The Trussville Tribune – June 14 - 20, 2023

Superintendent Martin gives update on HTHS principal search at BOE meeting

By Crystal McGough Editor TRUSSVILLE – The Trussville City Schools Board of Education met for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, June 12, 2022, where Superintendent Dr. Patrick

Rick Hopkins sworn in as member of Argo City Council

By Terry Schrimscher

For the Tribune

ARGO – The Argo City Council met for the first regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday night, June 11. The first order of business in the regular meeting, which began immediately following the 5 p.m. work

Trussville Police Department releases informational flyer for new entertainment district ordinance

From The Tribune staff reports TRUSSVILLE – A new flyer was released by the Trussville Police Department (TPD) that breaks down the

Ferus to host Wish Fest at the Trussville Entertainment District

By Chase Holmes News Reporter TRUSSVILLE — Ferus

Artisan Ales is set to host

Make-a-Wish’s Wish Fest at the Trussville Entertainment District on Friday, June 16. The event is kid friendly and families are invited to

New state law paves way for Trussville to leave Jefferson County Personnel Board

By Scott Buttram Publisher

MONTGOMERY — Just

over two years after a Jefferson County judge shot down Trussville’s effort to form the city’s own personnel board, the Alabama state legislature paved the way for the city’s departure from the Jefferson County Personnel Board (JCPB).

A bill signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey on Monday opens the door for the City of Trussville to leave the JCPB and start their own civil service system. The move still requires the approval of the Trussville City Council.

Trussville officials began exploring their options for leaving the Jefferson County Personnel Board in 2018. When an attempt at an amicable departure failed, the city turned to the Alabama Legislature.

Jefferson County Circuit Judge Pat Ballard ruled on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, that the city of Trussville does

not have the right to leave the JCPB and form its own board.

The depositions in that case included multiple reasons from city officials outlining the problems that arise when working through the JCBP.

In court documents, Trussville Director of Human Resources Mandy Dixon said the JCPB hiring process is un-

clear and limits the talent pool when the city is in need of hiring for various positions. She also said the process for offering promotions to existing employees is often made difficult and can take up to two years.

Trussville Fire Chief Tim Shotts also complained in a court filing saying that the Board made promotions and hiring difficult.

Irondale denies zoning change for local business

By

“We want the best candidate, not the least common denominator,” Shotts stated.

Police Chief Eric Rush said in an affidavit that issues regarding the personnel board are “numerous.”

“The inadequacies of the board hinder my ability to do my job to the standard that is representative of the City of Trussville,” Rush stated.

Rush said the recruitment of qualified police officers has been an issue. In fact, he said the board has sent him candidates that have outstanding warrants for their arrest or felony convictions that prevent them from carrying a firearm.

When asked about that complaint during a deposition, JCPB Director Lorren Oliver said the board does not have the ability to search for the criminal history of applicants through the NCIC (National Crime Information Center). He said that each police department is responsible for doing so before hiring.

Trussville Council recognizes establishment, appointment of first Trussville Police Deputy Chief

By Crystal McGough Editor

TRUSSVILLE – The Trussville City Council recognized the promotion of Police Capt. David Morrette to the position of Deputy Chief at the council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

The Deputy Chief position was recently created and Morrette is the first to hold this title in the city of Trussville.

“The police department continues to grow, and along with that growth comes the need for new positions and new responsibilities,” Police Chief Eric Rush said. “With this being a new position, I first want to thank the mayor and city council for allowing me to create this position and fill it. … The Deputy Chief role is one that is right under me; reports directly to me. We’ve never had one in Trussville, so Capt. Morrette will be the first Deputy Chief in the Trussville Police De-

partment ever. He will always have that distinction.”

Additionally, the council recognized firefighter Evan

Massey on his promotion to Fire Lieutenant. Massey was not present at the meeting. “Firefighter/paramedic

Evan Massey has been promoted to Fire Lieutenant,” Councilor Alan Taylor said. “When we see him, we want to make sure that we congratulate him. That’s, again, well deserved. Evan does a great job for our city.”

The council also approved a proclamation honoring the 7A State Softball Champion HTHS Huskies.

“We really appreciate you guys recognizing us and recognizing the girls for their hard work,” Coach Taylor Burt said. “That’s definitely why we’re sitting here, because they work extremely, extremely hard.”

Under the consent agenda, the council unanimously approved a single item, a business development agreement with Steel Hall Brewing.

During the pre-council workshop, Councilor Ben Short explained the agreement in more detail.

“If y’all recall, it’s been a little bit of time now, Steel

See

Page 6

Terry Schrimscher

For the Tribune

IRONDALE – The Irondale City Council returned to consider unfinished business from May during the first regular meeting of the month, Tuesday night, June 6. At the May 16 meeting, Irondale residents who live near a property being considered for rezoning turned out in force

Moody Council hears May reports from department heads

By Nathan Prewett

For the Tribune

MOODY – The Moody City Council met briefly on Monday, June 12, where they heard reports from department heads for the month of May. Police Chief Reece Smith reported $4,448.56 spent on

Open house held for newly constructed St. Clair County Jail

By Chase Holmes News Reporter ST. CLAIR COUNTY –The St. Clair County Commission hosted an open house for the St. Clair County Jail on June 8, 2023. The St. Clair County Jail will be around 54,000-square-

Springville Parks and Recreation announces catch and release rule for ponds at Big Springs Park

By Chase Holmes News Reporter SPRINGVILLE – The Springville Parks and Recreation department has announced that a “catch and re-

Opinion - Page 8

Lifestyle - Page 9

Outdoors - Page 10

Calendar - Page 11

Classified - Page 11

Obituary - Page 12

Sports - Pages 13-16

Machines - Classes

Praying for Gray Page 15

Irondale Cornhole Tournament Page 6

Trussville Mayor Buddy Choat and City Attorney Rick Stotser. (Photo by Hannah Curran)

Deputy Chief David Morrette and Chief Eric Rush (Photo by Crystal McGough)

L oca L / R egion

BOE

From front page

Martin gave the board an update on the search for a new principal at Hewitt-Trussville High School (HTHS).

“We are currently in the process – started today – with interviews for the Hewitt-Trussville High School principal position,” Martin said. “As of my preparing this report, we had 34 individuals who have applied for the position. Our hope is to wrap that process up this week and in the coming weeks, bring a recommendation before the Board of Education.”

Additionally, Martin said that the position of band director at HTHS is still vacant.

“Currently we have 66 individuals who have applied for that position,” he said. “My hope was that we would

Law

From front page

The court battle grew even more contentious when Oliver, without evidence or documentation, suggested in depositions that the City of Trussville was incapable conducting the duties of a personnel board without race and gender discrimination.

“With the city’s new system, issues of race and gender discrimination would likely resurface,” Oliver said in a 2019 deposition. “Individuals that are selected to perform work in the merit system meet well-developed, validated, legally defensible standards for employment. That’s one of the first things that would be jeopardized because, with all due respect, that capability does not exist in the city of Trussville.”

Following Ballard’s ruling against the city, Trussville officials decided to pursue legislation to change the law.

The legislation, HB471, sponsored by Rep. Danny

Trussville City School recognizes the following employees on their retirement: Robin Martin, Mary Younes, Nancy Estell, Leah Horn, Tracy Bingham, Miriam Vinson, Kathy Chatman, Tonya Capps, Donna Brumlow, Lynette Summers, Becky Aydelette, Roy Farmer and Tanny Cross.

have a principal at the high school in place in a timely manner who could select their band director.”

In other business, the board recognized Trussville City School employees who are retiring this year. Those individuals are Robin Martin,

Garrett, is narrowly tailored to fit the city of Trussville. Garrett guided the bill through the House gaining unanimous approval while Senators Shay Shelnutt and Dan Roberts ushered it through the Senate with a critical assist from Sen. Roger Smitherman of Birmingham.

“I very much appreciate the support of my Jefferson County colleagues in the House and Senate, who helped secure unanimous support for the bill in both chambers,” Garrett said. “I especially appreciate the cooperation and support of Senator Roger Smitherman, who understood how the change would benefit the growing city of Trussville, and actively helped navigate the bill through the Senate. This legislation is a game-changer for Trussville.”

The law allows Class 8 municipalities lying in two counties with a population of over 25,000 to leave a county board and form a city civil service system. The city must continue all vested rights and

Mary Younes, Nancy Estell, Leah Horn, Tracy Bingham, Miriam Vinson, Kathy Chatman, Tonya Capps, Donna Brumlow, Lynette Summers, Becky Aydelette, Roy Farmer and Tanny Cross.

The BOE held a reception for the 2023 retirees after the

interests (pay, vacation, retirement, etc.) of employees and appointees who were subject to the county personnel board.

According to Michael Brymer, an attorney with Massey, Stotser and Nichols who was instrumental in writing the legislation, the goal was to avoid throwing the door open and allowing a mass exodus of cities from county personnel boards.

As the fastest growing city in Jefferson County over the last 20 years, Trussville had unique reasons for wanting to go the course on its own. Chief among them was being able to move faster to fill job openings.

Mayor Buddy Choat said the journey had been a long one, but should pay dividends for the city.

“Today is a banner day for the city of Trussville.” Choat said on Monday. “Our efforts to get this news today started with discussions in 2018 and culminated with the diligent work by many who saw this

meeting.

The board also recognized its newest member Jason Daniel on his first official meeting, and Kim DeShazo on her first meeting as Board President.

Other recognitions included the 7A State Softball Champion HTHS Husky team, as well as HTHS teacher Melanie Dimler on being named a state of Alabama finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. This award is only given to 108 educators nationwide each year.

“There’s really no other career I would rather have,” said Dimler, who has a degree in mechanical engineering. “I’m excited to go to work every day. It’s hard; it’s a challenging job, but I love it so much that I pour my whole heart and soul into it every day.”

as an opportunity for Trussville to continue to move our city forward. I want to thank both current and past administrations for their support along with Representative Danny Garrett and Senators Shelnutt and Roberts.”

Choat planned to notify city employees of the legislation in a letter on Tuesday morning, reassuring them that their status under the JCPB would remain unchanged as the city moves to create their own personnel board pending City Council approval. After the move, new hires would fall under Trussville rules which are dictated in large part by state and federal law. If the City Council approves the move as anticipated, it will take about nine months for the city to complete the transition.

Ordinance

From front page

new open container ordinance for the Trussville Entertainment District.

The Trussville Entertainment District (TED) has been officially recognized as an entertainment district and has established new open container rules. This new ordinance allows visitors to take their beverage with them as they travel about the district but does not allow for bringing one businesses beverage into another.

Patrons carrying beverages with them will also need to make sure it is in a clear plastic cup with TED branding, and they must have some way to show proof of purchase –either a physical or digital receipt – if asked.

