The Trussville Tribune – September 13 - 19, 2023

New SiteOne Landscape Supply branch now open in Irondale

By Chase Holmes News Reporter

IRONDALE — A new branch of SiteOne Landscape Supply is now open in Irondale.

The company specializes in all things outdoor landscaping including sprayers,

Irondale recognizes efforts of local citizens, first responders with awards

By Terry Schrimscher

For the Tribune

IRONDALE – The Irondale City Council met Tuesday night, Sept. 5, for the first regular meeting of the month. The Council had a full agenda including several recogni-

‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ opens at ACTA this weekend

By Crystal McGough Editor TRUSSVILLE – ACTA

Theatre’s production of “The Play Goes Wrong,” directed by Zach Skaggs, will hit the stage on Friday, Sept. 15, kicking off six performances spread out over two weekends.

The 2023 Tribune Readers’ Choice Award nominations are open

Moody hears rezoning concerns, recognizes promoted officer

Nathan Prewett

By

From The Tribune staff reports TRUSSVILLE — Each year, Tribune readers select the best of the best from

across the Tribune’s nine-city coverage area. Nominations for the 2023 Tribune Readers’ Choice Awards are underway. The awards will highlight the best

of the best of businesses in The Tribune coverage area, which includes Trussville, Argo, Clay, Pinson, Center Point, Springville, Leeds, Moody and Irondale.

Our readers will choose finalists and winners in 168 categories, from Best Burgers to Best Dentist to Best Park.

Velcro Pygmies ‘Tune-Up’ Trussville for this weekend’s return of Dog Daze

By Crystal McGough Editor

TRUSSVILLE – Dog Daze, hosted by the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce, will return to the Historic Mall in Trussville this Saturday, Sept. 16, with vendor booths, festivities and giveaways for the whole family. The free, public event will last from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

“Trussville Dog Daze is a fun, family event … and the admission is free,” the chamber states on its website.

“So much going on including kids’ activities, vendors, food trucks, art walk, cornhole tournament and lots of entertainment. Make plans to visit Dog Daze on September 16, it is a day you will not want to miss!”

The Dog Daze excitement kicked off last weekend on Saturday, Sept 2, with a free concert by the Velcro Pygmies at the Trussville Entertainment District.

energy rock,” have been a fan-favorite heavy metal cover band since 1990, and this performance did not disappoint.

crowd, performing on top of one of the picnic tables in the grassy area in front of the stage.

Leeds Council rejects proposed school athletic project, settles litigation

By Nathan Prewett

For the Tribune

LEEDS – The Leeds City Council has rejected a proposal from the Board of Education to implement a $2 million capital improvements project to the athletic programs for the high school be-

Trussville Rotary Club announces date of annual golf tournament

From The Tribune staff reports TRUSSVILLE – The Trussville Daybreak Rotary Club has announced its annual charity golf tournament will be held Monday, Oct. 2. The tournament will take place at the Grayson Valley

For the Tribune MOODY – The Moody City Council heard concerns from citizens regarding a request to rezone 27 acres of land for home development that they said may cause potential traffic and flooding See ROTARY, Page 8

The Velcro Pygmies, who describe themselves as “high

The “Tune-Up for Dog Daze” event opened with local singer Ethan Womack before the Velcro Pygmies took

the stage to an Entertainment District that was packed with both old and new fans rocking out and hoping for a chance to touch the hand of one of their favorite Pigmies.

On more than one occasion, guitarist Chase West left the stage and joined the

Frontman Cameron Flener took an opportunity later in the show to hand the stage

speaker Dr. Earl H. Tilford at the Trussville Civic

WORKSHOP, Page 8 See DEI, Page 8

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Velcro Pygmies rock the TED at Tune Up for Dog Daze on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023 (Credit: Crystal McGough)

Moody

From front page issues as a result of the construction.

The meeting began with reports from department heads for the month of August, with Police Chief Reece Smith saying that there were 1,179 calls for service, 25 traffic accidents, 116 citations, 119 reports completed, 91 misdemeanors, 36 felonies, and 12,986 miles driven by police vehicles. Expenses for vehicle maintenance were $1,607.95.

