By
For the Tribune
CENTER POINT – The city of Center Point City Council met for the first regular meeting of July Thursday night, July 7. The Council began the agenda with two
By Nathan Prewett
For the Tribune
PINSON – During a brief meeting at City Hall on July 6, the Pinson City Council approved a post-annexation zoning reclassification before later approving the rewrap
See PINSON, Page 3 See CENTER POINT, Page 3
Irondale approves contract for Municipal Complex, updates status on Grants Mill Road
IRONDALE – The Irondale City Council met Thursday night, July 6, for the first regular meeting of the month. The meeting was moved to
MOODY — Looney
Loon’s is bringing a new food trailer to Moody in July, providing a Southern touch with everything from fried green tomatoes to wings.
Kerwin Looney, owner and operator of Looney
TRUSSVILLE – Nancy Waller, District Six area chair of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR), surprised Mayor Buddy Choat and the Trussville City Council during the public comments portion of the regular city council meeting Tuesday, July 11.
Accompanied by Trussville Veterans Committee President Chad Carroll, Waller stepped to the podium with a framed Seven Seals Award in hand to present to Mayor Choat.
“I served 29 years in the National Guard, so that’s where my heart is, but the reason that ESGR came about many years ago was to help service members in the Guard and Reserve, as well as their civilian employers, have a good working relationship,” Waller said. “In this case, I’m here today to present to you, Mr. Mayor, a Seven Seals Award, which is a very pres-
BACK ROW (left to right): Inspections Department senior planner Scott Mann, Trussville Public Library director Jason Baker, Parks and Recreation director David Vinson, Councilmember Alan Taylor, Councilmember Ben Short, Trussville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Patrick Martin, BOE Vice President Kathy Brown. FRONT ROW (left to right): Trussville Police Chief Eric Rush, Councilmember Jaime Anderson, ESGR District Six area chair Nancy Waller, Mayor Buddy Choat, Trussville Veterans Committee President Chad Carroll with son Bennett, Councilmember Lisa Bright, Fire Chief Tim Shotts. (Photo by Crystal McGough)
tigious award presented by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, in which I serve as the District Six area chair as a volunteer. This award is given to individuals who play a vital role in anything relating to members of
the Armed Forces, whether currently serving as Chad is, retired as I am, or who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
“In 2021, Mayor Choat was instrumental in developing the City of Trussville Veterans Committee to help serve
After spirited debate, Springville Council selects firm to create master plan for parks
the Tribune
our veterans in the community,” Waller continued. “Mayor Choat supports all veterans within our community and helps provide resources to veterans and families in need.
SPRINGVILLEFaith United Methodist Church in Clay to host ‘Community Addiction Forum’ this weekend
Ms. Senior Alabama Inc. announces Ms. Senior Alabama, Ms. Super Senior Alabama 2023
From The Tribune staff reports ALABAMA – Ms. Senior Alabama Inc. had a record number of 20 participants this year with 13 women ages 60-
alition, and Celebrate Recovery.”
The event will begin with a light breakfast at 8:30 a.m., followed by guest speakers from 9 a.m. to noon.
CLAY – Faith United Methodist Church, located at 7315 Old Springville Road in Clay, will be hosting a Community Addiction Forum on Saturday, July 15. Members of the community are invited to come and learn about different forms of addiction and trauma that can affect anyone, and any family, regardless of age, race or social status.
“Our intent is to provide the community information, resources, and tools that will help people face the challenges of all kinds of addictions, including hurts, bad habits, and hang-ups,” said Joe Hobby, one of the Celebrate Recovery leaders at Faith United Methodist Church. “We have secured a number of excellent resources, including the Sheriff of Jefferson County; a family counselor specializing in drug use; a recovering addict; and representatives from Bradford (Health Services), the Addiction Prevention Co-
“We did this about seven years ago and it was pretty successful,” Hobby said “We have six well-respected people who are going to talk about addiction. With the growing danger of drugs such as fentanyl, it is more important to give our citizens all the information, resources, and hope that we can muster. Seven years ago, we did not have to worry about fentanyl. Now, fentanyl is a major problem.
CLAY – Barbecue Stop founders Cliff and Debbie Mortimer announced in May on the business’ Facebook page that they were considering retirement and looking for someone to learn Cliff’s recipes and continue their legacy. Barbecue Stop has been a staple of the Clay com-See LOONEY, Page 5 See BARBECUE, Page 5
From The Tribune staff reports JEFFERSON COUNTY — In light of a continuing blood shortage, the American Red Cross has announced more incentives for those who donate blood this month.
See SENIOR, Page 7 See RED CROSS, Page 5
See IRONDALE, Page 6 See SPRINGVILLE, Page 6 See TRUSSVILLE, Page 3 See ADDICTION, Page 4
Robin’s Sewing Shoppe
Health&Wellness - Page 8
Finance - Page 9
Outdoors - Pages 10,16
Calendar - Page 11
Classified - Page 11
Obituary - Page 12
Sports - Pages 13-16
Crime: How the Genre Lost its Integrity,” was written as part of an assignment for her AP Language and Composition class last spring and focused on the morality and ethics of the true crime entertainment fad.
The finalists field was eventually narrowed to 11 winners, who were announced on June 22.
“I’m so proud of Kaylee Rose,” said her AP English teacher Jen Coleman. “I’m no math teacher, but by my calculations, Kaylee Rose’s essay was in the top 1.2% of all the submissions. That’s an amazing accomplishment!”
and repairs to a trailer for Pinson Valley High School’s football team.
A public hearing was held for the reclassified to which no one from the public spoke for or against.
Councilman
John Churchwell said that the property, located at 3895 Turkey Creek Road, is owned by the city.
The zoning code was changed from Jefferson County A1 to City of Pinson District IC (Institutional Community).
Later, the council approved a motion by Councilman Brad Walker to use funds to rewrap and repair the high school football team’s trailer, which is used to haul equipment to away games. He said that two years ago, the council released funds from the discretionary funds to do this but has not been able to until recently.
The trailer will be decorated with the team’s logo and will also feature past champi-
From front page
“Mayor Choat continues to help the City of Trussville Veterans Committee be the most veteran-friendly city in Alabama. In support of the Trussville City Council, Mayor Choat provided the space for the Alabama Fallen Warrior Monument, honoring the 226 service members killed in the global war on terror from Alabama. I am honored to share this award with you.”
As Waller presented the Seven Seals Award to the mayor, Carroll stepped up to say a few words about the award and the city as a whole.
to the council chambers is in the process of being built at City Hall.
Councilwoman Clinteshia Irvin reported that Movies at the Rock at the Rock School Center will be on July 15, at 7 p.m., and will feature the film “Space Jam 2.”
In other business, the council:
onship wins.
“This is great advertisement obviously with our nice team and all,” said Mayor Pro Tem Robbie Roberts. “And as it pulls up on the other schools’ campuses, we want to be able to show that often. It gives team pride.”
The motion was approved for $2,500. Roberts delivered Mayor Joe Cochran’s report. Roberts said that they are considering the possibility of reaching out to Retail Solutions, a consultant in Birmingham that assists in attracting businesses to municipalities.
“This award states (Mayor Choat’s) name on it, but this is really a City of Trussville award,” Carroll said. “All the city council members, the mayor, fire department, police department, the schools – there’s veterans that serve throughout this whole community, in our community, and we are here to support them and serve them. When I’m deployed, the good thing I get to know is my family is protected and safe back here in the community, going to a good school.”
During the regular agenda, the council approved Proclamation 2023-14, proclaiming a Drum Corps International
“Our previous efforts of that particular individual –that agreement has run out and has been expired for quite a while,” he said. “So it feels like it’s important for us to continue to pursue businesses that might be interested in or a good fit for our community here. So we want to let them know that we are open for business and we’d love to have some good businesses continue to move here.”
He also said that the library has its new sign up that has reportedly helped with directing visitors to its location and that a new ramp leading
performance at Hewitt-Trussville High School on July 28 a city-wide event.
The DCI performance will be held at the high school’s football stadium at 7 p.m., and will serve as a fundraiser for the HTHS Band Foundation.
“We encourage friends, neighbors and music fans to show up and support this event and the Huskies Band,” the proclamation stated.
Additionally, the council approved Resolution 202340, declaring a police cargo van as surplus and authorizing the mayor to sell, convey, or otherwise dispose of the van.
• Agreed to a contract with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society for animal control and pound services, Approved an agreement with Kevin Wallace, CPA, for accountant services, and
• Purchased a camera system from Howard Technology Solutions for $51,050.
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. Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@ gmail.com.
Under the consent agenda, the council approved the following:
• Reappointment of IDA member Dwight Turnipseed, with term expiring July 14, 2029
Appointment of Rhonda Charping to Senior Citizens Advisory Board, filling the vacancy left by Joyce Goodwin, with term expiring April 14, 2025
• Authorizing the mayor to sign a licensing agreement with the City Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc.
The Trussville City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the City Hall Annex. Meetings begin at 6 p.m.
From front page public hearings on rezoning requests.
The first hearing was a request to change the zoning of property at 100 20th Street NW from C-1 to Institutional 2. The owners of the property hope to turn the property into a shelter for homeless seniors who have been released from local hospitals needing additional recovery time.
