The Trussville Tribune – June 28 - July 4, 2023

Argo approves new hires, lists police vehicles as surplus

By Terry Schrimscher

For the Tribune

ARGO – The Argo City Council met Monday night June 26 for the second regularly scheduled meeting of the month and its third public meeting of June. The Council held a public forum on zoning proposals last week on June 20.

Pinson Council donates $10,000 for Butterbean Festival in October

By Nathan Prewett

For the Tribune

PINSON – The Pinson City Council made an allocation to the Butterbean Festival coming up in October during a meeting on Thursday, July 15. The council approved a resolution to support the But-

SPOC announces large manufacturing expansion in Trussville, expects to add 120 jobs

From The Tribune staff reports TRUSSVILLE – Sensorless Pump Off Control (SPOC) announces $3.7 million expansion of its manu-

Trussville woman 4th fatality from Baldwin County wreck

From The Tribune staff reports

BALDWIN COUNTY –

Jeanna Diane Carlisle Speegle, of Trussville, passed away Thursday morning after being critically injured in the Sunday, June 18, Baldwin County crash that had already

TCS Board of Education approves recommendation for King as new HTHS principal

By Crystal McGough Editor

TRUSSVILLE – The Trussville City Schools Board of Education met for a special called board meeting on Monday, June 26, 2023, where the board unanimously approved personnel recommendations from Superintendent Dr. Patrick Martin, including naming the new principal of Hewitt-Trussville High School as Aaron King.

King comes from having been the principal at Huntsville High School for the past eight years. Prior to that, he was the principal at Huntsville Middle School for three years, and served as operations director for Huntsville City Schools the year before that. King is also a former Army officer and got his undergraduate degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

“We posted the position, and we had 33 individuals who applied for the high

school principal job,” Martin said in a prior interview with The Tribune. “Aside from that, I also reached out to the state association that represents principals and asked their executive director, ‘Who are the superstars from around the state?’ So, I assembled a committee and that committee interviewed eight individuals. Some of those individuals had applied, but other individuals we sought because we were told by C.L.A.S. (Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools) who these really good administrators were.

“I asked the committee if they would bring me the top three or four from that, and then I would interview them as a second-round finalist interview, just myself. They brought me two. They said there was a clear line of delineation between the top two candidates and the rest of the field. So I sat down with those two candidates and interviewed them. And so, our recommendation for high

school principal is a gentleman by the name of Aaron King.”

King’s official starting date will be July 1, and he already has plans to hit the ground running forming relationships in the community.

“I want to learn everything about Trussville. Not only the school system, but I want to learn about the city, the traditions, the people,” King said to The Tribune. “Usually, the high school is

Trussville Council approves TRA grant funding for Steele Hall Brewery

By Crystal McGough Editor

a great cross-section of the community and what I’m looking forward to is learning what people are accustomed to as far as tradition. Traditions are a big deal to me, so I want to make sure that we value and respect Trussville City School’s traditions and Trussville city’s traditions.”

During the board meeting, King listed several key areas of focus for his administration.

“First and foremost, school safety and security. In order for students to learn, they must be safe; they must feel safe,” he said. “We’re going to have a culture of ‘see something, say something.’ Next, I’ll also have regular and timely communication with the school community, as well as transparency for the operation of the school. I highly encourage parent and community involvement. Student leadership and school spirit are critical

ACTA Theatre presents summer musical ‘School of Rock,’ tickets to go on sale Thursday

By Crystal McGough Editor

TRUSSVILLE – If, like Rosalie Mullins from the famous Paramount movie “School of Rock,” you find yourself this summer wondering, “where did the rock go,” the answer is ACTA Theatre in Trussville.

TRUSSVILLE – The Trussville City Council held a brief council meeting Thursday night, June 22, following the regularly scheduled workshop, where the council ap-

Leeds Council hears from former treasurer of Leeds Youth Baseball, Softball

By Nathan Prewett

For the Tribune

LEEDS – At a meeting on June 20, the Leeds City Council heard from a resident who said that she was forced from her position at Leeds Youth Baseball and Softball.

Moody Council approves proposal for Witch’s Ride in October

By Nathan Prewett For the Tribune

local adults and kids. While some names might be easily recognizable by the community, such as Trussville First Methodist’s minister of music Dr. Ben Cook as the musical director and First Baptist Trussville’s pianist Kevin Grigsby in the pit band, other names may not only be new to theater-goers, but new to the stage, as well.

- Pages 1-6

Lifestyle - Page 7

Tree Talk - Page 8

Outdoors - Pages 9,16

Opinion - Page 10

Calendar - Page 11

Classified - Page 11

Obituary - Page 12

Sports - Pages 13-16

Tickets for ACTA’s summer musical, “School of Rock,” will go on sale to the public this coming Thursday, June 29, 2023, at www.actatheater.com.

Featuring all live music including two bands in the play, as well as a house pit band, this is one show that’s sure to bring down the house.

“It is almost exactly like the movie … but our play is family friendly,” Director Paige Turner Cain. “It’s a great show for kids. The language is family-friendly, whereas the movie might not be so much.”

There are 42 members in the cast, all highly talented

“We have some that have never been on the stage, and we have some that have done a lot of plays, but for the most part, we’re relatively new actors in this play,” Cain said.

“This is the first show we’ve ever done where we have children playing instruments on stage and it’s the first time in a very long time that we’ve had a pit band so that all the music is live. We’ve been using tracks for the last few years, and this is going to be so different. It’s going to be live and loud and it’s going to make it so much more exciting.”

See ACTA, Page 5

EWCF held annual check presentation luncheon for this year’s beneficiary

By Chase Holmes

Reporter

SPOC, Page 6 See MOODY, Page 6 See EWCF, Page 4 See FATALITY, Page 4

Aaron King

(Trussville City Schools)

Credit: ACTA Theatre

Principal

From front page aspects of a well-run high school. I will foster excellence in academics, athletics and the arts. Hewitt-Trussville is an ‘A’ school, but at 93 out of 100, we’ve got seven points left on the table. Now, I’m a competitor, and if they’re keeping score, I’m playing to win.

“Citizens of Trussville, I have my ears and my eyes open. God has given me two of each, and one mouth. I’m here to listen to you, to the students, the parents, the teachers and our community members at large. Together, we will continue to build and grow.”

Not only will King be a welcome addition to the Trussville community, but he’s bringing along with him his wife of 16 years, Kristen, and their three daughters, Elizabeth, Rachel and Rebecca.

“I’m invested into this community because, from day one, I’m going to have three children in this school system,” he said to The Tribune. “What’s kind of neat about this incoming freshman class is Dr. Martin has two freshmen, I have a fresh-

Trussville

From

proved three resolutions and two ordinances.

Among the city business was a resolution to authorize TRA (Trussville Revitalization Authority) grant funding in the amount of $173,626.53 to Steele Hall Brewing for improvements they made to the Entertainment District.

“That is the face of the whole Entertainment Dis-

man, the athletic director has a freshman, and the board president has a freshman. I’m sure there are many others –this is a great opportunity to do something special.”

To those at the board meeting, he added, “As a father of three girls, I fully understand and appreciate the responsibility you’re entrusting me with. With that responsibility comes high expectations, expectations I not only intend to meet, but to exceed. With having three girls in our schools from day one, we’re all in, and you have my word that I will treat each and every student at Hewitt-Trussville High School as if they were my own.”

King got his master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Southern Mississippi, and his specialist’s degree in educational leadership from Samford University. According to Dr. Martin, other educational leaders from across the state told him he would have a hard time convincing King to leave Huntsville City Schools.

“There’s something special going on in Trussville and I’m excited to be a part of it,” King said to The Tri-

trict,” Mayor Buddy Choat said at the previous June 13 meeting of the city council.

“It was almost blighted the way it looked unoccupied. They did what they said they’d do … and it looks great.”

Resolution 2023-39 pass unanimously.

The council also approved Resolution 2023-37, awarding a bid for demolitions along the future Loop Road to Tortorigi Construction.

bune. “With everything coming together with leadership at the district office, leadership at the high school office, everyone working together with a unified approach and with the community rallied behind it, there’s no reason that we can’t be number one in all aspects.”

Naming King as high school principal was not the only personnel change approved at the board meeting: current HTMS Principal

Jennifer Abney was also approved to take on a new role with TCS: Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instruction Program Supervisor for Secondary Schools.

