The Trussville Tribune – August 3 - 9, 2022

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By Nathan Prewett For the Tribune

MOODY – Moody City Council held a regular meeting before having a work session where they heard budget reports and requests from department heads on Monday, July 25.

See MOODY, Page 5

Trussville Mayor announces 2022 Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — Mayor Buddy Choat announces the 2022 Trussville Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, scheduled for August 5 at the Trussville Civic Center. The buffet will open at 6:30 a.m.; the program will begin at 7:00 a.m.

See BREAKFAST, Page 3

Massey Asphalt Paving sells business to Florida-based company

By Hannah Curran Editor

TRUSSVILLE — Massey Asphalt Paving (MAP) sold its business to the Florida-based paving company on Tuesday, July 26.

Former owner of MAP, Trey Massey, explained they See MAP, Page 6

Springville Council adopts new handbook and pay scales for city employee

By Terry Schrimscher For The Tribune

SPRINGVILLE — The Springville City Council met Monday night, August 1, for the first regular meeting of the month.

See SPRINGVILLE, Page 2

Inside the Tribune News - Pages 1-8 Calendar - Page 9 Classified - Page 9 Obituary - Page 10 Sports - Pages 11-12

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Early screening for lung cancer enhances survival rates

By Hannah Curran Editor

BIRMINGHAM — In accordance with World Lung Cancer Day held on August 1, physicians with Ascension St. Vincent’s Eastern Pulmonary and survivors of lung cancer discuss the importance of early screening for lung cancer.

Dr. Joshua Gautney, a physician at Ascension St. Vincent’s Eastern Pulmonary, explained that lung cancer is the leading cancer killer among adults.

“We know that screening is imperative to finding it early and that those cases that are caught early and undergo surgery have higher rates of a cure,” Gautney said. “It’s a leading cause of death among adults, and so catching it early with screening is imperative to do what we want, which is curing them and having them live happy healthy Lives.”

According to the American Lung Association, “screening for individuals at high risk has the potential to dramatically improve lung cancer survival rates by find-

Ascension St. Vincent's East (Photo courtesy of Shea Allen)

ing the disease at an earlier stage when it is more likely to be curable.”

Russell Darrin Jones, 59, was diagnosed with stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer in March 2022. Due to the early detection, his doctors were able to surgically remove the cancer without chemoradiation in April 2022.

“I’ve had a primary doctor for the last six years, and

they do regular screenings on me because cancer runs in my family,” Jones said. “They did a chest X-ray on me, and there were some abnormalities on both of my lungs. So my primary doctor at the time sent me to a pulmonary specialist for a CT scan.”

During those scans, the nodule on Jones’ right lung showed signs of cancer, and Jones was taken to surgery.

“They were just going to remove my top lobe, but then they found a tumor in my middle lobe,” Jones said.

“They then had to remove my top and middle lobe.”

Jones said after his surgery, the doctor looked at him and said, “good news, no chemo, no radiation, they got it all.”

Gautney explained that as of March 2021, the United States Preventive Services Task Force has updated the recommendation for lung cancer screening to include both younger age individuals, now starting at age 50, as well as those with less smoking exposure.

“So screening is important now more than ever, in that we are including more people than ever,” Gautney said.

Lung cancer screening, is a low-dose form of a CAT scan, or an advanced X-ray, in which physicians get thin slices of the lung or get a low radiation dose of imaging to the lung that allows them to evaluate for lung nodules.

From there, depending on See SCREENING, Page 7

Venomous Snake Workshops held at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

By Crystal McGough For The Tribune

PINSON – Living in the Southeastern United States, snakes are a fact of life. Each year, from spring to fall, social media fills up with pictures and posts from concerned people who have found a snake at a local park, in their neighborhood, or even in their house. Although these animals are an essential part of a healthy ecosystem, they are highly misunderstood, even by many who grew up tromping through woods and swimming in creeks and lakes.

More importantly, when people encounter one of the six venomous snake species that live in Alabama, they rarely know how to safely respond to such a situation.

On July 16 and 23, roughly 30 people attended workshops, taught by Alabama Herpetological Society founder Raymond Corey and Auburn University biologist and herpetologist Jimmy Stiles, to learn what to do when they encounter venomous snakes, as well

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www.TrussvilleTribune.com

August 3 - 9

Moody Council hears budget reports, requests in work session

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TCS BOE discusses upcoming school year, thirdgrade reading proficiency scores

By Hannah Curran Editor

TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Schools Board of Education discussed the upcoming school year and the recently released third-grade reading proficiency scores See TCS, Page 4

Legacy of the WhistleStop Products and Fried Green Tomatoes

By Hannah Curran Editor

LEEDS — The nostalgic Fried Green Tomatoes movie is known by many, and those iconic fried goodies can be created in your own home.

Whistlestop Products are available, and the memory See WHISTLESTOP, Page 5

Peoples Bank of Alabama acquired new location in Trussville From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — Alabama State Banking Department’s June report states that the Peoples Bank of Alabama has announced that it has acquired a bank branch in Trussville.

See BANK, Page 6

Left to right: Jimmy Stiles with an aberrant copperhead and Raymond Corey with a normal copperhead

as how they can help conserve these misunderstood animals.

In these classes, students from all over the state of Alabama, as well as surrounding states, learned how to identify, catch and relocate native venomous snakes. Participants learned what safety equipment to use and protective gear to wear, as well as safe handling techniques and

how to transport a venomous snake to a more appropriate location.

“The past two classes at Turkey Creek were a real delight,” Corey said. “We were able to see individuals evolve and grow within our classes and we received some of the most positive feedback from the participants in these classes we have received so far.”

Attendees also learned the following snake bite protocols: immediately remove any restrictive clothing or jewelry, do not use commercial snake bite kits or tourniquets (car keys and a cell phone are all you need), and go to the nearest hospital or medical center with an Emergency Room (not an urgent care) to get anti-venom.

See VENOMOUS, Page 4

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Leeds Council authorizes emergency repairs, hears Main Street update

By Nathan Prewett For The Tribune

LEEDS – A brief meeting on Monday, Aug. 1 saw the Leeds City Council pass several items related to repairs and surplus, as well as several speaking during public comSee LEEDS, Page 3

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190 Main Street Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664 Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com Hannah Curran, Editor news@trussvilletribune.com Bobby Mathews, Sports Editor bobby.mathews@trussvilletribune.com

Savvy Senior: How to sell unwanted burial plots

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, How do I go about selling unwanted burial plots in my hometown cemetery? When my parents died about 25 years ago my husband (at the time) and I bought two plots near them in the same cemetery. But we’ve gotten divorced since then and have both moved out of state. Besides that, I would like to be cremated instead of buried.

Looking to Sell Dear Looking, Life changes such as relocating, family disputes and divorce, along with the growing popularity of cremation in the U.S., is causing more and more people to sell previously purchased burial plots they don’t intend to use any longer. But, depending on where you live and the location of the cemetery, selling a plot can be difficult. And, if you do sell it, you’ll probably get less than

Springville From front page

SALES STAFF Leigh Hays, Account Executive Shari Moore, Account Executive Lauren Taylor, Office Mgr/Traffic Coord.

Member of the Alabama Press Association

Key items in the agenda included the new city employee handbook and the establishment of new pay scales and employee benefits. The proposals were discussed in the first July meeting and have been in development for months. City leaders believe Springville can be more competitive in hiring and retaining quality staff with the new policies.

“We’ve assembled a very good team. I’d put our team up against anybody,” Mayor Dave Thomas said. “There’s more than just building a team, you have to retain the team, and you have to moti-

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what you initially paid for it.

Here’s are a few tips to get you started.

Contact the cemetery: Your first step in selling your unwanted burial plots is to contact the cemetery and find out if they would be interested in buying them back, or if you’re allowed to sell them yourself to another person or family. And if so, what paperwork will you need to complete the sale and is there a transfer fee?

Some states require sellers to offer the plot back to the cemetery before selling it to others.

Selling options: If you find that it’s OK to sell your plots yourself, many people choose to use a broker. There are a number of companies, like PlotBrokers.com and GraveSolutions.com, that will list your plots for sale and handle the transaction for a fee and possibly a commission. If you go this route, you’ll sign paperwork giving the broker permission to

work on your behalf. Listings can last up to three years or until the plots sell.

Alternatively, or simultaneously, you can also list them yourself on sites like The Cemetery Exchange, GraveSales.com along with eBay and Craigslist, and handle the transaction yourself. In the ad, be sure to post pictures, describe the area where the cemetery is located and give the plot locations.

What to ask: Appropriate pricing is key to selling your plots. It’s recommended that you find out what the cemetery is selling their plots for today and ask at least 20 percent less. If you’re pricing too close to what the

cemetery charges, there’s no incentive for potential buyers.

Beware of scammers: If you choose to sell your plots yourself, it’s not unusual for scam artist to reach out and try to get your personal financial information. Phone calls tend to be more genuine than emails and text messages.