Council President DM Collins read a letter of objection to the zoning request. Collins noted the Planning and Zoning Board has endorsed the zoning change. The Council tabled the discussion to the July 20, 2023, meeting to allow time to gather more information about the operation of the proposed shelter.
The Council also heard a request to rezone property at 2233 Old Springville Road from Agriculture to C1. The Planning and Zoning Board endorsed the zoning change. The request to rezone the vacant lot was approved with plans to develop it into a car lot.
The Council also approved an agreement to provide CDL training for city employees. Mayor Bobby Scott explained the need for the training.
“For the debris program,
one of our goals was to hire diverse,” Scott said. “We’ve had a bit of a challenge in getting dependable drivers to come in and stay, so we have some employees that are interested in helping us with this program as well as their careers by obtaining a CDL license.nWe searched and found a program that allows them to go during the evenings after work two days a week.”
Scott said the city has created an agreement to hire the city employees to serve as drivers and reward them for their loyalty to the city.
“They would have to stay with us for three years after that particular training,” he said. The motion passed unanimously.
In addition to the CDL training for city employees to help with the debris program, the Council approved the reappropriation of $291,000 in additional funds to the budgets of public safety and the debris program. The funds will be taken from American Rescue Plan funds which were previously allocated for parks.
The Center Point City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month at City Hall located at 2209 Center Point Parkway. The next meeting will be held Thursday, July 20, at 6:30 p.m.
For the Tribune
ARGO – The Argo City Council met Monday night, July 10, for the first regularly scheduled meeting of the month. The Council covered most of the discussion in the work session prior to the meeting and moved quickly through the agenda in the regular meeting, which lasted less than 15 minutes.
The main item on the agenda involved making a one-time payment to the Alabama Employee Retirement System. The extra payment was recently approved by the state legislature.
Act #2023-107, signed by Governor Kay Ivey in May of this year, authorizes cities participating in the Employees’ Retirement System of the Retirement System of Alabama (RSA) to make a one-time bonus payment into the state’s retirement plan for each participating employee. The law stip-
ulates the bonus can be made if no bonus was paid in for 2022.
According to the Alabama State Employees Association, the estimated amount of the bonus for the City of Argo totals $250. The Council approved the resolution to pay the bonuses for city employees.
Chief Scott Payne of the Argo Fire Department delivered his monthly report to the Council. Payne said the department issued 10 burn permits and responded to 40 medical calls in the month of June. Including assists for other departments and other calls, Payne said the department responded to 56 total calls in the month.
Police Chief Alan Busler reported 26 arrests for the month of June. He said the department also responded to seven accidents and 10 residential alarms and five calls for domestic violence. For the month of June, Argo had a total of 276 dispatch calls.
From front page and die. It doesn’t discriminate based on age, money, race, anything.”
Mayor Betty Bradley, speaking to The Trussville Tribune, said the city has hired a building inspector and is currently looking on state bid lists for a used vehicle. The inspector is expected to begin his work after his state tests later this week and will need a city vehicle.
Bradley said the city received a rate increase letter from Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation (AMIC).
“It might be something we might need to shop around,” Bradley said. She said Springville and Trussville both recently switched from AMIC. “AMIC’s just getting higher and higher and we’re paying a pretty good bit right now,” she added. The letter did not specify the rate increase amount.
The next meeting of the Argo council is scheduled for July 24, 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.
While drug and alcohol abuse are certainly big factors in addiction recovery programs, Hobby said that recovery and 12-Step programs like Celebrate Recovery address much more.
“It’s not just about drug abuse or alcohol abuse. It’s about hurts, habits and hangups,” he said. “If you’re angry with your parents … if you haven’t forgiven your brother or sister, if you hate your divorced (spouse), these are all things that need to be addressed in your life. It’s a lot more than alcohol and that’s what we try to tell everybody.”
Hobby said that he believes everyone could benefit from going through the 12 Steps.
“You learn a lot about yourself,” he said. “Some of it you don’t want to learn about, but if you’re brave enough to go through it and take a strong look at yourself, it will help you. It will help anybody.”
Community Addiction Forum information and itinerary:
Location: Faith United Methodist Church 7315 Old Springville Road. (Note: your GPS may show Trussville, but the location is Clay, Ala-
bama.)
• 8:30 AM – Continental Breakfast
• 9:00 AM – Polly McClure
– Welcome
9:10 – Mark Pettway, Sheriff – Jefferson County
– An overview of drugs in our community
• 9:30 – Danna Perdue
Melton, Family Counselor
– Drug abuse and its effect on the family
9:50 – Break. During this time, speakers will be available to answer questions
• 10:15 – Dorian Young, speaker, recovering addict
– A message of hope
• 10:30 – Marbi McCann, Bradford Health Services
– Inpatient and outpatient services
10:50 – Tyler Currier, Addiction Prevention Coalition – Additional services
/ information
• 11:10 – Shan Odom – Pas-
tor 1st Methodist Trussville – Treatment for more than addiction
• 11:30 – Panel discussion / group Q &A
• Noon – dismissal.
Local Celebrate Recovery Meetings: Trussville – Tuesdays, 6 p.m. dinner; 6:30 p.m. worship followed by small groups
• Clay – Thursdays, 6 p.m. dinner; 6:30 p.m. worship followed by small groups
• Springville – Fridays, 6 p.m. dinner; 7 p.m. worship/large group; 8:15 p.m. small groups
From front page munity for the last decade, touted by many as the best barbecue around, and boasting award-winning competition-style barbecue that has won over 250 awards from cities across the northeastern United States, including the prestigious title of “Bama’s Best Beef” from the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association in 2017.
Fans of Barbecue Stop can now rest at ease as new owners have been announced for the popular local dining and carry-out establishment.
Jeremy and Jennifer Hawkins, both originally from South Carolina, moved to the Birmingham area in late 2021 and fell in love with both the area and the people. The couple has been dreaming of owning a restaurant since their two sons were babies, and the door for that dream to come true opened when the couple discovered the Mortimers’ Facebook post about their planned retirement.
“This business transaction has been divine intervention in every way,” Jennifer said. “We had been trying to open a stop-and-go restaurant in the area for over a year, but we kept encountering obstacles that sent us back to the drawing board. The Mortimers had
From front page
According to the Red Cross, they have collected about 50,000 less units of blood than expected over the past 2 months. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment to give to help avert a blood shortage.
To help bring attention to the crisis, the Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. Discovery for the 35 anniversary of Shark Week and the theatrical release of Meg 2:
a few deals that didn’t work out, too. And then we met them, and everything aligned in a supernatural way. It’s God’s timing. Always.”
Jeremy has been an amateur pitmaster since he attended the Medical University of South Carolina in the early 2000s.
The Trench. Donors are encouraged to celebrate a summer of sharks and help shore up the national blood supply by giving in July. The Red Cross announced that those who help by coming to give July 1-16 will receive a limited-time bonus $15 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. In addition, they announced some upcoming date-specific incentives:
• July 1-11: All who come to give will get an exclusive Red Cross dry bag, while supplies last. Details
“Charleston has some of the best barbecue in the country, and we lived in Texas for a decade after that, so we know good barbecue,” he said.
The couple was thrilled when they discovered Barbecue Stop less than a mile from their new home in Alabama. Little did they know at the
are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts.
July 12-Aug 12: Those who come to give will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Shark.
July 17-31: Presenting donors will receive an officially licensed Shark Week T-shirt, while supplies last. Donors will
time that they would one day own it.
In addition to his pitmaster skills, Jeremy is a cardiovascular perfusionist and Army veteran with an MBA who brings extensive management and leadership experience to the table. Jennifer, an author, editor, and former nurse, is
also the designated cook for their extended family’s holiday gatherings, so she knows well how to run a kitchen and cater to large groups.
The Hawkins’ oldest son, Jonathan, is a recent graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School, and will be attending UAB in the fall to study neuroscience, while their youngest, Jackson, will start seventh grade at Hewitt-Trussville Middle School in August.
“Family is the most important thing in the world to us, and we are dedicated to building a legacy both as a family and within our community,” Jennifer said. “We will work hard to earn the groundwork that has already been laid for us by Cliff and Debbie.”
The Hawkins family says they are committed to continuing the established recipes of the Mortimer family.
“As they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” they said.
They do plan to run new specials of off-menu items, and they’ll be adding a top-secret new dessert that comes straight from the Hawkins family cookbook, so stay tuned for that.
Barbecue Stop is located at 6633 Old Springville Road in Clay. Current hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The new restaurant phone number is (205) 683-9513.
Shark.
To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1800-733-2767).
From front page
Loons, said they are particularly excited to bring their style of wings to their customers. Currently, they serve traditional, lemon pepper, and buffalo wings, though Looney said they are testing new flavors to add to the menu.
The finishing touches are being completed on their food trailer and they expect to open for business on Friday, July 21.
Customers will be able to find them in front of the Moody U-Haul at 3023 Moody Parkway. Looney Loon’s will take catering orders and they intend to make themselves available for events.
Looney said they are ready to bring the flavor to the community.
“We are excited and looking forward to opening,” he said. “We have so much support in Moody, Leeds, Pell City, Trussville. It’s really exciting and we’re really excited to get going and do our best.”
