smart looking back at it – I decided I was going to go home,” he said. “I thought I’d feel better if I went home.”

While driving home, Davidson said he had to pull his car off the road several times.

“I thought I was going to sleep, but I was just passing out (from blood loss),” he said. “I made it home and laid on the couch – I felt a lot better when I was laying flat because the blood was balancing itself between all my extremities.”

Having fallen asleep early, Davidson woke up around midnight feeling like he needed to throw up again.

“I was in complete darkness at this point, and I threw up,” he said. “My significant other at the time turned on the lights and all I hear is her start screaming because it’s like a murder scene. There was just blood everywhere.”

Davidson and his significant other called the para-

Ensler proposed an amendment to require the state to abide by Federal Title IX rules and any additional rules passed by the NCAA.

Dubose motioned to table the amendment, effectively killing it.

“To those who are listening, that do feel marginalized by this bill, I hear you, I see you, and I love you for who you are,” Ensler said.

House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) introduced an amendment that removed intramural sports and created a statute of limitations of two years for a private cause of action

medics, who transported him to the Ascension St. Vincent’s East Emergency Room. This choice of hospitals, Davidson said, was fate.

While in the emergency room, Davidson met a nurse named Tucker, who would later serve as Davidson’s main inspiration to go to nursing school, himself.

“We kind of had a bromance going; he was just a really cool guy and very down to earth,” Davidson said. “He was really helpful and really good about making me feel better, because I didn’t know it was nearly as bad as it was. He was fantastic.”

Medical staff gave Davidson a couple units of blood and, noticing his levels were still low, decided to admit him to the hospital and schedule an endoscopy for the next morning.

After the endoscopy, doctors thought Davidson likely had a small perforation in his intestines. He was held for observation in the hospital’s 5 West unit.

While in 5 West, David-

against anyone that violates the provisions of the bill. The House approved that amendment.

Several Democratic lawmakers spoke in opposition to the bill. Some complained that the legislation was a “solution in search of a problem.” Others said it would be used to discriminate against transgender individuals.

The only House Democrat to speak in favor of the bill was State Rep. Patrick Sellers (D-Birmingham).

“If you are a father of daughters, think about your babies in a locker room with boys,” Sellars said.

son told the staff he needed to use the restroom, so they brought him a bedpan. What happened next canceled all plans for him to be released the following day.

“I knew there was something wrong,” he said. And there was: once again, blood was everywhere. “They rushed me into emergency surgery. While on the table, I ended up coding three times because of blood loss … but they ended up bringing me back.”

Davidson was in the hospital a total of 17 days due to massive ulcers that had ruptured in his duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. He ended up needing multiple procedures over the next few months, but when all was said and done, Davidson knew the path his life would take next.

“As soon as I came out of the hospital, I knew I wanted to be a nurse,” he said. “The nurses there (at Ascension St. Vincent’s East) … it was amazing to me how good they were at making people not think about what’s going

He continued, “It is just not fair for a man to play against the women. It doesn’t matter. A man is physically stronger than a woman, and that’s Bible. So, it’s important to make sure that we protect our baby daughters.”

After his remarks, Sellers received a standing ovation throughout the room.

The bill passed the House with a vote of 83-5, with 14 members abstaining. The bill will now go to the Senate for deliberation.

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) said he was pleased with the bill’s passage, saying he thought

on. They were just amazing, and I thought, that’s the affect that I want to have on people.”

Not only did Davidson know without a doubt what he wanted to do with his life, but he also knew with 100% conviction where he wanted to do it.

“For me, there wasn’t any other hospital or any other place to work,” he said. “It was always going to be St. Vincent’s East ER.”

Before going to nursing school, there were several things Davidson needed to do to pave the way. He immediately began rearranging his life with his heart set on his new goal.

“My driving force for everything I did was to get back in school,” he said. “I was in school by the end of 2019, a year later.”

Davidson graduated from Jefferson State Community College in December 2022 with his associate degree in nursing. He now works as a registered nurse (RN) at the Ascension St. Vincent’s East emergency room, while also

having some Democratic support for the bill was a “telltale sign” of the bill’s importance. “I think we kind of ensured women’s rights in Alabama, and I’m proud of that,” Ledbetter said. “I mean, women fought for years and years to have their rights, and it seems like in the last yearand-a-half, two years, they’re trying to take it away with men playing women’s sports, so I fully supported the bill. I thought she done a good job with it.”

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.

working on his BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree at Jacksonville State University.

“To me, it was like a calling (to go back to Ascension St. Vincent’s East),” he said.

“I had several other job offers, including UAB Trauma/Burn, which is where I did my precepting, but there was really no other place for me besides Ascension St. Vincent’s East. I literally would not be here if it wasn’t for Ascension, so when it came time … I felt like I owed them my life because they gave me that second chance.”

When Davidson graduated from Jeff State, he gave a speech at the end of the graduation ceremony about the power nurses have, especially when it comes to the people in their care.

“The most addictive kind of power in the world is to be able to help somebody going through something,” he said.

“It never gets old. … I feel like I have a chance to make a difference every single night at Ascension.”

Apparent flounder rebound has

By David Rainer Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Whether it was regulation changes or better environmental conditions, the apparent rebound in the flounder population has everyone involved with the fishery along the Alabama Gulf Coast encouraged.

Scott Bannon, Director of the Marine Resources Division (MRD) of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), said the Division adopted stricter limits several years ago because of a decline in the flounder population.

“We made regulation changes in 2019,” Bannon said. “It created a commercial trip limit, which would include hook and line, gig and gill net, of 40 fish per trip. We reduced the recreational bag limit to 5 fish and increased the minimum size to 14 inches. And we created a 30-day no-fishing period for the month of November, when flounder spawn, for commercial and recreational anglers.

“We had concerns, not only in Alabama but across other Gulf states, with what we were seeing with flounder.”

Bannon said social media is his “easy barometer” to assess what’s going on in the fishery, and the number of flounder seen lately has significantly increased.

“You don’t post what you don’t catch,” he said. “I have seen an increase in photos of flounder on several social media sites and fishing forums. I’ve received phone calls from anglers who target flounder, and they feel like they are seeing increased opportunities to catch flounder.

I’ve even spoken to a couple of divers who have seen more in places like Perdido Pass. They are seeing them on the bottom in numbers that they haven’t seen in the past few years. We also hear from some of the commercial anglers that they are starting to see more in their trips as well.

Flounder is a very popular species. People are very happy to be catching them again.

“That’s not scientific, but that’s what the public is telling us. And that is important because we need people to feel comfortable that when we make management decisions that there is a positive impact.”

Bannon doesn’t think the credit for the flounder rebound should go completely to the regulation changes.

“I think there are potential benefits of making the regulatory changes, but I also think there may be some environmental changes,” he said. “Flounder is one those fish that we like to try to find in the same areas over and over again. But if there is some form of water quality change, they’ll move away from it. It may be a period of low oxygen or a drought year. They have a tendency to move and find water that works well for them. Then they will come back when conditions improve.