Donate them: If you don’t have any luck selling your plots, and if money isn’t an issue, you can donate them to charity such as a religious congregation, a local veteran’s group or an organization that aids the homeless.

To get a tax deduction, you’ll need an appraisal, which a cemetery or broker may supply for a fee.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

vate the team.”

Thomas said money is only a temporary motivator for long-term employees.

The city needs to provide better benefits, training, and advancement opportunities.

He noted the quality work being done by the Springville Fire and Police departments, which conduct training for other departments from around the state.

“As of right now, our department is ranked fifth in benefits just in our surrounding area, and we’re ranked ninth in insurance and starting pay,” Springville Police Sergeant Maggie Milazzo said.

“It’s really hard to retain good employees when everyone around you can outcompete.”

According to Milazzo, starting pay for a Springville officer is $18.88 per hour.

Springville Fire Chief Richard Harvey also spoke about the need to remain competitive with neighboring cities in order to hire the best-qualified people for his department.

“My firemen start out at $14.20 an hour,” Harvey said.

“One of the problems we have because we’re a small municipality is we don’t have the ability to move vertically within classes. So, it may mean somebody has to work a little bit longer to make it to that management stop.”

The new handbook establishes a 5% annual merit increase and addresses pay

scale and benefits needs to compete with surrounding communities.

The Council approved the new handbook and the new pay incentives for the city.

The changes take effect on October 1.

The Council also approved the following: ● Installation of a curb ramp on Hwy 11 near First United Methodist Church. ● Up to $55,000 to sod two multi-purpose fields awarded to Sunbelt Sod for a bid of $53,400. ● The use of American Rescue Plan funds to purchase a backhoe and bucket from the state bid list.

The next meeting is scheduled for August 15.

The Trussville Tribune

August 3 - 9, 2022

Leeds

From front page

ments, including the director of the Leeds Main Street project.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mayor David Miller delivered his report, saying that the city’s waste management company, EcoSouth, has raised its contract price for residential garbage pickup by 5 percent, which took effect that day.

“That’s not something we can do anything about,” Miller said. “All the agreements of the garbage company have some kind of escalation clause that allows them – their expenses go up to, to increase the fees periodically.”

Additionally, Miller reported in what he called more positive news that Avenu has been hired as the new tax collector.

They are able to perform different kinds of tax services, as well as policy providing 10-day temporary business licenses.

Miller said that the company may have an impact on the

Breakfast From front page

This second annual prayer event will be hosted by the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce, along with presenting sponsor Best Insurance Group.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for people of all faiths to gather and pray for our city, state, and nation,” Choat said.

“We are particularly blessed to be part of this community, and I feel it’s appropriate to acknowledge that by honoring God with our prayers and seeking His continued favor.”

Speaker for the event will be Mike Lutzenkirchen, executive director of the Lutzie 43 Foundation, established in memory of his son, Philip, who perished in 2014 in an accident involving drinking and distracted driving. Considered one of the most popular football players in Auburn University histo-

Page 3

Local / Region city’s economy.

“Their reputation is such that most people that shift to them see an immediate increase in revenue,” he said. “So we’re hoping that happens to us as well.”

Hearing from department heads it was reported that officers of the police departments have completed their training in responding to active shooting situations.

“That’s very important,” Miller said. “After what happened in Uvalde and what’s happened over a period of time at various other places, we took an in-depth look at what we do here and we were lightyears ahead of most of the places that have had problems.”

A police report can be found on the agenda packet online. Court Magistrate Laura Roberts was absent but her report can also be found on the packet.

During the regular meeting, the council passed three items and tabled one. The first was

ry, Philip left behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and dedication to his community.

Through the Lutzie 43 Foundation, Philip’s father hopes to inspire others to live out the positive character attributes that Philip displayed while learning from the circumstances of his death. “Live like Lutz, Love like Lutz, and Learn from Lutz” is the foundation’s motto.

Prior to starting the Lutzie 43 Foundation in 2014, Mike worked in sales, sales management, and marketing. He and his wife Mary reside in Marietta, Georgia.

The Trussville Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is open to the public. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased online at Trussville Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast – Aug 5, 2022 (chambermaster. com) or by calling the Chamber office at (205) 655-7535.

Reserved tables for eight are available for $175.

a resolution to declare certain city property to be surplus and authorize its sale. These were a 2012 HME firetruck and a 2007 Ford Crown-Vic that are no longer needed.

Next was a resolution authorizing a declaration of emergency to make repairs at Fire Station Number Two. Miller said that a “hazardous situation” with mold has occurred at the building, prompting a need for repairs that will amount to an estimated $100,000.

Next was to award the contract bid for repairs to be made for the City Hall Annex roof.

The contract was awarded to Blair Commercial Roofing for $89,822. The money, however, will not come from the general fund but from the Alabama Trust Fund.

Lastly, was to consider accepting certain public roadways for city maintenance responsibilities. These were Millie Street, Whittaker Place and Pear Street. Miller said that the roadways were part of a family

property that were eventually split up. They are not up to subdivision standards and were never accepted by the city.

The council voted to table the matter until the city engineer can study the roadways and determine an estimated cost of maintenance.

Afterwards the council decided to allow public comments before going into executive session to discuss potential litigation and the character of an individual.

The first to speak was Amber Vine, who is the executive director of the Leeds Main Street Project for Leeds.

She said that she is working with Main Street Alabama’s resource team, which will visit the city in September. They will present recommendations for the city government to consider.

“They’ll be recommending a course of action with specific activities emphasizing on economic development,” Vine said. “Their recommendations

were based on information gathered through a review of materials, interviews, and meetings in a facilitated community visioning session.”

This will take place on September 20-22, she said.

Second was John Bittle.

He asked about the subject of the character of an individual that the council was about to address in their executive session, saying that rumors have surfaced among people. He asked if the council could say who the individual was and if said individual could speak for themselves.

Miller replied that the executive session could not be held in public but if something were to happen outside of the session that prompts public action there would be “full transparency” and anyone “accused” of any action could speak up.

Bittle then asked if any details could be divulged as to why the integrity of the individual would be questioned, to which Miller said “No”. He

and Miller briefly and calmly discussed transparency, with Bittle saying that it would be preferable to say who is being discussed, and Miller said that they have to follow state law for such matters.

Lastly was Alex Warner, who said that he has recently moved to Leeds and expressed his excitement at living in the community.

Ragland-Pierce spoke to address the city’s website, suggested that it needed to be redesigned, saying that constituents have reached out to her to complain about finding the site hard to navigate. She said that among the changes that should be made is to improve how the public can contact the city government.

The council then voted to go into executive session.

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

Two Leeds men arrested after Leeds PD obtains search warrant From The Tribune staff reports

LEEDS — Two Leeds men were arrested when the Leeds Police Department (LPD) obtained a search warrant on Friday, July 22, at approximately 5:30 p.m.

According to the LPD, officers from the LPD Patrol, Operations Support Unit, SWAT Team, and Jefferson County Vice Narcotics Deputies served a search warrant in the 1300 Block of Beech Street. The LPD Operations Support Unit

had completed an investigation on this property and obtained a search warrant and arrest warrant on Christopher Thomas Kendrick, 41, of Leeds.

Once on the scene, Officers and Deputies saw many people at the residence and a strong smell of marijuana. Officers detained several people and took Christopher into custody for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Drug Trafficking and Thomas Frank Kendrick, 47, of Leeds, for Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Officers seized evidence of

drug distribution, two handguns, one rifle, methamphetamines, fentanyl, heroin, Marijuana, other hallucinogens, and US Currency. “I am very appreciative of the actions of our officers and investigators,” Chief Paul Irwin said. “We have a great team of officers in the City of Leeds, and they are taking action every day to make Leeds a safer community. I would like to thank the Jefferson County Vice Narcotics Unit for assisting us on serving this warrant on someone who poses a threat to law enforcement and the community. This

area has been infested with the sale of dangerous drugs, and we are going to do everything we can to remove these persons from the community. We appreciate any information the public can provide about persons are selling dangerous drugs. We have a partnership with many local, state, and federal agencies who have and will address any concern at or near the City of Leeds.”

Authorities ask anyone who has any information to call the Leeds Police Department at (205)699-2581.

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Venomous From front page

Corey and Stiles said they offer these classes in order to fill a gap that few are willing to fill. According to Corey, although there are people who have knowledge and skills in this area, most are not willing to teach people who have no prior experience.

Stiles, a PhD candidate in Auburn’s College of Forestry Wildlife and Environment who has worked with snakes his entire life, professionally since 1991, said that even he entered the field with no formal training.

“I’ve spent 20 years conducting scientific field research on reptiles and amphibians,” Stiles said. “Working with so many snakes allowed me to develop lots of tricks to help me stay safe. Over the years, I never got any sort of formal training and was essentially thrown to the snakes.”

While talking with colleagues, Stiles began to realize that no one really had formal training, so he and Corey decided to team up in order to pass on their collective knowledge and help educate others.

“I’d like people to know that mere knowledge alone can change their perception about any subject they have a dislike for,” Corey said. “Give it a chance. Learn something new and develop an appreciation you never thought possible.”

