The Trussville Tribune – August 16 - 22, 2023

Pinson Valley High School student dies suddenly after suffering ‘medical event’ at school

By Erica Thomas 1819 News

Main Street Flats coming to downtown Trussville

By Chase Holmes News Reporter

TRUSSVILLE — A new short-term rental business is coming to downtown Trussville.

Argo man shot, killed by exwife has been identified

From The Tribune staff reports ARGO — A 62-year-old Argo man was shot and killed by his ex-wife on Friday, Aug. 11. At around 10:35 a.m., the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was called to the 8800 block of Gadsden Highway

Trussville City Council approves resolution for turf field conversion at Trussville Sports Complex

By Chase Holmes News Reporter

TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Council approved a resolution to allow Mayor Buddy Choat to enter

Leeds Board of Education discusses athletic facility, other concerns ahead of first day of school

By Nathan Prewett

For the Tribune

LEEDS – The Leeds City Board of Education met ahead of the first day of school, which was Wednesday, Aug. 8.

Clay-Chalkville freshman earns second AllAmerican nod at Junior Olympics

By Chase Holmes News Reporter

CLAY — A ClayChalkville freshman earned her second All-American nod at the AAU Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa.

Leila McWillie finished fifth out of 47 other competi-

Main Street Flats has been approved to remodel the Elite Jewelers building located at 235 Main Street across Gadsden Highway from Marco’s pizza.

Matthew Gregory, a 10year resident of Trussville, said he is proud to have been given the opportunity to bring this unique concept to Trussville.

“I’m very excited. We have about 15 other short-term rentals and they are all in these multi-family building settings. We’re not the ones who go into residential settings,” Gregory said. “Trussville giving us the opportunity to do this is a great thing. Not everybody loves the hotel lodging and you have a large group of people who do AirBnBs and stay there. We always try and make sure our properties are nice.”

The proximity to the Trussville Entertainment District made the former Elite

Jewelers building a prime target for Main Street Flats.

“We love that it is in the parking lot of the Trussville Entertainment District. People can go to the bars and get a drink and something to eat and have fun,” Gregory said.

Main Streets Flats will have four two-bedroom, two bath suites and four one-bedroom, one bath flats. Each one will have a kitchen and pull-

out couches for extra sleeping space. Things are moving along to begin the remodeling process. Gregory said they are almost ready to get started.

“We’re gonna go and get an application for the demo permit today and start on the demo in the next week or two,” he said. “We should be starting construction in the next two to four weeks. The

City of Clay planning action on homeless encampments

full project will take six to eight months.”

Gregory said that anyone that wants to get an idea of what Main Street Flats will look like can check out some of his other short-term rental properties in Birmingham. 216 Lofts can be viewed by going to 216lofts.com. His other Birmingham building, Rushton Suites, can be viewed at rushtonsuites.com.

Moody council approves study to possibly form independent school district

By Nathan Prewett For the Tribune

By Terry Schrimscher For the

Tribune

CLAY – The city of Clay is once again seeking help dealing with homeless camps in wooded areas behind residential communities. The Clay City Council discussed proper procedures for removing the encampments during

Argo appoints zoning board member, promotes firefighter

Schrimscher

By Terry

For the Tribune

MOODY

The city of Pinson is mourning the death of a high school student that passed away Thursday. See ARGO, Page 5

– The City of Moody is looking to possibly establish an independent municipal school system after approving a feasibility study during a meeting on Monday, Aug. 14.

The study was approved unanimously for $54,500 and will be done by Criterion K-12 Consulting. Doctors Frank Costanzo and Phill Hammonds – both retired superintendents – from the group were there to explain their role.

“We do not make a recommendation if you do or do not make a school system,” said Hammonds. “What we do is gather tons of data, primarily financial, so you know what it will cost to not only start – if you decide to go in that direction – a quality school system, but to sustain it.”

The request to do the study was made by Councilman Nick Rutledge, who said that city school systems tend to be listed high among the state rankings every year.

stricted to what they can do.”

ARGO – The Argo City Council met Monday night, Aug. 14, for the first regularly scheduled meeting of the month. The Council covered much of the city’s business during the pre-meeting work

- Page 7

Lifestyle - Page 8 Outdoors - Pages 9-10

Calendar - Page 11

Classified - Page 11 Obituary - Page 12

Sports - Pages 13-16

He said that they plan to start the study in the next couple of weeks and that it will take an estimated 120 to 150 days to complete.

“I think it gives you better control over your student/ teacher ratio,” he said. “You know, you can lower that number whereas in a county system you’re kind of re-

After the council passed all of the items on the agenda, Mayor Joe Lee opened the floor for public comments, to which a resident, Candice Jackson, spoke up about the condition of the roads along Annie Lee Road, saying that it has caused complications for her family and her neighbors.

“We’ve got friends that don’t want to come visit,” she said, adding that it’s unsafe. “There are some spots that are so deep you really just have to wait on another car to pass because you can’t travel. You have to stop or you’re going to severely damage your vehicle.”

See IRONDALE, Page 6 See OLYMPICS, Page 16

Robin’s Sewing Shoppe

www.robinshoppe.com

5886 Trussville Crossings Blvd 205.655.3388

- Fabric

- Machines

- Classes - Demos

See MOODY, Page 3

Rendering of Main Street Flats (provided courtesy of Matthew Gregory)

Council Member Nick Rutledge (Credit: Nathan Prewett)

L oca L / R egion

9 arrested for shoplifting in Trussville

From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — Nine people were charged with shoplifting in Trussville between August 1 and August 14 according to the Trussville police department.

According to the reports, those charged are Tony Anderson of Pinson, Gloria Camarena of Pinson, Briceida Hernandez Ventura of Birmingham, Madiana Kamanda of Birmingham, Jemiece Lacy of Center Point, Ashley Painter of Rainbow City, Azaria Purdy of Trussville, Pamela Stewart of Birmingham, and Stephanie Thedford of Trussville.

All arrest and arrest photos are public information. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty.

Moody

From front page

Mayor Joe Lee said that it is a city road and that he and the city government have been in talks with the St. Clair County Commission to address the road and get it fixed. He said that the commission had $800,000 in the budget to help pay costs and the estimate cost for the city is $1 million, though the county is anticipated to bring in tar and gravel for the “soft spots.”

“But it’s going to be a process,” he said. “Everything moves slow when you’re working with the state to try and reimburse the county for the money they put in.”

Lee said that they would

stay in touch with the commission and suggested that the citizens in the area contact them as well.

Department heads gave their reports for the month of July. The Moody Police Department recording 1,294 calls, 29 traffic accidents, 173 citations, 128 completed reports, 64 misdemeanors, 24 felonies, 13,676 miles driven by police vehicles and $20,800 spent on vehicle maintenance.

The fire department recorded 141 total responses, six fires (two vehicles, two residential, two woods, grass or rubbish), 14 public assists, 11 lift assists, 25 false alarms, two mutual aids. The average dispatch to en-

route time was one minute, 43 seconds and the average dispatch to arrival time was seven minutes. There were 68 annual inspections, 12 re-inspections, and one fire pump inspection. In other business, the council:

Approved a request from Police Chief Reece Smith to advertise for hiring a certified or non-certified officer,

• Approved a request from Parks and Recreation Director Mike Staggs to purchase a floor scrubbing machine for $2,796, Approved a request from Fire Chief Larry Horton to renew the yearly maintenance contract for the

Trussville

From front page negotiations for the turfing of the Trussville Sports Complex fields on Tuesday, Aug. 8.

The Trussville City Council met Tuesday night to approve a number of resolutions. Resolution 2023-54 begins the process of turning the various ball fields at the Trussville Sports Complex into turf by entering into negotiations with Lathan Associates.

Mayor Buddy Choat said the passing of this resolution begins the first of what he hopes is three phases to turn the fields into turf. The current plan is to start with the baseball and softball fields and to turn one of the fields into a Miracle League field to accommodate mentally and physically disabled players.

“Today after it rained, we could not have played baseball or softball tonight. We could have had those fields been turf,” Choat said.

za. More information, including the business itself, will be announced next week.

The second development is the remodeling of the former Elite Jewelry building across from Marco’s Pizza that is being turned into a short-term rental development called Main Street Flats, which will accommodate eight rooms.

All resolutions proposed at the meeting were passed and are as follows:

medical equipment for $3,240,

• Approved Horton’s request to purchase disposable medical supplies for $6,000,

• Approved Horton’s request to purchase leather radio straps for the new radios for $3,500, Approved Horton’s request to have the graphics updated on E-1, E-2, and R-1 $2,300, and

• Approved Lee’s request to have Leeds Water Works relocate a water line on O’Barr Road for $4,000. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m., at Moody City Hall, on 670 Park Ave.

