The Trussville Tribune – September 1 - 7, 2021

The Tribune

TRUSSVILLE • ARGO • MOODY • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • SPRINGVILLE LEEDS • MOODY • TRUSSVILLE • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO SPRINGVILLE • TRUSSVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • TRUSSVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • PINSON CLAY CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • TRUSSVILLE PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY TRUSSVILLE • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS MOODY • TRUSSVILLE • PINSON·CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • TRUSSVILLE • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • TRUSSVILLE • PINSON • CENTER POINT TRUSSVILLE • ARGO • MOODY • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • SPRINGVILLE

By Erica Thomas, managing editor

TRUSSVILLE — The Republican Women of Trussville and the Jefferson County Republican Party gathered on Saturday, Aug. 28, for a pancake breakfast in downtown Trussville.

See REPUBLICANS, Page 5

Bryant Park Elementary architects win Building Birmingham award From The Tribune staff reports

CLAY — Bryant Park Elementary School in Clay and TurnerBatson Architects received a Building Birmingham Award.

See BRYANT ELEMENTARY, Page 4

FRI

SAT

SUN MON

82 61

85 63

85 63

86 67

84 65

86 67

14%

7%

7%

6%

22%

24%

12%

DRUG BUST

Page 8

GREEN WAVE MOURNS

Page 13

2021

TCS to build 4th elementary school; Superintendent gives COVID-19 update

By Erica Thomas, managing editor

TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Schools Board of Education met in a regular meeting on Aug. 31, 2021. It was the first meeting since the start of the 2021-22 school year.

Superintendent Dr. Pattie Neill discussed the proposed capital plan ahead of the meeting, during a workshop.

The proposal included plans to add an elementary school and add on to the high school.

The high school currently has 1,592 students, including 74 new students this year, Principal Tim Salem said.

As for enrollment overall, TCS is up 15% from 2011.

Neill said student numbers are increasing and those students are being retained. Paine Elementary grew the most out of all the schools, due to new subdivisions zoned for Paine.

There are currently 1,136 students at Paine.

“We would like to hold Paine at about 1,000,” said

TUE

83 63

www.TrussvilleTribune.com

September 1 - 7

Trussville serves as stage for Republican candidates for statewide offices

WED THU

Unclaimed freight store moves from Springville to Argo From The Trussville Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — A popular unclaimed freight store has moved from Springville to Argo.

Shop Bob’s Unclaimed Freight was previously located on Marietta Road, in Springville.

See SHOP BOB’S, Page 4

Neill. “Although we do have ample room but we’re running out quickly.”

Neill proposed a fourth elementary school as part of the capital plan. She said she spoke with the mayor about a piece of property that could be the location of the next school to be built. Neill said instead of a new tax, the school system would look into refinancing warrants.

Also on the capital plan

proposal, there is a plan to add to the high school, and to replace the band room floor, a football weight room addition, and a new gym roof at Cahaba Elementary, among other items.

COVID-19 UPDATE Neill also gave a COVID-19 update. The superintendent said the first week of school, there were 44 students and 4 staff members on the COVID positive list. In

the second week, there were only 14 students and one staff member on the list.

Neill said prevention strategies seem to be working but adjustments will be made if necessary.

“There are school systems with mask mandates that have higher numbers of COVID positive cases than we do,” Neill said.

See NEW SCHOOL, Page 7

Jefferson County Schools mask mandate in place until Oct. 1 From The Tribune staff reports

JEFFERSON COUNTY — With cases of the Delta variant rampant in many Alabama schools, the Jefferson County Board of Education has decreed that students, faculty and staff in Jefferson See JEFCOED, Page 5

5 Trussville families share impact of childhood cancer: ‘They can inspire us to be better people’

By Erica Thomas, managing editor

TRUSSVILLE — Every three minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer. Despite billions of dollars pouring into cancer research around the world, only 4% of money raised for research and support go specifically towards childhood cancer. That is why September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and why five Trussville families are speaking out.

Four elementary-aged children in Trussville are currently fighting cancer and one passed away earlier this year.

Their families hope the community spreads awareness by putting up gold ribbons during the month of September and donating to the cause.

Here are their stories: Ford Bertram For a year and a half, Ford Bertram has been battling leukemia. His mother, Amelia Bertram has been experiencing a part of motherhood she never expected. After realizing just how many children are diagnosed with cancer each year, Bertram said she

Ford Bertram

felt the need to spread the word.

“I think considering we have so many kids in the community that are currently battling it, it should be known and people in the community should be aware,” Bertram said.

Ford is currently in the “maintenance” phase of his treatment. He still has to take chemotherapy every day. His mom says that at one point during his treatment he lost all of his hair. Although his hair has now grown back, Bertram said that doesn’t mean his battle is over.

“People see a child with their hair and think that child doesn’t take chemo anymore,” Bertram said. “That just means he’s taking a chemo that doesn’t cause hair loss.”

Bertram says she has learned that the cancer treatments that children go

through are no different than the cancer treatments adults go through. That means their little bodies are pushed to the limit to fight off the disease.

Even after they get to ring the remission bell at the hospital, all parents of children with cancer know the impact treatment has on their bodies can

be felt for years to come.

“Ford still suffers from all sorts of side effects of chemotherapy and it’s really going to be a lifelong thing for him, even after the cancer is gone,” Bertram explained. “That’s why I feel it’s important to spread awareness.”

The people of Trussville

Robin’s Sewing Shoppe

Inside the Tribune

www.robinshoppe.com

News - Pages 1-8 Calendar - Page 9 Classified - Page 9 Obituary - Page 10 Sports - Pages 11-14

5886 Trussville Crossings Blvd 205.655.3388

16

-

Fabric Machines Classes Demos

and surrounding communities have come together to support the Bertram family throughout Ford’s fight for his life. And as Amelia Bertram continues to help her son get through the bad days, she has needed that support more than ever.

“It’s bad enough to see anyone go through cancer but it’s really bad to see a child go through it and they do it with such grace,” Bertram added.

Ford goes to Paine Elementary School, where his grandmother, Lisa Lothspeich, is the principal. Lothspeich hopes the community gets behind the worthy cause.

“There are financial donations that can be made for research,” Lothspeich said.

“But I think the other thing is just to learn from the situation because I know for me personally, it’s just taught me, being around these kids and having this in my own family, this is a place we never thought we would be. It’s taught me so many things about showing empathy to people and just showing kindness.”

See CHILDHOOD CANCER, Page 6

The Trussville Tribune

Page 2

The

Trussville Tribune 190 Main Street Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664 Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com Erica Thomas, Managing Editor news@trussvilletribune.com Bobby Mathews, Sports Editor bobby.mathews@trussvilletribune.com SALES STAFF Ryan Jennings, Director of Advertising & Sales Shari Moore, Account Executive Meredith White, Account Executive Lauren Taylor, Traffic Coordinator Lara Sciro, Office Manager

Member of the Alabama Press Association

Why Should I Work with a Financial Planner?

By Brandon Guttery

The last year has been chaotic, to say the least. We saw a spike in unemployment, a sharp decline in the stock market, and still had a presidential election to sort out. Despite its hectic nature, there are many noteworthy events that unfolded last year and are worth examining further.

Throughout the year, there were a number of “firsts” that took place: we saw the fastest onset of a recession in our country’s history, which subsequently became the shortest but most visceral recession we’ve ever seen, and the highest unemployment rate we’ve seen in the last 70 years. If you find yourself in the midst of a storm, does the captain lower the blinders over the bridge? Or does he actively pilot his crew beyond the fray?

This analogy surmises our client engagement over the last year: rather than burying our heads in the sand, we engaged our clients on a proactive basis, accelerated our review meeting schedule, and increased the frequency of our passive means of contact.

While the Coronavirus storm caught many by surprise, we engaged with our clients frequently to ensure we successfully navigated the tumultuous economic landscape throughout the year.

For better context, let’s examine a few pieces of data: From around mid-February to March 23rd of 2020, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost approximately 18,000 points.

That amounts to 19 trading days over which that sell-off occurred – to put that into perspective, the last major recession from 2007-2009, as well as the late 1980s recession, did not materialize

Keith Landscape Co. & Nursery Sales 36 Years Serving Clay, Trussville & Surrounding Communities

OUR NURSERY OFFERS ALL TYPES OF

MULCH – GRAVEL – STONE – PEA GRAVEL SAND – PINE STRAW (ROLLS OR BALES) We provide professional advice on anything landscape!

§ § § § § § § § § §

Plants/Shrubs Trees Bedding plants Fertilizers Herbicides Screened topsoil Blended garden soil Fill dirt Chert Red rock

September 1 - 7, 2021

We deliver or load on your truck!

WE SELL SOD

BY THE PIECE OR BY THE PALLET! Our sod is green during growing season, not left on pallets.

Monday - Friday 8am-4pm Saturday 8am-12pm

www.KeithLandscaping.com

6750 Trussville-Clay Rd. - Trussville, AL (205) 681.8787

as quickly as this one. From there, on pencil and paper, our economy moved through the entirety of the economic cycle in approximately two months, from peak to trough and back

rate hit 14.8% in April of last year, whereby October of 2009 unemployment had only just reached 10%.

It is important that we study why events like these

to peak. For reference, our last oscillation through the economic cycle lasted more than a decade under the Bush and Obama administrations.

Regarding unemployment, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, our unemployment

are significant, as they played a major role in our client meetings when discussing investment strategy or changes to their financial plan. Understanding these events, as well as the context of the broader economic

environment, enabled us to recognize that the economy was not damaged or broken like years past, but perhaps was instead oversold out of fear or panic. At the time, many were unsure whether Coronavirus was another common cold or the next bubonic plague, and that uncertainty was put on full display as the market declined. We advised that our clients follow their long-term planning goals, and take advantage of what seemed to be short-term volatility, in order to still accomplish their future strategic objectives.

Working with a Financial Planner will help you to better visualize what your future objectives are, find the most efficient means to achieve them, and remain focused on them through economic downturns. Think of us as contractors: if you’re hiring me for a job, I’ll need the details about the job first so I can bring the correct tool to task. If you’re driving a nail, a screwdriver won’t be of much use, just as a hammer would be ineffective at sawing a log. Our work is tailored, on an individual basis, to the needs and goals of our clients, because there is no one size fits all solution with anything we do.

Brandon Guttery is a financial advisor, and offers products and services using the following business names: Keystone Financial Group, and Nowlin and Associates – insurance and financial services | Ameritas Investment Company, LLC (AIC), Member FINRA / SIPC – securities and investments | Ameritas Advisory Services (AAS) – investment advisory services. AIC and AAS are not affiliated with Keystone Financial Group, or Nowlin and Associates.

September 1 - 7, 2021

The Trussville Tribune

Page 3

Local / Region

Suspect in death of 3 cars broken into at Center Point man charged Trussville Sports Complex with capital murder From The Tribune staff reports

From The Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM — Birmingham police announced the arrest of a suspect in connection to the death of a Center Point man.

Ladarius Devon Johnson, 26, of Birmingham, is charged with capital murder

and is being held in the Jefferson County Jail with no bond.

Police said Bryce Landrus

Berry, 26, was shot shortly before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 24.

The shooting happened in the 1100 block of Princeton Avenue SW in Birmingham, according to Jefferson County Coroner William Yates.

Berry was pronounced dead at the scene less than 30 minutes after police arrived.

New master-planned community in Leeds opens model home

TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville Police Department is investigating after three cars were broken into on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021.

The break-ins happened at the Trussville Sports Complex between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

By Erica Thomas, managing editor

LEEDS — The city of Leeds celebrated the opening of a model home for a new master-planned community at Grand River.

Unali, the first phase of the community, will include 56 homes with a community park and sidewalks. “Unali” means “friend” in Cherokee.

