The Trussville Tribune – May 10 - 16, 2023

Center Point City Council approves medical marijuana dispensaries

By Terry Schrimscher

For the Tribune CENTER POINT – The city of Center Point is preparing for the statewide availability of medical cannabis. City leaders approved an ordinance allowing the oper-

See CENTER POINT, Page 5

Irondale amends zoning ordinance, honors outstanding employees

By Terry Schrimscher

For the Tribune

IRONDALE – The Irondale City Council gathered Tuesday night, May 2, for the first regularly scheduled monthly meeting. The Council moved quickly through the

Carrington Lakes to host Stroke Walk for American Heart Association

McGough

By Crystal

Editor TRUSSVILLE – Residents of the Carrington Lakes community in Trussville will be hosting a walk for the American Heart Association in order to raise awareness and provide education

Cahaba Fire Company awarded $25,000 from Alabama Launchpad

By Loyd McIntosh For The Tribune

TRUSSVILLE — Caha-

ba Fire Company is ready to launch. A new startup company based in Trussville, Cahaba Fire Company, was awarded $25,000 in non-dilutive funds during the Alabama Launchpad Cycle 1 2023 Finale in April. An Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) program, Alabama Launchpad is an early-stage seed fund investor offering startup competitions and mentoring for entrepreneurs throughout the state.

Cahaba Fire Company was founded in 2022 by Ben Horton, a mechanical/aerospace engineer, and Ryan King, a firefighter/paramedic with more than 14 years of experience. The company was launched to fill critical tool and equipment gaps that could mean the difference between life and death during an emergency.

“Firefighters need a way to do more with less. The industry is missing critical tools and equipment for certain emergencies and that is what we are here to change,” said King. “Cahaba Fire Company’s mission is to research and develop innovative equipment necessary for first responders to perform their job safer, faster, and more reliably.”

King and Horton learned about the Alabama Launch-

pad program through an economic developer in St. Clair County who felt the company would be a good candidate. Horton said they “quickly applied,” beating out 25 companies to win a slot as a finalist in the competition.

“We earned the top spot as the concept stage winners after three months of intense work and catered startup consultation in the form of seminars, multiple one-on-one Launch Advisor meetings,

Pinson Council resolves Kaley Avenue property dispute

By Nathan Prewett For the Tribune

and presentation training,” explained Horton.

Horton said the Alabama Launchpad competition was valuable not only for the funding shot in the arm but for the hands-on mentoring that he and King received. He said the process helped them uncover and repair cracks in their foundation and has the company poised for success on a faster timetable than they could have imagined.

“The experience was literally like being launched from a launchpad and guided on a straight trajectory,” said Horton. “The Launch Advisors acted as course correction thrusters to ensure we were on a planned path to success. Their consultation is highly valued and will never be forgotten.”

“The $25,000 in non-dilutive funding has allowed us to mass produce our products and to research and develop future products faster,” Horton added. “Our future prod-

Eastern Women’s Committee of 50 holds 21st annual charity golf tournament

By Chase Holmes News Reporter

PINSON – During a meeting on May 4, the Pinson City Council voted to resolve a dispute regarding a property on Kaley Avenue. According to a resolution detailing the case, the build-

See PINSON, Page 4

Moody City Council purchases land for museum

By Nathan Prewett

For the Tribune

MOODY – The Moody Council agreed to enter a contract to purchase land for a long-proposed museum during a meeting on Monday, May 8. The contract was approved for $200,000, and the

See

Donna

Smothers

Walker Memorial Scholarship awarded to HTHS senior Vanessa Kariuki

BIRMINGHAM – The Eastern Women’s Committee of 50 (EWCF) held its 21st annual charity golf tournament at Highlands Park Golf Course benefiting Parkinson Association of Alabama on Thursday, May 4, 2023.

Center Point hosts inaugural Mental Health Awareness Workshop

By Loyd McIntosh

For the Tribune

CENTER POINT —

More than 100 people packed the gymnasium at the Center Point Community Center to learn about managing their mental health and well-being on Saturday, May 6.

See WORKSHOP, Page 4

Lifestyle - Page 8

Health and WellnessPage 9

Outdoors - Page 10

Calendar - Page 11

Classified - Page 11

Obituary - Page 12

Sports - Pages 13-16

Over 100 golfers came out to support the organization in their effort to raise money for charity. This year, the beneficiary of the golf tournament was the Parkinson Association of Alabama.

Rene Lyle, vice president of the EWCF is proud of her team and the work they got done this year.

“Our members did a great job getting teams, golfers, auction items, and sponsors this year,” she said. “We had the largest number of golfers we have ever had. It went from 88 to 107 golfers this year.”

Lyle spoke about Parkinson of Alabama and the work they are doing.

“It benefits people with Parkinsons. They educate and give support to the patient as well as family members and caregivers.”

The EWCF was founded in 1986. Since then, they have

raised over $1.1 million and volunteered over a thousand hours to benefit the Eastern Community of Greater Birmingham.

As the golf tournament began to wind down for the

evening, golfers congregated in the upper room of the Highland Park Golf course and were served lunch. Before tournament and raffle prize winners were announced, Brian Corbett, President of the Board for Parkinson of Alabama, who has Parkinson’s himself, spoke at the capstone lunch. His voice was soft, a symptom of Parkinson’s itself, but it carried behind it the weight of over 19,000 people in Alabama who also suffer from Parkinsons.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone here,” Corbett said. “It means a lot to me and it means a lot to us as an organization. I want to thank everyone with the Eastern Women’s Committee of 50 for what they’ve done.”

More golfers than expected turned out in support and Corbett said he knew from the start they would see a great turnout.

See TOURNAMENT, Page 3

Robin’s Sewing Shoppe

www.robinshoppe.com

5886 Trussville Crossings Blvd 205.655.3388

- Fabric

- Machines

- Classes

- Demos

By

Crystal McGough Editor TRUSSVILLE — HewittTrussville senior Vanessa Kariuki was named winner of the Donna Smothers Walk-

See STROKE, Page 7 See SCHOLARSHIP, Page 5

See JUBLOWSKI, Page 7

(Left) Rene Lyle. Vice President of the EWCF. (Right) Janice Braue, President of the EWCF (Photo by Chase Holmes)

Cahaba Fire Company founders Ben Horton and Ryan King receive a $25,000 check from Alabama Launchpad

L oca L / R egion

Mayor Buddy Choat invites public to Memorial Day dedication of Alabama Fallen Warriors Monument

Tournament

From front page

the grass out there it felt really soft.”

From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE – The dedication of the Alabama Fallen Warriors Monument in Trussville’s Veteran’s Park has been scheduled for Monday, May 29, 2023, at 2 p.m.

The Alabama Fallen Warriors Project has been in the works since 2016, when Mark Davis (US Navy) and Retired Marine Colonel Lee Busby had a vision to build bronze busts to honor Alabama’s fallen warriors.

According to the Blue Star Salute Foundation, the monument will include 115 concrete columns representing military service members killed in action.

“Each column will display a 3 by 6-inch giant dog tag listing the name, rank, age, and location of death,” the website description said.

“It will also include 111 (12 by 12 inch) pavers honoring those Military Service Members who died a Non-Hostile Death.”

Trussville Mayor Buddy Choat recently released the following letter to the public:

“Dear Community Members:

On behalf of the Trussville Veterans Committee and the Trussville City Council, I invite you to join us for the dedication of the Alabama Fallen Warriors Monument on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29th, 2023, at 2:00 PM,

at Veteran’s Park, 105 Parkway Drive.

The monument honors the 226 brave Alabamians who lost their lives while serving in the War on Terror. These heroes made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation and protect our freedoms, and we want to ensure that their memory lives on.

The ceremony is an opportunity for our community to come together and pay tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. It is a time to reflect on their bravery, dedication, and commitment to our nation, and to express our gratitude for their sacrifice.

We know that the families and loved ones of these fallen

heroes will be in attendance, and we hope that many of you will join us in supporting them and honoring their loved ones. The ceremony will be a solemn and respectful occasion and will include remarks from those who made this monument possible, a 21-gun salute, taps, and a moment of silence.

We are proud to honor the memory of these Alabamians who gave their lives for our country, and we encourage all members of our community to attend. If you have any questions, please contact the Trussville Veterans Committee at trussvillevetcommittee@outlook.com.

Sincerely, Buddy Choat Mayor, City of Trussville”

“Being the recipient of the proceeds has been a year in the making,” he said. “I asked Janice (President of the EWCF), how many players do you expect and she said ‘probably about 85.’ Yeah, so we’re going to do better than that this year. Thanks to everybody in the room, we did.”

Corbett went on to explain the cause of Parkinson’s Disease, which is when the neurons in your brain that produce a vital chemical called dopamine become damaged or impaired. Symptoms can include impaired movement, balance, and bodily control as well as trouble regulating emotions.

Before the tournament began, Corbett became unsteady on a hill and fell on the ground. He took a moment to acknowledge it and had a special message for the crew at Highlands.

“Its kind of funny,” he said, laughing. “I want to say thank you to the grounds crew because when I fell on

While speaking about Parkinsons’, Corbett became emotional several times at the outpouring of support.

“It makes you emotional,” Corbett said, “especially when I think about the fact that all the ladies in here and all the guys in here, are here to support Parkinsons and therefore are here to support me.”

As Corbett, who participated in the golf tournament, looked out on the crowd on golfing teams that filled the conference room on the upper floor of Highlands he had one question left before he handed the microphone back to Braue: “Did we win?” he asked.

After Corbett took his seat, tournament and raffle prize winners were announced. This year turned out to be an especially eventful one as the first ever tournament hole-inone winner was among the many golfers that came out to support the EWCF and Parkinson Association of Alabama.

Mayor Buddy Choat was in attendance for the tournament. (Photo by Chase Holmes)

Brian Corbett, President of the Board of Parkinson Association of Alabama. (Photo by Chase Holmes)

Credit: Blue Star Salute Foundation

The Inaugural Mental Health Awareness Workshop, presented by the City of Center Point, brought several licensed professional counselors and other experts to speak on a variety of topics concerning mental health in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May.

“Mental health is a crucial component in our community at this time,” said Center Point Place 4 Councilwoman Sharon Jones. “Sometimes this topic is swept under the rug or called something else, but mental health has always been an important topic and right now it has been on the forefront of our community.”

The event’s goal was to provide Center Point residents with knowledge and information to protect their mental well-being during life’s ups and downs, as well as to make people aware of resources in the community to reach out to for help. The event also served as a chance for the public to have an open and honest discussion about a topic that is so often stigmatized.

“Mental health is a very important topic right now and with so much happening in the country surrounding it, we wanted to bring awareness to it in Center Point,” said Center Point Mayor Bobby Scott. “This gives our residents a chance to gather some infor-

mation so that they can perhaps have some resources if they need them. May is Mental Health Awareness month and we want to do our part.”