“Basically, I’m going to be working with our secondary schools in a support role, mentorship role and just trying to help in any way that I can,” Abney said to The Tribune. “I’m really excited about this. I was a high school teacher and administrator, I’ve been a middle school teacher and administrator, and I’m just ready to see the new and exciting things that our district is going to make happen with this. I’m happy and grateful to be part of it.”

Dr. Martin said that, in assessing the Trussville City

“This is a resolution awarding a bid for demolishing structures at various locations along the intended loop road to the lowest responsible bidder,” Councilor Jaime Anderson said.

According to the resolution, Tortorigi Construction was the lowest responsible bidder, having submitted a bid of $105,058. The other bidder was Milam and Co., with a bid of $136,577.

Councilor Perry Cook

Schools system, he discovered there was a need at the Board of Education for someone in a supportive role to the middle and high school, especially when it comes to academic testing, and Abney was an obvious fit.

“I had been talking with Jennifer Abney about some opportunities for her and feel that we could tap into a resource there to support us at the Board of Education,” Martin said. “The Board of Education entered into a contract with a firm that

offered Resolution 2023-38, authorizing the designation of certain property as rightof-way linking Camp Coleman Road and Commerce Lane.

Two public hearings were held concerning the annexation of properties in the city. The first property to be discussed was 6287 Service Road. “This is land that was acquired by the city,” Councilor Ben Short said. “We’re look-

looked at their organizational chart and one of the recommendations that they had was that there were some gaps administratively at the Board of Education, specifically in the areas of testing – we have quite a bit of testing that takes place with all of our students, K-12 – and then also in the area of special education, serving students with IEPs and 504s.

“Everyone I’ve talked to thinks very highly of Jennifer. She has built great relationships with our schools, and so with a new principal coming into the high school, I thought she may be able to leverage her contacts here in Trussville, her relationships in Trussville, and really serve as a support for Mr. King.”

Along with this move, current HTHS Assistant Principal Jared Meads is going to be named Interim Principal at the middle school.

“We need to fulfill the appropriate posting requirements, but he will step in as an interim into the middle school,” Martin said. “He interviewed with me for the high school principal job. He was there last year in a high school AP capacity, so I’ll want to sit down and have a conversation with him about

ing to bring it into the city; it does come with a positive recommendation from P&Z.”

No one spoke for or against the annexation during the hearing, so the council unanimously approved Ordinance 2023-13, annexing 6287 Service Road.

The second public hearing was for the recommended annexation of 7000 and 7054 Happy Hollow Road, but again, no one spoke for or against the annexation, and

what that looks like now as a potential middle school candidate. But you know, he’s spent a lot of his career at that middle school, so I think he will be a very, very strong candidate; very hard to beat for that position.”

Martin said that Meads was the other candidate who made it to the top two finalists for the high school principal position.

“I feel like I’ve had great leadership above me,” Meads said. “I have had a lot of great mentors in this district with Dr. Berry and Mrs. Abney and Mrs. Young. Being able to work under those three has been really good for me.”

Meads was born and raised in Trussville and graduated from HTHS in 2007. He taught at Moody before coming to HTMS for eight years, four as a teacher and four as an administrator. Last year, he served as assistant principal at the high school.

As for going back to HTMS, Meads said, “It’s going home for me; I’ve spent many years there. … I know the kind of team that HTMS has from counselor, admin, faculty and staff. It’s a special place so it’s definitely exciting to be going back there in that role.”

the council unanimously approved Ordinance 2023-14.

“This one also, same deal as the other, comes with a positive recommendation from P&Z,” Short said.

There were no public comments, and the council chose to save council reports and comments until the next regularly scheduled meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Trussville City Council will be Tuesday, June 11, 2023, at the City Hall Annex.

SPECIAL GRAND OPENING EVENT

We’re celebrating the official grand opening of the SiteOne Landscape Supply in Irondale. Our newest full-line* branch also features hardscapes (manufactured and natural stone), a complete line of irrigation/drainage products and outdoor lighting. With in-branch experts who understand local markets better than anyone.

Aaron and Kristen King with daughters Elizabeth, Rachel and Rebecca.

The resident, Brenda Scoggins, said that she had been treasurer of the Leeds Youth Baseball and Softball until she stepped down due to a transaction that was reportedly done by the previous board president. She said that a year ago, she was elected fairly to the position but that it “didn’t go the way that certain people” wanted before her stepping down. She did not name anyone specifically.

The transaction refers to a time when the board held a tournament to raise money for a family in need. The issue apparently arose after they discovered that they were supposed to advertise the tournament as a charity, as required.

“And for that reason, I’ve been the scapegoat when I didn’t do the transaction,” she said. “I have a petition here that’s been going around on Facebook with 146 signatures of people that are backing me up.” She added, “I’ve been told nothing face to face – well, I have been told face to face by a city employee – but I never got to speak for myself.”

During the following discussion, Councilman Eric Turner said that the board supports and respects her but that the city had no input on the decision to have her step down. Rather, this was by the

board of the Leeds Youth Athletic Association. Turner later said that elections will be restructured and shifted to being done online after voting was traditionally done in person at the park, citing that there were questions about how the ballots were handled.

After further discussion, Mayor David Miller said that the matter will be looked into by the city. Rita Dickerson afterwards spoke at length on the same subject to urge that Scoggins be reinstated before the meeting was adjourned.

During the regular meeting, before the public comments, it was announced by Fire Chief Chuck Parsons that the department received a grant from FEMA of $309,660 to replace their air packs, these being breathing equipment for firefighters in situations involving smoke.

Parsons said that this is the largest grant that the department has gotten for some time. The old air packs will be surplus before the new replacements come.

“This is an outstanding grant,” Parsons said. “We’re all excited about this grant.”

Additionally, the department was cleared by the council to receive a new vehicle free of charge thanks to the Federal CARES Act, which administers funding to provide emergency equipment through a beneficiary. In this case, the city agreed to be the

beneficiary to receive the car valued at $359,675.65.

The final item on the agenda was an ordinance to extend the moratorium for new R-5 and R-6 zoning applications. The subject of the R-5 or garden home district code has been a topic of discussion in several past meetings in which the Planning and Zoning Commission has proposed modifying it to make homes more aesthetically pleasing.

The proposed modification was rejected at a meeting on April 18. The commission is currently working to revise their proposal, which is why the extension of the moratorium was requested, Miller said. The extension was approved for six months.

In other business, the council:

• Tabled a resolution at the request of Turner accepting the Fiscal Year 2022 City Audit for further study, Approved the construction of a utility and storage area at Fire Station #2, and • Canceled the regularly scheduled meeting of July 3.

Meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of every month at City Hall on 1400 9th Street Northeast. Agenda packets can be seen online at the City of Leeds website.

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

The proceeds for this years beneficiary, Parkinson Association of Alabama, were generated at the EWCF’s annual golf tournament held at Highland Park on May 4 which saw a record number of golfers attend and the golf tournament’s first hole-inone.

Janis Braue, President of the EWCF, and Rena Lyle, EWCF tournament organizer met with Bibby Bailey, Executive Director and CEO of Parkinson Association of Alabama along with Brian

Corbett, Board President, to accept the check.

Parkinson Association of Alabama will use the funds

Brook, where she had a ministry called ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out).

to further the cause of over 19,000 people in Alabama who have Parkinsons and their families.

claimed the lives of three others, including Jeanna’s husband, Daryl Timothy “Tim” Speegle, who was the CFO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, according to WKRG.

“The biggest thing I can say about her is that she loved her church, she loved her ministry, and she just loved people,” longtime friend and fellow church member Wyatt Wilson said of Jeanna. “There was an electric energy that she had in the room with people. She just had a love for people.”

Jeanna was a member and on staff at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Mountain

“She literally would drive a busload of these men and take them out to eat,” said Wilson, who is the manager of Ferus in Trussville. “She would come to me – years ago I was at Café on Main and then I was at The Choppin Block in Springville – and she would call me and say she was bringing 18-24 men for lunch. That ministry, they loved her. For someone to be over that type of program, it takes a special person, and those men loved her.”

Jeanna’s husband Tim was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, along with two others, mother and daughter Christie and Margaret Lowe, both of Pelham. After the accident, Jeanna was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, where she succumbed to her injuries on Thursday.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church will be holding a memorial service for Tim and Jeanna on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 11 a.m.

David Arthur Colburn, 60, of Elberta, was arrested

on June 19, 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 Express where the pickup struck the Speegle’s GMC Yukon, according to WKRG. The driver of the pickup truck and two children in the pickup truck were also injured. According to jail records, Colburn is being held on bonds totaling $160,000.