“Grand River is a special place where community and nature are front and center,” Brian Sparks, Vice President at Ingram and Associates, the company handling the marketing and sales for Grand River. “This led us to name the first neighborhood Unali to symbolize that this is a place to foster friendships.” Leeds Mayor David Miller cut the ribbon for the new home.

The community is being

TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Council met in a special-called meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021. Mayor Buddy Choat and Councilor Lisa Bright were unable to attend the meeting.

The meeting lasted less than 15 minutes but several items were approved, including one that will continue development in downtown Trussville.

On the agenda, the council approved a resolution allowing for the vacation of a portion of Linden Street. The portion is from North Chalkville Road, behind a new development by Barber Companies. Part of the roadway is now a parking lot.

As part of the resolution, the easement was granted to city utilities.

veloper plans to add a primitive campground. There is also a parcel that has been reserved for an elementary school. Residents will have access to the Grand River nature trail.

The community is located off of Rex Road, adjacent to Barker Motorsports Park.

parked at the location on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021.

City of Trussville continues downtown development by vacating street in special-called meeting

From The Tribune staff reports

developed by USS Real Estate and will include 1,500 to 2,900 square-foot homes that will be available in the $300,000 range. Newcastle Homes will build the homes.

The 3,000-acre community will eventually include a pool and a clubhouse, and the de-

Police said the vehicles were locked and windows were broken. Purses and wallets were taken from the vehicles.

This is at least the second time this month that car break-ins have been reported at the Sports Complex. The windows of two vehicles were shattered and purses were taken from two vehicles

Barber Companies has renovated what has been known as the former Trussville Bowling Lanes, into a 8,700 squarefeet multi-use building with leasable space. Along with a facade renovation, the company is adding sidewalks and landscaping around the building.

Another item on the agenda Tuesday night, was a resolution to put painting out for bid on the new Patrol Operations Center for the Trussville Police Department. The interior of the building will have to be painted before police can move into the facility.

The item was approved unanimously among councilors in attendance, as part of the Consent Agenda.

The following items were also approved as part of the city’s Consent Agenda: • Hire Albert Williams as

Public Works Skilled Laborer (Grade 12 – Step 4), effective Sept. 7, 2021 • Hire Justin McCurdy as Parks & Recreation Skilled Laborer (Grade 12 – Step 2), effective Sept. 11, 2021 • Hire Joy Spurlin as parttime Recreation Unskilled Laborer (Grade 7 – Step 1), effective Sept. 11, 2021 • Hire Ann Sargant as Library Circulation Assistant (Grade 12 – Step 1), effective Sept. 11, 2021 • Reassign Mary Howell Parks & Recreation Seasonal Pool Supervisor to part-time gymnastics Coach (Grade 5 – Step 1), effective Sept. 11, 2021 The next Trussville City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The council will hold a work session on the Thursday prior, at 5 p.m.

Bridge Learning Gaps and Interrupted Learning With

Educational Experiences Tutoring and Professional Learning Services That Help Make Learning Stick http://reneweducationalexperiences.com/

A ReNewed Mindset = New Results ●Tutoring Services: individual, paired, or small group sessions arranged on availability from educators with over 25 years of experience ● In-person or virtual sessions are available ● Educator Professional Learning and Homeschool support Services: customized one day sessions, extended, and mentoring sessions are available with proven techniques and strategies that make learning stick Sessions Available: Reading, Writing, Language Development, ESL Support, ACT Prep, Study Skills, and Math Session For more information contact: Spaces Tami Parker | renewtparker@gmail.com or (205) 852-0235 are Limited!

Paula Foster | renewpfoster@gmail.com

The Trussville Tribune

Page 4

Bryant Elementary From front page

The Birmingham Business Journal presented the award to the architects and the school for highlighting

for one year. Principal Dr. Cortney Slaughter said the design of the building has helped make it a success.

“When the building is laid out very well and there’s a great design for the building, it makes the flow and the operation of the building just go,”

Bryant Park Elementary School. Photo: Jefferson County Schools.

“projects that are shaping our economy and the talented companies and people who are making them possible in Birmingham construction and design industries.”

The campus is located at 2020 Bryant Park Drive and is one of several new schools built by JEFCOED. The school has been open

Shop Bob’s From front page

It is now at 1947 Gadsden Highway. The business has a Trussville address but is in the city limits of Argo.

Shop Bob’s is a family-owned and operated variety store that carries a unique collection of items that were lost in shipping. Those items include home goods, electronics, small kitchen appliances, collectibles, antiques, fragrances, and jewelry. With

said Slaughter. “It’s just a natural flow with the openness of the building, the way the hallways are laid out, it really helps us through the daily routines.”

“Jefferson County Schools is proud of this beautiful new facility and the outstanding job of TurnerBatson Architects,” said John Huddleston, with JEFCOED.

the store two years ago after selling similar items online.

“We outgrew that other location almost the day we opened, so we’re really excited about the new location,” Ping said.

Shop Bob’s will also now have shopping carts.

The store’s stock changes frequently, and daily deals are offered. The store is bringing back the $5 bag deal, where you fill a bag with items from a certain group and only pay $5 for everything in it.

Photo: Bob Ping.

the larger space, the owner said they will now be able to offer more, such as clothing, shoes, outdoor living items.

Bob Ping, his son, Christopher Spivey, and Bob’s sonin-law, Alan Callahan, opened

Ping is now preparing to open the new location and hopes to open his doors by Sept. 3.

The store will be open Tuesday – Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

savings around the corner.

Let us help you save on car insurance and more.

Greg Armstrong 5950 Chalkville Mountain Road , Birmingham geico.com/birmingham-armstrong 205-508-6077 item 1

September 1 - 7, 2021

City of Clay delays demolition of home where ‘squatters’ live

By Faith Callens

CLAY — On Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021, the Clay City Council met at the City Hall for a regular meeting to discuss an ordinance correcting a zoning issue. A discussion on a planned demolition of a home also led to a delay in the project.

During public comment, Leon Shaw, a resident of Vestavia Hills, spoke about a residence on Palmerdale Road that was previously added to a demolition list due to a nuisance.

“It was voted on to be condemned,” said Shaw. “I have the tax deed to the property, the council or somebody challenged that, I don’t have rights to the property but in the State of Alabama, a tax deed gives you entrance into the property.”

Shaw said he thought his lawyer had worked a deal out with the council where he could clean up the property and fix the issues which the council felt were a nuisance, but the demolition was still planned.

“I tore down my trailer, the trailer was considered a nuisance,” Shaw added. “I tore it down today. I thought my lawyer had worked it out with the council that we go ahead and get rid of this stuff and fix the problem. I was on my way to fix the problem and I was stopped by Mr. Dixon saying that we didn’t have the proper permits and I don’t own the house.

“I done tracked them down, all the correspondence leading up was sent to me as far as fixing it. Every time I called an LS inspector, they told me to speak to Mr. Dixon, nobody never told me what to do. I wanted to avoid lawsuits with the city of Clay,” said Shaw.

Shaw said there is a tenant that currently lives in the house. He said he felt the council didn’t give the tenant a proper eviction notice and he feels what the council is doing is illegal.

City Manager Ronnie Dixon said the city put plans on hold to demolish the home

while they go through the courts to deal with determining ownership of the property.

He said squatters are currently living at the home and other legal matters will have to be dealt with.

“What Shaw said in the meeting was that we haven’t given that renter due process but the renter is actually a squatter,” Dixon said. “You can’t collect rent on a property you don’t own and Shaw was standing in the meeting saying he had been collecting rent on that property.”

In other business, the council approved the following item on the consent agenda: 1. Ordinance 2021-03 An ordinance to amend Ordinance 2018-01 which is a zoning ordinance in the city of Clay. The council is updating the Ordinance 2018-01 by adding language within the signed ordinance for a new air conditioning business on Clay/Palmerdale Road. The updated ordinance will allow the business to have a new sign that will cover the old cross. The whole sign area will be changed from 15% to 20%.

Clay City Council meets on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021.

Photo: Faith Callens.

During the City Manager’s report, Dixon discussed the financial report and told the public that the brim that were approved in the last meeting were placed into Cosby Lake.

“We’ve got the state involved to help us manage, so our deputies are enforcing the petition as well as the rangers, so hopefully those fish will be protected,” said Dixon.

Dixon also mentioned that 20,000 additional fish will be placed in the lake between late February and early March.

During Mayor and Council comments, Mayor Charles Webster said he received several “thank you” notes from two elementary schools, Clay-Chalkville High school and the middle school. Webster said the notes received were about a luncheon that was held the first week of school to welcome the students back.

Webster expressed his gratitude for the students and teachers to the public during the meeting.

“I appreciate what we do, and they realize how important it is that we support the school and they’re behind us 100% too”, said Webster.

Councilor LeWayne Allen spoke about the intersection of Chalkville Mountain Road and Sweeney Hollow Road.

He told the council that he felt it needed better painting and a closer eye based on how the drivers in that area drive.

Webster told Allen he was unsure of the exact date the city would paint the road, but he said the intersection had new lights up.

Councilor Becky Johnson also spoke her thoughts on the road. Johnson also mentioned that the Senior Center received a new member this week.

Councilor Bo Johnson talked about a food distribution event that happened Thursday at the Refugee property. The event is held twice a month with surrounding churches and organizations in the community. Johnson invites the residents to take advantage of the opportunity and sign up. Johnson said residents are welcome to unload trucks and help with the event as well.

Johnson also mentioned the Fall Festival planned for October 31 at the ClayChalkville High School.

Councilor Dean Kirkner said Center Point Fire Chief Gene Coleman will continue to give his fire reports and statistics every second Tuesday of the month.

Coleman spoke briefly about FEMA funds that his department was awarded to help complete their cancer awareness grant and the safety within the fire station.

Councilor Chris Nail said that the council is beginning the school’s awards program and he mentioned several winners. Crystal Owen, of Bryan Park Elementary, was one of the winners and Nail said he plans to get with the other winners from Clay Elementary and Clay-Chalkville High School.

Nail also mentioned Mrs. Studdard, a teacher from Clay-Chalkville High School that was one of the winners.

Nail thought her way of using the grant was interesting.

“Mrs. Studdard is using her grant for, which I thought her grant was interesting, a pharmacy type program at the high school,” said Nail. “She was going to build a simulator for the pharmacy program and the mayor is aware of that and kind of helped her with that, so I thought it was real, real interesting.”

Nail also mentioned the “Perfect Service Heating and Air” ribbon-cutting ceremony that was held for the business.

Nail said the building looks amazing and suggested the public stop by to see the newest owner’s improvements.

The next city council meeting is Tuesday, September 14.

Isabella Anya Body Waxing Studio 199 Beechnut Street Trussville, AL

205-452-2722 • Full Body Waxing for women • Select services for men

205-655-2851

6290 US Hwy 11, Springville

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. GEICO Is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2020. © 2020 GEICO

Isabella Anya Body Waxing Studio ’S MJ

DISCOUNT WAREHOUSE “Where you never pay retail!”

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!

Babies Don’t Come with Instructions…

We’re Here to Help!

(205)856-4440

totsnteenspediatrics.com

3729 Mary Taylor Rd. / Birmingham, AL 35235

NEW INVENTORY WEEKLY 1000’s of BRAND NEW items at DEEPLY DISCOUNTED prices

7054 Gadsden Hwy Trussville, Al 35173 205-508-5218 Follow us for our latest inventory & food trucks!

MURDOCK

TIRE & AUTO REPAIR

Tires & Complete Car Care Service

108 Watterson Pkwy Trussville, Al 35173

205.508.5993 | Mealsbymisty.com M-F 9:00 - 7:00, SAT 9:00 - 3:00

205.655.1515 ALWAYS AT A GREAT PRICE YOU CHOOSE STYLE & FABRIC

Meal Replacement Shakes & Loaded Teas 3190 Moody Pkwy, Moody 205-352-0322

5715 Chalkville Road Birmingham, Al 35235 205.853.1066 Facebook.com/bettsace

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

Serving the Birmingham Metro Area, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Blount Counties

BARNETT FURNITURE 6961 Gadsden Hwy

205-655-7049

www.barnettfurniture.com Facebook/barnettfurniture

SERVICE SHEET METAL INSTALLATION

655-5130

5071 Cardinal Street - Trussville

Follow us on Facebook for deals on Oil Changes & Tires!