The event assembled a panel of experts speaking on a variety of topics, including overcoming the mental effects of divorce, differentiating mental health from mental illness, identifying toxic traits in relationships, work-life balance for single parents, and the mental stress of being a serial entrepreneur.

This list of speakers included Cherie Edwards, LPC-S, of Work In Progress Counseling Services; Dr. Stephanie Lett, LICSW, PIP, owner of Love Out Loud Counseling and Consulting Services; Christian relationship expert and author of the book “Infected Love,” Dr. Dion Brinson; Latrice Kennedy, owner of Touched By

An Angel Learning Center;

and Oddesty Langham, MS,

LPC,

NCC, owner of

Oddesty K & Associates. Each of them addressed a specific topic, took questions from audience members, highlighted the importance of seeking professional help when going through difficult seasons of life, and underscored the difference between mental illness and your mental well-being.

“Mental health is no different from physical health,” Langham said. “When we think of physical health we think about exercise or about how well we eat.

“In the course of a lifetime, not all people will experience a mental illness, but everyone will struggle or have a challenge with their mental well-being,” continued Langham, who went on to add that everyone will experience periods of depression or anxiety throughout their lives and that taking care of your mental health and having a solid network of support will help you navigate through life’s difficulties. “When we talk about mental health, we’re talking about your mental well-being. Our emotions, our thoughts, our ability to solve problems and overcome difficulties, and our social connections and our understanding of the world around us.”

The event also featured vendors from around the area, a short performance by local stand-up comedian JP Laffsum, and closing remarks by Center Point Place 5 Councilwoman Ebeonee Copeland.

ing on the property was considered a public nuisance and its abatement was ordered. It was eventually demolished and a judgement was entered by a judge against the owners to pay $15,481.59 in 2014.

The city later purchased the property from the state after it was acquired due to its sale, resulting from delinquent property taxes. One of the owners died and their successor filed for bankruptcy, resulting in a successful bankruptcy discharge.

A dispute with the city followed when a third party claimed to be a successor to the previous owner and have a right to the property, which the city disputes. The city sought to redeem the property though “the process of judicial redemption.”

The third party requested that the city release any “in personam” judgement against the previous owner. The city will now enter into an agreement where they will drop the judgement in exchange for the third party conveying interest in the property.

“What this whole thing does is that, financially, the city doesn’t gain anything by this,” he said. “But the city does gain complete control of the property.”

The council gave a report on the City Fest event that took place on April 29. Councilwoman Clinteshia Irvin called it a delight, though she said that not all of the vendors appeared as expected. She later asked future vendors that come to events to stay for the entirety, referring to some that left early due to thinner crowds in the morning and noted that crowds tend to grow larger in the afternoons.

“I ask everybody please stay,” she said. “I know sometimes sitting at your tent you

may feel like you want to leave but I promise you, the Millennials, we are coming with our toddlers right about (1 p.m.) because we are not waking up early on the weekend.”

Councilman Brad Walker announced that a free paper shredding and electronics drop-off for recycling event will take place from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., on May 13, at the Jefferson County Center Point Satellite Courthouse.

Councilman John Churchwell announced that the National Society of the American Revolution will conduct a cleanup at Red Hill Cemetery on May 20, and the public is invited to attend and help.

During public comments, former Councilwoman Dawn Tanner reported on the April 22 Earth Day cleanup on Sweeny Hollow, saying that approximately 15 volunteers showed up and 75 bags were filled.

“It went so well that we’re going to plan on doing another one probably in the fall,” she said.

Afterwards, two residents spoke to complain of the lack of recycling pickup by Waste Management. The first, Jim Raines, began with saying that the road sign marking Midwood Road has been missing for around two years.

Raines was told that a new sign is in the process of being ordered from the county but if this does go through the city will do so.

Raines said that he has tried to contact the garbage service about the recycling but has had too much difficulty and that the service has not properly addressed the issue. Afterwards Nolan Terry echoed Raines’ comments. The council was sympathetic to the complaints with several, including Mayor Joe Cochran, saying that their recycling had not been picked up as well.

In other business, the council:

Approved $4,250 for a dumpster pad for Rock School Center,

• Approved $9,500 for bases for lights in the parking lot area of the Pinson City Youth Complex,

• Approved $4,500 for equipment for a portable PA system, and Discussed potential solutions to issues during the pre-council meeting and will consider options. 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.

Dr. Cherie Edwards speaking at the podium.

(Photo by Loyd McIntosh)

Mayor Joe Cochran and City Councilor Brad Walker (Photo by Nathan Prewett)

ation of dispensaries within city limits at the regular meeting of the City Council on Thursday night, May 4.

Council President DM Collins presided over the short meeting, which lasted approximately 20 minutes. The medical cannabis dispensary ordinance and an ordinance allowing tattoo and piercing parlors were the main points on the agenda other than property abatements.

The Council held a public hearing on both measures during the meeting before bringing them up for a vote.

Collins read a letter to the members of the Council from a citizen who was unable to attend asking them to consider the long-term effects of allowing medical marijuana dispensaries in the city. No one else spoke for or against either measure.

“If medical marijuana requires a prescription, why is it not being sold in established pharmacies that have certified pharmacists,” read Collins. The letter writer said it is only two steps from legalizing

Cahaba

ucts will push the boundaries of new equipment and tech available to first responders. Not only are we developing products for the fire industry, but we have very exciting products planned for police force and SWAT units as well.”

Cahaba Fire Company is currently establishing relationships with Alabama Fire College and with fire departments throughout Jefferson, Shelby, and St. Clair Counties. They also hope to begin working with fire departments in Alabama, identifying gaps in safety and equipment.

“Our big push now is to

marijuana for other uses and cited Colorado as an example claiming traffic accidents have increased due to usage and underage usage has increased there.

“Let’s keep Center Point moving forward and not let it gradually slide back to the city it was in 2000,” the letter said. “Do not base your decision on business solely based on revenue.”

The Council approved the ordinance allowing dispensaries in the city on a majority vote. Collins was the lone “no” vote on the measure.

Medical marijuana was approved in the state in 2021 when Governor Kay Ivey signed legislation creating the Alabama Medical Cannabis

fast prototype the solutions necessary to increase first responder safety and performance, and most importantly to save lives,” said King. “As more products are developed and implemented, our collaboration with Alabama fire departments will serve an important role in ensuring proper training for users across the country.”

Among the innovative products Cahaba Fire Company has already brought to market include the FireWedge and PocketWedge, devices that allow firefighters to quickly establish a rescue effort from a structure positioned on a slope.

“If your burning house is positioned on a hill, or un-

requires licensed owners to receive approval from each municipality, to develop an education plan, a community engagement plan and meet a variety of conditions established by the commission.

At the April 13 meeting of the commission, it was announced more than 90 applications for cannabis business licenses had been filed. The commission is scheduled to award the licenses at the June 12 meeting.

Commission

(AMCC). Alabama became the 37th state to approve the use of cannabis for medical purposes. The legislation creating the commission was Alabama Act 2021-450.

According to the AMCC website, patients with Autism, cancer-related complications, Crohn’s, depression, epilepsy HIV/AIDS. Parkinson’s, PTSD, and other illnesses qualify for medical cannabis treatment. A full list can be found on the AMCC website.

Currently, there are no doctors prescribing medical marijuana in the state and no dispensaries have opened. The commission has set a limit on the number of dispensaries statewide and

Prior to the vote on tattoo and body piercing parlors, Collins read another, similar letter to the Council asking for the Council to consider the image of the city and not base their decision solely on tax revenue. The ordinance allowing the tattoo and piercing businesses was approved by majority with Collins again voting “no.”

A live-streamed recording of this meeting can be seen on the city Facebook page.

The Center Point City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month at City Hall located at 2209 Center Point Parkway. The next meeting will be held Thursday, May 18, at 6:30 p.m.

cious life-saving minutes, but it’s the best they have available.”

“Due to the lack of or non-existent equipment, unnecessary life-changing injuries are occurring and people are dying,” added Horton. “This is unacceptable to us, and we are here to change that. Bottom line, these products keep firefighters safe, increase their performance, and help to save lives.”

Scholarship

From front page er Memorial Scholarship on Friday, April 21, 2023, at the annual Hewitt-Trussville High School senior awards ceremony.

cipal Betsy Schmitt, along with one of Walker’s longtime coworkers Jenna Lackey, suggested creating a scholarship in her name.

even terrain, and you have to be rescued from a window on the hillside, firefighters have to use debris or makeshift blocks of wood to stabilize the ladder,” King said. “These methods can be extremely unsafe and may squander pre-

In addition to the Alabama Launchpad funding, Cahaba Fire Company won a Founder’s Live competition at Hardware Park innovation hub in downtown Birmingham in March. Learn more about Cahaba Fire Company at cahabafireco.com.

“I still remember her voice, the way her eyes squinted ever so slightly when she smiled, the smile lines around her mouth, and the warm presence that surrounded her,” Kariuki said of Walker in the essay she submitted for the scholarship. “… Something that caught me by surprise (at ‘Meet the Teacher’) was that she made an effort to meet me personally. Rather than make me feel like a child, she made me feel special. It was as though time stood still and her only focus was on me. … Mrs. Walker instilled in me qualities that have helped me become the young woman that I am today: kindness, compassion, patience, and accountability. … Not only did Mrs. Walker leave an impact on my life. She left the first and most monumental impact on my life. I strongly believe that Mrs. Walker was put into my life for a reason. Without her influence, I do not think that I would be the person that I am today.”

Donna Walker, who was a kindergarten teacher in Trussville for 33 years, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 57 in April of 2021. After her funeral, former Paine Primary and Hewitt Elementary prin-

“We thought that would be a great way to remember my mom and her legacy,” Walker’s daughter Amy said. “She had been an educator all of her life; she taught Kindergarten for 33 years and she had taught so long that she started having kids of parents who she had taught.”

This is the third year in a row that the $1,000 scholarship has been awarded to an HTHS graduating senior. To be considered for the scholarship, seniors who have memories of Walker must submit an essay detailing the impact Walker had on their life.

“Even though some of her last years were very difficult, her students always knew that she went to baseball games, or any sports games that they had, no matter where she was,” Amy said. “One of the essays talked about how she actually broke her arm that senior’s kindergarten year. She broke her arm the first day of school and she was out three or four months, yet, as soon as she was able to, she was still going to sports games and stuff to help her kids. She wanted them to know that she was there for them; even though she may not be there at school, she would be there for them emotionally. Teaching was her life. It was everything to her.”

Vanessa Kariuki (Photo courtesy of Trussville City Schools)

Photo by Terry Schrimscher

Ben Horton and Ryan King

newly purchased land is located near the Doris Stanley Memorial Library.

The museum will include items related to the history of the city and of St. Clair County. During a work session in June of 2022, the council talked about the possibility of establishing it, with several items already to be donated, some of them estimated to go back to the 1800s.

“Looking forward to that project,” Mayor Joe Lee said just before the resolution was approved unanimously.