Design by TPD

The ordinance further states that patrons cannot walk outside the boundaries of the Entertainment District with an open container alcoholic beverage, nor can they carry an open container alcoholic beverage inside a separate business.

The normal hours of the Trussville Entertainment District are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

DOCKERY HOLDINGS

Commercial Rental Properties Trussville Area

205.601.5116

DockeryHoldingsLLC@gmail.com

lease” rule is in effect for Big Springs Park.

Both of the ponds at the 75 Old Talladega Road location were recently restocked with largemouth bass.

The team at Springville Parks and Recreation wants

Jail

From front page feet in size and will be constructed to house between 300 to 400 inmates. The modern and technologically advanced facility is designed to increase the productivity of the current staff while improving safety and security for corrections officers, inmates, as well as the general public.

“The system will be stateof-the-art,” said Sheriff Billy Murray. “This facility will have every technological tool available to maintain and operate a safe facility. In order to ensure safety and proper staff implementation, there will be a period of time focused on training before fully opening the facility.”

Improvements also include better medical care facilities for inmates. New technology will allow meetings with visitors, attorneys, and courts without leaving the facility.

“The Sheriff and police departments from every municipality in St. Clair County will benefit from this stateof-the-art facility,” said St. Clair County Commission Chairman Stan Batemon. “The safety and security of our officers, citizens and inmates is of utmost importance to the St. Clair County Commission. The modernization of the facility as well as the enhancement of the safety and security thereof, will serve our citizens and our County for decades to come.”

tures. Make-a-Wish Adult, CC Perry, will be attending with his accessible art.

to allow time for the supply of fish to grow and mature, so until further notice, any fish caught at either pond must be released back into the pond it was caught from. Once enough time has passed for the population to develop, “catch and keep” rules may go back into effect.

come out and support a great cause. A face painter will be on site as well as a photo booth and a balloon artist. For those looking to bring their dogs, a station will be made available for pets and will include treats and water.

Live music will be provided by Sarah Lee Langford and Will Stewart as well as Janet Simpson. Special appearance guest, including the Birmingham Bull and a unicorn, will be walking around for pic-

A raffle will be held for a gift tote full of items donated by Make-A-Wish Alabama, Wrapsody, Ferus, Pinchgut Pies, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Bendy’s Ice Cream, Chicken Salad Chick, Taco Mamo, Rodney Scott’s BBQ and more that will be given to lucky winner. Local Make-aWish kid, Ava, will be drawing for the winner.

“All the money stays in Alabama, we do have a national Make-a-Wish but

Make-a-Wish Alabama stays in Alabama. We have around 240 kids on the wait list. There are always kids waiting. Through this event and others, we hope to grant 160 wishes this year,” said Jan Belcher, longtime volunteer for Make-a-Wish.

Belcher said that they hope this will mark the begin-

ning of a long and prosperous relationship with Trussville. “Not only do we hope to raise money but we hope to form partnerships with the great citizens of Trussville. Make-A-Wish Alabama depends on volunteers, donors, and sponsors to fulfill their mission of granting wishes and this is a great community.”

Cutting the ribbon, from left: St. Clair County Commission

Chairman Stan Batemon and Sheriff Billy Murray with Commissioners Ricky Parker and Bob Mize

(Photo by St. Clair County Commission)

Credit: Springville Parks and Recreation

Credit: Ferus Artisan Ales

Argo

From front page

session, was the swearing in of the newest member of the council.

Rick Hopkins was appointed by Mayor Betty Bradley and the City Council during the May 22 regular meeting. The seat was declared open after the April 17 resignation of Dusty Stinson, who also served as Mayor pro tempore.

Hopkins is a long-term resident of Argo who currently works as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Springville. He also serves as Senior Pastor at Good Samaritan Baptist Church in Birmingham. He did not make any comments after the oath and resumed his position at the Council desk. The Council welcomed members of the Springville

Irondale

From front page

to oppose the proposed ordinance.

The proposal, which was carried over from the May meeting, would have rezoned the lot located at 5238 Amber Hills Road from R-2 residential to an I-1 Light Industrial District. The redistricting was requested to allow the owners of B&D Electric Motor in Birmingham to relocate to the property in Irondale, building a new structure with access to the business from Alton Road.

Jerry South, an engineer speaking on behalf of business owners Barry, Craig, and Wesley Jones, was present to make an appeal to the Council.

“I-1 district is designated to allow for light manufacturing along with being near major transportation routes, which is the use of Alton Road,” South said. “This

High School girls soccer team to the meeting. The varsity girls recently won the 2023 5A state championship.

Athletic Director Warren House introduced the team to the Council. Many members of the team are Argo residents.

The team clenched the title May 13 in Huntsville with a 9-4 victory over Gulf Shores. The Council voted to join the Springville City Council in making a donation to the St. Clair County Board of Education to provide championship rings for the players.

The Council approved a $1,000 donation for the rings, matching the amount donated to the softball team at a previous meeting. Springville made a donation of $1,700 toward the rings earlier in June. Argo citizens in attendance offered to collect the remaining $700 to match

Rick Hopkins takes the oath of office to serve on the Argo City Council.

Springville’s donation.

In other business, Mayor Bradley announced the appointment of Luke Price to fill a supernumerary position on the zoning board of adjustments. The board unanimously approved the appointment to the position.

In other business, the Council approved a motion to advertise roofing bids in local newspapers.

In her report to the Council, Bradley announced the

second public hearing on zoning plans at 6 p.m., on June 20. She also announced the city has turned in an application for a Hometown grant.

Bradley also announced the nomination of local businessman, and former councilmember, Corky Massey to the Board of Equalization for St. Clair County.

The Board of Equalization, as defined by the State of Alabama, acts as an arbiter for tax assessments based on property values. The board does not act as an advocate for the state or property owners but is charged with the duty of hearing complaints from property owners and determining proper tax rates based on a fair market value.

The next meeting of the Argo council is scheduled for June 26, at 5 p.m. A second public hearing on zoning is planned for June 20.

Mayor Stewart also invited members of Irondale Middle School Girls Track team to the podium. The girls team is the first middle school team from Irondale to win the district championship. Members of the boys team were also present. The boys finished second in the competition. The Council also approved the following:

• $5,000 for Irondale Mounties Youth Sports LLC to a community youth football and cheerleading program

Moody

From front page

vehicle maintenance, 1,396 calls, 30 traffic incidents, 192 citations, 117 reports, 76 misdemeanors, 18 felonies, one juvenile case, and 14,812 miles were driven by vehicles.

The Fire Department reported 150 calls, one woods fire, 92 emergency calls, nine wrecks, 15 public assists, 25 lift assists, nine false alarms and five mutual aids. There were 71 annual inspections, nine re-inspections and one fire pump inspection.

Public Works Director Steve Mitchell said that the department has been keeping up with cutting grass and patching potholes.

Public Library Director Sara Roberts reported 2,638 items circulated, 36 new members, 523 computer uses, and 36 programs with a total attendance of them of 527.

Senior Center Director Addie Duke reported 464 meals served, 475 homebound meals served, and 18 people transported.

Municipal Court Clerk Tim Senft reported 216 traffic cases, 41 non-traffic cases, 356 docket cases, 20 warrants and $918 spent on defensive driving school.

Parks and Recreation Director Mike Staggs and Public Inspections Director Davie Crowe were both absent. In other business, the council:

• Approved a request from Smith to repair car #332 for $865,

• Approved Smith’s request to purchase three mobile Toughbook computers and four sets of Stinger spike strips at a cost not to exceed $10,000 and to be paid for with a reimbursement grant given to the police department,

• Approved Senft’s request to renew a service contract and maintenance agreement for a Guardian Device fingerprint machine for $1,413, Approved a request from the fire department to have the reflective graphics redone due to the reallocation of vehicles for $1,850, and

• Approved a request from Mayor Joe Lee to advertise and hire a full-time receptionist for the City Hall Administration Department. 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.

owner applicant desires to rezone a portion of the property that fronts Alton Road to I-1 light industrial. Alton Road is an industrial corridor and more compliant with the adjacent zonings of I-1.”

As in the May 16 reading of the proposal, many homeowners near the property spoke in opposition to the proposal. During the regular agenda, councilmember Box made a motion to approve

the ordinance, which was seconded by councilmember Sims.

The proposed ordinance was defeated 3-2.

In the Mayor’s Report portion of the meeting, Mayor Stewart invited representatives from Ridez for A Reason and Crowd Control, organizers of the June 3 auto show, which raised more than $5,000 for youth sports in Irondale.

A resolution to permit the Irondale Farmers and Makers Market on Saturdays

• An ordinance adding a Fire Investigation Division to city code, allowing firefighters who will be trained at a police academy to issue citations

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

Credit: Nathan Prewett

Members of Irondale Middle School track team were on hand to celebrate the first girls team district championship.

ALDOT director John Cooper arrested in Marshall County for harassment

By Erica Thomas 1819 News

MARSHALL COUN-

TY — The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrest of John Cooper, the director of the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT).

Trussville

From front page

Hall initially came to us requesting some assistance from the city for their project.

To the best of my recollection, we told them to build it and come back to us, and we had discussed reimbursing them to what, I believe, was a third of their receipts and invoices that they provided to prove that those were the actual expenses. They have provided those (in a total of $526,141). So, a third of that would equate to roughly $175,000.”

This item was added to the consent agenda and will be officially approved pending the formation of legal documentation formalizing the agreement.

“That is the face of the whole Entertainment District … and it was almost blighted the way it looked unoccupied,” Mayor Buddy Choat said. “They did what they said they’d do … and it looks great.”

Councilor Jaime Anderson announced the 2023 Trussville Beautification Award winners. They are as follows:

Best Home Landscaping

Design: 1st place – Jim Meads; 2nd place – Jan Monski

• Best Use of Color: 1st place – Billy and Jayne Morrison; 2nd place –Charles Varner

• Best Business: 1st place – Steel Hall; 2nd place –Edgar’s Best Turf: 1st place – Dianne Bobo; 2nd place – Jim and Monica Kimbrough

• Best Home Overall: 1st place – Dr. Brian Gray; 2nd place – Kristi Ennis

In other business, the council:

Approved Resolution 2023-35, engaging Engineering Design Group to perform surveying services of a portion of Glendale Farms not currently possessed by the city

• Approved Resolution 2023-36, awarding a big to construct Fire Station No. 5 to Murray Building Company Inc.

• Held a first reading of an ordinance to annex 6278 Service Road

• Held a first reading of an ordinance to annex 7000 and 7054 Happy Hollow Road

The next meeting of the Trussville City Council will be June 22, 2023, immediately following a 5 p.m. work session that same day.

Chief Deputy Willie Orr told 1819 News the agency received a warrant for Cooper and that Cooper turned himself in.