Fire Chief Larry Horton said that there were 154 responses, seven fires (two residential, one business, three vehicles, one woods, grass or rubbish), 87 emergency medical calls, nine vehicle wrecks, 16 public service, 17 lift assists, 18 false alarms, and three mutual aids given. There were 42 annual inspections, five re-inspections and one pump inspection.

The council then held several public hearings, beginning with using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for improvements at the Dave Treadwell Waste Water Treatment facility. The improvements include modernization,

SiteOne

From front page

bricks, irrigation equipment and even fire pits. The Irondale branch is located at 1916 Alton Road. The branch is open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. They are also open on Saturdays, 7:20 a.m.12 p.m.

Chase Nielsen, Branch Manager, said SiteOne is proud to be a part of the community.

“We supply small and big business owners who do land-

L oca L / R egion

capacity expansion and treatment process upgrades.

Afterwards, the council held a public hearing for the rezoning of the 27 acres located off of Moody Parkway and Highway 411 from AG-1 Agricultural to R-2 Single Family Residential, allowing for 100 by 150-foot lots. The request was made by Wellington Development Company.

A citizen, Judy Monroe, asked about the potential for water runoff, a possible issue that was addressed by City Engineer Keith Hager.

“The actual question of rezoning talks about use, density, size of those lots that the planning commission recommended to you,” he explained to the council. “If you guys would like to act on that and actually rezone that property we would begin the process of compiling all those engineering reports, those would all come to the city to (David) Crowe and to myself. At that time, we would evaluate all those things. We would have to follow regulation in the city and we’ll watch it closely.”

Several other residents expressed concerns about the amount of traffic that could bring to nearby subdivisions,

scape and hardscape, weed control and everything of that sort,” Nielsen said. “We help churches out that need materials and our help in our local communities.”

The Irondale branch mainly carries lighting, irrigation equipment, stone, and other supplies of that nature. Anything found on their website that is not available or out of stock in store can be ordered by their associates in store or online for customers.

Nielsen said SiteOne’s goal is to foster a sense of

especially for first responders when traveling through them if the request is approved.

Mayor Joe Lee said that there would be drawings of construction plans that would be presented at the next meeting.

Joe LeBlanc brought up the potential for rain to create flooding in the area, to which Hager said that there would be a study to address preexisting conditions and find ways to mitigate it.

The council took no action on this item, which will be brought up again at the Oct. 9 meeting for consideration.

community so that when customers walk in the store, they know they are going to receive great service from associates they trust.

“SiteOne takes care of our people,” he said. “When customers walk in, we greet them with a smile and a drink in hand. We want to help them get what they need done and not pay fortune.”

For more information about SiteOne or to see their online inventory, visit their website at www.siteone. com.

Some time afterwards, the council passed its 20232024 budget. Councilman Lynn Taylor pointed out the highlights, beginning with the total revenue, which was $33,105,105,182. The total expense was $15,019,295. There was a 10.9% surplus on the budget and the council was able to give a 3% pay raise for all city employees, he said.

Capital projects were $793,000. Department requests came at $323,991, the largest being the police department and new cars. Tay-

lor said that the budget will be available on the following day and citizens can request it through the city clerk.

The council later recognized a local officer, Brian Smith for his promotion to the rank of sergeant in the School Resource Officer or SRO division.

“Everybody knows that he’ll be taking over the SRO program, so I’m really proud of him,” said Chief Smith. “And I’m looking forward to what that program can do.”

Smith also introduced a new officer, Wesley Chapel,

who joined the department recently.

Lastly, Moody will be getting a new seafood restaurant after the council approved a development agreement with Wharf Casual Seafood. The defunct Ruby Tuesday building will be the location for the new restaurant.

In other business, the council:

• Recognized Nov. 17 to Nov. 23 as 2023 Alabama Farm City Week, Approved repairing athletic field lighting for $1,773.43,

• Approved repairing a Public Works Bobcat vehicle for $2,400,

• Renewed the fire department’s yearly contract with Automatic Fire Systems for the alarm monitoring at the fire pumps for $540, and

• Hired Whitt O’Brian as a grant writer for the city. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at Moody City Hall on 670 Park Ave. Nathan Prewett can be reached at Nthomasp6@ gmail.com.