The classes Corey and Stiles taught in Pinson this month stand as evidence that knowledge can help conquer fear, as not all attendees were snake enthusiasts to begin with.

“We had a mother-daughter duo the first weekend,” Stiles said. “The mother came to the class with a lifelong fear of snakes and decided to tackle it. She ended the class

working up the courage to hold several non-venomous snakes and safely moving a copperhead with the appropriate tools.”

As the only educators in Alabama offering tailored venomous snake classes to first responders, animal control officers, park rangers and naturalists, Corey and Stiles also have a new class for first responders called V.I.P.E.R. (Venomous Improved Preparedness for Emergency Responders).

“After talking with friends that were conservation officers, animal control officers, and EMS personnel, I realized that no one got any training dealing with venomous snakes,” Stiles said. “This is a problem. We don’t expect them to go into an active shooter, car wreck, or other dangerous situations without training. Why is dealing with venomous snakes different? We hope to change that by offering classes specifically designed for these professionals.”

Following the two classes held at Turkey Creek, Corey and Stiles are now preparing for a two-day advanced venomous snake class, which is open to the public and still has a few spots remaining. This class will be held at the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center on Aug. 6-7, but spots are limited in order for each attendee to get adequate one-on-one training.

“The last two weekends have been wonderful,” Stiles said. “I have been excited to see the enthusiasm of our participants. Especially their interest in caring about snake conservation and how to safely interact with these important animals.”

For information on future classes, Raymond Corey and Jimmy Stiles can be contacted at AL.venomousworkshop@ gmail.com.

TCS

From front page

during the board meeting on Thursday, July 28.

Trussville Superintendent Dr. Pattie Neill discussed that students are paying for school meals for the first time since 2020.

“Our prices are what we had before COVID, and we’re asking parents to qualify for free or reduced meals if they believe they might qualify,” Neill said. “So the most important thing about school meals is you can’t deny a student a meal, and if they can’t pay at the point of service at first, we’ll just log that in. We’re going to start a special line item on Neighborhood Bridges, where anybody in the community who wants to support a student who can’t afford to pay for their lunch or breakfast will just go right into the line item for Neighborhood Bridges and pay for that meal immediately.”

Neighborhood Bridges Trussville is about kindness, speed, efficiency, and bridging all community resources to drive direct support and care to remove barriers for children/families in need.

According to the Neighborhood Bridges website, 100 percent of what is raised in each community remains in each community. Neighborhood Bridges has successfully achieved this goal every day since it launched on Martin Luther King Day, 2017.

Neill also announced that TCS will receive a career coach this year and that the state of Alabama has funded a full unit for Hewitt-Trussville High School (HTHS).

“We’ve shared a career coach with Leeds High School in the past,” Neill said. “We have the State Career Coach job description for

Board approval tonight, we’re just adopting the State Career Coach job descriptions and making it our own. We’re super excited because we’re getting more and more businesses who want to partner with us and do internships with our high school students.”

Neill explained that if the students are college bound, they’re less likely to need a career coach, and if they’re not college bound, TCS wants to be sure that there are ways to connect them through career technology education (CTE).

“CTE starts in middle school, and the career coaching starts in high school,” Neill said.

Dr. Lisa Berry discussed the recently released Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) third-grade reading proficiency scores.

The release of scores comes as schools prepare for the implementation of the Literacy Act which, after delays by the Alabama legislature, will be in full force for the 2023-24 school year. The Literacy Act, passed in 2019, calls for third graders not reading at grade level to be retained to receive additional instruction and support.

TCS posted the third highest percentage of grade level

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readers in the state among all school districts with 95.6 percent of third graders reading at grade level. Only Mountain Brook at 96.7 percent and Saraland at 96 percent fared better.

Cahaba Elementary led the way among Trussville elementary schools with 98.8 percent of 3rd graders reading at grade level, finishing in the top five among all schools in Alabama, including magnet schools.

Also among the best in Alabama were Paine Elementary and Magnolia Elementary, who were neck and neck with 94.6 percent and 94.4 percent reading at grade level, respectively. All three TCS elementary schools far outpaced the state average of 77.7 percent.

Berry thanked all the faculty and staff for their hard work in making sure that TCS students excelled.

Redmont Consulting Group Managing Director Doug Neil spoke to the board about the Glendale Farms Preserve that will go before the Trussville City Council during the August 9 council meeting.

“The development team is extremely excited about the project and welcomes the opportunity to work with the school board and the city

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to create an opportunity for the potential development and school if that is the right path.”

Chad Carroll from the Trussville Veterans Committee and also the local American Legion Post 205 asked the board to consider supporting the Veterans Day started in Alabama Educational Campaign in coordination with the 75th anniversary of Veterans Day. “We’re trying to get these posters in school, educate our students, our faculty, and our community on the importance of Veterans Day and what it means,” Carroll said. “I’m requesting that each school, if possible, in Trussville to display a poster, put it up in the library, common area, history classroom, but have one up, and also help open the door for us this year to help you all out in your Veterans Day activities and ceremonies.”

During the meeting, TCS BOE congratulated the 2022 HTHS Baseball Team for being 7A State Runner-ups finishing the season with an overall record of 31-6-1. This team had the best winning percentage in school history with a 4-2 area record and being the 2022 7A Area 6 Champion.

Also, TCS BOE held it’s first public budget hearing presented by Jim Kirkland.

The August Monthly Board Meeting will be on August 15, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room of Central Office. There will be a Work Session at 5:00 p.m. before the Board Meeting.

Both the Work Session and Board Meeting will be live streamed. A link to the livestream will be posted on the TCS website at 4:45 p.m. on August 15, 2022. The August 15, 2022 Board Meeting will include the 2nd Public Budget Hearing.

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The Trussville Tribune

August 3 - 9, 2022

Whistlestop From front page

of the little green café in old Irondale still lives in grocery stores across the country.

GHC Products, Inc., famously known as Whistlestop Products, found its new home in Leeds, where they sell Whistlestop Products wholesale to some large grocery distributors across the state and country, as well as to numerous Mom and Pop grocery stores, produce stands, and produce markets. In fact, Martin states they are in every state except Hawaii and Alaska.

The Whistlestop Products are mixed, packaged, and shipped from its manufacturer (J. M. Exotic Foods) right down the road in Moody.

In a simpler time, as you approached the small town of Irondale, Alabama, you might see some quaint, country-style homes and children playing in well-groomed yards—neighborhoods with sidewalks and folks out for a stroll.

There, you’d also find the Original WhistleStop Café.

Inside, you would find folks enjoying that friendly, downhome atmosphere and some good, home-cooked meals.

There was a wholesome combination of close families, good friends, and food in a pleasant atmosphere of good times and special fellowship.

The Irondale Café was the birthplace of the fried green tomatoes that inspired Fannie Flag to write the New York Times best-selling ‘Fried Green Tomatoes at the WhistleStop Café.’ Her highly successful and beloved novel became the basis for the much-acclaimed movie Fried Green Tomatoes and earned the Scripter’s Award, Writer’s Guild of America, and Academy Award Nomination; for Best Screen Play.

Bess Fortenberry owned the café and was the greataunt of Fannie Flagg; how-

The Whistle Stop Café - by Artist Ernie Eldredge (Photo courtesy of whistlestopcafe.com)

ever, the café was purchased

by Billy and Mary Jo McMichael in 1972. Billy worked for the Southern Railroad (now Norfolk Southern) in Irondale, and he was known to eat lunch at the Irondale Café sometimes.

“My dad found out Bess was selling the café and came home and told mom they were going to buy the café with the plans that she would run the café while he continued with the Railroad.” Connie McMichael Martin, President of GHC (Good Home Cooking) Products, Inc. d/b/a (doing business as) Whistlestop Products, said. “They met with Bess, and my parents bought it from her in 1972.”

In the mid-’80s, Fannie visited the café to find stories regarding her Great-Aunt Bess and the café. Martin explained that Fortenberry helped Mary Jo for the first three weeks to help her learn the ins and outs of running the café.

“Of course, a lot of what was shared with Fannie was what my parents had heard from long-time employees and the locals,” Martin said.

“We lived in Huffman, not Irondale. Fannie was inspired by her great aunt and the Irondale Café to write the book Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café. In 1989/1990, Fannie called my mom and said, ‘Mary Jo, Hollywood is looking at my book for a possible movie,’ in fact,

Fannie co-wrote the screenplay for the movie.’ Mom was so excited.”

However, the movie was never produced in the original location; it was filmed in Juliette, Georgia, due to the town being small but quaint.

According to Martin, her mom often joked, “We (the Irondale Café) baked the cake and they (Juliet, Ga) got the icing!”

In 1990, the McMichael’s bought the huge building next to the café and expanded the seating from around 90 to around 290. Then, in January 1992, the movie Fried Green Tomatoes premiered at the Cobb Galleria Theatre in Birmingham.