Cooper, 75, of Langston, was booked into jail at 11:53 a.m. on Monday. He posted a $500 bond for the misdemeanor charge of harassment/

intimidation and was released at 12:35 p.m. Orr did not have any details on what led to the harass-

ment charge.

Sources tell 1819 News that a property line dispute may have been the impetus

for the harassment charge.

ALDOT spokesman Tony Harris was unaware of the arrest when 1819 News reached out for a comment.

1819 News has also contacted Gov. Kay Ivey’s office for reaction.

Cooper has been involved in a high-profile legal battle over the decision for ALDOT to build a bridge in Baldwin County.

Cooper has been the director of ALDOT since January 2011.

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

Gardendale man dies a month after being shot in Pinson

From The Tribune staff reports

PINSON — A Gardendale man who was shot in Pinson last month dies late Monday

night, June 12.

The victim, Joesph Keith Alexander, 54, was shot in Pinson on Narrows road by Oak Grove Baptist Church on May 16 at around 2:25

p.m. He was transported to UAB hospital where he was pronounced dead at 8:20 p.m today.

An investigation is still underway and there is cur-

rently no one in custody. The main suspect, Javier Burny, is still at large. More information will be added as it becomes available.

3 juveniles shot while on walk in Birmingham

From The Tribune staff reports BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham police department (BPD) is conducting an investigation after three juveniles were shot on Tuesday, June 13. At around 4 a.m., West

Precinct officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of 19th Place Southwest on report of a person shot.

Officers arrived on the scene and observed three male juveniles suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The ages of the victims are 15,

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

16, and 16. The victims were transported to a local area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The victims were walking in the area when an unknown suspect fired shots at them. The motive is unknown but officers have not ruled out

that one of the victims may know the possible shooter There is no one custody. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the BPD felony assault unit at (205) 254-1764 or remain anonymous and receive a cash reward at (205) 254-7777.

Sealed proposals will be received by Jefferson County Board of Education, 2100 18th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35209, until 2:00 p.m. CST June 29th for JEFCO 2023 Boiler Replacements for Oak Grove Elementary & Oak Grove High at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read. All proposals must contain “Jefferson County Bid #21-23” on the outside of the proposal. The project consists of the removal and swap out of existing boilers as well as associated controls. All existing duct will remain and necessary measures taken to tie existing into new boilers.

A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to Jefferson County Board of Education in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance required in the bid documents will be required at the signing of the Contract.

The Owner intends to award multiple or single contracts for this work to pre-qualified General Contractor(s). The Owner will accept proposals only from firms which demonstrate their experience and ability to perform the work necessary for this project. Interested General Contractors must submit a Contractor’s Qualification Statement, AIA A305. Minimum qualifications to be certified by prospective bidders include: 1) statutory licensor requirements, 2) bonding capacity in excess of $1,000,000 dollars, 3) minimum of five (5) years successful history as an approved, authorized or licensed General Contractor, 4) successful current experience in construction of a size and scope similar to this Project, and 5) submit list of proposed contractor’s team including subcontractors.

Joint venture arrangements must qualify solely on the strength of the principal firm’s qualifications. Notarized Contractor’s Qualification Certificates must be submitted to the Architect along with any request to obtain Bid Documents by a General Contractor by Thursday, June 15, 2023. The required Form of Certificate is AIA Document A305 Contractor’s Qualification Statement 1986 Edition and may be obtained from the Architect.

Drawings and specifications may be purchased from Alabama Graphics, 2801 5th Ave, South, Birmingham, AL 35233, 205-252-850.5 Contractors must purchase sets at their own expense - no deposits or refunds will be allowed. Drawings may be examined at the offices of TURNERBATSON, 1950 Stonegate Drive, Suite 200, Birmingham, Alabama 35242, the office of Birmingham Construction Industry Authority (BCIA), and F.W. Dodge Birmingham (a.k.a. McGraw Hill), Associated General Contractors, Construction Market Data on Friday, June 16th 2023.

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect (Engineer) or copies thereof. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Architect (Engineer); the bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at Oak Grove High School at 2:00 pm, CST, Tuesday, June 20th, 2023. Attendance at Pre-Bid Conference by Prequalified Contractor Bidders is Mandatory. Meet at the chillers on the exterior at the rear of the school.

Awarding Authority: Jefferson County Board of Education

Dr Walter Gonsoulin, Superintendent

Architect: The Trussville Tribune Publication Dates:

TURNERBATSON

1

Wednesday, May 31 , 2023

2

Wednesday, June 7 , 2023

Wednesday, June 14 , 2023 Montgomery Advertiser and Madison County Record Papers:

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1 Wednesday, June 14, 2023

The Trussville City Council recognizes the 2023 7Α State Softball Champion HTHS Huskies. (Photo by Crystal McGough)

ALDOT Director John Cooper. (Photo via ALDOT website)

Jefferson County Sheriff deputy arrested for using position for personal gain

From The Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM – Investigators with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office obtained a warrant against a 22-year-old deputy for using his position for personal gain.

Caleb Jefferson, 22, is being charged with using his

St. Clair Sheriff’s office looking for help in locating missing Springville teen

position for personal gain, the exact details of which have yet to be disclosed. He is currently on administrative leave. This case remains under investigation.

Jefferson turned himself in to the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer, where he later posted bond and was released.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy Caleb Jefferson (Credit: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office)

13-year-old girl dies days after being found submerged in pool

From The Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM – A

13-year-old was found unresponsive in a pool at their home has died.

Truth Archie died at 10:45 a.m. Thursday after being treated for four days at Children’s Hospital.

She was rushed from a private home at 900 block of Charles Court by paramedics

at around 3 p.m on Sunday, June 4.

The incident is under investigation and is pending an examination by the Jefferson County Coroner’s office.

Joran van der Sloot arraigned before judge in Birmingham

From The Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM – Joran van der Sloot, 35, was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gray Borden on Friday, June 9.

According to the Department of Justice, van der Sloot was arraigned on one count of extortion and one count of wire fraud for soliciting

money from Beth Holloway, Natalee Holloway’s mother, on promises he would reveal the location of her daughter’s remains in Aruba and the circumstances of her 2005 death.

Van der Sloot was brought to the United States to stand trial on these charges pursuant to the Extradition Treaty Between the United States of America and the Republic of Peru and will be returned to

Peru after this case concludes pursuant to the terms of that same treaty.

Assistant United States Attorneys Lloyd C. Peeples, III and Catherine L. Crosby are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, FBI, and Peruvian law enforcement authorities were instrumental in securing the temporary surrender of van der Sloot.

By Chase Holmes News Reporter

SPRINGVILLE — A teen has gone missing while returning from Big Oak Girl’s ranch on her bicycle on June 12.

Annabelle Grace McCulley, 15, was returning from Big Oak Girl’s ranch in the morning on her bicycle when she went missing and has not been seen since. She was last known to be traveling south on U.S. Hwy 11 near County Road 31 on a black bicycle.

She may be wearing a dark colored hoodie and sweatpants, white shoes and carrying a black backpack. A full description at the time of her disappearance can be viewed on the attached flyer.

If you have any information about Anabella Grace McCulley, please call the St. Clair Sheriff’s office at 205884-3333

Anabella Grace McCulley

Suspect identified and taken into custody in Trussville Civic Center break-in

By Chase Holmes News Reporter

TRUSSVILLE — A suspect has been identified and taken into custody in the June 5 break-in of the Trussville Civic Center on Tuesday, June 13.

Investigators obtained arrest warrants through the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office on Trevor Morgan Williams of Trussville. Williams was taken into

custody and transported to the Jefferson County Jail without incident.

Williams was under physical and mental duress at the time of the break-in when he threw rocks through the front doors of the civic center. Officers discovered after the initial incident that he broke into a vehicle in the parking lot outside of the Civic Center leading to an additional charge for breaking and entering a vehicle.

Trevor Morgan Williams

Phil Williams: The war on masculinity

By Phil Williams, 1819 News Commentary

Bill to target gang violence wins approval from Alabama legislature

By Paul DeMarco

In the closing days of the Alabama legislative session, there have been a lot of ups and downs.

As we look back at what passed and what did not pass, a bill that did make it to the governor’s desk was one that enhanced penalties for gang activity. While that is how the bill started out, but Democrats did not like the word gangs so they changed the term to criminal enterprise, which they define as a coalition of three or more people involved in criminal activity.

If an individual is convicted of this new felony, they could receive mandated prison time at longer sentences.

In addition, those under age 16 could be tried as adults if the crime was violent in nature.

After the mass shooting in Dadeville blamed on gang vi-

olence this past spring which left 32 injured and 4 dead, you would have thought the bill would have passed unanimously. However, there were still Democrats and those on the left who opposed the legislation. Despite the spike in violence in this country, there are progressive advocacy groups in this country and in Alabama who oppose stiffening penalties against criminals. In some cases, there appear to be more folks in the Alabama Statehouse lobbying on behalf of felons than crime victims.

Fortunately, the bill will be law and regardless of the semantics, hopefully it will give tools to prosecutors to target a real problem in this state – gang violence.

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

There is a war on masculinity in America right now. Evidence abounds. The war on manhood was already well underway when Dylan Mulvaney showed up on a Bud Light can. But the fact that a biological male can be applauded as an “influencer” for prancing on video and celebrating “365 days to girlhood” is just further indication that something has gone awry.

Masculinity is taking hits daily. On the one hand, men are called to feign being women. On the other hand, non-feminine men are referred to as “toxic.”

Inexplicable debate rages over whether men should compete in women’s sports, a notion too often celebrated by many, yet embarrassing to most. Furthermore, the U.S. military says that only 23% of American men are currently fit to enlist in the military.

In “The Warrior Ethos,” bestselling author Steven Pressfield wrote how everyone “struggles every day to define and defend our sense of purpose and integrity, to justify our existence on the planet….” Pressfield elaborated on such politically incorrect things as “duty, honor, country”; a sense of humor under fire; courage; civility and love from a position of strength; aid and support to the weak; the emboldening of others. He talked about a society willing to fight inner wars, outer wars, and to train up young men to be old warriors.

Much of that is learned behavior, and truthfully not just for men. Women can have undaunted courage. Women

can face crises with grace and poise. I’m married to a woman like that. I helped raise a woman like that. My son is like that, and he married a woman like that. But the war on masculinity is real.

Opinion writer Allie Beth Stuckey wrote a great piece on this topic entitled, “Make Men Masculine Again,” outing the left’s movement to neuter manhood and enshrine the beta male as the role model for civilized society. When you try to make men more like women, she explained, you don’t get less “toxic masculinity,” you get more. “[B] ad men don’t become good when they stop being men,” she said, “they become good when they stop being bad.” Stuckey went on to say: “The answer to toxic masculinity isn’t less masculinity; it’s better masculinity. … The growing problem in today’s society isn’t that men are too masculine; it’s that they’re not masculine enough.”