Moody Police Chief Reece Smith and Sgt. Brian Smith. (Credit: Nathan Prewett)

SiteOne's Irondale branch (Photo provided courtesy of SiteOne)

tions from Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. who, after missing both August meetings, returned to his tradition of recognizing local achievements in his report to the city.

Stewart welcomed a large group from Kirkwood by the River who attended the first part of the meeting in support of Homer McGough, who was being awarded a proclamation from the mayor. McGough is a resident of the retirement community.

“Last month, I had an opportunity to go to Kirkwood by the River,” Stewart said. “This year, I had a chance to meet a new friend as I was getting ready to leave. Mr. McGough is 105 years old.”

Stewart presented McGough with a proclamation for being one of Irondale’s oldest citizens. McGough was born Feb. 26, 1918.

McGough spoke a few words thanking the crowd in attendance and was joined in song by his friends from Kirkwood with a verse of the hymn, “In The Garden.”

Stewart also invited musician Kim Scott to perform jazz flute for the crowd in attendance. Scott has reached #1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz charts with three different singles and her 2022 single, “Shine” was the Billboard Song of the Year.

Scott served as chair of

the music department at the Alabama School of Fine Arts for 14 years. She will be performing at the Irondale Music Festival on Sept. 23, 2023.

Mayor Stewart also took a moment to introduce Marsha Kelley-Sutton as the Interim Executive Director of the Irondale Senior Activity Center. The center has been temporarily closed since Aug. 15, 2023, and reopened under her direction on Sept. 5, 2023.

In the department reports, Lt. David Brasher filled in for Chief Josh McDaniel. Brasher presented the Citizen Heroism Award to Adam Goodman and the Citizen Lifesaving Award to Brandon Coleman. Both men were instrumental in saving the life of another citizen they spotted preparing to jump from an overpass onto I-20.

Brasher also presented a letter of commendation to Firefighter Paramedics Jackson Pardue, Jeremy Weems and Brandon Garner. The three first responders were

on their way to a fire college class and assisted Goodman and Coleman in mitigating the situation with the potential suicidal jumper.

Councilmember Cindy Cuellar gave an update on funding for the entrance to the Karl Daly community and the expansion of the Cahaba River Trail. Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight, along with members of the Council, assisted with funding for the projects and spoke briefly to the crowd.

The Council approved four items of new business during the meeting.

A contract with Gonzalez-Strength & Associates, Inc., not to exceed $49,500, for landscaping and graphics along the I-459 exit at Grants Mill Road.

A $2 increase in garbage collection rates.

A one-time bonus for city retirees approved by Act 2023-107 of the Alabama Legislature.

• An amendment to city code standardizing rates paid for water beyond the first 1,500 gallons of water used.

The Council also approved an item of old business, hiring Sheppard Harris & Associates to do accounting work to exceed $40,000. Stewart noted the monthly work would help the city reduce time and costs associated with annual audits.

Stewart announced the receipt of a check for the city’s recycling efforts from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management in the amount of $283,698. He said the city would buy a new

truck, 1,000 new cans for recycling and spend $20,000 on education efforts.

The Council also approved 17 items on a consent agenda including the use of discretionary funds to support various programs in local schools. Additionally, the Council approved: $10,000 retention stipends for Dr. Loni Hodge, Principal at Grantswood Community Schooland Mr. Taki Sarhaan, Principal at Shades Valley High

School. Accepted a bid from RCI & Associates for the Ellard Park Dog Park Project in an amount not to exceed $851,650.

• Accepted a bid from J.D. Morris Construction in the amount of $660,192.16 for the Transportation Alternatives Program sidewalk project. The next meeting of the Irondale City Council will be held at 6 p.m. on Sept. 19, at Irondale City Hall.

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Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. presented a proclamation recognizing 105-year-old resident Homer McGough as one of Irondale’s oldest citizens as friends and residents of Kirkwood on the River watch. (Credit: City of Irondale)

Kim Scott entertains the Irondale City Council. (Credit: Terry Schrimscher)

Lt. David Brasher recognized Firefighter Paramedics Jackson Pardue, Jeremy Weems and Brandon Garner for their lifesaving efforts in preventing a distressed person from jumping off a bridge. (Credit: City of Irondale)

Leeds

From front page

fore later settling a litigation case, though very little information was given.

