The Trussville Tribune – August 23 - 29, 2023

Trussville BOE approves budget, recognizes districtwide school achievements

Trussville Council denies ordinance to adopt changes to Trussville Springs Master Plan

Leeds Council adopts transportation plan for Highway 78 project

Nathan Prewett For the Tribune

LEEDS – At a regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 21, the Leeds City Council adopted a transportation plan pursuant to the Rebuild Alabama Act, which allowed them to allocate funds to be used for a

Springville Council considers fleet management service, updates progress on nature preserve

By Terry Schrimscher

For the Tribune SPRINGVILLE – The Springville Council met Monday night, Aug. 21, for the second regular meeting of

Irondale Council discusses roundabout, ‘Read to Them’ book program

By Terry Schrimscher

For the Tribune

Irondale – The Irondale City Council met Tuesday night, Aug. 15, for the second regular meeting of the month. The Council covered the agenda items quickly, approving several resolutions,

Alabama Society Colonial Dames held their summer meeting in Trussville From The Tribune staff reports

By Crystal McGough Editor

TRUSSVILLE – The Trussville City Hall annex was a packed house Tuesday night, Aug. 22, for a public hearing during the council meeting regarding proposed changes to the Trussville Springs Master Plan.

Following the meeting, the

council voted on Ordinance 2023-017 P&Z, resulting in four “no’s” and one abstention from Council President Lisa Bright, who explained she had a conflict.

“Motion carries and the master plan will not be accepted,” Bright said.

The hearing opened with a presentation from developers Barry Stalnaker and Bill

Lewis.

“We were originally zoned back in 2005 for 586 units of various different types,” Stalnaker said. “What we’re asking to do is to take mixedused and multi-family density – this used to be on the south side of (Highway 11), between the river and the highway – and move it all across the street into one block, and

Pinson City Council honors Caleb White after passing

By Nathan Prewett

then that will change the zoning between the railroad and the river so that everything in that area will now be single-family.”

Stalnaker said they are currently working on Phase 3, which will include cottages on the riverside and townhouses in back of the railroad.

Paul’s Hotdogs and Grill announces closing of restaurant, potential food truck

By Crystal McGough Editor

CLAY – Paul’s Hot Dogs

and Grill has been a beloved staple of Trussville, Clay and surrounding communities since 1993, when founder Martin “Paul” LaRussa opened the restaurant, which at the time was Trussville’s 11th food establishment.

On Monday, Aug, 21, 2023, Paul’s grandchildren, who are the current owners of the company, announced on Facebook that the 30-year-old business would be closing its doors.

“We have decided to sell our restaurant, if anyone is interested please message us or give us a call at 205-6846943!” the post read. The comments on the post immediately began filling up with patrons sharing their sadness at the news, as well as fond memories of Paul’s Hot Dogs.

According to Abby LaRussa, wife of current owner Luke LaRussa, there may be some good news coming

soon for fans of the beloved hotdog establishment, as the closing of the storefront may not be the end of Paul’s Hot Dogs and Grill.

“We’re really just trying to sell all of the stuff inside,” Abby said. “We are considering doing a food truck, so honestly, I’d like to not sell the name if possible. We’re just really trying to clear out the restaurant.”

While the LaRussa’s do not own the building, they own everything inside the building, from the light fix-

tures and toilets to grills, equipment and booths, Abby said.

The reason behind this liquidation stems from a combination of the 2020 pandemic and the sudden and tragic loss of both Martin “Paul” LaRussa and his wife, Sandra.

In October 2020, Paul’s wife became sick and was hospitalized for four months.

With the world in the middle of a pandemic, business was also slow and Paul made the decision at that time to move the restaurant from its orig-

inal location in Trussville to the Clay Marketplace at 5180 Old Springville Road, hoping it would be better for the business.

“Paul was by (his wife’s) side every single day, as well as managing the store,” Paul’s granddaughter Laurel LaRussa Ard wrote on a GoFundMe titled “Help Paul’s Hot Dogs stay open.”

“… A month later, his wife Sandra passed,” Laurel continued. “Paul was left with nothing but a broken heart, but he was still trying to keep the store going in its new location. Unfortunately, with all of these things, bills started to fall behind.”

Four months later, Paul, himself, was hospitalized with COVID pneumonia and unexpectedly passed away. At that time, his grandson Luke took over as owner of the restaurant. Along with the business, however, came all the post-COVID bills and debt.

See PAULS, Page 5

Robin’s Sewing Shoppe

- Page 7 Lifestyle - Page 8

- Pages 9-10 Calendar - Page 11 Classified - Page 11 Obituary - Page 12 Sports - Pages 13-16

www.robinshoppe.com 5886 Trussville Crossings Blvd 205.655.3388 - Fabric

For the Tribune PINSON – Pinson Council Mayor Pro-Tem Robbie Roberts read a proclamation that honored Caleb White, a student-athlete of Pinson Valley High School who suddenly and unexpectedly passed away due to unknown causes on Aug. 10.

Sain Associates to accept public feedback regarding Glendale Farms on Aug. 29

By

Crystal McGough Editor

TRUSSVILLE – The Trussville City Council met for a workshop meeting Thursday night, Aug. 17, where they discussed items to be considered at the upcom-

this year’s ride on October 22, 2022.

WITCHES, Page 6

By Crystal McGough Editor TRUSSVILLE – The Trussville City Council approved its 2023-24 fiscal year budget as part of the consent agenda Monday night, Aug. 21, 2023. See IRONDALE, Page 5 See GLENDALE, Page 6 See DAMES, Page 6

Paul's Hot Dogs and Grill

Credit: Crystal McGough

Trussville Springs Master Plan

The Trussville Tribune

Tree Talk: Trees worth traveling for

By Jean Cox, VP of Friends of Pinchgut Creek Commentary

Like typical travelers, I enjoy beautiful vistas, trying new foods, and taking cool pictures. But my absolute favorite thing to do on vacation is to visit awesome trees. When I am planning a road trip or visiting a new area, I always look up the National Champion Tree registry to see if there are any giant trees waiting for my admiration and possibly hugs. I would love to see the biggest of each species of tree in our country. This quest has taken me to some amazing places that I would never have enjoyed if it weren’t for my love of trees.

Fifteen years ago, when I visited Maui, I was thrilled to learn that the largest Banyan tree in our country (one that covers almost two acres) was only a twenty-minute drive from my hotel. That tree was gorgeous, and the excursion turned into a fun afternoon in Lahaina, an adorable waterfront town that I may have missed if not for the tree. Recently, when I read that Lahaina had been mostly destroyed by fires, I immediately searched the internet for news about the condition of the tree. The old Banyan is still standing but is badly charred. Time will tell. I hope for the people of that beautiful village that the tree recovers. I’m grateful I got to enjoy that old town the way it was. If it weren’t for my love of trees, I never would have visited Lahaina.

There have been times when champion trees were simple stops or quick excursions on already planned trips. Other times, the locations of trees dictated the entire adventure route. I

once planned a two-week California trip all for trees. I visited General Sherman (the most gigantic of the Giant Sequoias), and I found my way to the tallest, the biggest, and the most beautiful of the Redwoods. I would highly recommend a California tree trip to anyone looking for a reason to head out to the West Coast. Washington state also has plenty of majestic giant trees. The world’s largest Sitka Spruce is in the Quinault Rainforest in Washington, which may be an even more magnificent forest than

the Redwood forests. I have hugged that Spruce a couple of times.

When my family planned a road trip from Kalispell, Montana to Denver, Colorado we added an insane number of hours to our trip to go visit “Gus,” the world’s largest Larch tree. Larches aren’t really huge trees, but we were still impressed. And of course, as with most tree excursions, we ended up on the road less traveled with amazing views and a unique experience. Have you ever heard of or visited Seeley Lake

Montana? That’s the town proud to call “Gus” their own. He is kind of a big deal there. We really enjoyed the area. I don’t think they get many visitors, just the occasional tree nerd or people road-tripping without a map.

If you are traveling across the country or even going on a day trip here in Alabama, please look up the National Registry of Champion Trees or the Alabama Champion Tree List to see if you can add a little tree time to your trip. You never know what you might be missing.

Member of the Alabama Press Association Monda

“Gus,” The World’s Largest Larch Tree

L oca L / R egion

BOE

From front page

The budget has an overall total of revenues set at $68,729,191.72, with overall total expenditures set at $66,933,678.42. The general fund shows $57,315,302.51 in total revenues and $54,713,916.53 in total expenditures.

“FY24 is very similar to FY23 in every respect,” Chief Financial Officer Jim Kirkland said. “I refer to this as a flat budget, which means there’s not significant changes to the current year from the previous year. The chart illustrates that, at this point, we are budgeting rolling over about $1.4 million at the end of fiscal year ‘24. The takeaway that I want to leave you with tonight is that we have approximately five months in our operating reserve. We’re required to have one month; they strongly suggest that we have three. But, as always, our goal is to be great stewards of taxpayer money; to provide our teachers and staff with the resources they need to be effective, all while staying conservative because, as the past has shown us, we can never predict what the next 12 months is going to hold for us.”

Dr. Patrick Martin publicly recognized three groups, including the HTMS staff for being name an A+ College Ready School of Distinction, the district’s elementary schools for achieving Cognia STEM Certification, and the Transportation Department for excellent scores on its recent inspection.

“Hewitt-Trussville Middle School has recently been named an A+ College Ready School of Distinction,” Martin said. “Essentially, what this means is that they have achieved two consecutive years of growth in the PSAT eighth grade/ninth grade exam. According to Tammy Dunham, A+ College Ready, the growth is a direct result of excellent instruction facilitated by teachers here at Hewitt-Trussville Middle School.”

Hewitt-Trussville Middle School eighth grade teacher Jada Burns added HTMS was one of only two schools at the A+ Conference to receive this distinction through a threeyear grant.

Next, Martin recognized all three elementary schools for achieving Cognia STEM Certification.

“This journey began before Covid and we’ve been in it for quite a while,” said April Chamberlain, Technology Coordinator for Trussville City Schools. “For those that are new to the STEM Certification, it is an international program through Cognia, who certifies us as school districts.”

Last but not least, Martin recognized the transportation department for receiving a perfect score on its inspections.