“When men embrace their masculinity in a way that is healthy and productive,” Stuckey said, “they are leaders, warriors and heroes. When they deny their masculinity, they run away from responsibilities, leaving destruction and despair in their wake.” So well said.

No representation is made here that you are not masculine unless you can tote a gun, lift heavy weights, or grow a great beard. True masculinity is not defined by age, status, or outward appearance. It is a compilation of more esoteric things like character, warrior ethos, work ethic, care and concern for others, self-sacrifice, courage. Real masculinity is the sum of seemingly little things such as:

Standing up to bullies

• Speaking out about your beliefs

• Sacrificing a little “me” time to play with your child

• Faithfulness to your wife

Paying your employees before you pay yourself

Checking on a friend in need

There is no poster boy for true masculinity. You don’t have to be the Marlboro Man, a member of SEAL Team Six, or somebody who knows how to spit dip without getting it on your shirt. A man can be rough without losing his civility. A man can have calloused hands and still wear a tie to work every day. A father can be physically separated from his kids and still be a dad to them.

True, the attitude of roughness and masculinity is often embodied in a mental image of harsh ruggedness. In my day I’ve known a lot of solid dudes. Action guys, operators, members of America’s elite special operations, first responders, dudes with grit and determination, and a lot of them did not fit the visual stereotypical mold.

As he prepared to anoint the future King of Israel, the prophet Samuel was taken aback that it would be David, a small guy, the least among

his family, from the least of the tribes. But God told Samuel, “the LORD sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). The quality of one’s masculinity is determined by the inner workings of the man.

It does not matter if you’ve never earned a medal. Masculinity is not built on wealth. It doesn’t matter if you have a physical disability, or have made mistakes in your past. Society will be better off if men act like men with a sense of masculinity that transcends their outward appearance. Doing so will resonate to all around them.

Stuckey went on to say:

“The devaluation of masculinity won’t end well because feminine, passive men don’t stop evil. Passive men don’t defend, protect or provide. Passive men don’t lead. Passive men don’t do the things we have always needed men to do for society to thrive. … Rape, murder, war—they all have two things in common: bad men who do the raping, murdering, and warring; and weak men who won’t stop them. We need good men who will.

“It’s not masculinity that’s toxic. It’s the lack of it,” she concluded.

We must win this war against masculinity.

To contact Phil or request him for a speaking engagement, go to www.rightsideradio.org. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News.

To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.

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

Phil Williams is Policy Director for the Alabama Policy Institute.

L ifesty L e

Best Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids for Older Adults

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior,

Can you recommend some good over-the-counter hearing aids for seniors on a budget? I’m not sure what to get or where to buy them.

Hard of Hearing

Dear Hard,

The new FDA approved over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids that hit the market last October have become a very attractive alternative to millions of older Americans with hearing impairment.

These new hearing aids can be purchased at pharmacies, consumer electronics stores or online without a hearing exam, prescription, or appointment with an audiologist. And the savings are significant. The average cost of an OTC hearing aid is about $1,600 per pair, which is about $3,000 less than the average price of a prescription hearing aid.

But sorting through all the different options and styles can be confusing. Here are some tips along with a reliable resource that can help you choose the right aid for you.

Check Your Hearing

Your first step to getting a hearing aid is to get your hearing tested. Be aware that OTC hearing aids are designed only for people with mild to moderate hearing loss (signs include trouble hearing speech in noisy places, in groups, and during phone calls).

The best place to get your hearing tested is through a hearing care provider like an audiologist. These in-person tests are usually covered by private medical insurance, and as of this year, Medicare will pay

for general hearing evaluations without a doctor’s referral.

You can also assess your hearing at home with a good app-based hearing test like Mimi (mimi.health) or SonicCloud (soniccloud.com).

If you find through your test that you have severe hearing loss (signs include being unable to hear spoken words even in a quiet room or trouble hearing loud music or power tools) then OTC aids aren’t the right solution for you. You’ll probably need a prescription hearing aid, which you must get through an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist.

Choosing an OTC Aid

If you decide that an OTC hearing aid may work for you, here are a couple pointers to help you choose.

First, you need to know that OTC hearing aids come in two types: self-fitting and preset. Self-fitting aids typically use a smartphone app to setup and adjust the device to suit your specific hearing needs, which makes them better suited for seniors who are technologically inclined. While preset hearing aids are much simpler devices that come with a number of set programs for different levels of hearing loss, and the controls are directly on the hearing aid.

Also, because OTC hearing aids have a learning curve, it’s very important to know the level of customer support you’ll have access to. So, before you buy, find out how long the company provides support after your purchase, and what sorts of experts will be providing the support.

You also need to find out about the company’s return policy. It can take weeks to get accustomed to wearing hearing aids and figure out whether

Dance Recitals – Tutus, Taps, and Terror

they’re really working for you or not. So, make sure to choose a brand that offers a minimum 30-day free trial period, or money back return policy.

Best OTC Hearing Aids

To help you cut through all the different options the National Council on Aging (NCOA), which is a national nonprofit organization that advocates for older Americans, recently assembled a review team who collectively spent more than 5,000 hours researching, testing and interviewing customers about OTC hearing aids.

They came up with a list of nine winners based on such criteria as affordability, style and fit. Their best OTC hearing aids for 2023 in their nine categories include:

• Best for Seniors: Jabra Enhance (jabraenhance.com)

• Best Invisible Fit: Eargo (eargo.com)

Most User-Friendly: Lexie (lexiehearing.com)

Most Affordable: Audien (audienhearing.com)

• Most Financing Options: Audicus (audicus.com)

• Best Remote Customer Service: MDHearing (mdhearingaid.com)

• Best Rechargeable for the Money: Go Hearing (gohearing.com) Best Variety: Lucid (lucidhearing.com)

• Best Earbud-Style: Sony (electronics.sony.com)

To learn more, see NCOA. org/adviser/hearing-aids/bestotc-hearing-aids.

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.

By Joe Hobby

Oh Lord, I can almost smell the estrogen. It’s so powerful that it overpowers the hundreds of bouquets of flowers that parents and grandparents have brought in the auditorium. Everyone taking their seats are smiling and laughing. That’s because the program hasn’t begun. I’ll check in about 3 hours and see where the smiles are then. In some circles this is known a dance recital, but I think of it as a level of Dante’s hell.

The opening of the event was very unusual: the emcee asked any veterans to stand and we greeted them with applause. My, have things changed. When I was a kid in the Vietnam era, a lot of the audience would’ve probably spit on anything concerning the military.

Then someone sang the Star-Spangled Banner, and when the singer finished with, “…and the home of the brave,” at least a dozen people yelled,” Roll Tide!”

I suppose I was having a bit of a Vietnam flashback myself. This recital brought back memories, and most of them were not good. I had a younger sister who danced for about 10 years, and every spring I was forced to attend her recital. I whined, cried, and griped to no avail. Mom’s reasoning was a misplaced sense of justice: since my little sister went to my football games, I was obligated to attend her dance recital. Of course, my sister got to run and romp all over the whole ballpark, while I was trapped in a seat in some steamy high

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF TRUSSVILLE TRUSSVILLE, ALABAMA COMMERCE

LANE EXTENSION

General Notice

school auditorium. I think since mom hand-sewed every one of my sister’s costumes down to the last sequin, she figured that someone else was going to suffer with her. And because my father flat-out refused to go, I became the designated male. In fact, my counselor thinks this stress has given me PTRD – Post Traumatic Recital Disorder. I have to agree; because when the lights dimmed, the curtain raised, and I heard tap shoes, I began to hyperventilate and break out in hives.

The little kids they herd out there are cute, and I especially took notice when my granddaughter Addy made her first appearance. However, soon my mind began to wander. I found myself thinking about the costumes. I saw some of the same children in three or four dance numbers. That’s three or four costumes, folks. It’s a lot of cash to lay out. And I would be willing to bet that there’s not a mom in that building who is hand sewing anything. My guess is that half of them can’t sew a button on a coat, even if they watched a YouTube video on how to do it.

The typical dance routine is about 3 minutes or so, and my granddarling was in two numbers. I did the math and then said to my wife, “When is the last time you waited for several hours to get about 6 minutes of entertainment?”

She answered without hesitation, “My Wedding Day.” Sometimes I hate myself for even asking her a question.

Naturally, the event planners conveniently space out their routines – one near the

City of Trussville (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project: Commerce Lane Extension

first of the event, and one towards the end – thus forcing you to stay for the duration. Those sneaky, wicked, recital moms. After watching that glorious ensemble of three-yearolds tap dancing to Sinatra’s rendition of “Ain’t She Sweet?”, my wife turned to me and said, “I’m going to get Addy, and then we are getting out of here,”. It sounded like she was sharing an escape plan with a fellow prisoner. In a way, she was.

We waited until the lights were lowered, turned on our phone flashlights, and then I lead our group of four adults and four children out. Within a minute, we passed the last row and went thru the double doors. Freedom at last!

After presenting Addy with a dozen roses and taking a dozen quick photos, our little convoy headed to a nearby restaurant. To my dismay, the parking lot was packed. Undeterred, I walked inside, where I couldn’t help but notice a number of tables in the main dining room were filled with families, including little girls in dance outfits. The hostess told me there was a 45-minute wait, despite my attempts to bribe her with a few roses. It looks like a lot of people escaped before we did.

Joe Hobby is a comedian from Alabama who wrote for Jay Leno for many years. He loves his granddaughters but hates their dance recitals. 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

Bids for the construction of the Project will be received at the Trussville City Hall Annex located at 113 North Chalkville Road, Trussville, Alabama 35173, until Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 10:00AM local time. At that time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read.

The Project includes the following Work:

The work is generally described as a roadway extension project extending Commerce Lane to Camp Coleman Road which is approximately 1,650 LF of two-lane curb and gutter roadway. The project includes grading, drainage, base, curb, paving, and utilities. Bids are requested for the following Contract: Commerce Lane Extension

The Project has an expected duration of 180 days. The Contract will be paid for out of local funds immediately available to Owner. Obtaining the Bidding Documents

The Issuing O ce for the Bidding Documents is: Civil Consultants, Inc. 3528 Vann Road, Suite 105 Birmingham, AL 35235

Prospective Bidders may obtain or examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing O ce on Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00AM CST and 4:30PM CST, and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing O ce as described below. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing O ce. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing O ce.

Printed copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing O ce by paying a deposit of $200.00 for each set. Bidders who return full sets of the Bidding Documents in good condition within 10 days after receipt of Bids will receive a full refund. Non-Bidders, and Bidders who obtain more than one set of the Bidding Documents, will receive a refund of $100 for documents returned in good condition within the time limit indicated above. Make deposit checks for Bidding Documents payable to Civil Consultants, Inc.