“My brother, Bill, who had been working and helping my parents at the café, said, ‘Mom, Dad, now is the perfect time to put some of your recipes on the market and sell them.’ With the help of my parents, my brother started GHC Products, Inc. d/b/a (doing business as) Whistlestop Products. My brother added some of his own recipes too.

He pretty much built and ran the business and got the products in stores.”

The McMichael’s sold the café to the current owner in 2000, who Martin said has done a great job with the café.

“So our parents had the café 28 years, and now Jim Dolan has now had it 22 years,” Martin said. “My sister and I had our own ca-

reers, and my brother Bill had GHC, so we did not want to take over the café.”

When Martin’s parents passed, their shares were split evenly between their kids.

“When my brother died unexpectedly, on December 1, 2020, I told my sister-inlaw and sister that I wanted to take over and run Whistlestop Products,” Martin said. “My sister, Beth Nail, agreed to help me when she could, and I worked for five more months with the state so I could retire with a full 25 years paid into retirement. Those first five months were rough.”

Martin worked her day job and came home and worked the evenings and weekends trying to stay caught up and learn a business that she knew very little about because it had been her brother’s baby.

“We could just not sell GHC,” Martin said. “It would be like losing another family member, and we wanted to keep the family legacy of my parents and my brother alive.”

While the McMichael family is no longer connected to the Irondale Café, they do occasionally sell Mary Jo McMichael’s cookbook, which has so many famous recipes.

“I do not own the Irondale Café,” Martin said. “It’s just the history and the products and how they started with my parent’s recipes, like the fried green tomato batter mix recipe. You really can’t talk about WhistleStop Products without talking about the Café.”

At the Original WhistleStop Café, they’ve always known the importance of delicious recipes that will stand the tastes and tests of time. These same recipes are available for you now, here at their online store. You will find tasty cooking batters, scrumptious dessert mixes, an award-winning chili starter, and some well-seasoned spice blends. You can also purchase Whistlestop Products in many local stores.

*Amount of rebate will not exceed purchase price.

Page 5

Moody From front page

During the regular meeting, the council passed multiple items on the agenda that were mostly purchase requests from Police Chief Thomas Hunt and Fire Chief Larry Horton.

Among the final two items was a resolution to reimburse the St. Clair County Commission for upgraded traffic light poles that had been installed at Highway 411 and Park Avenue.

The final item was to accept the “Standard Project Resolution and Plans” for a project involving curb ramp installation on State Routes 4,7,23,25,53,75, and 144 in Blount and St. Clair counties.

Following the very brief regular meeting was the work session in which the council heard reports from the library, municipal court, parks and recreation, public works, civic center, administration, senior citizens center, and the police and fire departments.

Department heads reported mostly good news in terms of budget expenses, reporting varying degrees of increases that were often due to inflation, including gas prices.

In his report, Horton mentioned that the radio system for both the fire and police departments has become “pretty much obsolete,” and they will be in need of a new one.

The current system is being phased out, and the county this year elected to upgrade the complete infrastructure by installing towers and implementing new systems. Horton said that the department was looking into Motorola and Kenwood for new radios, with Kenwood being the better option.

He also said that the department will need funds to install fire hydrants for multiple locations throughout the city where there are none. It was suggested that COVID money could be used to pur-

chase the necessary equipment.

Hunt reported a payroll increase in the budget with the addition of three fulltime officers in November.

In addition, he requested two full-time SRO officers for the schools for security, citing the Uvalde shooting in Texas that occurred recently.

“Unfortunately, the incident in Uvalde, Texas has brought that (to attention) nationwide more than anything to make sure that our schools are protected,” he said.

Additionally, he requested In Car as a new reporting systems and trauma kits to outfit all officers.

In other business, the council: ● Approved Hunt’s request to purchase two Nikon D3500 cameras for detectives for $1,400, ● Approved Hunt’s request to pay St. Clair County for transportation of a deceased body for $550, ● Approved Hunt’s request to purchase ammunition for $1,105, ● Approved Hunt’s request to purchase four new THI evidence kits for $1,897.97, ● Approved Horton’s request to send Inspector James Mulkey to Inspector III class from Sept. 12 to Sept. 16 for $350, ● Approved Horton’s request to send FF/Paramedic Brandon Garner to a vehicle and machinery extrication class on Oct. 24 – Oct. 28 for $350, ● Approved Horton’s request to have the service and maintenance done on the two heart monitors for $3,240, ● Approved Horton’s request to purchase medical supplies for $3,250, and ● Approved Horton’s request to purchase a Pollard Hydrant test kit for $925.

Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at Moody City Hall on 670 Park Ave.

The Trussville Tribune

Page 6

August 3 - 9, 2022

Irondale Chamber Clay woman passes away announces August luncheon after long battle with cancer From The Tribune staff reports

IRONDALE — The Greater Irondale Chamber of Commerce has announced the details for its August 11 luncheon.

The speaker for this luncheon will be Mark Colson, President/CEO of the Ala-

bama Truckers’ Association.

The luncheon is sponsored

by Two Men and a Truck.

The luncheon will be held at Pine Tree Country Club (5100 Pine Whispers Drive in Irondale).

Network development starts at 11:30, and the luncheon will begin at noon.

For reservations, go to

https://app.glueup.com/ event/august-chamber-luncheon-60215/. For more information about the Chamber, please email diane@ irondalechamber.org, visit the Chamber’s website at www.irondalechamber.org, ‘like’ them on Facebook at Irondale Chamber, or call 205.478.2469.

Blood & platelet donors needed now to help prevent seasonal blood shortage From The Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM — The American Red Cross has faced a concerning drop in blood and platelet donations this summer. Donors are needed to make an appointment to give in August to help prevent a blood shortage.

According to the American Red Cross, the decline in donations has caused the Red Cross blood supply to shrink by nearly 20 percent in recent weeks. The availability of blood products will continue to decline if donations do not increase. People should not wait until they hear there is a blood shortage to give. Type O negative blood donors and platelet donors are especially needed now.

“This is a concerning trend that may soon make it tougher to keep blood products stocked on hospital shelves,” Red Cross senior vice president of donor services, Paul Sullivan, said. “By choosing a time to give now, donors can help pump up the blood supply for those in immediate need of lifesaving care and

those who rely on transfusions for treatment.”

Donors can schedule an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767).

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card, driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

The American Red Cross states, “As blood and platelet donations drop, gas prices have reached all-time highs in the U.S. As a thank-you, all who come to give August 1-31 will be automatically entered for a chance to win gas for a year, a $6,000 value.

There will be three lucky win-

ners. In addition, everyone who comes to give blood or platelets in August will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.”

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Trussville: ● August 4, 2022: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Trussville Public Library, 201 Parkway Drive ● August 8, 2022: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Trussville Community at Trussville Civic Center, 5381 Trussville Clay Rd. ● August 10, 2022: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., SPOC Automation, Inc., 7363 Gadsden Hwy The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control. The Red Cross will continue to socially distance itself wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers, and facilities. While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance, or at the request of blood drive sponsors. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a drive.

From The Tribune staff reports

CLAY — A Clay woman has passed away after battling cancer for nearly three years.

Tiffanie Morton, also known as Tiff, was diagnosed with cancer in my lower digestive tract in October of 2019. According to a post on the #TeamTiff Facebook Page, she fought hard until the end. Morton passed away on July 28, 2022.

“She was such a warrior and fought so hard to stay as long as she could. We were able to keep her as comfortable as possible at home, and she passed at home in her bed surrounded by her loved ones.

To say we will all miss her is such an understatement,” Caregiver, Ashley Szalankiewicz, stated on the #TeamTiff Facebook Page.

In a previous interview with the Trussville Tribune,

Tiffanie Morton (Photo courtesy of the #TeamTiff Facebook Page)

Morton said she had been suffering from symptoms for two years prior to her diagnosis in 2019. She experienced digestive problems that wouldn’t stop, no matter what she did.

Less than a month after her 29th birthday, Morton found out her life was changing.

Several doctors and specialists at UAB Hospital began to work to find out all they could about Morton’s condition. They discovered the cancer was at stage 3 and that it had already started to spread.

In April 2022, Morton was diagnosed with terminal cancer and was sent home with hospice at the first part of June.

Morton’s family and friends are in the process of making funeral arrangements. After continued love and support from their community, they have kept the public updated via Facebook.

“Any help that can be given to the family is appreciated more than you know,” the GoFundMe organized by Fallon Avery states.

The GoFundMe page has already raised $6,525 of its $7,500 goal.

Map

From front page

sold the company to Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating.

“What this means is they are acquiring us, but we’re going to remain the same,” Massey said. “Same name, same operations, just more of an investment on their part.”

Atlantic Southern Paving has a national presence, and Massey said they broker asphalt in all 50 states and the Dominican Republic.

“They have their own asphalt operations and houses,” Massey said. “I believe they’re in six or seven states now.”

The company will remain MAP, and Massey signed a contract with them for two years. However, Massey explained that the goal now is to grow.