“Each year, the State Department of Education sends out a team and they do inspections on our buses, they look at our transportation department, look at all of those items to assure that our transportation program is safe and secure,” Martin said. “I’m

pleased to announce that, of the 29 buses inspected, no buses were found to have deficiencies, and again, our transportation department received 100%.”

Other notable items approved on the consent agenda included the Cognia STEM Certification for the elementary schools, five field trips, several facility-use requests, and two bid renewals – one for Cahaba Elementary lawn

and grown maintenance and one for Paine Elementary cleaning services. The Board heard from Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services Dr. Rachel Poovey and HTHS Principal Aaron King concerning an agreement with K-12 Bloom, a streamlined software platform to assist with communication between staff, administrators and parents.

“I had an opportunity to use Bloom – in fact I was one of the first principals probably in the state to get a chance to use it,” King said. “I’ve used it effectively for about seven years. Bloom helps us with transparency. A teacher can put in information, and it goes directly to the administrator. That gives us a good window of what’s happening in the class in real time and allows us to be very responsive with our faculty.”

Poovey also recommended the use of Anonymous Alerts, an app that gives students, parents and the community an opportunity to share important information with the school administration and staff.

“Where we used to have a call-in tip line at one time, this is more engaging to our community,” she said. “It is anonymous. They can put their information in and let our district administrative staff know who is making that report, or they can leave it anonymous, but it gives us enough to track down and get ahead of situations.”

The Board approved both action items unanimously.

The Trussville Board of Education typically meets in regular session at 5 p.m. on the third Monday of each month. Board meetings are open to the public and livestreamed.

Leeds

From front page

project on Highway 78.

The meeting began with an announcement from Mayor David Miller on the recent paving projects in downtown Leeds.

“It’s very fortunate that we had a very good paving company and they did an excellent job,” he complimented. “There’s still some little things to touch up, but major improvements in several of our areas that have been neglected for quite a number of years.”

He said that the city spends approximately $1 million per year on paving projects and this year’s estimated cost came to $1.6 million. He invited the public to let the city know of any road issues that need to be addressed.

“If you’ve got a pothole let us know,” he said. “We don’t see everything every day, so if you see something that we haven’t seen yet, let us know and we’ll try to get it fixed.”

Later in the meeting, the council voted unanimously to adopt the transportation plan. The resolution allows the city to access $158,000 from the Rebuild Alabama Act before a deadline of Aug. 31, to be used for infrastructure and transportation projects.

The money will be used for a widening project at Highway 78, Miller said.

“This will be an ongoing program,” he said. “And we expect the amounts that will be available to probably increase as years go by.”

The project is currently in its design phase and will be followed by the start of construction in 2024. It is expected to be completed in 2025.

Additionally, the council switched banks during the meeting. The city had previously used Cadence Bank until their Leeds location recently closed, prompting the council to relocate the city funds to ServisFirst Bank.

In other business, the council:

• Declared a property at Cahaba Crossing to be a public nuisance, Declared a property at Whitmire Street to be unsafe, and Allowed a 30-day extension for owners of a property on Kent Avenue to continue improvements.

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. Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@gmail. com.

L-R: Dr. Patrick Martin, Jada Burns, HTMS Assistant Principal Goodwin Scott, former principal Jennifer Abney

Cahaba Elementary STEM Leaders (L-R): Rachel Brockman, April Chamberlain, April Smith, Amy Prickett, Angela Shorter, Porshia Franklin and Principal Joy Tyner. Recognized but not present were Lisa Rish, Beth Ann Marshall, Stephanie Wilkerson, Kylie Collins Christina Patterson

Mayor David Miller on Aug. 21, 2023 (Photo by Nathan Prewett)

the month. The Council began earlier than normal with a work session an hour before the regular meeting to hear a presentation from Enterprise Leasing on fleet management.

Tony Anderson, Area Manager for Enterprise Fleet Management, presented options to the Council to lease and update the city’s vehicles on a more regular basis.

“The most popular option is called an equity lease.

A lot of times, you hear the word lease and you’re more familiar with the dealership or retail style lease that has mileage and wear and tear restrictions. This is not that,” Anderson said. “Sometimes, this is called municipal funding or bridge funding. Basically, it allows you to pay for a portion of the vehicle, not the entire vehicle, with the thought process that you are going to get rid of these vehicles sooner than you have in the past.”

Anderson said Enterprise currently works with several local governments in Alabama including Gardendale, Irondale, Vestavia and Shelby County.

He detailed a 10-year plan to cycle the current fleet to newer cars and trucks every five years. The company would present a plan each year to help the city manage budget proposals with the

Tony Anderson of Enterprise Leasing detailed a comprehensive fleet management plan for upgrading and rotating city vehicles. (Credit: Terry Schrimscher)

goal of lowering purchase costs and maintenance costs.

Members of the Council asked about flexibility in the plan to keep some work vehicles longer, and how the proposal allows for fleet growth or termination of the agreement.

The Council is expected to vote on the proposal at a future meeting. Nature Preserve Manager Doug Morrison gave the Council an update on the progress at Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve. In the Sept. 7 meeting, Morrison asked the Council to consider spending $42,783 for the construction of bioswales.

The Council approved the request and also approved $41,182 for the gate at the entrance to the park. Morrison said he hopes to have the preserve open to the public in October.

In other business, the Council approved:

• Terms for an Alabama Tourism grant of $2,600 for Run4Parks.

A resolution recognizing a transportation plan for the city as required by the State of Alabama for municipalities receiving Rebuild Alabama funding for roads.

• A paving plan using Rebuild Alabama funds.

The Council also heard a proposal to switch power meters reading systems over to Alabama Power but will consider a formal proposal in September.

The city will hold two public hearings at the Sept. 18 meeting, one at 5 p.m., prior to the regular meeting, and one immediately following the regular meeting to outline the terms of ADEM grants.

The next meeting of the Springville City Council will be held at 8 a.m. on Sept. 6, due to the Labor Day holiday.

The proclamation described White as “passionate, compassionate, a leader among his peers, loyal to his core with an infectious smile.” He was an honor student at Pinson Valley High and an esteemed member of the basketball team.

White’s basketball skills and achievements brought him offers of scholarships, selections and high rankings both statewide and nationally.

“Well, we know he will be missed by his family and his friends,” said Councilwoman Glenda Kirkland. “I can’t imagine what the family goes through with losing a child. I just, you know, no one knows until it happens to you.”

Mayor Joe Cochran, who knew White personally, became tearful after the proclamation was read. He said that he would deliver the proclamation to White’s family the day after the meeting. White was 17 at the time of his passing.

Center Point Fire Interim Chief Brandon Dahlen and Captain Chris Horn then spoke with Horn speaking of White’s sportsmanship and conduct while playing.

“Caleb was always an athlete that always handed the ball back to the official,” he said. “‘Hey, don’t run over there and get that ball. I’ll get it for you.’ And he was a class

act on the floor and it was always ‘Yes, sir’ or ‘No, sir.’”

He reported that several new trucks will be secured in the near future thanks to a grant. He also said that the previous fire chief, Alex Nabors, had resigned and that Dahlen would be overseeing the district for the time being.

During the regular meeting, the council passed several resolutions related to road projects. The first was a resolution to allow the city to access funds from the Rebuild Alabama Act. The expected allocation is approximately $182,000.

According to the resolution, the city has received approximately $170,000 from a new 10 cent gas tax hike that was implemented by the act and that these funds have not been expended yet. The funds will be used for the paving and construction of industrial roadways in the Highway 79 corridor.

The second was an agreement with ALDOT that the city perform all maintenance on crossroads, service drives or relocated roads that are not federal or state highways but are part of the city of Pinson.

And finally was a resolution to split the cost of a paving project for the Innsbrooke neighborhood with LGI, the contractor that has been building in the area. The estimated cost is $17,000 and

will be applied to paving the road, which is located at Innsbrooke Parkway from Ashbury Drive to the entrance of the Hunter’s Point subdivision.

The city resolved to pay approximately $8,000 to $10,000.

In other business, the council:

• Annexed two properties on Evelyn Road, Declared properties on Main Street and Goodwin Road to be nuisances, Agreed to provide additional EMS and patrol officers for the Pride of the Valley Marching Competition in September, • Heard a report from Pinson Public Library Director Allison Scanlan about the Summer Reading Program, • Heard a report from Operations Director Eric Winfrey who updated the council on the remaining solar lighting installation and ongoing renovations to Rock School’s auditorium.

Pinson City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of every month at City Hall on 4410 Main Street. Live-streamed meetings can be seen on the city’s Facebook page. Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@ gmail.com.

Mayor Joe Cochran at the meeting on Thursday, Aug. 17. (Nathan Prewett)

Credit: Terry Schrimscher

Irondale

From front page

their own discretionary funds resulting in a total of $4,500 to the school reading program.

Pauls

From front page

According to the GoFundMe, Luke started working at Paul’s Hog Dogs with his grandfather when he was 16 years old, already preparing for the day he would take over the business. Paul diligently taught Luke all the special recipes and everything he would need to know to one day run the restaurant.

“The store wasn’t just a job to (Paul), but a passion,” Laurel said on the GoFundMe. “He loved being there,

Trussville

From front page and gave an update on traffic at the intersection of Grants Mill Road and Old Leeds Road.

“We posted on our Facebook today that the roundabout will be opening tomorrow,” said Police Chief Jason Wiggins. “They originally told us it would open up at 6 a.m. We’ve been advised since then it will open in the afternoon.

“We still advise everybody to use the detours because there’s still a lot of construction going on. A lot of construction workers and heavy equipment, so we do recommend that everybody still use the detours.”

The roundabout is part of the expansion project on Grants Mill Road leading to I-459 and will service the intersection near the entrance to the Cahaba Crossing shopping center, which is under construction. The shopping center will be anchored by a Publix grocery store.

The Council approved Resolution 2023-R-101, allocating $2,500 from Mayor James Stewart’s discretionary fund to Grantswood Community School to be used for a reading initiative, the Read to Them book program. Councilmembers Cindy Cuellar and Robert Box each added $1,000 to the allocation from

The Council also approved the purchase of two 2023 Polaris Ranger Crew all-terrain vehicles from Bama Buggies in an amount not to exceed $33,177 per vehicle. The Polaris buggies are to be used by Irondale police to patrol off road areas and speed up access to areas where regular vehicles or foot traffic would be cumbersome.