Jeanna Speegle (Photo courtesy of Wyatt Wilson)

From left: Brian Corbett, Bibby Bailey, Rena Lyle, and Janice Braue (Photo by the EWCF)

terbean Festival by donating $10,000 to the Clay-Pinson Chamber of Commerce. This comes sometime after the Alabama Department of Tourism granted $6,500 for the event to be held on Oct. 6 and 7.

“Obviously, as y’all know, it takes some funds for the chamber to be able to do the Butterbean,” said Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Robbie Roberts. “And so this is the amount that I think we’ve been doing for quite a while. They’ve been doing a nice job at making it work.”

Roberts added that organizer Ronnie Dixon will attend a future meeting to talk more about the upcoming festival.

Councilwoman Clinteshia

ACTA

From front page

Hewitt-Trussville High School theater director Paula Brown is the assistant director and choreographer for “School of Rock,” and the lead actor coincidentally is one of her former students, Matt McGough, playing the character Dewey Finn.

“I am very excited about Matt,” Cain said. “He did have experience in the Hewitt High School drama program under the direction of Paula Brown. This is only his second show in community theater, and he walked in, he looked the part, he sounded the part. He not only is incredibly talented with guitar and singing, but he has the spirit of Jack Black. He has a tremendous rapport with the children – he’s very childlike, himself – he’s funny, he’s energetic, so he was perfect for the part, and honestly, there was no one else I can imagine playing it other than Matt McGough. He’s the personification of the character Dewey Finn.”

Another unique aspect of this performance is that there

Pinson City Council on June 15, 2023

Irvin announced that the next Movies in the Park event normally held at Bicentennial Park will be done at the Rock School Center on June 24, at 7 p.m., and will be showing “Remember the Titans.”

Additionally, Director of Operations Eric Winfrey reported the ongoing progress with the Rock School Center, saying that he has been speaking with IT companies about implementing computer and internet services, as well as installing a security camera system in the future.

are several parent-child actor combinations in the cast, Cain said.

“The great thing about this play is that it has adults and children in it,” she said. “We have one dad who’s never been in a play, but his daughter has been in several plays, so now she has brought him into the theater, whereas Matt (McGough) has brought his children into the theater.”

“School of Rock” will open at ACTA Theatre on Thursday, July 13, and there will be a total of eight performances over the course of two weeks.

Evening performances will be on July 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22, at 7 p.m., with two matinee performances on Sundays July 16 and 23, at 2:30 p.m.

Don’t hesitate to buy your tickets, though, as this is one summer musical that is sure to be a sellout.

“We chose this play because we wanted something that would appeal to young people and get young families in the theater,” Cain said. “I think it was a really good choice. With Ben Cook being

He also said that a long-awaited solar lighting installation project for the football field parking lot at the Pinson Sports Complex was nearing completion.

In other business, the council:

• Approved a supplemental pay of $40,000 to Pinson Valley High School principal Michael Turner, and Appointed Rosie Martin to the Pinson Public Library Board until March 31, 2027.

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

Pinson City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of every month at City Hall on 4410 Main Street. Live-streamed meetings can be seen on the city’s Facebook page.

the minister of music at the Methodist church and Kevin Grigsby being the pianist at the Baptist church, it’s bringing the whole community together. It’s wonderful that these people can serve in their church, they can serve in their community, they can come together and provide entertainment, and we can teach kids about theater. ACTA does it all.”

As a reminder, tickets for “School of Rock” go on sale Thursday, June 29, at www.actatheater.com. Prices are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and $12 for students.

“The best way to buy tickets is to get season tickets, and you can only really do that till this show opens,” Cain said, adding that season ticket holders get to attend five shows per year and choose their seats before tickets go on sale to the public. “If they want to buy season tickets for all five of our shows, it’s cheaper.”

As of opening night for “School of Rock,” season ticket sales will close for the year and the opportunity will not return until spring 2024.

2023 Trussville Beautification Award winners

Judges, left to right: Nina Miranda, Richard Healy and David Doggett (Photos by Trussville Beautification Awards)

After a more contentious zoning hearing in April, Mayor Betty Bradley said the second meeting went much better.

“It went great,” Bradley said. “Everyone is starting to understand that everyone’s land is going to remain the same until the property is sold, then it will have to conform to ever how it’s zoned.”

The city created its first Planning and Zoning committee and a Board of Adjustments earlier this year. A proposed map is posted online at argoalive.com but no zoning ordinance from Planning and Zoning has been approved by a vote of the Council.

The Council covered much of the agenda during the work session and moved quickly through the regular meeting, which began immediately following the work session. Three of the main items on the agenda involved personnel for the city.

The hiring of Tommie Eb-

SPOC

From front page

facturing facilities on Friday, June 23.

The 80,000 square foot expansion allows for 150,000 square feet of manufacturing space in Trussville..

SPOC’s headquarters is in Trussville alongside their manufacturing facility. SPOC is comprised of technology companies with expertise in power conversion electronics. SPOC operates in multiple industries including oil and gas, onsite power, and critical power. With a portfolio of nine buildings, SPOC invests in more than $20 million in real estate, equipment and other resources.

“We are incredibly proud of the ongoing growth at SPOC, and it is a true testament to our team’s dedication,

ner as the new city clerk was unanimously approved by the Council. Former clerk Tiffany Westbrook turned in her resignation effective Friday, June 2. Additionally, Greg Stewart was unanimously approved as the city’s new maintenance worker. Both Ebner and Stewart have already begun working for the city. The Council also approved a temporary $2 per hour pay increase for Court Clerk Casie Bethune. The increase will be in effect for three months while Bethune assists training new clerks for the city. Bethune also represents the city with a position on the Planning and Zoning board.

The Council approved moving three police vehicles to surplus to be sold. The cars, which are no longer in use by the city, include two 2015 Dodge Chargers and one 2008 Ford Crown Victoria. In other business, the Council approved: an insurance policy contract for cyber insurance in the amount of $10,000 an invoice from Goodwin Mills Cawood for $16,250 for work to date on the Hwy 11 turn lane

The Council voted to close City Hall on Monday, July 3, to give city employees an extra day for the Independence Day holiday.

The next meeting of the Argo council is scheduled for July 10, with a work session at 5 p.m. An agenda for each meeting is posted in local businesses including Hill Top Farms, Argo Hardware, Liberty Automotive, Shell, Southland BBQ, Fox’s Pizza and Buckeye Grocery. Agendas are also posted on the city’s Facebook page.

The ARC is a nonprofit that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, she said.

“We have community-based services and community engagement to enhance the lives of those individual participants,” she explained. “All of the resources and opportunities that we do for them are made possible through fundraising.”

She said that ARC wants to put on the Witch’s Ride on October 28, around the Halloween holiday as another fundraising event.

“It’s a very fun event that is a community-based event, which is what we are trying to start to do,” she said. “Not just fundraisers that are little things, we really want to involve the community. We want the ARC to be known.”

proved unanimously.

Additionally, the council later approved entering into a contract with Shred-It to have a community-wide event on Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event is sponsored by the City of Moody, St. Clair County District Attorney’s Office and Metro Bank. The event was approved for $900, with $300 being paid by the city.

In other business, the council:

• Approved a request from Police Chief Reece Smith to replace the engine of car #346 for $7,947, Approved Smith’s request to Officer Jason Townes to attend L.E.A.D.S training in Lagrange, Ga., on July

10-14 for $600,

Approved a request from Fire Chief Larry Horton to purchase two tires for the Fire Marshal’s vehicle, for $525,

• Approved Horton’s request to purchase three Binder Lift-patient lift assist devices for $2,425, Approved Horton’s request to purchase a Narcotics Control Vault and one-year software for $2, 750,

hard work, and unwavering commitment and unwavering commitment to excellence.,” said Robert Mason, Founder and CEO of SPOC. “The opportunity to expand our manufacturing facilities allows us to create more technology to help reduce fuel burn, reduce emissions, and successfully integrate alternative energy sources for our customers.”

With the expansion, SPOC is looking to increase its workforce. From a team of 67 employees in 2020, the company has expanded to 180 employees this year and is projected to reach 300 employees by the end of 2023, adding around 120 jobs.

For more information about SPOC, visit https://spocautomation.com/

Participants in the event will have to be over the age of 16 to ride for safety reasons, she said, and waivers will be available. They also want to also have a Town Spooktacular Bash after the ride.

She said that she hopes to have the route begin at 4:30 p.m. at the civic center and end at the Moody Park on the playground side.

