The Trussville Tribune – June 21 - 27, 2023

Margaret Elementary student crowned Little Miss Alabama, Universal Global

Leeds Board of Education sets salary schedule, approves application for CEP

By Nathan Prewett

For the Tribune

LEEDS – The Leeds Board of Education has set its salary schedule for teachers to coincide with state law and approved an application for the Child Eligibility Provi-

By Crystal McGough Editor

MOODY – Tabitha Patterson, an upcoming second-grader at Margaret Elementary School, was crowned “Little Miss Alabama” through Universal Global in February 2023, and will be representing the state

of Alabama in the Little Miss Universal Global pageant at the end of July.

The soon-to-be sevenyear-old has been competing in pageants since she was five, winning many titles and accolades along the way. In addition to being Little Miss Alabama, Tabitha is also the reigning Little Miss St. Clair

County (America’s Best Pageants), a title she has held since 2022, and was also crowned Community Service Queen at the Little Miss St.

Leeds Historical Society hosting 25th anniversary picnic

By Chase Holmes News Reporter

Clair County pageant.

“I am so proud of my fancy face and I love seeing her

ACTA Jr. kicks off summer camps with ‘phenomenal’ Finding Nemo Jr. performances

LEEDS — The Leeds Historical Society is hosting a hot dog picnic to celebrate their 25th anniversary on Saturday, July 8. Free hot dogs, chips, drinks and desserts will be

By Crystal McGough Editor TRUSSVILLE

– ACTA

Junior kicked of its first set of summer camp performances this weekend with four showings of Disney and Pixar’s “Finding Nemo Jr.”

Directed by Jessica Lloyd, Lynne Long and Jennifer Day, the play featured 41 talented young actors who have worked hard for two full

weeks rehearsing and preparing to give their audiences a show of the highest quality.

“These campers are amazing; they’re phenomenal,” Director Jessica Lloyd said in her opening comments before Friday night’s performance, adding that this show was especially sentimental due to Disney’s “Finding Nemo,” the movie, celebrating its 20th anniversary last month, as well as the performances

of this heartwarming tale of a father’s love for his child being held on Father’s Day weekend.

“‘Finding Nemo Jr.’ is one of my favorite shows in Disney World, so I was super pumped about all of it,” Lloyd added after the show. “These kids at ACTA are incredibly talented. They are amazing and I am so blessed to be able to work here with them for the summer camp.”

205.655.3388

All four “Finding Nemo Jr.” performances sold out quickly, but for anyone who missed out, there is still another chance to see an ACTA Junior performance this summer. Campers will return in July to prepare for their August performances of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins Jr.”

“‘Mary Poppins’ in a clas-

Photo by Crystal McGough

Photo by Crystal McGough

Little Miss Alabama Universal Global Tabitha Patterson

Little Miss Alabama Tabitha Patterson also serves at her church by handing out welcome bags to visitors.

Trussville Witches Ride announces this year’s

By Chase Holmes News Reporter

TRUSSVILLE — Trussville Witches Ride, Inc. announced their beneficiary for the 2023 Trussville Witches Ride on Tuesday, June 20.

This year, participants will be riding for Jamie Lee Jones, a Trussville resident born with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

“Prader-Willi Syndrome causes developmental delays, constant hunger, low metabolism, balance problems, and weak muscle tone,” says Lee’s mother, Karyn Jones in a press release issued by Trussville Witches Ride. “Even though we have been attending the exercise classes at the Trussville Senior Cen-

ter, Lee is extremely weak and has trouble getting into our bathtub for showers, so we desperately need a step-in shower.”

Lee was born with Prader-Willi Syndrome which causes developmental delays, constant hunger, low metabolism, balance problems and weak muscle tone. Despite her disability, Lee has never let it stop her from enjoying her favorite activities. She plays basketball and softball with the Homewood Exceptional Foundation and enjoys word search, puzzles and coloring. The Trussville Witches ride is looking forward to helping Lee and her family while also spreading aware-

ness for her disability.

“This is my first ride as a board member, and it is truly an honor to have played

a part in choosing Lee as this year’s beneficiary,” said Christy Johnston, Secretary of the Trussville Witches Ride Board. “I had never heard of Prader-Willi Syndrome before reading Lee’s nomination.

My hope is that we can bless this sweet family while also spreading awareness for some of the challenges that Lee overcomes on a daily basis.”

Registration for this year’s ride will open in August. The exact date for this year’s ride has yet to be determined but Trussville Witches Ride has indicated more information will become available in July. For more information about Lee and The Trussville Witches Ride, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Jamie Lee Jones (Photo by Trussville Witches Ride)

chase her dreams at the young age of 6,” Tabitha’s mom, Amber Patterson, posted on social media after Tabitha was crowned Little Miss Alabama.

“I know she will do great representing our awesome state!”

Tabitha is the daughter of Daryl and Amber Patterson. She has three older siblings and a younger sibling on the way. Their family attends church at Faith Community Fellowship in Trussville.

As Little Miss Alabama, Tabitha has not only had the opportunity to crown other pageant winners in the state, but she has been involved in many community service projects including bringing goody bags to assisted living communities, doughnuts to police officers and groceries to local fire stations.

Even at her young age, Tabitha already has a heart for community servanthood and her light shines wherever she goes.

“One of the things they always announce when they have her on the stage is that she says she wants to be a police officer when she grows up, to help serve her country,” Amber Patterson said.

Last month, Tabitha was the honorary trophy presenter at the Pinson Parking Lot Pandemonium Car Show, representing Little Miss Alabama, Universal Global. She was also in the 2022 Springville Christmas Parade, and she will be at the upcoming Trussville Freedom Celebration in July.

The Miss Universal Global Pageant Little Miss division will take place July 2630, in Orlando, Fla.

“If she wins that, then she represents not only the U.S., but also other countries

around us,” Amber Patterson said. “At that point, she would actually be signed –like a modeling contract, a contract where she just has that one title – so she couldn’t do other random pageants. For instance, she couldn’t hold the county title in addition to it. She would strictly be ‘Little Miss Universal Global,’ and they do all sorts of things helping in communities.”

You can follow Tabitha’s progress as Little Miss Alabama, Universal Global on Facebook.

INVITATION TO BID!!!

Playstation

From front page

strations and taught students about the dangers of driving while distracted or under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

More than 75 students from the Birmingham Water Works: Young Water Ambassadors program drove gokarts featuring “Fatal Vision” goggles, which simulate impairment from drugs and alcohol.

Students also had the opportunity to experience the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) portable driving simulator, an emergency room reenactment,

Chamber

From front page

(TACC), has resigned her position effective June 2, 2023. Mathews has led the TACC since September 2019. Prior to that, she served as TACC Membership Coordinator for four years, a Board member for five years, and Board president in 2014.

“June led TACC though some of its most challenging times during the COVID 19 pandemic,” Board President David Moore said. “Her steady hand of leadership, in-depth knowledge of TACC operations, events, and membership, and her outstanding work ethic proved invaluable to TACC during these last few years.”

Mathews will be returning to another career love of hers, which is professional writing.

“She is a talented and prolific writer, well known in our community and beyond, with many publications to her credit,” Moore said. “On

and learn how to share the road with large

June Mathews, former Executive Director of The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC)

behalf of the TACC Board, staff, and members, we want to thank June for all she has done for the Chamber and our community over the many years of her involvement, and especially during her years as Executive Director. We wish her the very best in this new

chapter of her professional career.”

The TACC is now accepting applications for the position of Executive Director. For more information or to apply, please visit: TrussvilleChamber.com/ExecutiveDirector

Keeping You Healthy All Summer Long

The keynote speaker was Alabama State Trooper Corporal Reginal King.

Photo by Chase Holmes

Tabitha Patterson

Little Miss Alabama Tabitha Patterson was the honorary trophy presenter at the Pinson Parking Lot Pandemonium Car Show in May.

P. F. Moon & Company, Inc. is currently accepting proposals from suppliers & subcontractors for the Moody Alabama Dave Treadwell Wastewater Treatment Plant – Expansion project. P F Moon and Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage MBE/WBE/DBE participation. For more information regarding this project or other projects P.F. Moon & Co. is currently bidding, contact Jerry Eubanks 706.643.8064.

CPFD

From front page

Fire District (CPFD) recognized the bravery and heroism of Center Point and Trussville fire crews that responded to a house fire in Grayson Valley in April 2022.