“Flounder exist in relatively low numbers in Alabama waters anyway, so it doesn’t take a lot of change to

see change.” Flounder live most of the year in the bays and estuaries before making a run to the Gulf of Mexico to spawn in the late fall.

“I think the November closure is the primary regulatory change that is having an impact,” Bannon said. “You are allowing that spawning stock to move freely. They have fairly isolated migratory routes, and the closure takes the pressure off.”

Bannon said he has had discussions with some other states, including at a Gulfwide flounder symposium, that had indicated flounder numbers were down. All states have followed Ala-

bama’s lead and made regulatory changes and are receiving similar feedback on increasing flounder numbers.

Another effort that may have a positive impact on flounder numbers in Alabama is the work done at the Claude Peteet Mariculture Center in Gulf Shores, where MRD staff has been spawning flounder in large tanks and releasing fingerlings into estuaries with the best water conditions for survival.

Max Westendorf, hatchery manager at Claude Peteet, said the process of raising fingerlings took some fine tuning to get to maximum production. In 2020, 12,000 fingerlings were released, fol-

lowed by 34,000 fingerlings released in 2021. That number significantly increased in 2022 with 102,000 fingerlings released. So far in 2023, about 35,000 1-inch flounder have been released.

“We’ve kind of hit a sweet spot,” Westendorf said. “We figured out how to do it right. Now we are starting some projects to try to track and estimate the impact the releases are having on the fishery. On all the adult fish we spawn, we take fin clips to get their DNA sequenced. Then we make a library of all the parent fish and the fingerlings released. Then we will go out and do captures of 500 to 1,000 fish, once they reach keeper size, and get fin clips for DNA. We will cross the fin samples and estimate how many are hatchery fish and how many are wild fish.

“Now that we’re confident with a good method of production, we’re releasing enough fish that they should show up in our samples.” Westendorf said reaching the current fingerling production was not without challenges, including malpigmentation, where the fingerlings have albino traits.

“Flounder are very finicky and particular animals,” he said. “A lot of hatchery-reared fish come out as albinos. There is debate whether it’s genetic or nutrition. That’s a problem with flatfish around the world. There is some research that shows they may develop pigmentation after being released and that natural nutrition fixes that. They are very sensitive to temperature. Sex is determined by temperature. Texas and South Carolina have done studies on optimal temperature. One

These larger hatchery-reared southern flounder will be retained for genetic studies.

(Credit: Jay Gunn, Max Westendorf)

says 18 degrees Celsius (64.4 Fahrenheit) and the other says 23 degrees Celsius (73.4 Fahrenheit). We want to find a happy medium to get a 5050 male-female production. If you vary three or four degrees off that number, you could end up with an all-male population.

“Flounder seems to be a species that has responded really well in the hatchery and benefits the fishery by releasing fish. It’s definitely something we want to put time and effort into to make it right.”

MRD has contracted with the University of South Alabama Marine & Environmental Studies Department, headed by Dr. Sean Powers, to perform another flounder stock assessment this year.

“We told the public when we made the regulatory changes that we would have to wait three years before we did any kind of assessment to see if those changes had any impact,” Bannon said. “We’re doing stock assessments on flounder and speckled trout.”

Powers and staff performed Alabama’s first flounder stock assessment four years ago, and it showed the stock was experiencing problems, which led to the MRD’s regulatory changes.

“The main problem with the first stock assessment was the catches were low and the population size was low,” Powers said. “It wasn’t quite to overfished or overfishing was occurring, but it was really close to those levels. The

main thing that informed that stock assessment was largely catch data from the commercial and recreational anglers. Marine Resources also does a fisheries-independent gill net survey that gives us an index of abundance. All the lines of evidence – average size, catch rates, index of abundance –were all trending down. A lot of times in stock assessments you have conflicting data. In this case, we didn’t have that problem.

“We don’t know if that problem was that we were fishing too hard or if it was a climate-habitat issue. We think a lot of it had to do with water conditions that just weren’t optimal for flounder the three or four years prior to that stock assessment. I don’t

WILDLIFE? WILDLIFE? WILDLIFE?

think there is any doubt we were fishing it too hard, especially with the minimum size at 12 inches. But it was probably a combination of things. It wasn’t all on the fishermen.”

Powers said now that those regulation changes have been in effect for a little more than three years, a new stock assessment will determine if those changes made a difference.

“All of the anecdotal information from fishermen and the Facebook index, as we like to call it, seems that things are improving,” he said. “We’ll see if the numbers bear that out. I don’t

see any major management changes.

“The other major thing is that the earlier stock assessment was just Alabama. We’re going to do a couple of runs in Mississippi and hope we can do a joint stock assessment. It doesn’t really make any sense to separate Mississippi Sound. We’re hoping we can partner with Mississippi and do an overall stock assessment and separate it.”

Powers said the newest stock assessment should be finished some time this year because the model is the same; the data will just need to be updated.

“The reports of flounder fishing improving was really quick,” he said. “That’s why I think the decline wasn’t solely due to fishing pressure. The environment probably had something to do with it. We’re also tagging flounder and speckled trout with acoustic tracking tags to figure out how temperature influences when they spawn and how frequently they spawn.

“Hopefully that research, which is complementary of the stock assessment, will help us parse out how much of it was the environment versus how much of it was of us harvesting at too high a rate.”

Anglers can hook southern flounder and Gulf flounder along the Alabama coast and estuaries. (Credit: Jay Gunn, Max Westendorf)

Anglers of all ages are starting to catch flounder again along the Alabama Gulf Coast. (Credit: Jay Gunn, Max Westendorf)

By Jim Miller

My Life As A Hobby: Stray No More

By Joe Hobby

On a two lane highway headed back from Smith Lake, my son spotted them. A black and white bird dog mix with a terrier as his running mate. They were dirty, stinky, skittish dogs. Not a collar between them. It was obvious they had missed a few meals. one of them had a dime sized tick below her eye. Normally, curs like this elicit a collective sigh, and are forgotten by the next mile marker. Not today. Not when the black and white one could have been the brother of my beloved, departed bird dog Precious. Rilynne, my brash, insightful, 7 year old granddaughter recognized this fact and issued a command. “Dad! You have to turn around! It looks just like Precious! We have to show him to Granddaddy!” A tap on the brakes, a three point turn, and within 5 minutes, I’m getting a FaceTime message of a girl playing chase with two nasty pups. In another two hours they would be in my back yard getting all the

love and hamburger meat they can lap up. Strays no more, but members of my family.

So it’s good bye clean house. Hello dog fur and carpet accidents. That’s OK with me. I’m a dog person. I prefer dogs to most people. Consequently, it was no surprise to my friends how hard I took the loss of my last two dogs, Precious and Bugsy. Even though it’s been almost 2 years, the wound still hasn’t healed. On several occasions I swore I would never have dogs again, because I already had the two pet loves of my life. People told me to get over it and get two more – there are so many that needed rescuing.