5700 Chalkville Mtn Rd

205-844-5600

September 1 - 7, 2021

The Trussville Tribune

Leeds City Schools mandate masks due to COVID-19 From The Tribune staff reports

LEEDS — In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep students physically in school, Leeds City Schools announced that they will implement a mask mandate for students, faculty, staff and visitors in school buildings.

The mask requirement will run for two weeks, from August 24 to September 7.

“When we opened the doors for our students on August 11, we promised that our reopening plan was fluid and subject to change,” Leeds City Schools Superintendent John Moore announced on a social media post. “Today, we find ourselves with greater than 10 percent of our stu-

Jefcoed From front page

County Schools must wear masks on school campuses, at least until Oct. 1, to try to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Photo courtesy of the Leeds Elementary School Facebook page

dents excluded from school (positives + isolated), so we will change gears.

“Beginning August 24, masking will be required in all indoor spaces in the Leeds City Schools, for both the vaccinated & unvaccinated. Exceptions will be made when people are eating or exercising.”

The mask requirement may be extended, depend-

ing on what the school’s COVID-19 infection rate looks like.

“We will evaluate our numbers at that time and will make a decision regarding mandatory masks going forward,” Moore said. “I know these are trying times and we are all tired of dealing with COVID. Hopefully we will see improvements in the coming weeks.”

we saw our exclusion numbers jump from 3 percent to 10 percent,” the BOE stated through a press release.

“Universal masking will significantly reduce the number of students who are excluded

“With universal maskings, students and employees will be notified of possible exposure. However, these individuals will not be excluded from school unless they become symptomatic.”

The board asked that parents and employees report COVID-19 positive diagnosis or symptomatic exposure to the appropriate school nurse.

According to the BOE guidelines, COVID-19 positive and/or symptomatic exposed individuals must meet the following criteria before returning to school/work: • Must be isolated for at least 10 days after symptoms first appear • Must be fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications at the end of the 10 day period • Improvement of all other symptoms

Photo from Wikimedia Commons.

“Our primary goal is to keep students safe and healthy. I am concerned with the growing number of students who are excluded from school. In one week

from school due to exposure. Masks will mean more kids stay in class. Masks will mean more students continue learning from inside the school walls.

Page 5

Republicans From front page

The event was held in the city’s future Entertainment District’s pavilion.

Paul DeMarco, chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party, kicked off the event by announcing he hopes the breakfast will become an annual gathering.

He held a moment of silence for Americans in Afghanistan before prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem.

“This has been a difficult week for this country,” DeMarco said. “I want to take a moment of silence to recognize those men and women who lost their lives in Afghanistan this week.”

The prayer was spoken

by Northpark Baptist Church pastor Bill Wilks and the Star-Spangled Banner was performed by Bob Smith, Senior Adult Pastor of Trussville First Baptist Church.

ney General Steve Marshall, Secretary of State John Merrill and Secretary of State candidate Wes Allen, State Auditor Jim Zeigler and State Auditor candidate Rusty Glover, Commissioner of Agriculture and candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate, Public Service Commissioner candidates Jeremy Oden and John Hammock, Jefferson County Commissioner and Jefferson County Commissioner candidate Jimmie Stephens, State Senate candidates Sen. Dan Roberts and Sen. Shay Shelnutt, State House candidates Rep. Danny Garrett, Rep. David Falkner, Rep. Jim Carnes, and Rep. Allen Tread-

what he wants to see across the state.

“I love this venue,” Ainsworth said. “It’s exciting to see what’s going on in the downtown area, the development here. That’s one of the things we worked on, is trying to continue to have economic development in Alabama.”

It was passion that was seen as Katie Britt spoke after the event about conditions in Washington. The Enterprise native is in the running for U.S. Senate.

“It is clear in the last week that we have a lack of leadership in Washington, D.C.,” Britt said. “Joe Biden has failed us on every single front

“The Flag Man” Roy Brook led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Many of the candidates vying for Sen. Richard Shelby’s seat were in attendance at the event, along with several other officials and candidates for various state and local offices.

In attendance were: U.S. Senate candidates Katie Britt, Mo Brooks, and Jessica Taylor, Candidate for Governor Stacy George, incumbent Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, Alabama Supreme Court candidates Justice Kelli Wise, Greg Cook, and Debra Jones, Attor-

way, President of the Republican Women of North Shelby County Susan Dubose, Alabama Supreme Court Justice Will Sellers, Jefferson County Board of Education President Ronnie Dixon, and Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton.

Rep. Danny Garrett of Trussville said Saturday’s event was a success.

“Trussville made a great impression here,” Garrett said.

“We may grow more than 31% on the next census!”

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth said Trussville was welcoming and was an example of

but this may be the very worst that we’ve ever seen.”

U.S. Senate candidate Mo Brooks, who has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump also took a moment to speak about his run.

“I need your vote if you want a fighting conservative in the United States Senate,” Brooks said.

The U.S. Senate race will be part of the general election on Nov. 8, 2022. The primary will be on May 24 and a primary runoff is set for June 21.

Voters must register by Jan. 28.

The Trussville Tribune

Page 6

Childhood Cancer From front page

Lothspeich said although she is an educator, the children have taught her more than she could ever teach them.

“They have taught me to look for blessings in every situation, regardless of how

One day he is going to be admitted into the hospital to get put on a medicine 24/7.”

The Trowbridge’s hope Nolan can go back to school in January or February of next year. Until then, Stewart Trowbridge said he wants to help raise awareness about childhood cancer.

“My big thing is, I want people to know that it’s a

The Bertram Family

difficult,” Lothspeich continued. “And just to learn from these kids who are so resilient. They’re such an inspiration and they can inspire us to be better people.”

Ford’s grandmother said going through this with her grandson has put things into perspective.

“The little things don’t get to me as much,” Lothspeich added. “He has just inspired me in that way. If there’s ever something I want to complain about, I just look at him and say, ‘No, you’re not going to complain about that, that’s nothing.’ His resilience and his sheer joy that he shows every day. Even though he’s been through so much, he’s joyful and he finds good in people and he doesn’t complain.”

Nolan Trowbridge

Nolan Trowbridge A first-grader at Paine Elementary, Nolan Trowbridge is in the midst of a tough fight.

He is currently doing his work from home because he is undergoing treatments for leukemia.

His father, Stewart Trowbridge, said the family got the diagnosis when Nolan was only three years old.

“Our world just collapsed, more or less,” Trowbridge said.

It all started when Nolan began to have frequent fevers.

“He just kept getting a fever and he got a couple of fevers three or four weeks in a row,” Trowbridge said of the beginning of his son’s journey. “He would get better and then once he would get off the medicine, he would get sick again.”

Blood tests showed something was very wrong, so the family was sent to Children’s of Alabama, where they found out the problem was acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The Trowbridge Family

On Dec. 5 of 2020, Nolan had fought off the leukemia and was told he was in remission. But just a few months later, in March of 2021, they learned the cancer had come back. So, he is currently continuing his fight by undergoing aggressive treatments.

“Right now, he goes to the hospital once if not twice a week to get various types of chemo,” said Trowbridge.

“Last week he got a blood transfusion, he got platelets.

longer process than people really realize,” he added.

“Even though a child has hair, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the cancer is gone. Nolan has his hair right now and he looks like a typical kid, but he’s still fighting the battle of his life.”

The family moved to Trussville in 2010 and had their two boys here. They said they appreciate the support they have received from the community, Paine Elementary School, and First Baptist Church Trussville.

The church has helped with a T-shirt fundraiser, as well as with schedules at the WEE Center. The people in the Rivercrest subdivision, where the Trowbridge’s live, have put up gold ribbons on their mailboxes to raise awareness and the annual Trussville Witches Ride will benefit Nolan this year.

The Trowbridges said they have bonded with families at Children’s of Alabama, including the Bertram family.

He said having that support system has been beneficial for everyone.

Caleb Wilson Of the three children at Paine Elementary currently battling cancer, 10-year-old Caleb Wilson has a unique case.

Caleb has neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form along nerve tissue.

Caleb Wilson

When he was born with multiple birthmarks, his mother, Heather, said doctors told her it wasn’t a big deal.

Unfortunately, it became a big deal. He eventually was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Then, Wilson noticed something different in her son’s foot. She said one foot looked flat.

“Just one of Caleb’s feet was flat,” said Wilson. “The pediatrician said it was fine and he was just flat-footed, but I’m like, ‘Only in one foot?” said Wilson. “So, at that time, we knew that he had a brain tumor. It wasn’t an issue. It hadn’t moved or grown but when we got the new pediatrician, he wanted a full MRI scan.”

It was in 2018 when the new pediatrician learned that the tumor in Caleb’s foot was wrapped around his sciatic nerve and it was causing a lot of pain.

“That foot that wasn’t just flat, it was really a plexiform tumor and those kind of tumors aren’t a solid tumor, they grow like a bag of worms,” Wilson explained.

“We found that out and then they called and said, ‘By the way, his brain tumor has grown.”

Although the growth of the brain tumor wasn’t significant, the doctors noticed

there was cancer in it. Caleb was put on a chemotherapy pill but it was too strong for Caleb’s body.

“So, all last school year, he had no chemo, his tumor in his brain hadn’t grown anymore and his foot tumor had kind of stayed stable,” Wilson said. “But then on the last week of June, they called me and said that after his last MRI, his tumor had grown and it is now two centimeters big in his brain and his vision has decreased. He went from 20/20 to 20/40 vision in eight weeks.”

At that point, the Wilsons decided to put Caleb back on chemotherapy. Although the cancer in Caleb’s brain is isolated, it sits on his optic nerve. Caleb has a port and is currently on two types of chemo, but he isn’t letting it stop him from experiencing life with his peers at Paine Elementary School.

“I’m telling you, he is a trooper,” Wilson exclaimed.

“Last week, he had chemo on Wednesday and he wanted to go to school on Thursday.”

When he woke up Thursday morning, Caleb insisted on going to school like every other child.

“He woke up and he looked at me and he said, ‘Mom, I want to be normal, and I want to go to school,” Wilson said. “And so we got in the car. He was throwing up all that morning before he went to school. He went to school all day, got in the car, he was really tired when he got home but he went ahead and laid his clothes out and he was determined to go to school and be with his new friends.”

Caleb has a long road ahead of him and that isn’t something that is lost on the Wilson family. He has 70 weeks of treatment for the brain tumor and has to wear a leg brace, in the meantime, for the tumor in his foot. After he completes treatment for the brain tumor, Wilson said Caleb will then begin treatment on the foot tumor.

Heather Wilson said her son will continue this cycle throughout his life.

“We won’t ever hit remission,” Wilson added. “We see it time and time again, and it’s such a beautiful thing in Children’s Hospital, where the kids walk out and all of the family is there with cookies and signs and balloons for their last day of chemo. With this being a genetic disease in Caleb, we’ll never hit remission. It will be something he will have to live with his whole life.”

Heather said when she was pregnant, like all other moms, when someone asked if she wanted a girl or a boy, she always said she just wanted it to be healthy. Although most moms usually say the same thing, she said her experience with Caleb has really put the weight of that statement into perspective.