Trussville Civic Center, 5381 Trussville Clay Rd. 7/17/2023: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., CrossFit Trussville-Gateway Family Church, 5450 Mary Munger Road Pinson
also be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/
The Red Cross will be in Trussville, Pinson and Irondale in the coming month which you can view below. For a schedule of July dates, donors can visit RedCrossBlood.org.
Trussville
• 7/11/2023: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Trussville Community at
• 7/14/2023: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Faith United Methodist Church, 7315 old springville rd Irondale
7/18/2023: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Lexus of Birmingham, 1001 Tom Williams Way
From front page
the month. The meeting was moved to accommodate the July 4 holiday schedule. City employees were given Monday, July 3, as a paid day off prior to Independence Day.
First on the agenda was a discussion with Public Works Superintendent, Earl Peoples, about water tank maintenance. Peoples requested $47,750 for Contract Service Company to paint and service two of the city’s six water tanks.
From front page
Thursday due to the Independence Day holiday.
In the Mayor’s Report portion of the meeting, Mayor Stewart gave an update on the roundabout construction at the intersection of Grants Mill Road and Old Leeds Road near the new Publix shopping center, which is under construction.
The section of Grants Mill Road from I-459 to Old Leeds Road was recently opened and utilizes half of the roundabout. The section of Grants Mill which continues into Irondale from the intersection is temporarily closed to complete the other half of the roundabout construction.
“The city was not aware that the county was going to open up one end of the road and to close the other end of the road,” Stewart said. “We did not see that information until they began to put up the barricades.” He said the roads are expected to be closed for 45 days and added the job is still on track to be completed by September.
“So, I’m just asking people to be patient. This is what happens with progress and development,” Stewart said. “It won’t last always but please just be patient.”
Stewart welcomed Katie Wiswall and Tim Roberts from the Alabama Forestry
Commission and John Schoen from Exchange Club to the podium to designate Irondale as a 2022 Tree City USA. The honor is awarded annually in conjunction with the Arbor Day Foundation. Irondale has now been awarded the designation 15 times.
The Council amended a previous resolution authorizing the city to execute an agreement with Gardner Architects LLC for architectural and engineering services.
The firm is working on design plans for the city’s new municipal complex.
In other business, the Council declared out of service greenhouses owned by the water department as surplus. The greenhouses will be donated to Ruffner Mountain Nature Coalition.
The Council also declared property located at 5236 Scenic View Drive to be a public nuisance. The property will be abated of weeds, overgrowth and noxious vegetable matter.
Additionally, the Council approved the following:
• A deed allowing for a waterline easement at 1603
Trailer Lane $3,518 to DataWorks Plus LLC to provide software for Irondale Police
• Accepted the 2021-22 fiscal year audit
• Amended the municipal code for mobile vendors to lower fees for vendors who participate in city special events
The next meeting of the Irondale City Council will be held at 6 p.m. on July 18, at Irondale City Hall.
“It’s not just painting, it’s part of a thing ADEM has put it. It’s a tank maintenance plan,” Peoples said. “Every five years we have to go through all of our tanks.”
According to Peoples, the project would involve sand blasting the tanks along with painting.
Peoples told The Trussville Tribune taking the tanks offline would not cause a disruption in water service. The Council approved the request to proceed. Another request is expected after October, in the next fiscal year, to perform maintenance on two additional water towers. The remaining two tanks would need to be inspected at some later time in the five-year window for ADEM compliance.
The Council and City Attorney James Hill moved briefly into executive session to discuss a personnel issue after the city received a letter of complaint. No further explanation was given and no public action was taken when the meeting resumed. The next item on the agenda sparked the longest discussion of the morning as the Council and Mayor Dave Thomas debated the merits of two bids for a master plan for the city’s parks and athletic fields.
The city received a bid from Williams and Blackstock for $26,000, and one from Gameday for $144,000.
“I would argue that we’re
not comparing apples to apples,” Thomas said. “I’m just not really a big fan of doing what we’ve done in the past and calling it a master plan. I don’t think it’s money wisely spent to put a pretty picture on the wall and pat ourselves on the back when we haven’t actually done anything.”
Thomas asked the Council to apply reallocated funds saved from another project toward a $48,000 consulting fee for Gameday and authorize him to negotiate a contract for a master plan.
Members of the Council disagreed with the proposal and debated with Thomas over the logic of choosing such a high bid.
“When I look at it, there’s such a considerable difference in price. It’s $144,000 versus $26,000,” said Councilmember Austin Phillips. “When I spoke to other architects around and people who participate in this industry, the number I keep coming up with as a top line number for a master plan of this scope is about $60,000. So, I’m not sure where the other $80,000 is coming from,” he added.
“What they presented is not what I’m suggesting we sign,” Thomas replied. “I’m just looking for authorization
from the Council to engage in negotiations on this contract.”
As the debate over the plan progressed, Thomas suggested he could not force the Council to engage Gameday and they could not force him to work with Williams and Blackstock.
After some debate on procedure and clarification that the Council could authorize Mayor Pro Tempore Katrina Hennings to deal with Williams and Blackstock, Phillips made a motion to approve the lower bid and the Council approved the contract.
The Council also approved an ordinance updating language related to business license fees. The existing ordinance was adopted in 2007 and has been amended six times to comply with state law. The new ordinance adds examples for fee clarity and defines seasonal and weekend sales to prevent excess charges.
In the final act of the meeting, the Council approved the appointment of Amanda Kleiser to the Springville Historic Commission.
The next meeting of the Springville City Council will be held at 6 p.m. on July 17, with a work session at 5:30 p.m.
The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce, serving the fastest growing area in Jefferson County, is now accepting applications for the position of Executive DirectorCouncilmember Austin Phillips and Mayor Dave Thomas debate procedure during a discussion on developing a master plan for Springville sports fields. Architectural renderings of the proposed Municipal Complex in Irondale. (Image courtesy of the City of Irondale) Katie Wiswall and Tim Roberts from the Alabama Forestry Commission and John Schoen from Exchange Club joined Mayor Stewart to designate Irondale as a Tree City USA for the 15th year. (Photo courtesy of the City of Irondale)
69 competing in Ms. Senior Alabama and seven women ages 70 and above competing in Ms. Super Senior Alabama. The theme of this year’s pageant was “Dare to Dream… Don’t dream your life, live your dreams!”
Ms. Senior Helena, Kathy Paiml, was crowned Ms. Senior Alabama 2023, Birmingham, and Ms. Super Senior Magic City, Pauline Vaughn Murphy, was crowned Ms. Super Senior Alabama 2023, Birmingham, on June 10, 2023.
“Kathy Paiml is a graduate of University of Montevallo and University of Alabama at Birmingham and has served in the education field for over 25 years as: teacher, principal, and adjunct professor,” a release from Ms. Senior Alabama Inc. stated. “After retiring from the Shelby County School system, she began teaching part time at Unless U – a school for adults with developmental disabilities.”
Paiml, a breast cancer survivor who speaks at and supports events for breast cancer awareness, is also a volunteer coach with The Miracle League, Member of Down Syndrome of Alabama, and volunteers with a homeless ministry through Prince of Peace Catholic Church.
“As a three-year member of the sisterhood of Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc., Kathy has been a leader in working with other delegates, titleholders, and board members in revitalizing the focus of Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc. on community outreach and volunteerism,” Kim Crawford Meeks of Ms. Senior Alabama Inc. stated.
According to Paiml, age is nothing more than a state of mind. This is a message she wants other senior women to take to heart.
“Your heart has no wrinkles, and your soul has no age,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to continue to learn
and try new things. Find something you are passionate about and do it! As senior women, we have a lot to offer. With age comes wisdom. We have a lifetime of experiences, let’s share it with others!”
Paiml also said her life philosophy can be summed up by the acronym S.M.I.L.E. – See Miracles In Life Everyday.
“All things in nature, the people in your life, and the blessings you’ve been given are a gift and a miracle,” she said. “Serve others, show gratitude, and look for the good in everyone. You never know how much your kindness, or your smile can turn someone’s day around.”
Ms. Super Senior Alabama Pauline Vaughn Murphy spent 21 years employed with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Neurobiology/Community Corrections and served as a Case Manager with the Community Corrections/Reentry Program. Murphy has a BA Degree from Berea College, Ky., and is a Licensed Social
worker with the Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners.
“My message to senior women is to: Get enough sleep, do what makes you happy, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, build healthy relationships, and to get up and move,” Murphy said. “Life is like a camera. Focus on what’s important. Capture the good times and have fun. Develop from the negatives. Take another shot if things don’t work out. Never let anyone tell you what you aren’t able to achieve. Remember it isn’t how fast you enter the race, but how you finish the race.”
A portion of proceeds from People’s Choice voting went to Kid’s Play Alabama, providing support for children to participate in sports. These proceeds were given to Executive Director Susan Downs, Ms. Senior Alabama 2022.
The Honorary Ms. Senior Alabama title, sash and crown were given to Rosa Parks, through Executive Director Donna Beisel of the Rosa Parks Museum at Troy University in Montgomery.
An Honorary Lifetime Ms. Senior Alabama award
was presented to Ms. Senior Alabama 2009, Sally Beth Vick.