On April 23, 2022, (incident # 22-3203), CPFD responded to a structure fire at 2408 Carmel Road. Trussville Fire was requested for mutual aid, and assistance was led by Battalion Chief Hank Moore.

“This incident was a bit challenging,” stated CFPD Capt. Chris Horn in an invitation that was sent out prior to the meeting. “The first due company arrived at the scene and found the residence heavily involved with fire and an occupant entrapped. One occupant was outside, but her elderly mother was still trapped inside. Due to the advanced

fire, and collapse conditions, initial crews couldn’t make entry inside. The Incident Commander, recognizing this, was expecting a fatal outcome for the trapped victim. As additional crews arrived and positive fire suppression was controlling the fire, a search crew entered and located the victim (approximately 20 minutes into the incident). They successfully removed the victim and transported her to UAB.

“At about the time the victim was removed, Trussville Fire units arrived and took over for the exhausted CP crews. They were able to locate one of the family pet cats and successfully resuscitated it. The Trussville crews took time to assist the pet and see that it was returned to the owner. They also greatly assisted with extinguishing the fire and mitigating the incident with the CP crews.”

During the Board meet-

ing, CPFD Chief Alex Nabors played audio and video footage from the night of the incident.

“In the fire service, one thing we do very poorly is recognize each other,” Nabors said. “… None of us look for accolades; as a matter of fact, most of us shy away from accolades. We think that we are simply doing our job. While that is the case, there’s always those that shine above everybody else.”

Nabors singled out one firefighter in particular, Lieutenant Matthew Bertram, asking that he join him at the front of the room.

“Lt. Matt Bertram was given an objective and through his leadership, he quickly came up with a plan, organized a team and implemented the plan that led to the operation of moving the

time the theme will be “Musicians Open Stage Jam Fest!”

Musicians and stage performers of all genres are invited to come out and light up Main Street during this free-tothe-public event.

“We just want people to come out and do their own thing; just give them their three (or five) minutes of fame,” PVAC founder DieDra Ruff said. “We don’t care if it’s spoken words. We can have some spoken words, poetry, just any type of talent that they have.”

Ruff said she has already been contacted by musicians from all around Alabama, including Fort Payne and Hartselle, who are interested in performing at the event.

“I’m getting a lot of good feedback off of this one,” she said. “I got a guy (from Fort Payne) who called and said he wanted to come. He plays guitar, he plays harmonica and he said he’s written some songs.

He’s excited and said he’s going to do some original stuff that he wrote.”

While several musicians have already reached out to secure their spots and Ruff said she’s expecting to receive more phone calls as the event gets closer, the event will still be an open-mic style night, she said.

Ruff and her husband Keith will be the opening act, and then each performer will initially be allotted up to five minutes on stage. If time allows once all of the performances are complete, there may be an opportunity for the artists to come back up for a second performance.

After the first two “First Friday” events, Ruff said she has been asked why there are no food trucks, especially ones that provide alcoholic beverages.

The answer is simple: the purpose of “First Friday” is to have a family-friendly event that grows Pinson and helps support the small businesses of Main Street.

“I want this to be a family-oriented event,” Ruff said. “I want kids and teenagers to come out and be able to see something that they want to do – like sing or play in a band –and I want them to be able to see that in a healthy situation. I want them to be able to see that music and musicians are not all about drugs and alcohol. That it can be fun, it can be family-oriented, and (everyone) get

to know each other.

“My goal – and it has always been – is to get people to eat and drink right there at Price’s (and Barking Bee Coffee), and get something to wear next door at Celina’s, and go get you some lotions and smell-good stuff there at Love Life (Naturals),” she added. “I’m just trying to bring attention to Main Street again. It would be very easy to grab a food truck, but I don’t want that; I want the money to stay right here in Pinson.”

Ruff said she highly encourages everyone to bring their own lawn chair to the event, as there will be no seating provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own coolers with food, as well.

The “First Friday” stage will be set up on Main Street beside Celina’s Boutique and the event will last from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, contact DieDra Ruff and the Pinson Valley Arts Council at (404)379-0096.

AL 35235 (205) 661-1188 www.parcelstoo.com

Pinson Valley Arts Council

The Trussville Tribune

Distracted

that police can not stop a driver for talking on the phone but if they observe the driver

From front page Pinson

From front page

the street keep coming up with new and inventive ways to get the community excited about Pinson’s historic district.

In a more recent development, Patti of Patti’s on Main Street Flea Market/Consignment Shop announced that she received confirmation from Pinson Councilwoman Glenda Kirkland on June 5, 2023, to rebrand the street as Pinson’s Entertainment and Business District.

“Welcome to the Entertainment and Business District – Pinson Main Street,” Patti wrote on a flyer that has gone out to the community and local social media pages. The flyer also lists the following merchants of Main Street: Price’s Ice Cream, Barking Bee Coffee, Celina’s Boutique, Down on Main Street Hair and Nails Salon, Pinson Valley Arts Council, Comfort Grooming and Daycare LLC, Todds Computer Repairs, Styles N’ Smiles Family Hair Salon, Love Life

Naturals self-care boutique, Tramites El Charro auto insurance and notary, Campbell’s Paving Concrete & Asphalt LLC., Pinson Trade Days, Parking Lot Yard Sales, Patti’s on Main Street Flea Market/Consignment Shop.

“I think this is going to help everybody,” Patti said.

Patti founded Pinson Trade Days in November 2021, a market-style event that offers free booth space for vendors to set up along the street, where people from all over the Southeast can come to shop, eat and enjoy a classic car show.

Pinson Trade Days took

swerving or driving unsafe, they can then pull the driver over and charge them with distracted driving. Fines start at $25 for the driver’s first offense and this

will be the case for one year as a way to get drivers acclimated to the new law. After one year, the fine will be raised to $50 with a one-point violation on the charged per-

son’s license. A second violation would have a $100 fine, with another two-point violation. For a third violation, the driver will be issued three points, as well as a $150 fine.

Arts Council hosted its inaugural “First Friday” live-music block party event on Main Street. The second monthly event took place on June 2, and July’s “First Friday” is already on the books for “Musicians Open Stage Jam Fest” on July 7.

“We just want people to come out and do their own thing,” PVAC founder DieDra Ruff said. “We can have some spoken words, poetry, just any type of talent that they have. … My goal – and it has always been – is to get people to eat and drink right there at Price’s (and Barking Bee Coffee), and get something to wear next door at Celina’s, and go get you some lotions and smell-good stuff there at Love Life (Naturals). I’m just trying to bring attention to Main Street again.”

place eight out of 12 months in 2022, with the City of Pinson contributing by hiring police officers to shut down the street and paying for portable restrooms for the events. However, at the Dec. 8, 2022, meeting of the Pinson City Council, the council voted to reduce their Trade Days assistance from monthly to quarterly. The council did, however, give Patti and the other Main Street businesses approval to continue holding monthly “Parking Lot Yard Sales” on the months when Trade Days would not be held. The primary difference between the two events is

that, on yard sale days, Main Street will not be closed to through traffic and there will be no portable restrooms available for shoppers.

“I want to build up crowds; I want to be as big as Butterbean Festival without the rides,” she said. “If I can build up the Parking Lot Yard Sales, which I have done, and Trade Days is growing also, we’ll see what happens. … Everything takes time.”

Trade Day and Parking Lot Yard Sales aren’t the only thing the newly dubbed Entertainment and Business District has going for it.

In May, the Pinson Valley

Special occasions and events aside, patrons of Pinson Main Street can enjoy regular visits to their local businesses anytime. From Barking Bee Coffee, which boasts some of the best specialty coffee around, to taking a trip through time upon entering Price’s Ice Cream, which resembles a traditional ‘50s diner and features its own small museum, Pinson Main Street is like a hidden gem in the community.

For those wanting to shop, whether looking for a gift or just a little self-care, there are shops such as Celina’s Boutique, Love Life Naturals and Patti’s on Main Street, which offer a little something for everyone.

Whatever your reason for going, I think all the business owners on Main Street would agree: Welcome to Pinson’s Entertainment and Business District.

ACTA

From front page sic, right?,” Director Lynne Long said. “So we’re going to have all kinds of fun stuff. We’re going to have kites and magic umbrellas, chimney sweeps … it’s going to be awesome.”