People interested in donating items may contact Councilwoman Linda Crowe.

The council heard monthly reports from department heads for April. Police Chief Reece Smith reported 1,147 calls, 25 traffic accidents, 175 total citations, 107 reports were completed, 58 misdemeanors, 21 felonies, and $3,150.32 was spent on vehicle maintenance.

Fire Chief Larry Horton reported 175 responses, four fires (one residential, one vehicle, two woods, grass or rubbish), 94 emergency medical calls, 10 vehicle wrecks, 16 public services, 26 lift

assists, and 25 false alarms.

There were 63 annual inspections, 18 re-inspections, and one fire pump inspection.

The council also heard from Oh Sherri Pub owner Joel Wallace, who will be holding an event on May 18 for policemen as part of National Police Week. The event will be for officers, as well as widows and retirees.

Performers with bagpipes will be playing during the evening and he requested that the city allow the pub to do this past 11 a.m. The council granted the request.

The city’s website may be getting a makeover soon as a request from Crowe to redesign the site with new hosting was considered. The redesign and maintenance of the site was approved for $14,990.

The new hosting will be from The Nine, which maintains sites for Oxford and Tuscaloosa, as well as for several community colleges.

The request was approved unanimously.

In other business, the council:

Agreed to change Oh Sherri Pub’s 010-Lounge Retail Liquor License to 020-Restaurant Retail Liquor License,

Irondale

From front page

agenda with some discussion on zoning ordinances and a focus on employee excellence.

Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. used his time in his report to single out five employees who were deserving of extra praise.

“These employees did not even know someone was watching what they were doing,” Stewart said. “I feel like people should be rewarded when they are doing a fantastic job. All 179 are great but we do have five employees that are greater.”

• Approved Smith’s request to send three School Resource Officers or SRO officers to the annual TASRO training on June 6-9, for $6,600, Approved Smith’s request to change the accruing of hours by SRO officers from 40 hours to 84 hours,

• Approved Municipal Court Manager Tim Senft’s request to send him and Sheri Green to AMCCMA Annual Training Conference in September for $3,680, Approved Park and Recreation Director Mike Stagg’s request to purchase two treadmills for the civic center for $15,625.84,

• Approved Horton’s request to purchase a new vehicle to replace an older one for a cost not to exceed $50,000, and

• Agreed to renew the city’s contract with M4A for a nutrition agreement for the senior center.

Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m., at Moody City Hall on 670 Park Ave. Nathan Prewett can be reached at Nthomasp6@ gmail.com.

The five employees honored were City Clerk Leigh Allison, Assistant Fire Chief Brad Doss, Police Lieutenant Jason Hill, Magistrate Supervisor Dana Horsley and firefighter Lieutenant David Brasher.

Stewart cited examples where each of the employees recognized worked beyond the call of their regular job descriptions to help others in the city. He offered each of them a bonus check and a certificate before posing for photos together. The Council addressed several zoning issues in the regular agenda. Some questions related to building regulations have been in regular discussion for several of the previous meetings.

A special exception to the zoning requirement for façades was granted to a development at 300 Ruffner Road. The exception was discussed in the March 21 meeting along with a request from the owners of The Hub Commercial Center located near the corner of Alton Road and Bahenle Lane.

The Council approved the exception requests for the first phase of construction only. All future additions to each property would be subject to the existing zoning plans for the city.

According to Section 4 of the Municipal Code of

the City of Irondale, all new commercial construction must contain a “minimum of 60 percent of the exterior wall construction for all commercial/nonresidential structures shall be constructed of masonry (brick, stone, hardcoat stucco, split face block, or other decorative block or combination thereof).”

The Council also approved Ordinance 2023-15, which modifies the masonry requirement for developments with an industrial zoning determination.

In a related issue, the Council postponed action on a similar request for property located at 1916 Alton Road. The project plans have been submitted but have not been recommended or denied in the zoning process. The property would be eligible to be grandfathered in if the Council amends the zoning further.

In other business, the Council extended the moratorium on signage in the city. The city is currently writing amendments to the existing ordinances to focus on monument-style signs. The moratorium was extended through September to allow the amendments to be developed.

The Council also approved the following: Declared vehicles with the fire department as surplus

• Approved an agreement with the Whistle Stop Festival

• Approved an agreement with Slappey Communications to provide phone and internet at the Irondale Civic Center Approved an alcohol license for the Publix being built at 1288 Grants Mill Road

• Approved the American Red Cross to use the Irondale Civic Center during emergency, disaster-related activities

The next meeting of the Irondale City Council will be held on May 20, at 6 p.m., at Irondale City Hall.

City Clerk Leigh Allison with Mayor Stewart

Lt. Jason Hill with Mayor Stewart Magistrate Supervisor Dana Horsley with Mayor Stewart

Asst. Chief Brad Doss with Mayor Stewart

Lt. David Brasher with Mayor Stewart

Mayor Joe Lee (Photo by Nathan Prewett)

“Jublowski” will premiere at the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema, located at The Pizitz in Downtown Birmingham, on May 26, 27 and 28, 2023. Tickets can be purchased at https://sidewalkfest.com/ events/jublowski/.

“It’s very much been a process,” said Director and Chog Media CEO Austin Scarborough. “We’d already made several other films, which in many ways had a more difficult time on set – the production values were more difficult in our earlier projects.

“Because (with ‘Jublowski’) we were making a movie that was about making movies, we knew how to do that. We had some difficulties with things like weather or equipment breaking down … things like that are going to happen. All those different things aside, it was a very difficult thing for me and my crew to get this done, and I certainly can’t take credit for all or half or any fraction of it, because it was so much a community effort.”

“Jublowski” is Chog Media’s third film in three years, following “Remember the Light” and “New South Cottage.”

The Chog Media team, consisting of Scarborough, CFO and Production Manager

Anthony Berneche, Creative Director/Cinematographer

Josh Hale, and Composer/Department of Music Head Ryan Owens, came up with the idea of putting out three films in three years immediately after the release of their first film, “Remember the Light.”

“We were going out to dinner after our very first premiere several years ago,” Scarborough said. “We were throwing out ideas for what we’d become (and) we decided we wanted to make three movies in three years. Right now, the post-production and the promotion of it, that’s another matter because you can’t

always help how fast that’s going to go; but the actual production of it, I’m so proud of the various people ¬– volunteers, the company members, the people in all these different capacities who were involved – I’m very, very thankful for them. They really did help me achieve my dream.”

“Jublowski” tells the story of childhood friends Chaz Jublowski and Wendell Benson who have known each other for years and have stuck by one another through thick and thin. Now, during their senior year of high school, Chaz is ready to coast through until graduation. However, Wen’s motivation to make a student film before graduation and involve most of their school’s student body throws a curveball into Chaz’s plans.

According to Scarborough, the subtitle “or What it Feels Like to be the Main Character” is “something that is intentionally a self-referential comedic reference, in that it’s referring to both musicians who like to put together playlists with humorous or ironic titles – like, this is a playlist that will make you feel like the main character – and that the main character of this film, Chaz Jublowski, is a musician and an actor in the story and the type of person that would put together a playlist like that.

“So the title of the film comes from that, and also from arthouse movies like ‘Birdman,’ which is also called ‘Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance.’ Most people tend to use the abbreviated title,” Scarborough added. “We’re trying to make fun of pretentious movies because we, ourselves, have made a pretentious, yet also comedic, movie. We’re trying to not take ourselves too seriously; we’re trying to make fun of ourselves a little bit with that.”

The film also comes with the tagline: Despite what you might think, this is not based on a true story. Or is it?

Scarborough said the purpose of this is to encour-

Stroke

age viewers to guess at what events actually happened and what events didn’t.

“I can safely say that quite a few details were turned around,” he said. “Some of these things were fabricated; some of them were entirely original; some of them have been all too real. It’s a combination of it and we want to keep people guessing.”

Scarborough was a junior in high school when he and some friends founded Chog Theatre Troupe in 2019. Chog, he said, was an acronym for Creatives Helping Out in Groups. From there, the group grew into what is now Chog Media LLC.

Admitting that a career in the film industry is no walk in the park, Scarborough wanted to offer encouragement to other young people who may be dreaming of a career in the arts.

“A lot of people say, ‘I want to go chase my dream; I want to go to Hollywood.’ I want to encourage people that you don’t have to go to Hollywood to do this, but you certainly can’t do it by yourself,” he said. “You absolutely have to have a great crew around you, a great cast around you, and great people where you can have those instances of bouncing ideas off of others and seeing what’s going to fall off and seeing what’s going to stick. I could not have done it without them. I’m truly blessed to call them friends and collaborators on these projects. I would encourage people to find that group of collaborators if they want to go into filmmaking, or if they have some other goal in the arts.”

More information about Chog Media LLC can be found on their Instagram at https://www.instagram. com/chogmedia/ or their Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100075936591226.

Tickets for “Jublowski” can be purchased at https:// sidewalkfest.com/events/ jublowski/.

From front page about strokes, including how to prevent them and how to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

The Carrington Lakes Stroke Walk for the American Heart Association will take place Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 5659 Carrington Lakes Parkway.

This event was organized by neighbors Danika Hickman, M.D., and Michele Self, who are both stoke survivors. Hickman is a medically retired physician who recognized her symptoms thanks to her medical training. Self was a UAB employee at the time of her small stroke and had no idea what was happening, but she was lucky enough to make a complete recovery.

“I’m a spokesperson for the American Heart Association and this is something we’re doing to educate the community,” Hickman said. “We’re going to have the walk in Carrington. It’s going to be around the lake and it’s going to be a fundraiser, but you can just come out; there’s no charge for it.”

During the event, there will be food trucks available, and there will also be representatives from the American Heart Association providing educational literature, as well as CPR lessons and a station where attendees can get their blood pressure checked.

“We’ll have some music going, and the fun thing about the music is that the music is the same amount of beats that you’re supposed to perform CPR by,” Hickman said. “They have a special playlist. So, it’s a lot of educational things that are going to happen. It should be a fun event.”

Hickman said her stroke happened about a year ago while she was at home watching an Alabama basketball game.

“All of a sudden, I could only see one half of the tele-

vision screen,” she said. “I’m very thankful that it happened that way, that I wasn’t asleep when it happened, that I was watching television, so that I was aware what was going on.”

She called out to her daughter, who approached Hickman on her right side.

“I couldn’t see her,” Hickman said. “I was calling her name and she was like, ‘I’m standing right here,’ but I couldn’t see her. My son heard the commotion so he came downstairs and, thankfully, he came to the left of me and I could see him. At that time, I told them to call 911; that I was having a stroke. I thank the Lord that I did know the signs of a stroke, being a medical doctor.”

While her kids were calling 911, Hickman said she lost movement in her right arm and right leg.

“Thankfully, the ambulance came and they took me to UAB for a Code Stroke. They found out that I had a PFO, which is a hole in my heart that I had all of my life that was never diagnosed,” she said. “I’ve been living with this, functioning with this my whole entire life.”