MS. SENIOR ALABAMA, INC. MISSION STATEMENT
Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to enrich the lives of senior women, while offering opportunities for them to share their experiences, wisdom, and interests with others. The women form friendships and network all over the state of Alabama. Our goal is to inspire women to pursue interests and dreams through our message that it is never too late, and you always have a purpose. Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc. has been in existence since 1987. The organization is made up of a Board of Directors who volunteer their time to ensure that Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc. has the
necessary resources to carry out its purpose of funding the Ms. Senior Alabama State Pageant, as well as securing the most outstanding senior woman to represent the state. Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc. functions exclusively for charitable, educational, and entertainment purposes to keep older adults informed on matters of interest to them and their welfare. The Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc. The Board of Directors will direct the guidelines for this program. All policy is subject to the will of the Board of Directors and is reviewed and updated in a timely manner. For more information on entering as a delegate, volunteer, or sponsor, visit mssenioralabama.com, or send an email to: mssenioralabamainc@ gmail.com, 205-381-6767.
Written by Mary E. Gilmer, M.D., of OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports
Pickleball has gained significant popularity in recent years, attracting people of all ages to the addictive sport. A blend of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a fun and engaging activity that offers a great way to take care of your whole self, including your physical health.
Health Benefits of Pickleball
Cardiovascular Fitness:
Pickleball involves constant movement, requiring players to run, sprint and change direction. These activities elevate the heart rate, improving cardiovascular health and endurance over time.
Improved Balance and Coordination: The sport demands quick reflexes, agility and handeye coordination. Regularly engaging in pickleball helps develop and enhance these skills, leading to improved balance and coordination in daily life.
Enhanced Strength and Endurance: The repetitive swinging of the paddle, combined with movements such as lunges and reaching for shots, engages the major muscle groups. This leads to increased muscular strength and endurance, particularly in the legs, arms and core.
Weight Management: Playing pickleball is an excellent way to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. The fast movements as well as muscular demands in a typical pickleball match make it an effective exercise for weight loss and management.
Common Injuries in Pickleball
Pickleball is a fantastic sport that offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, enhanced balance and coordination, increased strength and effective weight management.
However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and injuries associated with the sport, such as ankle sprains, tennis elbow and plantar fascia ruptures.
Ankle Sprains: Quick direction changes and pivoting can put stress on the ankles, making sprains a common injury in pickleball. Proper footwear, warm-up exercises and strengthening the lower limbs can help reduce the risk.
Achilles Tendonitis: The repetitive jumping, lunging and sudden changes in direction during pickleball can place strain on the Achilles tendon, leading to Achilles tendonitis. This condition is characterized by inflammation and microtears in the tendon, causing pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle. To prevent Achilles tendonitis, it’s important to warm up properly before playing, gradually increase the intensity of your activities, wear appropriate footwear with proper support and incorporate exercises that strengthen the calf muscles and improve flexibility.
Plantar Fascia Ruptures: The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. The repetitive movements and sudden stops in pickleball can strain and rupture this tissue, resulting in intense heel pain. Rest, ice, gentle stretching and
wearing supportive shoes are essential for healing and prevention.
Knee Injuries: The quick lateral movements and sudden stops involved in pickleball can increase the risk of knee injuries, including ligament sprains or meniscus tears. It’s crucial to wear supportive footwear, perform proper warm-up exercises to prepare the knee joints and consider using knee braces or supports for added stability and protection.
Prevention and Management of Plantar Fascia Ruptures
Proper Footwear: Invest in well-fitting athletic shoes that provide arch support and cushioning to minimize the strain on the plantar fascia. Consider using orthotic inserts for added support.
Warm Ups and Stretching: Before engaging in pickleball, perform dynamic warm-up exercises to prepare the muscles and ligaments for activity. Incorporate calf stretches and foot stretches to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of plantar fascia injuries.
Gradual Progression: Start with shorter game sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity. Allow your body to adapt and strengthen over time, reducing the risk of over-
use injuries such as plantar fascia ruptures. Rest and Recovery: If you experience heel pain or suspect a plantar fascia rupture, it’s crucial to rest and avoid activities that exacerbate the injury. Apply ice to the affected area, perform gentle stretches and consider seeking medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Cross-Training and Conditioning: Engaging in a well-rounded fitness regimen that includes strength training, flexibility exercises and cardiovascular conditioning can greatly contribute to injury prevention in pickleball. Strengthening the muscles around the joints, improving overall flexibility and maintaining good cardiovascular fitness will enhance your performance and reduce the likelihood of sustaining injuries.
Getting Back on the Court
As an orthopedic surgeon, I see lots of pickleball players of all ages and levels, who sustain injuries that have them sitting out of matches while itching to get back. One of my patients, Becky Holland, knows that better than anyone.
Becky has been extremely active her entire life, which meant plenty of strain on her joints, especially her knees. After taking up pickleball, she was able to get to an elite level. Unfortunately, knee pain started holding her back. As is common with athletes and highly active individuals, the knee tissue that prevented bone-onbone contact wore away, gradually making the simplest activities difficult.
“Everything was painful,” says Becky. She wanted to stay on the court and in the competition she loved. More than that, she wanted to spend time with her grandkids playing in the yard, going on trips and running on the sand at the beach.
Following the knee replacement I performed for her, Becky underwent physical therapy and experienced remarkable progress. Becky went from walking to her mailbox just one day after surgery to nearly 100% recovery in less than eight weeks.
By the one-year post-surgery mark, Becky returned to her regular activities, competing in and winning a pickleball championship.
In May 2023, the two-year mark, she went up against top competitors at The Boca Raton 2023 APP New York City Open
competing in doubles and winning the singles competition. This fall, the devoted grandmother and elite pickler will compete at the national level in Dallas.
By taking preventive measures, listening to your body and seeking appropriate medical care when necessary, you can enjoy the many health benefits of pickleball while minimizing the risk of injuries just like Becky. So, grab a paddle and get ready to have fun while improving your overall well-being!
A financial plan is only as strong as the risks that you eliminate from the plan. Any risk left unaddressed, either intentionally or unintentionally, could undermine the most solid of plans.
We’ve talked in the past about implementation being driven by the underlying planning work. Relative to the assumptions being made, we could construct an incredibly holistic plan, and implement the plan with an effective mix of tools and platforms. But that plan will only be as solid as the risks that we eliminate. Within our planning output, we make assumptions pertaining to income, and deferrals, potential long-term rates of growth, taxation, inflation and other metrics. We attempt to codify objectives within a financial blueprint that spans the duration of a given client’s life, and if everything unfolds perfectly, then the objective will likely be realized. However, if we are not cognizant of real and present dangers that could undermine the fruition of our planning work, or if we underprepare for these dangers, then we are assuming unnecessary risks. Your economic footprint. Let’s start with an obvious risk. The replacement of an economic footprint as I like to call it. Among other things, when building a financial plan, we assume that both clients will live long enough to defer planned amounts into their qualified plans, and those deferrals will likely receive matching from their employer, and we will have many years to
enjoy tax-deferred earnings on those deferrals. We assume that our clients will continue to pay into the Social Security Trust, and at some point, enjoy a durable stream of income at retirement.
We also assume that as these amounts grow, withdrawals will be deferred until some point in the post-retirement years so that needs of inflation-adjusted income are met.
What happens if one of the parties involved in the plan dies suddenly? How might that change the planning assumptions? Clearly, there will be no further deferrals into qualified plans. We will not have the earnings and matching on deferrals that aren’t being made, and therefore qualified plan balances will be much smaller by the same point in retirement for the surviving spouse.
But it gets worse. If the deceased spouse had inadequate life insurance, then maybe the surviving spouse is then forced to take early withdrawals from that qualified account, thus jeopardizing the degree by which income could be supported in retirement for the survivor.
Although in most cases, a surviving spouse can choose the greater of their own Social Security record, or that of a deceased spouse, they are nonetheless left with only one durable stream of Social Security income, while the plan assumed that the household would have two such streams of income.
These are just a few very obvious ways that an untimely death could severely undermine the fruition of planning objectives for a surviving spouse. What would it take to replace the economic footprint
of a spouse? Well, let me offer this simple example. Let’s assume that a 45-year-old person is realizing $100,000 of net after-tax income. This is the income upon which the household depends for meeting expenses. If that spouse were to pass away, I would need $2 million of life insurance death benefit just to replace that net after tax income.
We haven’t paid off the mortgage. We haven’t completed a child’s 529 college savings plan. We haven’t retired debt of any other kind. If I took a $2 million income tax-free death benefit, depending on the chosen platform, the yield could replace the $100,000 of net after-tax income once earned by the deceased spouse.
Unfortunately, many people are underinsured, believing that such needs will be met by an employer’s group term insurance plan, or an individually held piece of insurance sufficient only enough to cover the mortgage. The economic footprint of someone is much broader, and deeper than just the indemnification of debt.
So, the first risk that I strongly encourage clients to mitigate is that of an untimely death, to replace the economic footprint of that client, should death occur prior to the fruition of planning goals. If we’ve addressed this risk, then accounts earmarked for retirement can remain intact, while needs of income are met by the economic footprint replacement of life insurance.
Your income. As I just described, it is important to indemnify against the risk of an untimely death, but it is equally important to indemnify against the risk that income could be lost prior to the fruition of planning goals.