Councilman Ben Short said that the growth in baseball and softball necessitates the improved facilities.

Choat provided some statistics as to just how large the demand for baseball has increased year over year.

“Our baseball numbers were up from 100 the previous year to about 650 kids,” he said. “The demand is back, and we want to provide them a place where we don’t have to force so many rain outs.”

Lathan will now work to come up with a design that will eventually be brought to the council as a resolution.

While at the meeting, Choat spoke more about two upcoming downtown developments. A new retail space was announced for the vacant lot behind the downtown pla-

Resolution to amend FY2023 Budget Resolution to declare Police FEMA trailer surplus

• Resolution to declare Civic Center Televisions Surplus

• Resolution to declare City Hall Annex Refrigerator Surplus Resolution to designate SmartBank as a Depository of City Funds Resolution to adopt a City Transportation Plan

• Resolution to endorse ALDOT Curb Replacement Project The Trussville City Council meets on second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m., at the Trussville City Hall Annex. A workshop is usually held on the Thursday preceding the council meeting at 5 p.m.

Trussville City Hall annex

(Photo by Chase Holmes)

Credit: Trussville Police Department

According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, Caleb Dylan White, 17, of Pinson, suddenly suffered a medical event at Pinson Valley High School. At around 1:12 p.m., White was taken to St. Vincent’s East, where he was pronounced dead. The family of White said he collapsed while working out, according to The Trussville Tribune.

The coroner’s office said EMA personnel attempted life-saving procedures on White, but those attempts were unsuccessful.

A postmortem exam will be performed to try and determine the manner and cause of death.

Pinson Valley High School principal Michael Turner said counseling and resources would be available to students in the coming days.

“Heartbroken,” Pinson Mayor Joe Cochran posted on Facebook. “No words can

be gathered to provide comfort to a family and community experiencing the loss of young life. Please lift Caleb’s family and friends along with the entire PVHS community in prayer for the hours, weeks, months and years ahead. I was honored to know Caleb personally and loved the spirit he carried. Life is fleeting, enjoy every day as the treasure it is, I know Caleb did.”

White’s brother, Cam, remembered him with a Facebook post of old and new photos.

“Who is Caleb Dylan White?” he said. “He’s a great player, passionate leader, intelligent person, great son, and to me a great little brother. I’ll never understand why it had to be this way, NEVER. You completed God’s mission for you lil bro. I’m hurt. I truly am. Half of me was just ripped out in an instant. All the times we played

outside in the yard. Playing basketball outside, running around in the house it meant the world to me. People know the basketball side of you because you made that name for yourself. Some may not know you’re a great person also. You loved super hard. We always battled and fought but it was ALWAYS love at the end of the day. They mess wit me they mess wit you and vice versa. I promise that’ll never change. You don’t fake kick it with nobody. You blazed yo own trail and I always respected that. I left Ramsay because I wanted to play with YOU. Man I’m heartbroken he took you this soon lil bro. You were on that court doing what you love to do. Watch over me. They’ll never forget yo name as long as I’m here I promise. Caleb Dylan White, I love you past death.”

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a bright star from our school community,” Jefferson County Schools stated Friday. “Caleb White, a Pinson Valley High School senior and student-athlete, has left us far too soon. Please join us in extending prayerful thoughts of comfort and peace during this difficult time.”

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.

the first regular meeting of the council Tuesday night, August 8.

“It’s going to be a continuing problem as long as the judges are letting them out of jail,” said City Manager Ronnie Dixon. “There’s about eight total.

“Our zoning ordinance covers it. You’re not allowed to have a tent in any sort of zoning that we have. Whether it’s residential or commercial, you’re not allowed to stay in a tent.”

Dixon said the city is working with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to improve the situation. He said the first step is to cite the offenders for trespassing. After that, a second offense would result in arrest and a third offense could result in a year jail sentence.

Councilmember Bo Johnson commented on the trash being left on the property, including needles, leading Dixon to suggest the city could clear the property after police remove the campers.

“I believe we have reached the point now where it is a public health issue,” Dixon said. “I believe, legally, it would be okay for you to use city funds to clean up personal, or commercial or institutional property that has been turned into a public health nuisance.”

City Attorney Alan Summers first shared information about encampments in March when an encampment was found in the woods behind the Lovelady Thrift Store. The current camp is in the same area and has expanded to property behind private residences as far away as Matt Aaron Lane and Refuge church at 2400 Sweeney Hollow Road.

Although the thrift store has secured donation bins, Dixon said people camping in the woods continue to dig through garbage dumpsters outside the store looking for items.

Shooting

From front page

to assist Argo Police Department in the investigation of a domestic shooting that had occurred shortly before.

The victim was later identified by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office as Benjamin Craig Sharpton, 62, of Argo.

According to witnesses, Sharpton was shot to death by his ex-wife, 58-year-old

In other business, Dixon read a list nine of properties in a public nuisance resolution. The resolution gives notice to property owners to mow lawns or remove weeds before the city orders abatement. The resolution passed unanimously.

The Council also approved a resolution declaring property at 6530 Clay Palmerdale Road a public nuisance. The resolution will require the property owner to remove junk from property. The next meeting of the Clay City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m., on Aug. 22, at City Hall.

Grace Dunaway Yancey. Yancey was taken into custody and transported to the Jefferson County Jail where she is being held on the charge of intentional murder.

In accordance with “Aniah’s Law,” she is being held with no bond.

The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Caleb Dylan White

Argo

From front page session before moving into the regular agenda.

Leeds

From front page “I’m just really excited and ready to get school started again,” said an enthusiastic Superintendent John Moore. “I still get excited about it. I think it’s my favorite thing.”

This was also the first meeting for newly appointed board member Karla “Crickett” Ford, who was confirmed by the Leeds City Council at a meeting the night before.

The meeting began as usual with a report from Chief Financial Officer Ryan Miller for the month of June, the ninth month of the fiscal year. 78% of the general fund revenue was received along with more than 100% of the local revenue, up 8.05% from last year.

Expenditures were 72%, gross payroll was $1.2 million and the month was ended with an excess of revenues over expenditures of $1.6 million. The unreserved fund balance was $5.8 million, he said.

Afterwards, the board passed the items on its agenda before Moore mentioned in his comments meetings that he had with members of the city council about applying for state funding. He said that $179 million will be available from the state to go for capital projects, which may include projects at educational institutions.

He spoke on two different projects ongoing for the district, beginning with a new boiler and chiller at Leeds Elementary School to replace the 30-year-old equipment currently in place. A design and bid is anticipated for this fall. The work will be done in phases over a period of time. The overall estimate for this project is $1,200,000.

The other concerned the upcoming athletic facility, in which there is a drainage issue. He said that the district has made a request to the Jefferson County Commission to appropriate funds to address it.

In other business, the board: Recertified its dinner program,

• Decided to change meeting times to 10 a.m.,

• Approved advertising a job description for technology director,

• Approved engaging with the Bailey Group for retired teachers mentoring new teachers and Approved contracts for all of the special needs services including behavioral, speech pathology, occupational therapy and physical therapy.

The next regular meeting will be held on Sept. 12, at 10 a.m., at the Leeds Board of Education Building on 1517 Hurst Avenue. A budget hearing meeting is scheduled for Aug. 30, at 10 a.m.

The Council appointed Beth King to fill a vacant position on the Planning and Zoning Board by a 3-2 vote. Mayor Betty Bradley abstained. The board will be hosting a public hearing Aug. 29 with a work session at 5 p.m., prior to the 6 p.m. meeting, to discuss the proposed Argo comprehensive plan. The plan will be voted on by the City Council after a final version is approved by the board.

Argo resident Jamey Curlee spoke to the Council about a water project in Didara, Ethiopia. Curlee, a retired teacher from the Trussville school system, is planning to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise funds and awareness for Designs for Hope.

Designs for Hope is a Trussville-based ministry serving the physical and spiritual needs in developing countries. Curlee is working with members of F3, a men’s workout organization, to sponsor and install a well for clean drinking water in Didara.

Curlee asked the Council to help with fundraising ideas and to consider offering support for the project. People interested in learning more or donating can read about the climb or the ministry by visiting www.designsforhope.org/ kilimanjaro.

Fire Chief Scott Payne an-

nounced the department has won an $80,000 grant for an air compressor. Payne also announced the promotion of firefighter Jorel Barrett to Lieutenant.

