of June 20, mostly in the area near Magnolia Elementary School.
New hybrid workspace coming to Irondale
From Tribune staff reports IRONDALE, Ala.
City
be welcoming its newest business to town as part of a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday morning–MicroFlex, LLC.
MicroFlex is set to construct its newest flexible workspace campus in Irondale, which will offer customizable multi-function
Trussville City Council proclaims June ‘Stroke Awareness Month’
By Chris Basinger, Staff Writer
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – The Trussville City Council voted to proclaim June as Stroke Awareness Month during its meeting on Tuesday. The proclamation, read by Council Member Perry
East Lake homicide victim identified
From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
– The Birmingham Police Department has released the identity of a man who was killed Monday night in a shooting in East Lake.
The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Kameron Connell of Birmingham, according to police.
Just after 8 p.m. on Monday, officers were dis-
Tuberville honors Trussville man as ‘Veteran of the Month’
From Tribune staff reports
WASHINGTON – Sen. Tommy Tuberville honored U.S. Army Lt. Col. Wayne Davenport of Trussville as the July “Veteran of the Month” in a video released Tuesday.
Tuberville recognizes a different Alabama veteran each month for their service and contribution to their community.
“When we think of coaches, we often think of athletic coaches. But our students also need dedicated academic coaches, like U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Wayne Davenport of Trussville, Alabama,” Tuberville said.
“Because of his gift for building successful teams, Wayne was chosen to help redesign the special forces group following 9/11. His blueprint is still used to this day.”
For the last 15 years, Davenport has served as the JROTC Instructor at Gadsden High School.
“His supervisor describes him as a ‘Godsend.’ This is evidenced by both his success and the success
of his students. Recently, Gadsden High’s JROTC team became the first program in Alabama to place as one of the most elite 32 Academic Bowl teams out of more than 2,000 teams in the world,” Tuberville said. He also serves as the coach of the school’s Scholars Bowl JROTC Academic Team, which recently won both the Army and Joint Services Competitions in
Washington, D.C.
“He spends many early mornings and late nights preparing for these competitions without complaint. Additionally, Wayne is helping build a culture of academic excellence that begins long before students reach high school age. Now, he is training elementary teachers on how to begin preparing students at an early age so that Alabama’s
students can compete at all levels with other states,” Tuberville said.
The video that Tuberville released honoring Davenport can be viewed on Sen. Tuberville’s Facebook page.
Constituents can nominate an Alabama veteran and submit their information to Tuberville’s office for consideration by emailing press_office@tuberville.senate.gov.
New educational signs installed along Cahaba River Tree Trail
By Chris Basinger, Staff Writer
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
Amateur arborists now have a new way of satisfying their curiosity while strolling along the Cahaba River Tree Trail.
rentals open in downtown Trussville
From Tribune staff reports TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –Main Street Flats, a new short term rental space has opened in downtown Trussville. The project was developed by Matthew Gregory and rental reservations are available through Airbnb. The development is in the Trussville
The Friends of Pinchgut Creek unveiled a new series of 22 educational signs installed along the 3/4 mile trail that aim to provide hikers with a way to learn more about the trees around them. The group of volunteers developed the signs in part-
nership with the Cahaba River Society, Alabama Scenic River Trail, City of Trussville, Premier Fence of Birmingham, and others.
“It’s amazing how many people we see using this area,” said Jean Cox while standing alongside a tower-
ing Pignut Hickory.
“This is a perfect example of a healthy riparian forest and we really wanted to make this trail to help people understand how important our forests are for the
See TREE TRAIL, Page 3
Sen. Tuberville honors U.S. Army Lt. Col. Wayne Davenport as Veteran of the Month.
Attendees celebrate the unveiling of the new signs. Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune
The Trussville Tribune
190 Main Street
Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664
Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com
Chris Basinger, Staff Reporter chris.basinger@trussvilletribune.com
Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor news@trussvilletribune.com
Jana Matthews, Finance Manager
Brookelyn Rush, Office Manager
Leigh Hays, Director of Sales & Marketing
Top row, from left: Willie Morris and Yenibeth Rivero-Azvaje. Bottom row: Cathy Wheeler and Fernandranika Woods.
L oca L / R egion
Tree Trail
From front page health of our rivers.”
Each sign features pictures of a neighboring tree as well as a QR code that directs to a web page created by volunteers that has a detailed description of the tree as well as some interesting facts.
Some of the signs are directly mounted on the trees while others are on stands nearby.
This work is just the start of the Friends of Pinchgut Creek’s hopes for the area.
Cox said they eventually want the greenway to extend past Civitan Park and the Gateway Entertainment District and connect to Pinchgut Creek.
“This is just a tremendous resource for our community and for our area and we’re just very happy to have this continued development of the trail system and the parks system in Trussville,” said State Rep.
Danny Garrett, who assisted in the project’s develop ment.
“This is a gem so we’re excited about this.”
Stroke
Cook, recognizes strokes as the leading cause of longterm disability and states that one in six people will have a stroke in their lifetime.
National Stroke Awareness Month aims to increase public awareness about the warning signs of strokes–which include sudden numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, sudden loss of sight, dizziness, loss of coordination, and severe headaches–as well as the impact strokes have on survivors, families, and caregivers.
Miss Trussville’s Teen Mattie Wisener also spoke to the council about the importance of stroke awareness.