Disability insurance is something that is often overlooked, and taken for granted. The difference between life insurance and disability insurance is that with a long-term disability, you are still alive and here to experience the pain of a potential bankruptcy, or a foreclosure, and other catastrophic events that could result from the permanent loss of income.
These aren’t rhetorical questions. Should a disability preclude you from earning income, how would your household expenses be met? How difficult would it be to borrow money from a bank without a documentable income stream. Would a spouse have to work multiple jobs? Would you be forced to consider borrowing from family members?
Qualified balances, upon which we had planned for the support of your income in retirement, will not be there if you have no income from which to defer. Indeed, at a certain point you may be compelled to withdraw from qualified plans in order to meet monthly needs of living. Furthermore, we haven’t even begun to discuss how you might handle the higher expenses of medical care, on top of routine and sundry monthly expenses.
Unfortunately, it seems to me that many people are left with the impression that it could never happen to them. Indeed, a life altering catastrophic event can happen in the blink of an eye.
If you work for an employer that offers disability insurance on a guaranteed standard issue basis, that’s a good thing. Very often however, the limits and provisions of such plans aren’t sufficient to truly meet the need at hand. Conversely,
individually held policies can offer other forms of coverage typically not found with easily obtained group plans. This would include coverage for a partial loss of income, rehabilitation benefits, cost of living adjustments, and a definition of own occupation that could last for the duration of your career.
I strongly encourage clients to consider not only life insurance, but also disability insurance, before committing to follow a holistic financial plan. If you haven’t adequately covered these two areas, then you are needlessly leaving the outcome of the plan in jeopardy.
Long Term Care. Sometimes, people associate needs of long-term care with being later in life, and frankly that’s not entirely true. I know of a handful of examples where people younger than myself are receiving long-term care resulting from injuries, or sickness.
More and more often, I am finding that adult children, nearing the fruition of their working years, are now struggling with the financial reality that comes with caring for aging parents who had not adequately addressed needs of long-term care. This is serving as motivation for them to assess that risk within their own plan.
Fortunately, many of the life insurance policies issued by companies today can serve multiple roles. We call these hybrid life insurance policies. Very often, we have addressed multiple needs of risk indemnification with one hybrid policy as we have sought to minimize threats that could come against the fruition of planning objectives.
Address the risks. In conclusion, we are perpetually
working with our clients as it pertains to the investment implementation of multifaceted financial plans that we have constructed for the achievement of their objectives. All of that work could be undermined however if we have cast an oblivious eye to the very real risks of loss that could undermine the achievement of those objectives. I strongly encourage everyone to not simply be satisfied with what they believe to be adequate insurance. Engage a professional financial planner, who is qualified to stress test those assumptions before something catastrophic provides that stress test for you. You may find that you have been underinsured for a long time, and thankful that you are still in a position to address risks that could undermine the objectives for which you are planning.
(*) David R. Guttery, RFC, RFS, CAM, is a financial advisor, and has been in practice for 31 years, and is the President of Keystone Financial Group in Trussville. David offers products and services using the following business names: Keystone Financial Group – insurance and financial services | Ameritas Investment Company, LLC (AIC), Member FINRA / SIPC – securities and investments | Ameritas Advisory Services – investment advisory services. AIC and AAS are not affiliated with Keystone Financial Group. Information provided is gathered from sources believed to be reliable; however, we cannot guarantee their accuracy. This information should not be interpreted as a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Past performance is not an indicator of future results.
Clinic
By David Rainer Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Officials with the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo (ADSFR) are expecting big numbers for the rodeo’s 90th anniversary celebration July 20-23 at the rodeo site on Dauphin Island.
In what started as basically a tarpon tournament in 1929, long before a bridge allowed easy access to the island, the initial group numbered only 250 anglers. With only a break during World War II, the rodeo has grown exponentially and was desig-
nated the world’s largest saltwater fishing tournament by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2011.
“For nine decades volunteers in our local communities have come together to offer an event of this magnitude on the island, and it’s really special,” said Kevin Marks, ADSFR president. “When you consider what happens in the background and how the community rallies around it.”
The rodeo is a project of the Mobile Jaycees, and the ADSFR committees spend long hours in preparation for the four-day event that begins with the Captain T-Bone’s Liars Contest on Thursday
night, followed by three days of fishing competition.
“This group, the VPs (vice presidents), has been working on this for nine months,” Sims said. “We meet twice a month to work toward our goals and report to the board of directors. When you think why the rodeo is so special, it goes back to the mentality of volunteerism. When you go back to 1929 when this started and you fast forward to today, we’ve gone from 250 anglers at the inaugural event to 4,000 anglers who participate yearly. We have more than 120 sponsors, mostly the local communities in Mobile and Baldwin counties, but a few from out-
side, like Yamaha outboards and Contender boats.
“It’s really incredible listening to past presidents who put on this event and hearing about where we were 10 or 20 years ago. It hits you as something unique and special to Dauphin Island that has gained the title of the largest saltwater tournament in the world.”
Participants in the 90th rodeo will compete for more than $450,000 in cash and prizes, including a Contender 25 bay boat with a Yamaha 250-horsepower outboard. The winner of the boat-motor package will be selected in a random drawing from all par-
ticipants who weigh in a legal fish during the tournament. Therefore, if you catch a 12inch white trout at Cedar Point Pier or haul in a 150-pound yellowfin tuna from the Gulf of Mexico, your chances of winning the top prize packages are the same.
New this year is another random drawing from those who weigh in a legal fish for a generator package from Meadows Electric valued at $10,000.
“We have increased the random drawings among the participants of the jackpots,” Sims said. “If you compare last year to this year, it’s a
pretty significant increase in the number of random drawings.”
After bringing a shark category back to the rodeo last year with great success, this year’s shark competition has been changed to include only two shark species – tiger and bull. Those two remaining shark species will also have separate categories. Last year’s category was dominated by the tiger sharks. The Gulf Hauling and Construction Shark Jackpot will also be divided into individual species.
See OUTDOORS, Page 16
Volunteer Fair
Wednesday, July 12
2:00pm - 6:00pm
LBK Auditorium (Trussville Public Library)
Thursday, July 13th, 4-6PM
Our teen Let’s Create! event for July will be felt charms!
We will supply felt and thread in a variety of colors along with needles and other necessary supplies for each teen to make their own felt charm keychain. Teens will be able to make whatever design they choose and Ms. Riana will be on hand to help in the creation process as needed.
Snacks will be provided. This event is for teens only (6th12th grade).
Science of Slime with McWane Center
Find volunteer opportunities for all ages!
Our Summer Reading theme is All Together Now, and we want to explore the ways we can work together to help our community! This come-andgo event will have tables from a variety of organizations, so you can find a service opportunity that suits you best.
The organizations joining us are: Friends of the Trussville Library, Trussville Senior Center, Friends of Pinchgut Creek, Trussville YMCA, Journey Hospice, Jefferson County Master Gardeners, Grace Klein Community, Greater Birmingham Humane Society, STAIR of Birmingham, The Exceptional Foundation, American Red Cross, Firehouse Ministries, Lions Clubs International, McWane Science Center, Wild Alabama, and our own Teen Advisory Board. We are excited to see our community come together!
Registration is available, but not required. It simply helps with planning the event.
Thanks!
Intro to Theatre with Red Mountain Theatre Company
Wed Jul 12th 10:00am - 11:30am
Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL 35126
Thu Jul 13th 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL 35126
- newcomers are welcome! Join our Facebook group: YARN MANGLERS ANONYMOUS
Sewing for Charity Thursday, July 13 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Parkway Room (Trussville Public Library)
Call (205) 533-8664
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.
Touch-a-Truck Sat Jul 15th
10:00am - 12:00pm
Pinson Bicentennial Park, 4200 Oak St, Pinson, AL 35126
(1st-5th graders)
Thursday, July 13th at 2 PM
Registration Required
Learn about states of matter & experiment with SLIME!
This event is intended for grades 1st-5th. Register to attend: https://bit.ly/pplslime
Starshine Face Painting
Thursday, July 13 2:00pm - 3:00pm LBK Auditorium (Trussville Public Library)
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SUPPORT THE BLIND! Donate a car to the American Council of the Blind. FAST FREE PICKUP. 24-hour response. Running or not. maximum tax deduction and no emission test required! Call 24/7: 844-601-1342.
(All Ages)
Wednesday, July 12th 1011:30AM.
Red Mountain Theatre Company is coming to the Pinson Public Library for this Introduction to Theatre Workshop geared towards k-5th graders! In this class, students will unlock their actor tools: body, voice, and imagination to create and inhabit characters and tell stories! Students will also learn improvisation fundamentals.
Let’s Create: Felt Charms
Thu Jul 13th 4:00pm - 5:30pm Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL 35126
Join the Trussville Public Library and Starshine to learn about art of face painting. Starshine will be teaching us face painting skills while also offering face painting to program attendees. This program is part of the 2023 Summer Reading program. Attending this program will earn you tickets for the Teen Department Summer Reading Program. Open to 6th to 12th grade.