The proposal was ap-

• Approved Smith’s request to replace the engine in car #350 for $8,000, Approved a request from Public Works Director Steve Mitchell to repair a department vehicle for $1,600,

• Approved Mitchell’s request to repair a department tractor for $1,364.93, Approved a request from Library Director Sara Roberts to purchase projector, screen and speaker to allow for outdoor movie events for a cost not to exceed $600,

• Approved the annual fireworks show on July 8, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., for $12,500, Approved a request from Parks and Recreation Director Mike Staggs for additional funds for the fireworks show (Entertainment, sale items, porta restrooms, etc.) for $2,500,

• Approved a request from Councilwoman Linda Crowe to purchase plants for City Hall for $1,121.24,

• Agreed to add July 3 to the approved Holiday List for 2022-2023,

• Gave $3,000 to the Moody Chamber of Commerce for Oktoberfest expenses, and Approved the board of directors for the recently established museum. Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@ gmail.com.

Photo by Nathan Prewett

Photo by SPOC

By Joe Hobby

I’m not a handyman. I truly wish I was, but it’s just not in my DNA. I can’t make a straight cut on a 2×4 to save my dog’s life. If you give me a hammer and a handful of nails, all you’re probably gonna get are bent nails. And I’m probably gonna get a smashed thumb. Then everyone within a three-block radius is probably gonna get to hear a combination of words they’ve never heard before.

That’s about the only thing I can do as well as a construction worker.

What’s so frustrating is that I have friends who are handy. They can do things like build decks, install windows, repair faucets, replace light fixtures and such. I’m so jealous. I’m doing good if I put in a new furnace filter with the arrow pointing in the right direction.

My best friend Richard wired his house – his whole house! It passed inspection with flying colors. I have trouble putting batteries in a channel changer.

I got this ineptness from my father. He couldn’t tell a flat head screwdriver from a xylophone. Furthermore, he had no interest in learning. About the only way he would use a screwdriver is if it had a golf grip on the end of it.

At least I have a desire to learn. When Richard is doing some type of project, I’m usually his assistant. That means I watch what he was doing, hold a flashlight, and fetch tools. A grown-up gopher.

It seems that the home repair gods rarely smile on me. I think they even like pulling practical jokes. For example, once when one of my boy’s

L ifesty L e My Life As A Hobby: HGTV is BS

baseball jerseys was behind our washer and dryer, I made a hook with a coat hanger to retrieve it. I reached back, hooked the shirt, and began pulling it within reach.

Things were going great until the wire grazed a tiny gap in the 220 outlet. I was slammed against the wall and thought I saw Jesus.

With my lack of carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills, I’m surprised my wife allows me to work on our little lake house. But she does. I think I know why. It’s old. It’s rustic. So, any mistake I make somehow adds to the cabin’s quirky ambiance.

Every now and then I’ll get lucky and do a decent job. When I built a small deck that led to our front steps, my wife looked at it, nodded appreciatively, and said, “Wow! It’s so good it doesn’t look like you did it.”

That’s a self-esteem builder. It ranks right up there with “you don’t sweat much for a fat woman.”

These home improvement shows don’t help either. HGTV is BS IMO. They make it look so easy. Just speed up the camera, play some peppy music, and in 30 minutes you have a new addition to your house. And it’s so much fun! The husband and wife building teams are always laughing, hugging, and high fiving. They’re so happy to be building something together.

Not in my world. In my world, when you pair a sarcastic, micro managing wife with an impatient, no-skill husband, that’s like pairing nitro with glycerin. It’s volatile, and there’s probably gonna be an explosion.

Let me elaborate. Not too

long ago I was attempting to replace a light switch at the lake house. Obviously, I didn’t learn my lesson with the dryer. Richard told me it would be easy-peasy; just undo a few screws, bend a couple of wires, redo a few screws, and voila! Just like that you have a brand-new wall switch.

I suppose my first mistake was attempting this repair. The second one was having my wife Carol come along,

although in the back of my mind I thought she might be useful because she could call the paramedics if I was shocked into unconsciousness.

So, I began to work. And from the get go I could see that easy-peasy was not for measy. I could not get the wire to wrap around the screws properly, and when I finally did, I couldn’t get the screws in. I tried over and over with no success. Then I began to

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF TRUSSVILLE TRUSSVILLE, ALABAMA COMMERCE

LANE EXTENSION

General Notice

lose patience. I could feel the Hulk welling up inside me. As if on cue, Carol begins peppering me with questions designed not so much to help, but to drive me out of my ever-loving mind.

“Do you have the right kind of screwdriver?”

“Are you turning it the right way?”

“Is the power cut off?”

“Where’s the TV remote?”

“Do we have any frozen French fries?”

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

The nitro was mixing with the glycerin. I kept pushing harder and harder with the screwdriver and listening to more and more inflammatory questions. Finally, the balloon burst. I lost it. In one violent motion, I spiked that light switch on the floor like an NFL running back who scored a touchdown. Then I stomped that sucker flat. Plastic and metal bits went everywhere.

Carol looked at me in disbelief.

I yelled, “Why is it you don’t do anything but ask me stupid questions? You don’t help! Make yourself useful –go to my car and get me another light switch!”

She walked out the front door.

While she was gone, my anger deflated. I began to feel bad. Questions aside, there was no need for me to act like that.

Carol walked back in with another switch.

I snatched it from her hand and growled, “You know what?”

“What?”

I smiled and said, “You will never, ever see that on HGTV!”

We both laughed. Then I called Richard and he told me exactly what I was doing wrong. I put the switch in, without incident, good as new.

It was easy-peasy.

Joe Hobby is a comedian from Alabama who wrote for Jay Leno for many years, and has a fear of electricity.

Find more of Joe’s stories on his blog: https://mylifeasahobby.blogspot.com/?m=1. Also, follow him on Facebook at: Joe Hobby Comedian- Writer

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

The Project includes the following Work:

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

Bids are requested for the following Contract: Commerce Lane Extension

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

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

Prospective Bidders may obtain or examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing O ce on Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00AM

CST and 4:30PM CST, and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing O ce as described below. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing O ce. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing O ce.

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

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

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

Pre-bid Conference

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

Instructions to Bidders.

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

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

This Advertisement is issued by:

Owner: City of Trussville

Date: June 14, 2023

Joe Hobby, Tribune Columnist

t R ee t a L k Trees that support the pollinators

By Jenna Jones Trussville Tree Commission

June is National Pollinator Month and the beginning of summer! National Pollinator Week, recognized June 19 – June 23 this year, was unanimously approved in 2007 after the United States Senate recognized the urgency to protect our nation’s pollinators: bees, birds, butterflies, bats and flies to name a few. The urgency? Due to a variety of stresses, close to 40% of invertebrate pollinators are in danger of extinction. A decline in the pollinators is a decline in our nation’s food sources. We can thank a pollinator for every third bite of a meal.

Of course, the pollinators cannot exist without the plants that provide a means for pollination, food and shelter. The summer annuals and perennials are alive with colorful blooms. One can easily witness the bees, butterflies, etc. that these flowers attract.

However, let’s give the trees their due credit. Their blooms start attracting the pollinators from late winter to early spring (depending on the zone). Due to their showy blooms, fruit trees such as apples, pears and plums may be the first to come to mind. But ask the bee keepers what triggers the first honey flow and most will agree on the blooms of the native red maples!

Another bee magnet is the sassafras tree, but it is also a host tree to many butterflies and moths including the spicebush swallowtail butterfly. A host tree is shelter where female insects lay eggs, then larvae hatch and feed. In fall, many songbirds relish the sassafras berries. It’s just a beautiful tree for all seasons!

Other significant natives that attract pollinators are chokecherry, serviceberry, Eastern redbud, tulip poplar, crabapple, sourwood, and the infamous black tupelo.

So what can we do to encourage the pollinators?

Plant trees. Late fall and winter are the prime seasons to plant trees, but start your research now. Remember

“right tree, right location”. Also, consult with a dependable garden center or grower and express your interest in a specific tree. Orders may be time sensitive.

Support your local beekeeper. They are probably harvesting in June/July. Don’t let the price of local honey make you pause. Honey is worth its weight in

gold! Believe me. Thank the beekeeper! (Bees need trees. Trees need bees.)

Explore pollinator books with your children at local bookstores and libraries. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens Public Library is also a wonderful resource.

Incorporate native herbaceous plants and trees in your existing landscape or start your own pollinator garden. Use a wide variety of plants to support cyclic blooming from spring to fall.

Practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for an environmentally sensitive and common sense approach to pest management.

And finally, visit your local pollinator gardens. Take a peek behind the Trussville Public Library. Thanks to the library staff (kudos to Maura Davies!), volunteers and donations, the Butterfly/ Pollinator Garden is thriving! Note the trees: ‘forest pansy’ red bud, black willow and sassafras!

Sassafras spring bloom

Sassafras in the summer

Sassafras, a tree for all seasons! (Sassafras in the fall)

s

Olive’s gafftop creation crowned at Alabama Seafood Cook-Off

By David Rainer Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Imagine heading down to the shore at Orange Beach and scooping up enough sand fleas (mole crabs) for a fishing excursion to the Perdido Pass jetties, where all you catch are gafftopsail (gafftop) catfish.

Then imagine taking those gafftops, considered a nuisance fish by most anglers, and heading to Zeke’s Landing to create the winning dish at the 8th annual Alabama Seafood Cook-Off.

That’s basically what Brody Olive, executive chef at Perdido Beach Resort, did last week to claim the top prize at the Alabama Gulf Seafood-sponsored event, where four of the top chefs in Alabama were given an hour to create delectable dishes out of fresh Gulf seafood.

Olive and sous chef Luis Silvestre created “Fishing on the Rocks, the Jetties at Perdido Pass” with gafftop catfish smoked over scrub oak coal with flash-fried mole crabs, Gulf shrimp horseradish cream, pickled purslane and smoked paprika coral tuile.

“I’m kind of surprised,” said Olive, who also won the Cook-Off in 2017. “We just went outside the box and had a little fun with it, pushing the envelope a little bit. We decided whatever happens happens, and it came together.

“To all of the fishermen out there, it’s all about fishing and not necessarily catching. We served gafftop catfish, and there’s some stigma about

the fish. Some people throw it back. We took the catfish, cut the ribs out of them and smoked them over some scrub oak. We pickled a little purslane (leafy plant that some people consider a weed) that’s common on the Gulf Coast. Our fish were pretty small, so we cooked up our bait too. We made a shrimp horseradish sauce that we pureed into a nice little foam. Then we had mole crabs, pompano candy, which is like a little softshell crab and added a little crunchy texture to the dish. We added a little smoked black garlic sea salt and some chili flakes.”

Olive, who won $2,500 from the Alabama event, advances to the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans later this summer.

Cook-Off judges were Jim Smith, founder and executive chef of The Hummingbird Way in Mobile and chairman of the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission; Chris Nelson, president of Bon Secour Fisheries; Susan Benton, a food writer and founder of gulfcoastrestaurants.com; and Jeffrey Compton, 2022 ASCO Champion and partner/executive chef of Armour House in Birmingham.

The dishes were judged in five categories:

1. Presentation, General Impression and Serving Methods

2. Creativity and Practicality

3. Composition and Harmony of Ingredients

4. Correct Preparation and Craftsmanship

5. Flavor, Taste and Texture

Each category was worth up to 20 points for a total of 100 points.

Sam Adams of (small batch) restaurant in Birmingham took the runner-up prize with her dish of “Mediterranean Summer Meets Birmingham.” It featured seared Gulf red snapper over Gulf crab salad with boiled peanut hummus, cornmeal fried squash, fried capers, saffron beurre l’orange and herb salad.

“The snapper, I just wanted to keep simple to honor how good and fresh our red snapper is,” said Adams, who was assisted by sous chef Brian Dyer. “So, I just did salt and pepper and seared it in a cast iron pan until the skin got

crispy. Then I flipped it and finished it with some butter.

“The hummus was made from peanuts from Alabama Peanut Company, and the summer relish was made from local produce,” Adams

said. “The sauce was a beurre blanc with an orange wine. We had an herb salad with feta cheese for a little Mediterranean flavor.”

Although they didn’t come out on top, the other

two dishes were delicious (I did my duty and grabbed a taste).

Laurence Agnew, the executive chef of Jesse’s Restaurant in Magnolia Springs and Fort Morgan, also ventured a little out of the box with his “Summer in the Spring” with dry-aged Gulf swordfish, magnolia-glazed Bayou Cora “nixtamalized” hominy, local summer vegetables with blue crab-stuffed heirloom tomatoes and bourride butter.

“At Jesse’s, we started dry-aging fish, specifically from the Gulf,” said Agnew, who was assisted by sous chef Brooke Ghioto. “We have a great spear fisherman who brings us whole fish every few days. Through trial and error and educating ourselves, we find the swordfish, among many other fish, does well when dry-aged. Swordfish was always a good fish to me, but it never really stood out.

“We dry-age it with the bone and the natural marrow. This one was dry-aged for 10 days, and then we grilled it over binchotan charcoal

See OUTDOORS, Page 16

Davidson Trucking, Inc (Fultondale) is seeking class B CDL drivers for a small triaxle dump truck business. Must have 2 years’ experience and be at least 25 years of age. Current medical card and current motor vehicle record to apply. Forty plus hour work week with some weekend work.

For an Appointment: 205-849-0398

Olive and Silvestre advance to the Great American Seafood Cook-Off later this summer in New Orleans. (Billy Pope)

Paul DeMarco: Alabama Legislature should tackle election reform in upcoming reapportionment special session

By Paul DeMarco

So it appears that lawmakers will be called back to the Alabama statehouse on July 17th to draw new U.S. Congressional districts as required by a recent ruling of the Untied States Supreme Court. The court ruled that Alabama should establish two districts where a minority could be elected to represent the state in Congress, as of now there is one.

The first priority for Alabama State Representatives and Senators in July will be to pass a new map. However when legislators are back in Montgomery to debate and approve the new districts,

there will also be time to take up another important election issue as well.

This past session a bill sponsored by Representative Jamie Kiel that would have banned ballot harvesting died on the last day legislators met this past Spring. The new law would have made it illegal to pay or be paid for the collection of absentee ballots delivered to polling places.

The legislation had passed the Alabama House of Representatives overwhelmingly and a Senate Committee, thus, it was in a position to win approval from the full Senate but never made it to the calendar. There is no question that if it were up for a vote,

the supermajority of Republican Senators would have sent the bill to the Governor to sign. Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen supported the legislation and cited the multiple convictions for fraud related to absentee ballots over the past decade as one of the impetus for the need of this new law.

With Democrats in a position to possibly pick up a second Congressional seat in Alabama in 2024, there will be hundreds of thousands of dollars spent in the state’s general election. Republicans hold a slim majority in the United States House of Representatives, thus the eyes of the Nation will be

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

watching this general election in Alabama. Thus, you can count on major money being sent by national political action committees to the state for get out the vote efforts as we saw in the 2020 elections.

Governor Kay Ivey and lawmakers should agree that the integrity of Alabama elections are essential and cleaning up the absentee ballot process must be a priority.

Hopefully, we will see this legislation considered along

with the new Congressional maps to be drawn in the upcoming special session.

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

Commercial Rental Properties Trussville Area

205.601.5116

DockeryHoldingsLLC@gmail.com

The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce, representing the fastest growing area in Jefferson County, is now accepting applications for the position of Executive Director

c a L enda R

Early Reader’s Book Club with Ms. Riana:

Pete the Cat & the Perfect Pizza Party

Wed Jun 28th

1:00pm - 2:30pm

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

Join Ms. Alicia for a summer-themed storytime in the library auditorium with stories, songs, bubble time, and lots of fun! No registration is needed.

Yarn ManglersKnit & crochet group

Thursday, June 29: 2:00pm - 4:00pm Trussville - Cahaba Room

Anime & Unwind

Fri Jun 30th

6:00pm - 7:30pm

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

HEALTH/BEAUTY

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(All ages, intended for Kindergarten-2nd graders)

Wednesday, June 28th at 1 PM

Join us for another Early Readers Book Club with Ms. Riana! This book club is geared towards kindergarten- 2nd graders. At the meeting, each child will get a copy of the same book & will read along as Ms. Riana reads the whole or part of the story aloud. Then the group will discuss, answer reading comprehension questions, & the kids will have a chance to read aloud. Everyone will get a chance to participate in fun, educational activities like book-themed crafts/ games. They even get to take their book home with them afterward! There will also be snacks!