“The goal is to continue to grow Massey Asphalt through Central and North Alabama,” Massey said. “Whether it’s organically or by acquisition, as I said, it’s going to remain Massey Asphalt.”

Massey said that Atlantic Southern Paving would provide them with resources and the financial capability to expand and grow north of Trussville. Massey said the company would grow, and the opportunities to add more crews are inevitable.

“We’re going to keep everything as we’ve been doing and just trying to expand to more of the maintenance, more like big box store that’s kind of their specialty; to mill, grind, existing parking lots

Bank

From front page

According to the Birmingham Business Journal, the former Union State Bank branch at 305 Main Street has been acquired by Peoples Bank.

“This will be our fifth location in Jefferson County and positions us with a location to

Photo courtesy of Massey Asphalt Paving Facebook Page

for Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, stores like that,” Massey said. “So their specialty is kind of rehabbing those parking lots, milling and repaving them. So we’ll start to probably expand into that with another crew immediately and then see where we go from there.”

Massey said this was a great opportunity for MAP. “I wouldn’t have entertained this if I didn’t think it was good for the employees that have been so good to me,” Massey said. “So that was my number one goal going into this because it wasn’t a sale out of desperation; it was a sell out of opportunity.

Atlantic Southern Paving was interested in the way MAP does things, and

Massey is thankful for that opportunity.

“They were buying our history and the growth we’ve had the last few years,” Massey said. “Massey Asphalt is important to this region. I am bragging on my employees, we are known in this region, and that’s the appeal for [Atlantic Southern Paving] to buy the name.”

According to the Birmingham Business Journal, MAP is the fifth company Atlantic Southern has acquired this year.

“We believe there is enormous potential in that market and are thrilled to partner with MAP to drive even greater growth,” Atlantic Southern CEO Michael J. Curry told the Birmingham Business Journal.

better serve our customers in the eastern Jefferson County area,” Birmingham Market President Brian Bertella told the Birmingham Business Journal. “The branch itself is in a great location, located on Highway 11, adjacent to the Trussville Entertainment District.”

Peoples Bank acquired the

location after seeing growth in the area and plans to bring current branch employees onboard.

Birmingham Business Journal states that the location’s market value was assessed at $654,000 by Jefferson County property tax records, but the property’s purchase price was not disclosed.

Unique Local marketplace Open 7 Days a week At the Shops of Grand River 16

The Trussville Tribune

August 3 - 9, 2022

Screening From front page

how they change or what they look like, physicians can determine the next course of action, whether that be a sampling or watching that nodule.

“I keep all my doctor’s appointments because if it was necessary, especially because my lungs were in such bad shape,” Jones said.

“They found it really early and were able to take it out, and I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to keep up with your health and keep your appointments with your doctors.”

Gautney said screening for lung cancer with annual low-dose CAT scans among those at high risk could reduce the death rate by up to 20 percent by detecting tumors at early stages.

“As a result, they are more likely to be cured, so if done correctly, it can reduce cancer-related death up to 20 percent,” Gautney said.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, physicians have been unable to screen as effectively as they want to, and Gautney explained going into this year, the meaning of World Lung Cancer Day should be reinvigorated.

“It should be a reminder to us that lung cancer screening needs to be at the forefront of what we do,” Gautney said. “So this should serve as a reminder that lung cancer is still quite prevalent, particularly in our state with our proportion of smokers, and getting screenings is imperative to finding these diseases early so we can prevent progression.”

Jones explained that he had to make video doctor’s appointments with his primary doctor during the pandemic.

“They couldn’t get me in to do my chest X-ray, but as soon as the pandemic eased up, they called me to get a chest X-ray, and that’s where they found it,” Jones said. “I

have no complaints about my doctors; they are great, wonderful people that took care of me.”

The American Lung Association states, “the fiveyear survival rate for lung cancer is 56 percent for cases detected when the disease is still localized (within the lungs). However, only 16 percent of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage. For distant tumors (spread to other organs), the five-year survival rate is only 5 percent.”

Gautney explained that physicians could double patients’ five-year survival rate if caught early.

Unfortunately, early lung cancer typically has no symptoms, and a physician’s goal with screening is to catch it before there are symptoms.

Gautney said when symptoms include shortness of breath and cough, they may be coughing up blood. Then maybe more generalized symptoms, weight loss, fatigue, and when you start having those symptoms, that typically means the cancer has progressed. So early cancer typically does not have such a strict look which is why screening is so important.

“Even if you don’t have a family history of cancer, you should go get screened regularly,” Jones said. “Keep up with your screenings and keep your doctor’s appointments, and even if you don’t have a doctor’s appointment make one and go get screened.”

Jones said he will only go to St Vincent’s because of how wonderful they were during his recovery.

“They did a wonderful job, and my recovery has been fine,” Jones said. “I’m back to normal. I just get short of breath sometimes, but my pulmonary doctor said that’s normal for somebody with COPD and emphysema, and two-thirds of my lung was taken out.”

Page 7

Lass But Not Least: Hot Dogs and College Football

By Ken Lass

August is finally here. To you, it might mean the end of summer, the beginning of school. To me, it will always mean the return of football! I love college football. I love college football players. I am not sure, however, how I feel about college football players trying to sell me a car.

By now, you probably know that college athletes have been granted permission to personally profit off of their own name, image, and likeness. No one seems quite sure how that is going to change the game, but the only folks who seem happy about it are the players themselves and their agents.

We fans are not naive. We all know there is, and always has been, a shadowy underbelly to the college football process. Does everybody cheat? Probably not everybody, but some do, and any program that is successful will surely be accused of it.

Most of us prefer to just pretend this dark side isn’t there and concentrate on enjoying the product.

It’s kind of like eating a hot dog. You know that wiener is made of nasty stuff, but you choose to ignore it and focus on how good it tastes.

Regardless of what may or

may not take place during the murky recruiting process, we adopt our team into our hearts loyally and completely. These are our guys out there fighting for the glory and the honor of the good ole alma mater. We buy the jerseys, the hats, the coffee mugs, and the foam fingers, knowing full well the university gets a cut of all the profits. Maybe we buy them because of that. It’s our way of supporting the program, both physically and financially.

But it’s a different world out there now. Players can market themselves individually. I’m not sure how I feel about putting money directly into the player’s pocket, instead of to my school.

You can readily see how it’s quickly revolutionizing the culture. Universities and their alumni groups are already forming foundations whose purpose will be putting together financial opportunity packages to offer potential recruits. Though it is not technically so, in effect, NIL (name, image, and likeness) makes athletes paid employees of the system.

If you found yourself in demand by the employers in your chosen profession, you would take the offer from whoever pays you the most money, right? So will it be, I

Ken Lass, Tribune columnist

fear, with college recruits. Alabama coach Nick Saban has already had a very uncomfortable public dialog concerning Texas A&M, accusing them of buying all of the players in their top-notch recruiting class. Saban had better get used to it. From here on out, the best players are going to go where the money is. It’s hard to see where that is going to make the game we love to watch better.

Of course, the biggest stars are going to profit the most. There are reports the Crimson Tide’s quarterback is already in deals that approach one million dollars.

What concerns me is what athletes who are less visible and less well-known are going to have to do to garner the attention needed to sell merchandise. Will we see elaborate dances, gestures, and

antics that can be named and put on a T-shirt? Will players make decisions on the field that are more selfish and less team-oriented so as to draw attention to themselves? How will nineteen and twentyyear-old young men handle sudden wealth? Why would they even bother to go to class? Will legendary coaches like Saban get rapidly fed up with this new environment and retire prematurely? Or take a pro football job? What about swimmers, or tennis players, or golfers? Will there be a market for them?

I also can’t help but wonder where it will end. How long before the quarterbacks and running backs, and receivers at Hewitt Trussville, Clay-Chalkville, and Pinson Valley high schools start showing up at our restaurants and businesses to sign autographs for pay.

Hey, maybe I worry too much. Maybe the game won’t change drastically at all.

Maybe college athletics will continue to be the unfettered, unifying, and exciting force it has always been. It’s August.

Football is back. I’m pumped.

I think I’ll take another bite of my hot dog.

(Ken Lass is a retired Birmingham television news and sports anchor and Trussville resident.)

City of Irondale announces 135th Birthday Celebration From The Tribune staff reports

IRONDALE — The City of Irondale has announced that its 135th Birthday Celebration is scheduled for

Sunday, August 25, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Beacon Park.

The 135th Birthday Celebration will be a Music Festival with performances from artists such

as Taylor Hicks, Pastor Mike Jr., Eric Essix, and Kim Scott.

Tickets are free, but attendees must register at www.irondalecommunityfoundation.com.

Photo courtesy of the City of Irondale/Mayor Stewart

The Trussville Tribune

Page 8

August 3 - 9, 2022

Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ announces opening From The Tribune staff reports

(Far Left) Sarah Jane Richardson 1st alternate and (Far Right) Ella Grace Young 2nd alternate.