Hickman had to have a procedure to close the hole in her heart, and since the stroke, has had to undergo physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, low vision therapy, driving therapy and driving rehab.

“I’m just very thankful for the position that I am in now,” she said. “Even before this happened – this is very ironic – I was a spokesperson and a blogger for the American Heart Association. I actually did their Go Red talk one year. Often times, I was having to give other people’s testimonies and tell their stories, but now I have my own story, which I never thought I would have. So, I’m sharing it as much as I can.”

Self’s stroke happened before she moved into Carrington Lakes and met her neighbor, Hickman.

“She said that she was at work and she started to have a headache and she couldn’t find her words,” Hickman said. “She went to the emergency room and it was a stroke.”

Hickman said that she and Self are hoping, if nothing else, that people walk away from this event remembering the acronym F.A.S.T., which stands for facial droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time.

“It’s really important to recognize the symptoms of a stroke,” Hickman said. “What I learned in school is, ‘time is brain.’ That’s extremely important. Once you recognize it, you need to act upon it immediately. The longer you wait, the worse the stroke becomes, and there are also certain treatments that you can get, but you cannot get those treatments if it’s past a certain amount of time when you present to the hospital.”

The month of May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and Hickman and Self encourage members of the community to “come walk with us around one of our beautiful lakes” and “bring awareness to our community.”

For more information about the Carrington Lakes Stroke walk for The American Heart Association, visit their Facebook event.

Michele Self and Danika Hickman, M.D.

By Joe Hobby

I love me some BBQ. That’s because I’m southern, and it’s the law. If you cut me, I will probably bleed smoky, sweet, red sauce. Any kind of meat is fine, but I have a strong lean toward pork ribs. I firmly believe a properly barbecued pigsicle can change your life faster than a Baptist preacher’s sermon.

I will eat BBQ anywhere, but my favorite places are always the joints. For those of you that don’t know, a BBQ restaurant is not a BBQ joint. Let me elaborate. Once I ate in a BBQ establishment in Kansas City that had white tablecloths. It was decent ‘cue, but white tablecloths? Just a few miles away was another place that had a policeman patrolling the parking lot and an old screen door in front. That, my friends, is a joint.

To be a true BBQ joint you have to be a little scared to go in-

My Life As A Hobby: BBQ Joints

side. Start with a sketchy part of town. Concrete block exteriors are always a good sign. Maybe it’s been added on to a couple of times. A BBQ joint can even be a part of a gas station. And you’re on the right track if there’s a gravel parking lot with a couple of State Trooper cars out front –unless their blue lights are flashing. Then it might be best to eat somewhere else.

Once inside, a proper BBQ joint needs to have lots of stuff hanging on the walls, mostly from the college football teams in the state. Traffic signs, and fake metal snuff ads will not do. Those reeks of Applebee’s. Photos of old football coaches are especially desirable. I went in one place that had an ancient, yellowed picture of Ears Whitworth. That’s perfect.

It also helps if there’s any type of neon sign prominently displayed. Bonus points are awarded if some of the letters

don’t light up. Then you could have an udweiser or an iller beer.

One place that meets all the requirements of a BBQ joint is Dreamland in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Now the place is an icon, with notoriety that goes far beyond the south. But it wasn’t always that way. Years ago, I took a friend from Florida to the original location because he “wanted some good ribs.” I almost laughed out loud watching the color drain from his face when we left the main road and entered a rough part of town. He looked on either side and saw carnage that resembled Berlin just after World War Two. We drove on in silence for another mile before I turned off the paved road on to a gravel one. About 200 yards later, I made a left into a dirt parking lot and pulled up to one of the telephone poles laying on the ground. We were facing an old red cinder block building. Hello, Dreamland.

My buddy looked at me with a mixture of fear and anger then asked, “What are we doing now?”

“We’re gonna eat ribs. You said you wanted good ribs.”

“You are out of your mind if you think I’m going in there,” he responded sternly.

“Look around at all the cars. It’s fine. I’ve been here lots of times. C’mon. Let’s go.”

“I’m not going.”

I pointed to a couple of white Ford Crown Vics with small antennas on their trunks.

“See those? They’re state vehicles. Probably cops. This place is safe. Now get out of the car.”

Still not quite convinced, he sauntered towards the front door like it was the Green Mile.

We settled into an old vinyl booth, and immediately our waitress brought us a half a loaf of white bread along with a cup of sauce.

She smiled a gap-toothed

smile and said, “Ya’ll ready?”

I responded, “Yeah. I’ll order for both of us.”

“Wait,” he interrupted. “You don’t know what I want.”

“I know what you’re gonna get.”

Turning to the waitress he asked, “Can I have some baked beans?”

“Nope. Ain’t got any.”

“What about coleslaw?”

She looked at me and we exchanged knowing glances. Then she said firmly, “Look, we got ribs, white bread, chips, Cokes, and beer. That’s it. That’s all we got.”

Properly chastised, my friend slinked in his seat.

I smiled said, “Bring us a slab and a couple of Cokes, please. Thanks, Joanette.”

“Wait! You know her name?”

I laughed. “Told you I’ve been here before.”

Shortly, the ribs arrived and my buddy took a large, meaty

bite. Soon he was attacking his plate with the gusto of a lion who had just killed an antelope. After about half a slab, he looked up at me and without wiping the sauce from his face, said, “Ribs this good don’t need nothing else with them.”

That’s the final trait of a BBQ joint. Great ‘cue. Sides can be just okay, but that’s what they are – sides. BBQ is always the star of the show. It had better be good. And at Dreamland is. Somehow, ribs you eat in a BBQ joint just seems to taste better than those in a BBQ restaurant – especially one with fancy white tablecloths. I’ll take a cop in the parking in lot anytime.

Joe Hobby is a comedian from Alabama who wrote for Jay Leno for many years. Find more of Joe’s stories on his blog: https://mylifeasahobby.blogspot.com/?m=1. Also, follow him on Facebook at: Joe Hobby Comedian- Writer

Savvy Senior: How to Prepare a Will

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, I would like to make my last will and testament and would like to know if I can do it myself, or do I need to hire a lawyer?

Don’t Have Much

Dear Don’t, Very good question! Almost everyone needs a will, but only around one-third of American have actually prepared one. Having a last will and testament is important because it ensures your money and property will be distributed to the people you want to receive it after your death.

(a.k.a. dying “intestate”), your estate will be settled in accordance with state law. Details vary by state, but assets typically are distributed using a hierarchy of survivors i.e., first to a spouse, then to children, then your siblings, and so on. You also need to be aware that certain accounts take precedence over a will. If you jointly own a home or a bank account, for example, the house, and the funds in the account, will go to the joint holder, even if your

Do You Need a Lawyer?

Not necessarily. Creating a will with a do-it-yourself software program may be acceptable in some cases, particularly if you have a simple, straightforward estate and an uncomplicated family situation. Otherwise, it’s best to seek professional advice. An experienced lawyer can make sure you cover all your bases, which can help avoid family confusion and squabbles after you’re gone.

If you need help findingemy of Elder Law Attorneyssociation of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC.org) and the

American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC.org) websites are good resources that have online directories to help you search.

Costs will vary depending on your location and the complexity of your situation, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $200 and $1,000 or more to get your will made. To help you save, shop around and get price quotes from several different firms. And before you meet with an attorney, make a detailed list of your assets and accounts to help make your visit more efficient.

If money is tight, check with your state’s bar association (see FindLegalHelp.org) to find

low-cost legal help in your area.

Or call the Eldercare Locater at 800-677-1116 for a referral.

If you are interested in a do-it-yourself will, some top options to consider are Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust (Nolo.com, $99) and Trust & Will (TrustandWill.com, $159).

Or, if that’s more than you’re willing to pay, you can make your will for free at FreeWill. com or DoYourOwnWill.com.

It’s also recommended that if you do create your own will, have a lawyer review it to make sure it covers all the important bases.

Where to Store it?

Once your will is written, the best place to keep it is either

in a fireproof safe or file cabinet at home, in a safe deposit box in your bank or online at sites like Everplans.com. But make sure your executor knows where it is and has access to it. Or, if a professional prepares your will, keep the original document at your lawyer’s office. Also, be sure to update your will if your family or financial circumstances change, or if you move to another state.

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.

H ea L t H and W e LL ness Gearing up for biking from an orthopedic surgeon

Written by Mary E. Gilmer, M.D. of OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports

The wind blowing your hair, the scenery and the freedom are all reasons to ride your bike during spring in Alabama. With so many different options for riding — road, mountain, gravel, BMX — all in our backyard, what are some of the problems that we see in orthopedics that prevent people from enjoying their ride to the fullest?

Why does my hind end hurt?

As we know, riding a bike involves sitting on the seat (called the saddle). The “sit bones” (aka ischial tuberosity) are the bottom part of the pelvis. The distance between the sit bones is different for different people. One of the most important things for comfort is having a saddle with the right width. The local bike shop has a tool that can be used to determine what saddle size you need.

Gender-specific saddles are also very helpful to relieve pressure on the soft tissues.

Another very helpful option is getting padded bike shorts.

For more advanced riders who put in hard efforts like racing or long-distance rides (and who have optimized their bike and gear), we can see hamstring tendinitis causing pain in the sit bone region.

The tendons actually attach to the bone in that area. Tendinitis usually becomes an issue with heavy increases in training and racing when the body does not have adequate recovery time. Our teens who are racing (Alabama Cycling Association series, for example) are prone to tight hamstrings as they grow, which can cause sit bone pain or can cause problem number two.

Why does my back hurt?

For the average rider who does not have back pain at other times, the problem comes from two things — weak core muscles and tight leg muscles. When you are

riding a bike, your hands are for controlling the handlebars, not holding yourself up. However, when the core muscles (abs, back and hips) are weak, the arms have to work harder. As the body gets tired (arms and core), the muscles start to ache from fatigue.

The long-term solution is stretching and strengthening. A physical therapist can be very helpful in creating a good plan to address the pain. The short-term solution (and part of the long-term as well) is to make sure your bike fits your body and the range of motion that you have today.

Most bike shops can help adjust the bike to fit you better, which sometimes requires new parts but is worth it for improved comfort. There are also professional bike fitters here in Birmingham, and this is a very good investment for riders at any age who are looking to increase their training or start racing.

Why do my hands hurt?

Well, the same reasons your back does. Your core is not strong, and you are using your hands to prop you up. This pressure can cause pain and sometimes numbness from irritation of the carpal

tunnel. If you already have some carpal tunnel symptoms, like waking up with numb hands or having tingling when driving, there are a few ways to help decrease the pressure on the nerve. Some gloves have padding in the palm that creates a channel of no pressure over the carpal tunnel, and many different brands have these options. There are also different grips that can go on the handlebar. Some are broad with a flat surface that can help spread the pressure over more of the hand, while some are softer and just bigger to do the same thing. Finding the best option can require a little bit of trial and error.