Additionally, the Council approved a request to rezone property at 1880 Edwards Lake Road from C-1 Commercial District to a C-2 Commercial District. The property is currently a Shell gas station and will be renovated into a new Shell station, but the request was made to comply with current zoning. In other business, the Council approved:

Resolution 2023-R-103 adopting a transportation plan as required by the Rebuild Alabama Act.

• Resolution 2023-R-104 agreeing to join the Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs Mutual Aid Consortium

Resolution 2023-R-99 declaring vehicles from Public Works to be surplus

The next meeting of the Irondale City Council will be held on Sept. 5, at 6 p.m., at Irondale City Hall.

“The blue (area) is the real thing that’s changing,” he said. “Under our current zoning, we’re zoned for 152 units of mixed use and 100 units of multi-family. What we’re proposing to do is take all of that … and combine it together and put it in this blue area.”

Speaking on the “blue area,” which residents of the area mentioned in on a steep hill and includes a large rock quarry, area resident Patricia Cox had this to say:

“If you plan to build there, you’re going to have to build around that quarry, you’re going to have to make it safe, and you’re going to have to do something like blast to be able to build up there. … And I don’t know exactly how someone older than me is going to be able to get up in there because that’s going to be so high. Most people who are in assisted living may have a wheelchair … may have a different way to walk. That is not going to be beneficial to them.”

Stalnaker said during his presentation that geotechnical engineers from Building & Earth told him there is a natural rock wall that could act as a retainer wall.

“This area, we’ll just have

serving people, and most of all he loved his customers. It was always in his plans to give the store over to his grandson Luke LaRussa when he retired.

“Luke loves the store just as much as his grandfather did, and so he knew he had a job to do and took everything head on to keep his grandfather’s legacy alive just as they had always planned on doing. Due to the debt of the store, Luke has never been able to get quite on his feet just right so he has been keeping the store open even without be-

natural earth basically being a retaining wall and then up above it, we envision terracing into the hillside to have multi-story buildings up above. So what we’re looking at is probably a mix of elevator buildings and maybe some duplexes and some cottages that we’re asking to restrict to senior living.”

The multi-story buildings would be three-stories, he said.

Council President Bright pointed out that, according to the master plan, all 252 units would exit onto Highway 11, right where the road changes from five lanes to two lanes, a fact which many community members said worried them about traffic issues.

Another issue that many residents mentioned was that several of the council member questions to Stalnaker were answered with assumptions and uncertainty.

“Just to be clear, you said that no civil engineer has seen this plan for this cutout for buildings,” Councilor Jaime Anderson said.

Stalnaker replied in the affirmative, adding that certain parts of the plan had not yet been engineered and were “conceptual.”

“I just want to confirm, so you don’t have confirmation that you can actually do the terracing based on geotech-

ing able to pay himself. It’s all been from nothing but love, and we desperately want to continue our grandfather’s legacy and not let the community that loves Paul’s Hot Dogs and Grill down.”

In order to continue Paul’s legacy and keep serving their patrons, however, Laurel said they are going to need some help. That is where the food truck and GoFundMe comes in. “People are able to donate (to GoFundMe), and we would like to put that towards purchasing a food truck and

nical yet,” Bright said. “Am I correct on that?”

Again, Stalnaker said this was correct, adding that if for any reason it did not work out, he would have to return to the council and discuss alternative options.

Christopher Cox, who is an engineer, pointed out several potential issues that may come up when it gets to the point of bringing in environmental and/or civil engineers for the project.

“We haven’t been provided with an environmental engineering report … (or) a civil engineering report,” Cox said. “In essence, I would say get the engineering reports, then you can make an informed decision about what is best for Trussville.”

In total, 14 individuals spoke during the public comments portion of the hearing, with many in the audience showing agreement and support through applause.

Members of the audience also applauded after the council voted the ordinance down, and expressed their gratitude toward the city council for taking their concerns into consideration.

In other city business, the council approved:

An ordinance to annex the remainder of Glendale Farms

• A proclamation declaring

getting that up and running,” Abby said.

Anyone who would like to see the 30-year legacy of Paul’s Hot Dogs and Grill continue, and would like to be a part of making that a reality, is invited to visit https://gofund.me/a9f605b2 and make a donation. At this time, “Help Paul’s Hot Dogs stay open” has raised $990 of its $15,000 goal.

Anyone interested in purchasing the contents of the store can contact Luke LaRussa at (205) 761-3517 or Abby LaRussa at (205) 684-6943.

HTHS Homecoming Parade a Citywide Event

• A resolution to declare various public works assets surplus

• A resolution to declare various IT assets surplus

• A resolution to approve unpaid leave for a recreation employee

Mayor Buddy Choat reminded the public that they are invited to a public forum on Glendale Farms at the Trussville Civic Center on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

“Next Tuesday night, you’ll have an opportunity to come to the Civic Center and look at Glendale Farms,” Choat said. “We have 230 acres out there that we’ve had some folks look at. We want your input as to what you would like to see on that site. Obviously, our intentions when we bought it was to put an elementary school there, if possible. But from 6 to 7:30 p.m., it’s a comeand-go – it’s nothing formal – if you’ll come to our Civic Center next Tuesday night, we’d love to have your input.”

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.

Witches

From front page

Sponsorships are now available, and the committee invites all local business owners inquire about one of their sponsorship levels.

“Each year, the Trussville Witches Ride committee selects a worthy cause in which the proceeds from the ride goes to,” said Shawna Masters, Treasurer of the Trussville Witches Ride committee. “An event like this is not possible without the generosity of those who participate through sponsorship. If not for our sponsors, this organization would not be able to make the positive impact that we hope to make for the beneficiary and her family.”

This year’s ride beneficiary is Lee Jones, a 30-yearold Trussville resident who has Prader-Willi syndrome, which causes developmental delays, constant hunger, low metabolism, difficulty keeping balance, and weak muscle tone. “We are thrilled to offer our support for Lee and her family,” said Christy McDonald, President of the Trussville Witches Ride com-

Glendale

From front page

ing Tuesday council meeting.

Mayor Buddy Choat announced that he had recently received news that Sain Associates will be present at Trussville Civic Center on Aug. 29, from 6-7:30 p.m., to hear from the public concerning the Glendale Farms development.

“Sain Associates is going to have a public comment time, if people want to come and look at the Glendale Farms site, look at the possibilities,” Choat said. “They want to get feedback from the public as far as what they may like to see up there and what they may not like to see.”

Trussville Witches Ride

(Provided courtesy of Trussville Witches Ride)

mittee. “Last year we were absolutely blown away by the support of the community for this event, benefiting Caleb Wilson and his family. We hope that the momentum continues to grow this year and in years to come so that we can all work together to make a difference for deserving families and causes.”

This year, the Witches Ride Board Members are offering different tiers of sponsorship:

One Presenting Sponsorship on a first come, first served basis – $1000 Business name associated with event on all signage, T-shirt, and press releases (Example: Trussville Witches Ride, Presented by [business name here])

• Branded cocktail at after party

• Social media posts

On the agenda for the regular council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 22, is an ordinance to annex the remainder of Glendale Farms into the city.

Other notable items on the agenda include: a proclamation declaring the Hewitt-Trussville High School Homecoming Parade a citywide event • a public hearing regarding proposed changes to the Trussville Springs Master Plan an ordinance to adopt changes to the Trussville Springs Master Plan Councilor Ben Short gave a briefing on the Planning and Zoning’s recommenda-

• Table/booth at registration (businesses are responsible for setting up their own tables/booths on the day of the event)

Platinum – $750

• Logo on shirt

• Social media post

• Logo on banner Table/booth at registration (businesses are responsible for setting up their own tables/booths on the day of the event)

Gold – $500

• Name on T-shirt (larger, no logo)

• Social media post

Name on banner (larger, no logo)

Silver – $300

• Name of business (smaller, no logo) on T-shirt

• Name of business (smaller, no logo) on banner

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email trussvillewitchesride@ gmail.com for more information. The deadline to secure sponsorship is September 9.

Businesses and participants can keep up with the Trussville Witches Ride committee on Facebook and Instagram.

tion concerning Trussville Springs.

“It does come with a positive recommendation from P&Z … for this plan up here as you see it, with the stipulation that all the dark blue on the north side of that drawing be only – the only allowed use being senior living. That was the positive recommendation with that condition for the plan you see there.”

The council also has three resolutions on the agenda, two declaring items as surplus and one to approve unpaid leave for a recreation employee.

The Trussville City Council will meet in regular session on Tuesday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m., at the Trussville City Hall Annex.

Dames

From front page

The meeting drew nearly 50 ladies from eight of the 11 state-wide chapters from Anniston, Auburn, Birmingham, Dothan, Fort Payne, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa. Deborah W. Hicks of Eufaula, President of the state society, presided over this meeting. Trussville was chosen as a meeting location due to its central location in our state, along with having all the needed amenities, namely restaurants and lodging.

Many of the Dames arrived on Friday evening, before the meeting, and enjoyed dining out together at Cajun

Steamer. Mary Kane with the Colonial Dames said the food and service was excellent.

The meeting’s after lunch program was on colonial music, which featured Thomas Barton of Birmingham, violinist, and Nancy Williams of Montgomery, vocalist.

The state society was founded in 1952 with Birmingham’s George Maris being the first chapter established. Trussville resident Mary Anne Kane-Garrett is in her second term as chapter president of the state’s oldest and largest chapter. Mrs. Garrett also serves as the society’s second vice president.

Two other Trussville residents are members of this

organization, Cathy M. Freeman is the president of the Thomas Blunt chapter (Anniston) and Temple Wells, Sr. Ms. Trussville, is a member of the Birmingham chapter.

Members of this organization have proven their descent from an ancestor who lived and served prior to 1701 in one of the original American colonies. The objects of the society include aiding in the preservation of Colonial records and historical sites, fostering interest in Colonial research, aiding in the education of our youth and commemorating the deeds of the founders.

For more information, please visit colonialdames17calabama.weebly.com.

Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Manual Therapy

Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Hand Therapy Services*

Avai able at Trussvi le

Functional Dry Needling Injury Prevention

Performance Enhancement Workers Comp Injuries

Clinic Director: Mike Stallworth, PT, DPT

Clinic Director: Jason Grammer, PT, DPT

Left to right - Mary Stagg Johnston of Athens, Judith Arthur of Alabaster, Shelby Dean Ward of Opelika, Deborah Hicks of Eufaula, Davie Williams of Huntsville, and Jan Langley of Guntersville. (Photo courtesy of Mary Kane)

pinion

Phil Williams: Because everyone matters

By Phil Williams, 1819 News

Commentary

This past week marked an unfortunate milestone in American history: Two years ago the Biden administration fecklessly abandoned hundreds of U.S. citizens and thousands of U.S. legal permanent residents in the chaotic pullout from Afghanistan. It is a stain on American foreign and military policy.

Loyalty means something.

It must. And as we watch the corporate world continue to capitulate to woke madness, I have to wonder if there are still brands out there that will get their people’s backs. Does loyalty to one’s own still exist in governance or in corporate America? There was a time in America when working for someone meant as much about loyalty and teamwork as it did the work itself. Is it still that way? I hope so. I hope there are still government leaders and corporate CEOs who inspire their employees with care and concern for them as people, not just as cogs in a wheel.

Electronic Data Systems (EDS), owned by the late Texas billionaire H. Ross Perot, is an example of one of these. At the two-year anniversary of the Biden administration’s abandonment of people in Afghanistan, we would do well to recall when Perot decided to hire a legendary retired soldier to launch a rescue mission for just two employees trapped in the Middle East.

In 1978, the Iranian Revolution turned Iran upside down as the fundamentalist Ayatollah Khomeini was swept into power in a populist uprising. Madness was the order of the day, and Perot had two employees who were seized and held in an Iranian jail with ransom set at $13 million. But this was Ross Perot; those were his people, and no expense would be spared to get just those few out.

The Biden administration should take notes on what it means to be loyal, for Perot told his corporate lawyers to figure out how to pay the ransom. Simultaneously, he contacted a legend named Bull Simons.

Colonel Arthur “Bull” Simons was a titan in U.S. Army Special Operations. Serving with the 6th Ranger Battalion in WWII, he earned a Silver Star on the famous Cabanatuan Raid that rescued 500 American POWs. As a Green Beret in Vietnam, he

served with MACV-SOG and led the famous Son Tay raid in an effort to rescue POWs held by North Vietnam, for which he earned the Distinguished Service Cross. Simons retired in 1971 but went to rescue a few more when Perot called in 1978.

Iran was on fire, Americans were the sworn enemy, and two of Perot’s people, Bill Gaylord and Paul Chiapparone, were held in an Iranian prison. Simons took seven volunteer EDS employees and began training at Ross Perot’s house outside of Dallas.

What kind of company and what kind of boss inspire such loyalty that employees volunteer to go into harm’s way on the far side of the world to bring their coworkers home? A boss who not only pays for it but has them train at his own home?

The team inserted themselves into Iran and began making their way to Tehran. Perot went with them, believing it was important his folks knew he was willing to be on the ground with them the whole way.

There’s an old axiom: no plan survives first contact with the enemy. Everything changed on the ground. Gaylord and Chiapporone were transferred to a maximum-security prison. Simons got word to the two Americans about their safehouse location, and then the streets of Tehran erupted with shouting and rioting people.

Masses of people, shouting and rioting, thronged the streets. That’s when a young Iranian employee of EDS came up with a plan to incite a riot at the prison, which opened all the cells, including the cell holding Gaylord and Chiapparone. Disguising themselves, they escaped to the safe house.

Then the trick became how to get everyone out of the country. Perot headed to Turkey to work out details. Simons divided the group, and some made it out on a flight from the Tehran airport. But six Americans and their Iranian friend spent two days

escaping and evading their pursuers over 450 miles to the Turkish border where they made it across using forged documents obtained by Perot.

Two and a half months, countless dangers, and an untold amount of expense –all because Perot was determined that he would not leave two men behind.

The story of Perot, Simons, and the rescue mission of ‘78-‘79 was recorded in the bestseller, “On Wings of Eagles,” by Ken Follett. Developed into a miniseries starring Burt Lancaster, the story was viewed by an estimated 25 million.

Juxtapose those events with what happened two years ago this week. In one story, no expense was spared, while great risk was incurred to rescue two men by a loyal boss. In the other story, the current U.S. president chose to abandon thousands of American citizens and allies in the Afghanistan pullout. One is a case example of loyalty, respect, and strong leadership. The other of indifference, recklessness, and feckless leadership. It is a stark contrast.

I would like to believe there are still loyal leaders like Ross Perot and dangerous good men like Bull Simons –that there are solid people like the seven EDS employees who volunteered to go into harm’s way for their coworkers. The Afghanistan pullout is not the version of how to handle a crisis for which Americans want to be known. There is no honor in abandonment. There is no pride in leaving people behind.

The model for loyalty was trashed two years ago last week by the current administration. The real role models are Ross Perot, Bull Simons, and the employees of EDS 45 years ago this year.

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.

Paul DeMarco: Governor Kay Ivey to make key appointment to Alabama Parole Board

By Paul DeMarco

There may be three branches of government in Alabama, but the Governor has the most powerful role of the three branches in the state of Alabama. The executive branch in our state controls a lot of purse strings when it comes to managing the state’s expenses. In addition, the Governor has the sole power of appointment for a wide range of positions from judges to sheriffs to hundreds of other important positions.

And some appointments are more important than others, which includes an upcoming selection to the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. There is currently a vacant position on the board that Governor Kay Ivey will have to fill.

The board is made up of only three members who decide on whether to grant parole to Alabama prison inmates. It took reforms by state leaders in 2019 to clean up a board that was often releasing violent felons early. Public safety was not a priority and the murder of three people in Marshall County by a felon who should not have been paroled led to changes to the law and the board that we have now.

The current board under the leadership of Leigh Gwathney has brought professionalism to the way the parole hearings have been

IN

To:

handled and ensured that jus-

tice has been carried out according to state law and with due respect to the wishes of the victims. Most importantly, safety of Alabama citizens is now paramount.

However, that can change quickly with the makeup of the board. And progressives in the state are pushing to weaken the board to again open the doors of state prisons by appointing a member who will do just that like the previous board. The left wants the prison doors opened at the expense of jeopardizing public safety and have gone on a crusade to put in a new board member that will get the state back to where it was before the reforms passed by the Alabama House of Representatives and Senate. Those critical that the current board has not released more inmates do not care

NOTICE

about crime victims or public safety since 80 percent of Alabama prisons are populated by those that have committed violent crimes. They parrot the same talking points that you hear nationally from liberal advocates, which have led to spikes in murder and other violence around our country. Thank goodness Gwathney chairs the Alabama Parole board, as she understands the importance to Alabama citizens that violent offenders be held accountable for their crimes.

Governor Ivey helped lead the charge in 2019 to fix the problems with the prior parole board and now she can ensure the board continues to put the citizens of Alabama first.

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

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

Phil Williams is Policy Director for the Alabama Policy Institute.

Paul DeMarco

Lass But Not Least: Doing your thinking for you

By Ken Lass

So, are you worried that the ongoing Hollywood writers and actors strike will affect your favorite TV programs in the fall?

Yeah, me neither.

Most of the current shows out there are agenda-driven tripe anyway. And it’s hard to feel empathy for the Hollywood crowd. I know the great majority of them are just aspiring folk struggling to make a living, but it’s hard to shake my vision of a hedonistic culture full of excess, addiction and immorality.

There is one facet of the strike that does grab my attention. A key item among the demands is for limits and controls on the use of artificial intelligence, commonly known as AI. It’s been riveting to me to learn of how far the technology has come. I read, for example, that AI was used to make Harrison Ford look younger in the most recent Indiana Jones movie. In fact, the innovation is now capable of cloning an entire performer and assimilating his voice. Actors are legitimately concerned that they can, and ultimately will be, replaced.

AI is equally a threat to the writers. Apparently, if you were to take all the existing scripts for a popular show, say Law and Order for instance, and feed them into the system, AI can learn how the show is written, and can create new scripts for new episodes without human help. The writers want assurances that TV producers will never let this happen.

I will confess I am a bit

puzzled about the union strategy. Seems to me the best way to make sure computers don’t take your job is to stay on the job and continue to do it well. Wouldn’t going on strike force your employer to use the very technology you are trying to squelch? Guess I don’t understand show biz.

Anyway, it’s their problem, right? AI is not a threat to you and me…..he wrote nervously.

In truth, most of us have little awareness of how much it already affects (controls?) our lives. Those ladies with the sultry voices inside our smart phones, Siri and Alexa, they already set alarms, look up information, and send text messages for us. Maybe you’re scrolling through your Facebook wall and come upon an ad for a Doobie Brothers concert coming to Oak Mountain Amphitheater. You click on it just out of curiosity to see what the tickets might cost. Then, as you resume scrolling, your newsfeed suddenly is cluttered with ads for concerts of all types. Somebody, or more accurately some thing, is clearly tracking your activity.

You turn on your TV and the screen immediately suggests the shows it thinks you want to watch. It also customizes the commercials you will see. Automated customer service machines help you solve your tech problems without speaking to a human. Your smart phone activates by recognizing your face. You can watch live video of someone at your front door, even if you are a thousand miles from home. You can put it in control

of your thermostat and refrigerator. You can use it to start your car when you are not in it. Soon it will drive the car.

All of this is super great, so long as we continue to be the ones deciding how to use it. But what if, one day, we get into our self-driving car and tell it to take us to the farmers market. It knows what sort of items you usually buy there, and has calculated you can get them cheaper at the grocery store, so it decides to take you there instead. “But I don’t want to go to the grocery store!” you shout to it. “I want to go to the farmers market!” No matter. The vehicle has already decided what is best for you, and off to Publix you go.

You turn on your TV and, on a whim, decide to watch the latest episode of The Bachelor, a show you haven’t watched in years. But your TV decides this is not a program that you have been interested in, and redirects you to a rerun of Andy Griffith. You scream at your television and hurl the remote across the living room, but Andy and Barney remain on the screen. Sound like the stuff of a corny, old sci-fi movie? Maybe, but the technology already exists to do both of those things, and more. Worst of all, the Trussville Tribune could feed several of my past columns into its AI computer, and the machine could start writing my column without me. If that happens, it won’t be hard for you to tell.