So, I guess it was time. I wasn’t ready, but they were. And 24 hours ago on the side of Highway 257 between Curry and Jasper, Alabama it happened. They found me.

This morning I heard the Powerball lottery is up to $700 million. But yesterday, two dogs hit a lottery ticket worth more than that to them. And I probably did too.

Savvy Senior: Tips and Tours for Traveling with Grandchildren

Dear Savvy Senior,

My husband and I are interested in taking our two grandkids on a big trip this summer and are looking for some good ideas. Can you recommend some travel companies that offer special travel packages for grandparents and grandkids?

Doting Grandmother

Dear Doting, Grandparents traveling with just their grandchildren has become a growing segment of the multigenerational travel industry. Not only is this type of travel fun, it’s also a terrific way to strengthen generational bonds and create some lasting memories.

To help you with your traveling aspirations, there are a number of travel companies today that offer specialized grandparent/grandchildren and multigenerational trip packages. This is a nice way to go because they plan everything for you with most activities together, but some just for adults so you can get an occasional breather.

Available in various trip lengths and price ranges, these tours are designed for children, typically between the ages of six or seven up to 18, and are usually scheduled in the summer, or sometimes during winter breaks when the kids are out of school. Here are some top tour companies to check into that will take you and your grandkids on a fun, well-planned vaca-

tion. Road Scholar (RoadScholar.org): This well-established not-for-profit organization has offered educational travel to older adults since 1975. They currently offer 83 different programs geared to grandparent and grandchildren. About 75 percent of the grandparent trips are domestic; 25 percent are international. Some of the many popular trip destinations include the U.S. National Parks, Washington D.C., Canada, France, Italy, Iceland, Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands. The average cost per person per night is around $265 for domestic trips, $365 for international.

Intrepid (IntrepidTravel.com): An adventure travel tour operator that offers “grandparent holiday” tours that bring together the young and the young at heart. They offer 35 one and two-week tours in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, as well as in Alaska and Wyoming. To find these trips, go to Intrepidtravel.com/us/theme/ family/grandparents.

Tauck (Tauck.com): This is a large tour operator that offers 19 foreign and domestic multigenerational trips called Tauck Bridges Family Tours. Some of their most popular trips are Costa Rica, the European riverboat cruises, and the Cowboy Country, which tours you through Wyoming and South Dakota.

Smithsonian Journeys (SmithsonianJourneys.org): They offer 10 different family

journey trips to Iceland, New Zealand, Italy, Greece, Japan, Ireland, Costa Rica, South Africa, Yellowstone and a Rhine River cruise.

Journeys International (JourneysInternational. com): They offer customized multigenerational trips primarily to Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific.

Grandkids Travel Documents

Depending on where you go and your mode of transportation, you’ll need to gather some documents for your grandchildren to make sure everything goes smoothly. In general, most travel experts recommend you bring a notarized travel consent form (letter of permission from the parents), and a medical consent form in case any emergencies or problems arise. Also bring copies of insurance cards.

If you’re traveling domestically, you should know that airlines and trains don’t

require any form of ID for children under 18. But if you’re traveling to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, or other areas of the Caribbean by land or sea, grandchildren 15 and under will need certified copies of their birth certificates. And if your grandkids are 16 or older, or you’re traveling to these locations via air, passports will be required.

If you’re traveling overseas, all children, even infants, must have a passport. Some countries also require a visa for entry, and vaccinations may be required in some cases. Before booking a trip, check the U.S. Department of State’s website at Travel. State.gov for country-specific information.

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.

Joe Hobby, Tribune Columnist

c a L enda R

2023 Trussville Beautification

Award Contest

April 24 @ 8:00 amJune 5 @ 5:00 pm

cLassified

Early Readers Book Club with Ms. Riana

April 27 @ 4:00 pm5:00 pm

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

This year’s annual Beautification Awards Contest will be held Monday, June 5, with a rain-day of Monday, June 12, 2023. Categories are: Best Use of Color, Best Home Landscape Design, Best Home Overall, Best Business Overall, and Best Turf.

Nomination forms will be available from May 1-31, at Trussville City Hall, Trussville Public Library and the Trussville Chamber of Commerce.

Nominations can also be submitted online at https:// trussville.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-Beautification-Nomination-Form-Fillable.pdf.

Homeschool Hangout:

Owl Pellet Dissection April 26 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

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

(All ages, intended for Kindergarten-2nd graders)

Join us for our very first Early Readers Book Club with Ms. Riana! This book club is geared towards kindergarten- 2nd graders. At the meeting, each child will get a copy of the same book & will read along as Ms. Riana reads the whole or part of the story aloud. Then the group will discuss, answer reading comprehension questions & the kids will have a chance to read aloud. Everyone will get a chance to participate in fun, educational activities like book-themed crafts/ games. There will also be snacks!

Registration is required due to the limited number of available books; please register each child individually: https://forms.gle/eeharnUy1oj1ge1s9

This month’s book is going to be “I Stink” by Kate & Jim McMullan!

Budding BookwormsThe Bad Guys

Join us as we welcome the Gee’s Bend Quilters to Trussville! Known around the world for their quilting heritage and artform, two members of a prominent quilt-making family will be here to share stories of this rich tradition. A selection of quilts will be on display; a variety of pieces will also be available for purchase (cash or check). Doors will open at 6:00 to allow viewing of quilts before the presentation, which begins at 6:30.

Call (205) 533-8664

HEALTH/BEAUTY

SERVICES

SELLING a RV, Tractor or Golf Cart? ADVERTISE STATEWIDE or by region in over 100 Newspapers, reaching over 1 million readers each week! Run your ad in our Classified Network for just $210 per week! Make one call to this newspaper (participating Ala-SCAN newspaper) or call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to advertise statewide!

Gee’s Bend Farms in Boykin, Alabama, shares a history with the Cahaba Homestead Village in Trussville. They were both community projects developed in Alabama by the federal government during the Great Depression. This event is FREE but registration is REQUIRED. Please note: there is a separate ticketed registration for the Quilting Workshop on Saturday. Co-sponsored by the Cahaba Homestead Heritage Foundation, this event is part of the CHHF 2023 Heritage Days celebration (for more info go here https://cahabaheritage.org/heritage-days/).

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable pricesNo payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 833-449-1307.

BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR! We edit, print and distribute your work internationally. We do the work… You reap the Rewards! Call for a FREE Author’s Submission Kit: 888283-4780

LONG DISTANCE MOVING: Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America’s Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 844-925-3534

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.

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

TWO BURIAL PLOTS in Jefferson Memorial Gardens in the Garden Of Love by the bell tower on top of the hill overlooking Highway 11. $4,000 each or $7,500 for both. The buyer will be responsible for the transfer fee. Call (205) 467-6890.

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.

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 1-833-683-2005

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. 1-877323-5516

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.