The Council voted to accept a bid from Malone Roofing Services LLC for $64,600 to repair the roof at

City Hall. The roof has been leaking and causing water spots in the ceiling around the building. Malone Roofing was the only bid submitted for the work. The bid was approved contingent on checking with insurance for coverage.

In other business, the Council approved: A $5,000 invoice for legal services from Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation. • Resolution 2023-08-14 to adopt a transportation plan as required by the Rebuild Alabama Act. Approved budgeting up to $5,000 for the Argo Fall Festival in October. The next meeting of the Argo council is scheduled for Aug. 28, 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.

John Moore and Kathy Dutton (Credit: Nathan Prewett)

Chief Scott Payne, Jorel Barrett, Brent Rejonis, Ryan Wells and Jacob Turner pose for a photo at the Argo City Council meeting in honor of Barrett's promotion to lieutenant. (Credit: Terry Schrimscher)

Jamey Curlee spoke to the Council about a fundraiser he is doing to provide clean water in Didara, Ethiopia. (Credit: Terry Schrimscher)

Irondale

drivers again, many of whom have potentially never used a roundabout before.

Helen Hays, Director of Public Information, said there are several benefits to a roundabout that influenced the county’s decision to build one.

“One: safety. Intersections under roundabout control experience a decrease in crashes and a substantial decrease in property damage costs because all of the traffic is at an angle,” she said. “Two: Traffic flow is the close second benefit. Roundabouts reduce delays and idle time for drivers sitting at a light – its saves them time and also can reduce emissions – an environmental benefit.”

A specific time for when the roundabout will be open has not yet been decided.

The Jefferson County Commission gave a few tips for those inexperienced with roundabouts.

Tips for navigating:

1. Slow down when approaching.

2. Know what lane you need to be in before arriving at the roundabout.

3. Always yield to traffic already in the circle.

4. Look left and proceed with caution when clear.

Man shot and killed, thrown in ditch in Birmingham has been identified

From The Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM — A Birmingham man was found in a ditch after being shot and killed on Sunday, August 13, 2023.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s office identified the victim as Tommie Lee Brown, 26,

of Birmingham.

At around 6:37 a.m., a passerby at 50 Street Southwest and Park Avenue Southwest observed Brown laying on the side of the roadway and called the police. Birmingham police officers responded to the call and when they arrived on the scene they found the victim

unresponsive in a ditch on the side of the road.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue arrived on the scene and pronounced Brown deceased at 6:45 a.m.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s office later examined Brown and determined he had been shot.

5. The right is designed for those turning right.

6. Do not change lanes in the roundabout.

7. If you miss your exit – go around again. The total cost of construction for the new roundabout is $16 million, per Jefferson County Commission.

Convicted felon pleads guilty to kidnapping, firearm charge

From The Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM – A convicted felon pleaded guilty to kidnapping and being a felon in possession of a firearm this week.

The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.

According to the Department of Justice, Jeffrey Barton, 51, of Guinn, Alabama, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala to felon in

possession of a firearm and kidnapping.

According to the plea agreement, in June 2022, the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) received a call from a man reporting that an individual, later identified as Barton, had been at his residence and forced his wife into a vehicle at gunpoint. A CCSO Deputy saw the vehicle the victim’s husband described leaving the driveway of the victim’s residence. When the female victim in the vehicle saw the CCSO deputy’s patrol car, she jumped out of the driver’s door and began running

Bessemer man shot and killed in vehicle discovered by family member

From The Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM — A Bessemer man was shot and killed inside of his vehicle and found by family members on Sunday, August 13, 2023.

At around 10:07 a.m., Birmingham police officers responded to a person shot call in the 1000 block of Tin Mill Road. . Officers arrived on the

scene and found the victim, Robert Alexander Brown, 22, of Bessemer, unresponsive, inside of a vehicle, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue arrived on the scene and pronounced the victim deceased at 10:35 a.m.

Family members had not heard from the Brown since August 12, around noontime. They became concerned and began searching for the victim.

A family member located the victim’s vehicle parked at the incident location in the parking lot. When the family member approached the vehicle, they observed Brown inside suffering from a gunshot wound and called the police.

There is no one in custody.

Anyone who has information related to the case is asked to contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit @ 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers @ 205-254-7777.

toward the deputy. The deputy saw Barton in the back seat. Barton got out of the vehicle with his hands above his head. Officers searched the vehicle and found a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol on the ground next to the driver’s door.

The maximum penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm is 10 years in prison. The maximum penalty for kidnapping is life in prison.

The ATF investigated the case, along with the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Peoples is prosecuting the case.

18-year-old shot in Birmingham neighborhood, dies at hospital

From The Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM — An 18-year-old was shot and died at the hospital on Thurday, August 10.

Birmingham Police Department (BPD) officers were sent to investigate a call of a person shot in the 3100 block

of 33 Place North. Officers arrived on scene and found multiple shell casings in the road but no suspects. BPD was later alerted that a gunshot victim had arrived at UAB hospital in connection with the case.

The victim, Adrien Harris, 18, of Birmingham, was shot at around 8:50 p.m. and transported to the UAB Emergency

Department by a private vehicle.

UAB hospital staff pronounced Harris dead at 9:59 pm.

The death is being investigated as a homicide.

Anyone with information can call homicide detectives at (205) 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777.

Photo of the new roundabout taken last Friday (Photo provided by Helen Hays)

Mainstream media attacks on Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville just make him more popular

By Paul DeMarco

The mainstream media has a funny way of highlighting those few elected officials who go to Washington DC and actually represent their constituents, because if they are conservative they attack them mercilessly.

Thus, Alabama Senator

Tommy Tuberville has been on the receiving end of criticism from Democrats and the mainstream media because he has had the guts to stand up to President Joe Biden.

Senator Tuberville’s profile has risen nationally recently as being one of the few Senators in the DC bubble to so strongly take on the liberal

policies of the Biden Administration. The onslaught of the stepped up condemnation has parralled with his openly calling out President Biden and his political appointees for policies that have particularly weakened the United States national security.

Thus, the mainstream media including some in Al-

abama have gone on the offense against Senator Tuberville, looking for any and all reasons to attempt to take him down.

It has actually had the opposite effect and Senator Tuberville continues to be one of the most popular elected officials in Alabama. There is no question that if an election

were held tomorrow that he would win re-election handily and it is doubtful he would have serious competition. It is not hard to figure out Alabama is one of the most conservative states in the Nation and the Senator’s advocacy reflects the will of the people he represents.

So Democrats and the

media can keep up their attacks on Senator Tuberville ad hominem, but there is no question Alabama voters will continue to rally behind the senator more than ever.

Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives and can be found on X (formerly Twitter) at @Paul_DeMarco

Big government, pot and Frankenstein

By Phil Williams, 1819 News Commentary

Big government, marijuana and Dr. Frankenstein walk into a bar … sounds like a cheap joke, I know. But the joke is on us because that’s basically what Alabama got when our Republican leadership formed the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission.

Let’s remember that we have a Republican supermajority in Montgomery. The GOP controls all three branches of Alabama government and has carte blanche to do, or not do, what it wants.

Look at some of the key provisions currently on the Alabama Republican Party Platform. The GOP stands for limited government, believing “that the growth of government must be curtailed.” They also “support lower and fair tax models” and agree “that business growth must be encouraged … through the elimination of all unnecessary regulations.” The ALGOP platform supports constitutional liberties such as “equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity.”

I’ve been a member of the State Republican Party for years. I ran as a party member. I helped establish the GOP as a supermajority in the state legislature. I fully support the GOP platform and the efforts of the party to promote it.

Yet I watch as Republican members of the legislature enact laws – purporting to be for the greater good – that fly in the face of their own platform. That’s exactly what’s happened with the establishment of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission.

The more libertarian among us say that stodgy, old, diedin-the-wool conservatives just want to get in the way of someone following their own desires. “It’s harmless!” they say. “It’s all-natural,” they say. Just simple and non-threatening. It’s like aspirin!

Live and let live, get out of the way, you naysayers! Ganja gonna help ya!

If all that is true and medical cannabis is such a non-issue, then why is it that the Republican supermajority had to violate every principle of their party platform to make it avail-

able?

Ask yourself with all candor: If medical marijuana is harmless, then why did the GOP establish a new, fully separate and autonomous wing of government called the Cannabis Commission? A commission that has no limitations on the size of its staffing. A commission that will have its own enforcement officers, that will be clothed with arrest and investigative authority.

Did you know that the Cannabis Commission enforcement officers will have the power of search and seizure without a warrant?