“At 38 years old, my mom, who is here today, had a stroke and because my grandmother knew the signs and symptoms of a
event with Dolores Hydock, who will tell the true tales of five women of guts and gusto who were part of the Western Expansion–a wagon train pioneer, a homesteader, a mail order bride, a professional gambler, and an actress of the 1850s. Their stories will be explored through diary excerpts, newspaper clippings, historical accounts of their lives, and photographs of the women and artifacts of the time.
stroke she actually saved my mom’s life,” Wisener said.
“My goal is just for everybody to start saving one life at a time.”
In other council business:
The council appointed Brian Jackson to the Planning & Zoning Commission, succeeding Ryan Dawkins, with a term ending June 11, 2030.
• The council appointed Wayne Taylor to Design Review as the representative of Planning & Zoning.
• The council unanimously approved a resolution appointing poll workers for the city referendum occurring on August 27. The council unanimously approved a resolution declaring municipal court chairs as surplus.
hind a variety of topics from history, art, and literature.
Her work has been featured at conferences, festivals, and special events throughout the United States, including the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee.
She has served as the teller-in-residence at Jonesborough’s International Storytelling Center, and her 12 CDs of original stories have all received awards from Storytelling World magazine for excellence in storytelling.
Hydock is an actress and storyteller whose presentations highlight the story be-
Combined, the stories of these intrepid pioneers provide a look at some of the tough, resourceful, ambitious, and determined women whose spirit and sense of adventure helped put the shine in the golden American West. Starch in their Petticoats: True Stories of Strong Women Who Settled the West is being made possible by the library along with Alabama Humanities Alliance and its Road Scholars program.
She has collaborated with the Birmingham Museum of Art to blend stories with art, and her Christmas story special airs annually on NPR affiliate WBHM in Birmingham. The free library event will start at 6:30 p.m.
&
Picturesque vistas • Minutes to Interstate 59, Highway 11, downtown Trussville and Springville, and the Trussville Historic District
• Zoned to the prestigious Trussville City Schools and serviced by Trussville Fire/Rescue & Police Department, Alabama Power, Trussville Gas & Water, and offers underground utilities • Lots starting at $150,000, financing is available, and we provide you the ability to build your dream home independently or in collaboration with a team of your choice
The council proclaims June as Stroke Awareness Month. Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune
The trail is located across from the Trussville Covered Pickleball Facility parking lot at 4630 Riverbend Road.
Jean Cox explains the features of the new signs. Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune
One of the new signs installed along the trail. Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune
Dolores Hydock
Birmingham Police make 6 arrests in push against street racing
From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–
The Birmingham Police Department announced on Wednesday that it has made six arrests over the last month as part of Operation Knight Rider, according to BPD Sgt. Laquitta Wade.
Operation Knight Rider was launched by the depart-
ment earlier this year in response to a recent uptick in street racing activity. In addition to the arrests, the department impounded four cars, one of which was stolen, and seized seven firearms.
RaJai Atmore, 19, was charged with exhibition driving and second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana.
Quentavious Barclay, 29 was charged with first-degree receiving stolen property, fleeing/attempting to elude, and second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana.
Davon Dortch, 18, was charged with second-degree receiving stolen property.
Jaqua Lacey, 28, was charged with exhibition driving.
Cameron Scales, 18, was charged with first-degree receiving stolen property, felony attempting to elude, and second-degree criminal mischief.
Messiah Woodruf, 20, was charged with exhibition driving.
Covenant Cares yard sale raising money to support church member’s surgery
From Tribune staff reports
PINSON, Ala. – Cove-
nant Church International is inviting community members to participate in a fundraiser yard sale next week that aims to assist one of its
a.m. to 9 p.m.
members with medical costs for an upcoming organ transplant.
People can either purchase a table for $25 to sell their own items or donate items such as gently used furniture, housewares, clothes,
or electronics to the sale.
The drop off times for donated items are Sunday, July 7 from 1-3 p.m. and Friday, July 12 from 5-8 p.m.
The Covenant Cares yard sale is set for Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 7-2 p.m. rain
or shine at Covenant Church International at 5407 Old Springville Road, Pinson.
To purchase a table to sell items, schedule a separate drop off time, or ask a question, call Stephanie Clark at (205) 317-4903.
A host of Leeds area business owners, city representatives, chamber board members, and community members came out for the opening celebration, which featured Suga Mama’s Bakery Cookies, a visit from Belle of “Beauty and the Beast,” goody bags for first customers, and coupon giveaways.
“Welcome to Leeds Main Street and we are certainly happy to have you,” Mayor David Miller said.
“You know, the main focus of this administration for the past 12 years is that education is the key and books are, of course, the cornerstone of education. We are really happy to see this downtown. We’ve needed something like this downtown for a long time so again, welcome and I think you’ll do great!”
be down here to finally be open. It’s been a lot of work and I’m really proud of how it turned out!”
The loft style apartments consist of six units, two with one bedroom and four with two bedrooms. According to the Airbnb listing, rental rates range from $171 per night to $242 per night with a two night minimum. In addition to the rental charge, guests will pay a $90 cleaning fee and Airbnb fees. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held last Thursday.
•
Andi Argo thanked those in attendance and said, “We’re so excited to
For more information about the new store, visit The Burrow Bookstore’s Facebook page.