Before turning their attention to the agenda, the council heard a proposal from Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin about purchasing new body and vehicle cameras from Axon Enterprises. He said that the body cameras feature a live-streaming ability where viewers can communicate with an officer.

The cameras also feature a navigation system that pinpoints where an officer is in cases such as when they are calling for support. Car cameras will reportedly be able to scan up to three other vehicles and report any that have been stolen.

The proposal was approved for a cost not to exceed $415, 461,21.

Later, the council came to a proposal from the Leeds Board of Education to approve the capital improvements plan for the high school. The plan would have constructed a field house containing locker rooms, meeting spaces and parking spaces, as well as renovating the Jerry Oxford Jim and fixing drainage issues at the middle school, said Superintendent John Moore.

However, the proposal was met with opposition from several on the council who raised concerns about funding.

“I don’t see the city spending $2 million on the high school,” said Councilman Kenneth Washington. He went on to say that there were other projects more needed

Nominations

From front page

With a simple nomination and a click for a vote, you have the power to advance your favorites to the top of the list.

for the community, namely a civic center, though he clarified that the schools were still important to him.

Councilwoman DeVoris Ragland-Pierce echoed Washington’s concerns and similarly said that a project such as a community civic center would be more important, especially for juveniles, though she agreed that some renovations are needed to the athletic buildings.

“I think that, as a city councilor, we’re supposed to be transparent when it comes to city business,” she said.

“And I know that some of this was proposed in that tax increase that we talked about a couple years ago and most of our constituents – they didn’t agree with that, they didn’t want that. So I think that, for me, I think that it’s a good idea on what (the board wants) to do because I grew

To make your nominations, register online at https://www.trussvilletribune.com/2023/09/06/ the-2023-tribune-readerschoice-award-nominationsare-open/.

up in Leeds and I went to that school, and yeah, it does need a facelift but it is not worth $2 million of the city’s taxpayers’ money to do so.”

Council members Eric Turner and Angie Latta said that the bathrooms there were in much need of repairs.

“Whether or not this is the right way to go about it, I don’t know yet,” said Latta. “But the bathrooms in of themselves are a huge issue that needs to be addressed.”

Moore spoke and said that while the dissenting council members raised good points, the city uses the facilities for its metro programs, which include football, cheerleading and basketball.

“We don’t charge anything, we don’t ask for anything,” he said. “The city does a lot for the school system, we’re aware of that. So this is not just an investment in

Nominations are open from Sept. 6, 2023, until Oct. 4, 2023. The top four nominees in each category advance to the finals.

Finalists will be announced on Oct. 11, 2023.

the school system; it’s also an investment in the youth programs that have used those facilities for the entire city.”

Sometime afterwards, Mayor David Miller agreed that a civic center is more needed but mentioned that the city is facing mandated reclassification of police and fire employees, and the coming changes could mean a required 10% increase in pay for all city employees. Rising prices caused by inflation have also caused complications and put strain on revenue. He added that there are future projects with uncertain costs.

“I must agree with (Washington and Ragland-Pierce) that this is not the time for us to spend $2 million of city funds for this particular project, as worthy as it is,” he said. The resolution failed after a 2-4 vote. Afterwards, the

Finals will be open from Oct. 11, 2023, until Nov. 8, 2023. You may vote once per day, per device. You must have a valid email to register.

council added an item to the agenda to go into executive session.

Just a little more than an hour later, the council returned and Miller announced that the council would take action on an item that would allow the city to settle a litigation case, which was approved by all except for Turner. City attorneys Scott Barnett and Johnny Brunson could not spare much in the way of details, but Barnett said that the settlement had no monetary amount.

During public comments, Ernest Mitchell spoke about what he said was profiling being done by officers of the police department. He said that he had heard from other

citizens that people have allegedly been pulled over by police for being out of state or for unimportant reasons, and expressed concern that Leeds was in danger of being similar to the Brookside police practices that have gained national attention.

Mitchell also said that he feared that the new technology being purchased may lead to officers violating citizens’ rights.

Irwin later rebuked Mitchell’s comments, saying that his claims were hearsay and that they were things that he “had no factual knowledge about.”