Bidding Documents may be purchased from the Issuing O ce during the hours indicated above. Issuing O ce will not ship documents.

Electronic copies, sent via e-mail only, of the Bidding Documents in PDF format are available upon request at no charge.

Pre-bid Conference

A mandatory pre-bid conference for the Project will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 2:00PM CST at Trussville City Hall Annex, 113 North Chalkville Road, Trussville, Alabama 35173. Bids will not be accepted from Bidders that do not attend the mandatory pre-bid conference.

Instructions to Bidders.

For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, quali cations, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents. If you have questions about the bid process or the Project, please email your question in writing to J.T. Murphy at jmurphy@ccipe.com.

No bids will be received after the time of the bid submission deadline that is set forth above. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive technical errors and/or abandon the bid process if, in their judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted. Bids must be submitted on the Bid Form furnished with the Bidding Documents. The City reserves the right to hold bid proposals for a period of sixty (60) days after the date of receiving bid proposals. Each bid proposal must be accompanied by a bid bond or certi ed check payable to the City of Trussville in an amount equal to 5% of the total amount of the bid proposal, but not to exceed $10,000. Interested contractors shall submit their bid in an envelope that prominently displays the name and address of the contractor and the contractor’s Alabama license number with the date of renewal on the front of the envelope. Envelopes are to be clearly labeled Commerce Lane Extension – Bid Proposal – City of Trussville.

This Advertisement is issued by:

Owner: City of Trussville

Date: June 14, 2023

s

WFF’s Nix earns USFWS award for 2nd year in a row

By David Rainer Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

The contribution Ericha Shelton-Nix continues to make to Alabama’s nongame wildlife populations has been recognized for the second year in a row by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

Nix, a biologist with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division, was among the recipients in the Southeast Region to receive the 2021-2022 Regional Director’s Honor Award for Private Landowners (Group). The award announcement reads:

“Southeast Forest Landowner Conservation partner awards acknowledge your significant contribution and willingness to work with the Service toward the conservation of natural resources in the Southeast.” Nix received the same recognition for 2020-2021 for her work with Alabama’s unique Red Hills Salamander and its habitat in Monroe County. She was part of the team that helped with the land acquisition that became the Red Hills Wildlife Management Area.

This year’s award was for her work with gopher tortoise research and conservation in southeast Alabama, which included starting the Alabama Tortoise Alliance (ALTA), a partnership with private landowners, state and federal agencies, local governments, organizations and businesses to manage and conserve gopher tortoise populations and

habitat. Other members of the ALTA group were recognized by USFWS, including Ray Metzler with the Alabama Forestry Commission.

“I started the Alabama Tortoise Alliance, and we met every six months,” Nix said.

“We had 30 to 50 people coming together from across the state to collaborate for gopher tortoise conservation. The initiative was that everybody was doing something, but nobody knew what the other person was doing for gopher tortoises. So, the whole point was to collaborate and compile information that was considered as good science and then submit that information to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, so it could be used in the listings decisions.”

Chuck Sykes, WFF Director, applauded the recognition Nix received from the USFWS.

“Ericha is a leader in gopher tortoise advocacy for our agency,” Sykes said. “Her work with our federal partners, nongovernmental organizations, private landowners as well as industry sets a shining example of how

collaboration moves the needle in wildlife and ecosystem conservation.”

The gopher tortoise is considered a keystone species, impacting about 365 species of amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and invertebrates in the sandy-soil habitat across their southeastern range. In August 2022, juvenile gopher tortoises were released in Geneva State Forest Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Covington County to facilitate research on the animals’ range and movement patterns. Transmitters were attached to numerous tortoises, and the telemetry work to track those animals started on June 1. Jeff Goessling, an assistant professor at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, and his students will conduct the telemetry research.

“We’re ready to see where those tortoises dispersed,” Nix said. “We have 90 tortoises with transmitters, both head-starts (hatchling tortoises reared in captivity to maximize growth rates) and adults. The larger pen has been removed, and we want to see if the animals are staying

ACTION TREE SERVICE

there or if they’re dispersing farther out. We consolidated those tortoises in the 40-acre pen to create a population that would be on a trajectory to become viable in the future, that would have sufficient density to propagate.

“We fenced that area in Geneva WMA to hopefully create site fidelity. Otherwise, they just want to return to where they came from. Now that we have taken down the fence, we’re going to see if they are going to stay put or if they’re going to move.”

The head-starts were transferred using methods called soft release and hard release. The soft release tortoises were put in 1-acre pens, while the hard release tortoises were released with no impediments to movement. The head-starts were 1- and 2-year-olds that were the size of a 7-year-old tortoise in the wild.

“The predation rate is very high in the egg stage,” Nix said. “When they are very small, the predation is still high, so we grew them to a bigger size with heat and food (grass, forbs, legumes, berries

and flowers) to increase survival rates.

“We’re looking now at what their dispersion looks like. We’re going to see if the hard release tortoises stayed put or whether they meandered off compared to the soft release sites, where those tortoises can’t go very far.”

Nix said aging adult tortoises is difficult because their habitat is deep sandy soil in coastal planes with pine forests, preferably longleaf, with an open canopy.

“We age adults as 20-plus years,” she said. “It’s hard to determine the age of the adults. We count the rings on the plastron, but this is an animal that lives in sand. They are constantly rubbing their bellies, their plastrons, and sand wears away the rings, so we just say 20-plus.”

Nix said the most suitable gopher tortoise habitat occurs in the sandy soils in the counties that border Florida. She said as you move north to Montgomery and Pike counties, the sandy soils are more dissected, and the tortoises usually will be found only on ridges.

Because the tortoise habitat is mainly in private ownership, it is crucial to expand outreach and education. Gopher tortoises are state protected in all Alabama counties except for Mobile, Washington and Choctaw counties, which are under federal protection.

“We don’t own a lot of the wildlife habitat,” Nix said. “Ninety-six percent of the gopher tortoise habitat is in private ownership. That’s why ALTA was started. We helped put on landowner events to talk to people to see if they would allow us access to survey their properties. We do not have a lot of data on the status of gopher tortoises in Alabama. So, we started building relationships with landowners. When you start with practically zero data and you end up with a little, that’s a success. The question is whether it was enough.

“The goal of ALTA was to collaborate, share information and work together as partners so that we could provide good science on the status of the species in Alabama to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service so they can make decisions based on science. When you have no science, they still have to make a decision, and a species can look rare when you have no data.”

Although Nix received recognition in a ceremony at the USFWS office in Atlanta, she said the gopher tortoise work was a team effort.

“I was just part of a big team,” she said. “The theme is teamwork and collaboration, and I’m happy to be a part of the great team in Alabama.”

Erica Shelton-Nix of the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division earned recognition from the USFWS for her work with gopher tortoises. (Credit: ADCNR)

Several groups, including ADCNR, USFWS and Eckerd College, were involved in the gopher tortoise release work last August. (Credit: ADCNR)

c a L enda R

Reading Buddies with Greater Birmingham Humane Society

Wed Jun 14th

10:00am - 11:00am

Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL 35126

Stephen Quandt, certified Feline Training & Behavior Specialist, has created a feline behavior webinar to explain cat behavior from the perspective of the evolutionary & adaptive forces that help shape the lives of cats. Stephen’s presentation will be virtual, so you can register to receive the link to watch at home or you can come to the library to watch in person on our large screens.

https://bit.ly/pplfelinewebinar

Yarn ManglersKnit & crochet group

Thursday, June 15: 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Trussville - Cahaba Room

AGE GROUP: ADULT (AGES 18+)

Saturday, June 17th, 2 to 4 PM

Let’s-a-go with Mario to Isle Delfino on Saturday, June 17th from 2 to 4 PM. All ages can enjoy Super Mario Sunshine-themed fun like games, activities, food, crafts, & more!

Adult Henna Program

Monday, June 19: 6:00pm - 7:00pm Trussville - LBK Auditorium

(All ages)

Wednesday, June 14th at 10 AM

Practice reading with doggos!

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society will bring special reading buddy dogs to the library on Wednesday, June 14th at 10 AM. We’ll supply the books! All ages can enjoy reading to their buddies & hanging out.

Pizza Bake-Off

Thu Jun 15th 4:00pm - 5:30pm Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL

EVENT TYPE: DROP-IN, CRAFT, ADULT PROGRAM

Learn the ancient art of Henna Tattoos. You will learn how to create henna designs and receive a temporary henna stain. All supplies provided. The henna used during the program will be natural henna mixed fresh. Space is limited so please sign up.

Zoo2Go - with Montgomery Zoo

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

Friendship Adventure with Barry Mitchell Show

Thursday, June 15: 5:00pm - 6:00pm Trussville - LBK Auditorium

Tuesday, June 20: 10:30am - 11:30am Trussville - LBK Auditorium

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.

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

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

Learn about animal adaptations during this show with live animals from the Mongomery Zoo. No registration is needed.

Families! To learn more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am6pm ET).

UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home. Professional installation. Top quality - Made in the USA. Call for free con-

sultation: 844-809-9165. Ask about our specials!

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire

(Teens)

Registration required.

Thursday, June 15, 4 to 5:30 PM

Showcase your culinary talents during our Pizza Bake-off on Thursday, June 15th from 4 to 5:30 PM.

Teens will create (hopefully) yummy dishes with a variety of ingredients. A basic pizza crust & variety of toppings will be provided. Each participant will have the opportunity to customize the recipe. Only teens (6th-12th) graders may participate & must register.

Decoding the Mysteries of Cats: Why Cats Do

What They Do

Thu Jun 15th 6:00pm - 7:00pm Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL

Sam the Turtle, Mr. Barry, and Hyena the Chicken are three friends working together for laughs. BIG LAUGHS! No registration is needed.

Sam the Turtle, Mr. Barry, and Hyena the Chicken are three friends working together for laughs. BIG LAUGHS! Their adventure includes magic, puppets, and funny stuff. With all these guys in one van, they are learning about kindness, compassion, and loud snoring. No pickles, please.

Let’s-a-go with Mario: Isle Delfino Sat Jun 17th 2:00pm - 4:00pm Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL

Meet a variety of our educational animals from all over the world. Learn about some of the unique characteristics that enable them to survive in the wild.

Adult Book Club (note date change for June)

Tuesday, June 20: 2:00pm - 3:00pm Trussville - Board Room

(Adults)

Thursday, June 15th at 6 PM

Registration Required

(All ages)

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.

Join us for Adult Book Club!

