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Out of the Fight
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Trussville Council in support of freestanding ER in city limits
Longtime Trussville residents give new life to Oneonta’s historic Mitchell Farm
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Council met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at City Hall and approved a resolution in support of a freestanding emergency department being placed within city limits. See GRANDVIEW, Page 7
Old Taco Bell building in Trussville to be demolished for new business By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — A new business is coming soon to Trussville, but first, a big change will have to take place. See JIFFY LUBE, Page 3
Recovery center founded by Trussville City Councilor adding new residential hall By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — The painful process of overcoming addiction will be made a little easier for some in Alabama. See WILL BRIGHT, Page 5
DATA FIND: 37 distracted driving crashes in Trussville this year By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville Police Department has responded to 37 crashes that were caused by suspected distracted driving so far in 2021. See DISTRACTED DRIVING, Page 4
By Crystal McGough
CLEAR SPRINGS, Ala. — Most people who live around or drive through Oneonta are familiar with the red-roofed white barn at the intersection of State Route 75 and County Highway 15, a local landmark of the historic Mitchell Farm. While the farm, itself, is technically located in Clear Springs, it is widely associated with and claimed by Oneonta residents. The alluring historic barns, the rolling hills and mountains, and the sparkling ponds and creeks all add to the charm this land brings to the community. In March 2020, longtime Trussville residents Jeff and Kelli Gilmer purchased the 230-acre farmland, which had fallen into disrepair. “The farm is a restoration project right now,” Jeff said. “(Clyde) Mitchell owned the farm until the early 90s, then the estate sold the property and there was one owner that we purchased the property
Mitchell Farms. Photo: Ron Burkett.
from. He was an attorney – he wasn’t a farmer or anything – so it was more of an estate than a farm, for him.” Mitchell Farm, which was established in 1932 as a cattle farm, originally incorporated 2,000 acres and was one of the largest cattle farms in the state of Alabama, Jeff said. “The barn was built in the early 40s, from the best information I can gather,” he said.
When the Gilmers began their search to buy land, something as grand as Mitchell Farm was not even on their radar. “We knew it was home the minute we got here,” Jeff said. “We wanted a place that our kids would want to come home to. We’ve lived everywhere in Trussville – the last place we were was in Stockton – great little community, but we have five kids and it
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Schools system announced the new Assistant Superintendent of Student Services during its June Board of Education meeting. Dr. Rachel Poovey has been in public education for 26 years. TCS said she has worked in a variety of roles for Decatur City Schools. The Jefferson County native holds a Bachelor’s in Special Education from the University of Alabama, a Master’s in Mental Retardation, and Education Specialist degree in Administration from UAB. She received her Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Alabama. She is Nationally Board-Certified and is currently pursuing her national certification in assistive technology. Poovey will replace Dr. Mandi Logan, who retired in June of 2021 to begin a career
in the private sector. She will oversee a number of areas ranging from special education to residency. “The TCS position focused on my areas of strengths and working with all students and staff,” said Poovey. “The experience I could bring to
the position from my diverse experiences in education and the learning opportunities for me are a great match.” In addition to her current position as Coordinator of Developmental Programs for Decatur City Schools, Poovey also gives her time and service to Rotary Club, Salvation Army Board of Directors, and Decatur-Morgan Hospital
Guild. She also serves as director of the Morgan County Distinguished Young Women Program through a collaboration with Limestone and Lawrence counties. Other job titles she has had within schools include teacher, assistant principal, elementary and middle principal, curriculum supervisor, and special education coordinator. “These jobs have given me experiences that address most, if not all, facets of education from elementary to high school and central office,” Poovey said. “I have worked with a variety of school systems to train and grow as an educator. My experiences as a parent also help me be empathetic to the community and the needs of the future as I work to create new opportunities in the schools.” Trussville Superintendent Dr. Pattie Neill said that after a rigorous interview process, Poovey met all of the requirements for the position.
wasn’t a good place for our kids to want to come home and do something but sit in the den and watch TV. So, we purchased this as, hopefully, a legacy property that we can pass down to generations.” While their original plan was to find property that could become a generational home for their family, the Gilmers knew immediately that Mitchell Farm was too significant and beautiful to be kept to themselves. “It had gotten into disrepair over the years and, honestly, we want this place to live again, and we want to share it with everybody,” Kelli said. “We want people to enjoy it. It’s not something that we want to keep to ourselves.” One of the first decisions Jeff and Kelli made after purchasing the property was to bring life to it by purchasing a horse. Now, the couple owns a total of “only” 18 horses, according to Jeff. See MITCHELL FARMS, Page 7
“Her experiences have prepared her for this level of leadership and her references confirmed our impressions of her expertise,” Neill explained. “We welcome Dr. Rachel Poovey to Trussville City Schools and we look forward to the ways she will enrich our team and our school system.” Poovey said she looks forward to working in a growing community. “This job also brings me closer to my family and into a friendly, growing community and will allow me to rekindle some friendships from my childhood,” Poovey added. “I have lived and worked in a wonderful family-focused community for 26 years and to make this move for my family I wanted to ensure this would provide them the same or better opportunities. Trussville City more than exceeds those expectations.” Poovey and her husband, Michael, have two children – Jane Hollis, 20, and Owan, 17.
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TCS hires new Assistant Superintendent of Student Services From The Tribune staff reports
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By Erica Thomas, managing editor
SUN MON
Trussville Cracker Barrel parking lot murder trial days away
Bryan Hancock. Photo: Jefferson County Jail. See HANCOCK TRIAL, Page 3
Man avoids prison time in child sex solicitation, abuse cases in St. Clair and Jefferson Counties From The Tribune staff reports
PELL CITY — A man who approached a teen in a Pell City parking lot and attempted to solicit her for sex, will be released from jail on Saturday, June 19. See HIGGINBOTHAM, Page 3
Center Point Council hears about mentoring project, crime stats By Faith Callens
CENTER POINT — On Thursday, June 17, the Center Point City Council met for a regular meeting at City Hall to discuss two separate resolutions involving a travel advance along with surplus property. See CENTER POINT, Page 4
City of Pinson recognizes certified Planning and Zoning officials, passes 2021-2022 budget By Crystal McGough
CLAY — The Pinson City Council recognized six city officials during Thursday night’s council meeting for receiving their Planning and Zoning certifications. See PINSON COUNCIL, Page 4