(All ages, recommended ages 5 & up)

Registration Required

Join us for a community gathering of homeschool students! This month’s theme is dissection! Ms. Jan (AKA

The Science Lady) from Dynamic Education Adventures will lead the group in the dissection of a owl pellets. This activity is recommended for ages 5 & up; younger children will need parental supervision.

This event is FREE.

Register: https://forms.gle/ st9K7MhJ7vNMnk8P6

Homeschool Hangout is a monthly event for homeschool students to learn together, meet new friends, & use resources available at our library

Children’s Storytime

Thursday, April 27: 10:30am - 11:30am

Trussville - LBK Auditorium

AGE GROUP: EARLY LEARNERS (BIRTHPRE-K)

EVENT TYPE: STORYTIME, CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

Thursday, April 27: 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Trussville - LBK Auditorium

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

EVENT TYPE: CRAFT, CHILDREN’S PROGRAM, BOOK GROUP

A Tribute to Elvis with Ben King April 30 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

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

EDUCATION

ATTENTION ACTIVE Duty & Military Veterans! Begin a new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am6pm ET).

TWO BURIAL PLOTS at Jefferson Memorial Gardens. Located in the shady and serene center of the cemetery in the Garden of Everlasting Life away from busy traffic noise. Plot 54C, spaces 3 and 4. $4,300 each, seller is responsible for transfer fee. Call 251-404-9321.

UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home

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

VEHICLE TITLE Problems? We have a solution! Call Jason Steward Enterprises, We’re Alabama’s #1 Vehicle Title Problem Experts! Free telephone consultation. North AL 1-256-850-0527, Central AL 1-205-267-5735, South AL 1-251-342-8538.

Direct from Australia, Ben King is here and ready to get you All Shook Up.

Dressed in the authentic 1968 Comeback Special Leather outfit and 1970’s Vegas Style Jumpsuits, combined with the voice and moves to match, he ensures his shows are one of a kind.

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 27: 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Trussville - Cahaba Room

AGE GROUP: ADULT (AGES 18+)

EVENT TYPE: DROP-IN, CRAFT

Read or listen to “The Bad Guys (book 1)” by Aaron Blabey before the club meeting. Then join us as we discuss the book, play a trivia game, and make a themed craft. Best for 1st - 3rd grades.

Registration Required.

Storytime for Growin’

Beans with Ms. Allison: Picnic

April 28 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am

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

As a multi award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist, Ben King lives and breathes Elvis and always aims to entertain the audience with his stage presence, giving them a unique experience that is memorable and entertaining.

Join us April 30th for a live dinner show at Ferus Artisan Ales. Free Event, All Ages 5pm-8pm

Republican Women of Trussville: Guest speaker Debbie Bernal, Pfizer whistleblower May 4 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Trussville Civic Center, 5381 Trussville-Clay Road Trussville, AL 35173 United States

We Offer:

Short Term Rehabilitation Stays Long Term Care Beds Available

(All ages)

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

Join us for Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison on Friday, April 28th at 10 AM. Our theme is picnics. We’ll read books, have fun, do a craft, & have a snack. Storytime is designed for pre-K children, but all ages are welcome.

Gees Bend Quilters

Friday, April 28: 6:30pm - 7:45pm

Trussville - LBK Auditorium

The Republican Women of Trussville will be hosting a presentation by Pfizer whistleblower Debbie Bernal on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the Trussville Civic Center.

Coffee and snacks will be served at 5:30 p.m., and the presentation will begin at 6 p.m.

Bernal is the former consultant for Pfizer who exposed the company’s Covid virus mutation experiments. She recently spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) with James O’Keefe and she is now working with Eagle Forum of Alabama as a consultant for healthcare

issues.

• Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy.

• Secured facility, which means your love one is safe.

• Activity Programs to keep your loved one active.

We accept Medicare, Medicaid, Private, most HMO’s www.trussvillehealth.com

bitua R y

Stephen McMunn

november 27, 1952 — april 14, 2023

Stephen Paul McMunn, 70, passed away on April 14, 2023, in Springville, Alabama at his twin brother's home. Stephen was an Engineer and became an attorney serving in Trussville, Alabama, for almost 30 years. He was a kind, good man, loved by many, and loved being friends with and helping many people over the years. He was a member of Deerfoot Church of Christ. Stephen is survived by his wife of 30 years, Janice Palmer McMunn; his three stepchildren, Dan Lucky, Holly Lucky Bell (Jim) and Julie Lucky Roberts (Wayne), and five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren; his sister, Flossie Ann McMunn Gilmore, brother Benny Ray McMunn (Jane), twin brother, Stanley David McMunn; his uncle, Mathew McMunn, Jr; a sister-in-law, Betty McMunn; nieces, Misty Delk and Jennifer King; nephews, Michael McMunn, Amos Gilmore Jr., Bryant Gilmore, and Dr. Jed McMunn; cousins, Jenell Tackett, Roger McMunn, Bonnie Ledlow, Eric McMunn, Leanne Rogers, and Randy McMunn. Stephen is preceded in death by his mother, Drucilla McMunn Cornelius and his father, Dewey William McMunn, and his older brother, John Dewey McMunn. The service for Stephen McMunn will be held at 12 noon on April 20th at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation to be held 2 hours prior. Burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial's adjoining gardens. Memorial donations can be made in Stephen's name to Deerfoot Church of Christ in Pinson, Alabama.

Darryl Alan Williams

october 25, 1961 — april 15, 2023

Darryl Alan Williams, 61, beloved Husband, Brother, Father, Grandfather, and Uncle passed away on April 15, 2023 at Ascension St. Vincent's East in Birmingham, AL, following a brief illness surrounded by his family and friends.

He was born on October 25, 1961, in Rochelle, IL, the fifth child of Dewey and Elsie Williams. As a child, Darryl traveled with his parents and siblings as his father, a Missionary Baptist preacher, ministered the gospel across Illinois, Kentucky, Arizona, and Alabama.

After moving to Alabama, Darryl met the love of his life Peggy Ann Welch. The couple were married on September 27, 1982, after a brief two-month engagement by Darryl's father. The couple's 40-year marriage produced one daughter, Heather Marie, and later a grandson, Joseph "Levi" Jackson Williams.

Darryl worked for many years at the Honda Assembly Plant in Lincoln, AL, and retired from the company. He was an avid Auburn Tigers football fan and War Eagle for life watching every season game. He also enjoyed watching basketball, westerns, and crime TV shows. Perhaps Darryl's greatest enjoyment in life came after he became a "Poppy," to his grandson, Levi, whom he adored and loved with all his heart.