Registration is required due to the limited number of available books; please register each child individually: https://forms.gle/ TbSj4owNBmN5BPLA7

This month’s book is going to be “Pete the Cat & the Perfect Pizza Party” by Kimberly & James Dean

Life-Size Battleship

Thu Jun 29th 4:00pm - 6:00pm Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL 35126

Knit & crochet meetup group (aka The Yarn Manglers). Bring any projects you are working on; join us for fellowship and creativity. This is a great way to check in, catch up, see what everyone is working on, and get help if you are stuck. Please join us - newcomers are welcome! Join our Facebook group:

YARN MANGLERS ANONYMOUS

Sewing for Charity

Thursday, June 29: 6:00pm - 7:45pm Trussville - Parkway Room

(Adults)

Friday, June 30th at 6 PM

It’s our anime club for adults! Come to the library for Anime & Unwind on Friday, June 30th at 6 PM. Enjoy Asian snacks & hang out with fellow anime enthusiasts.

Take-Home Tuesdays (Weird Wednesday Edition):

DIY Tabletop Football Wed Jul 5th 9:00am - 6:00pm Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL 35126

FOR SALE

TWO BURIAL PLOTS at Jefferson Memorial Gardens. Located in the shady and serene center of the cemetery in the Garden of Everlasting Life away from busy traffic noise. Plot 54C, spaces 3 and 4. $4,300 each, seller is responsible for transfer fee. Call 251404-9321.

DirecTV Satellite TV Service

Starting at $59.99/month! Free

Installation! 160+ channels available. Call Now to Get the Most Sports & Entertainment on TV! 844-594-7108

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

Sew items to donate to various charities.

If you are interested in sewing items for charity (pillow covers, blankets, bibs, bags, etc.), stop by to work on some projects! Fabric and patterns will be provided; you may bring a sewing machine or do some hand sewing. Beginners are welcome!

If you are unable to attend, but are interested in future participation, please contact the Adult Department at tr.adult@jclc.org. We are hoping to make this a regular program.

Storytime for Growin’

Beans with Ms. Allison: Big Feelings

Fri Jun 30th 10:00am - 11:00am

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

866-475-1014 (M-F 8am-6pm ET).

(All ages)

Wednesday, July 5th at 9 AM It’s Take-Home Tuesday, Weird Wednesday Edition! Drop by the library beginning Wednesday, July 5th at 9 AM to pick up an all-ages kit with a craft & fun surprise! This week’s theme is sports. Supplies are limited, so kits are available on a firstcome, first-serve basis.

Coffee & Crafts: Coffee Resin Keychains Wed Jul 5th 10:00am - 11:00am

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

(Teens)

Thursday, June 29th at 4 PM

You may have played the classic board game Battleship before, but have you played a life-size version?

Come join us for a night of fun where will turn our event room into a Battleship board and the teens will pose as the ships! Teens only (6-12th grade). Snacks will be provided.

Summer Storytime

Thursday, June 29: 9:30am - 10:00am Trussville - LBK Auditorium

(All ages)

Join us for Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison on Friday, June 30th at 10 AM. Our theme is “big feelings”. We’ll read books, have fun, do a craft, & have a snack.

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

(Adults)

July 5th at 10AM

Coffee & Crafts is our monthly craft event for adults! Join us on Wednesday, July 5th at 10 AM to enjoy coffee & create a coffee resin keychain. All supplies will be provided.

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o bitua R y

Randall Piersol

february 18, 1973 — june 15, 2023

Mr. George Randall "Randy" Piersol age 50 of Birmingham, Al. passed away on June 15, 2023. Randy was a highly skilled carpenter by trade but was known for his great sense of humor and his infectous laugh. Randy had a giving spirit and a compassionate heart and will truly be missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his mother Janet Pierson. Survivors include his son John Randall Piersol, his father George Piersol, his sisters Brandy (Brian) Carpenter and Erica (Brittnee) Hooper, and his brothers Shonn Piersol and Nicholas Head. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville, Al.

Martha Sue Blackerby

november 26, 1934 — june 20, 2023

Surrounded by her loving family, Martha Sue Blackerby, 89, of Pell City, AL went to be with the Lord on Tuesday June 20th, 2023. She was a devoted Mother, Wife, Grandmother, Great- Grandmother, Sister and Aunt. Sue was the Owner of "Bridal's By Sue", She loved helping Brides plan their special Day and was excellent at it. Sue has been a devoted Christian most of her life and most recently attended Faith Community Fellowship in Pell City. Some of Sue's favorite things to do were spending time with family, watching football and any sport for that matter, sitting on the front porch taking in the beautiful lake views and taking care of everyone around her. She led an exemplary life and for sure heard "Well done my good and faithful Servant" when she entered Heaven. She was proceeded in death by her parents Wyatt and Dulcie Roberts and her sister Mertie Roberts. She was survived by her Husband David Blackerby, her children Carol Blackerby and Derek Blackerby (Jessica). Her Grandson Dale Herren (Hannah), Grandchildren Macie and Micah Blackerby, Great Grandson John Herren and Sister Ruth Roberts. Graveside Service will be held Friday the 23rd @2:00 PM at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville.

Hobert Thurman Stansell

may 22, 1940 — june 21, 2023

Hobert “Thurman” Stansell, age 83, of Birmingham, Al. went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 after a long illness with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Born May 22, 1940 to Reverend Hobert and Clemmie Stansell, Thurman was raised in Sand Rock and Hokes Bluff, Al., and graduated in 1959 from Hokes Bluff High School. He married his sweetheart Linda Frachiseur on June 27, 1959, and they soon moved to Birmingham, where he worked for more than 30 years in the steel container industry. The last decade or so of his career, he worked for AkzoNobel Paint Products in the lab.

Thurman was committed to his Christian faith and to service through church ministry, first at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and then at Springdale Baptist Church, both in Tarrant. He loved his family, especially his wife Linda. Together they loved Crimson Tide Football, Braves Baseball and playing as much golf as they could. He also was never happier than when he could be outside doing yard work. His sometimes gruff exterior belied a soft-hearted man who loved children and was always willing to help someone in need. You always knew where you stood with him, and he loved deeply. That love was most often shown through acts of service. Thurman was a picker and loved to tease. You knew that he cared for you if he picked at you. At times it was hard to tell if he was being serious until his laugh would give it away.

Thurman was preceded in death by his parents, Hobert and Clemmie Stansell and his older sister Beth, whom he called “Boots.” He is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Linda; his two sons, Garland (Anne) and Wayne (Michelle); five grandchildren, Emily Moore (Trent), Oliver Stansell (Megan), Dillon Stansell (Haley), Dalton Stansell and Danica Stansell; and two great grandchildren, Grayson Stansell and Raelynn Stansell. He is also survived by six siblings; Brenda, Haskell, Alvin, Beverly, Terry and Neal, as well as in-laws and a host of nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the staff on two east at Elite Nursing and Rehabilitation (Mt Royal Towers) who provided care for him these past 10 months.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 1:00 pm with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to:

UAB Alzheimer’s Disease Research Fund. UAB Gift Records, AB1230

1720 2nd Avenue South. Birmingham, AL, 35294

AskEddie

Veterans & PTSD

It is important to remember the struggle so many returning veterans face when they return from serving our country.

PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a psychological condition that affects those that have experienced a severe trauma in their lives. Trauma is not rare and 60% percent of men and 50% of women experience a trauma in their lives. For returning veterans 11-20% of veterans returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom returned with PTSD and 15% of veterans returning from the Vietnam War returned home with PTSD. PTSD has a variety of symptoms and behaviors attached to it such as insomnia, nightmares or night terrors, difficulty “leaving war behind”, panic during surprise situations (even non-aggressive ones) and fear or panic at the sound of loud noises. PTSD can also manifest as anger, anxiety and sometimes hides underneath addiction to alcohol and other substances.

PTSD is something that affects so many of our veterans and it is our responsibility to take care of those who have served our great nation. Visit www.ptsd.va.gov for more resources.