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 20, July 19, Aug 16, Sept 20, Oct 18, Nov 15

o bitua R y

Jacob Roberts

september 14, 1983 — may 29, 2023

Trussville

Jacob Paul Roberts, age 39, passed away unexpectedly on May 29, 2023. Jake was a cool, laid-back easy-going person who enjoyed Auburn Football and cook outs with family and friends. He loved his two boys very much. Jake enjoyed vacationing and especially enjoyed trips to the beach and Gatlinburg. Jake was preceded in death by his mom Paula Ann (Perry) Russell. He is survived by his two sons Caleb James Roberts and Conner Perry Roberts; stepfather, Mike Russell and their mother Ashley Roberts Entrekin.

Services for Jacob Paul Roberts will be held Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 2:00pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens. Family will accept friends from 1:00-2:00pm. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Gardens in Gardendale, Al.

John Daniel Lane Sr. "DEDAH"

february 14, 1936 — june 2, 2023

John Daniel Lane Sr. (DEDAH), age 87, of Fultondale, Alabama passed away on June 2, 2023. He was born to the late George Lane Sr. and Maudie Bell Lane on February 14, 1936. He retired after many years as a inspector and crane operator for Clow and Otool Engineering. John loved his family and spending time on the lake. He had a passion for riding dirt bikes and traveled all over the world with his wife Mimi. John never passed up a chance for him and Mimi to go on a adventure. The two of them had a relationship like no other. John was a faithful member of Fulton Springs Methodist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents George lane Sr. and Maudie Bell Lane; and son, Danny Lane; brothers, George Lane Jr. and Jack Lane.

John leaves behind his loving wife, Carol W. Lane; son, Mike Lane; grandchildren, Sunie Torbert, James Lane, Paeton Hill, Chaney Hicks, Kaitlyn Lane, and Jack Lane.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm with a service in his honor immediately following at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in Trussville.

Shelia DeMedicis

february 26, 1957 — june 6, 2023

Our most beloved Shelia went to Heaven on June 6th, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents George and Juanita West. Shelia is survived by her loving husband, Doug DeMedicis; son, Keith Morris (Jennifer); sisters, Cynthia Pinson (Tal), Linda Morton, Donna Rigg; stepdaughter, Anna Wright (James); grandchildren, Emmie Morris, Addie Morris; step grandson, Riley DeMedicis and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Shelia was born February 26th, 1957, in Birmingham, AL. She graduated from Banks High School in 1975. Shelia worked various administrative positions throughout her work career including, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, CSC / Computer Science Corporation and Bradley Law Firm.

Shelia was shining light to many people. She received much of her joy from spending time with her parents when they were living, her son, her sisters, and her cousins. Beach trips with her sisters and cousins were some of her best times. Attending her son Keith’s sporting events and beach trips with him and his family were fun too! Watching her grandchildren play soccer was also a great joy. Over the years she and her husband Doug enjoyed many memorable overseas trips as well. Her flowers in her front yard made her very happy too; she loved planting flowers and plants.

Shelia volunteered for events with the Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama and Eastern Women’s Committee of Fifty and loved her time spent helping these organizations. Shelia was a member of the Calvary Chapel Trussville and was proud to have been at the first service of the new church four years ago.

Shelia will be greatly missed by all that knew her. While we as a family are heartbroken, she is healed and rejoicing in Heaven.

Praise the Lord!

A very special thank you to the 1South ICU nurses and doctors at Ascension St. Vincent’s that took exceptional care of Shelia in her last two weeks of life as she battled complications from diabetes. Also, a special thanks to Dr. David DeAtkine and his medical staff for their thoughtful medical care for Shelia over the last 15 years.

Flowers are welcome, but please consider a donation to one of the following organizations that Shelia held close to her heart: Alzheimer’s’ of Central Alabama or Eastern Women’s Committee of Fifty. For Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama please visit their website, https://alzca.org/donate-now/ or 300 Office Park Suite Drive, Suite 225, Birmingham, AL 35223. For donations to Eastern Women’s Committee of Fifty, please mail to EWCF, PO Box 1134, Trussville, AL 35173.

AskEddie

What Does a Funeral Home Need to Know Right Away?

When a loved one passes away, some important phone calls must be made not to alert the immediate family but also to alert the funeral home and make preliminary arrangements for transporting the body and the funeral service itself.

Making this phone call can be daunting. You will likely be disoriented by grief and feel ill-prepared to make big decisions or answer too many questions. The good news is you’ll have time to work with the funeral director on funeral arrangements in the following days; when you make that initial call to alert the funeral home of your loved one’s death, you must only provide some basic information.

Be prepared to provide the deceased’s full name and your own name and relationship to the deceased. You must also tell the funeral home where your loved one died.

Additionally, the funeral home will require your basic contact information - an address and phone number should be sufficient. Finally, you must permit the funeral home to take custody of the body and embalm it; a verbal affirmation should do fine.

You may also be asked to schedule a time for the next day, or perhaps the day after, to start finalizing arrangements for the funeral service. Don’t be overwhelmed by this: the funeral director will walk you through the process and provide guidance through the planning process. From there, funeral home representatives will be en route to prepare the body for transport- leaving you to reflect and collect your thoughts for the funeral planning process.

Jim S Isom

july 31, 1940 — june 4, 2023

Birmingham

James S. “Jim” Isom, age 82, of Birmingham, AL passed away June 4, 2023.

He was a member of Ridge Crest Baptist Church. Jim was a graduate of the University of North Alabama. Jim served as the CEO of Orthopedic Specialist of Alabama from 1976-2006 until he retired. He also served as the President of Orthopedic Provider Network of Alabama, P.C. He served in many professional societies which include, Vice Chairman of the Board of Eastern Health Foundation, President of American Academy of Orthopedic Executives, Past President of the Birmingham Chapter Medical Group Management Association, Past President of the Medical Group Management Association of Alabama, Trustee of the Stewardship Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, Former President of the Trussville Noon Rotary Club, Past Chairman MGMA Alabama Legislative Committee, Governor’s Healthcare Reform Task Force, Member of the Public Safety Committee for the city of Trussville, Chairman of Carrington Lakes Fishing Committee, and a member of Carrington Lakes Security Advisory Committee.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Janet K. Isom and daughters Shelly and Crissy (Billy.)

will be held

for

Edward Mack "Eddie" Knight Jr.

may 6, 1966 — june 10, 2023

Edward Mack "Eddie" Knight Jr., age 57, of Odenville, Al, passed away on June 10, 2023. He was born to Edward Mack Sr. and Helen Knight on May 6, 1966. Eddie worked as a senior offset printing press technician with National Computer Print and retired after 25 years. He was a member of McElwain Baptist Church which is now Hope Community Church. Eddie had a passion for computers which led him to his career. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR, and enjoyed a good football game

pm immediately following visitation in the adjoining cemetery.

Ruth Edgar

august 23, 1933 — june 4, 2023

Gaynell Edgar, 89, passed away on June 4, 2023, in Trussville, AL.

Gaynell Edgar was born on August 23, 1933 in Gadsden, AL, to John and Bessie Varden.

Gaynell graduated from Etowah County High School in 1951, and went on to start a career with AT&T, where she was employed until 1984. She then started and ran four successful businesses because she needed something to do after retiring.

Gaynell married Lawrence Edgar on June 17, 1967 in Cocoa Beach, FL. The couple had 1 child, Todd Edgar, of Reisterstown, MD.

Gaynell was best known for her love of travel and cats. She was very active in her church, and supported numerous charities.

Gaynell is survived by Todd Edgar - son, of Reisterstown, MD and the children & grandchildren of her siblings.

Gaynell is preceded in death by Lawrence Edgar - spouse, John Varden - father, Bessie Varden - mother, and her siblings, Estell Arrington, Odell Spaulding, and John C. Varden, Junior.

The service for Mrs. Gaynell Edgar will be held on Friday, at 10:00 AM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.

Visitation: Friday, at 9:00 AM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.

Burial: Crestwood Memorial in Gadsden, Al. Memorial donations can be made in Gaynell’s name to First Baptist Church of Trussville

Timothy “Tim” Young

january 31, 1967 — june 1, 2023

Timothy “Tim” Joe Young, age 56, of Odenville, AL passed away suddenly at his home on June 1, 2023. He was a graduate of Hewitt Trussville High School, class of 1985. Tim was employed by PPG Industries where he served as the store’s manager for almost ten years. He loved doing yard work and spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Silas Young; a sister, Dinah Greene; his former wife, Karen Young; a brother-in-law, Byron Smith.

Tim is survived by his spouse, Timmy Smith; daughter, Kimberly Young; son, Eric Young (Jess); grandchildren, Elizabeth Young and Elliott Young; mother, Thelma Young; sister, Kristy Davis (Shawn); nephews, Justin Greene and Clayton Davis; niece Madelyn Hosey; three sistersin-law, Shelia, Pat and Judy and a brother-in-law, Jerry. He also leaves behind a host of extended family and friends. A celebration of Tim’s life will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, June 5th at 2:00 p.m. Friends and family will gather one hour prior. Reverend J. R. Finny will preside over the service.

Robert Wanninger

november 20, 1940 — june 8, 2023

Robert Wanninger, age 82 of Gadsden, AL passed away on June 8, 2023. He was a member of The Church at Bradford in Springville, AL but most recently had attended The Church of Highlands. He loved to fish, Alabama Football, golf, and dove hunting, although his main love was for his family. He is preceded in death by his grandsons, Joab Baker and Benjamin Roberts and granddaughter, Kayla Wanninger. He is survived by his wife, Pam Wanninger; children Vicki Wanninger Humphries (Chris), Vince Wanninger (Karen) and Doug Wanninger (Traci); grandchildren, Joshua Baker (Christin), Jeremiah Baker, Leah Underwood (Sonny), Jacob Wanninger (Ashlei), Crystal Harris (Aaron) Johnathan Roberts (Beth), Jayson Jarrell and Kelsie Williamson; great grandchildren, Abigail Baker, Marie Maske, Halli, Ryder, Charlotte, Louie, Austin Dill, Alex Rose, Maci Roberts, Ella Leibe, Carson Roberts, Crew Leibe, Ari and Lawson Williamson; stepson, Todd Jarrell (Marsha) and also his beloved Bella.

HOME AND GARDENS

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

Eddie Seal, General Manager

A Birminghamian’s Guide To The Indy 500

By John Goolsby For

the Tribune

INDIANAPOLIS – “To win this race is indescribable.

I think being at this event is almost indescribable,” said 2023 Indy 500 champion and Nashville native Josef Newgarden shortly after his exciting win at the fabled Brickyard. “Someone has to come and see it and be a part of it to understand what it is all about.”

Two days earlier I pulled out of Birmingham at 5 AM and headed north to see exactly what the Indy 500 was all about.

The plan was to make it to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) in time for the pitstop challenge on Carb Day. Although modern Indy cars do not use carburetors, the name has stuck for the final day of practice.