Anne Stewart and Ella Grace are both upcoming seniors at Hewitt-Trussville High School while Sarah Jane attends Vestavia High School. (Photo courtesy of Becky Rogers)

HTHS senior named Distinguished Young Woman of Jefferson County 2023

From The Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM — A senior at Hewitt-Trussville High School was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Jefferson County 2023 during the program held at John Carroll Catholic High School on Saturday, July 23.

Anne Stewart Rogers is the daughter of Jeremy and Becky Rogers of Trussville.

In addition to being named Distinguished Young Woman of Jefferson County, Rogers was selected as a Preliminary Talent Winner and the Overall Winner in Scholastics, Interview, and Self Expression categories.

On January 20 and 21, 2023, Rogers will advance to the Distinguished Young Women of Alabama Program in Montgomery, where she will compete for over $30,000

in cash-tuition scholarships.

First Alternate was Sarah Jane Richardson (Vestavia Hills High School), and Ella Grace Young (Hewitt-Trussville) was named Second Alternate.

Other Top Finalists included Mary Virginia Miller (Briarwood Christian School) and Olivia Kelley (Hoover High School).

This year’s program awarded a total of $18,300 in cash-tuition scholarships.

Overall category winners included Overall Fitness and Talent winner Sarah Jane Richardson (Vestavia Hills High School) and the Overall Spirit winner Leo Goodwin (Mountain Brook High School).

The 2024 program will be held July 9-15, 2023, and members of the Class of 2024 may apply now by visiting distinguishedyw.org.

Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school girls. It has provided life-changing experiences for more than 765,000 young women across the country and more than $108 million in cash scholarships at the local, state, and national levels. In addition to cash scholarships, Distinguished Young Women participants are eligible for college-granted scholarships from over 100 colleges and universities. More than $1 billion in college scholarship opportunities were provided last year, some of which included full tuition, room, and board to first-class institutions.

For more information about the program, contact Eddie Macksoud at jefferson@distinguishedyw.org or 205-907-0210

Host an Exchange Student Today !

TRUSSVILLE — Birmingham-based Pihakis Restaurant Group and pitmaster Rodney Scott are thrilled to announce the opening of its acclaimed barbeque concept, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ. The restaurant group’s third Alabama location of Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ opens today in the heart of Trussville at 312 Main Street.

Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ is the result of a partnership between two 30plus year veterans of barbecue — Nick Pihakis and James Beard-award-winning South Carolina pitmaster Rodney Scott. In 2017, the two friends and businessmen joined forces to open their first location on King Street in Charleston, SC. Since then, Pihakis Restaurant Group has opened two other Birmingham locations, a store in Atlanta and will open a forthcoming location in downtown Nashville in 2023.

“Alabama has embraced us in a big way, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve been given from this community,” Rodney said.

“Adding a location in Trussville brings our brand closer to a large part of the population that has helped the restaurant grow over the last few years.”

The menu will replicate that of current Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ locations in Birmingham, Charleston, and Atlanta. Showcasing Rodney Scott’s signature award-winning, South Carolina-style pulled pork, house-made sauces, pit-smoked ribs, wings, and sandwiches served alongside a variety of classic Southern side dishes like mac and cheese, collard greens, hushpuppies with honey butter, and more.

Scott has been cooking whole-hog barbecue over

(Left to Right) Lucas Wonert, Councilmember Alan Taylor, Rodney Scott, Coco Scott, Mayor Buddy Choat, and Councilmember Lisa Bright. (Photo courtesy of Rachel A. Ishee)

wood coals since he was 11 years old. For the next 25 years, he worked with his family in their BBQ stop in Hemingway, South Carolina, until 2017, when he opened Rodney Scott’s BBQ in the North Central neighborhood of Charleston, South Carolina. n that same year, the restaurant was named one of the 50 Best New Restaurants by Bon Appetit Magazine, and in 2018, Scott was awarded the James Beard Foundation’s Award for Outstanding Chef Southeast. In 2019, Rodney Scott’s BBQ opened a second location in the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham, and in the summer of 2021, a third location in Atlanta, Georgia, bringing whole-hog, South Carolina-style barbecue along with his famous “Rodney’s Sauce” to another part of the south.

Scott has also been the subject of a full episode of the award-winning Netflix series “Chef’s Table” and worked as a judge on Food Network’s “BBQ Brawl” for two seasons. In addition, his cookbook, Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ, published by Clarkson Potter, was released in the spring of 2021 to great fanfare and named one of the best cookbooks of the year

by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time Out, Taste of Home, Garden &

Gun, Southern Living, VICE and Library Journal.

The City of Trussville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Birmingham, Trussville offers a small-town atmosphere with the conveniences of a larger city.

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August 3 - 9, 2022

Calendar

FINEU Kickoff Charity Auction with 84 (Van Halen Tribute) August 4 @ 6:00 pm August 27 @ 9:00 pm

Join us Thursday August 4th for a FINEUs Kickoff Charity Auction. The event will be held from 6pm-9pm with live music from 84 – A Van Halen Tribute. $10 Suggested Donation: https:// donorbox.org/fine-u-foundation Venue Trussville Entertainment District Telluride – A Benefit Show for the Will Bright Foundation August 5 @ 6:00 pm 10:00 pm

Join us in downtown Trussville for a night of music featuring Telluride, Space of a Day and more benefitting the Will Bright Foundation presented by Paul Brown Restoration of Birmingham and Brown Automotive Repair!

Venue Trussville Entertainment District Liz & the Grand Tour August 11 @ 5:30 pm 9:30 pm

FREE EVENT, ALL AGES Liz & The Grand Tour features song selections from more than 70 years of country music. We honor the iconic songs and artists from every decade from 1950 through 2020 Venue Trussville Entertainment District

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is celebrating it’s 100th birthday! Join us for a very special Centennial Celebration on Saturday, August 13th from 10 AM to 4 PM. We will honor the history of the building, celebrate its present, & look to its exciting future. There will fun for all ages including bounce houses/outside games, historical presentations & artifacts, photo booth, interactive Penny School Store, & more!

The Pinson Historical Society will have copies of Tom Bailey’s book, Pinson: The Bicentennial History for sale for $20 (cash preferred) & Mr. Bailey will be available to sign copies of his book.

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Venue Pinson Public Library (RSMC) Paws for a Cause August 13 @ 6:00 pm 9:30 pm $100.00

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2022 Paws for a Cause: Save the Date The Trussville City Schools Foundation and Trussville City Schools Athletic Foundation have announced Saturday, August 13, 2022, as the date for the annual Paws For a Cause.

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Page 10

O b i t u a ry

Ellis Leon Sanders may

August 3 - 9, 2022

7, 1929 ~ july 20, 2022 (age 93)

Ellis Leon Sanders was born at the dawn of the Great Depression in Warrior, Alabama. He was raised by a single father, who was devoted to his work running a hardware and appliance store as well as rental properties. His childhood was largely unsupervised, but he had many fun-loving friends and worked hard helping his dad. During his adolescence he enjoyed fast cars, cigars, his motorcycle, and was more prone to spend time in the pool hall rather than study hall. He recalled the day he decided he was done helping milk cows and proudly stated that he stopped and never milked one again. He played first base on the baseball team, point guard on the basketball team, and running back on the football team, of which he was captain one year. His mentor at Mortimer Jordan High School, Coach Bartow Hughes, taught Leon leadership skills and responsibility, and even recruited him to drive the team bus. He met and fell in love with Bobbe Henry, of Bessemer, a very polished and ambitious head cheerleader, who decided she would try to tame Leon. They were married August 26, 1949 and moved to Birmingham where Leon enrolled at Samford University. They soon had their children Teresa, Karen, and Rance. After graduating, Leon's professional career began with Lawyers Title Insurance Co, in Birmingham, where he decided he was truly a "title man". He began taking night classes at Birmingham School of Law while working full time during the day. He found a way to juggle classes, study, work, and family. He graduated in 1966, passed the Alabama State Bar, and founded a new company, Jefferson Title Corporation, along with investment partner Mississippi Valley Title Insurance Company. While serving as President and CEO, Leon gained real fulfillment in his work at Jefferson Title Company, which he started with just 2 or 3 employees and grew into an entire building. He ran the company with tenacity, long hours, service dedication, and good judgment for hiring excellent people. He was an innovator and had a talent at helping people grow and push beyond their perceived limitations. He was passionate about providing excellent service and he experienced genuine joy from working with outstanding men and women. In 1985 Leon was honored as Dixie Land Title Association Title Person of the Year, having served as its president in 1980. Jefferson Title prospered for over half a century. Beyond his business accomplishments, he was also known as, "a wonderful mentor to all who worked for him", as the family was recently told by one of his long-time employees. While being a hard-working businessman, he was also a devoted family man. He took his family on many vacations including lake camping trips, where he would prepare the boat, set up the heavy tent and bunkbeds, teach the children to water ski, and tell ghost stories around the campfire. He never missed his children's sporting events, he taught them to golf, made time for eating breakfast and dinner with his family, and was always available to talk. Some of his favorite past times were hunting, fishing, University of Alabama football, golf (shot his age at 83), traveling in his van with his wife and friends all over the country to golf, grilling steaks while listening to Braves games, gardening flowers and vegetables, shooting pool with his young son while listening to Jimmy Buffett and Jim Croce, even though he preferred George Jones, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard. He had an affinity for Birmingham School of Law students, who he taught as a professor there. In recent years, he was known for taking his beloved English retriever, Winston, on car rides twice a day through Oneonta in their van. He was a member of Lester Memorial Methodist Church, The Club, Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity, Limestone Springs Golf Club, Alabama State Bar, and the Birmingham Bar Association. Leon was a board member and advisor to The Sanders Trust, a national medical real estate company. Leon is preceded in death by his father, Collier Sanders, stepmom, Mozelle Sanders, daughter, Teresa Sanders, and grandson, Brooks Sanders. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Bobbe Sanders, daughter, Karen Sanders, son, Rance Sanders, daughter-in-law Angie Sanders, granddaughter Casey Sandkuhl (Simeon) and great-grandchildren Hanna and Tyler Brooks Sandkuhl. He told family that he had peace about death, as he is a child of God, and looked forward to living an eternity with God in heaven. He will be remembered by colleagues, employees, friends, family, and even competitors as a gentle, kind soul with an authentic spirit. A friend recently remarked that he was a "gracious prince of a man". The service will be held at Lester Memorial United Methodist in Oneonta, Monday July 25th at 11:00am, with a private burial at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Leon's honor to Blount County Children's Center or Lester Memorial United Methodist Church.