“I don’t think we realize how much power is really behind what we’re saying,” Wilson explained. “That right there, we are learning to count the small victories like, waking up and being pain-free.

As a mom, I am learning that the small victories throughout the day are huge and I’ve overlooked some of them.

Every day is a beautiful thing that I get to wake up and my body functions normal. Caleb doesn’t have that.”

And another blessing for the Wilson family has been finding out that their eightyear-old son, Gavin, has no signs of the genetic disorder.

The Wilson Family

Roy Yu

Roy Yu Cahaba Elementary second-grader Roy Yu was diagnosed with leukemia less than two months ago. At just six years old, the little giver is now taking on the fight of his life.

“He always remembers his family and friends,” said his father, Kenny Yu. “He always says, ‘Do you need anything? I will make something for you.’ If we go to a restaurant, he will give his hamburger to everyone.”

Amy Lee, Roy’s grandmother, said at first, the family thought Roy’s lack of energy was due to laziness. She said there’s a lesson there.

“We used to just think that he was lazy,” said Lee. “You know, when we used to go out he would always say that he was tired or sleepy. We just always said, ‘Come on boy, let’s move! But maybe we should listen more to a child.

When they say something, we just have to listen to them.”

The family also noticed that Roy would fall down a lot. But it wasn’t until he was pushed and had a leg injury that they found out the problem was much bigger. The leg injury wouldn’t go away and his pain was excruciating for weeks. After several trips to the emergency room, he was admitted into the hospital for two weeks for tests. Roy now undergoes chemotherapy treatments every week.

The Yu Family

Even though the treatments take a toll on his little body, Roy is still concerned about everyone else. When they go shopping, the family said, Roy always has a list of what everyone else wants from the store.

“He is really a really sweet boy, explained Lee. “Instead of us comforting him, he wants to comfort us.”

And for his mother, Ivey, and his father, it is hard to watch.

“When he cries, I want to cry,” Kenny Yu said. “I can’t do anything. It makes me so sad.”

The treatments sometimes make Roy irritable, so the family has had to explain to his sister, Amy, why he is having mood swings.

“Roy knows he has leukemia but he doesn’t understand what leukemia is,” Kenny Yu said. “We have to explain to his sister what it is so they don’t fight as much.”

Roy’s chance of survival is 90% but he will have to continue treatment for at least two years.

Lee said she would like to know of other families dealing with childhood cancer so they can learn from each others’ experiences.

Avery Richey “We were going to do whatever we could to give her the best chance.”

Those are the words of a grieving mother. A mother that has fought alongside her daughter. Lori Richey, and her husband, Shon, dedicated the past two years to try their best to help their daughter, Avery, as she battled cancer.

On May 17, 2021, their little girl took her last breath.

Avery’s journey began in 2019, at the age of five. The family noticed some changes

September 1 - 7, 2021 and knew they had to get her checked out.

“She started randomly complaining about some headaches and was having some balance issues,” Lori Richey said.

After visits to the doctor, she was sent for an MRI. The day before Avery was supposed to start kindergarten, the Richey’s heard the news that they knew would impact the rest of their lives.

“The first thing that came out of my mouth was, ‘She’s supposed to start kindergarten tomorrow,” Richey remembered. “It was shocking to know that the rest of everything that we had planned was going to be changed significantly.”

Avery Richey

Avery had a brain tumor.

It was the last thing the family expected and it was the beginning of an almost two-year battle for Avery’s life. Instead of starting school, Avery was hospitalized for 12 days while undergoing surgery to remove the tumor. During that time, the family learned the diagnosis was cancer: medulloblastoma, to be exact. ” At first, I was thinking a concussion, maybe even nothing,” said Richey. “So that was definitely not what we were expecting.”

Avery went through chemotherapy on and off from September of 2019 until the end of January 2020. The treatments were hard on her body and things never seemed to go as planned.

“We had three different rounds for four days,” said Richey. “Usually, you’re supposed to go home around day seven. We always ended up either not getting to leave or ending up back in the E.R. with a neutropenic fever, which means when your immune system is completely gone and you have a fever and have to be treated.”

From August through January, Avery spent 150 nights in the hospital. In January of 2020, a hopeful treatment: A bone marrow transplant. Avery was her own donor and the family had hope.

“You’re given statistics and we were given numbers but at the end of the day it doesn’t matter,” Richey said.

“You know, it’s either you’re going to survive or you’re not. It’s hard to put your child in a number range, in a statistic. But when we came out of bone marrow, all of her scans showed no evidence of the disease. So, recurrence was possible but we were thankful that we had gotten it.”

Avery was discharged from the hospital in February and was given scans every three months. Her May 2020 scans were clear. But in August of 2020, things changed.

“We found out in her scans that her cancer had come back very aggressively,” Richey said. “She had multiple tumors on her brain and throughout her spine.”

During this time, the family knew they had to explain things to their 10-year-old twins, Ella and Lexi.

“We obviously tried to remain hopeful and we knew we had options to treat but our team was very honest and we knew upfront that our chance of a forever cure was very, very small,” Richey said. “But we were going to do whatever we could to give her the best chance.”

Having that discussion with two children about their sister was very difficult, Richey said.

But the fight continued.

From August 2020 until April 2021, Avery was given the

best treatments available at Children’s of Alabama. At that point, the family said days and holidays became a blessing. They were thankful for every moment and appreciated the small things much more.

“It wasn’t so much fear at that point, it was just gratitude for what we were given,” Richey explained.

Avery’s body had a positive initial response to treatment but then, Richey said it stopped working.

“Her body was just so tired,” she said. “While we did receive good results initially when we had scans in April, it showed progression.

There’s only just so much you can take.”

Avery’s hearing was already impacted to the point she would’ve needed hearing aides and she lost her vision due to the cancer being in her brain. The family made the difficult decision to stop treatment on April 28, 2021. From that point on, her mother said she slept a lot and was in palliative care at Children’s. Her mother and father were able to be by her side during that time.

On May 17, the fight ended. Little Avery passed away.

“As much as it hurt, we had a peace with knowing that she wasn’t suffering anymore,” said Richey.

Richey said that’s all the family could ask for. Her pain and suffering was over, although theirs had only just begun.

“We wanted her to be healed,” she said with tears.

“My husband and I said over and over again that we would take her suffering and trade places with her in a minute.

And essentially, that’s what happened. You know, she was healed and went to Heaven, and now we’re suffering without her.”

Throughout the heartbreaking process, the family has realized more can be done for childhood cancer.

“Until we became a childhood cancer family, we didn’t know how many families in Alabama, and let alone now in Trussville, were going through this battle,” Richey said. “We didn’t know the odds that were stacked up against these kids and the lack of funding.”

The Richey family wants more money to go towards pediatric cancer research.

The Richey Family.

“All of the chemotherapy drugs that Avery was on were for adult cancers,” said Richey. “None of them were made specifically for children and none of them were even invented in the past 20 or 30 years. Kids are not just little adults but that’s how they’re treated in the cancer world.

They’re having to get things that may not affect adults so badly but for a developing, growing child, it could be detrimental to their future life.”

That is why Lori Richey is speaking out. She is now fighting for other families.

“As a parent that’s lost a child, it drives me to help raise awareness and get help for these other families,” Richey added. “And maybe one day, in the not-so-distant future, maybe another family won’t have to go through what we’ve gone through.”

If you want to join the cause, Children’s of Alabama is “Committed to a Cure” and has several ways you can help. You can find a link to Committed to a Cure in this story online at www.TrussvilleTribune.com.

September 1 - 7, 2021

The Trussville Tribune

Moody Council approves vaccine incentive pay, among other vaccine resolutions

By Nathan Prewett

MOODY — On Monday, Aug. 23, the Moody City Council passed several resolutions related to COVID-19 vaccines and actions to respond to the COVID-19 virus supported by funds from the American Rescue Plan.

Council members Matt Morris and Lynn Taylor were absent as one was ill with stomach flu, and another was on vacation.

The meeting began with the council recognizing the Moody Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. These were eight students from Moody High School who work with the Moody Chamber of Commerce on local events such as Oktoberfest and other community outings.

The council also recognized three Girl Scout members who were present at the meeting. Councilor Linda Crowe presented all who were recognized with a city pin.

Afterward, the council passed multiple resolutions before eventually coming to pass several resolutions related to dealing with the COVID-19 virus.

The first was a resolution to authorize City Attorney James Hill to seek the opinion of Attorney General Steve Marshall on issues about vaccination guidelines. Hill explained that Marshall recently issued guidance that “created questions” about the program as other cities pass vaccine incentive resolutions.

The council then passed a resolution that authorized vaccine incentives that would be subject to the supporting opinion of the Attorney General with funds being used from the American Rescue Plan. This action was opposed by Crowe.

“I just don’t agree with paying somebody to take a shot, which I think they should take anyway,” she said after the meeting. “I’m not against the shot, I just don’t like offering money. I think it should be your duty, not us giving money to do it.”

Despite this, Crowe supported the other resolutions with one being to authorize premium pay from the American Rescue Plan for essential municipal workers.

“What’s important is to know that the American Rescue Plan specifically au-

thorizes premium pay for employees who have not yet been adequately compensated during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Hill said. “That is specifically essential workers, which would be those workers in our first response system, those workers that regularly deal with the public and/or handle items that are covered items in local government.”

The final resolution passed was one to authorize grant allocation from the American Rescue Plan to support Moody’s four schools in the amount of up to $50,000 to be used to mitigate and try to prevent the effects of the COVID situation.

Hill explained that the allocated funds will be set aside to be used at a school’s request.

The resolution also authorizes up to $10,000 for the St. Clair County Virtual Preparatory Academy. Cassandra Taylor from the academy was present at the meeting along with Assistant Principal of Moody Junior High Joni Johnson, Moody Elementary Principal Lance Cisco, Moody High School Assistant Principal Demetrius Scott, and Moody High School Principal Chris Walter.

“This money is going to be put to great use for use,” Cisco said. “We’ve already got lots of ideas and creative ways that we can use it.”

Councilor Nick Rutledge emotionally expressed his thanks to the principals, saying that he has a child that is currently in the school system.

“I want to thank y’all from the bottom of my heart as a parent – not as a council member – as a parent for what y’all have done for our kids in the last two years,” he said.

Additionally, the council voted unanimously to maintain its existing government following the findings of the recent census. It was announced that Moody’s population is now more than 13,000 citizens, which prompted the resolution as required by law when a city exceeds 12,000 people. Hill said that this makes Moody the largest municipality in the county.

In other business, the council: • Approved a request from Fire Chief Horton to the monitoring of fire pumps for $550, • Approved Horton’s request to purchase Akron intake valves for Truck 4, • Approved a request from Police Chief Thomas Hunt to purchase two front tires and alignment for car 357,

• Approved Horton’s request for a yearly payment to Virtual Academy of $630, • Approved Horton’s request to purchase Citizen Police Academy shirts for $480, • Approved Horton’s request to purchase a Microsoft Surface Pro for $650, • Approved Horton’s request to renew the yearly SRO officer job post for another year to run through August 2022, • Approved a request from Crowe to donate $500 to the high school for the inaugural season of the girls’ flag football team, • Approved Crowe’s request to donate $500 for the varsity soccer team at the high school, • Approved a request from Mayor Joe Lee to authorize the 2021-2022 contract with St. Clair County Commission for central dispatching, • Approved Lee’s request for the yearly payment of $3,250 to the St. Clair County Commission for the Emergency Management Agency, • Adopted the city’s 2022 transportation plan pursuant to the Rebuild Alabama Act, • Approved the City of Moody Holiday Resolution for 2021-2022, and • Authorized a payment to the Moody Chamber of Commerce of $3,000 for Oktoberfest expenses.

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

New School From front page

The school system has Schoology in place if virtual learning is needed but Neill said she plans to continue following the Alabama Department of Public Health’s Toolkit for schools.