205-322-0543

1591 Gadsden Hwy Birmingham,

Johnnie Cordes

august 10, 1933 — june 22, 2023

Mrs. Johnnie Grace Cordes age 89 of Birmingham, Alabama went home to be with the Lord on June 22, 2023. Johnnie was a devout Christian and longtime member of First Baptist Church of Trussville where she dedicated much of her time caring for the babies in the nursery. In later years, she volunteered weekly in the church kitchen. Johnnie was a graduate of Hewitt Trussville High School where she excelled in many sports including softball, basketball and volleyball. She also played the bass drum in the marching band. Later she remained active by working in the lunchroom at the high school for many years. Johnnie was a very sweet, kind, humble and compassionate lady. She loved red roses, watching birds and squirrels, and spent many hours filling out word search puzzles, and loved playing Bingo. Sports were also a favorite pastime of Johnnie's as she enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves and Alabama and Auburn football. Johnnie was a talented artist and created many beautiful pencil sketches in her free time. She made the best fudge and enjoyed doing nice things for others. She was a selfless caregiver to many and was a dedicated wife, mother, and friend. Preceded in death is her husband Bobby B. Cordes, Sr; her parents Reuben O. Robison, Sr and Ruth O. Robison; and brother Reuben O. Robison, Jr. She leaves behind her sons; Bob (Renee) Cordes, David Lee (Paula) Cordes, and Danny (Paula) Cordes; grandchildren; Amber (Gregg) Palmier, Johnathan Cordes, Jaron Cordes, Jeremy Cordes, Christopher Cordes, and Amanda (Jon) Stewart; great grandchildren Matthew Palmier, Jessica Fitzgerald, Kayla Palmier, Dylan Palmier, Natalie Stewart, Anna Stewart, and Brandon Stewart, and two great great grandchildren Marilyn Palmier and Alice Palmier. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Ruth Robison, several nieces and nephews, extended family and a host of friends.

Service will be officiated by Rev. Bobby Erwin and musical selection by Bob Smith. Services will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 10:00 am. Family will accept friends and family for a visitation from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. A burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery.

Peter Frederick

february 18, 1946 — june 19, 2023

Peter Jack Frederick from Clay, Alabama passed away Monday, June 19, 2023, at the age of 77.

Pete was married to his wife, Sherri Frederick, for 34 years, and they built a home and a life together, making a place at their table for each of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as neighbors and friends. He was a man who gave more than he took in life, and those who knew him will never forget his loyalty and commitment.

Born February 18, 1946 in Hackleburg, Alabama, Pete is predeceased by his parents, William D and Ruthie Frederick, and by six of his siblings, Lois Scott, Corrine Childers, Franklin Frederick, Rosa Yates, Francis Frederick and Mary Lou Frederick.

Pete was a graduate of Hackleburg High School, class of 1964. He was owner of Chalkville Small Engine in Clay, Alabama for 37 years, retiring in 2018. Pete was an avid hunter and he loved raising Tennessee Mountain cur dogs. He was a master mechanic who loved to tinker with engines, even after retirement. His quiet life was dedicated to his family, and he was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. Pete is survived by his wife, Sherri Frederick, his brother Charles Frederick, and children, Wayne Frederick of Hackleburg, AL, Jimmy Frederick (Amy) of Moody, AL, Eric Frederick (Candy) of Trussville, AL, Sabrina Morden (Kyle) of Ashville, AL and John Sanderson (Pamela) of Odenville, AL. He will be missed by his seven grandchildren, who called him “Paw Paw Pete”: Ember Britton (Jason), Chase Frederick (Lindsey), Taylor Woodall, Caitlin Frederick, Ariel Tanner (Seth), Peter Cole Farley, Kennadi Sanderson and Vivian Jones, and by his five great-grandchildren. Visitation will take place on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and the funeral will be Saturday, June 24 at 12:00, both at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, AL.

William Creed Sanders

november 19, 2022 — june 20, 2023

William Creed Sanders, born November 19, 2022, went to be with the Lord on June 20, 2023. He was a precious angel who will be missed by so many, including his parents, Trey Sanders and Brittany Tucker-Sanders, his brothers, Charlie and Barrett, his grandparents, Chuck and Jane Sanders, Marie Tucker and Ken and Crystal Tucker. He was loved my many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

There will be a chapel service on Tuesday, June 27th, 2023 at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, AL at 2:00 PM with a visitation from 1:00-2:00. Burial will be at St. Clair Memorial Gardens in Pell City, AL. Semper Fidelis.

Mary Stewart

may 11, 1929 — june 21, 2023

Mrs. Mary Carol Wooten Stewart (nee Copeland) passed away on Wednesday, June 21st. The family will receive friends at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 26th, at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, AL. The funeral will be at 12:00 PM at Jefferson Memorial, followed by a brief graveside service. She is survived by her sister, Diane Copeland, seven children: Patti Merritt (Gary), Keith Wooten (Myra), Craig Wooten (Karen), Mark Wooten (Wendy), Myra Wooten (Keith), Jan Anderson (Larry), Matt Stewart (Andrea), fifteen grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Gene Wooten and Bill Stewart, her son, Michael Stewart (Jill), her parents, Patrick and Savannah Copeland, and four siblings, Barbara Ann Copeland, Patsy Copeland, Betty Copeland Miller, and Bill Copeland.

Mary Carol grew up in the Central Park section of Birmingham, AL, and attended Ensley High School. She met and married her first husband, Gene Wooten, and later moved to Tampa, FL, where Patti was born. They then moved back to Birmingham, where Keith, Craig, and Mark were born. Mary Carol and Gene attended Huffman United Methodist Church for many years. Gene passed away in 1984. Mary Carol later married Bill Stewart in 1991, father of Michael, Myra, Jan, and Matt. Bill passed away in 2013.

Mary Carol was fully devoted to her family and their happiness, and was very proud of all her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was a faithful caregiver to both Gene and Bill during times of illness. She had a wanderlust, and traveled the world for many years, visiting places like Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and many more. She was well-known in the Birmingham Friendship Force for being a fun and patient travel companion. She was a great cook, a bargain hunter (and finder), and a stylish dresser. She liked watching sports and pulling for the underdogs. But mostly, she was devoted to her family and did everything she

could to help them be successful.

Eddie Seal, General Manager

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® , one family at a time.

By John Goolsby For the Tribune

Crawford

“I’m

will play in all three phases of the game and bring a spark to what we do here at Shades Valley.”

Nelson is excited about what the 6’0, 170 lbs play-maker brings to the team. “He has good size, speed and runs the ball well after the catch,” Nelson said. “In the secondary he will make an impact at corner and he’ll be a return guy, too.”

“I was so disappointed when I broke my wrist last year,” Crawford said. “I had doubts that I would be able to do the things I could before the injury.”

Fortunately for Crawford, he didn’t have to make the comeback alone. Nelson played a significant role in Crawford’s return.

“Coach Nelson told me that if I kept rehabbing, grinding, and doing what he told me to do, I would be good,” Crawford

said. “He got me where I needed to be.”

Nelson is proud of how Crawford has worked and done the things he asked of him. “He’s done a lot of things on and off the field, like going to voluntary mentoring sessions, to get himself ready to play,” Nelson said.

“I have been working hard on my craft on the field and working hard off the field, too,” Crawford said. “I’m trying to be the best I can be for Coach Nelson this year.”

Crawford says his strength is “being quick off the ball, having the ability to get open and being fast.”

“Vision plays a big part in what I do,” he said. “I am always trying to anticipate what the opponent is doing.”

“Chemistry between quarterbacks and receivers is important,” Crawford said. Crawford is happy with how the passing game with senior quarterback Steve Brown has progressed.

“Steve has built good chemistry with me and the rest of the receiving corp.”

The return of Crawford with talented returning junior wide receiver Ji’Quez Daniels, who saw significant playing time last year, will provide Brown with a dynamic duo of playmakers to get the ball to.

Crawford knows he will be busy this fall on Friday nights under the lights, but he isn’t worried about that. “Coach Nelson stresses that we have to adapt,” Crawford said.

Photo credit: Quincy Crawford

Barber Small Bore wraps up successful weekend of the Biggest Little Event in the World

From The Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM – Barber Small Bore, presented by MNNTHBX, brought together 2,600 mini motorcycle enthusiasts from 35 states and three countries at Barber Motorsports Park on June 9-11, 2023. The weekend was dedicated to bringing the mini moto community together and that’s what it did. Attendees spent the weekend racing through various competitions, mingling with the motorcycle industry’s top companies, and showing off their skills.

Classic activities included the Creek Bottom Classic (a multi-class race through the woods of Barber Motorsports

Park), Pit Bikes Races, and daily Parade Laps around the track. Two hundred and twenty motorcycles took to the track for Saturday’s Parade Laps, setting a record for the number of bikes on the track simultaneously. The highly-anticipated Hill Climb (a steep and treacherous uphill climb, speeding and jumping over logs, holes, and dirt walls) finished the weekend’s primary activities.

This year’s event featured two new activities: Straight Rhythm Races and Trail Riding. Sponsored by Pacific Coast Minis, the Straight Rhythm is a speedy, straightline race over 500 feet with high jumps and a $1,000 cash prize. Additionally, eight miles of backwoods trail rid-

ing was opened to riders.