(Photographs may be taken during the program and used by the TPL. If you do not want pictures of your child to be taken please let the Librarian in charge of the event know)
Yarn Manglers
Knit & crochet group
Thursday, July 13 2:00pm - 4:00pm Cahaba Room (Trussville Public Library)
Bring the whole family to Pinson Bicentennial Park for Touch-a-Truck, presented by Pinson Public Library, Pinson Parks & Recreation, & Pinson Public Works! This event will feature lots of different types of vehicles (huge ones) that children can come see, touch, ask questions, take a photo with the vehicle and perhaps sit behind the wheel. There will also be food truck(s) available.
Take-Home Tuesdays:
DIY Watermelon Pinwheels
Tue Jul 18th
9:00am - 6:00pm
Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL 35126
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(All ages)
Tuesday, July 18th at 9 AM
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
(Teens)
It’s Take-Home Tuesday! Drop by the library beginning Tuesday, July 18th at 9 AM to pick up an all-ages kit with a craft & fun surprise! This week’s theme is DIY watermelon pinwheels. Supplies are limited, so kits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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Notice is hereby given that the City of Argo Alabama ( City ) will receive sealed bids at City Hall at 100 Blackjack Road Trussville AL until 2 00 pm on Monday July 31 2023 at which time the bids will be opened for the following project ROOFING REPAIRS FOR ARGO CITY HALL The bid must contain all requirements and d o c u m e n t s s t a te d i n t h e b i d wh i c h i n c l u d e s a t m i n i m u m evidence of the Bidder s authority and quali ication to perform the work in Argo Alabama or obtain such quali ication prior to awarding the Contract
The City reserves the right to modify substitute cancel or the invitation to bid as well as the right to reject any or all bids to waive any or all irregularities and/or informalities in any bid and to award a contract in any manner consistent with the law and deemed in the best interest of the City A bid packet may be picked up at Argo City Hall online at cityofargo.org
may 25, 1956 – may 31, 2023
Lifelong resident of his family home in Clay, Alabama, Robert William (Bobby) McFrancis went home to be with our Lord and Savior May 31, 2023. Bob was born May 25,1956 to Reverend Robert Charles McFrancis and Lela Bragg McFrancis. Bob loved Jesus authentically and was known for commenting at funerals “I wish it had been me.” He lived his life with intention to be with Jesus when He called him home! After a near fatal car accident in 1985, Bob dedicated his life to God and began his journey into comprehensive study of the Bible and continued each and every morning since that time at his kitchen table. He attended Hewitt Trussville High School, graduating in 1974. He then enjoyed a career with Norfolk Southern Railroad until his car accident. He found great joy in helping his family and fellow church members with handyman jobs around their homes where he could fix absolutely anything and helped his friends with cabinetry, roofing and carpentry work because he loved them. He enjoyed cutting his lawn and that of his sisters as well as his church, Argo Christian Fellowship.
Bob was predeceased by his parents and his nephew Cameron Lane Terrell.
He is survived by his sisters: Brenda McFrancis Terrell, Joy McFrancis Thornhill, Kathy McFrancis-Crittenden, and Yvonne McFrancis Pope; as well as numerous nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, cousins and a host of loving friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Argo Christian Fellowship Building Fund, 842 US-11 Trussville, Al 35173. A celebration of life was held on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Argo Christian Fellowship.
march 16, 1944 — june 30, 2023
Melinda F. Smith, age 79 of Moody, AL passed away on June 30, 2023 in Birmingham, AL. She was a native of Walker County, AL and was born on March 16, 1944 to Albert and Vicy Ferguson. She was the youngest of their four children.
Melinda was a graduate of Ensley High School class of 1962. She married the love of her life Rickey J. Smith on October 28, 1993.
She was a faithful Christian and devoted member of Leeds Worship Center where she sang in the choir. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.
She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook and was known for her beloved banana pudding and her cajun chicken salad. She retired from PEMCO Aeroplex after 45 years of service.
Melinda was preceded in death by her parents and her two sisters, Betty Smith, Polly Harper, and Nell Smith and two brothers-in-law, Arnold Harper and Robert Pickard. She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Rickey J. Smith; her son, Scottie Smith (Racheal); her three grandchildren, Caleb, Landen, and Samuel Smith; her sisters, Patsy Pickard, Peggy McKenzie (Donnie) and Sonya Fite; niece, Dee Christensen (Jim), and great nephew, Dane Christensen (Amy). She also leaves behind a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A funeral for Melinda will be held at Leeds Worship Center at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 6th with visitation held two hours prior to the service. Pastor Rickey Bradford and her son, Pastor Scottie Smith will be presiding over the service. A visitation will also follow on Friday, July 7th at Colonial Funeral Home, 323 2nd St. Columbia MS 39429 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A chapel service will be held at Colonial Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, July 8th at 11:00 a.m. The Burial will immediately follow at Richland Creek Cemetery, 200 Richland Creek Rd. Foxworth MS 39429.
january 7, 1951 — june 30, 2023
Mrs. Jo Ann Deese age 72 of Moody, Al. went home to be with the Lord on June 30, 2023. She was a member of Moody First Baptist Church where she was very active in her Sunday school class. Jo Ann enjoyed walking in her neighborhood, going to exercise class at her church, loved reading and traveling. The one thing she loved the most was her grandson, Jesse. Jo Ann was a very strong individual and was faithful in her belief in the Lord and from the first day she was diagnosed she said no matter what happened she was ready because she had put it in God’s hands. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Harold Deese and her parents Emmett and Doris Wise, and her sister Dottie Holmes.
Survivors include her daughter April (Ryan) Cloud, her brother-in-law Jerry (Jean) Holmes and her beloved grandson Jesse Cloud. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Janice (Sim) Coleman, brother-in-law Jimmy (Susan) Deese, her nephews are Rusty (April) Holmes, Tim Holmes and Travis (Bridgette) Deese. 4 great nephews and 1 great niece. A celebration of life service will be held at Jefferson Memorial Gardens on Thursday July 6, 2023, at 12:00 noon in the chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service from 11:00 am till service time. Burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens cemetery.
Vent
Take time to cry. Don’t be afraid to share your tears with other mourners. Talk openly with family members and friends. Don’t try to “protect” your children or other family members by hiding your sadness. This is the time to lean on your friends.
Lighten
If you usually have a pressing schedule, try to lighten it. Remember, grief is mentally taxing. You don’t need the added strain of too much to do. Set aside some quiet times just for yourself to think about your spouse’s death and put things in perspective.
Remember that There is No Timetable
Healing happens gradually, and there is no regular timetable for grieving. For some people, feeling better may take weeks or even years. It’s also important to remember that even if you have accepted your loss, that doesn’t mean that you have forgotten the person.
Memorial FUNERAL HOME AND GARDENS
205-322-0543
1591 Gadsden
If you have any questions about funeral planning please email: askeddie@jmgardens.com
march 30, 1931 — july 4, 2023
Sam Roddam received his wings on INDEPENDENCE DAY, Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at the age of 92. He was a member of Huffman Methodist Church, Huffman Masonic Lodge and Shriner’s. He was owner of Sam’s Auto Sales until 1993 at which time his son, Ray Roddam took ownership. He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Fulton Roddam and his mother Della King Roddam, his wife Jean Roddam and his oldest son Jimmy Roddam. He is survived by his sons Mark Roddam and Ray Roddam (Phyllis), granddaughter Brooklyn Savage (Matt) grandsons Chad, Art and Chris Roddam, (Lauran) and 9 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday from 11am until 12 with Ragan Boling officiating Jefferson Memorial Trussville directing.
december 31, 1951 — july 2, 2023
Ken Bonham,71, of Springville, Alabama, left us, surrounded by friends and family on July 2, 2023 at 9:08 pm. Born to Hugh Morris Bonham (D) and Julia Mae Bonham on December 31, 1951. Ken Bonham is survived by his spouse, Susan Lee Bonham; children, Crystal Bonham Roberts (Chris Roberts), Kenneth Hugh Bonham II (Marissa Bonham), Caitlyn Bonham White (Jeremy White), Richard Morris Bonham, Benjamin Beauregard Bonham (Randa Bonham); and seven grandchildren; siblings Sheila Bonham Smith, Sharon Bonham Green, Tammy Bonham Bailey; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. Services will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral and Gardens on Friday, July 7, 2023 at 1591 Gadsden Highway Birmingham, AL 35235. Visitation: 4-7p.m. with services to follow. Please join us to celebrate his amazing life.
In lieu of flowers donations to https://gofund.me/f8c6a422 or your favorite music charity in honor of Ken Bonham are appreciated.
may 4, 1960 — june 29, 2023
David Lee Brown, age 63 of Moody, passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 30, 2023. He was born in Birmingham, AL on May 4, 1960 to Cecil Brown and Peggy Joyce Thames Brown. David was a graduate of Huffman High School class of 1978. He also attended and graduated from UAB where he received his Bachelor. David was a member of Crescent Ridge Church of Christ. He was a fan of The Three Stooges and Alabama Football.
David was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Beth Holmes Brown, and his two daughters, Hannah Beth and Callie Brown.
A funeral service for David Lee Brown will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, July 5th at 10:00 a.m. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. The committal service will immediately follow the chapel service at Jefferson Memorial’s adjoining gardens.
january 4, 1985 — july 5, 2023
Josh was reunited with his mom, and other loved ones, early Wednesday morning, July 05, 2023, after succumbing to testicular cancer.