If the numbness is persistent or interfering with normal activities off the bike as well, this does need to be evaluated by an orthopedist, as carpal tunnel can lead to permanent loss of sensation and strength if untreated.

If you are looking to try cycling, there are so many

options. There are beginner mountain bike rides on Saturdays at Oak Mountain State Park, and if you are in middle or high school, the Alabama Cycling Association season will start back up in the fall. Cycling clubs like the Birmingham Bicycle Club organize road rides throughout the year. Supported rides like Bo Bikes Bama and the BBC Century offer well-marked routes and snacks along the way. Then there is racing. The Alabama Cycling Association offers six spring races to its athletes. Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers, BUMP, puts on Bump N’ Grind, a weekend of mountain bike races at Oak Mountain every June. For road racing, we have the Cheaha Challenge, which is actually a world Gran Fondo qualifying event (long, long road rides). Spring is the perfect time to try something new, from riding a bike to bike racing. Don’t let nagging aches and pains hold you back!

Shop for Mom & Stay to Play.

Mother’s Day Shopping has never been this much fun. Discover the thrill of the deal from all the brands you love like Michael Kors, Kay Jewelers, H&M, Loft, J.Crew, Coach, Select Shades, Chico’s and more!

• Want even more fun? Visit the Drive Out ALS Cruise In on Saturday, May 13 from 11am-2pm in the front parking lot. Proceeds to benefit ALS.

• Looking for the perfect lake outfit? Come back for our Memorial Day Weekend Sale Friday, May 26-Monday, May 29.

“At several times in my life, we have been fishing in the April-May time frame and have run across bluefin tuna,” Greene said. “But we have never been able to even slow one down. I remember on my old boat, I think it was the Memorial Day tournament, we ran through a school of them. We hooked six and they dumped every bit of line we had. It happened so fast, there was nothing we could do. I got my heart broke on that trip. I’ve hooked a couple of others throughout my career. My wife fought one for a while, and the fish ended up pulling the hook.

“Last year we hooked one about noon and fought that fish four or five hours. We had 10 people on that charter, and they ended up changing the rod between anglers probably 20 or 25 times. We ended up breaking a rod after fighting him that long. We were so close, so that one was really a heartbreaker.”

Greene said everything must go right, and the right group of anglers and deck hands have to be on the boat to actually land one of the massive bluefins.

R s

Orange Beach’s Intimidator lands giant bluefin tuna

On the momentous threeday trip into the far reaches of the Gulf of Mexico, Greene’s clients from Georgia caught plenty of bottom fish, like grouper and triggerfish, on the first day. The anglers then wanted to find something “big” to catch, but they probably didn’t expect what came next.

“About 6 o’clock that second day, we got the big bite,” Greene said. “That fish took out on top, and I guess we chased that fish for 2 miles. I didn’t see the bite well enough to see if it was a bluefin, a big yellowfin or a blue marlin. But I knew it was a big fish. We were backing up and got to within 100 feet of the leader. Then the fish made the dive like they often do. They’re warm-blooded creatures, and if they make a run on the surface, they have to dive down to cool off.

“We were fortunate enough to stop the fish on his dive on a Shimano 50-wide and a stand-up harness. The anglers did a good job, and then we started the process of working him back up.”

After about four hours, Greene said it was obvious the tuna had expired, and the task was then to winch the dead fish back from the depths with 80-pound-test Ande monofilament line.

“When you have to pull a 600-pound animal up, it’s not the easiest thing to do,” he said. “It requires communication between the angler, everybody in the cockpit and the wheelhouse. It’s basically a momentum game. You’ve got to get the fish coming up, and you have to keep him coming. If you take a break, the fish is going to start sinking again. It’s tricky.”

For the last hour of the fight, senior deck hand Grady Gunn donned gloves and started feeding line into the reel as the angler cranked the handle to make sure that momentum was not lost.

“I slowly started to feed the line,” Gunn said. “It was like trying to catch a 10-pound bass on 2-pound line.”

After about six hours, the big bluefin was finally beside the boat and the real work began. Deck hand Jake Rezner harpooned the tuna as soon as possible. Two gaffs followed before a tail line was tied.

Gunn said when the tuna was finally subdued, he was overcome with emotion.

“That’s one of those things you think about your whole life that may never happen,” Gunn said.

“It may never happen again, but it happened this time. I couldn’t ask for a better crew or captain. If we didn’t have Jake or Jacob (Harris, deck hand), it probably wouldn’t have happened. With a fish like this, it only takes one thing to go wrong. It may happen again, or maybe it won’t, but I’ll remember this one for the rest of my life.”

With the fish secure beside the boat, Greene said everybody was celebrating until they realized they had to get the giant tuna into the boat.

“With a fish that big and the seas not calm, you have to think about every move with that much weight,” Greene said. “It was a battle.”

A come-along was employed to raise the fish out of the water to be able to clear the gunwales of the boat.

“Everybody in Alabama who has ever been stuck in

6 o utdoo

the mud knows how to operate a come-along,” Greene said. “I think everybody should have a come-along and a ratchet strap. You never know when you need to get a fish or a person over the side of the boat.

“Once we got the fish barely high enough, we got hold of his head, and then I had to wait on the right wave. When that happened, we flipped him in the boat.”

Although it was a giant fish, Greene knew it wasn’t near the state record, an 829-pound fish caught in 2006. The decision was made to gut the fish and do all they could to preserve the quality of the meat. The fish’s gut cavity was packed with ice before it was wrapped in an insulated billfish bag, which was filled with ice for the long trip back to the dock.

When the boat got close enough to shore, Greene called the National Marine Fisheries Service to report the catch. Anglers in the Gulf of Mexico are allowed a very small incidental bluefin catch of about five fish annually. With the catch, the Intimidator reached its bluefin allowance for the year. The fish weighed 579 pounds gutted with an estimated whole weight of 625 pounds.

“That allowance is just for a situation like we had,” Greene said. “The fish was dead, and it was a way not to waste that fish.”

On a trip the week before, Greene said a blue marlin was hooked and eventually died before it could be released.

“That marlin immediately went ballistic,” he said. “He jumped and cartwheeled. He spent more time out of the water the first minute or two

than he did in the water. We fought that fish for four hours. We finally got him up using the techniques we used on the bluefin tuna. Unfortunately, the marlin got tail-wrapped and died.

“The charter was a bunch of guys from Birmingham who owned a bunch of restaurants and traveled the world on mission trips and had eaten blue marlin before. These guys took the fish home and prepared it a plethora of different ways. They smoked it, fried it, grilled it, blackened it. They cooked it every way they could. They also donated some to the Hope for Autumn Foundation for sick kids. The consensus was smoking it was the best way to prepare it, and they had thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it.”

Greene loves to take his clients on the three-day trips far into the Gulf because of the amount of time available for fishing and the variety of fish anglers can catch.

“A three-day trip is a really relaxing trip because we have so much time,” he said. “We start by catching bait before we cook breakfast. Then we’ll start bottom fishing for triggerfish, beeliners, snapper, whatever is in season. Then we’ll cook lunch and work our way offshore. We’ll catch some more snapper or grouper fish. Once we get to the deepwater rigs, we’ll stay there and jig some at night. We’ll troll and try to catch some tuna or wahoo. Then we’ll head farther offshore and do some jigging in the morning. After the morning bite is over, we’ll start fishing for the bigger fish and see if we can raise a blue marlin or big yellowfin. It could be trolling. It could be flying

a kite. It could be live-bait fishing. I like big hardtails or a bonita for live-bait fishing, but we’ve had as much trolling this year as anything.”

The big bluefin swallowed a live hardtail (blue runner) that the anglers had hooked on a diamond jig while they were trying to catch blackfin tuna.

“I like a big hardtail because they’re hardy and live a long time,” Greene said. “There’s been a lot of sargassum grass offshore. Hardtails are tough, so you can reel the bait to get clear of the grass. The grass really hampers your method of fishing. But you just have to do what you need to do with the conditions you have. On that particular day, when we caught the bluefin, the current was running back into the wind. I really had to concentrate to keep the boat ahead of the bait.

“In fishing, some days are better than others, and there are some things that are meant to be. This was one of those situations where absolutely everything went perfect. It’s a big deal. There are so many things, like the wrong time, the wrong step, anything, and it wouldn’t have happened.”

Bluefin tuna mostly spawn in two places in the world, the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea. Greene said the spawning in the Gulf occurs in mid to late spring, and the vast majority of the bluefin then leave on wide-ranging journeys.

“They have to swim at least 6 miles per hour to force enough water through their gills to breathe,” he said. “They never stop swimming. They are just eating machines. They eat and make little baby tunas. That’s all they do.”

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2023 Trussville Beautification Award Contest

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

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.

Yarn Manglers (Knit & Crochet Group)

Thursday, May 11: 2:00pm - 4:00pm Trussville - Cahaba Room

AGE GROUP: ADULT (AGES 18+)

EVENT TYPE: DROP-IN, CRAFT

Summer Reading Program please attend one of Summer Reading Volunteer training days. Please note you only need to attend one of the training days. Teen volunteers must be going into at least the 8th grade in the fall in order to volunteer.

Books & Brews

Monday, May 15: 7:15pm - 8:15pm Trussville

AGE GROUP: ADULT (AGES 18+)

EVENT TYPE: BOOK GROUP, ADULT PROGRAM

Book Club meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 2PM. We will read a variety of selections, both fiction and nonfiction. Specific titles will be announced for each month.

more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am6pm ET).

HEALTH/BEAUTY

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

Join us for Adult Book Club!

Join us for Books & Brews, an evening adult book club from the Trussville Public Library! Connect with your community and share your thoughts about this month’s book while enjoying delicious food and drinks at Ferus. We will meet each month on the second Monday of the month at 7:15 PM in the event room at Ferus. Contact the Adult Dept (205-6552022 or tr.adult@jclc.org) if you need assistance in obtaining books or if you have any questions. 2023 meeting dates are January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10, May 15, June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13, and December 11.

Book selections are:

Connect with your community and share your thoughts about the books you’ve read. Book Club meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 2PM. Contact the Adult Dept (205-655-2022 or tr.adult@ jclc.org) if you need assistance in obtaining books. 2023 meeting dates are Jan 18, Feb 15, Mar 15, Apr 19, May 17, June 14, July 19, Aug 16, Sept 20, Oct 18, Nov 15.

Understanding Medicare

Thursday, May 18:

1:00pm - 2:00pm Trussville - Parkway Room

AGE GROUP: ADULT (AGES 18+)

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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 Summer Volunteer Training

Thursday, May 11: 6:00pm - 7:00pm Trussville - Parkway Room

AGE GROUP: TEEN (6TH12TH GRADE)

EVENT TYPE: TEEN PROGRAM, SUMMER READING

May: Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John

June: Devolution by Max Brooks

July: Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

August: Fairy Tale by Stephen King

September: Recursion by Blake Crouch

October: How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix

November: Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson

December: TBD

Tech Tuesdays May 16 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Free

EVENT TYPE: ADULT PROGRAM Educational seminar about Medicare options. Learn about important Medicare Parts A and B topics that could impact you, including enrollment, costs, benefits, etc. Your questions will be addressed by Health Benefits specialist Karen Haiflich. Registration is optional.