Tickets are expected to go on sale to the public on July 28, and performances will be Aug. 4 (7 p.m.), Aug. 5 (2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Aug. 6 (2:30 p.m.). Don’t wait, because this show is sure to be another sellout. For more information, visit www.actatheater.com.

Photo by Crystal McGough

Photo by Crystal McGough

Photo by Crystal McGough

Celina’s Boutique (Photo by Matt McGough)

Pinson Councilwoman Glenda Kirkland and Patti, of Patti’s on Main Street. (Photo by Crystal McGough)

Leeds

From front page

sion or CEP program following a presentation from Child Nutrition Director Anita Carlisle at the previous meeting.

The meeting on Tuesday, June 13, began with the usual report by Chief Financial Officer Ryan Miller, who said that the district received 71.57% of the general fund revenues and 103.05% of the local revenues in April. He said that this was up 7.53% from this time in 2022.

The month was ended with an excess of revenues over expenditures in the general fund of $2,401,174. The unreserved fund balance was $6,547,079.

Sometime afterwards, the board approved applying for CEP, which is a free breakfast and lunch program for students as outlined by Carlisle last time the board met. It is a product of the U.S. Department of Agriculture with the aim of providing free meals to more students and the district will be reimbursed based on the percentage of those who qualify.

“It’s a great financial benefit to the school system,” said Superintendent John Moore, who added that if the program does not work out it can be dropped at any time.

Afterwards was setting the new salary schedule for teachers. Moore said that this

was to be consistent with state law that was recently enacted by Gov. Kay Ivey. The legislation increases payrolls in an effort to attract and retain teacher to address a shortage throughout the state.

School districts have to pay a minimum of $15 per hour. Moore pointed out that even before the increase by the state, the Leeds district was “in great shape” when paying teachers, though aides were not being paid the $15 minimum until now.

Though the district won’t get the funds from the state until later, they can go ahead and set the schedule sooner than later.

“It has always been our custom to make the increase go along with the employees’ contract year,” he said. “So we don’t get the money for the increase ‘til October but we can start it in July.”

The schedule was approved unanimously.

Elementary Education and Federal Programs Director Burke Wren said that testing will begin on June 19 for literacy and numeracy at the primary school for K-1 students. At the elementary school, students in second and third will be tested for the same but fourth and fifth graders will be tested for numeracy only.

This will be a two-week process and breakfast and lunch will be provided for students, as well as bus trans-

portation.

Andrew Jackson, supervisor of instructional technology, reported on the district’s cyber security status, mentioning the recent attack on the Jefferson County school system that forced teachers to use pen and paper. But he said that his department has installed firewalls in all of the Leeds buildings to hopefully prevent similar situations.

He said that he had consulted with experts about the Leeds district’s cyber system and believes that if an attack occurs they should have everything back online in 48 hours.

“I want to put this board’s mind at ease that we’re doing everything we can,” he said. “It’s the old attitude: it’s not if you get attacked, it’s when. And it’s going to happen at some point in our tenure, but we are prepared and we’ll be functioning at 48 hours.”

In other business, the board:

Approved revision to the Code of Conduct 20232024, and • Approved budget amendments for the fiscal year 2023.

The next meeting will be held on July 11, at 6:30 p.m., at the Leeds Board of Education Building on 1517 Hurst Avenue.

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

served while supplies last to all guest at the Jonathan Bass House located at 1129 Montevallo Road in Leeds. The picnic begins at 11 a.m. and will run until 3 p.m.

The Bass House will be open for tours during this time.

All attendees are invited to bring a chair or blanket and come celebrate with the Leeds Historical Society.

Sozo Trading Co. celebrates 8th birthday in Avondale

From The Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM — Sozo Trading Co., an upscale thrift store located in the Avondale community in Birmingham, is celebrating eight years on Saturday June 24, 2023. The store opens at 10 a.m. and will feature special discounts at the register all day and free Kona Ice snow cones from noon until 2 p.m., while supplies last.

“The store started eight years ago with a mission of bringing awareness to the work of our ministry,” said Suzanne Owens, CEO of Sozo Children. “Since then, we’ve expanded to include our own boutique line of clothing called Halo and added a truck to pick up large donations and host off site donation events.”

Sozo Trading Co. is a ministry of Birmingham-based Sozo Children, which serves the needs of vulnerable children in Uganda, Africa. Profits from the upscale thrift store support the work of the ministry in Uganda but the store also conducts outreach programs in the Birmingham community

with job training programs, textile recycling and support of local families in need.

"The global goods section of the store is a great place to shop for a unique gift,” said Suzanne Owens, CEO of Sozo Children. “All sales from the store support the work we do in Uganda, but the global goods section has an even larger impact because the items there are hand-selected in Uganda from local artists and merchants who are learning to operate small businesses to support their families.”

Sozo Trading Co., was designed to create a sustainable income stream for Sozo Children and has since grown to be major part of the ministry’s funding along with child sponsorships, grant funding, donations and special events like mission trips to Africa and a Children’s Choir Tour.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response we’ve received from the community since we opened,” said Owens. “We get comments all the time from customers who say they love the experience of thrifting in the store. Our staff is amaz-

ing and they know so many of our regulars on a first name basis. We believe attention to detail is important.”

For more information on Sozo Children and Sozo Trading Co. visit www.sozochildren.org and www.sozotrading.org.

About Sozo Children

Sozo Children was founded in 2010 to serve the needs of vulnerable children in the nation of Uganda. Currently, Sozo provides for 125 children and maintains an upscale thrift store, Sozo Trading Co. in Avondale, benefitting the ministry. To learn more about Sozo Children, or to sponsor a child, visit www.sozochildren.org.

Leeds Superintendent John Moore and board member Kathy Dutton.

Credit: sozochildren.org

Trussville man, 2 others killed in Baldwin County crash, Elberta man arrested

From The Tribune staff reports

BALDWIN COUNTY

— A Trussville man and two Pelham women were killed in a Baldwin County crash on Sunday that landed an Elberta man in jail. The crash occurred at about 2:30 p.m.

David Arthur Colburn, 60, of Elberta, was been arrested and charged with three counts of manslaughter and one count of driving under the influence, according to Baldwin County Jail records.

Colburn was arrested after the Trailblazer he was driving struck a black pickup truck, sending it across the median into the oncoming northbound traffic on Baldwin Beach Ex-

CPFD

From page 4 victim to the front door,” Nabors said. “It was through his positive decision making and overcoming adversity that he was able to make a difference in this person’s life and the life of their family.”

Nabors presented Lt. Matthew Bertram with a letter of commendation, which he said has also been added to Bertram’s file. Additionally, Nabors said Bertram’s entire crew from that night would also receive letters of commendation.

Nabors also presented Bertram with the “Life Saving Award,” a new award he said the District has been talking about implementing for years.

“It was just part of the job,” said Bertram, who was not expecting the special

recognition. “A lot of things happened real fast and there wasn’t a whole lot of time to think about a lot of things. I think everything just kind of worked out. A lot of guys all worked together to have a positive outcome.”

The daughter of the entrapped victim was present at the meeting, as well. Bertram said he had not seen her or her mother since the night of the incident. Nabors recognized her and asked if there was anything she would like to say.

“I don’t know what we would have done if you guys had not gotten there,” she said. “I couldn’t figure out how to get back in to help them (her mother and cat). It’s not a really good feeling to know that you can’t do something to help someone. But then you guys came and helped save my mom and (the

10 arrested in Trussville for shoplifting

press where the pickup struck a GMC Yukon driven by Daryl Speegle, 64, of Trussville, according to WKRG.

Speegle was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Christie Lowe, 47, and her daughter, Margaret, 19, both of Pelham, were both pronounced dead st the scene. The two women had been in the pickup truck.

The driver of the pickup truck and a woman in the Yukon with Speegle sustained critical injuries in the crash. Three children in the pickup truck were also injured. According to jail records, Colburn is being held on bonds totaling $160,000.

cat) and I will be eternally grateful for that.”

Horn said in the invitation letter that CPFD plans to award the Trussville crews who responded with an official letter of commendation for their actions, as well.

“Several things worked out for this incident to produce a positive outcome … but I think the most important thing – the most important contributing factor – was that God provided the victim with the strength and the crews with the leadership and courage and ability to get the job done in a timely matter,” Nabors said. “I don’t know that any one of us can believe that we do it all on our own. I think that we believe that there is a hand in it. That night, God worked through our crews to save a life, save a family member, and make a difference.”