• Always lock the doors and roll up the windows. Park in well-lit areas at home or away. If you are out, try to find a place with high visibility and pedestrian traffic. distance of multiple retail stores, restaurants and bars.
and firearms are the most common items that offenders are looking for.
Main Street Flats in downtown Trussville. Photos via Airbnb
Short-term rentals open in downtown Trussville
Leeds Mayor David Miller cuts the ribbon, opening the bookstore for business. Courtesy of Dona Bonnett.
Irondale
From front page
units for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals seeking a personal hobby space.
The 44,000-square-foot property will contain up to 38 units that can be used as offices, storage spaces, showrooms, gyms, or even fulfillment hubs for e-commerce businesses.
“Irondale has been experiencing a boom in new businesses choosing to put down roots in our city, with more than a half dozen ribbon cuttings hosted over the past few months,” Irondale
Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. said.
“We are particularly excited to welcome MicroFlex because they will serve as a major catalyst to draw new businesses and entrepreneurs to our community.”
MicroFlex is a new venture led by Andy Sink and John Thomas, the founders of Birmingham-based OWN Alabama.
“What the market wants and needs has changed,” said Sink, a Birmingham real estate industry veteran.
“Business is so much more fluid than it used to be. We’re finding all types of businesses are looking for flexible arrangements and space they can affordably and quickly adapt to their individual needs.”
East Lake
patched to a call of a person shot at an apartment complex in the 7700 Block of 1st Avenue South.
MicroFlex spaces are typically 1,000-2,000 square feet with high ceilings, grade level roll up doors, restrooms, and parking.
The Irondale campus will be the company’s first ground-up project.
MicroFlex is also developing spaces in Auburn/ Opelika, Birmingham, and Huntsville.
MicroFlex Irondale is scheduled to open in fall 2024 with leasing beginning soon.
According to MicroFlex’s website, units are starting at $1,330 per month.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel arrived and transported Connell to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
working to determine if the dice game led to Connell being shot.
The groundbreaking ceremony is set for Tuesday, July 2 at 9 a.m. at 3274 Crestwood Boulevard.
games against American talent.
Presented by Trussville Parks & Recreation and Icon Trussville, this will be the fourth time the Belgians will visit Trussville and their first time back in Alabama since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These guys don’t miss a beat and they don’t make a lot of mistakes, so it’s gonna be a great night of games,” said Trussville Parks & Recreation Athletic Director Zach Manning.
Over the six games the Belgium YSE teams have played in Trussville a local team has only won once, but this year Manning believes he has found two “pretty quality teams.”
The Belgians–dubbed YSE Atlanta and YSE Alabama as part of their tour through the South–will take on the North Florida Prep basketball team out of Jacksonville and a team assembled by former Hewitt-Trussville basketball coach Marcus Thomas of high school and D1/D2 college players.
“I think that this year is probably gonna be our best chance to actually finally get a win in one of these games because these Belgians, I’m telling you, they are extremely fundamentally sound, they’re very well coached, very skilled players, and the play very well together,” Manning said.
The games will be played on Tuesday, July 9 at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Hewitt-Trussville High School’s Bryant Bank Arena at 6450 Husky Parkway. Admission is free and both games will be live streamed through the Husky Fast Network.
From front page 16
Officers arrived on the scene and observed the victim lying unresponsive in the parking lot of the complex.
According to BPD Officer Truman Fitzgerald, the preliminary investigation suggests officers located the victim in a parking lot where a dice had taken place. Detectives are now
Police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact the BPD Homicide Unit at (205) 2541764 or Crime Stoppers (205) 254-7777.
Crime Stoppers pays tipsters cash rewards of up to $5,000 for their tips.
GET YOUR grill
A concept of the new campus. Courtesy of MicroFlex.
The groundbreaking for the new campus. Courtesy of the City of Irondale.
A possible interior of one of the units. Courtesy of MicroFlex.
Sean of the South: It’s Gonna Be Okay
By Sean Dietrich, Sean of the South Commentary
Remember when you were little? Remember how whenever you were sick your mother made chicken soup? Remember what culinary pageantry this was?
Your mother would go to great lengths to boil poultry in a giant stockpot, filling the kitchen with steam so that the wallpaper started to peel. And she did this for you.
And even though you were as sick as a cup of warmed over manure, remember how wonderful that felt?
Remember how whenever you were scared, your beautiful mother would cradle you and tell you everything was going to be okay?
Remember how you would always ask her, “But how do you know it’s all gonna be okay, Mama?”
Then, remember how she would answer by pinching your little nose and singing “He’s Got the Whole
World in His Hands” until your tears evaporated?
Of course you remember all this. And so do I.
We never forget the people who made us feel protected.
We were helpless kids with perpetually runny noses and unclean underwear, living
in a dangerous world. But within Mama’s embrace we were safe.
“He’s got you and me brother, in his hands…” she would sing, rocking you gently.
How about your teenage years? Remember those?
Remember how you thought you were a tough little cuss? Nothing could harm you because you were Billy the Butt Kicker.
But inevitably something unpleasant would happen to you because that’s how life works. Someone would break your heart. Some hapless kid would call you stupid, ugly, or, God forbid, chubby. Your tough-guy façade would shatter, and you ran crying to Mama.