At the center of the event was the Fanzone, where top industry vendors like Honda Powersports, Yoshimura R&D, Icon Motosports, Sportbike Track Time, TB Parts, and SSR hosted activations and sold gear. Local food trucks Eugene’s Hot Chicken, Southern Waffles and Coffee, and Gumbo To Geaux kept the crowds fed. The Fanzone is also the primary “hangout” area where moto enthusiasts from all walks of life connect.

The annual Pig Roast and Mini Bike Show kicked off Saturday night to wrap up the weekend. Local barbecue joint Rusty’s Barbecue brought two whole hogs to feed the party. During the Pig Roast, guests voted for their

favorite custom mini bikes, displayed upon boxes like the museum’s displays, while enjoying live classical guitar.

The pig roast doubled as a charity fundraiser. It raised $13,000 for Motorcycle Therapy, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders battling invisible scars in finding hope and healing through motorcycle therapy.

“Such an amazing event, and the most fun yet,” said Greg Hatcher of MNNTHBX. “The enthusiast support is second to none. Can’t wait to see the continued growth in 2024. The best has yet to come.”

Next year’s weekend of mini moto madness takes place May 31-June 2, 2024.

Straight Rhythm Races

(Credit: Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum)

Pit Bikes Races (Credit: Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum)

40th Anniversary Alabama State Games a huge success

From The Tribune staff reports

MONTGOMERY – The 40th Anniversary Alabama State Games were a rousing success, as a multitude of medals and $20,000 in academic scholarships were awarded to 17 athletes and the participants are already asking about the 2024 Games.

“We were excited about returning to Birmingham, the Over The Mountain cities and Jefferson County to celebrate our 40th Anniversary,” said Ron Creel, founder and CEO of the Alabama State Games.

“We finished the event with 3,800 athletes, which in turn drove a tremendous and positive economic impact the entire area. The State Farm Athlete Leadership Summit and Opening Ceremony were great experiences to kick off our annual Games. The athletes, their parents and fans carried over that excitement and made the sports that much more memorable and thrilling to watch.”

The Alabama State Games – a fixture in the state’s sports spectrum since 1982 as Alabama’s largest multi-sporting event – returned to Birmingham and other areas of Jefferson County for the first time in 15 years and brought 21 sports.

Using sports as a vehicle to promote academic excellence, a healthy lifestyle and good citizenship, the Alabama State Games has awarded 17 scholarships for $20,000 during the State Farm Athlete Leadership Summit and Opening Ceremony, bringing the grand total to $355,610 awarded to athletes of all ages to aid in their future academic pursuits, be them at a two-year, four-year or trade school.

The State Farm Athlete

Leadership Summit, hosted by John Langcust and featuring speakers former NFL standouts Ben Tamburello (Philadelphia Eagles), Maurice Oliver (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Troy Wolkow (Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots), kicked off the weekend and was followed by what some longtime Alabama State Games participants have called the “greatest Opening Ceremony in 40 years.”

The success of Opening Ceremony is in large part

due to the mind of Troy University’s Robert W. Smith, the John M. Long School of Music and the Sound of the South. He and his team conceptualized – with the help of the music group POPulus – an event that married pomp and circumstance with a rock concert. Parents, participants and a mixture of local, county and state government officials were all on the feet by the end of the night grooving with the music.

The 40th Anniversary Alabama State Games Opening Ceremony was telecast live

statewide across the Alabama State Games Television Network thanks to stations in Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile and Dothan.

In terms of individual sports, Track & Field and Equestrian were among the highlights of the 40th Anniversary Alabama State Games. Track & Field – dating back to the first Alabama State Games in 1983 – drew 568 athletes and (with coaches and officials) easily topped 700 and generated an electric buzz in and around the UAB

Track Complex. The Howell Lee Equestrian Fun Show, one of our inaugural events in the 40th Anniversary Alabama State Games, drew an unexpected 111 participants to Pelham’s Windwood Equestrian.

“Seeing the way the Alabama State Games have grown from year to year to year speaks volumes about our outstanding employees and volunteers,” Creel said.

“We always recognize the parents of those athletes who understand the importance of the Alabama State Games, the

State Farm Athlete Leadership Summit and the Opening Ceremony and that this is a wholesome, family-friendly experience. Their willingness to support and encourage their children as they go for the gold is what makes our events special. There is no question the future of the Alabama State Games will continue to shine as we enter our 41st year.”

40th Anniversary Alabama State Games Event Results: https://www.alagames. com/results

Photo credit: Griffin Pritchard

Trussville resident completes Mobile Basin Redeye Slam in a single day

By Chase Holmes News Reporter

TRUSSVILLE — A Trussville man has completed the Mobile Basin Redeye Slam in a single day on Saturday, June 24.

Clint Smith found himself on a trip to remember when he set out fishing on Saturday morning. The challenge involves catching a redeye bass from all four of Alabama’s watersheds. That includes the Cahaba, Tallapoosa, Warrior and Coosa. Smith set out for a tributary river of the Coosa at 5:30 a.m. After a morning to

Outdoors

From page 9 (used in Japanese cooking) with a little bit of magnolia wood. The fish has a nice unctuous taste with the natural fat of the swordfish. We served that with dent corn from Bayou Cora, which is right down from us in Magnolia Springs and nixtamalized, which means we cooked it in sodium hydroxide, which is a lye or alkaline mixture, to bring out the niacin in the corn and make it tender so you can make fresh masa with it for tortillas and hominy. We had tomatoes we stuffed with blue crab salad. We made a magnolia glaze with leaves from the magnolia in Magnolia Springs. When it goes with the fish and the charcoal, it kind of gives it a nice floral and umami flavor. We’re going to be using magnolia flowers in a couple of desserts at the restaurant. We’re using everything possible from Magnolia Springs and focusing on what’s available in the summer.”

Nicholas Song of The

forget, Smith had coffee with his mother and father. Smith held a strategy session with his father and then he was ready to get back out there. He eventually got a break and caught his first fish at 10:30 a.m. After making his way to the Warrior River, he secured his next redeye on his second cast.

Then, it was off to Trussville to catch a redeye out of the Cahaba. Smith said he had to change to a smaller fly to reel that one in at around 1 p.m. For the last stretch, Smith was joined by his brother for the Tallapoosa River in the

Wedowee area. After some help from a fellow friendly angler, Smith found the area and it was love at first sight. He said when he saw the spot, he just knew it was the one. Pools and fast running water lured him in, and by the time he was done, he had cast his reel into every single pool he could see. Finally, he cast into that magical final pool and reeled in the final bass at around 4:30 p.m. Smith said the experience made him realize just how many natural wonders Alabama possesses and reinforced the need to protect them.

“I have fished all over. We have some of the most beautiful waterways and the best fish I have ever caught,” he said. “When I left that first spot, I realized there was a lot of new construction and I felt like it was silted in. That is habitat that’s being destroyed with pollution and everything else. We need to protect these waterways.”

Smith is proud of his achievement but said he had some help picking out his equipment. The reels he used to catch all of his bass were bought by his twin sixyear-old’s, Carly and Harrison.

Depot in Auburn prepared an Alabama jumbo blue crab cake with heirloom tomatoes, miso dashi, Meyer lemon quick-pickled cucumber, Alabama royal red shrimp salad, local corn, and chili and cotija aioli.

“Everything in the dish is

supposed to complement each other with sweet, savory saltiness and fattiness,” said Song, who was assisted by Morgan McWaters. “The crab is very buttery, very sweet, very rich. The shrimp is unctuous with a nice firm texture. We garnish it with micro greens and cilan-

tro, so you get that really nice fresh taste. The miso dashi is made with kelp, which gives it a very umami flavor and a natural sea salt brininess. The seafood flavor is really going to come out of that broth.

“I’m kind of new to Alabama, so the goal is to use all this great seafood, all that’s local, all that’s fresh. I came from Hawaii, so the seafood is different in Alabama. Eating the freshest seafood from

the Alabama Gulf is very inspiring. My executive chef, Scott Simpson, is teaching me about Alabama seafood, and he was the winner at the Alabama Seafood Cook-Off two years ago.”

Quincy Crawford, Shades Valley High School football

Chef Brody Olive and sous chef Luis Silvestre put the finishing touches on the winning dish at the Alabama Seafood Cook-Off in Orange Beach. (Billy Pope)

Chef Sam Adams, right, and sous chef Brian Dyer took the runner-up prize with their red snapper dish. (Billy Pope)

Pictures of Smith's challenge winning bass (Photo by Clint Smith)