Neill said she, the board and Gaston are reading every email they receive and are responding to everyone.

COMMUNICATIONS During the workshop, Neill introduced Public Relations Supervisor Jason Gaston and asked him to discuss his Strategic Communications Plan.

The plan has four goals and Neill is asking for input from now until the October Board of Education meeting, “It’s a strategic plan specific to communications,” Gaston said.

Gaston said he spent time over the summer gathering information and best practices to develop the plan.

“I’m still soaking in the culture, still trying to understand what makes Trussville tick, what doesn’t work,” Gaston said.

The goals of the plan are: 1. Establish Trussville City Schools as its own chief storyteller 2. Position Trussville City Schools as the district of choice 3. Brand management 4. Create, enhance, and/or reinforce positive sentiments surrounding Trussville City Schools Gaston says although a lot of the goals overlap, he hopes the communication process with the school system will be a success in order to increase parent engagement and parent buy-in.

In the regular meeting, the capital plan and the budget for the fiscal year 2021-22 were approved.

The proposed budget contained a beginning balance of $27,748,935.04 and an ending balance of $29,489,230.83.

The fiscal year begins on October 1, 2021 and ends on Sep-

Page 7 tember 30, 2022.

The council also recognized Hewitt-Trussville High School students Andrew Jones and Carson Underwood, for winning the High School Fishing World Championship. The pair competed against 398 others in South Carolina.

The following items were approved as part of the board’s consent agenda. a. Approve Accounts Payable for: July 2021 b. Approve Payroll for: July 2021 c. Approve Financials: July 2021 d. Approve Board Work Session Record & Board Meeting Minutes for July 19, 2021 e. Approve the FY22 Budget f. Approve project request to add lighting to the front of Cahaba Elementary with cost covered through donations from the Fifth Grade Class of 2021. g. Approve increase of AP testing fee from $95.00 to $96.00 per the AP participation agreement h. Approve recommendation for a 3rd extension of the FFCRA due to COVID-19 i. Approve Edgenuity quote for Digital Libraries 9-12 Core Site License for the 2021-22 school year j. Approve the following field trips: • HTMS Cheer Team to Smoky Mountain Showdown, Pigeon Forge, TN December 16- 19, 2021 • HTHS Band to University of Georgia March 23, 2022 • HTHS Band to Disney World April 12 – 16, 2022 k. Approve renewal of Bid 20-03 for HTHS Sports Facility Cleaning I. Approve facility usage agreement for: • Trussville Marching Invitational for the HTHS Football Stadium and Fine Arts Annex October 9, 2021 m. Approve services for a Visually Impaired and Orientation & Mobility Specialist from June 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

n. Approve Kuta Software for six year site license for HTMS and HTHS math teachers o. Approve renewal of ATBE General Liability/Errors and Omissions Liability Fund Participation and Coverage and renewal of ATBE Automobile Fund Participation p. Approve agreement with Soliant Health effective August 18, 2021 through June 10, 2022 q. Approve the following bids: • HTMS Cleaning Bid 21-06 • HTHS Cleaning Bid 21-05 • HTMS Lawn Service & Landscaping Bid 21-07 • Paine Elementary Lawn Service & Landscaping Bid 21-08 r. Approve the 2021-22 Capital Plan s. Approve the following change orders: • 19-27-10R • 19-27-11 CREDIT • 19-27-08 • 19-27-12 t. Approve Student Teaching Affiliation Agreement u. Approve Psychoeducational Evaluations Service Agreement v. Approve Nimble quote through MicroPulse w. Approve EDF 08-31-2101 through 08-31-21-05 x. Approve Hewitt-Trussville High School theatre contract with MTI to be paid by the local school y. Approve ATC Healthcare Services Agreement The BOE also approved the superintendent’s recommendations on changes in personnel, contracts, extra services and supplements.

The meeting ended with the BOE going into an executive session to discuss pending litigation and good name and character.

The Trussville City School’s Board of Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, at 6 p.m., in the Board Room of the Central Office. There will be a work session at 5 p.m.

PROTECT YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSETS...

Call Vulcan to help protect your home, health & property!

W I LD L I FE ?

Contact Us at 663-4200 or online at www.vulcantermite.com

TERMITE &

PEST CONTROL INC

Serving the State of Alabama Since 1965 Pelham, AL 35124

Pumpkins & Mums areCALL back!

663-4200 www.VulcanTermite.com

335 Highway 11 Trussville, Al 35173 205-467-0294 205-834-6024 Glen Waldrop/Owner

www.argohardware.com

7018 Gadsden Hwy St 116 Trussville 205-602-1679 We have a great staff of barbers with over 100 combined years of experience cutting hair.

Cathy Chapple 45 yrs • Jay Shirley 45 yrs • Joni Poore 20 yrs

Owners: Greg & Beverly England

The Trussville Tribune

Page 8

September 1 - 7, 2021

Trussville PD seize 78 lbs. marijuana, thousands of THC gummies packages and more From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville Police Department seized a large amount of drugs and made an arrest after a months-long investigation into possible drug trafficking.

Justin Nowell Bishop, 37, of Grayson Valley, is charged with trafficking marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The arrest came after

a traffic stop in Jefferson County on Aug. 19, in which detectives said he was driv-

ing around with a large amount of marijuana and THC gummies. Investigators believe Bishop was coming back to his home in Grayson Valley after a trip across the country where he made several stops to buy the drugs.

Police conducted a subsequent search of Bishop’s Birmingham home and found more drugs. Detectives with the Trussville Police Department had been investigating Bishop since May of this year, according to police.

In all, more than 78 pounds of marijuana, 3,334 packs of THC gummies, 750 THC chewables packages, 107 THC vape cartridges, 499 containers of THC wax, and multiple bottles of liquid THC were seized during the investigation.

Members of the Hoover Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation.

Bishop was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on bonds totaling $216,000.

Pet Supplies Plus in Trussville Drive-thru scuffle with moves opening date due to Trussville police ends in construction delay arrest of man claiming

wrong change

From The Tribune staff reports

By Erica Thomas, managing editor

TRUSSVILLE — The owners of the new Pet Supplies Plus, located at 1672 Gadsden Highway in Trussville, have delayed the opening date for the store.

The store was originally supposed to open at the end of November this year, but because of a construction delay,

the new projected opening date is sometime in February of 2022.

The location, in The Promenade at Tutwiler Farm shopping center, is the location of the former LifeWay Christian store that closed in 2019. Barry Chase Foster and Terri Noe McPherson are opening the store.

Pet Supplies Plus is the nation’s third-largest pet re-

tail store. It is based out of Livonia, Michigan. According to its website, the chain features a large selection of natural food and treats made in the USA. The store also offers grooming and bathing.

Customers can shop instore or online using curbside pickup or same-day delivery.

Pet Supplies Plus has locations in Homewood and Pelham.

TRUSSVILLE — There was a heavy police presence at Arby’s in the Trussville Shopping Center Thursday night after an incident between a customer and employees of the fast-food restaurant.

Police said the man claimed he was given the wrong change in the drive-thru at the location off Chalkville Mountain Road.

Employees called police after saying the man blocked the drive-thru and refused to leave.

Officers responded and tried to talk to the man, but the talk didn’t go well. Police Chief Eric Rush said the man got into a physical altercation with the officers.

An employee told The Tri-

bune the restaurant followed proper protocol when the man claimed he was given the wrong change. She said she stopped, counted her drawer, and confirmed that she had the correct amount of money.

The man, whose name has not been released by authorities, was taken into custody for failure to obey and disorderly conduct.

No officers were injured during the altercation.

September 1 - 7, 2021

The Trussville Tribune

Calendar

Food for Fines September 1 @ 9:00 am September 30 @ 6:00 pm Free

Food for Fines is a monthlong event for all of the Public Libraries in Jefferson County. $1.00 in overdue fines will be waived for each unexpired, unopened, non-perishable food item you donate in September. Up to $10.00 per library card holder can be waived. This does not apply to lost or damaged items.

For more information, visit: http://www.jclc.org/foodforfines.aspx All food donations will go to local food pantries.

Venue Pinson Public Library Game Time @ the Park September 7 @ 4:30 pm 6:00 pm Free

(Teens, 6th-12th graders) Join us at 4:30 PM in Pinson Bicentennial Park on Tuesday, September 7th for Game Time! We’ll have a variety of lawn games available to play & snacks.

Teens only.

Pinson Bicentennial Park is located at 4200 Oak St, Pinson, AL 35126 Venue Pinson Bicentennial Park Evening of Dreams September 9 @ 5:30 pm 9:00 pm $150 11TH ANNUAL DINNER Silent Auction 5:30-7:00 pm Dinner, Program & Live Auction 7:00-9:00 pm Sozo presents An Evening of Dreams, dedicated to sharing both the stories and anticipation of our growing Sozo family. We are excited to celebrate the big dreams—both the individual dreams of each of our children and the big-picture dreams of Sozo as a whole—with our Sozo community and family! The night will consist of both a silent and live auction, an elegant dinner, and a collection of inspirational stories to share the redeeming work of how God takes stories of brokenness and transforms them into dream-filled lives of hope.

Venue The Club 1 Robert S Smith Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209 United States Storytime for Growin’ Beans at the Park September 10 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am Free

(All ages)

Storytime is back! Join us at Pinson Bicentennial Park on September, 10th at 10 AM for a Music & Movement storytime! We’ll read books, move to music, have a snack, & more!

All ages are welcome. The event will be held in the outdoor amphitheater to enable social distancing.

The weather may impact the event, so please check library communications for updates 4th Annual God Is Bigger Movement Bass Fishing Tournament September 11 $110

The God Is Bigger Movement (GIBM) is looking for anglers for the 4th Annual God Is Bigger Movement Bass Fishing Tournament to be held on Saturday, Sept. 11th, at Lakeside Park/Sports Complex in Pell City, Al. Proceeds from the tournament will be used for the sole purpose to continue to spread the God is Bigger Movement worldwide. Learn more at www. gibmovement.com.

Pre-register before Labor Day & your boat number will be entered for a chance to win a 7 NIGHT STAY 10/10/21 – 10/17/21 AT SEASCAPE RESORT IN MIRAMAR BEACH, FL. $4,930 in guaranteed prize money will be paid to 12 winning places, plus a “No Weigh-In Drawing” for a chance to win $100. The entry fee is $110 per boat, which includes $10 for Big Fish. Nitro, Triton and Ranger Bass Pro Shops Tournament Rewards are sponsored through Sylacauga Marine. To determine eligibility and register go to https://www.tournament-rewards.com/. Bass Cash is made available

by AmFirst. To determine eligibility and register go to https://www.amfirst.org/ basscash/ Paid anglers will be provided breakfast and lunch, and will be entered into two drawings. Boat numbers will be entered for a chance to win one of two $250 Bass Pro gift cards. The other drawing is for anglers and spectators for a chance to win lots of awesome draw prizes. Additional tickets are available for a $5.00 donation or 5 tickets for a $20.00 donation. Must be present at the time of drawing to win any prizes!

The God is Bigger Movement is a non-profit 501(C)3 independent organization that began in

2011 when the creator Rachel Shaneyfelt was diagnosed with Mesothelioma.

Shaneyfelt started making and giving away t-shirts as a reminder that God is Bigger. When the t-shirts became too costly, Rachel developed a challenge for her small group after ordering the first batch of 1,000 God Is Bigger bracelets, asking members to give them away to a complete stranger. Within one week, they had all been given away Over the past 10 years, with the proceeds from GIBM merchandise and fundraisers, over 600,000 grey silicone bracelets have been given out worldwide to missionaries, refuge centers, outreach programs, victims of human trafficking, flood, fire & mass shootings, for those who are hurting or lost, or given to total strangers as a reminder that, “When life gets big, God is bigger.” The ministry is based on Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible”.