“Everything he said was what someone else told him,” Irwin told the Tribune. “And we’re not Brookside. We have probable cause when we make our traffic stops. We have video cameras where I can pull it up if somebody files a complaint to investigate whether or not it was an illegal stop.”

In other business, the council: • Determined a property on Parkway Drive to be a nuisance, • Refunded $56,192.59 to a taxpayer not in the city limits, and Approved $26,500 to replace the overhead doors of Fire Station No. 1. Meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of every month at City Hall on 1400 9th Street Northeast. Agenda packets can be seen online at the City of Leeds website.

Councilwoman DeVoris Ragland-Pierce (Credit: Nathan Prewett)

“I love this show. I think it is probably one of the funniest, if not the funniest, show ever written,” Skaggs said. “It’s comparable in some ways to ‘Noises Off,’ where you kind of get the feel of the backstage workings of a show. … Each of our actors is actually playing another actor who is playing a character in a show. So, you get a peek into their acting troop, the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society.”

Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, “The Play That Goes Wrong” tells the story of a group of actors who are excited for the opportunity to put on a murder mystery play called “The Murder at Haversham Manor.”

“The basic premise is that they’re putting on a show that’s maybe a little bit above their level,” Skaggs said. “They’re good actors and they’re very passionate about what they’re doing, but they’re reaching for something that is just a bit beyond their grasp, and you get to see the effects of that through the show.

Dog Daze

From front page

over to students who have gone through the Velcro Pygmies’ Reach and Teach program, a nonprofit program where the band performs concerts at high schools that were planned and promoted by the students. These inspired teenagers formed a band of their own and performed live for the audience at the “Tune Up” event.

“This was the most important part of the night,” Flener said. “This is where we hand the torch to the next generation to take music where it needs to be.”

“There’s a fun bit in the opening monologue where they talk about how proud they are to do this production because in the past they haven’t had enough actors to play all of the parts,” he added. “So, they really build it up that this is the first time they’ve really gotten everything right and this show is going to go really well for them, and you can see that hopefulness that they have.”

Apart from the actors, Skaggs said that the set, itself, is considered a character in the show.

“This is probably the most complex set that ACTA has ever had for a show,” he said.

“I feel really confident saying that. We’ve put a lot of hard work into building it.”

Tickets prices are $18 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and $12 for students, and can be purchase in advance at acta. booktix.com. Performances are Sept. 15-17 and 22-24, with 7 p.m. showings on Friday and Saturday nights and 2:30 p.m. matinees on Sundays.

“I think it’s going to be a really high-quality production,” Skaggs said. “I’m super excited to share it with the community.”

Now that the community has been properly “tuned up,” the public is invited this weekend to continue the celebration at the Historic Trussville Mall with the return of Dog Daze (formerly Trussville City Fest).

Those who have been around the Trussville community for a while will likely remember the original Dog Daze festivals held annually at the Mall off North Chalkville Road. Named after the “dog days” of summer, which according to the Farmer’s Almanac is considered to be a 40-day period of excessive heat lasting from July 3 – Aug. 11, the festival was originally held each year in August.

Over the years the dates were changed due to the heat, and in 2013, the name of the festival was changed to Trussville City Fest. The location also changed, moving from the grassy Mall to stretching all the way down Parkway Drive from Main Street to Cahaba Elementary.

In July, the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce announced that they were officially “Bringing it Back” to its original location and name: Dog Daze.

Throughout the day Saturday, patrons are invited to visit the Fresh Farmer’s Market at Holy Cross Church, and then

head over to the Mall where they will find various booths and vendors, in addition to a wellness area, food court, a car show, and the Bryant Bank Kid’s Area, featuring a foam dance party, balloon animals and face painting, and lots of other family activities.

Fun Source will provide a Kid’s Zone with rides and inflatables, and unlimited-rides wristbands will be available for $25 cash, a portion of which will go back to the

Trussville Chamber’s Scholarship fund.

Pet Supplies Plus will be holding its annual “Pup Strut” dog show on the stage at the mall, with registration being held the morning of the event at the Cahaba Dog Park tent.

“You and your pup will not want to miss out on being a part of this year’s pup strut,” the Chamber website states. “All money raised will benefit this great organization.”

Visitors should also be

sure to stop by the Central Hub to stay informed and make sure they don’t miss out on any of the exciting activities.