Because deep down you just needed to be held. You needed Mama to wrap her two wondrously soft, nonhealth-club arms around you and tell you that it was all going to be okay. Maybe even hum a song into your ear while swaying back and forth.
But then you got older. Suddenly you weren’t a baby anymore. You can’t remember how this happened, but it did. Which comes as no surprise inasmuch as aging is part of life. All humans age except Cher. Take a gander at your reflection. Your pants are a little snug. Your hairline is receding so that it now
begins at the nape of your neck. Your upper arms look a little more like Mama’s every day.
The crummy part is, at your current age, Mama is not around to hold you when things go haywire. Nobody bursts into your bedroom when you’re sobbing and enfolds you in a wonderful embrace.
You’re a grown-up now. You’re supposed to deal with it. Suck it up, SOLO cup. Quit whining. You want chicken soup? Tough spit. We adults are expected to carry on. And that’s exactly what you’ve been doing. You carry on. Day after day. And it’s draining.
After a while, you start to accept the fact that you’re on your own now. No one is going to sing happy little Sunday school songs to you to ease your troubled mind. Protective hugs are a thing of the past.
Soon, your sense of security begins to erode. Eventually you, the self-sufficient adult, start to believe that not only is everything NOT going to be okay, but
life is falling apart. This is the reason I am writing to you. You don’t know me. I am a nobody from nowhere with no credentials to his hick name. I am some guy on the Internet who has no expertise. I painstakingly maintained a 1.7 GPA in college, and I still type with my index fingers. Still, you’ve read this far, and there must be a reason why. Maybe it’s because your life sucks right now. Maybe each morning you awake and feel unsure about where life is taking you. Maybe you’re scared silly about it. Maybe sometimes you cry when nobody is looking. Maybe all you want is for someone to hold you, to kiss your hair, to press their nose against yours, and to give you words you can believe in.
Well, here are some words. And the best part is, you don’t have to believe in them for them to be true: You are going to get through this.
I don’t care how bad it appears, or what the experts say, or how bleak the sky looks. You are going to survive, you are going to thrive, you are going to win, you are going to smile again. And someday, you will tell your story. One day in the not-so-distant future, you will tell the doubters and downtrodden souls that their lives are not over. You will tell them that everything is going to be okay. These people will immediately ask how you know such things to be true. And you will smile to yourself. Because in your heart you will recall the warm embraces from a woman in an apron who once sang to you. Then it will hit you. All at once. The lyrics to your mother’s little song were true.
Sean Dietrich (Photo courtesy of seandietrich.com)
L ifesty L e
Lass But Not Least: It’s All in Your Head
By Ken Lass
It is 9:30 pm on a typical weekday evening. I’ve been yawning non-stop for the last hour and I finally decide to stop fighting it and go to bed. I am scheduled to teach a Bible study in the morning and I want to be well-rested and sharp for it.
I set my alarm for 6:30 am. Out of sheer habit, I grab my crossword puzzle book and start working in it. For as long as I can remember, I always work on a crossword in bed before going to sleep. It helps me to get drowsy on nights when I am not tired. This is not one of those nights. I solve a few answers and put the book down. I turn off the light, fluff up the pillow, smooch Sharon with a good night peck, and it’s off to la-la land. The switch in my brain shuts off and I’m out in minutes.
Next thing I know, my eyes pop open. I glance at the clock. It’s 2:17 am. No problem. I’ll just drift off again. But something weird happens. For no particular reason, the switch in my brain flips on again, and I start thinking about…… stuff. Just stuff.
I don’t want to be thinking. But I can’t seem to stop it. I begin mulling over the morning Bible lesson. Have I prepared enough? I hear a bird chirping. What is he trying to communicate to his feathered buddies at this dark hour? The shrill sound of a train whistle rips through the air. Amazing how those trains run through Trussville twenty-four hours a day. Never stop, not even on holidays, unless of course, they stop to block a subdivision en-
trance. Funny, but I hardly notice them during the day, yet in the complete still of the night, you can clearly hear the cars rumbling down the tracks. I glance at the clock. It’s 2:40 am. Go to sleep Ken!
I wonder what the Trussville Chick-Fil-A will look like when the renovations are done? I sure admire the way they have engineered the drive-through process. They somehow manage to
keep it moving no matter how crowded they get. I miss Burger King. Wish it hadn’t burned down. That Whopper was a great burger. Now What-A-Burger is leaving too. Isn’t it amazing how they just plop down these little 7Brew Coffee drive-thru locations out of nowhere? Hey, that’s a great idea for a column. I start writing the sentences in my head. No! Stop! Just stop it! Stop thinking about stuff!