Did you know that the Cannabis Commission law allows for the collection of taxes at 9% on the dollar for each medical cannabis “prescription?” It gets worse when you realize that under Title 40 of the Alabama Code, this state does not tax other prescriptions at all. But the efficacy of medical marijuana is so great that we will tax it at 10 times the usual rate!

But people need it right away, so let’s get the pharmacies stocked and ready to dispense! However, we can’t do

that because marijuana is not FDA approved and pharmacists cannot dispense it. It will have to be sold at a separate, specially- licensed dispensary by a non-medically trained clerk hired off the street.

But at least there will be dispensaries nearby for everyone who needs to get their prescriptions filled! No, the law only allows Alabama’s 67 counties and 5 million residents to have just 37 licensed locations.

But if someone needs it, then just go where it is and bring it to them! Maybe not. The law says that in order to administer it, you must be approved by the Cannabis Commission as a registered caregiver, otherwise someone will have to come to your house to give your child their “medicine.” So let’s get this straight: With the absolute assurance that medical marijuana is a much-needed thing for the citizens of the great state of Alabama, the Republican supermajority has decided to make government bigger, limit the growth of a private sector business, tax it heavily, violate

basic rights in enforcing it, invade the privacy of your home to administer it, and do so in a way that is in violation of federal law and could get a pharmacist fired.

Added to all this morass is the knowledge that the Cannabis Commission is mired in lawsuits. Multiple suits have been filed claiming partisanship and a lack of transparency in the licensing process. A recent lawsuit resulted in the Commission chairman resigning from his position for allegedly double-dipping on state compensation.

What’s the real reason for doing all of this? Recent studies show that the industry is peaking with $13.8 billion in 2023 sales alone. States like Alabama have a chance to push that market share up by a projected 21% growth by 2030. This is a cash cow, but they don’t want it grown in your backyard. There is no money in that.

Let’s pretend for a minute that marijuana is FDA-approved on medicinal grounds. It’s not, but we can pretend. There are studies indicating

that marijuana helps ease pain, calms seizure disorders, and adds calm to an anxious mind. Competing studies question its effects and societal impacts. Recent studies indicate that legalization and decriminalization of marijuana has resulted in a three-fold increase in marijuana poisoning. Focusing on children alone reveals cannabis exposure increased 1375% between 2017 and 2021, with 22% of those cases landing in the hospital. It is also still off-limits to our military, and law enforcement will need to see your papers.

Truly, the Alabama Cannabis Commission is exactly what you get when big government, pot and Dr. Frankenstein walk into a bar together.

To contact Phil or request him for a speaking engagement, go to www.rightsideradio.org. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.

By Joe Hobby

Our usual Sunday postchurch visit to my grandparents was unusual that day. Things were kind of quiet. Normally, when my sister and I barged thru the front door like a giant pitcher of Kool Aid, we were greeted by my grandfather. He would fold up the Sunday paper and stand up to say hello. However, on this particular day, he just sat in his recliner, barely speaking to us.

We went straight to the kitchen to report this odd behavior to my grandmother.

“Memaw, is something wrong with granddaddy?”, I asked.

My grandmother nodded and said, “Well, honey, your

L ifesty L e My Life As A Hobby: Rasslin’

granddaddy had kind of a bad night last night.”

“What happened?”

“We went to see his doctor on Friday, and doc’s been telling him to quit getting so excited about things because it’s not good for his heart. Well, your grandfather didn’t listen, and the doctor finally laid down the law. He said granddaddy can’t watch wrestling anymore. And last night was the first Saturday night he had to do without it.”

You read it right. My grandfather was convinced that pro wrestling was real. And he got so worked up over fake wrestling that he was banned from watching it because he might have a heart attack. I had a hard time believing this.

I was just 12 years old and I already knew that it wasn’t real. Still, this was big news. Never seems like a long time.

“No more?”, I asked.

“No more,” she said. He just gets too worked up over it.”

That was the truth. My grandfather did indeed get worked up over wrestling, or should I say ‘rasslin. There is a big difference between the two. For example, I’ve never seen an Olympic wrestler smash a folding chair over his opponent’s head. That could certainly hurt your chances of getting a gold medal. However, in ‘rasslin, the chair smash could help you win the championship belt. ‘Rasslin also features eye pokes, hair pull-

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR ST. CLAIR COUNTY SOUTHERN JUDICIAL DIVISION AT PELL CITY

NOTICE OF ADOPTION CASE NO. S-2023-345

To: PATRICK ACOSTA, BIOLOGICAL FATHER OF ELENA CLARKE

LAYTON

Please take notice that a petition for adoption of the above-named minor child, who was bom to Patrick Acosta and Andrea Gail Layton on or about the 21sl day of February 2020, has been filed and is pending in said Court by the Petitioner named below. Please be advised that if you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner named below and with the Clerk of the Probate Court at, 1815 Cogswell Ave. #212, Pell City, Alabama 35125, as soon as possible, but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published. Dated this 10lh day of August 2023.

ANDREW WEATHINGTON

Judge of Probate

Attorney for Petitioner Petitioner: Meg W. Clements Landon Honeycutt 1905 Is'Ave. S. Pell City, A1 35215

ing, ear yanks, and a number of other bad-guy tactics that the refs never seem to see. However, the good guys had the feared Sleeper Hold – a sure fire way to victory.

Granddaddy knew every wrestler, good and bad; from Tojo Yamamoto, to Mr. Wrestling #1 and 2, to Bearcat Brown. But his hero, his absolute favorite, was Len Rossi. Back in those days, Rossi was to fake ‘rasslin what Roy Rogers was to cowboys. He had matinee good looks and an athletic physique, unlike so many of the other wrestlers who looked like they had a few buffet lines. And he believed in truth, justice, and the American way. So, if any of the bad ‘rasslers did Len Rossi wrong, my grandfather would whoop and holler.

I saw it first hand. One Saturday, I spent the night with my grandparents, and noticed that granddaddy began nervously checking his watch about 10 o’clock. Then he began adjusting the rabbit ears on the TV so that the picture was perfect when his favorite show, Channel 42 Wrestling, came on at 10:30 PM. Within minutes, he was on the edge of his seat screaming, “He’s pulling his hair! How can that referee not see that? Once in a tag team match, Tojo Yamato and one of his henchmen were both in the ring, mercilessly fake stomping on poor Len Rossi. My grandfather blurted out angrily, ”Somebody outta call the po-lice on them!” I hid my head in a pillow to keep from laughing out loud.

Channel 42 had live ‘rasslin every Saturday night. A ring was set up in the studio and a small crowd of about 100 fans were in attendance – sitting in folding chairs, of course.

It was local programming at it’s finest. There were certainly no fog machines or lasers like wrestling has nowadays.

A gentleman named Sterling Brewer was the host of the show – a voice of calm in a sea of madness. He always signed off by saying,”Be a good sport, and give God a chance,” which seemed odd after watching hair-pulling, eye poking, chair slamming, and other decidedly un-Christian activities.

In reality, Channel 42 Wrestling was an advertisement for the big Monday night matches. Every Saturday evening wrestlers hijacked the camera – the winners to boast of their victory, and the losers to swear vengeance. One thing both sides agreed on: things would be set straight on Monday night. It worked, too. Without fail, thousands of fans would pack the downtown auditorium every week to see how it all played out.

In 1989, pro wrestling finally admitted that it was entertainment, not an actual athletic competition – in other

words, fake. What a stunning statement. I guess next we’ll hear that the Titanic sank. Despite their confession, wrestling, or the “sports entertainment” industry, as it began to call itself, continued to grow. Tens of thousands of people filled coliseums all over the country. Televised events drew big ratings. Why? It’s simple. ‘Rasslin is just a soap opera for guys. Both of them have heroes, villains, lies, deceit, plot twists, cheating, treachery, revenge, redemption, drama, trauma, and outcomes that have been decided.

But you would’ve never convinced my grandfather it was fake. Until his dying day, he believed wrestling was real – and that the moon landing was a hoax.

Joe Hobby is a comedian from Alabama who wrote for Jay Leno for many years. Find more of Joe’s stories on his blog: https://mylifeasahobby.blogspot.com/?m=1. Also, follow him on Facebook at: Joe Hobby ComedianWriter

Joe Hobby, Tribune Columnist

s

Harvest regulations still apply during jubilee

By David Rainer Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

When the weather gets hot and stagnant, the folks who live on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay go on high alert. Certain weather and water conditions in the bay can lead a rare phenomenon known as a jubilee.