Linda Farris White

18, 1953 ~ july 20, 2022 (age 69) july

Linda White, of Pinson, AL, passed away at the age of 69 on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in Birmingham, AL after a 3-year battle with ovarian cancer. Linda was born on July 18, 1953, in Birmingham, AL to Charles & Lillian Farris. She married her husband, Michael White of Pleasant Grove, AL, on September 22, 1973. Linda spent most of her life being a homemaker, wife to Mike, raising her hair-brained daughter, Rebecca, enjoying her family, her music, singing and playing the guitar. She was crazy, unexpectedly silly, and funny. She was the aunt that played sports out in the yard, played guitar, doodled on everything, even her daughter's math homework. Linda was vivacious, loved music, loved God was just slightly stubborn. She loved her family and her dog, Minnie. Linda made life-long friends with her God-given talents Linda is survived by her husband, Michael White, daughter Rebecca (Thad) Jones, her two grandchildren Lily & Ephrem, her brother, Ronnie (Kay) Farris, sister-in-law, Diane Farris, sister-in-law Susan White Brannon, brother-in-law, John A. White, as well several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Linda is preceded in death by her father, Charles Farris; her mother, Lillian Copeland Farris; her brother Glenn Farris. The service for Mrs. Linda White will be held on Tuesday July 26, 2022, at 2 pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be an hour prior to service. Burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East, Birmingham, AL. Memorial donations can be made in Linda's name to Kimberly Senior Center, 8013 Warrior-Kimberly Rd Kimberly, AL 35091, or Ovarian Cancer Research.

Jerry E. Henderson march

6, 1944 ~ july 20, 2022 (age 78)

Jerry Ellie Henderson age 78 of Tarrant passed away peacefully on July 20th surrounded by his family.

Jerry was the son of Virgil Ellie Henderson and Vellie Henderson White. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Eileen Henderson.

Jerry was an active member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 113. He retired from Birmingham Water Works in 1997. Jerry loved to watch the Atlanta Braves and Alabama football.

Jerry is survived by his daughter Dana Corley (Mike) son Allen Henderson (Kristie) son Scott Henderson (Stephanie), one bother Danny Henderson (Patty).

Jerry was a pawpaw to 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Private funeral service will be held at Jefferson Memorial.

Clifford E. Odom

27, 1931 ~ july 22, 2022 (age 91) may

Ruth M. “Ruby” Cornelius may

2, 1928 ~ july 26, 2022 (age 94)

Ruth M. “Ruby” Cornelius, age 94 went to be with Jesus on July 26, 2022.

She is a member of 1st Baptist Church of Center Point for over 60 years.

She taught Children’s Sunday School for over 20 years. She is preceded in death by her husband, Doug Cornelius of 66 years. She is survived by her sister, Vera Mullinax; son, Randy Cornelius (Amanda); grandchildren, Haylee Nail (David), Heather Cornelius and Hunter Cornelius; as well as several nieces and nephews. Special thank you to all the employees of Summer House Assisted Living for taking such good care of her.

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A funeral director is there to listen and comfort families during the start of their grief journey. Funeral directors can provide information for grief support resources as well.

A funeral director will arrange for transportation of the deceased if necessary. Funeral directors know whom to contact to help transport your loved one as well as what paperwork is involved.

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Clifford E. Odom, age 91, of Trussville, Alabama, passed away on Friday, July 22, 2022. He was born on May 27, 1931, in Walker County Alabama, to Henson Odom and Martha Brown Odom. He was a Veteran serving in the US Army during the Korean conflict for 6 years and then served in the Alabama National Guard for 30 years before retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer in 1984. Cliff then embarked on a successful real estate career starting 3 realty offices, built many homes and started several subdivisions. Cliff then went to work as a manager for Liberty National Life Insurance Company for 12 years. Following that, Cliff then started his own real estate appraising company. During his work as a real estate appraiser, he was appointed to the Alabama Real Estate Appraiser’s Board by the Governor.

He enjoyed fishing, boating, spending time with his children and grand-children, and spending time at their lake home. Most of all he loved his family and was the consummate optimist. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra of 35 years, (son) Larry Odom (Kathy), (daughter) Sherril Odom, (daughter) Pamela Odom Ritchey (Ferris), (stepson) Terry Holmes (Vanar), (stepdaughter) Jennifer Holmes Harvey (Gary), eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, with the service beginning at 12:00 PM and the burial following at Jefferson Memorial Gardens.

Josephine C. Johnson december

14, 1931 ~ july 24, 2022 (age 90)

Josephine C. Johnson, age 90 of Trussville, AL passed away on July 24, 2022. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard E. Johnson. She is survived by her sisters, Peggy Beckelhymer (Sturlen), Pat Butler (William); daughters, Pamela Burke (Jim), Cheryl Trotter (Bob Normington) and Stephanie Wilkey (Richard); 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Pamela Gonzales september

28)

4, 1993 ~ july 25, 2022 (age

Today our hearts are broken as we all mourn the loss of our beloved sister, daughter and friend, Pam. Her bright light and big heart left us too soon but will never be forgotten.

Pam was a beautiful person inside and out. She had a heart of gold, always helping others and she always saw the good in people. She was full of life, she was funny and extremely goofy. She loved her family and friends. Pam was a great daughter, sister, and caring friend. Her caring, lively spirit will forever be missed.

William E. Bright, Jr. Attorney at Law

205-655-9284

Page 11

sports

The Trussville Tribune August 3 - 9, 2022

Huskies’ Osborne rolls with the Tide

By Bobby Mathews Sports Editor

TRUSSVILLE — This was a moment Hunter Osborne had waited for.

The rising senior defensive lineman for Hewitt-Trussville had waited through much of his junior season to receive an offer from Alabama. Texas, Notre Dame, Auburn, Georgia and Miami were only some of the 53 FBS programs to offer the 6-5, 260-pound Osborne a scholarship.

The offer from the Crimson Tide finally came on January 22. Osborne made sure that

Hunter Osborne, his parents, and Hewitt-Trussville head coach Josh Floyd were all smiles as the Huskies' star D-lineman committed to play at Alabama during an announcement on Monday, August 1. (Photo by Bobby Mathews)

the weeks and months waiting for it were all worth it on Monday, August 1, when he chose Alabama from a final four that included Texas, Clemson and Tennessee. In front of around 200 friends, family, classmates and supporters, Osborne lifted the crimson ball cap from the table in front of him and chose Bama.

“When the offer came through, it was go time,” Osborne said. “I had to look at all of my options, of course, and that’s what I did. But I always had Alabama in the back of my mind ... this is a big opportunity for me, a big

moment in my life.”

It has been a long journey for Osborne, who — though the Alabama offer was one that he wanted badly — still did his due diligence. He took his last official recruiting visit on June 24, to Tennessee.

And after talking things over with his parents, going over the pros and the cons and everything in-between, Osborne made a decision that almost seemed inevitable. And it was a conversation with his mom, Patricia, that helped seal the decision.

Other transitions for area programs include new coaches at Moody and Pinson Valley, as well as a step up from 5A to 6A classification for Center Point, and also a move from 6A to 5A for Springville.

“Those are two huge moves that will really affect region play, because now you have a 5A Region 6, where Leeds, Moody and Springville will be contending with Alexandria and Southside Gads-

We’re about three weeks away from the start of a 2022 football season that promises big changes, emerging players, huge games and lots of fireworks on the field.

That means that we’ll continue to break down Bobby Mathews some of the key players, matchups and coaches to watch.