Do I have any doctor appointments this week? Seems like I spend half my life in waiting rooms these days. Gee, it’s been a while since I had my car in for an oil change. I should be about due. Need to check the mileage. Probably get the tires rotated as well. Wonder whatever happened to our friends Jeff and Debbie? Used to see them around church all the time. Could they have moved? I remember that
time we went out to eat at one of those Japanese restaurants where the chef flips the shrimp up at you and you try to catch them in your mouth. One of them landed in my shirt pocket. We laughed so hard. Miss those folks. Must make a mental note to send them a text. Enough! I look at the clock. It is 3:06 am. I squeeze my eyes closed as hard as I can, as though that will knock all these random
thoughts out of my mind. Maybe I could browse Facebook on my phone for a few minutes. Wonder if anybody is posting at this hour? Sure enough, one of my FB friends has written “Anybody else up?” I consider responding but think better of it. The last thing I need is to start a long Facebook conversation in the middle of the night. Put the phone down. Go to sleep. Look at Sharon, just out cold, peaceful as can be. I’m so jealous. Maybe I could stir around just a little bit, just enough to wake her up. Then I’d have someone to talk to. No, that’s a terrible idea. I get up to go to the bathroom. Make a stop in the kitchen. Get a drink of water, return to bed, take a deep breath, and collapse into the mattress. The streams of miscellaneous thought will continue for a bit. The last time I remember peeking at the clock, it is after 4:00 am. Suddenly, the alarm rings! I am stunned at first to realize that, eventually, I must have fallen back to sleep. I shut the alarm off and roll back on to the pillow. Minutes later, I wake up again, having dropped back off. This happens two or three times. Oh sure, now that I have to get up, I can’t stop falling back to sleep. I drag myself out of bed and trudge through the morning routine. I will spend much of the day fighting to stay awake and alert. This experience will repeat itself almost daily, or should I say, nightly. I often wonder why my brain switch won’t cooperate with my sleep cycle. Oh well, I guess I’ll have plenty of time to ponder it. Probably tonight, around 2:00 am.
Ken Lass, Tribune columnist
o bitua R y
Susan Snow
february 1, 1940 — june 24, 2024
Susan Snow passed away on June 24, 2024 at her home after a brief illness. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Snow, her son, Jeffrey DeRieux and her parents, Virginia and James Brown. She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Graves, her grandchildren, Jeanette Seals (Jake), Heather Young (Chad), Nicholas DeRieux (Corrien) Holly Lolley (Drew) and her great-grandchildren, Colin Young, Lydia Seals, Ayden Lolley, Marlo Lolley, Addison DeRieux, Jaxon Seals and Tyler DeRieux and her brother, Paul Brown.
Susan graduated from Woodlawn High School and went on to have a 40 year career at the Social Security Administration. Susan had many passions in life that included reading, taking care of animals and traveling. She and Bob loved traveling together and were able to visit other countries and also enjoyed taking trips in their RV with their friends and grandchildren. She loved being outdoors and these adventures allowed her to enjoy hiking, biking and canoeing.
Susan was active in First Baptist Church of Trussville where she formed close friendships with a wonderful group of women. She truly enjoyed spending her time at church, volunteering and serving others. Susan was most passionate about providing for others and lending her time in any way possible. She was a long- time member of the Birmingham Amateur Radio Club and spent many years volunteering with them. Susan’s greatest love was for her family and her family and friends will certainly miss her. She will always be cherished and hope that her legacy will inspire us all to help one another.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 11:00, A.M. until service time at 12:00 P.M. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Big Oak Ranch or your favorite charity.
Ida Ruth Crutchfield
december 19, 1925 — june 26, 2024
Ida “Ruth” Crutchfield, 98, of Trussville, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. She was born December 19, 1925, in Holly Pond, Alabama.
Ruth was a member of First Baptist Church Trussville and enjoyed crocheting, sewing, cooking and reading. Ruth especially loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them all.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Edward Crutchfield, her parents, William and Esther Ellard; siblings, Fred Ellard (Lois), Clarice Henry (Earl), Conrad Ellard, Dwight Ellard; and sister-in-law Jackie Ellard.
She is survived by brothers, Pat Ellard, Jim Ellard (Evelyn) and sister-inlaw Norma Ellard: her daughters Kay Luster, Karen Hawthorne (Bobby) and Kathy Fleck (Terry); grandchildren, Daniel Luster, Russell Crutchfield (Susan), Trey Hawthorne (Jennifer), Lynn Hawthorne, Steven Fleck (Frank), Kimberly George (Matt) and great grandchildren, Cayden Hawthorne, Devon Hawthorne, Averi Jackson, Adalyn Jackson and Sadie Ruth George; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville, Alabama at 11:00 AM on Monday July 1st. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.
Dan Pilkinton
january 9, 1931 — june 28, 2024
Dan William Pilkinton, age 93, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, June 28.
He is survived by his five children Glynda Wright Grier (Carson); Tommy Wright (Cathy); Steve Wright (Denise); Kelly Wright Lloyd (Rick); and Gail Pilkinton Guge (Brett). He was a beloved Papaw to 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister JoAnn Pilkinton Taylor, his former wife, Mary Martin Pilkinton Ortman, and his second wife of 46 years, Joyce Clower Wright Pilkinton.
Dan was a Birmingham native and a graduate of Phillips High School, lettering in both football and baseball. He had a long military career serving first in the Air Force then the Army and Alabama National Guard, retiring with a rank of CW4 Warrant Officer. He was called back into the service twice during the Berlin Buildup and Korea. He retired from ACIPCO after 36 years and was a member of Huffman Methodist Church for over 60 years. For many years he belonged to the Romeo (Retired Old Men Eating Out) Club at Jack’s in Trussville. For the past two years he was happy to reside at Fair Haven Assisted Living. Proud of his family and known for his faith, positive attitude and kindness to others, he will be deeply missed.