The drive to Indianapolis was relatively easy. All on I-65, it took three hours to get to Nashville, two hours to Louisville, and then two hours to Indy.

There were plenty of opportunities to sight see on the way: the Corvette National Museum, Mammoth Cave National Park and the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park to name a few.

However, there was no time to stop for me and my son Drew. He, as my photog-

rapher, had pictures to take and I had interview to attend to and stories to write.

We had our own history to make at the 107th Running of the Indy 500 and Ol’ Abe’s birthplace would just have to wait.

What strikes you when you first see the Speedway from the outside is its size and its location. The glistening metal structure rises from a neighborhood in the middle of Speedway, Indiana.

Getting our media badges and finding the media parking lot was quick and easy, partly because the 75,000 people on hand had already been inside for hours.

We entered the Speedway and walked through the tunnel under the track. Emerging

from the dark, we were met with arguably the most recognizable structure at IMS, the futuristic and shiny Pagoda.

As we made the turn into the heart of the Speedway, I was amazed. The place was new to me, but it felt strangely familiar after watching the race on TV for nearly forty years. I recalled having the same feeling once before. It was as a ten-year-old when I first saw Bear Bryant leaning against the goalpost at Legion Field. New but somehow familiar.

I attempted to control my excitement as I took in the vast canyon of bleachers along the front stretch as we made our way to pit lane to watch the pit stop challenge. The pit stop challenge, first

contested in 1977, is a single-elimination competition among the NTT IndyCar teams held two days before the Indy 500.

To say there is much to take in at IMS would be an understatement. Rows and rows of merchandise and food vendors line the Pagoda Plaza. The most famous and popular food item is the generically named “tenderloin.”

Long a staple of the Indy 500, the tenderloin is, well, a pork tenderloin that has been pounded flat, breaded and fried. The giant tenderloin is served between two buns with little to no condiments.

For race fans looking to get the most bang for their buck, they should look into getting Silver or Bronze badg-

es. While these badges are not cheap, are extremely limited, and are greatly sought after, they will provide fans with excellent access to the famed Gasoline Alley (garages), pit lane, and the front stretch of the track itself.

On a side note, do not, I repeat, do not, under any circumstances, attempt to enter any area that you are not authorized to enter less you desire to receive the swift wrath of the “yellow shirts.”

These yellow-top-clad volunteers of the Speedway take their job very seriously. If you find yourself arguing with the wrong one about the wrong thing, you may find yourself standing outside the Speedway on the corner of 16th and Georgetown.

Of all the amazing things within the speedway to photograph, one of the most popular ones is getting a photo of yourself (or friends or family) kissing the bricks. Since 1961, a yard-wide strip of bricks has remained as the start/finish line from the original “brickyard” built in 1909. Most traditions of the speedway are associated with the Indy 500. However, the kissing of the bricks is a relatively new addition and began when NASCAR driver Dale Jarred puckered up and kissed them after his Brickyard 400 victory in 1996.

After spending the day taking in the sights and sounds of the Speedway and getting settled in at the DEX Media Center, we headed to the car listening to 80s rock star Bryan Adams pay tribute to Tina Turner by singing their duet “It’s Only Love.” A concert usually caps off Carb Day. This year Soul Asylum opened for Bryan Adams. We headed to our Airbnb located five miles from the track. If you are considering making the trip next year, I would highly encourage Airbnb as an option. Indianapolis has many hotels, but rooms tend to book quickly, and rates can be higher than normal. Location is critical to getting to the track early and

See INDY, Page 16

A view from the stands at the Indy 500.

Photo by: John Goolsby

The legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Photo by: John Goolsby

Huskies hire Jenny Williams as newest cheer coach

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

TRUSSVILLE – The Hewitt Trussville Huskies welcomed a new head coach for their varsity cheer squad on Monday and they hit the proverbial home run with this hire.

Jenny Williams is no stranger to being a successful cheer coach. A 2008 graduate of Homewood High School, she got her start in the coaching realm in 2006, while she was still in high school. She does not only have experience, with around 25 years cheering and coaching, but she has found great success at every stop she has had.

Williams has spent the last 10 years of her career at Liberty Park where she led her teams to multiple AHSAA national championships as well as several top 10 finishes in the National High School Cheerleading Championships. Her coaching highlights are as follows:

State Champions-2014, 2016, 2020, 2021 State

Runner Up- 2022

• National High School

Cheerleading Champion-

ship

• 2015 placed 11th Tradition-

al Routine

• 2017 placed 9th Traditional

Routine

2020 placed 3rd Gameday

2018 National Champions (Non-Building)

• 2020 National Champions (Non-Building)

• Smoky Mountain Regional

Champions 2022

• Magic City Regional

Champions 2015, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022

Space Center Regional

Champions 2021 Trussville City Schools

Athletics Director Lance walker had the following to say

Trussville native Kenleigh Cahalan completes first season with Tide Softball

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

about his new cheer coach, “”We are excited to welcome Jenny to the Hewitt-Trussville family! Our cheerleaders have consistently done a tremendous job competing and supporting other student-athletes. Our Cheer program has established a reputation of representing our school with pride. We look forward to supporting the team under Coach Williams’ leadership.”

Coach Williams is eager to get started with her new team. “I am excited to get to know all of the athletes and their families,” said Williams. “I am anxious to begin building on the tradition of excellence the community expects from its sports programs. I have always found that setting high expectations yields the best results. I always tell my athletes that progress is perfection and I love them just as hard as I coach them. I do expect to make mistakes and work hard to correct them. I chose Hewitt because our values seem to match up. The athletes and parents are hungry for someone that will push their students to be the best version of themselves and I have always been told that I am good at pushing athletes to do better than they thought they could be. I value fairness and direct communication so that parents and athletes are clear on expectations and the path to success.”

There will be a meet and greet for the community on Thursday night for everyone to come out and introduce themselves to the new cheer coach for the Huskies. Williams said, “I cannot wait to meet the Trussville cheerleading community at Thursday’s meet and greet.”

TRUSSVILLE – Back in January, Hewitt Trussville softball player Kenleigh Ca-

halan was able to take advantage of a rare opportunity, afforded to her by her efforts on the diamond for the Huskies as well as finishing up her high school classes early. Kenleigh was able to graduate early from Hewitt and attend The University of Alabama as an early enrollee and get to work immediately for Bama’s softball squad.

The Crimson Tide, with Cahalan’s help, made it to their 14th Women’s College World Series appearance. It was the second time in the past three years that they have made it this far. The season ended with a 45-22 record for the Tide after a 2-0 loss to Stanford in an elimination game on Friday.

Cahalan was an immediate contributor for the Tide, starting all 66 games and ending the season with a .289 batting average, hitting 7 home runs and driving in 31 RBI on the season. She also had .927 fielding percentage to help the Tide on defense.

University knowing that I am prepared for the bigger environment.”

Speaking on her accomplishments this season, as well as what she needs to improve on, Cahalan said, “I am most proud of the team and how we fight. There is so much grit and heart throughout the whole team and I absolutely love it. Personally, I need to get better at my discipline at the plate. Better pitch selection produces more runners on base to help drive in more runs for the team.”

kid. Great kid, great family. The whole thing was awesome. Everyone in Trussville should be very proud of her because she represented the school and the entire city very well.”

into the brickyard for a home run. You would have thought we won the World Series that day. Her teammates went crazy. I went crazy. My pitching coach has this look like, ‘how the hell did she hit that!?’ That was her welcome to college softball moment.”

Kenleigh’s former teammates at Hewitt continued their winning ways after she was gone by winning the 7A State Championship this season. Asked about her former team winning it all, Cahalan said, “I was sadly not able to watch any of the games, but I had full faith that Coach Taylor Burt was going to do everything she could to help that team get there and win it all! I’m sure there was a lot of pride there and I am proud of each and every one of them. I love all the girls on that team and know how hard they work, and I am so glad that they were able to take home another blue map for the school!”

Kenleigh found the transition from high school to college to be nearly seamless. “I personally thought the transition was very smooth and not as difficult as some might assume,” said Cahalan. “I had an amazing coaching staff and teammates that were there whenever I may have needed them which was very helpful. On the softball side of things, Coach Rocky Thompson from the Birmingham Thunderbolts organization got me really prepared as a freshman coming in early. Then, for the education at Alabama, Hewitt was such a big campus and had such an amazing education that I felt ready for the

Her coach, the legendary Patrick Murphy, said the following about Kenleigh’s first year at the Capstone, “Not many kids could do what she did this year. Graduating early and coming in and having her first day of practice on January 7. I believe it was a Sunday. She became the starter at shortstop. She led off for us for at least half of the season. She hit a bit of a slump in the middle. She was facing the best of the best in Power 5 pitching. We had the number two strength of schedule in the country. She was just a high school senior and now she’s facing UCLA, Florida State, Duke. All three are top 8 seeds in the tournament now and she held her own. I couldn’t be more proud of a

Coach Murphy shared a great story from Kenleigh’s first day on the field with Bama, saying that he would “be sharing this story at coaches’ camps for the remainder of my career.” Murphy said, “This encapsulates her as a player and a person. We did this drill on the first day of practice. It was the first day of spring practice. We have this thing at the end where three players draw three names out of a hat. Those three (the ones drawn) have to complete an offensive task. Since it was her first day, she got to pick the first name out of the hat. She goes over and grabs the name and it’s her name. She drew her own name. So, she was the third to get up to bat. Her task was a runner at third and less than two outs and she had to bring the runner home. She get’s up and my pitching coach is pitching. First pitch is a riser at Kenleigh’s eyes and she took it. The second ball was brought down a bit and right at the waste. She clobbers that ball

Cahalan got to share a locker room with what many consider to be the best softball player to every play the game, Montana Fouts. “I personally thought it was a great experience. She was such an amazing leader on and off the field and taught me so much. She is such a great role model to kids all around and it was so much fun playing behind her this year.” Fouts finished the season with a 1.48 ERA, a record of 25-10 and 319 strikeouts in 223 innings pitched.

This offseason, Cahalan plans to improve on the areas she knows she needs to in order to get better, but she has some other plans as well. “I am most looking forward to getting better by working on what I know I need to get better at before the season starts.

The meet and greet will be held Thursday June 8 at 6pm in the HTHS Gym Lobby. See CAHALAN, Page 16

Kenleigh Cahalan high fives her teammates during introductions at the College Softball World Series 2023. Photo by: UA Athletics

Landon Robinson looking to alumni to bring excitement back to Clay Chalkville Baseball

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

CLAY – Clay Chalkville

Cougars Head Baseball

Coach Landon Robinson is looking to bring the winning ways back to the baseball program in Clay, Alabama and he is using both future players and past players to garner as much interest in the program as he can.