Adult D&D - Group 2

Thursday, May 18: 5:30pm - 8:00pm Trussville - Cahaba Room

AGE GROUP: ADULT (AGES 18+)

EVENT TYPE: GAME NIGHT, ADULT PROGRAM

Join us to play Dungeons & Dragons! We will meet every other Thursday. Campaign TBD.

World Turtle Day with Urban Turtle Project Saturday, May 20: 10:00am - 11:00am Trussville

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Summer Reading ‘23 is nearly upon us and the library needs volunteers! Summer is our busiest time and there are plenty of options for volunteering. However, space is limited and based on a first come first serve basis. Volunteers will primarily be helping families check in their summer reading time and will work heavily on a computer. This is a great volunteer opportunity for teens that work well with the public and work well without tons of supervision.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Trussville Library during the 2023

Keeping You Healthy All Summer Long

to

Adult Book Club

Wednesday, May 17: 2:00pm - 3:00pm Trussville - Cahaba Room

Meet Alabama native turtles! Andy Coleman of the Urban Turtle Project will bring several species of Alabama native turtles for us to see and learn about. This fun event for all ages will be held outdoors under the oak tree in front of the Library (or in the auditorium if we have inclement weather). Bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

Walk-In Clinic Available Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Birmingham Only)

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

o bitua R y

Matthew Scoggins Jr.

april 18, 1928 — april 28, 2023

Matthew (Sonny) J. Scoggins, Jr., born April 18, 1928, passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023, at the age of 95. Born and raised in Tarrant, he and wife became residents of Mount Olive, Alabama in 1996.

Sonny was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. who cher

ished his family and friends. As an active member of Gardendale First Baptist Church, he was respected and loved by all who knew him.

After serving faithfully for 38 years as an employee with ABC Coke / Drummond Company, he retired to enjoy life with family and friends, worshipping at his church, traveling, and attending social events.

He was preceded in death by his father, Matthew Scoggins, Sr., his mother, Inez Scoggins and his son, Ricky Scoggins.

Sonny is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nancy W. Scoggins; his daughter, Traci S. Lynch and her husband, Bryan J. Lynch; his grandson, Chad W. Lynch, his wife, Andrea Lynch and great grandson, Ethan Graham Lynch; his grandson J Michael Lynch, his wife Ashley Lynch and great grandson, Conor Lynch.

Dorothy Montanye

september 29, 1929 — april 28, 2023

Dorothy W. Montanye, age 93, of Birmingham, AL passed away on April 28, 2023. She was born on September 29, 1929 to Vanda and Annie McGinty. Dorothy was raised in Tallassee where she graduated from Reeltown High School. She went on to have a successful career in Real Estate working for several different companies. Dorothy was awarded the Million Dollar Sales Club Award multiple times for outstanding sales performance. She retired after 20 years from a career she truly enjoyed. Dorothy enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, ballroom dancing, loved her cat, Chris Kitty and dogs, Ricky & Luckie and spending time with her family.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband Stanley L. Montanye; parents, Annie Gusta Webster and Vanda William McGinty; brothers, Wendell McGinty, Houston McGinty and Charles McGinty. Dorothy leaves behind her daughter, Karen Freeberg; sons, Wayne L. Freeberg, Larry E. Freeberg (Teresa); grandchildren, Brandon Freeberg (Aubry) and Briana Powell (Gabe); Great-grandchildren, Eli, Sawyer and Payton Freeberg; nieces, Lisa McGinty and Tillie Jones (Randy). The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 4th, 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 conclude the service in the adjoining cemetery.

Denise Cockrell

october 16, 1953 — may 4, 2023

Denise Hughes Cockrell, age 69, passed away on May 4, 2023. She was a retired officer from the Birmingham Police Department’s South Precinct. She is preceded in death by her husband, Buddy Cockrell, her parents Cecil and Louise Hughes, and brother Mike Hughes. She is survived by her sister, Cheryl Hughes Jones, niece April Hughes Collins, and nephew CJ Jones. No services are scheduled at this time.

Emil y Jane Fowler Uritsky

december 8, 1942 — april 30, 2023

Emily Jane Fowler Uritsky, of Spanish Fort Alabama passed away on April 30, 2023, at the age of 80.

Emily was a loving wife and mother. She enjoyed reading and spending time with family.

Emily is preceded in death by her father Leldon Billy Fowler SR, her mother Delene

Stephens Fowler Rawson, her brother Leldon Billy Fowler JR and her grandson David

Alexander (Alex) Uritsky.

She is survived by her husband Gerald (Jerry) Uritsky, her children Craig Stephens

(Steve) Uritsky, Julie Anne Uritsky and Liza Delene Lyman (Bill), her grandchildren Hannah Lewis (Chad), Paul Lyman (Stephanie), Cole Lyman (Brittany), Samuel Lyman and Cory Campbell, her great grandchildren Madison Lewis, Mason Lewis, Makenna Lewis and Barrett Lyman and also her beloved chihuahua Tiny as well as many extended family and friends. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

AskEddie

Expressing Sympathy: Appropriate Words of Comfort at a Funeral

When attending a funeral, finding the right words to express condolences and support to the bereaved family is crucial. Offering heartfelt condolences can provide comfort during a difficult time.

Keeping it simple with phrases like “I’m sorry for your loss” or “You have my deepest sympathy” can be meaningful. Sharing a positive memory or story about the deceased can also provide comfort. Offering support by saying, “I’m here for you if you need anything” or “Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need someone to talk to” can be reassuring. Acknowledge their pain by saying, “I can’t imagine what you’re going through,” or “This must be so hard for you.” Be specific and offer help with a particular skill or resource that may be helpful. A comforting touch like a hug or a hand on the shoulder can provide solace when words fail. Following up after the funeral with continued care and concern can be invaluable. The most important thing when offering condolences is to be genuine and empathetic. Your words may not take away the pain, but they can comfort and support the bereaved family during a challenging time.

205-322-0543

Janet Yeager

june 14, 1959 — april 29, 2023

Beloved wife and mother, Janet Susan (Johnson) Yeager, passed away surrounded by loved ones on April 29, 2023. Janet was one of the strongest, most fierce and loving women to ever walk this earth and a rock to her family.

Janet graduated from Banks high school in 1979. She then worked as an office manager in the family business, J & N steel for many years, and later went on to own and run a tanning salon, before she retired to stay home with her grandchildren. Some of Janet’s favorite things were painting, gardening, and the beach.

Janet was predeceased by her mother and father, Yvonne and Bill Johnson. She is survived by her loving husband Philip, two wonderful sons Jake and Ben, and daughter in love, Kelsey, her grandchildren, Deklen, Liam, Murphy & Violet, her brother and sister, Bill (Scarlett) and Carol (Pam), 6 nieces and nephews and 14 great nieces and nephews.

Janet treasured her family above all else and especially loved being a Gammy/Bubby; she adored her grandchildren. We request all of Janet’s loved ones join us for a memorial service to be held Saturday, May 6, at 12pm, at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville, Al.

Billy Jean Garrett

april 23, 1940 — april 29, 2023

Billy Garret, 83, passed away on April 29, 2023. Billy is survived by sister, Susie Klimczyk; brother, Robert Everette; daughters, Tina Solski and Deneen Hipwell and a host of nieces and nephews. Billy is preceded in death by his father, John Garrett, mother, Louise Shirley and sister, Mary Lou Nelson. The service for Mr. Billy Garrett will be held Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 12:00 PM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. A burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery, Jefferson Memorial Gardens.

Debra Simmons

june 28, 1955 — may 4, 2023

Debra Ann Simmons, of Birmingham, AL passed away in her sleep on May 4, 2023 at the age of 67.

Debbie (as she liked to be called) was preceded in death by her mother Betty Ruth Simmons, her father Charles Haskel Simmons and most recently her Aunt Elizabeth Joan Moore, whom Debbie adored.

Debbie is survived by her two brothers, Charles Haskel Simmons, Jr., Michael Steven Simmons (Judy) ; sister Pamela Simmons Harrington (Roger) and one nephew Daniel Williams.

Debbie graduated from Huffman High School in 1973. She started working for South Central Bell after graduating high school. South Central Bell changed their name to AT&T where she worked for 34 to 35 years before retiring.

The family will receive friends and family on Friday, May 12th, 2023 at 1:00pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, AL.

Debbie will be laid to rest in the Garden of The Christus at Jefferson Memorial at 2:00pm graveside service.

Judy G. Harmon

march 6, 1940 — may 1, 2023

Judy G. Harmon, age 83, of Birmingham, AL passed away on May 1, 2023. She was born in Alabama to Marvin and Margaret Giles on March, 6, 1940. She retired from what was Compass Bank after 25 years in the banking business. Judy was a member of Cross Point Church in Trussville, where she was known for her gifted writing skills writing kind words to her church members.

She is preceded in death by her parents Marvin M. and Margaret E. Giles. Judy leaves behind her two children; Lisa Gayle Burton, and Elizabeth (Libby) Elene Ethridge; brother, Stephen L. Giles (Kathy); 2 grandchildren, and 2 great- grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Three hots and a Cot, 5704 1st Ave N. Birmingham, AL 35212.

A service in her honor will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Cross Point Church 8000 Liles Lane, Trussville, AL.

Peggy Jo Thompson

june 10, 1938 — may 4, 2023

Peggy Jo Thompson, of Tarrant City, passed away on May 4, 2023, in her loving husband's arms. Peggy had a passion for traveling, cats, and never passed up a chance to solve a crossword puzzle.

She is preceded by her two previous husbands Jimmy Lawson and Wallace Woods. Peggy leaves behind her loving husband of 17 years Roy Lee Thompson; son, Terry Lawson (Ronda); Daughter, Donna Butler of Knoxville, TN; 17 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sisters, Joyce Newton (James) and Judy Stein.

A graveside service will be held at Valhalla Cemetery Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 2:00pm. A visitation will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 12:30-1:30 PM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.

Connie Sue Langham

july 12, 1949 — april 27, 2023

Connie Sue Vann Langham, age 73, of Mt. Olive, AL, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 27, 2023. She was preceded in death by her father Roy M Vann, her mother Maxine Forester Vann, and her brother Eddie Vann. Survivors include: son John Langham, daughter Kelley Dean (James), and grandchildren Gavin, Bryson, Gracie, Baylee, Brylee, and Bristol. She will be remembered for her strong faith in the Lord, and for her kind, caring spirit. Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2023, from 9:00-10:00, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow in the adjoining cemetery, Jefferson Memorial Garden.