A jubilee occurs when mostly bottom-dwelling creatures in the bay are forced to the shoreline because of certain environmental conditions, including a layer of water with low dissolved oxygen. Jubilees come in many forms, from events with just flounder or shrimp or crabs or saltwater catfish to bay bonanzas with all those creatures lined up in the shallowest water at the shore. Although jubilees are most common on the Eastern Shore, they can occasionally occur on the western shore of Mobile Bay.

The event starts with an incoming tide with very warm, still water, followed by organic load that creates a situation that depletes the oxygen in the water. Often, jubilees follow an afternoon rain shower and an easterly or northeasterly wind. The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program explains that phytoplankton also contributes to this phenomenon by consuming oxygen near the surface of the water. When the easterly breeze starts blowing, this creates a water current that causes the oxygen-poor water to migrate toward the shore. This has a corralling effect, herding the bottom-dwelling species into the shallows. There those species become so lethargic that people can just pick them up. These events usually lasts two to three hours.

There is no free-for-all to catch or gig as many as you

can during the event. The daily creel limits remain in effect no matter how many flounder or shrimp or crabs are vulnerable to the taking.

“What I tell folks is it’s a unique opportunity to see a unique occurrence,” said

Tokyo Bay in Japan.”

and older are required to have a saltwater angler registry.

“I would encourage people to follow the regulations because most those species will survive because it’s generally a low oxygen event,” Bannon said. “When it passes, most of those species will recover.”

bilees so vast that blue crabs were crawling out on pilings, shrimp were gathered up in clouds, and flounder were stacked on top of each other. I’ve also seen jubilees that only affected hardhead catfish, some stranded on the sand to become meals for the seagulls and shorebirds.

“What we see is if a species gets stranded as the tide changes and they get stuck on the beach, they are naturally not going to survive,” Bannon said. “The species that remain in the water often will survive. The byproduct of a jubilee is oftentimes dead baitfish or catfish when they were unable to escape as the tide went out.”

Scott

Bannon, Director of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division (MRD).

“There’s a lot of rich history in the Mobile Bay area of families notifying each other that a jubilee is occurring. There are stories about the bell-ringing to let people know a jubilee is occurring. It would be a huge family event where they would go to the Bay and pick up whatever species were impacted. There was a point in history when these events provided subsistence. People were heavily dependent on fish, shrimp and crabs to feed their families.

“Nowadays, it’s more of an interesting phenomenon that occurs in only two places in the world, Mobile Bay and

Because of a significant decline in the flounder population in the previous decade, MRD changed the size and daily creel limit for flounder to five per person per day with a minimum size of 14 inches total length. The recreational limit on shrimp with heads on is one five-gallon bucket per

day. The limit on blue crabs is one 5-gallon bucket per day with a 5-inch minimum carapace (shell point to point). All jubilee participants who are 16 to 64 years old who harvest shrimp by cast net or harvest any finfish like flounder, speckled trout and redfish are required to have a saltwater fishing license, and those 16

Several years ago, I was fortunate to be on the “jubilee network” and got a call from my late pal and jubilee veteran Lee Rivenbark. I got to the bay just as the jubilee was forming. Ready with my gig, we could see the slow migration into the shallow water developing. Without warning, a large wake from a ship traveling up the Mobile Ship Channel came crashing ashore and washed away the jubilee. The disturbance of the wake oxygenated the water enough for that jubilee to completely dissipate.

I’ve been fortunate enough, however, to see ju-

The recent jubilees have been all over social media, and Bannon has fielded some calls from people who are concerned about the overharvest of the different species.

See OUTDOORS, Page 10

Dr. John Borom casts his net during a shrimp jubilee on the Eastern Shore. (David Rainer)

From

“They feel it’s irresponsible to take these extraordinary numbers of fish, especially flounder because people know how hard we’ve worked to gain some stabilization in that population,” he said. “People are concerned when they see these extremely large takes of those species.

“Our enforcement staff has some idea of when the jubilees might occur. We just encourage people to follow the rules and regulations. Go have fun with it and enjoy the opportunity to capture some tasty species within the limits. It’s a good day when you can get shrimp, crabs and flounder all in one shot. That’s a pretty good inshore trifecta. I love these quirky, interesting things we have here in Alabama, but it’s a challenge to manage. Luckily, they don’t occur so much that it’s a detriment to the population.”

Dr. John Borom, former administrator at Coastal Alabama Community College’s

Fairhope campus, founder of the Alabama Coastal Birdfest and lifelong resident of Fairhope, has a long history of being in the middle of jubilees.

“When I was in high school, I would get up and look for jubilees a lot because I thought it was a lot of fun and so unusual,” Borom said. “I would go out of Fairhope Pier and see crabs swimming on top of the water, and the water would take on a dark, tannic color. I remember one summer when I was in high school, I got in on 13 jubilees. Some jubilees are big, and some are small. When there’s an incoming tide and a northeast wind, the stagnant water would get pushed in and push whatever is in it to the shore to the shallow water. Sometimes a jubilee will cover large areas like from Point Clear to Daphne. Most of the time they are much smaller than that with fingers of deoxygenated water pushing them in.

“One of the reasons I got interested in biology is that things were so diverse.

You’d see sting rays. You’d see spadefish and all kinds of marine life – eels, gobies, blennies and hog chokers. It was just so interesting to me as a youngster. I’ve seen a lot of jubilees, but it’s always exciting to see that quantity of marine life come to the beach. You get to see things in large numbers you don’t normally see. Even as you get older, it’s still very impressive and exciting to see something that is so unusual. Most people have never heard of or seen one, so it’s easy to get excited.”

Although they can occur at different times, Borom said August and September are the best months to see jubilees.

“The environmental conditions have to be just right,” he said. “August is usually the best month. September can also be good. But they can occur at other times too. I went to Fly Creek in June to photograph the sunrise, and

some kids were saying a jubilee was going on. I walked down to the beach, and there were some small flounder, but there were crabs everywhere. The neat thing was I videoed a pod of dolphins out there feeding on the little flounder and things on the surface of the water.”

Borom said the population on the Eastern Shore is significantly higher these days compared to his youth, but he thinks there is somewhat of a limiting factor in jubilee participation.

“There are a lot more people living here, and a lot more people are looking, but they don’t want to get up early and get out with a floundering light,” he said. “When I was in high school, I would get up early and go out in a boat up and down the bay. I wouldn’t see a crab or anything, and then, all of a sudden, there they are. People just don’t

want to get up early like that anymore.”

Nonetheless, Borom says, “The thing is more people are putting more pressure on the resource, so you have to limit yourself or you run out of the flounder or run out of whatever.”

Although Borom doesn’t chase jubilees like he once did, he always has his gig and cast net handy in case he comes across one on his early morning walks.

“When you stop and reflect on it, you say, you know this is such a wonderful place to live anyway, and here we have this wonderful, rare phenomenon that makes it a pure delight to live on the Eastern Shore and enjoy the bay,” he said. “It’s a wonderful thing to experience. Enjoy the bounty of the bay, but be mindful that we need to limit ourselves.

“The truth is we really have a treasure in our midst.”

During a jubilee on Mobile Bay's Eastern Shore, flounder are among the species that move into shallow water and are easily harvested. (David Rainer)

Blue crabs will migrate to the shoreline, searching for oxygenated water, during a jubilee. (David Rainer)

c a L enda R

SSG Michael W. Hosey American Legion Post 205 7257 Old Springville Road, Pinson, AL.

about important Medicare Parts A and B topics that could impact you, including enrollment, costs, benefits, etc. Your questions will be addressed by Health Benefits specialist Karen Haiflich. Registration is optional.

Yarn ManglersKnit & crochet group

Thursday, August 17: 2:00pm - 4:00pm Trussville Pubic Library - Cahaba Room

(Adults)

Friday, August 18th at 6 PM

It’s our anime club for adults! Come to the library for Anime & Unwind on Friday, August 18th at 6 PM. Enjoy Asian snacks & hang out with fellow anime enthusiasts.

So You Wanna Learn to Cook Series - with Jennifer Conn of Quality Kitchen

es! 50 Pill Special - $99 + FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 866-505-0828.

FOR SALE

Post Service Officer on Duty every Monday, 1 – 5 PM.

Meets the second Monday of each month at the Clay Community Center on Old Palmerdale Road at 6 PM. Call 205-317-0948 for information.

M. W. Hosey American Legion Post 205 will be at Trussville City Fest 16 September 2023. Come join us and visit with fellow Veterans and share your experiences.

Adult Book Club

Wednesday, August 16: 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Trussville Public LibraryCahaba Room

Knit & crochet meetup group (aka The Yarn Manglers).