The Cougar baseball program has been through some tough times since their last playoff appearance in 2016. Since that time, the Cougars have been a mid-level baseball team with a few coaching changes and no post season appearances. Robinson is looking to end that 10-year drought at the varsity level, but he is also looking to gain some community involvement through working with the younger players, hosting a youth baseball camp in July, as well as bringing in some of the “old hats” by inviting them back to Clay for an alumni softball game in August.

One Cougar alum is heavily involved in the festivities over this summer. Justin Burdette, a 2012 graduate who has returned to Clay on a couple of occasions, serves as an assistant on both the baseball and football teams for the Cougars. He played baseball at Clay until his junior year and played football until graduating and playing collegiate football with Southern Mississippi and then finishing his college career at Central Arkansas.

Burdette had the following to say about his new role

at Clay as well as his involvement with the camp and alumni games, “I am excited to be back at Clay Chalkville and coaching again. Being able to join coach Robinson and be a helping hand to him is something I am happy to do. Coach Robinson hasn’t had a lot of consistent help on the coaching staff since he took over so my job is to do everything he needs in order to make his job easier. With baseball at clay there is not a ton of help when it comes to field maintenance and other things necessary that some other schools may get so being able to get some of our former players back and helping out will be some-

Praying For Gray: Community Rallies Around Injured Hewitt Baseball Star

By Zack Steele For the Tribune

TRUSSVILLE

At 5:31

–

p.m., on Tuesday, June 6th, a call went out to Trussville Fire and Rescue to the Trussville Country Club. When paramedics arrived they found an injured teen unresponsive, struck by a fallen oak tree at the Trussville Country Club golf course.

Grayson Pope, a rising junior and standout baseball player at Hewitt Trussville High School, was transported to UAB Hospital with serious injuries.

thing that will be big for our program. Clay is home to me and being back to serve this community and help both the football and baseball program is something that means a lot to me. I look forward to seeing some of the former guys that use to wear the Cougar uniform back at the Alumni game and also back at the youth camp giving back to the kids of our community.”

Coach Robinson has been at Clay for the past 4 years, recording 23-48-1 record with minimal help on his staff. Robinson knows the potential that the Cougars have on the field and he believes that they can get back to the glory days of Clay Chalkville Baseball.

“Clay Chalkville Baseball has a rich past with a lot of good teams from the early 2000s and through 2020 with many players making it to the next level. We are excited to welcome back some of those guys to kick off the first an-

Pope was pulled from the wreckage of the golf cart by four of his teammates from the Hewitt baseball team.

Those teammates stabilized Gray and never left his side until help arrived, then held vigil at the hospital into the early morning hours of the next day.

As word spread, the other members from the Hewitt baseball team made their way to UAB Hospital.

Around 10 p.m. Tuesday night, Trussville’s First Baptist Church opened its doors to anyone wanting to come in and pray for Grayson. Around 150 people, mostly students from Hewitt Trussville High School, made their way to the church to pray for their friend, whom they had cheered for only a few months earlier.

To say Pope is a standout at Hewitt Trussville is an understatement. He committed to play baseball at the University of Tennessee, as a sophomore.

“He is a special baseball player and a special kid,”said

Hewitt Coach Jeff Mauldin.

“His locker is the first one I see when I walk in. And there’s Gray, with a smile on his face. He brightens everyone’s day, the way he loves baseball, the way he loves life. People are drawn to him, and I think that’s a testament to his parents.”

Pope is a product of a travel organization that Mauldin helped found not long after being hired at Hewitt Trussville. Pope grew up playing in the Husky Baseball Club from a young age. So did many, if not all of his teammates, at one point or anoth-

er. That includes those who helped rescue him from the accident.

By 2023, hundreds of Trussville’s Youth have played for the Husky Baseball Club. Some move on to other sports, some continue to play into high school and college. Friendships that are forged there last a lifetime. For both players and parents alike.

“The 2024 and 2025 classes have always been a special group,” says Chad Durden, who coached Grayson, and many of his teammates who now play at Hewitt, at a young age. “When you are heavily invested in a sport you spend a lot of time together on and off the field and form bonds for life. Most of these boys have been together since they were 6 or 7 years old.

Durden’s son Colby was one of the teammates who was there providing aid to his friend as paramedics arrived.

A table with pictures, a prayer box and a Bible at a prayer vigil for Grayson Pope. (Photo by: Eve Toledo Santiago)

Grayson Pope

Indy

From page 13

beating the traffic. Book early to avoid staying an hour away in Kokomo or Bloomington.

Later that evening we attended Rockin’ On Main In Speedway. The block party, just across from Gate 1 of the Speedway on 16th and Main, was hoping with live music, food trucks, kid-friendly activities, libations and restaurant specials.

For those that were unable to shake the racing bug from the day’s earlier activities, Speedway Indoor Karting is located right on Main Street. The facility boasts a multi-level road course and, naturally, an oval track. It tends to be booked, so make sure to make reservations well ahead of time. My photographer was disappointed to learn this the hard way.

Saturday provided us with the opportunity to take in the Speedway in relative peace before the crush of Sunday’s crowd. A large crowd did attend the public driver’s meeting and autograph session. There were also long lines for the two autograph sessions for Indy Legends.

Saturday is an also a good day to tour the IMS museum on the property. The museum houses over 300 cars, 30 500-winning cars, and thousands of racing artifacts. Admission is $15 but expect long lines on race weekends.

After the scheduled activities at the track concluded, all 33 drivers and a large portion of the crowd headed downtown for the Indy Festival Parade. The parade, which started in 1957, usually draws 200,000 spectators and has earned national acclaim alongside the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Later in the afternoon, we took a short drive to see some interesting Indy memorabilia. The Ripley Auctions show in nearby Plainfield showcased almost 200 booths, had au-

tograph sessions and silent auctions for charities such as IndyCar Ministry. While we didn’t attend any additional races, there were numerous options for the hard-core race fans wanting more action over the weekend. The US F2000 series raced at Lucas Oil Raceway on Friday night, and sprint car racing took place Wednesday through Saturday at nearby Anderson Speedway. Saturday night’s Little 500 began in 1949 and draws massive fields of cars and crowds. Be prepared to be there well after midnight, though.

Options for food are plenty in and around IMS.

From a burger and fries at the 50-year-old Mug-n-Bun to a 28 oz. Porterhouse at St. Elmo’s Steakhouse, you are sure to find something for everyone and their budget.

The media center opened at 4 am on race morning so we made sure to beat the crowd and be in place when the traditional “bomb” went off to signal the opening of the Speedway to the public. A Howitzer and fireworks now take the place of the old “bomb.”

Jordan-Hare crowds are big. Bryant-Denny crowds are big. Talladega crowds are big. Nothing compares to Indy 500 big though. This year’s crowd exceeded 330,000 and the Pagoda Plaza was packed from 6 am until well after the race.

While most fans had a ticket to one of the almost 300,000 seats in the Speedway, 25,000 packed into the infamous Snake Pit for a day of partying.

“It’s 100% crazy,” said IMS President Doug Boles. “You’ve got 325,000 people in the venue, 25,000 of them are in the Snake Pit, listening to music, and don’t know a race is happening.”

The Speedway also crams another 20,000 into other areas of the infield and on manmade viewing mounds.

As big as the crowd is, the traditions are just as big at the 500. Celebrities drive the pace car at the start of the race: Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers. Celebrities sing the national anthem: Jewel. Celebrities wave the starter flag: actor Adam Driver.

The 500 has always done and amazing job of honoring those that have given their all defending our nation. There were a lot of lumps in throats and not a lot of dry eyes after the jet fighter flyover, the 21gun salute, and the playing of Taps.

The energy built to a fever pitch by the time “Back Home Again in Indiana” was sung. Alabama native Jim Nabors sang the classic for 36 years. Jim Cornelison has since taken over and by the time he finished, I felt like I was Hoosier.

When IMS owner Roger Penske stepped to the mic and spoke the most famous words in racing, “drivers, start your engines,” the place erupted. The crowd was so loud you almost couldn’t hear the second surprise low-level jet fighter flyover.

On the track, this year’s race was a classic. A last-lap shootout, somewhat controversial, provided the fourth closest finish in history and the first American winner since 2016.

Long after the celebrations ended, the crowd had left, and the last interviews had been given, I walked out into the silence of the empty cavernous Speedway. The quietness of the place was in stark contrast to the roaring crowd and engines that had echoed across all 1,000 acres hours earlier.

I thought about the history of the place, the winners, the losers, the highs and lows the place had seen over the years since 1911.

I had come to see what it was all about and left knowing what I already knew, the Indy 500 is truly The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

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I am also looking forward to our amazing trip to Italy in July as well as meeting all of the new players coming in. I

CCHS

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nual CCHS baseball alumni softball game. Baseball use to be a big part of CCHS and our goal is to get the city and students back excited about it and hopefully bring back some of the success it once had.”

Details on the events are as follows:

Baseball Youth Camp: July 18-19 9:00 am – 1:00 pm daily. Price is $65 per camper. Open to all upcoming second-seventh graders. Pizza will be provided for lunch. Snacks will be available to purchase at concession stands.

CCHS Alumni Softball Game: August 5 at 1:00 pm. Open to any former CCHS Baseball player. All players will receive a t-shirt for attending. There will be concessions and food trucks available. Deadline for sign up will be Thursday, July 20th. There are QR codes in the photos that you can click on for more information on each of these events.

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Colby was one of those teammates who held vigil at the hospital.

Mauldin says that the outpouring of community support isn’t surprising. “This is such a great town,” said Mauldin. “The outpouring of love and support for this family is amazing, and very much needed.”

“This is a baseball town, ”

get to meet the new girls and take the trip of a lifetime with amazing people around me.”

“I had an amazing time and met so many new faces and I am so glad that I decided to come in early and start

my collegiate career with such amazing people,” said Kenleigh. “I am very thankful for all my Trussville supporters who supported me and my decision when I left for Alabama.”

There are also renovations going on inside the baseball locker rooms as well as the field and these men, along with a few others, would welcome any donations of money or time that you are willing to give in order to

said Durden. “Probably more than any other sport. So many memories happened at the park growing up.” Memories and bonds that form for life.

Another prayer vigil was held for Grayson Pope at the Trussville Mall on Wednesday Night. Another outpouring of love from a community for a family that is part of Trussville’s baseball family.

A social media post from Pope’s older sister Emma

make Clay Chalkville a better baseball facility. The sponsorship packages in the graphic below show your giving options. Contact coach Robinson for any questions or to see how you can help out. Lrobinson@jefcoed.com.

stated that the most recent news was not good.

Titled “My Superhero Keep Fighting” Emma stated that doctors found more trauma on his brain in an MRI. She said in the post that there was “no surgery that can fix it.”

Her final sentence in the post simply read “So pray for healing and a miracle at this point because he is fighting and needs a miracle right now guys.”