If my columns suddenly become much more clever, insightful and smart, you’ll know I didn’t write them.

(kenlassblog.net)

Savvy Senior: Best medical alert systems you don’t have to wear

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior,

Are there any monitored medical alert devices that you know of that don’t require pushing a wearable help button? My 82-year-old father, who lives alone, has fallen twice during the past year but doesn’t like wearing an SOS pendant button. Searching Daughter

Dear Searching,

Yes, there are actually several monitored medical alert systems and other technologies on the market today that have voice-activated capabilities that let seniors call for help using voice commands, without pushing a wearable help button.

These new technologies are very helpful for elderly seniors that live alone who forget, or prefer not to wear a help button, as well as for those who have physical challenges that makes using a help button difficult.

By simply speaking the “wake words” these devices will connect your dad to a trained dispatcher at a 24/7 monitoring center who will find out what the problem is, and get him the help he needs, whether it’s calling emergency services, or contacting a family member, friend or neighbor to come and help him.

All of these technologies also offer family/caregiver smartphone apps that will help you keep tabs on your dad from afar and notify you know if a problem occurs.

Hands-Free Medical Alerts

Some of the best voice-focused medical alert systems available today are GetSafe, Aloe Care Health and HandsFree Health.

Rated by U.S. News & World Report as their No. 1 medical alert system for 2023, GetSafe (GetSafe.com) comes with a cellular base console, voice-activated and push wall buttons, an optional personal help button and fall detection sensors. To call for help your dad would simply say “Call 911” twice and he would be connected to GetSafe’s 24/7 monitoring service. Prices for GetSafe start at $79 plus a $30 monthly monitoring fee.

Another highly rated system is Aloe Care Health (AloeCare.com), which comes with a voice-activated Smart Hub and optional wearable help button with fall detection capabilities. This system would connect your dad to the Aloe Care 24/7 monitoring center by simply saying “Emergency” repeatedly until connected. It can also make voice command nonemergency calls to preassigned contacts. Prices start at $150 plus a monthly fee of $30.

The WellBe by HandsFree Health (HandsFreeHealth. com) is a nice third option to consider. This comes with the WellBe Medical Alert Speaker that would let your dad call for help by saying “OK WellBe Call Emergency.”

WellBe also offers handsfree calling and messaging to contacts, will answer health questions, and provide remind-

ers for medications and doctor appointments. It also offers a medical alert watch and pendant (sold separately) with fall detection capabilities. WellBe starts at $100 plus $20/month.

Smart Home Solution

Instead of a traditional medical alert system, another terrific hands-free way to call for help is to get your dad an Amazon Echo device (prices range from $50 to $250) and sign him up for Alexa Together (Amazon.com/AlexaTogether). This is remote caregiving service that will turn his Echo into a medical alert system. To get help your dad would say “Alexa, call for help” to be connected to their 24/7 Urgent Response center.

Alexa Together, which costs $20/month, also works with compatible third-party fall detection devices like Vayyar and AltumView. If a fall is detected, Alexa can ask your dad if he needs help, then connect him to the Urgent Response line and alert his emergency contacts.

Amazon Echo devices also provide a bevy of other features your dad may find useful. For example, Echo’s will let your dad make handsfree calls, receive reminders, set timers and alarms, control smart home devices, check the weather, play his favorite music and much more.

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.

o utdoo R s

Tomato Pie with Blackened Quail top dish at AWF Wild Game Cook-Off Finals

By David Rainer Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

A down-home dish that utilized Alabama native species of wild game and vegetables was crowned champion recently at the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) Wild Game Cook-Off Finals at AWF’s Lanark home.

The LeMay Farms team put together the winning Chandler Mountain Tomato Pie with Blackened Quail, made with home-grown tomatoes and bobwhite quail that prevailed in a tight competition with an array of delicious wild game and fish preparations.

The LeMay Farms team of Steve LeMay, Lake LeMay, John Davis, Charlie Carper, Joel Brown, Curtis Eatman and Tim Saunders also won the Best Presentation Award.

Joel Brown said the tomato pie recipe came from his mom while growing up near Dothan, although the tomatoes came from a different region in Alabama.

“The Chandler Mountain tomatoes are just good tomatoes,” Brown said. “They’re grown up near Steele. Steve LeMay went up and got the tomatoes. They grow acres and acres of tomatoes up there. If you ride on top of the mountain (in northeast Alabama), there are tomatoes as far as you can see. That rocky soil just makes good tomatoes.

“I grew up in Dothan eating Slocomb tomatoes, but that’s too far to go. So, Chandler Mountain tomatoes it is.”

Chandler Mountain Tomato Pie with Blackened Quail

• 1 pie crust

• 1 large Vidalia onion

2 tablespoons butter

• 2-3 Chandler Mountain tomatoes, depending on size

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper.

8-10 fresh basil leaves

• ½ pound mozzarella cheese

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce

• 2 cleaned bobwhite quail

• 1 teaspoon blackening seasoning

• 2 tablespoon butter

“You get a refrigerated, ready-made pie crust, or you can certainly make your own, and bake it until it’s light brown,” Brown said. Slice the Vidalia onion and sauté in butter until translucent. Dice the tomatoes and allow to drain.

“I put the diced tomatoes in a single layer on a paper towel to soak up the juice so

the pie is not soupy,” Brown said. “I let the Vidalias cool a little and then add a layer in the pie crust. I mix the raw tomatoes in with the Vidalias and add a little salt and pepper. Then I’m going to add fresh chopped basil in that bottom layer. We grow basil, so we just pick the leaves, roll them up and chop them fine.

“The top layer is going to be grated mozzarella, may-

onnaise and hot sauce. I like to grate a 1-pound block of mozzarella. I think it tastes better fresh grated. I mix in mayonnaise to get it thicker, kind of like you’re mixing up pimento and cheese. I give that a good dose of black pepper and several dashes of hot sauce, whatever your favorite hot sauce is, whether it’s Crystal or Tabasco. Then I spread it out on top of the

pie. I bake it at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden brown.”

The LeMay Farms team got the dressed quail from Otter Creek Farms near Ohatchee. Brown said he fillets the breasts and separates the leg quarters intact. He sprinkles the quail with the See OUTDOORS, Page 10

Steve LeMay watches as the winning Chandler Mountain Tomato Pie with Blackened Quail dish is sampled at the AWF Wild Game Cook-Off Finals. (Photo by Billy Pope)

blackening season and lets them sit for about an hour before he fires up his flat-top griddle.

Blacken the quail in melted butter on the griddle. The leg quarters will take a little longer on the griddle to reach the desired doneness. When done, dice the breasts into half-inch chunks and spread on top of the pie. Serve the leg quarters on the side.

“Mom used to make tomato pies when I was growing up, and that’s similar to her recipe,” Brown said. “Tomatoes were big where I grew up in Dothan. My whole family loves them. I’ve got about 20 tomato plants in my yard. I’m a tomato fan.”

The Alabama Ag Credit team that was victorious at last year’s state final with a taco made with fried Lake Martin bass paired with a slice of Conecuh sausage continued to take advantage of the lake’s abundant bass re-

sources. The team of Andrew Harp, Mallory Harp, Brooklyn George and Russin Wilson took the runner-up spot in this year’s finals with Secret Spot Spotted Bass Cakes.

Andrew Harp admitted he doesn’t have a formal recipe for the dish, that it’s all about experimentation until the desired outcome is achieved.

“We stayed with the spotted bass theme,” Harp said. “We really like the bass. We wanted to do something unique, so we turned it into a fish cake. Instead of a crab cake, we have a fish cake. We take bass caught yesterday. In the cake itself is mayonnaise, cream cheese, diced jalapeños, diced onions, diced bell peppers, minced garlic, fish and breadcrumbs. I don’t have any proportions, but I’ll tell you what I did and that might help with proportions.

“I use four huge dollops of mayonnaise per one block of cream cheese, two cups of fish, about a half-cup of mixed and cooked onions, bell peppers, jalapeños and garlic. Then I take about one can of breadcrumbs. I use a little Tony’s (Chachere) on the fish that I sauté in butter on the flattop. Everything we did was on the flattop, the fish and the vegetables. The key is to try to keep the fish as chunky as possible. Get all your mix done first and make sure it’s the consistency you want your cake to be. Then you add the fish and mix it as little as possible to make sure you have nice chunks of fish. I make the patties up and let them sit. Then I sauté the patties in butter on the flattop and let them sizzle until you get a golden-brown crust on both sides.”

The runner-up team had a side of slaw made from green and purple cabbage with plain Greek yogurt, sugar to taste, diced onions, diced bell peppers and a couple of teaspoons of red wine vinegar. The dipping sauce was made with a combination of Sriracha mayonnaise, a tablespoon or two of honey, a couple of tablespoons of ketchup, yellow mustard and Worcestershire sauce.

The Palomar team of Todd Johnson, Beth Johnson, Maddie Johnson, Bruce Garrett, Robert Adair and Thomas Adair took home third place with its take on crawfish étouffée. Beth Johnson claimed this was a “secret” recipe but later admitted that it had already been published in two magazines.

Mudbug Bowl

• 1 stick butter

• 2 large onions (chopped)

• 1 large bell pepper (chopped)

1½ stalks celery (chopped)

2 pounds crawfish tails

2 tablespoons of liquid crab boil

• 1 can cream of mushroom

soup

• 1 can cream of celery soup

• 1 can Rotel tomatoes

• 1-2 tablespoons garlic

powder

¼ cup parsley flakes

1-2 teaspoons salt

½ cup white rice

• 2 loaves round bread

• 1 cup water

Start the preparation by

sautéing the vegetables in butter. Boil crawfish tails in water with crab boil. Drain and add to sautéed vegetables. Add cans of soup and Rotel tomatoes. Add garlic powder, parsley flakes and salt. Cook until heated through. Cook rice. Hollow out the inside of the loaf of bread and fill with crawfish étouffée. Top with dollop of white rice and parsley flakes. Serves eight.