From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — 10 people have been charged with shoplifting between June 6 and June 19 according to the Trussville police department.

According to the report, those charged are Jorge Alpizar-Lopez of Pinson, Maynor Cardona of Birmingham, Martinez Childress of Center Point, Tyrah Chambers of Pinson, Jacquita Henderson of Birmingham, Thomas Davis of Birmingham, Heidy

Perdoma of Birmingham, Russell Milstead of Birmingham, Jamicka Reed of Birmingham, and Justin Tubbs of Trussville. All arrest and arrest photos are public information. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty.

71-year-old father shot, killed in domestic dispute with family member the day before Father’s Day

From The Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM — A Birmingham father was killed in a domestic dispute with a family member at his home on Saturday, June 17.

Shortly after 1 p.m., officers were dispatched to a call in the 4700 Block of Avenue T in Ensley. Officers arrived

on the scene and then entered a residence when they observed the victim, Eugene Holiday, 71, of Birmingham, lying unresponsive suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel arrived on the scene and then pronounced the victim deceased.

The initial investigation

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

suggests the victim was shot by an adult family member during a domestic incident. Police believe the man’s adult son to be the suspect and he is not in custody at this time. If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, please contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit at 205254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (STIP)

FY 2024-2027

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) will hold public meetings to gather input regarding the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The meeting is scheduled for:

Thursday, June 22, 2023

East Central Region – Birmingham Area Office Training Building

1020 Bankhead Highway – West Birmingham, Alabama 35204 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

The ALDOT is seeking public comment on the proposed STIP, which includes a listing of specific transportation projects that will be funded. This four-year program includes state, county, city, Federal Lands, and Tribal projects. Project types include roadway, bridge, and other modes of transportation such as railroad, freight, public transit, bicycle, and pedestrian.

Each meeting will be held in an open house format. Displays and information, along with a short presentation, will be included to explain the requirements the STIP. ALDOT staff will be available to discuss planning efforts and answer questions.

Persons with disabilities should contact the Birmingham Area Office, (205) 581-5725 (Mrs. Sandra F. P. Bonner) to request special assistance. Please make this request at least one week prior to the meeting and specify the type of assistance needed.

The DRAFT FY 2024 - 2027 STIP will be available for review at the Birmingham Area Office, and the District Offices in Oneonta, and Calera. The comment period will end on or around June 26, 2023.

For more information about the Draft FY 2024-2027 STIP projects, visit: https://cpmsapps.dot.state.al.us/OfficeEngineer/Plan/Statewide2

You can participate and give feedback, visit: https://www.dot.state.al.us/news/opmStatewideSTIP2024.html

David Arthur Colburn is charged with manslaughter. Photo via Baldwin County Jail website.

A Word From Your Editor: So you just encountered a snake; now what?

By Crystal McGough Editor

Snake season is now in full swing in Alabama, and each year, from April to September, social media is flooded with posts and photos from people who have encountered a snake, whether it be in a local park, on a favorite walking trail, or even in their neighborhood or home.

We’ve all seen these posts in our social feeds, ranging from requests for identification, to warnings for people to be careful, to boasts about having killed a snake. The comment sections are every bit, if not more diverse, full of conflicting information that includes both correct and incorrect ID’s, suggestions to kill it or “burn down the house,” recommendations for relocations services and more. How is a person to know what to do?

Hi, I’m Crystal McGough. Many people reading this may already know my name through The Trussville Tribune, for which I’ve worked in various capacities over the last 13 years and am now the editor. A few things you may not know about me include that I’m a passionate follower of Christ, a homeschooling mother of four, a novice herpetologist (someone who studies reptiles and amphibians) and a lover of all animals, with a special place in my heart for the scaly kind.

I have also been trained by two of the most highly qualified snake experts in the state, Alabama Herpetological Society founder Raymond Corey and Auburn University biologist and herpetologist Jimmy Stiles, on how to catch and relocate native snakes, including venomous species.

First and foremost, I want to get the word out to those

in The Tribune coverage area that I am here to help if you encounter a snake. But more importantly, I’d like to answer a few common questions surrounding snake encounters and offer additional resources that should be useful this summer (and in the future) when and if you do see a snake in an unexpected location.

Some questions that may arise when you encounter a snake may include:

• Is the snake I saw poisonous/venomous?

• Are my children and pets in danger?

Isn’t the only good snake a dead snake?

Won’t my family and I be safer if I kill it?

First of all, out of 43 species of snakes in the state of Alabama, only six are venomous/medically significant to humans. Of those six, only four exist within The Tribune coverage area. Those are the Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth, Timber Rattlesnake and the rarely-encountered Pygmy Rattlesnake.

Everyone – and I do mean

EVERYONE who is old enough to learn the difference between dogs, cats, tigers, lions, etc. – should be able to accurately identify the venomous snakes in their local ecosystem. It really isn’t hard to learn, and once you know which ones to keep a safe distance from, you can then develop an appreciation or at least an understanding that any others you encounter are nothing to fear.

While I’m not going to get into the technicalities of snake identification here, I will say that head shape is probably one of the worst ways to attempt to identify a snake. The majority of our local nonvenomous species are able to flatten their heads into a distinct triangle shape – sometimes even more triangular than a viper’s head – when they feel threatened or scared, which results in harmless, beneficial animals getting misidentified and killed, and could also result in someone trying to pick up a venomous species whose head does not appear quite as triangular as one of a nonven-

omous snake they saw previously.

In short, unless you’ve studied herpetology to any degree, you should probably just forget everything you think you know about snakes and their identification, and join groups like Alabama Reptile and Amphibian ID & Education, Alabama Snake Identification and Alabama Snake Identification: Discussion.

For many people, though, it doesn’t matter what kind of snake it is; they don’t want to see any snake hanging out around their home or neighborhood. But living in the South, snakes are a fact of life (and truth to be told, it often seems that those who actually want to see wild snakes stumble across them far less often than those who don’t).

If you do encounter a snake, first things first, please don’t kill it. Killing snakes does not make anyone safer; it only creates an illusion or false-sense of safety. Snakes don’t like hanging out where humans hang out, so if you’re seeing one, it’s probably following a food source such as harmful, potentially-disease-carrying rodents. Kill one snake – especially a harmless one – and another, potentially venomous, snake may take its place. Or worse, you could be left with a rodent infestation, a flea-infested home, or even a house fire caused by rats and squirrels getting into your walls and chewing on your electrical wires.

The simple fact is, once you see the snake and the snake sees you – and you are both aware of each other’s presence – no one has to be in any danger. The snake doesn’t want an interaction with you any more than you want one with it. You can each go your

own way and chances are you will never see that snake again, as it will soon move on to chase after another food source.

In fact, once you know it’s there, attempting to kill the snake increases your chances of being bitten. If you are not OK with simply leaving it where it is, you can spray it with a water hose from a safe distance to encourage it to move on, or call a pro-

fessional snake relocator like Alabama Snake Removers, or feel free to text me at (205) 261-9331 or send a direct message to my Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ crystal.mcgough.12.

If you enjoyed this column and would like to see more content like this from the editor, please let me know by emailing news@trussvilletribune.com, Subject: “Attention Editor.”

L-R: Auburn University biologist/herpetologist Jimmy Stiles, Tribune editor Crystal McGough and Alabama Herpetological Society founder Raymond Corey.

Tribune Editor Crystal McGough holding a nonvenomous gray ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides) recently relocated from a home in Pinson.

Alabama Foodist restaurant review: ‘Mr. West’s, will you marry me?’

By Leslie Ellis The Alabama Foodist Trussville Entertainment District:

Where have you been all my life? Mr. West’s, will you marry me?

I admit I have neglected some areas in Central Alabama recently because of time constraints but no more!

So much can happen in an area between trips and it is obvious that I have been away from Trussville for too long!

I asked a Twitter friend for his suggestion of a place in Trussville for dinner, last night. He suggested Mr West’s Asian Kitchen. I am so glad that he did! (Thanks Scott Buttram)

The last time I was in Trussville to dine was at Half Shell Oyster house but it was early and I just spied the Entertainment area briefly. I was still impressed because it had a big screen and was showing an MLB game. I thought, “What a great place to go with friends to watch your favorite team!” But I didn’t go over and walk around.