Bring any projects you are working on; join us for fellowship and creativity. This is a great way to check in, catch up, see what everyone is working on, and get help if you are stuck. Please join us - newcomers are welcome! Join our Facebook group: YARN MANGLERS ANONYMOUS

Life Skills: Safety and Awareness

Thursday, August 17: 6:00pm - 7:00pm Trussville Public LibraryParkway Room

Sunday, August 20: 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Trussville Public LibraryLBK Auditorium

1992 CHEVY SILVERADO, New Tires, Cold AC, PW, Major Tune-Up – Looks Good. NEEDS Head Gaskets. Sacrifice $3,750.00. ONLY 127,600 Miles. Blue/Gray. Call Pete: (205) 873-4735

Healthy cooking tips

A 5 part series - Jennifer will teach you some awesome quality hacks for cooking to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and eat for energy. She will share the best foods to “break” a fast & more!

Space is limited, so registration is required. Series dates: Feb 19, Apr 16, Jun 11, Aug 20, Oct 8

Tech Tuesdays

Tue Aug 22nd 10:00am - 12:00pm

Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL

Burial Plots for Sale: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Four burial plots for sale at Jefferson Memorial Gardens. Plots are located in the highly coveted Twin Addition Garden. The neighborhood is super quiet! If purchased from Jefferson Memorial plots are $4,095.00 each. Will sell for $3,275.00 each OBO. Seller will pay transfer fees. Call today! (205)2298756

2 Burial Plots - Jefferson Memorial Gardens located in the Garden of Love section. List price is $3795 per plot asking $3000 per and $5800 for both. Contact John Chisholm at 205-500-3101

DirecTV Satellite TV Service Starting at $59.99/month! Free Installation! 160+ channels available. Call Now to Get the Most Sports & Entertainment on TV! 844-594-7108

Book Club meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 2PM. We will read a variety of selections, both fiction and nonfiction. Specific titles will be announced for each month.

Join us for Adult Book Club!

Connect with your community and share your thoughts about the books you’ve read. Book Club meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 2PM. Contact the Adult Dept (205-655-2022 or tr.adult@ jclc.org) if you need assistance in obtaining books. 2023 meeting dates are Jan 18, Feb 15, Mar 15, Apr 19, May 17, June 20, July 19, Aug 16, Sept 20, Oct 18, Nov 15.

Understanding Medicare Thursday, August 17: 1:00pm - 2:00pm Trussville Public LibraryParkway Room

The Trussville Public Library is hosting a series of programs for older teens aimed and providing useful information to teenagers headed out into the world. The Trussville Police Department will be joining us on August 17th to discuss safety and awareness. Many teens are headed off to college, getting their own place, and potentially getting a job. It is always good to be safe and prepared when you are headed to new place and the Trussville Police will be giving us useful tips on how to do so.

Anime & Unwind

Fri Aug 18th 6:00pm8:00pm

Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL

(Adults)

Need help with your tablet, smartphone, or computer?

Mr. Keith is here to help!

Drop in on Tuesday, August 22nd from 10 AM to 12 PM for helpful tech tips & tricks, Please bring your device with you if you are able to do so. No registration is required.

Pinson Public Library CLOSED Fri Aug 25th

Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson

learn more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am6pm ET).

HEALTH/BEAUTY

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Educational seminar about Medicare options. Learn

Pinson Public Library will be closed on Friday, August 25th for JCPLA Staff Day.

o bitua R y

James Hall

october 25, 1951 — august 4, 2023

James Hall, 71, beloved Father, Husband, Son, and Brother, was called to his eternal resting place on August 4, 2023.

He entered this world on October 25, 1951 in Roanoke, VA, born to William and Edith Hall.

He is survived by his son Hunter Hall; brother Mark Hall; and grandchildren

Alexa Hall and Ty Hall

Charlotte Ramona Ray

january 4, 1957 — august 6, 2023

Charlotte Ramona Ray, 66, of Margaret, Alabama, left this earthly life on Sunday, August 6, 2023 to spend eternity with her Savior.

She loved Jesus and reading her Bible, her Grandson and her family, sewing & crocheting, bird watching and being outside. Ramona, as she went by, worked in school food service until retiring in 2015. She spent much of her adult life living in Pace, FL until moving to Birmingham, AL in 2016 to be closer to her daughter and family.

Ramona was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Ray; and parents Raymond and Anita Aughtman. Survivors include her daughter, Jessica (Gary); grandson Caden; brother Timothy; and several nieces and nephews, along with extended family. She will be missed by all.

A memorial service was held at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, AL on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 10:00 AM. A

graveside service was held on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Elizabeth Chapel Cemetery in Chumuckla, FL.

The family would like to thank the staff at the UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care for the compassionate care they gave her during her stay in the hospital.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the causes nearest to Ramona’s heart in her memory: Community Food Bank of Central Alabama or Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

Denise Garner

november 15, 1960 — august 5, 2023

Denise Garner, loving wife, mother and so much more. She will be dearly missed. She was a light in the life of everyone she met. A woman with a servants heart. She is survived by her adoring husband Oliver Curtiss Garner, loving son Joshua Curtiss Garner, Great Nieces Kayla Shay and Katie Shay, Nieces April and Emily Shay. Proverbs 31 speaks of what a woman should strive to be, she was truly an example of this. Serving her community, church, and friends. Always caring for her family. She was and still is loved by so many. She enjoyed painting, watching the birds, and taking in and loving stray animals. She also loved Alabama football and hello kitty. The world is a better place for having had her, even though we all agree She was taken home too early for us.

Qullieteen Motley

march 12, 1940 — august 7, 2023

Tina Motley, was married for 62 years, to her husband Harold Motley, who left her earthly home in Clay, Alabama on August 7, 2023.

Mrs. Motley, age 83, is the daughter of Mary Botwin and Paul Botwin, both of whom preceded her in death. Mrs. Motley had one sister, Shirley Calmer, and one brother, Roger Botwin, both of whom preceded her in death. Mrs. Motley is a member of First Baptist Church in Trussville, Alabama. Mrs. Motley is a graduate of Minor High School. Mrs. Motley excelled in her studies and enjoyed being a high school cheerleader. She went on to a career working at Hayes International, Chicago Bridge and Iron, Internal Revenue Service and retired from the Social Security Administration. Upon her retirement, she devoted herself to her greatest joy; that of being a mother and grandmother.

Mrs. Motley was blessed with one son, Butch Motley, who along with his wife, Natalie Motley of Trussville, gave her the ultimate gift of two granddaughters, Ramsey Claire Motley and Landry Elaine Motley, both students at their beloved Auburn University. In addition to her son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters, Mrs. Motley is survived by her niece Denise Neville and her daughters Hannah and Hayden of Sarasota, Florida.

Visitation was held at Jefferson Memorial on Thursday, August 10th from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with a chapel service beginning at 2:00 p.m. A committal service immediately followed at Jefferson Memorial’s adjourning cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choosing. The family would like to give a special thanks to Marcus Cates and Cornerstone Caregiving and Enhabit Hospice of Oneonta for their excellent care and compassion shown to Tina Motley.

Shirley Traweek

november 18, 1950 —

august 5, 2023

Shirley Traweek,

AskEddie

How are Grief and Mourning Different When a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Dies?

When a loved one has Alzheimer’s, the grieving process typically starts long before the person actually passes away. Grieving can begin the day you learn of the Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Or you may notice feelings of grief as your loved one begins to lose their memory and starts to struggle with daily tasks.

As the person with Alzheimer’s capacity declines, feelings of loss can become more profound. Even though you want to do everything you can to slow down the progression of the disease, there is often not much you can do. This can make you feel hopeless or out of control.

After your loved one passes, you will grieve and mourn again. However, it is common for surviving spouses and family members to feel a sense of relief that their loved one is no longer suffering and that this chapter in their own lives has closed. Know that these feelings are normal. They do not make you a bad person or mean that you didn’t love the person enough.

Scan the QR Code Below for the Full Article!

2023 at Jeffer

Thursday, August

son Memorial Gardens East, Trussville, AL from 11:00 AM until

funeral

was held in the Chapel at 12:00 PM with Rev. Harlen Harris presiding. Burial followed at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East. Asked to serve as pallbearers are Ronnie Atkinson, Phil England, Jeff Headley, Bo Moore, Ray Moore and David Moore. Memorial donations can be made in Shirley’s name to the Blount County Animal Shelter or any local animal rescue.

Moody hires Andre Smith

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

MOODY – As the 2023 season looms, few schools can exceed the excitement that is being displayed on Highway 411, specifically at Moody High School. Last year, the Blue Devils got a new coaching staff, a new Astro turf field, new energy and set multiple school records in Jake Ganus’ historic first season at the helm of the “411 Boys.”