Services will be held Tuesday, July 2 at 10 am at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville, with visitation beginning at 9
Viola Sanders
L. Sanders were united in matrimony on February 25, 1950. Luster and Viola were blessed with the joy of parenthood with one son, Melvin McClung (deceased) and four daughters – Eunice Faye Lang (Logan), Louvenia “Sandra” White (deceased), Vanessa Sanders, and Deidra Yvette Sanders. Viola
was a devoted wife and mother, who instilled in her children the importance of loving and honoring God, and to face every challenge in life with a “can do” attitude.
In 1984, Viola joined Trinity Baptist Church of Birmingham, AL. She could be co nstantly overheard chatting up her neighbors about her wonderful Trinity church family and how she was blessed by the Sunday sermons, singing and the special meals.
Viola loved shopping for her matching shoes, purses, hats, and outfits, so it was not unusual to see a vibrant woman in her eighties at the Riverchase Galleria briskly walking to the next deal with her daughter, Deidra trying to keep up.
During the week, she attended her local Senior Citizens Center, where she formed many lifelong friendships. Her competitive nature showed “No Mercy” when it came to winning many games of bingo, dominoes, checkers, and card games. That same competitive nature was apparent every evening, while watching “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy”. She loved taking day and overnight bus trips with her family and friends. Family time, especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays meant a lot to her. Her hands and heart were wide open, when it came to helping others. She counted it a privilege to be able to meet the needs of others, especially her family.
Viola’s legacy lives on in her three daughters: Eunice Faye Lang (Logan), Vanessa Sanders, and Deidra Yvette Sanders; one granddaughter: Camryn N. Russell (James); five grandsons: Rodney D. Averhart, Derrick D. Averhart, Ronald Scales (Crystal), Patrick R. Scales, Damion L.
(Olivia); two
AskEddie
How to Announce the Death of a Loved One
When a loved one passes away, the responsibility of informing others can be overwhelming. In today’s world, where social media is prevalent, it becomes even more challenging. It’s crucial to handle this task with sensitivity and proper etiquette.
Seeking the guidance of a funeral home director can be immensely helpful. Before announcing any details about the funeral or memorial service, ensure that all arrangements, including the venue and necessary vendors, are confirmed. This helps avoid any last-minute changes and provides clarity for those who wish to attend.
Also, when it comes to social media, prioritize personal conversations with family members and close friends before making any public posts. Sharing this news is never easy, but with thoughtful planning and support, you can manage it with grace and compassion.
Patrick
and Noah Scales; one great-grandson: Damion L.A. White; one great-granddaughter: Brooklyn N. Russell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Eddie Seal, General Manager
Successful inaugural season for UFL and Stallions
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor and UFL press release
The inaugural season of the United Football League was a success. The season was also a success for the Birmingham Stallions.
The Stallions defeated the San Antonio Brahmas in the UFL Championship Game to become three-time defending spring football champions.
Birmingham continued to build on a short but successful history.
The Stallions began play in 1983 and compiled a 38-20 record under Rollie Dotsch before the USFL folded after the 1985 season.
The USFL returned in 2022, and the Stallions won back-to-back championships and compiled a 21-3 record under Skip Holtz.
The Stallions have put together a 7224 record in six seasons, winning three league and conference championships and two division titles.
The UFL’s inaugural season saw fastpaced action on the field, groundbreaking television broadcasts, significant social media interactions, and strong corporate partner support.
The inaugural season exceeded expectations as the league leveraged the history of the USFL and XFL.
For 2025, the focus remains on continued execution and innovation, both on and off the field, to benefit players, fans, viewers, and corporate partners.
“With our first championship in the books, the UFL has clearly made its mark in the spring sports calendar with strong viewership across platforms all season long. The high-level, quality football on the field paired with our innovative production and content distribution approach has been a winning combination for football fans,” said Russ Brandon, President and CEO, United Football League.
Brandon continued, “The UFL has
had consistently high levels of engagement throughout the season, which serves as proof of concept, confirming the undeniable demand for spring football. We appreciate the support we’ve received from our players, league and team-level employees, partners, and fans. With a robust foundation in place, we are poised to continue our growth trajectory as we look ahead to 2025 and beyond.”
Regular Season:
The UFL reached 32 million unique viewers (per Nielsen data)
The 2024 UFL season averaged 850K total viewers per game +34% increase over the 2023 XFL/ USFL combined season averages (635K) Network broadcasts averaged 945,000 viewers through the championship game, up over 9% against the 2023 XFL/USFL combined season broadcast averages (864K)
Cable telecasts averaged 630,000 viewers, up 43% against the 2023 XFL and USFL combined season cable averages (441K)
Viewership for UFL Today, ESPN’s weekly digital post-game show was up 20% vs. 2023 across YouTube, Facebook and the ESPN App.
Championship Game:
The UFL Championship game averaged 1,596,000 viewers on FOX. Up 23% over last year’s average of 1,298,000 viewers for the respective XFL and USFL Championship games on ABC and NBC.
Telecast peaked with 1,723,000 viewers from 6:15-6:30pm.
Best performance for a UFL game on any network.
Within the markets of the participating teams, the Championship game delivered a 6.8 rating/19 share and 3.6 rating/15 share in Birmingham and San Antonio, respectively
Head coach Skip Holtz of the Birmingham Stallions holds the USFL Conference Champion Trophy after defeating the Michigan Panthers at Protective Stadium on June 08, 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/UFL/Getty Images)
Logano surprise winner as NASCAR begins second half of season
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
LEBANON, Tenn. –
Two-time NASCAR champion Joey Logano won the Ally 400 on the 1.33-mile Nashville Superspeedway Sunday after a record five overtimes.