We arrived to the district about 8:00 p.m. Parking was hard to find right around the venue but was easy to find in a nearby strip mall. (Thank you, Ace Hardware!) The venue was packed with people, enjoying themselves with food and beverages from Ferus and Pinchgut Pies. There is a Cookie Dough Magic of Trussville for dessert and snacks! There is also Trussville Social nearby. I plan to try all of these spots!

But last night will be hard to beat. Mr West’s sits less than a block from the stage area and patio seating has a long view of the stage.

If you are familiar with East West restaurant in downtown Birmingham, this is a fast casual (in a good way)

offering by these folks. The interior is absolutely beautiful and really gives it an upscale vibe for fast casual. The food offerings include a variety of small plates, bao bun assortments, burgers and rice bowls. You order and pay at the counter and that is where the “fast casual” part stops. From that point, you find a seat in the beautiful dining room and wait for your food. While in line, I watched the cooks preparing the dishes and they are all done to order and served up fresh and hot. No premade, reheats anywhere! We ordered the Pork

Dumplings and the Spring Rolls as appetizers. The pork dumplings were the absolute star for the whole table. Crispy and so flavorful! The spring rolls were very good as well but definitely use the chili sauce for a great flavor combination.

There was a special Katsu with vegetables and rice. This is what I ordered and I hope it will go on the regular menu because it was outstanding. Often a flat fried cutlet can be dry and the only flavor comes from the heavy breading. Not so for this dish. The sauces lightly drizzled on top with the seasoned breading made

this dish sing.

My companion ordered the Mongolian Beef Rice Bowl. It was a little flat on flavor but, if he had asked me, I would have suggested requesting some sort of sauce because the dish looked a little dry. I tasted it and it was good – it just didn’t have that “bang” that the appetizers and my Katsu provided. Service was fast, as you would expect, and the servers were attentive and checked in at least once.

They seem to do a large takeout business but it didn’t seem to affect the speed and quality of table service. The

atmosphere is cozy and comfortable.

They also offer some really delicious cocktails. The menu is limited but I think, for this style of restaurant, providing a few REALLY excellent cocktails, rather than trying to. function as a bar, is the only way to go. They also have a selection of craft and canned beer as well as several house wines. I had a Saigon Sling, which was a fizzy nottoo-sweet Singapore Sling take. My friend had an Old Fashioned and he was a real fan.

You know I am always looking for that great combi-

nation of service, atmosphere, food and total vibe. They don’t have to appear only in fine dining establishments. Sometimes you hit the home run in a small inconspicuous Asian spin-off. Mr. West’s is a fine example of that. After dinner, we strolled around and listened to the band and watched the people at the tables having a wonderful time with friends. We will definitely be back! To Mr. West’s. To the other restaurants that have opened while I wasn’t watching. To the entertainment district with so much to offer. You should go too!

Clinic

Clinic

TherapySouth

L ifesty L e Lass But Not Least: The Real Pillars of the Community

By Ken Lass

It is a breezy, summer, weekday morning in Trussville. I find myself sitting on a black metal bench behind the new Fallen Warriors Memorial in Veterans Park. Sharon and I attended the dedication of this structure a few weeks ago, a stirring and beautiful event. For some reason, I felt led to come back and revisit the site alone. No crowds, no politicians, no twenty-one gun salute, no patriotic music.

Just me and fourteen rows of solemn concrete pillars, each one displaying a dog tag of an Alabamian killed in combat since 9-11. On the floor are 111 names of those who died outside of combat. Along the sides are five sculptured busts

of fallen heroes. A pretty array of pink, orange, white and red impatiens invite you in.

It’s a unique design, created by Hoover Navy veteran Mark Davis. I walk through the names and the hometowns.

All 67 Alabama counties are represented. Many of the soldiers were from small places. Newton, Theodore, New Market, Adger, Pittsview, Plantersville. Towns where everybody knows you. Where your loss deeply affects not only the family, but an entire community.

I come upon the name of Errol Millard of Birmingham. He was killed in action in Afghanistan on the fourth of July in 2013. He was eighteen years old. Just a kid. Travis Nelson of Atmore lost his life in battle in Afghanistan

OUR PLACE TOURS

in 2011. He was nineteen. So much of life still ahead of them. All of them.

A silver flagpole with the American flag proudly flapping in the breeze is located in the exact middle of the memorial. The idea was to assure the shadow of the flag would pass over each column, each name, once a day. A symbolic way to emphasize they are not forgotten. The fourteen rows of pillars are lined up in eight vertical columns, symbolizing soldiers marching in formation.

Alone with my thoughts, I close my eyes and picture the pillars disappearing, replaced by the soldiers themselves, dressed in full uniform, weapons at the ready. I imagine men, women, some middle aged, some young, white and black, Asian and Hispanic. All standing stately in line at Veterans Park, watching, guarding, protecting.

I open my eyes. Two ladies are taking a walk, wearing air pods as they pass by on the sidewalk in front of the memorial. Then a woman jogging, a bottle of water in her right hand. A golf cart rolls by, driven by a man with three children passengers. They are all sipping fast food soft drinks through a straw. An elderly man sits on a nearby bench, resting. A forty-something woman rides by on a bike. Three teenagers come along, a boy and two girls. They are giggling playfully and loudly. The boy seems to be showing off as he takes one of the girls up on his back piggy-back style. They all pass by, hardly glancing at the pillars. They

are all strangers to me, and no doubt me to them. Yet we all have one thing in common. We’re all free. Free to take walks on a lazy summer morning. Free to give the kids a ride on a golf cart. Free to walk the dog along the burbling creek.

To the east you can hear the steady clatter of cars moving down highway eleven, carrying people free to come and go as they please. Beside them a train rumbles down the track, it’s shrill whistle piercing the morning air. It carries all manner of goods to support our free enterprise business system. Across Parkway Drive sits the Episcopal church. That seems appropriate, considering our freedom allows us to gather publicly and worship our God. Millions in other parts of the world are denied that privilege.

The names on these pillars

gave their lives for those freedoms. Now, in my mind, I picture them still here, watching people go by, standing guard, ever ready to protect us from threats.

A little chill runs through me as I notice the back row contains seven pillars which have been left blank. Fifteen pedestals have no bust. I realize all too well what that means. Spaces are being saved for future warriors who will fall. The freedoms we enjoy every day will continue to carry a tragic cost.

The large turnout at the dedication on Memorial Day shows that Trussville warmly welcomes this new addition to our community. The troops represented on these pillars and bricks gave it all to watch over and protect us. Now it’s our turn to watch over and protect their memory.

Ken Lass, Tribune columnist

pinion

Alabama Attorney General should step in to investigate problems with issuances of state marijuana licenses

By Paul DeMarco

To no one’s surprise, there is already controversy brewing in the legalized distribution of marijuana in the state of Alabama.

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has temporarily suspended the issuance of licenses due to findings of inconsistencies in the data used to determine the new business owners.

Across the country there have been lawsuits and even

charges of corruption in the issuing of licenses for the legalized sale of marijuana. The former speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives along with three others were charged with corruption for bribery related to marijuana licensing this year. In neighboring Georgia, there have ben allegations of fraud related to the issuing of marijuana licenses which have led to civil lawsuits. Other government entities have also had to address irregularities

in the awarding of these contracts that involve millions of dollars. While the Alabama Commission has promised an independent investigation, what really needs to happen is Attorney General Steve Marshall should step in and conduct his own inquiry into the licensing process. While the Commission deserves credit for stating they want an outside review of the process, the attorney general can ensure there is no wrongdoing,

intentional or not. He has the power to subpoena documents and witnesses to get to the bottom of what has happened. It would be be in the best interest for the commission and for those involved businesses, regardless if they were awarded a license or not. Most importantly, everyone should be wary of all of this considering the large amount of money at play. There are already enough issues with the eventual legal distribution of marijuana

in the state and what it will mean for the safety on our public roads and our youth, so now add more questions about the legitimacy of the

process to that list. Whether you agree or not with medical marijuana, everyone needs to know that the process of licensing is transparent.

Without an examination by the state’s top prosecutor, we will not know if the process is an honest endeavor, and there is just too much at stake for Alabama citizens.

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

Paul_DeMarco

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen

By Phil Williams, 1819 News

Commentary

Conservative commentator

Dennis Prager once said, “The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.” He’s not wrong. Rest assured, I believe government has a purpose.

