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By Hannah Curran Editor
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Council approved a one-time bonus for city retirees and surviving beneficiaries and discussed some updates with the AlaSee TRUSSVILLE, Page 5
Irondale Council hears concerns on shortterm rental, proclamation for St. Stephen’s shooting victim By Nathan Prewett For The Tribune
IRONDALE – A proclamation honoring Walter “Bart” Rainey, one of the victims of the St. Stephen’s Episcopal See IRONDALE, Page 3
Trussville Public Library announces Bookin’ It 5K Race/Walk From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — Friends of the Trussville Library and the Trussville Public Library have announced their inaugural “Bookin’ It 5K Race/Walk” coming up this Fall on Saturday, October 15, at 8 a.m. See 5K, Page 5
Former Alabama running back announced as speaker for Irondale’s July luncheon From The Tribune staff reports
IRONDALE — The Greater Irondale Chamber of Commerce has announced the details for its July 14 luncheon. See LUNCHEON, Page 2
Inside the Tribune
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My Life as a Hobby
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Football Intrigue
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2022
Trussville native Rackstraw releases first single By Bobby Mathews Sports Editor
NASHVILLE — It’s easy to say that Trussville native Brinkley Rackstraw is making a dream come true with the release of her first single, “Homesick,” this Friday, June 24 — but it’s probably more accurate to say that this is just the next step in a long journey for the 20-year-old singer. Rackstraw, a junior at Belmont University, began her journey into country music as a small child, listening to traditional artists like Barbara Mandrell and Loretta Lynn. As she got older and her tastes began to change, she sang along to Shania Twain and a young Taylor Swift. “I grew up listening to all of these talented singers and songwriters,” Rackstraw said. “I was really impacted by the female side of country music.” Rackstraw is no stranger to the stage, as she grew up helping lead worship at Church of the Highlands and now leads worship at a local church in Nashville. Her vocal range — the ability to
Trussville native Brinkley Rackstraw released her first single, “Homesick,” today, June 24, 2022. (Courtesy photo)
sing either alto or soprano — allows her to use her voice to its best advantage. Her close relationship with her family was foremost in her mind as a freshman in college during the pandemic. Away from home for the first time and feeling isolated from her peers during the Covid-19 pandemic, she began to embrace her emotions and put them down on paper. The result was the song “Homesick.” “The pandemic made that year really hard,” Rackstraw said. “I couldn’t get involved on campus and my classes were online. My friends
& family were in Alabama. Missing home was really hard for me and then one day I was reflecting on how many times I’d called my mom in one day … the entire premise of the song is about missing home and accepting that feeling.” “Homesick” will be available on streaming services everywhere. It’s the first song Rackstraw has written and produced. She was joined in the journey to its release by veteran producers Evie Lewis — who is also Rackstraw’s vocal coach — and David Keith with Gintown Studios. Keith laid down the instrumental
tracks to the song, backed by session musicians in Nashville. Rackstraw is thankful for the support and love from the Trussville community. “I really had a lot of super impactful people in Trussville,” Rackstraw said. “All of my teachers at Hewitt and Paine were great. I was impacted by every single one, and of course my parents have been great. They’re my main support system.” Rackstraw began playing guitar when she was a small child, and knew from an early age that she wanted to be involved in the music industry in some fashion. She’s currently working on more singles to release, and said that eventually she may release an EP of her songs. But that’s in the future. “For me, right now I’m just putting out singles,” Rackstraw said. “This is the first song I’ve recorded and produced so right now my main focus is this song.” Follow Rackstraw on social media at brinkleyrackstrawmusic on either Facebook or Instagram.
Springville family continues search for answers for 4-year-old’s rare disease By Hannah Curran Editor
SPRINGVILLE — A Springville family is moving back into action and attending a conference in Maryland on August 4-7, 2022, to learn more about a rare disease that their 4-year-old daughter was diagnosed with in 2019. Adelynn Cole was diagnosed with Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome (OCNDS), a rare genetic disorder first identified in 2016. OCNDS is caused by a mutation in the CSNK2A1 gene. The gene CSNK2A1 creates a protein called CK2, which plays a crucial role in development. Therefore, a mutation in this gene disrupts typical development. Adelynn is the only reported case of OCNDS in Alabama, and there are fewer than 200 reported cases worldwide. “We’re excited to meet other families like ours for the first time face-to-face and
(Left to Right) David Cole, Kelsey Cole, and Adelynn Cole. (Photo by Hannah Curran)
learn more about the condition of the Okur-Chung,” Adelynn’s mother, Kelsey Cole, said. “It will also give Adelynn the opportunity to play with some kids that are like her. Dr. Chung is coming in from Columbia University, so we will actually get to meet one of the doctors.” Kelsey said she hopes this conference will give them more insight into the disease
because of its rarity, not much is known. “The doctors in Alabama only know what they find on the internet or what we tell them,” Kelsey said. “So, I think actually going to the conference will give us more knowledge.” Kelsey said that when they heard about the conference, they reached out and asked how they could attend.
By Crystal McGough For The Tribune
ARGO – William “Bill” McPherson Jr. addressed the Argo City Council Monday night, June 27, concerning dangerous speeders on Blackjack Road. McPherson’s family has lived on Blackjack See ARGO, Page 6
Leeds celebrates official launch of Main Street Program By Hannah Curran Editor
LEEDS — Leeds celebrated its official launch of the Main Street Program Tuesday, June 21, in Downtown Leeds. “Today we are celebrating our Main Street designation which means we have the support of Main Street Alabama See MAIN STREET, Page 5
BOE honors retirees, approves pay raise for Neil By Bobby Mathews Sports Editor
TRUSSVILLE — For Bonnie Clevenger, retiring from her route as a bus driver for Trussville City Schools brought tears. Clevenger, who has been a bus driver for 25 years — the last 15 in Trussville — said that she loved her work.
MOODY – During the work session on Monday, June 27, the Moody City Council discussed potentially establishing a museum and possible buildings to use.
See ADELYNN, Page 4
See MOODY, Page 6
www.robinshoppe.com 5886 Trussville Crossings Blvd 205.655.3388 Fabric Machines Classes Demos
Argo Council hears concerns over speeding on Blackjack Road
They were informed about a scholarship they could apply for to help pay for expenses during the trip. “We applied and prayed about it and because if it’s meant for us to go, the funds will become available, and while we were waiting for an answer, we started fundraising for our own travel expenses,” Kelsey said. David Cole, Adelynn’s father, explained they got the confirmation yesterday and that the foundation is paying for the family’s trip to Maryland. In addition, the Cole family participates in many fundraisers year-round for treatment options for Adelynn, and what they do not use goes back to the CSNK2A1 Foundation. “One fundraiser we did we donated all the money back to the foundation for research purposes,” Kelsey said. “Hopefully one day, we’ll have a cure or some kind of medicine that helps.”
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Trussville City Council approved one-time bonus, discuss Alabama Fallen Warriors Monument
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See BOE, Page 3
Moody Council discusses possibly establishing museum in city By Nathan Prewett For the Tribune
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