In August 2017, Rachel Shaneyfelt, the founder of the God is Bigger Movement passed away after a six year battle with mesothelioma. It was Rachel’s wish that the God Is Bigger Movement continue. Her family and friends continue to spread the God is Bigger Movement in her honor to bring Glory to God Venue Lakeside Park 2801 Stemley Bridge Rd Cropwell, AL United States Zootopia Interactive Movie September 11 @ 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm Free

Join us on Saturday, September 11th at dusk at Pinson Bicentennial Park for Zootopia Interactive Movie.

We’re partnering with Pinson Parks & Recreation to watch the movie in the outdoor amphitheater & interact in fun ways. Each family will receive a kit with activities & a light snack.

What is an interactive movie?

Watch a movie together with a group & participate in certain actions at certain times during the movie. You’ll receive a kit with activities needed to participate. Example: when a character in the movie says “run”, you run in place!

What comes in a kit?

Each kit contains instructions explaining which actions to do during which parts of the movie. The kit also contains props & treats!

Pinson Bicentennial Park is located at: 4200 Oak St, Pinson, AL 35126

In accordance with Section 39-2-1 as amended

by H275 Code of Alabama, 1997, notice is hereby given that Gillespie Construction, LLC, 4565 Hwy 5, Jasper, Alabama 35503, Contractor, has completed, Jefferson County Commission, Bridge Replacement on Floyd Bradford Road Project No. 37-18-409 and has made a request for the final statement of said contract.

Page 9

Classified Call (205) 533-8664

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that Hand Service Company Inc. 110 Greenbrook Dr., Hazel Green, Al 35750 has completed all work on the Drilling Test Wells for Proposed Raw Water Source Project 3-009-19, for Trussville Gas and Water. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify the above named contractor and Trussville Water and Gas 127 Main Street, Trussville, Al 35173.

HEALTH/BEAUTY

ALABAMA CONSTRUCTION JOBS LEARN MORE about high-demand skilled

trades and construction positions. Begin your construction career with Go Build Alabama.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES CONSTRUCTION TRAINING SKILLED APPRENTICESHIPS

APPLY TODAY

GoBuildAl.com

ARE YOU BEHIND $10k OR MORE ON YOUR TAXES? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 855-887-9533 (Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm PST).

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery.

Only 2.8 pounds. FREE information kit. Call 844-3229935.

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices No payments for 18 months!

Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 833-449-1307.

HELP WANTED-GOVT

LONG DISTANCE MOVING: Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America’s Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 844-925-3534

JOBS AVAILABLE now with Alabama Department of Corrections. Opportunity to earn up to $7500 in bonuses! Competitive benefits package. Get started today!

Visit adocjobs.us.

SERVICES ADVERTISE STATEWIDE or by Region in over 100 Newspapers, reaching over 1 million readers each week!

Run your ad in our Classified Network for just $210 per week! Make one call to this newspaper (participating Ala-SCAN newspaper) or call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to advertise statewide!

SAVE UP TO 80% ON YOUR MEDICATION. Eliquis, Xarelto, Viagra, Cialis and more. Licensed and Certified. Lowest Price Guaranteed. Call 855-8996256 and get free shipping on your first order. (Open M-F).

TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call

866-475-1014. (M-F 8am6pm ET).

AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE TITLE Problems? We have a solution!

Call Jason Steward Enterprises, We’re Alabama’s #1 Vehicle Title Problem Experts! Free telephone consultation. North AL 1-256-850-0527, Central AL 1-205-267-5735, South AL 1-251-342-8538.

FOR SALE Directv Satellite Service starting at $59.99/month!

1 Year Price Lock! 155+ Channels available. Call Now to get the Most Sports on TV! 888-404-2087.

NEED NEW Flooring? Call Empire Today to schedule a Free in-home estimate on Carpeting and Flooring. Call Today! 1-888-381-0916.

UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home.

Professional installation.

Top quality - Made in the USA. Call for free consultation: 844-809-9165. Ask about our specials!

The Trussville Tribune

Page 10

O b i t u a ry

John Timothy Warren august

Virginus Key

12, 2021

december

John Timothy Warren went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 12, 2021. Kay and Jennifer, his sisters, and special friend Kim were with him when he passed away peacefully. Tim was an avid University of Alabama Football fan. Winning or losing, he supported his team to the fullest. Fishing at Lake Guntersville was a favorite sport that he loved. He loved fishing and was always ready to go. Tim is preceded in death by his parents, Sybil and Kelly Warren, and his much loved older brother, Randall K. Warren. Tim is survived by his sisters and their families. Kay and Jerry Birdwell and Jennifer “Jenny” and Jerry Bain. Uncle Tim also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Tim had many friends, many from Bank HS who will miss his friendship dearly. Tim was a Medical Coder, that was his niche and he loved his job very much. Tim was also a member at First Baptist Church. His Celebration of Life Services were held at Deerfoot Memorial Chapel in Trussville, Alabama Friday, August 20, 2021 with a Visitation 12 to 1 P.M. and a Chapel Service to follow at 1 P.M. In lieu of flowers you can make donations to Alabama Baptist Children’s Home in memory of Tim.

(age 80)

Ginus was a beloved Mother, and MawMaw to many, and enjoyed spending time with her family.

She is preceded in death by her first husband Robert Douglas Lyon, and second husband Ellie “Bill” Junior Key. She is survived by her daughter Melissa Lyon Wright, her son Steven Douglas Lyon, and granddaughter Jenna Ann Bearden.Services will be limited to immediate family at this time.

Janet Waites may

She was a faithful member of Faith Fellowship in Bessemer, where she led the choir, played the piano, and taught piano lessons to many people throughout the years.

Mrs. Waites is preceded in death by her husband Robert F. Waites, Sr. She is survived by her children Robin Vickers (John), Bob Waites Jr. (Debbie), Layne Blackburn (Mike), and Lori Thompson. She is also survived by her grandchildren Andrea Crawford (Mike), Jeremy Battles (Stephanie), Jennifer Wise (David), Heather Perkins (Drew), Nate Waites, Hannah Waites, Caleb Waites (Mish), Justin Blackburn (Cheryl), Carly Payne (Josh), Stevie Thompson, and Avery Thompson; along with 11 Great-Grandchildren, and 1 Great-Great-Grandchild.

A private family service will be held at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville.

Jennie Lorene (Shadix) Cleveland march

Wanda Huff Harp

6, 1936 ~ august 22, 2021 (age 85)

march

Wanda Huff Harp, age 85, of Calera, Alabama passed away at her home on August 22, 2021, surrounded by her daughters. Mrs. Harp is predeceased by her parents, Eddie and Mary Huff, husband, Freddie Jackson Harp, and her brothers, Perry Huff, Curtis Huff, Eldred, Rosco Huff, and sisters Margret Smith, Edna Campbell, Imogene Maynard, and Kathleen Elam.

9, 1931 ~ august 24, 2021 (age 90)

Cleveland, Jennie Lorene Shadix passed away on August 24, 2021, in Trussville, Alabama. She was born to William “Bill” Robert Shadix and Katherine Myrtle Taylor Shadix in Birmingham, Alabama. She grew up in Birmingham, and graduated from Woodlawn High School. She retired from being an accountant for several local plumbing companies.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy R. Cleveland, an infant son, her parents, and brother William “Bill” (Jean) Shadix.

She is survived by sons: Robert (Lynn) Cleveland and Doug (Wendy) Cleveland; grandchildren: Greg (Tiffany), Dana, Nichole and Katie Ann; and great-grandchildren: Easton, Lila and Hattie; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Jordon, and brother William Huff (Rachel) and her children, Deborah Marcantonio (Peter), Lisa Guarino (Nick), Carrie Fritz (Charles), Christopher Harp (Debbie) and Angela Mustoe (Shane Gallups). Meme, as she was affectionately known, adored her grandchildren; Shane O’Dazier (Jamie), Brandon O’Dazier (Terri), Dominick Guarino (Seanlynn), Jimmy Fritz, Michelle Miller, (Jared) Auggie Mustoe and Molly Mustoe. Great grandchildren; Bailey O’Daizer, Calem O’Dazier, Miley O’Dazier, Carmine Miller, Finley Kate O’Dazier, Silas O’Dazier, Enzo Guarino, Theo Guarino, and Beni Guarino. She also had many beloved nieces and nephews that share many great memories of her. Wanda loved Huff family reunions as there was always multiple card games, fish fry’s, memories shared from the sibling’s childhood and lots of belly laughs. She also loved a good margarita, Alabama football and planting flowers. Graveside service will be held Thursday, September 2, 2021, at 1:00 PM at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, Trussville, Alabama.

Pastor Brandon Matthews, Cultivate Church, will be officiating. Her grandson, Shane O’Dazier will be singing, Rock of Ages and He touched me.

Ask Eddie

29, 1934 ~ august 25, 2021 (age 87)

Mrs. Janet Waites, 87, of Pelham passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 25, 2021.

28, 1947 ~ august 26, 2021 (age 74)

David “Donut” Gail Marsh, age 74, of Birmingham, AL went home to be with the Lord on August 26, 2021. David was life-long resident of Birmingham. His family was the proud owners of Marsh Bakery in Birmingham where he spent many days and met the love of his life and remained married for 49 years. David attended Ensley High School. He was drafted into the US Army in 1967 and was honorably discharged in 1969. He retired from US Steel after 35 years of service where he received the nick name “Donut”, and then he worked in customer service at Publix for 14 years. He had a passion for fishing especially deep-sea fishing. He also enjoyed bowling and listening to gospel music. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gail and Joyce Marsh. David is survived by his loving wife, Glenda Marsh; his daughters, April Cuzzort (David) and Heather Fields (Al); two grandchildren, Brandon Fields and Jackson Fields. He also leaves behind three siblings, Melissa Hall, Joel Marsh (Sandy) and Kevin Marsh (Michelle); one brother-in-law, Jeff Phillips (Debbie). A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, September 1st from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The funeral for David will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday September 2nd at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will immediately follow the chapel service at Highland Memorial Gardens in Bessemer, AL.

18, 1940 ~ august 26, 2021

Mrs. Virginus Lyon Key, born on December 18, 1940 in Arab, AL to Melvin and Velma Maze, passed away surrounded by her loving family, on August 26, 2021.

David Gail Marsh may

September 1 - 7, 2021

Chloe G. Fraser november

(age 86)

23, 1934 ~ august 19, 2021

Chloe G. Fraser, age 86, of Birmingham passed away on August 19, 2021.

She was a member of Huffman United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Olen Gene Fraser. She is survived by her children, Michael E. Fraser (Michaela) and Lisa F. Duchock (Chris); and her grandchildren, Alison Morgan (Devon), Samantha Fraser, Jesse Masters (Shawna), Brandon Fraser, and Alexander Fraser.

Jefferson Memorial is a full-service funeral home and perpetual care cemetery dedicated to serving our community with dignity and compassion.

We Make it Personal®, one family at a time.

183 MAIN STREET // SUITE D TRUSSVILLE AL 35173

205.655.1009

Eddie Seal, Funeral Director

OUR GUARANTEE:

MOVE BETTER // FEEL BETTER // LIVE BETTER

Lessening the Burden of Grief by Giving Back Grief can feel like a massive burden to bear—and all too often, it’s a burden we feel like we’re bearing alone. One way to ease this burden, and to feel less isolated, is to get involved in community service.

This can be as small-scale or as ambitious as you want it to be. Maybe it’s as simple as volunteering to read to kids at an after-school program, or helping sort through donated items at the Salvation Army. Or maybe it’s something as grand as helping build a Habitat for Humanity house, or taking on a more full-time volunteer position.

What’s important is finding a cause that you’ll find meaningful—and ideally, a cause that will allow you to spend some time serving other people.

