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June 10 - 16, 2020
Trussville City Council grants alcohol license to Half Shell Oyster, approves study for Chalkville Road By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Council met in person for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. See CITY COUNCIL, Page 3
Original Hot Dog Factory coming to Center Point From The Tribune staff reports
CENTER POINT — A new restaurant chain based out of Georgia will open its doors in Center Point this July. The Original Hot Dog Factory is set to open a location in both Anniston and Center Point later this summer. See HOT DOG, Page 4
Chamber and Downtown merchants to host “Live Big, Shop Small Days” in Trussville By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — Since the coronavirus pandemic began to impact small businesses in March, the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce has been working to create opportunities for area businesses in need. See LIVE BIG, Page 4
Frustration surrounding lack of garbage service push Argo to move forward with process of replacing Advanced Disposal By Joshua Huff, sports editor
ARGO – Those frustrated with garbage pickup in Argo can take solace. See GARBAGE, Page 3
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Taste of the Fair
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Making a Difference
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END OF WATCH Lt. Stephen Williams laid to rest MOODY – The Moody Police officer killed in the line of duty was laid to rest on Monday, June 9, 2020. Hundreds of people filled the First Baptist Church of Moody on Monday morning to remember the life of Moody Lt. Stephen Williams, who was killed in the line of duty this past week. Dozens of police officers were among the mourners at services held for Williams. After the funeral at the First Baptist Church of Moody, a long procession of vehicles followed a white hearse toward the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. Williams was killed on Tuesday, June 2, following a shootout at the Super 8 in Moody. The events leading up to the shooting are vague, but Moody Police Chief Thomas Hunt said that Williams was shot on arrival. St. Clair County Sheriff Billy Murray added that once the officers responded to the call, which came from the room where the incident happened, the situation escalated very quickly. Two suspects
Sgt. Stephen Williams was a 23-year veteran and had been with the Moody Police Department for three years. He was the nightshift sergeant. He had been promoted to sergeant in the past year.
were taken into custody after law enforcement cleared the hotel room, ensuring no other suspects were inside. After the scene was secured, investigators said they found multiple firearms inside the hotel room. Following the shooting, Williams was transported to UAB Hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced dead.
The officer’s oldest son, Lake Williams, struggled to keep his emotions in check as he spoke before an overflow crowd — Both of William’s sons serve in the U.S. Coast Guard. “My dad was the single greatest man I’ve ever known,” Lake, who recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, said. “He lived his life with a set of
moral principles and values, values like putting others before yourself, living your life with love and always taking the opportunity to goof off while it comes.” Chief Hunt said Williams was a “true leader” who loved to sing karaoke when not on duty. “He brought so much to our department and community,” Hunt said, standing before Williams’ flag-draped casket. Williams was in law enforcement for more than two decades and was named the city’s Officer of the Year in 2019. Officials announced his promotion to the rank of lieutenant following his death. He joined the Moody police for three years ago. He had previously at the Bessemer Police Department before transferring to the Alabaster Police Department and then to the Calera Police Department. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office charged Tapero Corlene Johnson, 27, of Birmingham and Marquisha Anissa Tyson, 28, of Birmingham, with capital murder in the slaying of Williams.
Trussville PD Chaplain discusses race relations and law enforcement challenges By Erica Thomas, managing editor
‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Mark 12:31 TRUSSVILLE — Nationwide, there is a push to raise awareness of disparities African Americans may face when encountering law enforcement. Following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota, many protests have been held across the country. Black Lives Matter and human rights groups continue to fight for equality and put an end to racial profiling and police brutality. Bearing a unique perspective is Pastor Michael Edwards, of The Celebration Church, located in Roebuck. Edwards serves as a chaplain for the Trussville Police Department. As an African American, he said he has recognized a need for change. “Oftentimes, we are either profiled or looked at as a criminal,” Edwards explained. “If that’s the case, Officers must
remember to protect and serve everyone, including criminals.” In Trussville, Edwards believes the police department has it right. He has seen firsthand that officers in the city have a high level of respect for all citizens. “Trussville Police Department, my hats off to them,” said Edwards. “As far as my personal experience, they do a phenomenal job. I think they are a great cast of officers that really take into consideration the ultimate job to protect and serve.” In fact, over the past three years, the Trussville Police Department has had no official complaints of racial profiling. “We do have a very mixed culture inside Trussville, so that speaks volumes to the training and the psychological level of the understanding of people,” Edwards said of the Trussville Police Department. Community policing is a term many of us have heard
over the past few years. The policing strategy focuses on the infusion of officers into neighborhoods and on the ground level. It has been shown to decrease crime and help solve crimes, according to the National Police Foundation. However, another positive side-effect of community policing is the improvement of public relations and understanding. Edwards said that effort is
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By Erica Thomas, managing editor
BIRMINGHAM — Several businesses are coming together to help clean up the mess after rioters damaged buildings in downtown Birmingham. See BHAM CLEANUP, Page 5
Peaceful demonstrators march in Trussville to spread love, bring awareness to police brutality From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — A group of more than 30 demonstrators marched in Trussville on Sunday afternoon. See DEMONSTRATORS, Page 5
Pinson Valley High School teacher named as finalist for Alabama Teacher of the Year By Joshua Huff, sports editor
evident in the city of Trussville. “The Trussville Police Department knows the community it serves,” said Edwards. They are at the basketball and football games; they shop at stores and you’ll see them around the neighborhood. They come in their uniforms and they speak. They’re friendly.”
5886 Trussville Crossings Blvd 205.655.3388 -
Bham Cleanup group coming together to help downtown Birmingham businesses after riots
See TEACHER, Page 3
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PINSON — The accolades for Pinson Valley High School AP science teacher Alana White continue to grow following the announcement on Thursday, June 4, 2020.
See CHAPLAIN, Page 4
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Community rallies in support of fired band director; St. Clair County Superintendent responds By Joshua Huff, sports editor and Erica Thomas, managing editor
ODENVILLE — The unexpected termination of a St. Clair County band director has raised the consternation of the community. See BAND DIRECTOR, Page 4
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