Darryl was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dan; and nephews, Jeff Williams, and D.J. Shadburn.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy; daughter, Heather; and grandson, Levi, all of Moody, AL; brothers, Phil (Margo) Williams, of Las Vegas, NV, and Paul (Dottie), Williams, of Crest Hill, IL; sisters, Cynthia (Michael) Norman, and Sue Williams, of Yazoo City, MS, and Rhoda (Mark) Kyle, of Corinth, MS; chosen sister, Cuba Piersol, of Dora, AL; Uncle Jeffery (Nina) Wood of Morris, Al; sister-in-law, Donna (Dan) Williams, of Oxford, MS; nieces, Jennifer (Kevin) Sheetz, of Chicago, IL, Ashlee (Matt) Sampson, of Sparks, NV, Kristina Norman, of Madison, MS, Kelsie McLemore, of Corinth, MS, and Sierra Kyle, of Oxford, MS, Melanie, Maya, and Megan Goolsby of Morris, Al; nephews, Michael Norman, of Yazoo City, MS, and Jacob Kyle, of Corinth, MS, Logan Wood of Grantville, GA; three great

nieces: Elizabeth, Olivia, and Adalynn Sheetz; and one great nephew, Greyson Sheetz; cousins Lisa Goolsby of Morris, Al and Jeff (Suzanne) Wood of Grantville, GA.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, from 6-9 pm at the Civic Center, 200 Civic Center Drive, Moody, Al honoring Darryl's life. The family would like to thank the CICU staff at Ascension St. Vincent's East for their care.

Betty Gilbert

november 18, 1935 — april 18, 2023

Betty Jean Parrish Gilbert, age 87, passed peacefully at her home in Trussville, Alabama on April 18, 2023 into eternal life with Jesus. Born in Geraldine, Alabama on November 18, 1935, Betty grew up on Sand Mountain and was salutatorian at Geraldine High School. After graduation, she went to work at the state employment office in Ft Payne and married the love of her life, James Gilbert. She was an active member of Eastside Baptist Church for 60+ years, working there as a secretary and serving as Chairman of the Remodeling Committee and Sunday school teacher. Betty worked as a homemaker for most of her life, and was known to all as an avid reader, phenomenal cook, and expert seamstress. Betty and James visited almost every state in the U.S. in their RV over the course of 20 years, and were faithful members of the Dixie Hi-Lo Club. She enjoyed daily walks, never met a stranger, and had a deeply personal relationship with Jesus. We love you, Gran. You will be missed and we can’t wait to see you again! Betty was proceeded in death by her father and mother, Enoch and Althea Parrish, her siblings Irene Davis (Lucius), Douglas Parrish (Sibyl), Nettie Freeman (Buford), and Dayton Parrish, and her beloved granddaughter, Hope Elise Johnson. Betty is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, James L. Gilbert, her two daughters, Sandra Roberts (Mike) and Susan Johnson (Cortney), three grandchildren, Lacey deShazo (Daniel), Kyle Roberts (Mary), and Logan Johnson (Natalie) as well as her six great-grandchildren, Leighton Johnson, Nate Johnson, Oliver deShazo, Charlie Johnson, Melrose Roberts, and Jonah deShazo, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 25 at 11:00 am with the service to follow at noon, at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville.

AskEddie

Reactions to a Spouse’s Death

If your husband or wife has died, you will probably experience some of the common symptoms of grief. You may find yourself denying at first that your spouse has died. Later, you may feel numb or like a spectator watching what’s happening. This is nature’s way of protecting you, of insulating you from what is happening so you can adjust.

Anger and Guilt

You may feel angry at the doctors or nurses who couldn’t save your spouse, at the funeral director - even God. You may feel angry at your spouse for leaving you and then feel guilty for this anger.

You may find yourself feeling guilty for several reasons. It is common for the bereaved to feel guilty simply for being alive. Because relationships are never perfect, you will have disagreements with your spouse. Now you may feel guilty for those arguments or believe you should have been a “better” husband or wife.

Physical Signs of Grief

The mental strain of grief can take a physical toll as well. It’s not unusual for the bereaved to lose weight, have difficulty sleeping, become irritable or listless, or feel short of breath.

Other Signs of Grief

Husbands and wives who have lost a spouse frequently become preoccupied with the person who died. You may think about your spouse constantly, repeatedly re-create the circumstances of the death in your mind or have dreams or nightmares about him or her.

Grieving is a natural, though incredibly difficult, process. Recognizing that grief can affect you in many ways and can change daily is one of the first steps to beginning the healing process.

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

H. Ray Lenderman

november 12, 1935 — april 17, 2023

H. "Ray" Lenderman, 87, passed away on April 17, 2023, in Trussville, Al.

Ray Lenderman was born on November 12, 1935 in Gadsden, AL, to Herman Lenderman and Beatrice Lenderman.

Herman graduated from Greenville High School in 1955 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from University of Montevallo. He was also a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Morgage Banking where he obtained his Masters in Business.

His professional career began as a teacher/coach in Shelby County before joining Liberty National Life Insurance in 1961. He held many positions with Liberty National culmination as Second VP of the Mortgage Loan Administration and Loan Closing Departments. In 1982 until he retired he worked as Vice President, Risk Management for the Torchmark Companies.

Ray was a man who loved life and lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed golf, walking, sports and especially his Auburn football. He was also an avid member of the First Baptist Church Trussville where we was active in bible studies, choir and Men on Missions. Ray is remembered by all who knew him as an outgoing, friendly person who loved life and everyone in it.

Rays is forever remembered by his wife Jane Lenderman, his son Jody Lenderman and his fiancé Lisa DiVito, his granddaughter Kirsten Caraway her husband Andrew Caraway, his grandson Ryan Lenderman and his wife Skylar Lenderman, his great-grandson Gaines Caraway and his sister Edith Marlene Furgerson and her family.

Ray is preceded in death by his father Herman Lenderman, his mother Beatrice Lenderman ,and his son Jeff Lenderman.

The service for Ray Lenderman will be held at Trussville First Baptist on Friday, April 21th at 12:00 noon inside the chapel. With visitation held one hour prior to the service. A private family committal service will immediately follow the service at Jefferson Memorial Gardens. Pastor Bob Smith will preside over the services.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers please send donations to Trussville First Baptist Seasoned Adult Ministry: Attention Senior Adult Pastor Bob Smith.

Abbie Watson

november 13, 1931 — april 18, 2023

Abbie Ewing Watson, age 91 of Clay, AL passed away on April 18, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Watson. She is survived by her daughter, Abbie Coursey (James); grandchildren, Allen Massey (Terri) and Amber Coursey; great grandchildren, Austin Peterson and Dylan Massey.

John H. Greene

september 5, 1939 — april 17, 2023

John Hunter Greene, age 83, loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother passed away unexpectedly on April 17, 2023 with his family by his side.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama on September 5, 1939 John grew up in Birmingham and graduated from Phillips High School. After graduation, he worked for Bank for Savings, Lovemans, Southern Natural Gas, and retired from the Saint Clair Correctional system. John enjoyed reading, studying history and church. He was an active member of Deerfoot Baptist Church.

John was preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Marie Greene.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Linda, Greene, two sons, John Edward Greene (Jennifer), Andrew Greene (Daniele), daughter Kathleen Greene (Doug Wells) and brother Charles Greene (Sandy). Also surviving John are grandchildren, Justin Greene, Samuel Greene, Mia Greene, Alex Greene, and Josh McCarty.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm with a chapel service to follow at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in Trussville. Burial will immediately follow in the adjoining cemetery.