Giving back can help the grieving process in a number of ways. For one, it allows you to do something practical and concrete to make the world just a little bit brighter. That can be a powerful counterbalance to the darkness you may be experiencing inside.

Also, community service helps you to see the needs of other people, and to remember that a lot of people are hurting and struggling in different ways.

This isn’t meant to diminish your own pain in the least, but rather to put it into context.

Finally, giving back can give you a sense of purpose—a reason to get up and keep going, even amidst bereavement. For many mourners, that sense of drive can be invaluable and therapeutic.

As you think about the best ways to lessen your grief burden, think about methods in which you can give back to the people around you.

Jefferson Memorial FUNERAL HOME AND GARDENS

205-322-0543

1591 Gadsden Hwy

Birmingham, AL 35235

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

www.jmgardens.com

JeffMem.AskEddie’20 5.3”x10”

e w m o t i o n t h e r a p y. c o m PHYSICAL

THERAPY

//

YOGA

//

TRAINING

//

ZUMBA

//

PILATES

William E. Bright, Jr. Attorney at Law

205-655-9284

Page 11

sports Hewitt-Trussville vs.

Spain Park

Moody vs.

Hayden

The Trussville Tribune September 1 - 7, 2021

Leeds at Lincoln

Hewitt-Trussville shuts out Saraland

By Bobby Mathews, sports editor

TRUSSVILLE — Capitalizing on four Saraland turnovers and a stifling defense, the Hewitt-Trussville Huskies shut out the visiting Spartans 41-0 here Friday night, August 27, 2021.

After hitting Ryan Shoop for a 10-yard gain and a first down to keep the Huskies’ first drive alive, senior quarterback Cade Carruth hit Kelly for a 38-yard touchdown. The kick was good, and Hewitt-Trussville led 7-0 with 10 minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Saraland moved the ball quickly on their ensuing pos-

session, with Gabe Reynolds hitting a 27-yard slant to carve up the second level of the Huskies’ defense, using Matthew Milner as reliable target. But a big hit by the stop unit popped the ball loose and Hunter Jones recovered the fumble for Hewitt-Trussville on their own 20. The possession would go nowhere, however, and Saraland forced the Huskies to punt.

“You know, I definitely feel like we weren’t as crisp on offense as I would have liked for whatever reason,” Floyd said. “We kept shooting ourselves in the foot ... our third-down conversions weren’t very good. But one

Senior running back Connor Thomas (21) ran for 50 yards on five carries and two touchdowns in 41-0 victory for Hewitt-Trussville against an overmatched Saraland team. (Photo by Hannah Caver)

thing is that we came back and responded better in the second half.”

By that time, the Hewitt-Trussville defense was getting its bearings.

Hunter Osborne knocked down a Saraland pass on fourth down to stop a Spartan drive, and that led to an 11play touchdown drive powered by Connor Thomas on an 11-yard reception and then a quick burst straight up the guts of the Spartan defense to hit paydirt. With the successful point after, the Huskies were up 14-0 by the end of the quarter.

PELL CITY — Defenses didn’t surrender much Friday night for either side when Leeds traveled to face Pell City.

The big plays, however, went to the visitors.

The Green Wave scored twice on plays of over 40 yards late in the second quarter, more than enough to support a stalwart defense in a 17-0 victory.

“We’re not any good yet,”

Kavion Henderson celebrates the Green Wave shutting out Pell City 17-0. (Photo by Danielle Buzbee)

Leeds head coach Jerry Hood said. “We’ve still got a long way to go. These kids love each other, and they’re trying to be better every day.”

Hood’s squad took the game over right before halftime. Facing 3rd and 13 at the Panther 48, junior quarterback Jarod Latta rolled right and found senior Damorion Felder well behind the nearest defender for the game’s first touchdown.

On the very next possession, Leeds faced fourth down at the Panther 48-yard

By Bobby Mathews, sports editor

BIRMINGHAM — The Moody Blue Devils used a superlative performance by junior quarterback A.J. Wallace and a stifling defense to defeat John Carroll Catholic School 34-14 here Friday night, August 27, 2021.

Wallace went 16-for-22, throwing for 236 yards and four touchdowns, and he also scampered for another 120 yards rushing.

See MOODY, Page 13

See HUSKIES, Page 13

Leeds holds Pell City scoreless in 17-0 victory

By Will Heath, for The Tribune

Moody slams the door on John Carroll to go 2-0

line, with 26 seconds left in the half. Junior CJ Douglas, lined up behind center, took the snap on a fake punt and turned that into a 48-yard touchdown.

It turned out to be more than enough for a defense that sacked Pell City’s Baylor Smith four times, forced a turnover and allowed the Panthers to cross midfield only twice.

“I think the effort was tremendous,” Leeds defensive end Kavion Henderson said afterward. “It was great.”

HewittTrussville girls cross country wins Black & Gold Classic, boys finish 4th From The Tribune staff reports

SCOTTSBORO — The Hewitt-Trussville girls cross country team opened the 2021 season with a win at the Black & Gold Classic in Scottsboro on Saturday, August 28, 2021. The Huskies finished 18 points ahead of James Clemens to top the 15team field.

Keystone Financial Group focuses on helping you maximize your future financial standing. Most of all, we ensure you a level of customer service and interaction that is genuinely personable.

HOURS OF OPERATION Monday - Friday 7am-5pm Saturday 9am-2pm

Brandon T. Guttery Financial Professional

High Quality Digital Printing Promotional Items Letterhead, Envelopes, Invoices

205-602-3463 205-419-5082

sales@weldonprinting.com

3644 Vann Road • Suite 116

ALL POSITIONS! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! WILL TRAIN - FLEXIBLE HOURS - GOOD PAY Apply in person OR online at www.complete-cleaners.com/employment

Central Alabama's ONLY Licensed GreenEarth Cleaner

The Trussville Tribune

Page 12

September 1 - 7, 2021

Clay-Chalkville explodes Springville’s Clements early, then holds on late era starts with a win

By Britney Bailey, for The Tribune

CLAY-CHALKVILLE — A dominant first half paved the way for a Clay-Chalkville win as the Cougars held off a furious rally by the Hueytown Golden Gophers, 57-40.

The Cougars went up 36-6 at the half, getting on the board first thanks to a Marquarius White 58-yard reception from a Khalib Johnson pass. With 8:36 left in the first quarter, the score was 6-0 after a missed extra point.

The Cougar defense did their part on the other side of the ball, forcing Hueytown to punt in their first possession. After a string of competing penalties, the Cougars found their groove with Khalib Johnson leading ClayChalkville on a 7-play drive.

The Cougars went up 12-0 after Osley ran in from eight yards out. The two-point conversion failed.

Johnson started off the second quarter with a pass over the top to White for 19 yards. With Osley working in the trenches and establishing the run against the Hueytown

defense, Johnson was able to hit White for a 9-yard touchdown pass.The two-point conversion was good on a pass from Johnson to Amari Howell and that put the Cougars up 20-0 with 9 minutes of football to go in the half.

Cam'ron Williams scores for Clay-Chalkville against Hueytown.

(Photo by Ron Burkett)

The Cougar defense held Hueytown to another 3-andout on their next possession.

Osley found the end zone on a six-yard run at the end of a six-play drive that saw the Cougars rack up four first downs. Another twopoint conversion — this one run in by Cam’ron Williams — made it 28-0 for Clay-

Chalkville.

Matthew Yafondo picked off a Hueytown pass to give the ball back to the Cougars.

On the next possession, Johnson found White again for a touchdown, sending the Cougars lead to 36-0.

The Gophers would answer on their next possession after Earl Woods scrambled his way into the end zone leaving the score 36-6 going into halftime.

From there, the ending wasn’t really in doubt.

To start the third quarter, Johnson hit Jalen Mbakwe for a 60-yard bomb to widen the lead. The PAT was good, which made it 43-6. The Cougars held on through the Hueytown rally, allowing 34 points in the second half and finally salting away the victory, 57-40.

“We can’t let up. We can't assume anything, we gotta come out and finish the second half no matter who’s in, what the situation is, we have to execute every single play,” said Clay-Chalkville head coach Drew Gilmer. “We’re lucky we came out with a win right there.”

By Johnny Sanders, for The Tribune

SPRINGVILLE — Friday night, the St Clair County Saints traveled to Springville to begin the season for both teams. In what would be a crazy game at times, Tigers gave new head coach Jon Clements his first win in the purple and gold despite some adversity.

“I was really worried about how we would handle adversity and we didn’t flinch," Clements said. "I think you want to see adversity in game one and we saw a lot of it. We had kids go down with cramps and other kids step into their shoes and fill them.”

The adversity began after quarterback Ashton Frey was unable to control a high snap on the first offensive drive of the game, giving the ball to the Saints at the 46. On the next play, St Clair’s Nigel Dowdell found Jacoby Blanks for a 54yard touchdown strike to put the visitors on the board first.

On their next outing, Springville put together a drive that got them close enough for a John Wolf field goal that would get them on the board

The Springville Tigers got off to a good start by winning their opener against St. Clair County Friday night, August 27, 2021.

and make it 7-3 Saints. 2 minutes later, Dowdell dropped back to pass, but this time Springville’s defensive leader Jamel Williams picked it off and took it back 34 yards to put his team up 10-7.

The excitement continued for the home team as Patrick Bennett found paydirt from 11 yards out on the next offensive possession and, after holding St Clair to a second consecutive punt, Frye found Jamel Williams for an impressive 62-yard touchdown with 1:33 left in the first quarter.

The opening stanza would end with Springville holding a commanding 23-7 lead.

"Ashton’s got to play better," Clements said. "He had

a big run on a broken play.

We’ve got to find a way to throw the ball. We can’t just run the ball against everybody in our region.”

The second quarter would continue to excite the crowd as St Clair running back Jackson Lindsey burst down the field for a 75-yard touchdown run. Not to be outdone, Frye called his own number from 68 yards out and put his team up 31-14. After a penalty on the kickoff, St Clair found themselves backed up at their own 8 yard line and Ryan Parker took it to the house from 92 yards away to close the gap to 31-21 at the 7:30 mark and that is how the half would end.

Pinson Valley takes Shades Valley to the woodshed for a 49-0 thrashing

By Joe Crowe, for The Tribune

PINSON — In what was essentially an old-fashioned whippin’, the Pinson Valley Indians took a 49-0 win in Willie Adams Stadium against Shades Valley here Friday night.

The Indians started off with a touchdown at 9:01 in the first quarter, and never

looked back.

With 6:41 left in the first half, Shades Valley got the ball at their 20 after the Indians missed out on a 42-yard field goal attempt. Moments later, Pinson’s No. 4, T.J. Metcalf, intercepted at the Shades Valley 25. At 5:36 left in the half, Sharpe drove for 25 yards to bring the score to 20-0.

With 45 seconds remaining in the half, QB Zach Py-

ron (no. 11) completed a 33yard pass to wide receiver Korbyn Williams (no 6), who turned a 33-yard pass in for a touchdown. Another field goal success pushed the score to 28-0. No. 23 Rod Ivy turned a pick-six into a 40-yard return -- with yet another extra point, Pinson Valley led 35-0.

The Indians refused to take their foot off the accelerator in the third quarter, as

The Pinson Valley Indians had their way with a Shades Valley squad that’s now 0-2 to start the season. (Photo by Ron Burkett)

a touchdown pass to No. 13 Amare Thomas and the extra point set the score at 42-0.

Mike Sharpe II’s iron-man moment arrived at 5:57 in the third quarter, as the running back turned an interception into an astonishing 97-yard touchdown run. At that point, the end was all but inevitable for the Mounties. As time ran out, Shades Valley lost out on another field goal attempt.

“We played the way we wanted to play,” said Coach Sam Shade after the win.