Jesus even said to “render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s,” indicating, among other lessons, that he recognized that earthly authority has its place. A government must certainly provide for the common defense, establish the rule of law, and ensure that life, limb, and property are protected. Government by design fights our nation’s wars, establishes trade with foreign nations, protects the vulnerable by means of police and fire departments, and enacts laws through representative bodies of elected citizens.

But the founders knew that placing value on the role of the

private citizen is what makes this country so great. When government is the first resort to take care of our basic daily needs, bad things happen. More and more government means more and more regulation. As government grows, it must justify its existence and prove to the world that life cannot exist without it.

Ronald Reagan once said, “A government big enough to give you all that you need is a government big enough to take away all that you have.” Truer words could not be spoken.

Liberal progressive ideology believes that the American spirit is a myth and that government knows best. Progressives contend that we exist for the benefit of government and not the other way around. Liberal progressives believe government should always be the first resort when you face hardship, as opposed to your family, your church, your community, and certainly not your own self-determination.

Those who find themselves fully dependent on government also find little incentive, little drive and little fulfillment. There is only entitled expectation. Dependent citizens demand, they no longer create. Dependent citizens are required to exist off of the revenues collected by government.

For those who still try to produce, to thrive, or to create, the government must have more from them while also creating more regulations to tell them how, when, and where they will provide for the government so that the government can give to those entitled individuals who have chosen the government as their first resort.

In a work designed for Christian leadership, but that applies in any category, author J. Oswald Sanders said, “The spirit of the welfare state does not produce leaders. If a [person] is not willing to rise early and work late, to expend

greater effort in diligent study and faithful work, that person will not change a generation. Fatigue is the price of leader-

ship. Mediocrity is the result of never getting tired.”

I don’t want the U.S. to be a mediocre country. I don’t

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

City of Irondale Monitoring Non-Compliance Notice for Lead

and Copper

The Irondale Water System is required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not your drinking water meets health standards. During January 2020 - December 2022, the Irondale Water System tested 20 sites for lead and copper according to the Lead and Copper Sampling Plan on file with the city. Since the date this Plan was published, the city’s population increased above 10,000, triggering the need to test 30 sites in lieu of 20. Therefore, we did not monitor for all of the required lead and copper samples and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of your drinking water during that time.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

Moving forward, the city has updated the Lead and Copper Sampling Plan to include 10 additional sites for lead and copper. The additional sampling has already been performed and all results were below the regulatory requirements set forth by EPA and ADEM. Should you have any questions concerning this non-compliance or monitoring requirements, please contact the Water Superintendent (Jared Morris) at 205-951-1410.

Opinion

From page 11

sire to be a nation of low-level producers who reach out to the government for the next stimulus check, the next handout, the next excuse why we don’t have to go to work. I reject the idea of a nation in which productivity is stymied by so many regulations that folks just give up trying and where taxation becomes so onerous that people choose not to produce just to avoid the government reaching into their wallets again. If we get to the point that people cannot exist without the government, it will be because we have forgotten that government actually cannot survive without the people. In that event we are just the proverbial self-licking ice cream cone, existing for the never-ending loop of mediocrity, living off what the government gives us, while in turn feeding an ever-growing government.

Pastor Adrian Rogers once said:

“Friend, you cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. And what one person receives without working for, another person must work for

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF TRUSSVILLE TRUSSVILLE, ALABAMA

COMMERCE LANE EXTENSION

General Notice

without receiving. The government can’t give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody. And when half of the people get the idea they don’t have to work because the other half’s going to take care of them, and when the other half get the idea it does no good to work because somebody’s going to get what I work for.

That, dear friend, is about the end of any nation.”

I claim the mantle of conservatism for a number of reasons, one of which is limited government. I don’t balk at government existing; I don’t rail against the machine and believe that all elected officials are corrupt. But I do believe that too much government is never best.

For us to thrive as a nation, we must have the “will of the people” not the “will of the government.” Government should exist solely to ensure that liberty survives, to free up the private citizen to build a better mousetrap and set the parameters for national growth.

Over the past several years we have lived under more government regulation and interaction with our personal lives than perhaps ever in the history of our nation. Recent

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

Institute.

developments indicate that big government advocates have no intention of slowing that roll. But I am a conservative. I believe in limited government. A government that is responsive to be sure but one that is not in the way. I am a conservative so I believe in a limited government that allows freedom of movement, sets the stage for success, and then steps back and applauds when the private sector knocks another home run out of the park. I am a conservative. I believe in the satisfaction that comes from enduring, creating and achieving. From trying, failing, trying again, and succeeding through effort, real effort, not big government entitlements or stifling regulations.

Limited government. Just one of the reasons I choose to be a conservative.

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.

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

Phil Williams is Policy Director for the Alabama Policy

c a L enda R

Right Here in Birmingham:

Storytime with V!

Wed Jun 21st

10:00am - 11:00am

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

(All ages)

Wednesday, June 21st at 10 AM

Registration Required

The one & only Vulcan (V) is coming to the library!

Enjoy a storytime featuring the book, Right Here in Birmingham. The book discusses life in an early B’ham company town from the perspective of a small child. After the story, kids will get to meet & take photos with V! This event is intended for pre-K through 2nd-grade kids, but all ages are welcome.

Plants with a Purpose

Wed Jun 21st

2:00pm - 3:30pm

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

(Adults)

Wednesday, June 21st at 2 PM

Registration Required

Mrs. Krystle from Love

Life Naturals will present “Plants with a Purpose” on Wednesday, June 21st at 2 PM. Plants are living examples of natural beauty & have amazing transformational & regenerative properties. We can learn a lot from plants & participate in even exchanges of grace & love as we use what they offer to love ourselves more & heal. We will explore & learn more about the health & wellness benefits of plants & their plant oils. Adults only.

Yarn ManglersKnit & crochet group

Thursday, June 22: 2:00pm - 4:00pm Trussville - Parkway Room 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 usnewcomers are welcome! Join our Facebook group: YARN MANGLERS ANONYMOUS

Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison: Teamwork Fri Jun 23rd 10:00am - 11:00am Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL 35126

(All ages) Join us for Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison on Friday, June 23rd at 10 AM. Our theme is teamwork. We’ll read books, have fun, do a craft, & have a snack.

Storytime is designed for pre-K children, but all ages are welcome.

Alabama Ballet: A Day in the Life of a Ballet Dancer Mon Jun 26th 3:00pm - 4:00pm Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL 35126

(All ages)

Monday, June 26th at 3 PM

Come learn with us as the Alabama Ballet takes us through the day in the life of a ballet dancer on Monday, June 26th at 3 PM. There will be dancers in costume who will hold a short performance, teach some basic ballet moves, talk about what it’s like to be a ballet dancer, & host a Q&A session.

Cooking Class with K Marie

1, 2 Let’s All Jam!Beatin’ Path

Rhythm Events

Tuesday, June 27: 10:30am - 11:30am

Trussville - LBK Auditorium

Join us for a family-fun celebration of rhythm, story & song with percussionist Dave Holland. No registration is needed.

This year’s show features Mr. Dave’s new children’s book, “The Llama Who Rocks in Her Polka Dot Socks”. His new book is an exciting story about a llama who rocks her week. A book signing will follow the show. Copies will be available for purchase and 20% of the sales will be donated to the library programming!

Beatin’ PathDrum Circle

Tuesday, June 27:

2:00pm - 3:00pm

Trussville - LBK Auditorium

Drum Circle with Beatin’ Path.

Beatin Path is a rhythm, team building, and most importantly fun program centered around percussion. Come together with friends and make some music! We’ll be using drums as well as some more nontraditional instruments to make our songs. This program is part of the Trussville Library 2023 Summer Reading program and you will earn tickets by attending the event. Open to 6th to 12th graders. (Photographs may be taken during the program and used by the TPL. If you do not want pictures of your child to be taken please let the Librarian in charge of the event know)

An Evening with

Joshilyn Jackson!

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Monday, June 26: 5:00pm - 8:00pm Trussville - LBK Auditorium Join Katrina Adams of In the Kitchen with K Marie and learn how to make sweet potato dumplings.