Charlotte Fondren

october 28, 1961 — april 18, 2023

Charlotte Leigh Fondren was born on October 28, 1961 to Arnold and Margaret Fondren. She was the youngest of four children. She had a brother Michael and sisters Cecilia (Jan) and Rodna.

Charlotte was called to her eternal home on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold & Margaret Fondren, her brother Michael Fondren, and her sister Jan Black. She is survived by her sister Rodna (Mark), two nephews Stephen (Julie) and James (Sara) and two great nephews Josiah and Daniel. She is also survived by a special long time friend Dan O'Connell.

Charlotte participated in the Special Olympics as a child. She received a Special Education diploma from Woodlawn High School in 1981. She worked for a few years at Chick fil A.

Charlotte loved to travel. She enjoyed playing Skip-Bo. She was a huge Elvis fan, had a fascination with celebrities, and was a big fan of the Andy Griffith Show.

Charlotte was an avid pet lover, having at least one dog most of her life. She had a large doll collection.

Charlotte was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Center Point and more recently Clearview Baptist Church. Within the last year of her life, her health prevented her from church attendance which greatly saddened her. She enjoyed going to church and was very faithful even though she could not drive in recent years.

Sherry Purser

may 19, 1948 — april 16, 2023

Sherry Lynn Purser, 74, passed away Sunday April 16th, 2023. The family will receive friends at Jefferson Memorial funeral home in Trussville on Monday, April 24, 2023 from 11am to Noon in the Chapel. Burial will follow in the Gardens.

Sherry is survived by her husband of 52 years Ronald (Ronnie) Purser; daughters Wendy Purser and Misty Latting (Jonathan) and son Chris Purser (Lu); four grandchildren Gemma, Grey, Penelope & Adelyne.

Sherry is preceded in death by her brother Byron E. York, Jr. and parents Edna Joyce & Byron E. York, Sr.

Sherry was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1948 and grew up in East Lake. She was a graduate of Woodlawn high school and subsequently graduated from the University of Montevallo with a degree in elementary education. Sherry married Ronald (Ronnie) in 1971 after which they moved to Springville AL. It was there she began teaching special education at Springville school. After starting their family she then became a devoted stay-at-home wife & mother.

She was very artistic and enjoyed hobbies such as drawing, ceramics and sewing. She was an avid animal lover with a kind and thoughtful soul. She met her husband through square dancing to which they were both involved in for over 50 years. Through dancing, she and dad made many wonderful friends over the years who became like our own family.

Eddie Seal, General Manager

Jefferson Memorial is a full-service funeral home and perpetual care cemetery dedicated to serving our community with dignity and compassion. We Make it Personal® , one family at a time.

Rahal Excited For Return To Barber

By John Goolsby For the

Tribune

IRONDALE-Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Graham Rahal, currently 13th in the NTT IndyCar standings, is looking forward to his return to the Magic City next weekend. “I have really fallen in love with Birmingham and the area,” he said. “I don’t know that I’ve been to many more beautiful places than Birmingham.”

“All the driver’s wives have Barber circled,” Rahal said. “It is just a beautiful, beautiful track. We are used to going to a lot of race tracks, and a lot of tracks around this world are not very pretty. That’s the facts. So, when we all get the opportunity to go somewhere awesome, we enjoy it.”

The six-time IndyCar winner is excited to get his One Cure Honda on track at Barber. “It is massively challenging, so I have always enjoyed that aspect. From a driver’s perspective, we are on blast all weekend. You’ve got no margin for error, and if you make a mistake, everyone sees it.”

“There are so many different elevations and blind and tight corners,” he said. “I think when we first showed up, everybody thought, how’s this going to work as an IndyCar track? We knew it worked as a motorcycle track, but in

reality, it probably puts on the best IndyCar road course race of the entire year.”

Rahal continued, “I think every corner is unique. You look at turn one, and it doesn’t look like anything tricky. When you’re coming up to it at the top of fifth gear at 160 mph, it is completely blind. It is a major challenge to hit your marks and to do things right. If you turn in too early in the apex, you bounce off and crash. If you miss it too late, well, you know.”

“The back section of the track is very demanding,” he said. “Turns eight, nine, and ten are completely blind, and the esses on the backstretch, flat out in qualifying, is pretty tricky. Turns twelve and thirteen; that’s as daunting as it gets. You’re not going

to many places in our sport that are that fast and edgy,” Rahal said. “I don’t like to over-dramatize things, but it’s definitely a zero margin for error place.” You have to get it right, or you’ll pay the price, but that’s kind of what Barber is all about.”

Rahal, who began his career in Champ Car with the famed Newman/Haas/Lanigan team in 2007, has high expectations for his team and himself this year. “They’re high, but they’re high every year,” he said. “I want to compete for a championship and run up front. We want to do all those things because we know we can. We’ve been close so many times before. It’s an achievable goal for us.”

Rahal’s 2023 campaign got off to a good start at the

season opener at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Pete. “Obviously, finishing sixth at St. Pete was one step better than where we finished there last year. Yeah, so not bad, you know.” Rahal finished 24th at the PPG 375 on Texas Motor Speedway’s high banks after getting caught up in a Devlin Defrancesco crash. Rahal bounced back with a 12th-place finish at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach this past Sunday. He started in the 24th spot and worked his way toward the front. “Not a bad day at the beach,” he said. “We have to keep working on starting the weekend a bit better, but I’m proud of all the effort from the team.” This year Rahal is looking to get to the top of the podium at Barber. He has shown con-

sistency and competitiveness in his previous 12 races there. Rahal had runner-up finishes in 2015 and 2016.

Outside of the car, Rahal is enjoying life as a family man. He is married to former NHRA drag racing star Courtney Force. “It has been amazing,” he said. “My little girls and Court are my life.” He and Courtney are getting used to experiencing race weekends as a family at the track. “They come every weekend. Court and I bought a motor home about five years ago with bunk beds, but we had no kids for the bunk beds. Now here we are, and it is perfect. We’re filling those bunks, so it’s been pretty

cool.”

Rahal has some advice for people thinking about coming to the race. “What you will enjoy about an IndyCar race at Barber is the southern hospitality. It will make great memories with your family,” he said. “IndyCar in Alabama provides you with an opportunity to get out and see racing in a setting that you are not used to. Come see it if you haven’t. Take pride in Barber and show off what you have because not everyone has anything like it.”

Tickets for the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix on April 28-30 can be purchased at indyalabama.com or by calling 877-332-7804.

Graham Rahal. Photo by: Penske Entertainment: Chris Jones

Rahal in action. Photo by: Penske Entertainment: Karl Zemlin

Scrappy Huskies defeat Oak Mountain, 2-1, in extra innings, give Jeff Mauldin 300th victory

By Loyd McIntosh For

The Tribune

TRUSSVILLE — The Hewitt-Trussville baseball team won the final home game of the 2023 regular season in thrilling fashion, coming from behind to defeat Oak Mountain, 2-1, in extra innings Tuesday night at Phil English Field. The win not only keeps the Huskies postseason hopes alive, but also marks the 300th victory at Hewitt for head coach Jeff Mauldin.