“Come be a part of this great festival,” the chamber stated. “There will be plenty of food, fun, booth vendors, kids’ activities, live entertainment, car show, touch that truck, pup strut and much, much more! And be sure to pick up one of the official Dog Daze T-shirts with this year’s great design for only $15!”

Brown Automotive is the presenting sponsor for Trussville Dog Daze. Other sponsors for this year’s festival include Courtesy Buick GMC, Bryant Bank, AmFirst Credit Union, Birmingham Coca-Cola, Ascension St. Vincent’s and Grandview Medical Center/Freestanding ER, Voigt-Abernathy Company, Pet Supplies Plus, Aire Serv, Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens, BBB of Central & South Alabama, Wilbur’s, WZZK, Trussville To Go, APCO Employees Credit Union and SouthPoint Bank.

For more information, visit www.trussvillechamber. com or call the chamber office at (205) 655-7535.

Velcro Pygmies frontman Cameron Flener

(Credit: Matt McGough)

Velcro Pygmies guitarist Chase West entertains fans on top of a picnic table at the TED (Credit: Crystal McGough)

Springville planning law enforcement monument at Big Springs Park

By Terry Schrimscher

For the Tribune

SPRINGVILLE – The Springville Council met Wednesday morning, Sept.6, for the first regular meeting of the month. The meeting was moved to 8 a.m. on Wednesday, instead of the usual first Monday time slot, due the Labor Day holiday.

Police Chief Wayne Walton and Rick Hopkins, director of Springville Parks and Recreation, started the meeting with a discussion on a proposed monument in Big Springs Park. Walton began by saying a monument for fallen officers has been his goal for several years.

“This is the only memorial in this county, there’s not another one like it,” Walton said as he noted the monument would include fallen officers from all of St. Clair County.

“Moody has a memorial for their two officers. Pell City has a memorial for their two officers. Nobody has a memorial for everybody.”

Hopkins added the design is similar to the firefighter monument located outside of Springville Fire Station #1 near City Hall in Springville. The firefighter monument is a memorial to Springville Firefighter-Paramedic Jared Wayne Echols who died in the line of duty on June 17, 2019.

Walton said the law enforcement monument will feature a bench, blue lighting, a rock wall and the names of fallen officers from St. Clair County, and will be built on an existing concrete slab. He said much of the funding and work has been donated already and he hopes to cover the $9,000 cost of the monument with donations.

“I’m steadily getting donations. I’ve got a bunch of

people who have said, ‘Let me know when you want the checks,’” Walton said. “I’m looking at it not costing the city of Springville a dime. That’s what I am hoping.”

Chris Dunston returned to the Council to propose a city flag. He previously spoke on the idea at the January 9 meeting. Dunston presented one design as an example and said the Council can view some of his designs on his Facebook page.

The Council has not made a decision to create a flag for the city.

Don Smith, Executive Director of the St. Clair County Economic Development Council, presented an update to the Council on some of the EDC’s accomplishments. Smith said the EDC has evolved in the 25 years since it was created but remains focused on its primary objective to serve the entire county by recruiting new business.

“Fast forward 24 years, almost $2 billion in capital investment, I think it’s about 8,000 new jobs that we’ve announced and we’ve continued to evolve over the last 25 years,” Smith said. “It wasn’t

City of Pinson, Center Point Fire District receives funding from Danny Garrett

By Nathan Prewett For the Tribune

just industrial recruitment but then retail recruitment including the Walmart that’s here,” he added. “Five years ago, it became apparent from the citizens that tourism was something that was missing in this county and a way of connecting the different chambers of commerce. The lodging tax is up 88% since 2019 and that’s whenever we kicked off that tourism initiative.”

Smith added the EDC’s next five-year strategic plan includes working with the education sector to focus on workforce development.

“The cornerstone of everything is going to be education,” he said. “It is almost impossible for us to recruit a company into our community who may need to employ 200-250 employees if they talk to the other employers who can’t find workers.

“We have to reestablish the workforce development pipeline that was completely decimated during COVID. That’s not just with K through 12 but it’s also with post-secondary education.”

Smith also noted the EDC is focused on infrastructure and public safety grants and hopes to house a grant writer to serve St. Clair municipalities to assist with funding for critical development opportunities.