Tuesday, June 27: 6:30pm - 9:00pm Trussville - LBK Auditorium Meet the author! Join us for an evening with New York Times Bestselling author, Joshilyn Jackson! Known for writing page-turning

thrillers and Southern Fiction, some of her books include Between Georgia, Gods in Alabama, A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty, Mother May I and her latest mystery book, With My Little Eye. Joshilyn will be

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for purchase through Alabama Booksmith and there will be a book signing to follow. This will be a ticketed event. Ticket prices are $15 for General Admission. See the difference Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home can make. Choose Quality. Choose Affordability. DeerfootMemorialFuneralHome.com

o bitua R y

Connor Gann Stewart

november 19, 2003 – june 14, 2023

Connor Gann Stewart, age 19, of Trussville, Ala., passed away in his sleep in his family’s home on June 14, 2023.

Connor was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dr. Tom and Freda Gann. Connor is survived by his parents, George and Connie Stewart; his sisters, Brannon Stewart Dawkins (Ryan) and Kenley Stewart Nelms (Chace); and seven nieces and nephews; Thomas, Ridley, Stewart and James Nelms, and Oliver, Bennett and Georgia Dawkins; and Arianne Knox, whom Connor loved. Connor’s family and friends loved him deeply and will miss him greatly.

A celebration of Connor’s life will be held at Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 1 p.m. Visitation will begin at noon.

Norma McSweeney

july 29, 1935 — june 13, 2023

Mrs. Norma Faye McSweeney, affectionately known as “Nanny”, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023. The family received friends at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, Alabama on Saturday, June 17th from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The funeral service began at 2:00 P.M. A graveside service followed at Jefferson Memorial’s adjoining gardens. A gathering followed at Faith Community Fellowship located at 7660 Gadsden Hwy, Trussville, AL 35173. She is survived by her son, Rod McSweeney and spouse Robin; her daughter, Charlotte McSweeney; daughter in-law, Terri Atkinson and spouse Wayne, and Beth McSweeney; sisters, Vicky Johnson and Linda Brewer, grandchildren, Matt McSweeney, and spouse

Susie, Michael McSweeney and spouse Bradi, Stacy Esco and spouse

Brandon, Stephanie Wilkerson and spouse Tyler, Cara Kush and spouse

David, Cory Conner and spouse Amber, Angela Groner and spouse Jack, Leah Dennis, Daly Green and spouse Derek; great grandchildren, Moriah McSweeney, Miriam McSweeney, Marek McSweeney, Christian McSweeney, John Reagan McSweeney, Garrett Wooten, Alyssa Wooten, Addi Esco, Caroline Esco, Lily Esco, Maverick Wilkerson, Ellie Rae Wilkerson, Jack Ramsey Groner, Vivi Groner, Owen Dennis, Hollis Green, Locklyn Green, Sutton Green, Emma Kush, Hannah Kush, and Declan Conner. She enjoyed having lunches with the Birthday Club, cooking for her family and serving at her church. She was a member of Faith Community Fellowship in Trussville, Alabama. One of her greatest career accomplishments was serving as Administrator of Cardiovascular Research Center, serving Dr. Hefner, Dr. Plumb and Dr. Kirkland. After retiring from UAB she became caretaker for her husband, John. He had Parkinson’s disease for the last 8 years of his life. She was an amazing wife and she did it with such tenderness, passion, and grace. After John passed, she served in different capacities in her community. Always willing to help in any way she was able to. The last 7 years of her life Norma suffered from dementia and as always, she became the most loved resident at Fair Haven Community Home in Birmingham, AL. Everyone loved her so much because she shined with love and light and people wanted to be close to her. She was always known for her “hard” hugs! She was the “best ever”. To say she was one of the greatest examples of a “Christ Like” character is an understatement. She lived to love you. She is now healed and she will be very missed by her family and friends. She made a difference in the lives of so many people. Thank you, Jesus, for her life.

Charles Sublett

may 4, 1946 — june 14, 2023

Charles Donald Sublett, (Don) 77 of Vestavia Hils AL passed away on June 14, 2023. He is survived by his wife LaCon, son Charles Brandon Sublett (Jennifer), stepdaughter Heather Robertson Joe (Chris), sisters Anne Obert (John) and Carolyn McMurray, granddaughter Taylor Sherrill and grandson Alex Sherrill . He was preceded in death by his wife Wanda Mims Sublett, stepdaughter Kelly Sherrill, and brother James R Sublett. He attended Woodlawn High School and Auburn University. Don served in the Marines during the Vietnam War where he earned the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He was an avid scuba diver and attended Mountaintop Community Church. A Celebration of life service was held on June 17 at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville. Visitation at 11:00 AM with service at noon.

AskEddie

Announcing the Death of a Loved One

Whenever When a loved one dies, surviving family members are faced with many responsibilities - including alerting other friends and family members about what has happened. In the age of social media, making a death announcement is more complicated than ever before, and it is important to approach this task with the appropriate etiquette.

An important step is to enlist the help of a funeral home director. Make sure you get planning underway before making any formal announcement about the location of the funeral or memorial service. Only publish the obituary once confirmation is received about the availability of a church, funeral home, or other locations. In the obituary, you will want to specify the time and location of the memorial service. Still, before doing so, it is critical to confirm the availability of the venue in question along with any necessary vendors, such as an officiant or caterer. This is something a funeral home director can assist with.

In addition, funeral home directors are skilled in sensitively and compassionately discussing death-related matters. During a season of grief, you may have difficulty articulating the passage of your loved one, but a funeral home director can be invaluable in helping you craft a message.

As for social media etiquette, the most important thing is to abstain from posting online until you can speak directly with family members and other important people. Ensure that you make specific, one-on-one announcements before you make any more general updates.

Memorial

1591 Gadsden Hwy Birmingham, AL 35235

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

JeffMem.AskEddie’20 5.3”x10”

Kathryn Johnso n

june 11, 1937 — june 10, 2023

Kathryn Johnson aged 85, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 10,2023. Kathryn was born the oldest of six children on June 11,1937, in a little town, Paris Illinois. As a child she enjoyed taking care of her siblings and working on the family farm. Soon after college Kathryn married a preacher that she just couldn’t resist. They wasted no time in beginning God’s work, as the faithful and devoted preachers wife she sang and played the piano beautifully. She was blessed with six children and in their younger years they traveled around The United States. Kathryn was a very sweet, Godly, caring mother. Kathryn loved getting together with family for holidays and birthdays. Her other hobbies included puzzles, latch hook, sewing and planting bushes and flowers in her yard. Kathryn loved going to Navarre Beach and watching Alabama football. Roll Tide. Kathryn was loved by all who knew her and she will be greatly missed. She is preceded in death by, Sharma Johnson, daughter, Scott Johnson, son, Bob Cheatham, brother. Survived by children Sheila Johnson, Stuart Johnson (Angela Ortino), Sara Gould (Darren), Sonya Suggs. And granddaughter Brittany Suggs. Survived by siblings, Frank Cheatham (Teri), Steve Cheatham (Kay), Paul Cheatham (Ruth), Linda Phillips (Tom) and many many more cousins, nieces, nephews.

Lucille Robison

february 8, 1927 — june 11, 2023

ASHVILLE- Lucille Robison was a long-time resident of the Birmingham area, but passed peacefully in Ashville with family by her side after suffering a stroke.

Graveside Service- Friday June 16th, 2023 at 2:00 pm; Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens- Trussville, AL.

Lucille Hyde Robison is proceeded in death by her husband Otis Reeves Robison Sr., and grandchildren Lewis “Burt” Robison and Bradley Robison, and multiple siblings and family members. She is survived by her four children Chester Robison, Randy (Jackie) Robison, Ronnie (Deborah) Robison, Kenny (Denise) Robison; Sister Helen Hyde Fisher; Grandchildren Wade (Julie) Robison, Jenna (Josh) Seawright, Renea (Greg) Hicks, Robyn (Mike) Nichols, Ryan (Daniel) Thomas, Blake Robison, Lauren Robison, Ryan (Shannon) Wallace, Clint (Sheila) Wallace, Casey Wallace; and a host of great grandchildren.

Lucille Hyde Robison was born to Leander Vanderbilt Hyde and Rosa Belle Hyde in Haleyville, Alabama. She met her husband in Birmingham, Al where they had 4 sons. Her family was her biggest legacy. She worked as a welder in World War II. She spent most of her life in her home hair salon. She found joy in helping others find beauty in themselves. Despite her large family, she always found a way to show support and love for each individual. She also found joy on Sunday and birthday dinners where she frequently served “Grandmomma’s famous spaghetti and meatballs.” She loved going to church and serving God. She was a true servant and would do anything for others. She always found a way to bring a smile to people in her 96 years of life. She would never turn down a milkshake or a good shopping trip.