Let’s start off with Leeds vs. Moody, one of the biggest rivalry games in The Tribune’s coverage area. I haven’t talked much about Moody transfer Amon Lane, but everyone who’s seen him practice or seen him run track knows how fast he is. He’s going to be a bigtime contributor for the Blue Devils, but what a lot of people don’t know is just how physical he is. This is a kid who likes contact, and he’ll be a contributor on both sides of the ball.

That brings me to Leeds’ C.J. Douglas, who is a lot like former NFL player Roy Williams, who legendary coach Bill Parcels once described as “a biscuit short of being a linebacker.” Douglas has great athletic ability, and in the Green Wave secondary

See MEDIA, Page 12

See MORE, Page 12

See BAMA, Page 12

Tribune Sports Live to host ‘Media Days’ this week From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — Football programs from the eight area high schools The Tribune covers will appear this week as part of the paper’s first-ever ‘Media Days’ event this Thursday and Friday, broadcast live via Tribune Sports Live.

Sports editor Bobby Mathews will host the event as coaches and players talk about what they expect from the 2022 season.

“This is a great opportunity to really dig into what’s going on with area teams,” Mathews said. “For a lot of teams in our area, this is a season of transition. For Hewitt-Trussville, we’ll be seeing a whole new squad of skill players. For ClayChalkville, they return a lot of starters, but they’re also replacing Khalib Johnson at quarterback, so it’s going to be interesting to see how they transition to a new signal-caller.”

Photo by Ron Burkett

More players, matchups to watch in 2022

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Page 12

Huskies’ Connor Knight commits to USF

By Bobby Mathews Sports Editor

TRUSSVILLE — Hewitt-Trussville defensive lineman Connor Thomas committed to play college football at the University of South Florida on Tuesday, making him the second Huskies defender to commit to playing FBS-level football next season.

Thomas, who has transferred back to Hewitt-Trussville from Pinson Valley said that the Bulls were a great fit for him.

Everything was just so amazing from the facilities to the dorms to the coaching staff,” Knight said. “They’ve been on me hard for about six to seven months, and I’ve been in a group chat with the whole

Bama

From page 11

“My mom is literally my best friend,” Osborne said.

“That’s the one person I go to with everything. Me and her have talked about all this type of stuff. It was like, ‘do you agree with this, do you agree with that?’ And yeah, we butted heads on some things but we came down to the agreement that this is where I need to be.

Alabama is my home.”

The stats tell part of the reason Osborne was such a sought-after commodity.

In a junior season that saw Hewitt-Trussville go 9-3, Osborne had 35 solo tackles and 60 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hurries.

“I think he’s so tall and long,” said Huskies head coach Josh Floyd. “He has that God-given frame. But what makes him special is his work ethic. He’s put so much into this thing. He’s a humble kid.

staff, and I knew then I was a priority for coach (Jeff) Scott.”

He chose USF over other teams like Arkansas, Florida State, Kentucky, Miami and South Carolina, who had all made verbal offers to him.

Knight, a 6-1, 275-pound force in the trenches, is rated as a three-star prospect who can stop the run and get after the quarterback. With a 300-pound bench press, a 455-pound squat and a 485-pound deadlift, he combines that power with lower body leverage to keep offensive linemen in check.

Knight is looking forward to his senior season with the Huskies, and said he feels right at home.

“It feels great,” Knight said.

“Same coaching staff, same family, same plays and schemes

so everything is great.”

He also fits in with Alabama commit Hunter Osborne on the other side of the line and junior Tyrell Averhart, who enters his junior season after an outstanding sophomore campaign. The defensive front for the Huskies is going to be stout.

“It’s just as good as advertised,” Knight said. “What’s fun about having all us on the same DL is since we’re in a four-man front, it’s gonna be so hard to stop us because there will be so many one on ones.”

For himself, Knight wants his teammates and Huskies supporters that he’s going to put it all on the line, every game.

“I want people to know I’m a leader who wants to win and I’m gonna compete at all costs,” he said.

He’s hungry all the time, hungry for success. He wants to be great, and that sets him apart from a lot of guys.”

Osborne credited HewittTrussville strength coach Brandon Herring for helping him put weight onto an originally lanky frame. When Osborne first showed up as a freshman, he weighed 150 pounds. Entering his senior season, he’s put 100 pounds on a frame that looks like it could carry more.

“Our development is huge here,” Floyd said. “It’s a huge part of what we do here. We start working with these guys when they’re in youth football and middle school weight program, like Hunter did. Coach Herring does a great job with our guys. It’s a big part of what we do here, and we take a lot of pride in it.”

Osborne is just the latest in a long line of Hewitt-Trussville players who have committed to playing FBS football and specifically in the ultra-competitive SEC. When Osborne hits

the Capstone next season, he’ll see former teammates like Justice Finkley (Texas) and Omari Kelly (Auburn) on the schedule. The bonds between the Huskies, forged over the course of seasons fought in the trenches of the most difficult region in Alabama (7A Region 3), played into recruiting as Finkley and Kelly were extolling the virtues of their chosen schools to try to sway Osborne’s decision.

“They tried to, they definitely did,” Osborne said. “I mean, Justice, he and I have a tight relationship. We’re boys, you know they called us ‘the Bookends.’ I went down to Austin and got to hang out with him. He got to show me Texas from his point of view. I was like ‘Oh my gosh, this is going to be hard to turn down.’

And, like, Omari ... and all of the Auburn boys, we’re tight.

Every time I got to talk with them, it was like ‘This is going to be hard.’ And it was a tough decision, but I know I made the right one for me.”

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From page 11

last season he was a terror to receivers and running backs.

His preseason hit against a Helena player remains the hardest hit I saw in person last season, and it left that particular Husky wondering if anyone got the license plate of the truck that ran over him.

Lane and Douglas won’t really face off one-on-one much, but when Lane gets into the second level against Leeds’ defense — and he’s too good a talent not to do so — I expect some serious collisions between the two.

August 3 - 9, 2022 And then there’s the Green Wave’s Jerry Hood. A two-time state championship coach. Frankly, he’s a legend and deservedly so. And don’t let the good-ol’ boy persona fool you. Hood is sharp, and he is focused on making young men, not just football players. That’s admirable. He’s built a program at Leeds that makes the playoffs and always has a chance to make a run, and to beat the Green Wave under Hood, you have to bring your ‘A’ game for every down. His teams are disciplined and they don’t make mental mistakes. If they do, opposing coaches have to capitalize on

and when he gets to the next level against the Cougars, Alabama commit Jaylen Mbakwe will be waiting. This is a fascinating matchup on many levels to me because while athletically Mbakwe gets the nod, Thomas is a senior on an Indians squad that will come into that September 9 matchup with something to prove.

On the other side, there’s Mario Craver for ClayChalkville. Craver emerged as an elite prospect during the 2021 season, scoring 10 touchdowns on 937 yards receiving. He was a key reason the Cougars won the 6A state title. He has excellent speed, runs precise routes and has

Moody High School’s football team did much of their Spring training workouts at Clay-Chalkville High School. (Photo by Bobby Mathews)

Douglas will be busy that game as well, as the Blue Devils’ Davion Dozier will always be a threat to take the ball to the house.

And as long as we’re talking about Moody vs.

Leeds, we have to talk about Jake Ganus and Jerry Hood, right? This is Ganus’s first year as a head coach, and he has made huge strides in a short time. I saw the Blue Devils practice last season during a resurgent year that saw them nearly make the playoffs, and I’ve seen them this past Spring. They look like a totally different team, with a new level of aggression and focus that I believe is going to take some folks by surprise.

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den in a really tough region.”

And Center Point’s move to 6A means that the “region of doom” — 6A Region 6 —

them because there won’t be many.

So you’ve got the young, up-and-coming coach vs. the established and savvy veteran. I’m not sure there’s a bigger game in our coverage area than the Blue Devils vs. the Green Wave on October 14.

I plan to be on the sidelines, for sure.

And what about Pinson Valley vs. Clay-Chalkville?

Much the same as LeedsMoody, you have a young, first-time head coach in Lee Guess who will go up against an experienced, state championship coach in Drew Gilmer.

The matchups I’m looking forward to there? Pinson Valley’s Amare Thomas is an excellent wide receiver,

great hands. In the defensive backfield for Pinson Valley, TJ Metcalf awaits. Metcalf, a senior committed to Arkansas, is about as fundamentally sound a football player as you’re going to find. I doubt we’ll see them one-on-one very often, but Metcalf flies to the ball, so there’ll be potential to see how a couple of FBS-level talents match up multiple times during that game.

That’s all for now. I’ll break down some more of the matchups to watch next week.

Bobby Mathews is sports editor at The Tribune and the author of the novel, Living the Gimmick. Reach him on Twitter: @bobbymathews or email bobby.mathews@trussvilletribune.com.

will be even tougher, as the region now holds three teams who have won the last five 6A state titles (Clay-Chalkville, Pinson Valley and Oxford).

The season will also feature a new addition to The Tri-

bune’s coverage area, as the paper will cover the Shades Valley High School Mounties ... who are also in 6A Region 6.

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