The Team Penske driver held off Zane Smith by .068 seconds to claim his first win since the spring Atlanta race in 2023.
The marathon race saw 20 lead changes, 15 caution periods for 74 laps, and an extra 31 laps. Nine different drivers led the race.
Christopher Bell looked strong for most of the day.
He won the opening two stages and led 131 of 229 laps before crashing out with 74 laps remaining.
Logano restarted inside the front row alongside
Chase Briscoe when the green flag flew for the fifth overtime restart on Lap 330. The 34-year-old driver secured the win after Briscoe ran out of fuel and Zane Smith could not track down the #22 Ford Mustang.
Team Penske gambled on fuel mileage, and Logano was able to squeeze out 110 laps after his final pit stop for fuel.
“You have to give a lot of credit to our fueler, Nick Hensley, our engine department with Roush Yates building obviously some engines that could also manage fuel really well, and some guts – a lot of cajones made it happen,” Logano said. Ross Chastain and Denny Hamlin were battling for the win over the final 30 laps. However, a late
caution by Austin Cendric with four laps to go resulted in overtime.
The saying “cautions breed cautions” was never more accurate as the race saw a series of crashes late.
Chastain’s chance for victory ended when Kyle Larson spun his Chevrolet in the first overtime. Hamlin’s hopes faded after taking a pit stop for fuel in the third overtime.
Logano will be locked into the playoffs with his surprise win, allowing him to go after his third NASCAR Cup Series championship.
“It’s been a hard season and being on that (playoff) cut line, I tell you it sucks. It’s just not fun. It’s hard, and you just want a little bit of relief of the pressure,” Logano said. “With seven weeks to go until the playoffs, it gives us
a chance to breathe for a second and start just kind of working on our car a little bit differently and just sleep better, to be honest with you. I’m proud of this team and proud to be here in Victory Lane, for sure.”
With Logano’s win, Team Penske has won a race across NASCAR, IndyCar, and IMSA for eight consecutive weeks. Twotime defending Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden was on hand to support his fellow Penske drivers.
In the Cup standings Larson holds a 20-point lead over Chase Elliott. Hamlin is third, Tyler Reddick is fourth, and Martin Truex, Jr. rounds out the top five.
Ally 400 top ten: 1. Joey Logano,
9.
LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION FOR BIDS
Project Name: 2023 Regulating Station Replacements
Bid Date and Time: July 16, 2024 at 10:00 A.M.
Sealed Bids will be received by Trussville Gas and Water located in Trussville, Alabama, until the local time set forth below, for furnishing all labor, equipment and doing the work of constructing, according to Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents on file in the office of Trussville Gas and Water, the project hereinafter described. No bid will be received after the time set forth below; and the Bids will be publicly opened and read at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173.
Interested contractors can obtain prequalification applications from TG&W Engineering Department (“Engineering Department”), 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173; Telephone: (205) 655-3211 and must submit the completed prequalification application to the Engineering Department at the above address, no later than 4:00 p.m. on July 2, 2024.
Project Number
2-008-23
2-009-23
2-010-23
2-011-23
2-012-23
2-013-23
2-014-23
2-017-23
2-018-23
2-019-23
2-020-23
2-021-23
2-022-23
2-023-23
Project Location
Happy Hollow and Bonnie Ruth Road
Floyd Bradford Cutoff and Roper Road
Old Springville Road and Sunny Lane Drive
Reed Road NE and 18th Avenue NE
Deerfoot Parkway and Jonathon’s Way
AL SR 75 and Pinson Main Street
Old Springville Road and Dug Hollow Road
Emerald Lake Drive NE and Cedar Mountain Road
Brewster Road and Bonnett Landing
Roper Road and Roper Tunnel Road
Carrington Drive and Carrington Way
Roulain Road and Pine Lane
AL SR 7 and Advent Circle
Red Mill Road and Cheri Lane
Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents for the project described above are open to public inspection at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173. Telephone: (205) 655-3211.
Trussville Gas and Water reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid, and to accept any bid considered advantageous to the Owner.
No bid may be withdrawn after the time for opening bids has passed. Trussville Gas and Water reserves the right to hold the bids for a period of Sixty (60) days after the date of receiving Bids.
If said bid equals $20,000.00 or more, a certified check or bid bond must accompany each bid in an amount of not less than five percent (5%) of the total bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00. The payee of such check, or the obligee of such bond, shall be Trussville Gas and Water.
Contractor agrees to comply with all specifications, plans and contract documents as furnished by Trussville Gas and Water. Contractor must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34 Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975. Prior to submitting a bid for this project, contractor must be prequalified as a Gas Line Utility Contractor for Trussville Gas and Water. Contractor prequalification applications may be obtained at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173.
#22
Team Penske Ford 2. Zane Smith, #71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
3. Tyler Reddick, #45 23XI Racing Toyota 4. Ryan Preece, #41 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford 5. Chris Buescher, #17 RFK Racing Ford 6. Ryan Blaney, #12 Team Peske Ford 7. Bubba Wallace, #23 23XI Racing Toyota
8. Kyle Larson, #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Daniel Hemric, #31 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet 10. Noah Gragson, #10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford
The NASCAR Cup Series returns to the streets of Chicago next Sunday at 3:30 p.m. CT for the Grant Park 165.