With two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning and Jonah Jackson on third base – pinch running for Christian Helmers – sophomore left fielder Grayson Pope executed a textbook bunt down the third base line, beating the throw and visiting Eagles of Oak Mountain in the process.

“Coach Mauldin looked at me and told me to drag. With two outs they’re probably not thinking it’s coming, so I knew if I got down to third I’d be safe,” said Pope.

Oak Mountain relief pitcher Nick McCord threw an off-speed pitch that initially caught Pope off guard, but managed to place the ball in the grass in the perfect spot to beat third baseman Peyton Parkinson’s throw. “It wasn’t the perfect pitch, but it worked,” said Pope. “I had my head down and was like ‘go, go, go, go, go, get there, get there. I never saw the throw. I just ran hard.”

Mauldin made the call to have Pope attempt a drag bunt after struggling from the plate most of the night against starter Matthew Heiberger.

Mauldin said he thought Pope was trying to win the game on one swing and decided to take a different approach.

“I gave him one strike and saw that he was trying to hit 800-foot home runs, but he can really bunt and is the fastest guy on the team,” Mauldin said. “If he gets it down like he can he’s going to be safe.

“He executed it perfectly. He couldn’t have rolled the ball out there better than he did,” added Mauldin. “I hope he learns from that because he’s an upper 300s hitter but if he did that he’d be an upper 400s hitter.”

The Huskies also got a masterful performance from pitcher Will Ago. Making only his second start in his career at Hewitt-Trussville, Argo pitched all nine innings, allowing only one run in the first inning. Argo managed to pitch himself out of a handful of jams and seemed to get stronger as the game progressed into extra innings.

“I know that I’ve got the team behind me and as long as I throw strikes they’re going to make plays,” said Argo. “Nine innings was a bit much but I just trust my teammates.”

Mauldin said Argo has been one of the “main guy” coming out of the bullpen during the season. However, the Huskies came into the contest with Oak Mountain on a three-game losing streak in 7A Area 6 play, but felt Argo matched up well against Oak Mountain’s bats and decided to put the ball in the senior’s hand.

“He had been throwing so well and I felt he was a good match-up against them,” Mauldin said. “He’s a senior and it’s his last home game of his senior year. I didn’t expect him to go nine innings. I thought it we got five or six out of him that would be great.

“The thing about Argo is he wants the ball for his team

and that’s what you want,”

Mauldin added. “There was no way I was ever going to take him out of the game until he told me he was done or he got to a pitch count.”

Oak Mountain started the game with a single by McCord to lead off the first inning. McCord stole second and advanced to third base after Husky catcher Drew Ollis overthrew second baseman Kurt Kizer on the play. McCord eventually scored on a sacrifice fly to put Oak Mountain up 1-0.

That was the last of the scoring until the bottom of the seventh inning.

The remainder of the contest was a pitchers’ duel as both Hewitt’s Argo and Oak Mountain Heiberger were

dominant from the mound. Hewitt had several chances to put runs on the board throughout the game, including stranding a runner on third base in the bottom of the sixth inning with a chance to tie.

The Huskies faced one last chance to tie or go ahead in the bottom of the seventh inning as Ollis drew a lead off walk. Mauldin sent in Tyler Blake as a courtesy runner for Ollis, who promptly stole second base on the third strike to Helmers, the first out of the inning for Hewitt.

Blake advanced to third base on a grounder by T.J. Chappel. With two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning

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A written list of Contractors receiving prequalification will be issued to all who requested consideration by 5:00 PM Local Time, May 9, 2023

PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held at 9:00 am Local Time, Thursday, May 11, 2023 in the City of Trussville Conference Room located at 113 North Chalkville Road Trussville, AL 35173. Attendance by all Prequalified Bidders is mandatory in order to avoid disqualification.

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Final bid documents (Plans, Specifications, and Addenda) will be sent to prequalified Contractors only from TURNERBATSON electronically with no deposit on May 9, 2023. Drawings and Specifications may be examined at local plan rooms. Subcontractors should contact a Contractor or plan room for documents.

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Hewitt Trussville's Jeff Mauldin gets his 300th win with the program with a 2-1 win over Oak Mountain April 18, 2023.

Photo by: Loyd McIntosh

Hewitt Trussville Pitcher Will Argo. Photo by: Loyd McIntosh

See HUSKIES, Page 16

Sixth-inning run lifts Tigers to senior night win over Gadsden City

By Johnny Sanders

Sports Editor

SPRINGVILLE – Monday was senior night at Springville High School for the baseball team and they welcomed the Gadsden City Titans to town in a game that was more like a heavyweight fight than a baseball game, getting the 3-2 win to send the seniors out with a win in their final game at home.

The first inning would be scoreless by both teams as the pitchers and defenses battled

it out, like they would much of the night. In the bottom of the second, Springville would draw first blood when Asa Morrison doubled to get on base and pinch runner Cade Gleason was driven in by a Kade Willis line drive to center field.

The third inning would be a replay of the first with both teams unable to get across the plate. Springville would go up 2-0 in the fourth when Morrison got on base once again, this time with a single, and Gleason pinch ran for him again, being driven in

Mounties’ Degraffenried Continues Strong Season

By John Goolsby For

the Tribune

MOUNTAIN BROOK

– Shades Valley’s Reah Degraffenried put together another strong performance this past weekend. Degraffenried’s performance helped the Mounties to a 12th-place finish among 32 teams at the Mountain Brook Invitational. “I definitely enjoyed the meet,” said Degraffenried. “There were a lot of different athletes that I haven’t competed against this season.” Degraffenried won the 300 meter hurdles with a time of 44.34, the third fastest time in the state this year. Her time of 42.89 at Mobile’s Chal-

See DEGRAFFENRIED,

Moody ends season with loss, turns focus to playoffs

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

by Grant Martinez on a line drive to left field.

Gadsden city would mount a comeback in the fifth inning, putting 2 runs on the board and holding the Tigers scoreless to make it 2-2 heading into the sixth.

Springville would answer with a run of their own in the sixth inning as Ty Harrison, who was pinch running for Willis who reached base on an earlier single to right field, was brought home for what would be the winning

See TIGERS, Page 16

PELL CITY – The Moody Blue Devils traveled to Pell City on Tuesday night to take on the Panthers on their senior night. While Moody would put up a good fight and look like they were going to come back in the seventh inning, a Pell City grand slam in the fifth and “little things,” as Moody Head Coach Eamonn Kelly would say, proved to be too much to overcome for the Blue Devils. The game would start

Degraffenried with her hardware from the Mountain Brook Invitational.

Photo by: Reah Degraffenried

Moody's Payton Isbell looks to advance as Pell City's Ethan Lang pitches.