2023 comes with heightened excitement as Ganus returns for his second season and continues to grow the program with a new jumbo tron and a remodeled field house. Along with these things, Ganus has brought in former Alabama and Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Andre Smith to serve as an offensive assistant for the Blue Devils.

Coach Ganus said of the hire, “He lives locally, kind of near me, out toward Chelsea. We first met at Godspeed when I was with the Vikings and he was with the Bengals. We trained together, so there was the initial connection.

Coach Slade have known each other much longer and they trained together at Godspeed way longer than I did because they played in the league longer than I did. They started talking and they were doing some extra training on

the side. Chad brought him around and I hadn’t seen him since 2016. We started talking and he kept coming around. About two weeks ago, we went to Clay Chalkville for OTA and he came and observed. After that, I think the opportunity to come and help full time was attractive. I wanted him, but I didn’t want to take away from his busy life. A week ago he told me he was going to come help out full time.”

Ganus spoke of what Smith’s role would be with the team, “We have 18, maybe 19 or 20 offensive linemen. But we didn’t have two coaches at that position. Linebackers, you’ve got inside and outside linebackers’ coaches. Defen-

sive back, you’ve got safety coach and corner coach. We didn’t have that on the offensive line. Now Slade has some help. He brought Andre in and I can’t be more excited. Not just his name, but he’s a super nice guy. He’s the only offensive line to ever win Mr. Alabama. He played at Bama and in the league. Now, he wants to pour into these kids and this community and he doesn’t need this but he wants to do it. He and Chad both do this to just help. We now have 21 years of NFL experience in our offensive line coaches, so that’s a big deal.”

Already on the staff is Chad Slade, who is also a former offensive lineman, but he played for Smith’s rivals, the

Auburn Tigers and made it to the NFL with the New York Giants. Smith will work with tackles while Slade will work with interior linemen.

Coach Slade had the following to say, “We trained for 6 years together at Godspeed. Once we got done with football, we wanted to go out and do training and decided to

collaborate and then he started coming out here and one day I had a great idea. I said, ‘Why don’t you come help me coach o-line at Moody.’ He thought it was a good idea and he has been a big help for us since. With him having 13 years in the league and me having 7, it gives the kids so much knowledge of this game

from a professional level. We are close. We get along. Our families are close. It’s a blessing to have him on the staff now. I can worry about interior line and he worries about the tackles. You’re not going to get much better as a coach than Andre Smith at those outside positions. This is his first time coaching and I’ve told him that there are going to be tough days and you are going to get mad at things. But we have each other to fall back on. It’s just a good blessing to have him around. We now have over 20 years of experience in this building.

The kids are loving it.”

Smith was two-time Allstate at Huffman High School and won Alabama’s Mr. Football as a senior, the only offensive lineman in over 40 years to win the award. He was a two-time AllSEC player at Alabama and a unanimous All-American in 2008, winning the Outland Trophy in the same season.

In the 2009 NFL Draft, Smith was selected sixth overall to the Cincinnati Bengals. He also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, and Baltimore Ravens over his 13-year career.

The Blue Devils kick off the season on August 25 in what is being billed as the “Battle of I20” against Rush Propst and the Pell City Panthers.

New Moody offensive assistant and former Bama and NFL offensive lineman, Andre Smith.

Photo by: Andre Smith

Andre Smith after being drafted to the Bengals. Photo by: Andre Smith

Johnson’s Journey: A New Frontier

By John Goolsby Prep Editor

TRUSSVILLE –Hewitt-Trussville’s Ed Johnson is fulfilling his dream of playing professional baseball.

Johnson, who played collegiately at Auburn, Tennessee Tech, and Alabama, is currently playing for the Florence (KY) Y’alls of the Frontier League.

Johnson’s baseball journey has seen the highs and lows of the sport. It is fitting that he finds himself in the Frontier League as he continues on that journey.

In Johnson’s first game with the Y’all’s on July 26, a 17-4 win over Quebec, he went four of six at the plate with three singles, three runs, a double, and an RBI.

The Frontier League is a 16-team independent baseball league that is an MLB Partner League. The League stretches 1,200 miles from Quebec, Canada to St. Louis, Missouri.

Johnson was a star baseball player for Jeff Mauldin at Hewitt. He was ranked as the number three shortstop in Alabama and the number 26 player in the state as a senior in 2018.

Johnson committed to his dream school, Auburn, as a sophomore. Johnson then spent two years at Auburn, seeing limited action, before transferring to Tennessee Tech.

One would think that going from a top SEC program like Auburn to a mid-major program would disappoint Johnson, but that was not the case. “It’s a different atmosphere coming from an SEC school to a school without all the bells and whistles, but I was overwhelmed by the community there that was so supportive,” he said.

Johnson gained much more than an opportunity to play baseball at Tech.

“I grew up in the Bible Belt where we all say we are Christians,” he said. “Tennessee Tech is where I found Jesus on a more personal level.”

“That was huge for me on the field and off the field. That’s where I grew as a man.”

After two years in Cookeville, Tennessee, Johnson got the opportunity to get back to the SEC. This time it was with his Tiger’s rival—the University of Alabama.

“It being close to home and being able to spend time

1.1 BID INFORMATION

with my family; it was a good fit,” he said.

“With my family being Auburn graduates and fans and me growing up an Auburn fan, it was a tough decision.”

“Ultimately my family supported my decision, and it was a blessing to have their support.”

“I was blessed with the facilities at Alabama and the graduate program I was in and I was able to get a second degree” Johnson said.

“I’m just beyond thankful for what the University of

Alabama was able to do for me academically and athletically,” he said. “It was just a huge blessing.”

“We had a good year and a good run and got to a Super Regional,” he said. “

“It was heartbreaking to go down, but it was definitely a season and a team that I was glad to end my college career on. I’ll forever be thankful for it.”

“I got the opportunity to come up here and play for Florence, and it has really been fun,” he said. “We have a

SECTION 001116 INVITATION TO BID

A. Project: UV Disinfection for Springville Lagoon

B. Owner: City of Springville

C. Engineer: Canyon Engineering, LLC

1.2 ANNOUNCEMENT

lot of fans, and we get to play every day. The people here are great, and when I come up to bat, I hear Roll Tide.”

Johnson feels that his strengths as a player are his speed, ability to make contact, ability to steal bases, being diverse as a defensive player, and his ability to consistently putt the ball in play.

Naturally, Johnson wants to improve his skills as a player to be able to take the next step in his journey, more importantly, he wants to grow as a Christian and positively

impact others. “It is about Jesus,” he said.

Johnson’s time as a Husky means a lot to him and he thinks fondly back to those days. “Winning the state championship in 2016 was amazing and we made it back to the championship my senior year.”

“Just getting to play with great Hewitt players and play for coaches that taught the game the right way was amazing,” he said. “The things they taught me were bigger than baseball.”

A. Your firm is invited to submit a sealed Bid for the project listed above. The owner will receive Bids at the Springville City Hall, located at 160 Walker Drive, Springville, Alabama, 35146, until 2:00 PM local time on the 29th day of August 2023, at which time and place the Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids not received by the indicated time will not be opened.

B. Project Description: Construction of a new 1.5 MGD Ultraviolet Disinfection Reactor, simplex feed pump, control panel, exposed ductile iron piping, flow meter, electrical service, and related appurtenances.

C. Owner requires the Project to be completed in 240 calendar days st

D. Bidding Documents for a Unit Price contract may be obtained from the office of the Canyon Engineering, LLC, 404 1 Street E., Fort Payne, Alabama, 35967. Electronic copies will be a free download to all potential bidders. Paper sets are available upon receipt of a $100.00 non- refundable amount per set.

E. Potential bidders may view the Bid Documents at the office of the Canyon Engineering by appointment only

F Bidders will be required to provide Bid security according to the requirements in Document 002113 - Instructions to Bidders and Document 003100 - Available Project Information.

G. Refer to other Bidding requirements as described in Document 002113 - Instructions to Bidders and Document 003100Available Project Information.

H. Submit your Bid on the Bid Form provided. Bidders are required to submit the bid form, bid bond, and the E-Verify documents at the time of the bid. Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope bearing the name and address of the bidder, the bidder's General Contractor's license number, the project name, and bid date. Bidders are asked not to submit the full contract documents and specifications book at the time of the bid.

I. Bidders must carry the Municipal and Utility construction classification as listed in the roster of the Alabama State Licensing Board for General Contractors to be considered for the award of the project.

J. Your Bid will be required to be submitted under a condition of irrevocability for a period of 60 calendar days after submission.