Gregory Barranco

july 31, 1954 — may 1, 2023 Gregory (Greg) Stephen Barranco, age 68, a resident of Pinson, AL went to his Heavenly Home on May 1, 2023. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who cherished his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving Wife, Cathy Barranco, parents: Alex Barranco and Lois Barranco. Greg is survived by his son, Nic Barranco (Jennifer); grandchildren Joshua Barranco and Sarah Barranco; sister, Alexis Williams (Tony) and many other friend and family. The Family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 9th, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM with a chapel service to follow at Jefferson Memorial Funeral home and Gardens in Trussville. Burial will conclude the service at Sunrise Memorial Cemetery.

Richard and Dorothy Whitehead

richard curtis Whitehead, age 91, of odenville, Went to be With the lord on sunday, april 30, 2023.

dorothy ann Whitehead, age 85, of odenville, Went to be With the lord on monday, may 1, 2023.

Their love for each other was reflected by their 67 years of marriage.

They were an inspiration to all who knew them and were loved and admired by many. The impact of their lives will be felt for years to come. Faith and family were very important to them and they loved the Lord and their family dearly.

They were faithful members of Bethel Baptist Church in Moody. Dorothy (Ann) was a Homemaker and a Beautician. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and was known for her delicious pecan pie and Christmas candies.

Richard was retired from St Regis/International Paper Company where he served as Foreman. He is a Veteran of the United States Air Force. After retirement, he started a small engine repair company as a hobby. He enjoyed servicing the community in small engine sales and repairs.

They are preceded in death by their parents. Richard’s parents were William S and Waldine Jacobs Whitehead and Dorothy’s parents were Otis G & Zera Cornelius Milwee, son, Richard (Rick) Whitehead Jr. Dorothy’s siblings, William (Bill) Milwee, Robert (Bob) Milwee, and Jimmy Milwee, and Richard’s siblings, Mary Hill Allen, and Edsell Whitehead.

They are survived by their son, Ron Whitehead, daughter, Sherry Whitehead Tews (Aaron W Tews II), son, Mark Whitehead (Sherri Whitehead), daughter-in-law, Pamela Hagood Whitehead, grandchildren, Cody Whitehead, Andrew Whitehead, Angela Whitehead Strickland, Laura Whitehead Allen, Brittany LeCroy, Blakley LeCroy Ratliff, Aaron (Trey) Tews III, Douglas Tews, McKenzie Whitehead and Mabrey Whitehead. 9 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard is survived also

Eddie Seal, General Manager

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.

Springville Tigers win area softball championship

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

Huskies overcome early loss to Spain Park to take home the area title

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

TRUSSVILLE

– The sec-

ond-ranked Hewitt Trussville

Lady Huskies hosted the 7A Area 6 tournament this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Goldie Paine Stadium, taking on Oak Mountain, Spain Park and Chelsea and playing a late Thursday night game to capture their thirdstraight area championship in wild fashion.

In the first round of the tournament, the hosts drew Oak Mountain. The game would be dominated by the

Huskies right from the start. In the first inning, Hewitt would jump out 3-0 on the Eagles. The second inning would see the Huskies score 2 more runs and then another in the third. The fourth would be the worst for the visiting Eagles as they allowed Hewitt to get 5 runs across the plate, making it 11-0 Huskies in the end. While Olivia Faggard drove in 4 runs from the plate on a grand slam in the fourth to go with 2 RBI each from Sara Phillips and Gracie Reeves, all Phillips did from the mound was pitch a no-hitter and strike out 9 Oak

Mountain batters.

On Wednesday, the Huskies would take on Spain Park, who had a similar win to theirs the previous day, beating Chelsea 11-1. With both teams riding a wave of momentum, the Jaguars came into the game looking to spoil the tournament for the host team. This one was a backand-forth battle between 2 top 10 teams in a tournament to determine the area champions. It had all the makings of a monumental game, and it did not disappoint. Both

See HUSKIES, Page 16

SPRINGVILLE – The Springville Lady Tigers hosted the 5A Area 12 tournament on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week, taking on the Fairview Aggies and Hayden Wildcats on Tuesday and then competing in a rematch with Hayden on Thursday in the final game. Springville won all 3 games in blowout fashion, by a combined score of 26-5.

In the first game, the Tigers beat Fairview 10-0. Springville came out of the gate strong with 4 runs in the first inning and then 3 more in the next two innings. The fourth and fifth would be scoreless before the Tigers put 3 more on the board to make it 10-0. Shelby Hathcock owned the mound in game 1, getting the shutout with just 2 hits allowed while striking out 11 Aggie batters.

Kaylee Sue Martin led the Tigers at the plate with 4 hits in 4 at-bats with 3 RBI.

“We played well defensively which gave us offensive momentum,” said Springville coach JP Taruc. “As a team, we hit the ball well. Kaylee Sue Martin went

4-4 with 3 RBI. Our great mindset at the plate resulted in 10 runs. Shelby Hathcock pitched well.”

The second game would be against the Hayden Wildcats with Georgia Chancellor at the mound for the Tigers. Springville got off to a somewhat slower start in this one, scoring 1 in the first and 2 in the second while not scoring in the third and getting just 1 run in the fourth. All of this while continuing to play great defense and shutting out the Wildcats thus far in the game. In the fifth, the bats got hot for Springville and they

scored 4 runs before allowing Hayden their only run in the seventh inning, picking up the 8-1 victory to advance to the final round of the tournament. Chancellor would go the distance, allowing 3 hits and 1 run while sitting down 8 batters.

“Our great defensive mindset continued against Hayden,” said Coach Taruc. “We played well defensively throughout the game. Georgia Chancellor pitched well, striking out 8 and giving up only 1 earned run. Our ofSee TIGERS, Page 16

Hewitt Trussville Softball. 2023 7A Area 6 Champions. Photo by: HTHS Softball

Springville Tigers Softball. 2023 5A Area 12 Champions.

Photo by: SHS Softball

Degraffenried Saves Best For Last

By John Goolsby

For the Tribune

GULF SHORES – Athletes want to go out on top. Whether it is hitting a game-winning jumper, hitting a walk-off home run, or making a clutch field goal, they want to save their best for last.

That’s precisely what Shades Valley’s Reah Degraffenried did. In her last high school meet, she ran personal bests in the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, 100 meter hurdles, and 300 meter hurdles.

The result was a state championship, a state record and the 21st fastest time in America with her 300 meter hurdles performance. Degraffenried was state runner-up in the 100 meter dash (7th fastest time in the state), 200 meter dash (5th fastest time in the state) and 100 meter hurdles (3rd fastest time in the state).

Degraffenried’s 34 points were good enough to give Shades Valley a 6th-place finish in 6A.

Huskies Finish Third At State

By John Goolsby For the Tribune

GULF SHORES-The Hewitt-Trussville Boys and Girls Track & Field teams closed out the 2023 season with 3rd place finishes at the AHSAA State meet this past weekend.

“I am really proud of how our athletes never gave up in a battle against a lot of great teams, and I am happy we had both teams finish in the top 3 against such a competitive field,” said head coach Tom Esslinger. “The team did an outstanding job of handling adversity throughout the meet and showed strength of character all season.”

Tori Mack won the 100 meter hurdles champion-

ship, Brianna Beckham was champion in the 200 meter dash, and Madisyn Hawkins brought home the discus title.

Michael Igbinoghene (Long Jump), the Boys 4×100 team of Nathan Thomas, Malachi Johnson, Jadon Loving and Michael Igbinoghene and the Girls 4×400 team of Brianna Beckham, Libby Armstrong, Hailey Tolbert and Emmie Goodell all earned Silver medals for their second-place finishes.

Tyrone Reese and Avery Cahoon were medalists with third-place finishes in the Boys 300 meter hurdles and Girls 800 meter run. The Girls 4×100 relay team of Brianna Beckham, Tori Mack, Jayda Hammonds and Hailey Tol-

“I’m very pleased with my times from this weekend and I am more than excited to call myself a state champion and record holder,” said Degraffenried. “But my journey does not stop here. There is still more work to do and goals to accomplish as I get ready to compete at the collegiate level.”

Degraffenried will make her college announcement early next week.

bert also made the podium with a third place finish.

“I am so excited for Brianna, Tori, and Madisyn for bringing home individual titles. They all have put in so much consistent work over a long period of time,” said Esslinger. “We had a lot of medalists and All-State performances, and we are proud of this group for continuing the tradition of being a top-tier program.”

The State meet was bittersweet for Esslinger. It marked his last meet as the Hewitt head coach. He is leaving Hewitt-Trussville for an assistant coaching job at Samford.

“I have spent a good bit of time reflecting on what we have accomplished as a track & field program the last few

years,” he said. “It makes me so thankful to have been a part of such a tremendous program with extraordinary athletes, coaches, parents, and a school system that has given us support every step of the way.”

Esslinger’s had great success at Hewitt. The Track & Field program won two team State Championships, three runner-up finishes, two thirdplace finishes, had 20 individual state titles, one individual national title, 46 school records, and sent 28 athletes to compete at the collegiate level.

“I know Hewitt-Trussville Track and Field will continue being one of the best programs in the state as they move forward with a new head coach,” said Esslinger.

Hewitt Track Coach Tom Esslinger and 4x100 team. Photo by: Hewitt-Trussville

Hewitt Track Coach Tom Esslinger and the Girls 4×400 team.

Photo by: Hewitt-Trussville

Reah Degraffenried and her parents at the 2023 state track championship in Gulf Shores. Photo by: Shades Valley Athletics

Reah Degraffenried and Coach Ferguson at the 2023 state track championship in Gulf Shores. Photo by: Shades Valley Athletics

Saint Clair County beats Moody for first area tournament championship in a decade

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

MOODY – The Moody

Blue Devils softball team had quite the year, leading to the opportunity to host the 2023 5A Area 9 tournament at their home field. They would get a bye in the first round as Saint Clair County and Leeds battled it out. The Saints would beat Leeds to advance and take on Moody for the area championship.

In the first game between the Saints and Blue Devils, Moody would use a big first inning to take a 6-0 lead into the second inning, which would be scoreless for both teams. Moody would add 2 more runs in the third while Saint Clair would maintain a goose egg on the scoreboard until the top of the third inning where they would get one run across the plate. Not to be outdone, Moody would score 3 more to go into the fifth with a 11-1 lead. The Saints would add another run in the fifth and Moody added 2 to clinch the 13-2 blowout win. Riley Hodges got the start and the win on the mound, allowing 1 run on 3 hits and striking out 4 batters.

At the plate, Taylor Rogers, Libby Higgins, Emma Kile, Ryleigh Hodges and Kennedy Hockman all had 2 RBI each.

Rogers’ 2 RBI came on a home run in the bottom of the fifth. Higgins also had a home run in the game, hers coming in the fourth inning.