With 2:02 left in the first, Pinson Valley increased the score to 14-0.

With 45 seconds remaining in the half, the Indians turned a 37-yard pass in for a touchdown -- then intercepted again, and ran it back for another TD, bringing the score to 35-0 at the half.

September 1 - 7, 2021

The Trussville Tribune

Center Point falls to Fairfield

By Bobby Mathews, sports editor

FAIRFIELD — It came down to size. Tied at 14 in the third quarter, the Fairfield Tigers rode their larger offensive line to stay on the field, using multiple fourth-down conversions to pull away here Thursday night, 32-14 over the Center Point Eagles.

that as much. But they played a good game, and my hat’s off to them.”

Early on, it looked like the Eagles would fly. Junior running back Troy Bruce catapulted Center Point to an early lead when he patiently waited for his blocks to develop, then darted around the left side and through the Tiger defense for a 27-yard touch-

down. The PAT was no good, but the Eagles led 6-0 with 9:03 left in the first quarter.

After forcing the Tigers to punt, a fumbled led to a Fairfield recovery at the Eagles’ 35-yard line. But after a pair of incompletions by Hand-

ley and a seven-yard sack by Hicks, the Tigers lined up to punt again.

Eagles quarterback Jabari Collier couldn’t find much room on the next possession, and the Eagles had to punt.

An illegal block in the back penalty cost Fairfield half the distance to the goal, but that didn’t faze the Tigers. After another incomplete pass by Handley, the struggling quarterback threw a 28-yard completion, and then Hezekiah Hudson-Davis went around the left side of the line for a 19-yard sweep. He added another 10yard run, and suddenly Fairfield had three straight first downs.

Center Point called a time out to try to break the Tigers’ momentum, but it was for naught as Hudson-Davis tore off another 10-yard run for a first down, and then Handley found a wide-open Ja’Kobi Albert for a 28-yard touchdown pass. The PAT made it 7-6, and the Tigers had the lead with 1:10 left in the first quarter.

They would never relinquish it.

Center Point travels to play Alexandria this Friday.

out) is really good,” Finkley said. “We prepared for them all week, we were really mentally dedicated to this game. I just see us putting this effort forward to the next couple of games in the season.”

The Huskies looked like they had momentum, setting up for a punt return by McCants. Instead, the return went off of his fingertips, and Saraland recovered with a little more than 5 minutes to go.

But KJ Jackson stepped up, forcing a fumble and the Huskies recovered to take posses-

sion late going into the half.

That possession wouldn’t net any points, and HewittTrussville was forced to punt.

But on Saraland’s next possession, Rickey Gibson stepped in front of one of those pesky slants and intercepted the ball for the Huskies. Carruth led the offense down the field on a seven-play drive that stalled after a pair of incompletions for a turnover on downs. With nine seconds left in the half, Saraland didn’t make an issue of things, instead kneeling down to run out the clock.

Center Point went into halftime tied with Fairfield, but couldn’t score in the second half against the Tigers, losing 32-14.

(Photo by Bobby Mathews)

“I think their size certainly had something to do with it,” Center Point head coach George Bates said after the game. “Early in the season like this, we play a lot of guys both ways, and they have the luxury of not having to do

Huskies From page 11

While Saraland tried to make a meal off of the readpass option and use quick slants to frustrate the Huskies, Justice Finkley would have none of it in the second quarter, sacking the Spartans quarterback for a 13-yard loss. The very next play, Hunter Osborne followed the quarterback as he rolled toward the Hewitt-Trussville sideline and planted him for another 10-yard loss.

“I think (getting the shut-

Page 13

Leeds Green Wave mourns passing of father of OL Jackson Bartee

From The Tribune staff reports

PELL CITY — The Green Wave family said goodbye to one of their own over the weekend as Ross Bartee, the father of senior offensive lineman Jackson Bartee, passed away over the weekend.

After Leeds defeated Pell City 17-0, Panthers coach Wayne Lee called Jackson Bartee to the center of a huddle composed of both teams as they knelt to pray. Lee then led the two teams as they prayed for the elder Bartee.

"No. 53, he’s got family here in Pell City too," Lee said. "Bartee is his last name.

His dad was basically, Coach Hood told me this morning, they basically gave him 0 chance to make it through the day. It just happened this morning. So we wanted to let him know that our thoughts and prayers are with him and

Moody From page 11

Davion Dozier caught seven passes for 103 yards and a touchdown while Kolby Seymour caught two scores as well and totaled 58 yards receiving.

This is the first two-game winning streak for the Blue Devils since 2017, when they beat John Carroll 17-6 in the final weekend of September and then turned around and whipped Woodlawn 35-12 on the first Friday in October.

With the score tied 7-7 and time running out in the first half, John Carroll had a chance to score with a little chicanery, breaking out the hook & lateral in a bid to

Players for Leeds and Pell City gather around Jackson Bartee to pray for his father after the Green Wave’s 17-0 victory in Leeds on Friday, August 27, 2021. (Photo by Will Heath)

his family."

The score didn't matter anymore as the two teams prayed on the field.

"Pell City, what they just did, is ultimate in class," said Leeds head coach Jerry Hood.

"That’s what high school sports should be about; it’s what leading young men is about. We got a kid with a par-

ent who’s having a rough time, and he brought to the forefront, and both teams fought their guts out in the game and prayed to our Heavenly Father, for that man. I couldn’t be prouder to work in a profession with Wayne Lee. It’s all class, just touches my heart."

Will Heath contributed to this report.

go by a score going into the break. Moody’s defense rose to the challenge, pushing the receiver out of bounds inside the five-yard line as the clock hit zero.

John Carroll opened the scoring in the second half when quarterback Carson McFadden tossed a screen pass to Aaron Mason for a 32-yard touchdown. The PAT was good, and the Cavs led Moody 14-7 with 9:04 left in the third.

But the Blue Devils wouldn’t stay down. They answered back with a 37yard touchdown pass from Wallace to Seymour to tie it up, and then Moody went ahead for good when Wallace hit Dozier with a 22-yard

pass. The PAT was no good, but the Devils had the lead, 20-14, with 7:34 left in the third quarter.

They would never look back.

Near the halfway mark of the fourth quarter, Dozier stepped up and put the Cavaliers to bed. The receiver took a short hitch all the way to the house for a 78-yard score with 6:22 left to play in the game.

The PAT made it 34-14. Running back Nick Burrell had 84 yards on 20 rushes and a touchdown. Blayne Burke added six catches for 44 yards and a score as well.

The Blue Devils will play their home opener — and first region game — on Friday, September 3 against Hayden.

The Trussville Tribune

Page 14

September 1 - 7, 2021

Moody’s A.J. Wallace Hewitt-Trussville named Tribune Player named Tribune Team of the Week of the Week

Hewitt-Trussville offensive linemen Kade Martin and Trevor Pruett join senior wideout Omari Kelly as the three look toward the sideline for the next play during the Huskies’ blowout 41-0 win over Saraland on August 27, 2021. (Photo by Hannah Caver)

By Bobby Mathews, sports editor Moody junior quarterback A.J. Wallace threw for 236 yards and four touchdowns, while running for 120 yards in Moody’s August 27, 2021 victory over John Carroll to lead the Blue Devils to their first 2-0 start since 2015. (Photo by Jason McCrory)

By Bobby Mathews, sports editor

MOODY — The Moody High School Blue Devils are 2-0 to start the 2021 season, and junior quarterback A.J. Wallace is a huge reason why.

The Blue Devils haven’t opened a season with a 2-0 record since 2015, and they haven’t had a two-game win streak since beating John Carroll and Woodlawn backto-back in 2017. Against John Carroll on Friday, August 27, 2021, Wallace went 16-for-22 with four passing touchdowns and ran for 120 yards on 13 carries.

“AJ, being a coach’s kid, he’s been around the game since he was a kid,” said Blue Devils head coach Adam Wal-

lace, who is also A.J.’s father.

“He really understands what we’re doing on offense, because he’s been so immersed in it. He’s really good at extending plays, like he did this past week when a play would break down, and then he runs and gets 10, 20, 30 yards or makes a throw on the run to extend drives when we need him to.”

That’s why Wallace is this week’s Tribune Player of the Week.

Overall this season Wallace has gone 24-for-33 for 414 yards with seven passes going for touchdowns. He’s also run for 204 yards total in two games this season. Using weapons like Davion Dozier, Kolby Seymour and Nick Burrell, Wallace and the Blue

Devils look nothing like the 2020 team that took the field.

Moody plays six games on the road this season, and this Friday night they face Hayden High School in their home opener. Hayden has lost its first two games of the season.

Other finalists for The Tribune Player of the Week include Hewitt-Trussville defensive back/running back Connor Thomas, who rushed for 50 yards on five carries for two touchdowns and an interception against Saraland, and Huskies wideout Omari Kelly, who had 145 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

The Tribune’s Player of the Week is sponsored by OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports.

Overall this season Wallace has gone 24-for-33 for 414 yards with seven passes going for touchdowns. He’s also run for 204 yards total in two games this season.

PHOTO BY Jason McCrory

TRUSSVILLE — The final score said it all: 410. The 7A No. 4-ranked Hewitt-Trussville Huskies made an emphatic statement against a good Saraland team on Friday night, balling out on both sides of the ball.

That’s why the Huskies are The Tribune’s Team of the Week.

The Huskies looked dominant on defense, causing five turnovers and holding the Spartans to 147 total yards.

Justice Finkley and Hunter Osborne scored back-to-back sacks and soaked up blockers to let senior Jamarion “Bam” White make plays from his linebacker position.

“Saraland is a really good offense,” Hewitt-Trussville head coach Josh Floyd said after the victory. “They have some big weapons. We contained them somewhat. Our defense played incredible,

and we’re really proud of them.”

The stop unit allowed only six first downs for the entire game. Senior defensive back Connor Thomas nabbed an interception, Finkley recovered a fumble, White got a turnover, and so did Rickey Gibson and Hunter Jones. By the end of the night, the Huskies had recovered five turnovers. and the Hewitt-Trussville went home 2-0 heading into a road game against Spain Park next week.

For a little while, it looked like Saraland would cause some problems. The Spartans took advantage of their readpass-option scheme to hit the inside slant for some big plays. But once the defensive line got that big push to put the Saraland quarterback under pressure, the Huskies secured the shutout victory.

Cade Ott Carruth was 13for-24, for 260 yards, with two huge touchdown passes to Omari Kelly for scores.

One of those touchdowns, a 64-yard bomb with a little more than 10 minutes to play in the third quarter, appeared to be a catalyst for the Huskies, as they scored twice more in the quarter to put the game securely out of reach of the Spartans.

James Hammonds barely missed the century mark on the ground, toting the rock 16 times for 98 yards and a touchdown, while Thomas rushed for 50 yards on five carries with two touchdowns as a change of pace from Hammonds.

The Tribune’s Team of the Week is sponsored by Courtesy Buick GMC. Also considered this week: Leeds High School, which shut out Pell City 17-0 with a dominant showing, totaling 355 yards of offense, as well as an outstanding defensive performance from Kavion Henderson (4 tackles, 2 sacks) and Cody Cody Saulisbury (7 tackles, 1 sack).

Hewitt-Trussville

CONGRATULATIONS A.J.!

Full Traditional Funeral Service Including Casket

$3,999

M3Performance and Physical Therapy

See the difference Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home can make.

Choose Quality. Choose Affordability.

205-655-3444

5360 Deerfoot Parkway – Trussville, AL

DeerfootMemorialFuneralHome.com

Kendell M. Jno-Finn PT, DPT, TPI-M2

M3Endeavors.com

Move Well • Live Well • Do Amazing Things

(205)508-3811 // 7040 Gadsden Hwy Suite 100 // Trussville, AL 35173