Credit: LEBANON, TENNESSEE - JUNE 30: Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 30, 2024 in Lebanon, Tennessee. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
ACTION TREE SERVICE
Legion falls to Lousville 4-1
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
– The Birmingham Legion FC soccer club fell to Louisville City FC, the top team in the USL Championship, 4-1 at Protective Stadium Saturday night.
The Legion (7-3-6) played their second match in four days and were shorthanded, with only five outfield players available due to injuries.
The Legion held the reigning back-to-back USL champions to a 0-0 draw at the break.
However, the Legion saw Louisville (12-2-3) put three goals on the board with a header in the 51st minute, a corner kick in the 59th minute, and a free kick in the 80th minute.
Birmingham Legion
Birmingham finally got on the board with a goal by Preston Tabort Etaka in the 82nd minute.
Louisville closed out the scoring with a goal in the 87th minute.
“Not to make excuses because they played better than us and took it to us, especially in the sec-
ond half,” said head coach Tom Soehn. “We just had a tough time finding space, and you could just see how tired we were as the game went on.”
Soehn continued, “It was tough, especially at home, where we expect to be better. They controlled the game against us, and that is something that we haven’t been used to lately with how we’ve been playing.”
Louisville outshot Birmingham 18-12. Fourteen of Louisville’s shots came in the second half. The Legion fall to sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. Birmingham travel to take on the Charleston Battery on July 5th and hosts Colorado Springs in Protective Stadium on July 13.
LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION FOR BIDS
Project Name: Contract to Supply – Approximately 168,000 lbs of USA Made Granular Activated Carbon
in Turnkey
Exchange Bid Date and Time: June 27, 2024 at 10:00 A.M.
Sealed Bids will be received by Trussville Gas and Water located in Trussville, Alabama, until the local time set forth below, for furnishing all labor, equipment and doing the work of constructing, according to Plans, Speci cations and Contract Documents on le in the o ce of Trussville Gas and Water, the project hereinafter described. No bid will be received after the time set forth below; and the Bids will be publicly opened and read at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173. Interested contractors can obtain prequali cation applications from TG&W Engineering Department (“Engineering Department”), 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173; Telephone: (205) 228-1091 and must submit the completed prequali cation application to the Engineering Department at the above address, no later than 10:00AM on June 27, 2024.
The Board desires to have a turnkey exchange of four (4) GAC lters. Each lter contains 1,392 ft of carbon for a total of 5.568 ft3 of carbon for all 4 lters. An optional price shall include truck haul o of removed spent carbon and disposed of on customers property and an optional price including leaving spent carbon in supersacks and left for drying and disposal by customer.
On Exhibit A. Contractor shall state its price for the turnkey carbon exchange of four GAC lters with each lter containing 1,392 ft3 of carbon for a total of 5,568 ft3 in all four lters. This price shall include freight with delivery and o oad once on site. Contractor shall also state its price in Bid Option A for removing all spent carbon from site and dispose of it in a land ll or other disposal facility. Contractor shall also state its price in Bid Option B for placing all spent carbon in supersacks and leave on customer's property. Once awarded bid, the bidder shall have until August 1, 2024 to complete the project.
Product shall be 100 % fresh virgin Granular Activated Carbon made in the United States of America. The coal for the corresponding GAC shall be mined in the United States of America. The GAC shall be capable of removing tastes, odors, and other organic contaminants from water. The successful bidder shall provide written documentation that the carbon being supplied is 100% virgin. with no reactivated carbon content whatsoever. The GAC must be a 100% reagglomerated bituminous coal-based product sized to granular form prior to thermal activation.
The Product furnished by Contractor shall meet the following other requirements:
Each Product and its components must be new and not refurbished.
The GAC shall comply with AWWA 8604. latest edition.
The GAC shall conform to the requirements of NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 Drinking Water System Components- Health E ects standard. Bidder shall indicate source of coal, carbon manufacturing location and a description of the reagglomeration/thermal process.
The preferred method for carbon installation of virgin GAC shall be hydraulic water induction.
The Owner shall be responsible for providing the water supply needed to complete the process. Depth of GAC in each lter bed is 48" thick.
Plans, Speci cations and Contract Documents for the project described above are open to public inspection at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173. Telephone: (205) 228-1129. Speci cations may also be viewed on the Trussville Gas and Water website, Trussville.com under the News tab. Trussville Gas and Water reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid, and to accept any bid considered advantageous to the Owner.
No bid may be withdrawn after the time for opening bids has passed. Trussville Gas and Water reserves the right to hold the bids for a period of Sixty (60) days after the date of receiving Bids.
If said bid equals $100,000.00 or more, a certi ed check or bid bond must accompany each bid in an amount of not less than ve percent (5%) of the total bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00. The payee of such check, or the obligee of such bond, shall be Trussville Gas and Water. Contractor agrees to comply with all speci cations, plans and contract documents as furnished by Trussville Gas and Water. Contractor must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34 Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975. Prior to submitting a bid for this project, contractor must be prequali ed as a Gas and Water Line Utility Contractor for Trussville Gas and Water. Contractor prequali cation applications may be obtained at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173.