Josh was preceded in death by his mother, Pam M. Franklin, Grandparents
Raymond and Joyce Franklin, Grandparents Silas and Louise Miller. Josh is survived by his father Ray H. Franklin, Jr., stepmother Karen S. Franklin, his sister Jennifer L. Franklin and several uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. Even though Josh could not compete in most sports, he loved bowling and was a die-hard fan of Hoover Bucs football, Alabama Crimson Tide football, Atlanta Braves baseball and WWE. Josh’s favorite vacation spots were a condo on the Gulf, overlooking the beach, or a few days in The Great Smokey Mountains.
A special thanks to the wonderful staff at UAB and The Kirkland Clinic, especially his cardiologists, Dr. Marc Cribbs, Dr. William Maddox and ALL the doctors in the Advanced Heart Failure and Hypertension Department that monitored Josh’s health over the last several years. Also, a special thanks to the staff and nurses at Compassus Hospice for their care of Josh in his last few weeks. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 2:00 PM, followed by a graveside service at Jefferson Memorial Gardens.
april 10, 1935 — july 4, 2023
Mary “Evelyn” Johnson, 88 of Birmingham passed away on July 4, 2023. She was born April 10, 1935, to Alfred and Lorene O’Dell. She is survived by her son, Randy (Christy) and daughter Terri (Beth), siblings, Norma Higgins, Brenda Ginn & Wallace O’Dell as well as a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. The greatest joy in her life was her family, whom she loved fiercely and unconditionally.
Evelyn had very little vision much of her adult life, but that never stopped her from experiencing life fully. After the death of her beloved husband, Bill, when she was in her late fifties, it was important to her that she maintain independence. To do this, she traveled to The Seeing Eye in New Jersey to train with her first guide dog, Dori who was so much more to her than eyes, she was her companion for 11 years. After Dori’s death, Evelyn returned to The Seeing Eye for her second guide dog & loving companion, Mary, also for 11 years. Together, they were able to travel on many grand adventures along with her beloved “Hilltoppers” from Vestavia Hills Methodist Church. She wouldn’t allow her blindness to be an impediment, maintaining this same courage and zest for the remainder of her life.
Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents, husband, William “Bill” Johnson, & son, Michael L. Johnson (Barbara). The service will be held on July 11, 2023, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens located at 1591 Gadsden, Hwy. Birmingham, AL 35235. Visitation is from 12pm -2pm and the service will be at 2pm.
Pallbearers include grandsons & great-grandsons.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to The Seeing Eye www.seeingeye.org
By John Goolsby For the
Tribune
IRONDALE – Like many young boys growing up in Birmingham in the 1970s, Ben Tamburello dreamed of playing in the Iron Bowl for Bear Bryant and the Crimson Tide. His dream of playing in the nation’s best rivalry would eventually come true. However, he wouldn’t run onto the turf of Legion Field in the crimson and white he loved as a youth. Instead, he would choose the Auburn Tigers and don the orange and blue.
Tamburello left Shades Valley in 1982 as an excellent football player who played on both sides of the ball. Still, at 6’2 and a little more than 200 pounds, he was considered undersized for a lineman and received not a single offer to play at the collegiate level.
“I was young for my age. I was just 17 when I graduated,” he said. Tamburello credits former Shades Valley head coach Robert Higginbotham for directing him to a prep school in Sweetwater, Tennesse. “He thought I had some potential and wasn’t through growing. He was the one that suggested I go to Tennessee Military Institute,” Tamburello said. Coach “Higg” turned out to be correct. Tamburello grew an inch over the summer after graduation and enrolled in Tennessee Military Insti-
tute (TMI) in the fall of 1982 at 6’3, 245 lbs.
In 1982 DI football programs fielded junior varsity squads. TMI played the junior varsity teams from Notre Dame, Tennesse, Kentucky, and South Carolina each year. These games allowed their players to gain exposure to coaches at the larger schools.
Tamburello’s play at TMI ultimately got the attention of the biggest coach of all. “Lo and behold, I got a call on a payphone in my dorm from Coach Bryant one night. I thought it was a joke before I realized it was really him. My knees were shaking. They were 5-0, had just beaten Penn State, and were ranked number one or two in the nation,” he said. Tamburello’s childhood hero offered him a scholarship that night.
“That started everything for
me. Once Alabama offered me, L.S.U., Kentucky, Tennesse, and Auburn offered,” Tamburello said.
As much as Tamburello had loved Alabama and looked up to Coach Bryant as a kid, he could see that the end was drawing near in Tuscaloosa. Coach Dye and the Auburn Tigers were to be his future. In November of 1984, John Bradley of the Washington Post wrote about Tamburello and Bryant:
“Ben Tamburello was a fine example of Bryant’s failure in the end. When the old man visited the gifted center at his home in Birmingham, Tamburello thanked Bryant with all his heart, and said it was a dream of his to shake the great man’s hand and have the opportunity to go to Alabama and play football. But that didn’t change his mind about his decision to sign with Auburn and play for Pat Dye. There was more opportunity…”
More opportunity or not, there was still one last thing to do: tell the Bear he wouldn’t be coming to Tuscaloosa. A phone call to the legendary coach was made from Tamburello’s father’s insurance office in Hoover. “It was a very hard call for a young man to make to one of his boyhood heroes, to say the least,” he said. Even though it was a tough call to make, he knew it was something he
had to do. “He let me explain my reasons. After our conversation, I wished him luck in the Liberty Bowl, and that was it,” he said. Bryant would pass away four weeks after the bowl game. With the help of a plan his dad designed, consuming over 6,000 calories a day and weight lifting, Tamburello arrived on the Auburn campus bigger and stronger than ever. His weight was up to 260 pounds, almost 60 pounds heavier than his playing weight as a Mountie. He
started at center as a freshman in 1983 for the Tigers and was named to the Football News’ Freshman All-American team that year. He was selected as an All-American in 1985 and was a consensus All-American pick the following year. In 1986 he was named the SEC’s lineman of the year and a team captain. He left Auburn as a Lombardi and Outland Trophy finalist, the Ken Rice Award recipient, an All-SEC Academic performer, and the Shug Jordan Award recipient.
“The greatest college memory I’ve got is when I was captain my senior year at Auburn, and I called the toss at the Iron Bowl in 1986. I walked out there and looked across the field at the crimson line of Alabama. I’m thinking, I’m from Birmingham, grew up an Alabama fan, and I am calling the toss here at Legion Field! That’s something that Shades Valley set me up for and put me in that position,” he said. For the record,
See TAMBURELLO, Page 16
By John Goolsby For the Tribune
SPRINGVILLE –Springville head coach Jon Clements enters his third year at Springville High School looking to improve on last year’s 1-9 record.
The Jemison native is optimistic about the Tiger’s future despite having some players leave the program.
“We are excited about the guys that have stayed, and we are excited about our seniors,” Clements said. “I really like our team chemistry, and we have a lot of leadership.”
Clements has been on the staff of some of the top programs in the state and knows what it takes to build a program. Building a program starts in the weight room during the off-season, and the Tigers have seen improvements in that area.
“The kids have done a tremendous job in the weight room,” he said. “They have really transformed their bodies and made a true commitment.”
Staff continuity and developing a pipeline of players is also a crucial part of program’s success, and Clements has worked hard on that front also. “We were able to bring back our entire staff except for one,” he said. “That’s a positive.”
“We have added to our junior high staff,” he said. “That has been a key area for us, and we are getting it going in the right direction.”
Clements has been able to rally the community to help the program financially. “We’ve raised over half a million dollars the last three years, and it has gone directly back to the kids,” he said.
“The booster club, led by Larry Adams, has really stepped up,” Clements said. “We have been able to get them new helmets, new
shoulder pads, a new weight room, new uniforms, and get a bunch of cosmetic things done.”
On the field, the Tigers should be improved. “I like the group we’ve got, and I like who we have in key spots,” Clements said.
Springville plays an extremely tough non-region and region schedule. “We are going to be battling uphill schedule-wise, and we have our work cut out for us,” he said. “It should be pretty fun.”
Clements is expecting big
things from senior Noel Cox.
“He is somebody we look to for a lot of things,” he said.
“He plays offense, defense, returns kicks, and he’s our holder. He does it all.”
“He’s everything that is right about high school sports, Clements said. “He’s a guy that shows up to work and then goes home.”
“Junior Jake Connor will have to do a lot of things for us as well,” he said. “Nathan Baldwin on the line will be a three-year starter, and Mahlon Averson at running back has
continued to get better and better.”
The Tigers will have to replace two freshmen who played quarterback last year. The duo transferred to other area schools. “That put us a little behind the eight ball, and it will be quarterback by committee,” Clements said.
“We have some pieces, and there are good things ahead for Springville,” he said. “It’s fun to go to work because you know what you are going to get.”
Even though the Tigers
have not had a winning season, made the playoffs, or won a playoff game since 2009, Clements has found a home and a program with the history and the foundation to be successful.
Clements hopes to return the program to the success it enjoyed from 1990-2009 when it went 150-81, spent 80 weeks in the top-10, won seven region titles, made the playoffs sixteen times, and won sixteen playoff games.
“I’m so blessed to get to work here and get to work
for and with great people,” he said. “Our kids are fantastic. Friday nights are fantastic.”