Although these were the winners in the competition, the scoring was extremely close with numerous delicious dishes, including Snapper Ponchartrain with Shrimp and Crabmeat, Stuffed Pasta Shells with Venison and Wild Hog, Seared Duck Breast over Penne and Branded Elk with elk prepared four ways. By the way, if you want to find more wild game and fish recipes or would like to submit one of your own, go to www.outdooralabama.com/ WildEats and check out the variety of wild game, fish and seafood recipes available.

Alabama Ag Credit’s Secret Spot Spotted Bass Fishcakes was runner-up at the AWF Finals. (Photo by Billy Pope)

Palomar’s Mudbug Bowl took third place in the AWF Wild Game Cook-Off Finals.

(Photo by David Rainer)

c a L enda R

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

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.

Yarn ManglersKnit & crochet group

Thursday, August 24: 2:00pm - 4:00pm Trussville Public LibraryCahaba Room

ful information to teenagers headed out into the world. The University of Alabama at Birmingham will be joining us on August 15th and 24th to talk financial aid and useful information for freshman. Our August 15th meeting will be admissions and freshman basics and Financial Aid info will be on August 24th. If you want to learn about grants, scholarships, due dates, and all the various headed to college information this is a great place to learn and prepare.

Pinson Public Library CLOSED Fri Aug 25th

Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson

Wellness Plan Series with Kendell Jno- Finn of M3Endeavors Strive towards a healthier lifestyle in this 6-part series led by Kendell Jno-Finn of M3Endeavors (https://m3endeavors.com/). He will share his commitment to helping us move well, live well and do amazing things! Quality of life has many aspects from health to financial security.

capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. FREE information kit. Call 844-3229935.

ATTENTION: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - $99 + FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 866-505-0828.

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

ACT Prep

Saturday, August 26: 10:00am - 2:00pm Trussville Public LibraryLBK Auditorium

As we get older, we typically shift our focus from how long we will live to how well we live. For some people this causes them to start considering how they connect their financial retirement plan with a health and wellness plan to maximize quality of life. At M3 we have created a platform to help clients do just that. Join us this six week series as we unpack our five pillars of health and wellness. We will help you develop your personalized plan to move well, live well and do amazing things.

Sizzlin’ Summer Book Fair

Mon Aug 28th 9:00am - 7:00pm

Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson

FOR SALE

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

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

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: College Basics with UAB

Thursday, August 24: 6:00pm - 7:00pm Trussville Public LibraryParkway Room

Two day ACT prep class. The Trussville Public Library will be hosting a two-part ACT Prep class on August 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and August 27th from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The class will be conducted in person in the library auditorium. Saturday will be an extensive review session, test taking tips, and a practice essay, and the Sunday will feature a practice test. When you sign up for this event you are signing up for both days. Students will need to bring a notebook, pencil and calculator.

Lunch will be provided on Saturday.

The fee for BOTH days of the class is $43.50. No refunds will be issued.

If you have any questions, please contact Jacob.Sartain@jclc.org or call 205655-2022.

Welcome to our Sizzlin’ Summer Bookfair on Monday, August 28th from 9 AM to 7 PM & Tuesday, August 29th from 9 AM to 6 PM!

Browse our selection of USED books & media as well as new toys, trinkets, candy, posters, & more! All sales will benefit our upcoming autumn programming. All sales are final. This event is not affiliated with Scholastic.

Tech Tuesdays Tue Aug 29th 10:00am - 12:00pm Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson

pnotcherc.com/?agentreferral-id=DWM646

EDUCATION

ATTENTION ACTIVE Duty & Military Veterans! Begin a new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am6pm ET).

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UAB will be joining us to talk Freshman 101 as well as useful financial aid information.

The Trussville Public Library is hosting a series of programs for older teens aimed and providing use-

(Adults)

Need help with your tablet, smartphone, or computer?

Wellness: Five Pillars to Living your Best Life6-part series

Monday, August 28: 6:30pm - 7:30pm Trussville Public LibraryLBK Auditorium

Call Jarod @ 205-747-6309

Mr. Keith is here to help! Drop in on Tuesday, August 29th 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. Commercial & Residential

o bitua R y

Ronald Roddam

march 5, 1947 — august 10, 2023

Ronald “Ronnie” Fulton Roddam of Vestavia Hills entered his heavenly home on August 10th 2023, at the age of 76. Ronnie grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and was a 1966 graduate of Banks High School. In 1971, he graduated from The University of Alabama. While there, he lettered in football where he played under Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

Upon graduation, he worked at Eastern Development Corp. where he became President in 1975 and worked there until his retirement. During his career, Ronnie was the Founder and President of the Eastern Business Association, member of the Roebuck Steering Committee, appointed to the Airport Expansion Task Force, recipient of the Citizen Service Medal, served on the Crime Prevention Task Force, and on the St. Vincent’s East Advisory Board. He was a member of Mountain Brook Community Church (MBCC) and the Encouragers Community Group, who have been a huge support. He served on the Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Board where he was President in ’90 and ’95.

Among his favorite pastimes were ski trips, riding his Harley, Alabama Football and special times spent on Lake Martin. Ronnie loved the Lord, his family and his friends. His greatest joy was found in the family that he and his wife, Lera Jean, built together and witnessing the accomplishments of his children as well as his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy.

He is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Amy Elizabeth Roddam, his parents Annie Mae Roddam and Joseph “Joe” Roddam, and his brother-in-law Larry “Dink” Wall. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lera Jean Roddam, his son Ryan Roddam, his daughter Melissa Roddam Wood (Jared), his grandchildren Anne Fulton Wood and Caroline Wood, his sister Barbara Wall, his brother-in-laws, a niece and several nephews.

After a private graveside service, there will be a visitation on Tuesday, August 15th at 11:30 am at MBCC, followed by Celebration of Life Service at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made, in memory of Ronnie Roddam, to MBCC – Missions, 3001 US-280, Birmingham, Alabama.

Mary Eades

may 11, 1935 — august 12, 2023

Mary Helen Eades, age 88 of Birmingham, AL passed away on August 12, 2023.

She loved to go out and play Karaoke where she was known as “Jukebox

Mary” mostly in Tarrant City.

She is preceded in death by 5 siblings and her husband, Sonny Eades. She is survived by her children, Doreen Williams, Edward George (Rose-Ann) and Christopher George; 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Benjamin Sharpton, Sr.

september 29, 1960 — august 11, 2023

Benjamin Craig Sharpton, Sr passed away Friday, August 11, 2023, at the young age of 62. Ben was born in Birmingham, Al to Hobert James Sharpton and Sarah Katherine Bush. He graduated from Erin High School and went on to have 3 children. Ben owned his own mechanic business, Sharpton’s Auto Repair. He loved Nascar (Richard Petty,) Alabama Football, Elvis Presley, and animals, especially dogs. Ben had a kind and compassionate heart, always doing what he could for others.

Ben is survived by his two children, daughter, Amber “Booger” (Stephanie Boles) Sharpton, son, Benjamin “Snot” Craig Sharpton, Jr., daughter by love Nicole (JR) Boatwright, grandchildren, Emma J. Boatwright, Julia Evans, and Jaden Evans, brothers, Hobert (Nancy) James Sharpton, Scotty (Judy) Sharpton, close friends Sonny Doss and Madisyn Woodall.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Horace Sharpton, grandmother, Avery Sharpton, and parents Hobert James Sharpton and Katherine Bush Sharpton. Also, preceded in death by granddaughter, Bella Boatwright, and nephew, Mathew Sharpton.

Funeral services will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 10:00 in the chapel. The family will receive guests from 9:00 to 10:00. A burial will follow at Steele Cemetery.

Charlotte B. Craft

september 23, 1938 — august 12, 2023

Charlotte Craft, age 84, of Trussville, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 12, 2023. The family will receive friends at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in Trussville, AL on Friday, August 18, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel. Funeral Services will begin at 10:00 a.m. and Graveside Services will follow at 11:00 a.m.

Charlotte is survived by her 5 children: Robbie (Gary) Cassidy, Kenny (Trisha)

Cunningham, Regina (Jimmy) Watkins, Renee (Wayne) Howse, and Ronda (Timothy) Odom; her 5 grandsons: Kevin & Jimmy Wayne Watkins, Bradley

Cunningham, Wayne Howse, Wyatt Odom, and one granddaughter Kimberly Odom; her 11 great-grandchildren: Michaela White, Meagan Cherry, Gracie, Will & Tucker Watkins, Emma & Miles Watkins, Lyla Myers, Kacen Cunningham, and Carter & Aerith Howse. She has 5 great, great-grandchildren: Ava & Deacon White and Drayton, Emeryson & Silas Cherry and her loving sister Sue Boyd, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Charlotte is preceded in death by her husband, Emmit Lee Craft; her grandson, Heath Salser; her grandson Joshua Howse; her mother and father, Rufus and Sallie Barger; and 14 brothers and sisters.

Charlotte was born and raised in Searles, Alabama, and resided in Trussville, Alabama.

Throughout her life and especially in the last days of her life, she never lost her fighting spirit.

I know Mom is with us now and always. Goodbyes are only for those who love with the eyes. For those who love with the heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation. We love you, Momma. Rest in peace.

Joy Franklin

may 7, 1956 — august 13, 2023

Joy C. Franklin of Tarrant, Al, passed away Sunday, August 13, 2023, at the age of 67.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Ken, 2 sons, Wayne, and Taylor Franklin both of Birmingham, 4 grandchildren, Michael, Rebecca, Braiden, and Josh, brother James (Terri) Grimslea of Pell City, sister Marie Corbage of Fair Hope, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Grace Miller

october 27, 1926 — august 12, 2023

Grace Kyser Miller Prigmore went to be with her Savior on August 12, 2023.

Grace was preceded in death by her husbands, John D. Kyser of 51 years, Bill Miller of 5 years, and Edwin Prigmore of 4 years, her parents, Harris C. Sparks and Mary Sparks, sisters, Martha Jane Sparks, Sara Jean Sparks, Evelyn Trammel and brother, Harris Sparks, Jr.

She is survived by two nieces, Sherry Trammel Wilson & Ellen Kyser Godfrey, two great nephews, Ryan Wilson & Evan Jamel Wilson, and best friends, Janet and Larry Gunter.

Grace was born on October 27, 1926, and lived 90 of her years in Birmingham, AL. She retired from Southern Company Services with 43 years of service. She was a longtime active member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church. She was very active in Eastern Star and loved to travel.