We would like to thank the staff of Gentiva Hospice, Empatia Palliative Care, and Centerwell Home Health for all their compassionate care and love shown over the last few months.

Robert Ray

october 3, 1936 — june 15, 2023

Robert Matthew Ray "Bob", affectionately known as, Daddy Bob and Paw Paw, of Springville, AL was called home to be with our Lord on June 15, 2023, at the age of 86. He was born October 3, 1936 to his loving parents, M.C. Ray and Mabel Ray. Bob was a loving and dedicated husband to his loving wife of 40 years, Barbara Benson Ray "Mimi". He was preceded in death by his wife. He is survived by his sons, Robert (Deb) Ray, Jr and Ricky Ray; his daughters, Nancy (Charles) Jerrolds, Melanie (Ray) Harrison, and Cindy (Jon) Horton. He was also a proud grandfather to his 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was an active member of Central Baptist Church. He was an avid AL Football fan. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was loved and cherished by all who were blessed to know him. He loved the Lord with all his heart. He will always remain in our hearts and will be greatly missed. A funeral for Bob will be held on Wednesday, June 21st at 2:00 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville with visitation held one hour prior to the service. The burial will immediately follow at Jefferson Memorial's adjoining cemetery. Pastor Shad Smith will be presiding over the service.

Jesse Lewis Moore

september 11, 1939 — june 15, 2023

Jesse Lewis Moore, age 83 passed away on June 15, 2023. He was born on September 11, 1939. He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty S. Moore; grandsons, Jason McDanal and Rick Mordecai and his brother, Gene Bryant. He is survived by his daughters, Sharon Moore and JoAnn Moore; son, Brian Moore (Joy); grandsons, Jesse Mordecai (Brittany), Joe Mordecai, Patrick Hilburn (Erica) and Chase Horton; great grandsons, Hunter, Jameson, Luke and Colson; great granddaughter, Amelia; brother Jerry Moore (Rhonda); brother, Jerry Moore (Rhonda).

Hoi Nguyen

june 7, 1944 — june 14, 2023

The family received friends on Sunday, June 18, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville.

Jefferson Memorial is a full-service funeral home and perpetual care cemetery dedicated to serving our community with dignity and compassion. We Make

it Personal

205-322-0543

MRD’s Mancuso receives Gulf Council Officer of the Year Award

By David Rainer

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

For an inspiring example of starting at the bottom and working your way up, look no further than Chancelor (Chance) Mancuso of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division (MRD).

Mancuso’s humble beginning with MRD was on a part-time basis as a laborer, and, within five years, he was honored as the 2022 Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Officer of the Year at last week’s Council meeting in Mobile.

“I got hired in January 2017 as a part-time laborer,” Mancuso said. “After about four or five months, I became a full-time laborer for about a year. During that time, I was able to go on patrol with several of the officers to feel it out to know that’s what I wanted to do.”

In June 2018, he was offered a Conservation Enforcement Officer (CEO) position with MRD and steadily proved his worth. As with other MRD officers, Mancuso’s duties include enforcing state and federal fisheries laws and regulations in Ala-

bama state waters and federal waters of the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone). He conducts boardings at land and sea to inspect gear and catch, as well as participating in outreach events to educate

the public on current state and federal fisheries regulations.

Although it took a while for Mancuso to gain the enforcement position, he remembers an interaction when

he was growing up in Fort Payne, Alabama, that made an impact on his future.

“Back when I was younger, I ran into a game warden at Walmart,” he said. “Everything just kind of clicked.

It seemed like something I wanted to do. I have a passion for the outdoors, doing whatever I can for conservation and protecting that for future generations.”

Mancuso headed to the

Alabama Gulf Coast right out of high school to play baseball at Faulkner State Community College, now a part of Coastal Alabama Community College. He then went to the University of South Alabama and earned a degree in criminal justice with a minor in biology.

“I love it down here,” he said. “After I graduated from South, it was just one of those crazy opportunities. I stumbled upon this opening. It turned out to be the best decision I ever made. It’s been wonderful.”

When he got the CEO job, Mancuso was “low man on the totem pole” for two years.

“Everybody I worked with had a whole lot more seniority, so I had to show everybody I was willing to work hard,” he said. “I made sure I was up on the regulations. My fellow officers used to question me on those to make sure I was up to date. They helped me out a lot. They helped me get to where I am today because they cared.

“And this award is awesome. I’m really grateful to the Gulf Council. But this is not just about me. It’s about my fellow officers as well. We work together so well.

See AWARD, Page 16

The MRD Enforcement Section, along with Director Scott Bannon, left, and Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship, right, joined in the celebration of Mancuso’s award. (Credit: David Rainer)

Award

From page 15

This award wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for them.”

During 2022, Mancuso worked 296 hours of patrol under the NOAA Fisheries’ joint enforcement agreement. On those patrols, he was involved in 208 state and/or federal cases. Mancuso also worked multiple TED (turtle excluder devices) details with NOAA as well as worked 10 Marine Mammal Protection patrols in 2022.

In one of the bigger cases he made, a subject was found with 42 undersize greater amberjacks. He also caught one of our federal gill net fishermen with illegal species on board.

Major Jason Downey, MRD’s Chief of Enforcement, said Mancuso’s work ethic is unparalleled.

“Officer Mancuso is always willing to put the time

in to make the big case even if it means coming in on his day off or putting in the extra hours,” Downey said. “He is always eager to learn and is one of our most knowledgeable officers. Officer Mancuso exemplifies professionalism while conducting his duties, and he is a model officer to his peers.

“He’s motivated. He is our go-to training officer as well. He’s great with our new officers. I like his style, the way he trains. If they model themselves after him, they’ll be great conservation officers. Anything I ask Chance to do, he does it. And he does it with a smile on his face.”

Colonel Scott Bannon, MRD Director, said hiring Mancuso was a great move.

“I’m very proud of Chance,” Bannon said. “He’s an extremely hard-working young man who has a passion for his job. Chance doesn’t just go to work. He

goes and gives it his all every day. He’s kind of unique in the enforcement world because he started as a laborer just to get the opportunity to have some experience within the Division. He worked his way into qualifying for an officer position, and he was selected. He wasn’t selected because he was a laborer for us. He was selected because he’s a guy who, even as a laborer, worked as hard as he could every day and showed that he has what it takes to do the job. That decision has paid off for us.

“He’s a person who is out in the field and represents the Division and Department, and it’s a very positive representation. We get calls from the public about encounters with our officers. With Chance, the calls are always positive. They tell us how good a job he is doing and how professional he is.”

In other news, the Gulf Council voted to tweak the calibration numbers used to determine the red snapper quotas for the five Gulf states. In a final rule that will become effective on July 10, 2023, Alabama’s snapper quota for private recreational anglers will increase from 558,200 pounds to 591,185 pounds. The overall Gulf recreational annual catch limit (ACL) was increased from 7.546 million pounds to 7.991 million pounds. The federal for-hire sector (federally permitted charter vessels) catch limit was increased from 3.192 million pounds to 3.38 million pounds.

“I’m still disappointed that NOAA chose to implement the calibration, but I am encouraged we get a bump up in the ACL that goes into effect on July 10,” Bannon said. “Additionally, through the Gulf Council process, we have finalized a motion to change the calibration ratio to a number that is more favorable to Alabama. It may come into play before the end of the calendar year but more likely next year for the 2024 season. That motion would increase

our catch limit to 664,000 pounds. I think that’s closer to where Alabama needs to be in terms of harvesting red snapper.”

The Council also voted to increase the Gulf annual catch limit for gray (mangrove) snapper after receiving the most recent Gray

Snapper Stock Assessment. The assessment incorporates new recreational landings data and indicates that gray snapper are neither overfished nor experiencing overfishing. The newly recommended catch limit for 2024 and beyond is 5.728 million pounds.

Alabama Marine Resources Officer Chance Mancuso receives the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Officer of the Year Award from Joe Spraggins of the Gulf Council’s law enforcement committee. (Credit: David Rainer)

The Gulf Council voted to adjust the red snapper calibration ratio, giving Alabama private recreational anglers an additional 32,985 pounds on July 10. (Credit: David Rainer)

Grayson Pope - Hewitt-Trussville baseball