K. Owner reserves the right to waive irregularities and to accept or reject any or all Bids.

Trussville native Ed Johnson during his time at Alabama. Photo by: UA Baseball

Local teams represented in the ASWA Preseason Football Polls

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

TRUSSVILLE – Here in the Tribune coverage area, we are blessed with some of the best athletics in the state. In most sports, if not all, our teams are well represented in post season play. In the South, football is king and the gridiron is no exception when it comes to talent in our area. 5 of our teams (Hewitt Trussville, Clay-Chalkville, Pinson Valley, Leeds, and Moody) are ranked heading into 2023.

As we all know, rankings mean nothing until everyone is finished playing, but it is at least fun to talk about in the preseason. Below, you will find the ASWA’s 2023 preseason rankings with Tribune teams highlighted in bold.

Class 7A:

1. Thompson

2. Auburn

3. Hoover

4. Central-Phenix City

5. Hewitt Trussville

6. Vestavia Hills

7. Enterprise

8. Dothan

9. Mary Montgomery

10. Prattville

Others receiving votes: Foley, Opelika, Spain Park, Julian, Oak Mountain, Austin, Florence, James Clements, JAG, Sparkman, Fairhope

Class 6A:

1. Saraland

2. Clay-Chalkville

3. Hartselle

4. Mountain Brook

5. Theodore

6. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa

7. Parker

8. Muscle Shoals

9. Spanish Forth

10. Pelham

Others receiving votes: Homewood, Gardendale, Benjamin Russell, Pike Road, Gadsden City, Hueytown, Fort Payne, Oxford, Carver-Montgomery, Pinson Valley, St. Paul’s, Helena, McGill-Toolen

Class 5A:

1. Ramsay

2. Charles Henderson

3. UMS-Wright

4. Pleasant Grove

5. Faith Academy

6. Leeds

7. Moody

8. Beauregard

9. Gulf Shores

10. Demopolis

Others receiving votes: Central-Clay County, Guntersville, Scottsboro, Arab, Fairview, Alexandria, Selma, Southside-Gadsden

Class 4A:

1. Andalusia

2. Cherokee County

3. Montgomery Catholic

4. Jackson

5. Oneonta

6. Jacksonville

7. Anniston

8. Westminster Christian

9. Handley

10. R. Miller

Others receiving votes: Etowah, Deshler, Dora, Ran-

Tribune players represented in 247 Sports Top 100

By John Goolsby Prep Editor

TRUSSVILLE - Five of the top fifteen ranked high school football recruits in the state play for schools in the Trussville Tribune coverage area. Players from ClayChalkville, Leeds, Moody, Hewitt and Shades Valley make up twelve of the top 100 players on the list according to 247Sports.

dolph, Montgomery Academy, West Morgan, Priceville, Northside, American Christian

Class 3A:

1. James

2. Piedmont

3. Gordo

4. Mars Hill Bible

5. Mobile Christian

6. Madison Academy

7. Houston Academy

8. Sylvania

9. Pike County

10. Hillcrest-Evergreen

Others receiving votes: Geraldine, Excel, Opp, Trinity, Straughn, Thomasville, Flomaton, Southside-Selma, W.S. Neal, Westbrook Christian, Alabama Christian

Class 2A:

1. Fyffe

2. B. Comer

3. Pisgah

4. Highland Home

5. Tuscaloosa Academy

6. Ariton

7. Reeltown

8. Vincent

9. Goshen

10.

Others receiving votes: Col-

Jaylen Mbakwe of Clay leads the area players at number four. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound, five star player has committed to Alabama.

Shades Valley’s Ethan Johnson rated as a three-star by 247 Sports

By John Goolsby, Prep Editor

IRONDALE - Shades Valley senior linebacker Ethan Johnson has been rated a threestar prospect by 247Sports.

“It’s a blessing, and it is most definitely something I’ve always dreamed of accomplishing,” said Johnson.

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound inside linebacker was named 6A second-team All-State after recording 153 tackles in only nine games.

“If Ethan has the same type of year that he had last See

Leeds defensive end earns the Trussville Tribune Player of the Week recognition. (Photo by Ron Burkett

Shades Valley's Ethan Johnson.

Photo by: John Goolsby

From

tors in her age group for Javelin at the Junior Olympics. In doing so, she achieved a personal best throw of 30.46 meters. Her placement ensured she was locked in for her second All-American honor in two years of competition.

Leila also finished 15th out of 69 throwers in her age groups Shot Put with a throw of 11.31 meters.

For Leila, it came down to setting a goal and working as hard as she could to achieve it.

“I feel really good about it,” she said. “Most of the time, it’s hard to make All American back-to-back, but I was determined to accomplish the goal that I set for myself since the beginning of the season. Now I can truly say I am a two-time

All-American.”

Before the competition, there were a few parts of her game she knew she wanted to focus on.

“We spent the summer season focusing on technique, making sure that we are doing everything right, minimizing errors,” said Leila’s father Antonio McWillie. “After reaching that point, everything else becomes mental. Always want her to stay loose and relax during competition, so she kept her mind clear and focused by listening to her music before competing.”

Her parents said they couldn’t be more proud of her accomplishments.

“We are definitely overjoyed with what she has accomplished,” her parents, Antonio and Valerie McWillie, said. “AAU level competition is not the easiest.

It’s basically her versus the United States. We watch her day-in and day-out put in the work to get better each day. Definitely brought a true meaning to hard work pays off. Now it’s one thing to be a 2022 All-American, but to be a two-time All-American in Javelin is a huge deal to her.”

Now that the medal has been hung on the wall and the pictures taken, Leila is ready to face her new challenge, high school. She will start it in a way few have, with a medal from the Junior Olympics and the knowledge that when the homework gets tough and the math isn’t adding up right, she has the most unique way to relax and refocus: throwing her javelin as far as she can and looking over at her All-American caliber medal to remember what hard work earns.

From page

Others receiving votes: Addison, Maplesville, Florala, Georgiana, Linden, Valley Head, Autaugaville, Keith, Loachapoka, Southern Choctaw

AISA:

1. Glenwood

2. Patrician

3. Lee-Scott

Top 100

From page 15

JacQawn McRoy, a 6-foot8, 365-pound tackle at Clay is ranked sixth. The four star player has committed to Oregon.

Number thirteen ranked Moody corner A’Mon Lane, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound, four star, has committed to Auburn.

6-foot-2, 250-pound Kavion Henderson of Leeds is ranked number fourteen. Henderson, a four star, is an Arkansas commitment.

Mario Carver of Clay is ranked number fifteen. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound wide receiver is an uncommitted four star.

D’Angelo Barber leads the three stars in the area at number 34. The 6-foot, 221-pound Clay linebacker has committed to Auburn.

Number 41 Trevis Metcalf of Clay, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound corner has committed to Arkansas.

Kamari McClellan, number 53, of Clay is 6-foot1, 175-pound uncommitted quar-

From page 15

year, he’ll go down as one of the best linebackers to ever come through Shades Valley,” said Valley head coach Rueben Nelson.

Johnson believes that the Mountie defense will be im-

7. Jackson Academy

8. Autauga Academy

9. Southern Academy

10. Banks Academy

Others receiving votes: Crenshaw Christian, Fort Dale Academy, Lakeside, Valiant Cross, Wilcox Academy, Bessemer Academy, Sparta, South Choctaw Academy, Edgewood, Macon-East, Abbeville Christian, Coosa Valley, Snook, Morgan Academy

aylen Mbakwe looks for running room against Mountain Brook in their 2021 AHSAA 6A semifinal game. (Photo by Ron Burkett)

terback.

Number 63 Chris Burge of Leeds is a 6-foot-3, 250-pound uncommitted defensive lineman.

Shades Valley’s Ethan Johnson is ranked number 70. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound linebacker is uncommitted.

proved in 2023. “The defense is coming along very well,” he said. “I feel like we have all the pieces in the right spots to be a very successful defense this year.”

Johnson holds eleven offers, including offers from Army, Arkansas State, Appalachian State, Alabama A&M,

Moody’s Chase Jackson is ranked number 72. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound safety is a Coastal Carolina comitt.

Kade Martin of Hewitt rounds out the top-100 at number 96. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound three star is uncommitted.

Alabama State, Furman, Marshall, and Coastal Carolina.

“I don’t really have a favorite,” said Johnson. “I’m just thankful for all the schools who have believed in me so far.”

Shades Valley faces off against Stanhope Elmore at home on August 25.

Leila McWillie, two time All-American (Photo provided courtesy of Antonio McWillie)