In 2016 she moved to Huntsville, AL, and lived in the Brookdale Senior Living Community until December 2022. She then moved to Barfield Health Center in Guntersville, AL where she stayed until God sent his angel on Saturday, August 12, 2023, to take her to her heavenly home.

Grace will always be remembered for her servant’s heart. She always looked for someone she could help and take care of. She really did not like other people taking care of her, but she was always very appreciative.

I can hear God say to her “Well done my good and faithful servant”. She will surely be missed by many.

A funeral for Grace will be held on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel at 12 noon with visitation held one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Ridge Crest Baptist Church, 7789 Gadsden Highway, Trussville, Al 35173.

How Do I Return to Work While Grieving?

Many bereaved people find they must return to work before they are ready.

If you must return to a work or social setting while you are still grieving, here are some tips:

• If possible, ease yourself back in.

• Know your grief will still be there.

• Be gentle with others and expect a range of reactions.

• Utilize the resources that your workplace offers.

• Take care of yourself.

• Create breaks in your schedule when possible.

• Find a place to go when you need to be alone.

• Most of all, do not be afraid to ask for help.

If you have any questions about funeral planning please email: askeddie@jmgardens.com

Mr. Shades Valley: Frank Nix

By John Goolsby Prep Sports Editor

IRONDALE-If you have been to Shades Valley High School for an athletic event, you have undoubtedly seen the Frank A. Nix Memorial Athletic Complex.

Frank Nix passed away in December of 1996, but his legacy lives on at Shades Valley through the facilities that were named in his memory. Nix embodied the true spirit of the Mounties. In many ways, he could be called Mr. Shades Valley.

Frank Nix was a native of Kansas, Alabama. After graduating from Carbon Hill High School he attended the University of Alabama. After graduation, he served in the United States Army from 1965-67 with a tour in Vietnam. In 1969 he founded Beaver Construction Company/Arlington Properties, where he remained until his death. Nix even married a Shades Valley Mountie, Marjorie Kay. Together they had three children: Melody, Melissa, and Chris. All three graduated from Shades Valley. Nix loved his family dearly.

Nix served as a member of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education for nine years, two as chair. He also chaired the Parent/ Teacher Task Force and Strategic Planning Committee for the Jefferson County School

System and was a member of Governor Hunt’s education reform task force.

“Frank was a family man first. He built his life around family, not the opposite as so many others have done,” wrote former Shades Valley principal Richard Lazenby. He and Marjorie Kay spent hundreds of hours serving the Shades Valley community together as co-presidents of the Parent-Teacher-Student-Organization for well over a decade.

Frank Nix’s love for the Shades Valley family (and baseball) was great. He generously gave his time, energy, and resources to Shades Valley athletics (as he did to Cahaba Heights and numer-

ous schools and parks across Birmingham).

He worked tirelessly, even after his youngest child graduated, to help the school and students. “Frank loved all sports, and he wanted Shades Valley to have the best programs and facilities. He spent many personal hours working to ensure our facilities were the best,” wrote Lazenby.

Nix knew that Shades Valley lacked the “community” that other schools enjoyed and embraced the move from Homewood to Irondale in 1996. “He wanted the best for his community,” wrote former Shades Valley teacher Martha Inman. Nix saw the move as an opportunity for Shades Valley to grow.

The old stadium in Homewood couldn’t be moved to Irondale due to terrain restrictions. The bleachers were sent to Clay-Chalkville instead.

The cost for the news stadium in the early-90s was a million dollars. For two and a half years he worked hard as the co-chair of the athletic facilities steering committee to bring his vision of Mountie athletics to life at the Irondale campus. Former Mountie head coach Robert Higginbotham wrote of Nix, “There has never been anyone who has meant more or has done more for Shades Valley than Frank Nix.”

Nix was able to see his vision become reality as the Mounties took the field at the new stadium in the fall of 1996. The athletic complex was named in his memory on October 24, 1997. The Nix family returned to Shades Valley in 2020 for a halftime ceremony to honor Nix.

“Every task he completed might have taken more time and effort, but he had the philosophy that if you do a good job the first go around, the less likely you have to redo the task,” wrote Higginbotham of Nix.

Nix’s legacy is honored in the University of Alabama’s Blackburn Institute as the namesake of the Frank A. Nix Memorial Lecture on Ethical Leadership that is presented bi-annually at the annual symposium.

Husky Stadium Adds New Scoreboard

By John Goolsby Prep Sports Editor

TRUSSVILLE - Hewitt

-Trussville High School unveiled a new addition at Husky Stadium Friday night.

A new state of the art video scoreboard was installed by Boostr Digital Displays of Northport ahead of the 2023 football season. The video

board is situated on the interstate side of the stadium and is fully visible from the home and visitors’ bleachers.

There is nothing like this in the state,” said Boostr owner Greg Crowe. “It is a six-millimeter board.”

The LED lights are spaced six millimeters apart whereas See HUSKY, Page 16

Frank Nix, Photo Credit: University of Alabama

New Hewitt scoreboard, Photo Credit: Hewitt-Trussville

Fall Football Preview: East Central Patriots

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

CLAY – Homeschool

football deserves some love too. There, I said it. They get in the weight room, run, lift, sweat, bleed and probably cry together, just like the rest of the teams out there.

In Tribuneland, we have a group of young men who are led by a group of adults, playing football. The difference in these young men and the ones we have covered so far is that these young men are homeschooled.

The team, the East Central Patriots, is made up of students from Clay, Pinson, Trussville and other surrounding cities in our area.

“We’ve got kids from Crosspoint, Trussville First Baptist, all over the area,” said second-year head coach Daniel Smith, who has been with the football program since 2019, when East Central decided that they would re-boot the football program that be-

East Central Patriots football seniors 2023.

gan in 2007 but was unable to continue. “The re-boot opened the door for other sports to take hold and now we have every major sport available for boys and girls.

Shades Valley Volleyball Preview

We even have bass fishing,” said Coach Smith.

The Patriots enter 2023 with some momentum from

By John Goolsby Prep Editor

IRONDALE- Shades Valley head volleyball coach Kimberly Cook is looking to build on last year’s Area runner-up finish despite losing eight seniors.

Cook has four returning players, two freshmen and two sophomores, that will be contributing to the 2023 team.

The core of this year’s team will be senior Simone McCray and juniors Ashley Peake, Kendle Wright, and Jasmine Terry.

McCray, a three-year captain, tore her Achilles in January and has worked to come back strong.

“She showed a lot of dedication to come back from the injury, and that tells you about what type of person she is,” Cook said. “She’s a gentle giant.”

Peake, Wright, and Terry are expected to contribute

significantly this year. “They aren’t coming off that court,”

Cook said.

The trio was named to the Alabama High School Volleyball Coaches Association pre-season 100-player watch list this week.

Jasmine Terry has been playing varsity since her freshman year,” Cook said.

“She is a dynamic player for us and is a big hitter who jumps 10 feet 2 inches.”

“Wright is a setter, but she is also a hitter for us, and Peake is an outside hitter,” Cook said. “Those three lead the junior class skill-wise.”

Cook’s message for this year’s team for 2023 is Sisterhood.

“This is an excellent group of girls,” Cook said. “We have to understand that sports don’t define these young ladies.”

“I’m proud to say that those four young ladies were a part of last year’s team

that received the prestigious USMC/AVCA team academic award with an honor roll distinction for having a team GPA in the top 20 percent of all teams nationally.”

“These young ladies have worked hard over the years in community service and volunteer hours,” Cook said.

“It’s important to know they are not just volleyball players but distinguished young ladies who represent their community in the best light they can.”

“They are overall leaders, Cook said. “When I try to build my program, I try to build an overall child, not just a volleyball player.”

Sports can only go so far, so teaching lessons through volleyball has been my primary goal,” she said. “Most of my players will tell you I always say it’s bigger than volleyball.”

Photo by: Brittany McGowan

East Central’s Micah Smith goes up for the catch in their 37-0 win over Tuscaloosa Christian on Friday, August 11, 2022.

Photo by: Brittany McGowan

See FOOTBALL, Page 16

See VOLLEYBALL, Page 16

Shades Valley Volleyball Media Picture. Photo by: Shades Valley Athletics

East Central loses a tough one to Evangel Christian

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

CLAY – On Friday night, the East Central Patriots welcomed the Evangel Christian Lightning, an 8-man football powerhouse, to Clay City football field in a game that, though there were flashes, the Patriots just couldn’t seem to gain footing.

Leeds comes up short in Jamboree against Helena

By Will Heath

For the Tribune

LEEDS — In a 3-quarter preseason scrimmage Thursday at Homer Smiles Field, the Leeds Green Wave defense surrendered two big plays to visiting Helena. When the horn sounded at the end of the third, and both teams’ junior varsity squads rolled out to finish the game, the scoreboard showed Helena with a 17-7 advantage.

Still, coaches and players on both sides were already preparing to put the night’s events in the past after shaking hands. “Ready for Week 1,” Leeds’ Jeremiah Hall said afterward. Helena head coach Richie Busby echoed that sentiment.

“To be able to get some good plays on film against a good team, and be able to go back tomorrow, and make corrections in the morning,” Busby said. “That’s the biggest thing.”

Busby’s Huskies — 7-4 in 2022, and 3-3 in 6A Region 3 — controlled the tempo for

most of Thursday night’s game in Leeds. They outgained the Green Wave 325-169 in total yardage, and held the Green Wave without a pass completion until the 3rd quarter.

Both teams were guilty of a number of drive killing mistakes, however — the two teams combined for 2 fumbles, 2 interceptions, a blocked punt and a blocked field goal and, in Busby’s words, “about 9 self inflicted penalties” in the game.

“All those things we just get out of us (in preseason),” said Leeds head coach Jerry Hood. “I think that’s the real benefit.”

Junior quarterback Conner Nelson, assuming the full-time duties behind center in 2023, led the Green Wave offense with 122 yards rushing and throwing. His 29yard touchdown run, coming one play after defender Chris Burge forced a Helena fumble, was Leeds’ (11-1, 6-0 in 5A Region 4) only score of the night.

See LEEDS, Page 16

“When you don’t play well against good teams, this is what happens,” said East Central Head Coach Daniel Smith. “We didn’t play well at all. We had flashes and we are putting in a new offense so we saw some of that.”