“It’s a real special place, and I wish a lot more people got to experience it as I do,” he said.
“Springville is home to us. We didn’t come to Springville to change it. We came to Springville because we wanted to be a part of it.”
Springville kicks off the season in a Fall jamboree against Dora and then opens at home against Etowah on August 24.
From The Tribune staff reports
BRIERFIELD — The Alabama Society of Traditional Bowmen (ASTB) will receive statewide and national exposure with a feature on Simply Southern TV on Sunday, July 9.
The group hosts four events annually at Brierfield Ironworks State Park in Bibb County.
The show will premiere locally at 6:30 a.m. on WBMA-TV 33/40 and will be rebroadcast on national cable network RFD-TV the following Wednesday, July 12, at 3 p.m. “In today’s fast-paced world, it’s rare to find anything still done the old way, but that is not the case with traditional
archery. Those who practice it, like the Alabama Society of Traditional Bowmen, prefer the challenge of mastering old-school methods to the ease of modern gadgetry,” said Simply Southern reporter Melissa Bowman. “We spent a day with ASTB members, and they were kind enough to give me a lesson. I not only enjoyed learning a new skill, but I also came to understand why this group dedicates itself to keeping traditional archery alive.”
Simply Southern TV is a 30-minute show that celebrates Alabama’s farmers, gardeners, makers, rural communities and one-of-a-kind destinations. Episodes are also available on the show’s website at www.SimplySouthernTV.net.
By Johnny Sanders Sports EditorTRUSSVILLE – It is no secret that the Trussville Tribune coverage area is saturated with athletic talent across all sports and from each of the eight schools that we cover. In Alabama, football is king and that sport is no exception when it comes to the rich talent in our area.
That fact was no more evident than it was this past week as two of our student-athletes experienced some significant events for their futures.
Coming off of an impressive season with Clay Chalkville, the Cougars’ D’angelo “DJ” Barber made his commitment known on Independence Day of 2023 when he announced his commitment to Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers. The three-
star linebacker from Clay (51st ranked linebacker in the nation) chose the Tigers over Georgia Tech, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arkansas and arch rival Alabama, in addition to a host of other schools ranging from SEC, ACC, Conference USA and AAF teams just to name a few.
Barber helped to lead the Cougars to a 8-1 regular season, with their only loss coming to eventual 7A State Champ Thompson in Alabaster by a narrow score of 1714. The season would come to an end for Barber and company in the first round of the playoffs with a surprise 7-6 loss to the Parker Thundering Herd. Barber and his teammates look to make up for the disappointing season-ending loss and hope to be ordering new rings in De-
Tamburello won the toss, and Auburn went on to defeat the Crimson Tide 21-17.
“The foundation that Coach Dye laid in my life: athletics, hard work, discipline, that was the greatest thing that could have happened to me,” Tamburello said. The hard work and discipline he learned from Dye and his offensive line coach, Neil Callaway, ultimately paid off for Tamburello. He was drafted in the third round by Philadelphia in 1987. After playing five years for the Eagles, he retired in 1992.
“It all started with Shades Valley and Coach Higginbotham. He was so good to me. They had me back for a Ben Tamburello Day and retired my jersey when I signed with the Eagles. I’ll always be grateful for him. The oth-
From page 10
“After last year’s rodeo, we felt like we needed to level the playing field,” Marks said. “We did away with hammerhead and blacktip.”
Right now, the rodeo plans to have a red snapper category and Craneworks Red Snapper Jackpot, but it will depend on the projections of when Alabama’s quota of 591,185 pounds will be met. Alabama Marine Resources Director Scott Bannon said private recreational anglers had harvested 361,314 pounds as of June 26, with an average take of 72,000 per four-day (Friday through Monday) weekend. Bannon is hopeful the season will remain open for the rodeo.
“Traditionally, this time of year the snapper catch starts to decline,” Bannon said. “Typically, the fish seem to turn off and are harder to catch in July. We’ll make that call about a season clo-
er coaches, Jackie Clayton, Owen Butts, and Jim King. I have such fond memories of them. What fun I had,” said Tamburello.
“Shades Valley has always meant a lot to me. It was a good time and set the foundation for me to go on and do other things,” said Tamburello. The special Shades Valley community is what Tamburello remembers most. “We never won a championship or went to the playoffs while I was there, but more than anything, the friendships are what I remember. I was from Altadena. John Kelley was from Cahaba Heights, Glenn Sisk and Bobby McDanal were from Irondale. It was a melting pot of different areas because we were so spread out. It was a cool deal,” he said.
Had football not worked out, Tamburello may very well have had a career as a
sure as soon as possible. Anglers need to remember that reporting is mandatory and withholding reports does not translate into more days, it is more complicated than that.”
Sims added, “At this time, we’re planning to have snapper. But we will pivot if that’s what needs to happen.”
This year’s rodeo added a porgy category that includes red, whitebone, knobbed and jolthead.
“We added porgy just to have another offshore species,” Sims said. “We removed African pompano and Warsaw grouper, but we didn’t touch the inshore categories.”
Sims said the South Response Services King Mackerel Jackpot, the CCA of Alabama Live Weigh-In Special Awards, Yamaha Motors Speckled Trout Jackpot and the Meadow Electric Big Game Jackpot are basically unchanged. Regular rodeo categories include 15 inshore species and 18 offshore spe-
talent scout. Award-winning country music writer and former Shades Valley Mountie kicker, Neil Thrasher, was a frequent carpooler with Tamburello. “He lived down the street from me in Altadena, and I would take him home. We would be driving home from practice listening to WERC on the AM radio, and he would be back there harmonizing. I thought to myself, that guy can really sing,” he said.
Ben Tamburello was named to Auburn’s All-Decade Team for the 1980s and named to the Auburn All-Century Team in 1992. He was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. Tamburello has had a successful career off of the gridiron as well. He has been in Real Estate in Birmingham for almost twenty years. He also serves as the Board Chair
cies. Each category has a minimum size. Go to https:// adsfr.com/rodeo-rules/ to find the rodeo species and minimum sizes.
Another aspect of the ADSFR is it makes a perfect venue for marine scientists to collect a great deal of data in a three-day span. Dr. Sean Powers, rodeo judge and head of the University of South Alabama Marine and Environmental Sciences Department, will bring a crew of students and researchers to sample a variety of fish. Dr. Marcus Drymon of Mississippi State University will bring a team to take a variety of samples from the shark species brought to the scales at the rodeo site. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab will also have a crew at the rodeo to assist with the sampling.
As usual, the Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament will be held the Saturday (July 15) prior to the ADSFR and is available to anglers 15 years old and younger.
of the St. Vincent’s Foundation Board of Directors. For all the success that Tamburello had in football, family is what he’s most excited to talk about. “Football is history; that’s behind me. It is my family that I’m most proud of. I’ll be married to Katy thirty-four years in February,” he said. Ben and Katy have three children: Ben, Anna, and Julia. Ben was a scholarship football player at the Naval Academy and played for four years. He then served as a Marine Corp Officer for five years after graduating from Annapolis. He currently lives in Hawaii and works for Stryker. Anna recently graduated from Appalachian State with a degree in Music Therapy and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Counseling. Julia has followed in her parent’s footsteps and attends Auburn University.
For the first time, Roy Martin tickets can be purchased at www.fishingchaos. com, but what’s special about the Roy Martin tournament is you can purchase the ticket when you get to the rodeo site with your fish.
At the big rodeo, all tickets must be purchased before the start of the competition, which opens with a cannon blast at 5 a.m. on Friday, July 21. The ADSFR closes with another cannon blast at 5 p.m. on July 23.
“Right now, we are working very diligently on getting everything wrapped up,” Sims said. “It seems like we have a couple of weeks, but the timeline is getting pretty short. We’re pumping on all 14 cylinders right now, myself and the 13 other guys I work with.
“We’re hoping to sink the island with spectators, anglers and anyone who wants to check us out. Right now, we’re on track to have another great rodeo.”
cember as the next 6A State Champions.
Barber’s future teammate at Auburn, Moody’s A’mon Lane, had a big week as well.
The Alabama High School Athletic Association Radio Networkselected Lane as their Russell Do it Centers AHSAA Male Athlete of the Week last week. Lane, the leader in a crowded defensive backfield for the Blue Devils, has been committed to Auburn since July of last year, when former coach
Bryan Harsin was still the coach. Proving he is a man of his word, Lane stayed committed to the Tigers despite Harsin’s firing and will join Barber and others as part of Hugh Freeze’s first recruiting class at Auburn.
With the four-star cornerback (24th ranked corner in
the nation) as their anchor in the defensive backfield, the Moody Blue Devils set school records and experienced success like those in the small Saint Clair County town have not seen in quite some time, if ever. Lane, along with his father and head football coach, Jake Ganus, brought a new attitude, even a swagger, to Moody last year that they look to build upon in 2023. The season did not end with a blue map as many had planned. Lane and company fell in the regular season to only rival Leeds and then lost in the second round of the playoffs to Arab.
Both players look to make their mark at the highest level of collegiate sports. But first, they both have unfinished business to attend to in the 2023 season and we are the ones who get to sit back and watch them.
fish during the rodeo. (Photo by Billy Pope, ADCNR)