Moody needed just one more win to take home the area championship, taking on the Saints again. This time, Saint Clair would come to battle. Doing their best impression of Moody, the Saints would jump out to a 4-1 lead after one inning of play. The Blue Devils would

manage just 1 run in the second and the next two innings would be scoreless by both teams. In the fifth, Saint Clair would score 2 more runs to make it 6-2 Saints heading into the sixth. Saint Clair would blow the doors off by scoring 5 more runs in the sixth inning to make it 11-2 Saints. Moody would get 2 runs across the plate in the seventh, but it would not be enough. The Saints would take home an 11-4 win over the home team and force a third game between the two teams on Thursday. Moody’s Hannah Rutledge would get the start allowing 4 runs on 2 hits. Hodges would enter the game after 1 inning giving up 7 runs on 4 hits and striking out 1 batter. At the plate, Rogers would drive in 2 runs to lead all batters.

In the game that would decide it all, both teams left it all on the field in a hardfought battle. Saint Clair would draw first blood with a 3-run first inning while Moody could not get a run to

Springville’s Asa Morrison signs to play at Bevill State

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

SPRINGVILLE – The Springville Tigers have had quite the season when it comes to signing college athletes. Asa Morrison becomes the next in line, signing his letter of intent to play baseball at Bevill State Community College on Friday morning in the Springville High School gym surrounded by his family, coaches, teammates and other loved ones.

the plate. However, the Blue Devil bats would come to life in the second inning, putting 3 runs on the board to tie the game. The Saints would tack on 2 more runs in the bottom of the second, taking a 5-3 lead into the third in what appeared to be an eventual high-scoring game. That would not be the case. The third and fourth would produce no runs for either team and the fifth would only see a single run scored and it would be Moody’s run. That would be the final points of the game as the Saint Clair defense held Moody scoreless for the remainder of the game, wrapping up the area championship with a 5-4 win over the Blue Devils. Hodges would go the distance in the losing effort, giving up 5 runs on 5 hits and striking out 2 batters. Kendall Trimm went 3-4 for the game while Higgins, Kile, Hockman and Lacey Nichols added an RBI each from the plate for Moody.

HTMS Mountain Bike grabs 1st place in Noccalula Falls race

From the Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — The Hewitt Trussville Mountain Bike Team competed in the Alabama Cycling Association Race #4 this past weekend at Noccalula Falls. This challenging course had steep climbs and multiple water-crossings through thick mud. The riders finished, with a couple even running their bikes across the finish line. The high school team finished third overall with the following riders finishing in the top ten for their division:

VARSITY DIVISION

Conrad Jones – 5th Place

• Alex Davis -7th place

See MORRISON, Page 16

See BIKE, Page 16

See BLUE DEVILS, Page 16

Moody's Kendall Trimm and Emma Kile. Photo by: Moody Softball

Springville's Asa Morrison signing his letter to play at Bevill State. Photo by: SHS Athletics

Huskies

From page 13

teams got a run each in the first inning before Hewitt jumped out 2-1 on Spain Park in the second. The third and fourth were scoreless and then Hewitt got 2 more while the Jaguars got one in the fifth. The sixth was scoreless but Spain Park came back in the seventh and tied the game at 4. In the top of the ninth, Hewitt would take a 5-4 lead over Spain Park but with a 2-0 count, 1 out and 2 runners on, Spain Park’s Maggie Daniel would drive a steak into the hearts of the Lady Huskies in game 2 with a walk-off home run, sealing a 7-5 victory for the seventh-ranked Jaguars. With the loss, Hewitt would now have an uphill battle if they wanted to get that third-straight area title. They would have to now play 3 games on Thursday, 2 of them being against the team that had just defeated them.

Thursday started with the Chelsea Hornets as the opponent. After a scoreless first inning, the Huskies would pour it on in the second and third, outscoring the Hornets

Tigers

From page 13

fense helped the outcome by producing 8 runs. I am extremely proud of the girls for playing well on the first day in May. We had a great mindset throughout the tournament and we played as one.”

After taking a break on Wednesday, the Tigers would take on the Wildcats in the final round of the tournament. With a win, Springville would become the area champions but, with a loss, there would be another game between these two teams. This time, Hayden would show a bit more fight, but the result would ultimately be the same.

Hayden put 2 runs on the board in the top of the first

7-2 in the two innings. Hewitt would get another 3 in the fifth while Chelsea only managed 3 runs to this point. The Hornets would threaten in the sixth and seventh, outscoring the Huskies 3-0, but it would not be enough to overcome what Hewitt had already done and the Huskies would walk away with a 10-6 victory and the right to get revenge on Spain Park. The second game of the day would see yet another heavyweight fight between two excellent softball teams as Spain Park took a 1-0 lead in the first and it stayed the same until the sixth inning. That is when Faggard drove in Tucker and then L Kelly hit a 3-run shot to center field to make it 4-1 Huskies. Each team would score a run in the seventh giving Hewitt the 5-2 win and leading both teams into a final game to decide who would be the 5A Area 6 champions. Z Tucker got the win from the mound for the Huskies, going the entire 7 innings and giving up just 2 runs on 4 hits while striking out 8. At the plate, Kelly led with 3 RBI, going 2-3 with the bat in her hand.

inning and held Springville scoreless in the bottom. The teams would trade places in the second as Springville got 2 runs and Hayden was unable to score. Both teams put up a run in the third and Hayden took a 4-3 lead in the fourth. In the fifth, the Tigers would tie the game at 4 with 1 run before putting up 4 in the sixth to seal the game and the area championship for the Springville Tigers. Hathcock started the game and pitched to the halfway point before handing the ball off to Chancellor to finish it out and get the win. Combined they allowed 4 runs on 6 hits and struck out 5 batters. Emmy Leopard and Riley Ruple led at the plate for the Tigers with Leopard going 2-3 from the

Morrison

And this is what it is all about folks. A final softball game to determine the champions of the area at 9:00 on a Thursday night, in the third game of the day for the Hewitt Trussville Lady Huskies. You would think that fatigue would set in and there would be some sloppy play in this game, but that did not appear to be the case. Spain Park jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the first. The second and third would be scoreless, but the fourth would be anything but that. The Jaguars would get 2 more runs in the top of the fourth, making it 5-1. Like a light switch, the Huskies’ offense flipped on in the fourth, scoring 7 runs, to make it 8-5 Hewitt. The fifth would be scoreless and then Hewitt would put up 3 more in the sixth for good measure.

11-5 would be the final score and the Hewitt Trussville Huskies would be the winners of the 2023 7A Area 6 championship.

The Lady Huskies, now 39-7 and ranked second in the state in 7A, will take on the Thompson Warriors in the first round of the playoffs on Thursday, May 11.

plate and driving in 3 RBI and Ruple mimicking those numbers with 2 of her RBI coming on a shot over the right field fence in the bottom of the second inning.

“I am extremely proud of my girls for battling being down early 2-0 to Hayden,” said Coach Taruc. “It was a back-and-forth game until the sixth. We were able to put some hits together and secure 4 extra runs. I am proud of Shelby and Georgia pitching as a tandem to get us the win. Furthermore, we still have room to improve. However, we played as one which helped us win area.”

The Tigers improve to 35-7-1 on the season heading into the state playoffs later this week.

From page 15

Asa, who also played basketball and football for the Tigers, said the following about this next step in his life, “First off, I want to thank God for this opportunity. Without Him, this would not be possible. Baseball has always been my dream and to be able to go play in college means a lot to me. The past four years at Springville have meant more than I could have imagined. Coach Ford

Bike

From page 15

JUNIOR VARSITY

ONE DIVISION

• Shazie Bryant – 5th place

• Mary Ann Dukes – 10th place

• Noah Clark –7th Place

JUNIOR VARSITY

TWO DIVISION

Guy Bethune – 9th place

FRESHMAN DIVISION

• Teague Jones – 6th Place

For the fourth race in a

Blue Devils

From page 15

Moody Head Coach Becky Seymour had this to say about her team’s performance, “I am very proud of the way my girls played. It didn’t end up the way we wanted it to. Hats off to Jessica Hood and her coaching staff at Sain Clair. The girls came prepared and ready and earned the area championship. The work my girls put in to win the regular season and the first win on Wednesday secured our spot in regionals. We will work very hard to stay within ourselves and play Moody softball in Albertville. This time of year is exciting and grueling for athletes. We just have to focus on what we can control.”

The Saints won the area for the first time in 10 years

has pushed me to be the best that I can and given me opportunity after opportunity to show what I can do and I cannot thank him enough. All of the friendships and memories I have made here at Springville hold a special place in my heart and are something I will hold onto forever.”

Asa helped the Tigers to a 20-14 record this year including a county championship. Coach Jonathan Ford had the following to say about his 2-year catcher.

row, the middle school team finished first overall, remaining undefeated for the season. The following riders finishing in the top ten for their divi-

sion:

7th Grade Division

• Evelyn Lolley –1st place

6th Grade Division

Isabelle Garver –1st place

Lenwood Jones – 3rd place

Jude Lolley 5th Place

• Lleyton Sharp – 9th Place

• Abe Cox – 10th Place

with, quite possibly, the youngest team around. The team is made up of zero seniors, a single junior, and three sophomores. The rest are either 7th, 8th or 9th graders.

Look out for the future of the Saint Clair County Saints with names like pitcher Brooklyn Sertell, who pitched well against the Blue Devils, as well as Aniyah Dean, who had two RBI in the championship game and a whopping 12 for the entire tournament. The Saints had the tough road as they had to play in the first round against Leeds while Moody had a bye.

Head Coach Jessica Hood has turned this program around in just two short years. She had the following to say about her team’s performance, “Winning area was

“This is a special day for Asa. Something he has wanted for quite some time. Being a three-sport athlete is harder than ever and he has excelled at all of them. Teams hardly ever tried to run on him and when they did, they regretted it. Bevill is getting a good one and I cannot wait to see how he does there. Morrison joins fellow teammates Brady Gillespie and Zach Brown as Tigers who have signed to play at the next level from the 2023 baseball team.

The top ten riders in places gained from the race were:

Jax Mock – 57 places

• Nate Dodson – 30 places

• Blake Burns – 16 places

• Brian Elmore – 15 places

• Chase Hendrix- 14 places

• Kell Littlefield – 10 places

• Will Phillips – 10 places

Cade Williams – 8 places

Ryland Spence – 7 places

Jackson Johns – 7 places

The State Championship Race is this weekend at Fort McClellan in Anniston.

definitely a big milestone for our program. We are a very young team. They finally put it all together during the area tournament. They played like I knew and believed they could. These girls go to practice every day ready to work hard and be successful and I am proud to see their hard work pay off. Like I said before, winning area is definitely a big milestone for this team and our program this year.”

The Saints will take the momentum of winning the area championship into the first round of the playoffs Thursday, May 11, in the Albertville Regional against the Guntersville Wildcats. The Blue Devils look to rebound against Scottsboro, also on Thursday in the Albertville Regional.