It did not take long for Evangel to jump on the board. East Central muffed the opening kickoff and Evangel took over near mid field. 5 plays later, the Lightning struck first blood with a 9-yard touchdown run by Evangel quarterback Will Welch at the 9:51 mark. On East Central’s first offensive play, running back Dominic Paffumi busted an impressive 10-yard run to get a first down. However, the next 3 plays would each be for negative yardage, including a third down sack of quarterback Knox Cooper, leading to an East Central punt.

The Lightning used a 32yard pass from Welch to Clay Stanton that would set up running back Caleb Austin from 11 yards out, where he would score the second touchdown of the game, making it 16-0. East Central would punt once again and Evangel would drive down to the Patriot 17, threatening to score again. This time, a throw into the end zone would be picked off by Andrew Barksdale to give the Patriots the spark they needed. “They had been throwing at him all day,” said Barksdale. “I knew when they put him on my side it

was coming that way and I just had to make a play on the ball, and I was able to. I think it’s great that we know we have a spark in us like that. We just have to keep it going and we haven’t done that yet. We just have to capitalize and when we learn to do that, we are going to be electric.” The second quarter started with East Central finding some rhythm on offense. Paffumi got a 32-yard blast on the first

play of the drive and Cooper found his favorite target, Micah Smith, for another 34 yards on the drive. But the Patriots would stall out after back to back negative plays and an incomplete pass on fourth down.

When Evangel got the ball back, it only took two plays for Austin to bust off a 70yard touchdown to make it 24-0 with 7:27 to go before the half. After a three and out

by the Patriots, Austin would find the pay window again, this time on a two-yard run up the middle, making it 30-0 with 2:21 to go in the second. East Central would go three and out again and punt to Evangel, but the Lightning would throw another interception, this time to Smith, before the half. With little time left on the clock, Cooper took two shots but neither connected, sending the teams into the locker room with Evangel in control, 30-0. Evangel came out of the locker room swinging, taking only a minute and a half to score. Evangel’s backup quarterback, Kemp Swords, would get the score this time from 8 yards out to make it 36-0. Another three and out for the Patriots and Evangel found themselves in the end zone again as Swords would score from eight yards out again. The score would be 44-0 with 4:37 to go in the

See EAST CENTRAL, Page 16

Leeds Football Coach Jerry Hood (Stock Photo)

East Central's Knox Cooper prepares to take the snap during the Patriots' game against Evangel Christian Friday night.

Photo by: Brittany McGowan

East Central defensive back Andrew Barksdale picks off an Evangel pass in the end zone. Photo by: Holly Barksdale

Football

From page 14

the previous year. 2022 was the most successful year East Central has had. They went 5-5 and made it to the playoffs in 2022, scoring more points than they gave up. All of these were firsts for the Patriots as they struggled through the 2019 and 2021 seasons (they did not field a team in 2020).

Leadership for East Central is not lacking this year, as the Patriots take the field with 12 seniors, over half of the entire roster, led by quarterback Knox Cooper and running backs Killian Fach and Dominic Paffumi. Cassian Fach and Micah Smith are also key parts of the offense at wide receiver.

Playing 8-man football, the line is crucial, and the Patriots have a group of seniors up there in Lane Albus, Simon Faulk, Jacob Lane and Dakota Bosworth, who all split time at offensive and defensive line.

Add in senior linebackers Joe Murphree, who had a great game on Friday, and Seth Allison as well as the receivers who fill the defensive back role, and they have a lot of experience on the defensive side of the ball.

The Patriots kicked off their season on Friday, August 11th with a blowout win over Tuscaloosa Christian, 37-0. They put up 7 in the first two quarters to take

East Central

From page 15

third and that would be how the scoring would end.

“It’s good film. We will go study it and get better and take it into next week,” said Coach Smith. “We’ve got to tackle better and we’ve got to execute better on offense. It’s not complicated. We believed we could play with these guys. We have a great group

a 14-0 lead into the locker room at half, but the defense got in on the scoring fun in the third quarter where they scored 9 of the 16 total points on a pick six by Killian Fach and a safety by Joe Murphree. To finish off the Knights, East Central added another touchdown in the fourth to complete the 37-0 season opening win. “It was a big win and a great way to start the season,” said Coach Smith. “Now, if we can get a win this Friday, it will be a huge deal for our program.”

East Central takes on their toughest test of the year this coming Friday night as Evangel Christian comes to Clay.

Evangel won their first game 34-12 over Cary Christian on Sunday, August 13. Evangel has been around since 2004, having a winning record every season with the exception of 2006. Evangel got the win over East Central last season 65-13 in the season opener.

The Lightning are a powerhouse in 8-man football and will pose a big challenge for the Patriots.

“They have multiple championships and a great program, so if we can get a win Friday night, it will be huge for us. They are wellcoached and have a great history.”

The game will be played at the Clay City football field on Old Springville Road, beside the old library and the disc golf course, on Friday night at 7:00.

of seniors and they’re going to use this. They will not let this be a wasted failure. They will use it to get better. I’m not concerned about bouncing back. Last year we started 0-2 and gave up 60 plus points in both games. We came back and had a solid season. No arguing or anything. We never blinked but we couldn’t get out of our own way.”

Senior quarterback Knox Cooper said, “We just got to

Husky

From page 13

other boards are spaced 10 to 16 millimeters apart. The spacing results in the board having hundreds of thousands of more lights than standard boards and produces incredible video quality.

“The clarity is better than anything that is up in Alabama,” Crowe said.

The massive structure is the second largest video board in the state. “Mountain Brook’s is a foot or two wider,” Crowe said.

The board is 54 ft. high by 44 ft. wide. It features an arched truss with backlit channel lettering above the screen that is five ft. high by 44 in. wide.

The main video display is 44.2 feet by 25.2 feet and will accommodate a 44.2 feet by 8 feet main sponsor panel above the central display screen. Ten 8.84 feet by 4 feet sponsor panels will be displayed below the main video screen.

“We are excited about kicking off the 2023 seasons next week,” said Hewitt AD

Volleyball

From page 14

“I’m proud of how the Irondale community showed tremendous support for the fundraising bike ride we had,” she said. “Despite many

bounce back. We didn’t execute. There’s always next week though. We just need to practice harder and execute better to get ready for the next one.”

East Central will look to do just that as they load up the buses Friday evening and head to Fayetteville, Tennessee to take on Riverside Christian Academy, who lost 28-8 to Zion Christian Academy on August 11.

Lance Walker. “Our new video scoreboard will enhance our already strong game day environment.

“I am excited we will be able to highlight our football team, cheer squad, band, and other student groups on the scoreboard.

“Our creative media team has worked hard this summer building great content for the board.

“With Dr. Martin’s leadership, I sense a lot of excitement in our district and within our community,” Walker said. “My hope is the new board will be able to highlight students and create lasting memories.”

Head Coach Josh Floyd is excited about the board and what it will bring to the Friday night atmosphere.

“We are fired up about the new video board,” said Floyd. “It is going to be the best one in all of Alabama high school football and will add so much to our atmosphere on Friday nights. It makes the gameday experience even better for our fans and spirit groups.

“We really appreciate Courtesy Birmingham Buick

believing that Shades Valley is made up of different communities, most of the girls on the team are residents of Irondale and attended school in Irondale.”

“It was heartening for them to witness the city’s love

Leeds

From page 15

All part of the “learning process,” as Hall described it. “I feel good about that,” he said.

The Huskies got 122 passing yards from quarterback Carson Acker. That number included a 29-yard pass to Hunter Hale for the game’s first touchdown. A 90-yard run from tailback Jordan

GMC for their support, and we really appreciate Lance Walker for all the work he has done and the rest of our administration to get it up in time for the season. Now it’s time to light up that scoreboard!”

Trussville City Schools

Superintendent Dr. Patrick Martin understands the importance of athletics and what it does for the overall health of a school and city.

“Friday nights have always been about the gameday experience for students and the community,” said Martin.

“I am a sports guy, have always loved athletics and our football stadium is the “front porch” of our school home,” he said.

“It is a chance for all of our groups to show off our talents, our character, and our Husky Pride.

“The new scoreboard that the Athletic Foundation, Courtesy GMC, and Coach Walker have put together highlights this,” he said. “It is big time and serves as a great example of the wonderful community partnerships Trussville has.

and encouragement, and now it is their turn to represent their city.“

“If they can bring a competitive mindset, we wi be able to do some great things this year,” Cook said.

2023 Lady Mountie vol-

Washington — one play after Helena intercepted Leeds in the end zone to snuff a potential go-ahead drive — was all the Huskies would need.

There was mutual respect on the part of both coaches following the action. “We enjoy playing Leeds,” Busby said. “They’re so well coached. That defensive front is probably one of the best we’ll see all year. So we knew coming over here, that’s going

Most screens of this size and quality cost in the $500,000 to $600,000 range. The fundraising efforts by Walker to make the board a reality was substantial. “I’ve never heard of anyone, except for maybe Mountain Brook, that has done a better of job raising funds than Lance Walker has,” said Crowe. “Of all the ADs we have worked with, he’s the best we have seen. He is dynamite.”

“The new big screen scoreboard is a game changer for the Hewitt Trussville community, and it was great to see it lit up celebrating our kids,” said Hewitt Principal Aaron King. “We are thankful for Courtesy Buick-GMC and all of the sponsors who made this vision a reality.

“Last night was my first Husky Night, but I could sense the excitement of the atmosphere, the season ahead, and the bright future of Trussville City Schools!”

“I would like to encourage everyone in the community to support the Huskies in the season opener at home on August 25 as we host Central Phenix City,” said Walker.

leyball team starts their season this Thursday against Gardendale and Hewitt innTrussville. The Lady Mounties will also compete all weekend long at the Juanita Boddie Tournament in Hoover.

to be something good for us.”

Hood called his preseason opponent “sportsmen” and lauded Busby and his staff. “It’s (preseason) just so valuable,” he said. “I like where we’re at at this point.”

Both teams begin regular season play next week with home games against non-region opponents. Helena will host Chelsea on Thursday, while Leeds faces Mortimer Jordan on Friday.

Dominic Paffumi and Killian Fach – Running Backs – East Central Patriots