Photo by: Johnny Sanders

Springville Baseball players celebrate. Photo by: Cricket Jones

Huskies

From page 14

and Oak Mountain up 1-0, third baseman Rob Right hit a routine grounder that should have ended the contest. However, Oak Mountain starting shortstop McCord failed to get his glove on the ground allowing the ball to squirt through his legs and into short center field. Blake sprinted across the plate on the error to tie the game, 1-1, giving the Huskies new life as the game progressed into extra innings.

Argo shut down Oak Mountain’s batters in the eighth and ninth leading to the improbable bunt by Pope in the ninth to win the game, the 300th victory for Mauldin in his 11 years at Hewitt-Trussville. While proud of the accomplishment, Mauldin took the victory in stride.

“It’s more about the kids. Three hundred is awesome, andt we have a special program here, but it’s about our players,” Mauldin said. “No coach is worth this kind of recognition without the players who buy into what you do. Hopefully we can take care of business Thursday and advance past that.”

Hewitt-Trussville High School Athletics Director Lance Walker took a moment to reflect on Mauldin’s accomplishments, on and off the field, during his 11 years leading the Husky baseball program, and his positive impact on the community.

“I want to congratulate Coach Jeff Mauldin on his 300th win at Hewitt-Trussville. Coach Mauldin has led us to a state title and multiple deep playoff runs. He has built our Baseball program into a consistent 7A championship contender, and HT Baseball is well respected around the state,” said Walker. “More importantly, Coach Mauldin has poured into young men in the Trussville community for a decade. I have no doubt his student-athletes are more prepared for life because of their association with our team. We are excited about the future and thankful Coach Mauldin is the leader of our program.”

Hewitt-Trussville (20-10) will make a return trip to Oak Mountain to finish the 2023 regular season on Thursday, April 20. The winner will advance to the AHSAA State Baseball Playoffs which get underway on Friday, April 28.

From page 15

with each team getting a run across the plate in the first inning. Moody’s Payton Isbell, after hitting a single on his first at-bat, would advance to third and then score first when Landon Cherry hit a sacrifice to Pell City pitcher Ethan Lang.

Lang and company would shut the Blue Devils out in the second while putting another run on the board for Pell City to make it 2-0 heading into the third, where both teams would once again score a single run each. Moody would score on a single to center field by Cherry, driving in Isbell once again to tie the game. Pell City would answer in the bottom of the inning to make it 3-2 after 3 innings of play. Neither team would score

Tigers

From page 15

run when Tanner Oakes hit a grounder that was mishandled by the Titans’ third baseman, allowing Harrison to cross the plate. Neither team would score in the seventh, securing the 3-2 victory for the Tigers to end the regular season and send the seniors out with a win.

It was pitcher by committee for the Tigers as 5 different guys saw time on the

Degraffenried

From page 15

lenge of Champions on April

1 remains the fastest in the state and 23rd fastest in the nation.

The Valley senior ran a Personal Record in the 100 meter dash with a time of 12.08. Degraffenried finished behind Destiny Roper of Foley. Degraffenried’s time is

in the fourth but there would be fireworks in the fifth. Moody would tie the game in the top of the inning when Isbell would once again find home, this time on a passed ball. In the bottom of the inning, Pell City would score 5 runs, 4 of which came on a grand slam.

Pell City would add a run in the sixth to make it 9-3. In the top of the seventh, Moody would have a chance to do what they have done numerous times this season by scoring runs late to get the win, but this time they would come up short. Carson Mitchell would get on first with a single to center field, followed by a single by Isbell to put 2 runners on for Chase Marshall. Marshall would double to center field, scoring Mitchell and Isbell. Cherry would then hit a single to put runners on the corners. All of this

mound allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and striking out 7 batters collectively. Zach Brown and Tanner Oakes led with 3 strikeouts each. Kade Willis and Grant Martinez each had an RBI at the plate, going a combined 3 of 5 hitting.

“Winning on senior night is always good,” said Springville coach Jonathan Ford. “It had several important implications. When you are able to win, it’s great and when you are able to honor

the 6th fastest in the state and second fastest in 6A.

Degraffenried finished 3rd in the 100 meter hurdles, finishing behind Tori Mack of Hewitt-Trussville and Lily Rigor of Chelsea. She holds the 4th fastest time in the state and the 2nd fastest time in 6A.

Degraffenried, who has her sights set on multiple state championships at the

came before the first out of the inning. At the end, Johnny Earl would ground out to third and Cherry would get caught trying to steal second base to seal the win for Pell City.

Panther’s pitcher Ethan Lang, who got his first start of the year in his final game with the Panthers, pitched 4 innings, allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits and striking out 3 batters.

Moody threw 4 different pitchers with Brady Dodd getting the start and getting just over one inning of play, followed by Payton Isbell, Colby Graves and Chase Marshall. At the plate, Payton Isbell was the bright spot, not only getting on base, but scoring all 4 times he stepped to the plate.

“We have to keep teaching the situations to these young guys. We’ve got to work on our IQ. We are

your seniors and let all of them play, that makes it that much more exciting. Also, it was our eighth straight victory. I am super proud of these guys for bouncing back the way they have after a tough spring break and we are super excited about hosting Boaz on Friday.”

Regarding the playoff game against Boaz, Coach Ford said, “Coach Adam Keenum does a great job there and has for a long time. He’s got a very tough group

State Championship May 5-7, has run Personal Bests in the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, 100 meter hurdles, and 300 meter hurdles over the last two weeks. “I think my training is going very well overall,” she said. “I trust my coaches and know that I will be more than prepared for sectionals and state.”

Shades Valley head coach Gary Ferguson says, “Reah

down by 4 runs. Not trying to take the base there.

If anything, we are trying to score a run there. That’s not what we want,” said Coach Kelly. “We dug ourselves a hole with the grand slam. We should have caught the ball foul before the grand slam and then we walked a guy. Little stuff. We have to do the little stuff right or we aren’t going to be successful. That’s just the basics of it.”

Moody ended the regular season 16-14 and will head to Arab on Thursday night to begin the playoffs.

Coach Kelly continued, “We are tough. We battle to the end and never give up. Our mindset is that we can beat anybody, no matter how many runs we are down. We’ve just got to do the little things right and not make mistakes. When you make mistakes, you get beat.”

with several really good hitters and some good arms as well. We will have our work cut out for us. But I like where our guys are headed going into the weekend and I really hope our community can come out and support these guys Friday night and make it an amazing atmosphere.”

Springville ends the regular season at 19-12 before hosting Boaz in the first round of the playoffs on Friday.

represents what a true champion looks like. She takes the good with the bad. She’s always learning. If a mistake is made in the race, we get back to practice and work on the area in which it occurred. Then she goes out to the next meet and corrects the mistake. Her hard work, along with her talent, is what’s pushing her to the next level.”

Hewitt’s Mauldin huddles with the Husky baseball team after the victory over Oak Mountain.

Photo by: Loyd McIntosh