The Council approved a parade permit for the annual homecoming parade on Sept. 22. The parade will be the same weekend as Homestead Hollow. Chief Walton and members of the Council expressed concern about potential traffic delays caused by the parade during the annual tourist event.

The next meeting of the Springville City Council will be held at 6 p.m. on Sept. 18, with a work session at 5:30 p.m. prior to the meeting.

PINSON – The City of Pinson and the Center Point Fire District received two checks from Rep. Danny Garrett during a meeting of the city council on Thursday, Sept. 7.

Garrett, who represents District 44, said that funding has been provided to communities from the Jefferson County Service Fund, which helped in building the pavilion at Turkey Creek. Schools have been provided with money from the Education Trust Fund.

“This year is unusual because we had a $2.8 billion surplus because of all the federal money that came into the state,” he said. “So we’re going to go around a few weeks and pass out checks to schools and we took some of that surplus money to the fund. So actually, this year we’re going to do three years worth in one check.”

One check that he presented is for the Center Point Fire District. He mentioned that he has presented close to $100,000 to the fire districts in Pinson and Clay. He presented the second check to the City of Pinson in the amount of $20,000.

Afterwards, Erik Hendon from Hendon and Huckstein delivered a presentation on the ongoing renovations to the Rock School Center. The building was recently fitted with a new roof, so the next phase will be to perform interior work.

Hendon said that they were given $350,000 to do the work, which will primarily be done at the old gym. New carpets, walls, stage sound and other acoustics will be part of the project.

After the council passed its items on its agenda, the floor was opened to public

comments where DieDra Ruff spoke about a fundraising effort for the Pinson Valley Arts Council. She announced that a premiere of her film “Frienemy For Life” will be held at the Rock School Center on Sept. 23.

Admission is $20 per person and all proceeds will go to the arts council, which recently hosted students of Pinson Valley High School who spoke with cast members of the film.

“We want to be able to be of assistance to the students, to the community as well,” Ruff said.

Director of Operations Eric Winfrey spoke afterwards and said that Parks and Recreation Director Matt Nixon reached out to find grant money for a proposed playground at the Pinson Youth Sports Complex. During their research, they found GameTime, a company that offered a matching grant of $80,000 in which the city would pay half if approved.

Winfrey also said that they applied for an innovative community designation grant from the state that would establish a “smart city infrastructure” and would include implementing a WiFi hot spot, installation of IOT devices and other smart applications. There would be no required match if approved.

During the work session, Councilwoman Glenda Kirkland brought up the possibility of outsourcing payroll, which was followed by a discussion at some length though no actions were taken. Mayor Joe Cochran did not agree with the idea and expressed his opposition to it. Towards the end of the discussion, Kirkland mentioned the city operating the current payroll without a budget, which was brought up at a previous meeting last month. Cochran said that there was now a budget for the city and that he would deliver it to her on the following day.

In other business, the council:

• Rezoned two properties on Main Street from C1 to Highway Commercial and one on Main Street from A1 to Rural Residential, Terminated its contract with Merrick Bank and authorized a new contract with Global Payments Direct for credit card processing, and

• Funded $500 to ClasTran for transportation services. Pinson City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of every month at City Hall on 4410 Main Street. Livestreamed meetings can be seen on the city’s Facebook page.

Springville plans to build a St. Clair County Law Enforcement Memorial similar to the Firefighter Memorial outside of Springville Fire Station #1.

(Photo from Springville Fire Department's Facebook page.)

Left to right: Capt. Chris Horn, Rep. Danny Garrett, and Chief Brandon Dahlen. (Credit: Nathan Prewett)

money of $2,000 for the recipient. The ball drop is sponsored by Courtesy Buick GMC.

Hole sponsorships and team registrations are currently still available.

To sign up to play in or sponsor the tournament, or to purchase ball drop tickets, please contact Diane at dlpoole1225@gmail.com, Frank at frankjett@hotmail.com, or Van at wvh52@yahoo.com.

Presenting sponsor is Milam and Co. Construction. Corporate sponsors to date are Amerex Corporation; Bryant Bank; Carroll Pharmacy; Commissioner Joe Knight; First Baptist Church Trussville; and Trimm Design Build.

at the Trussville Civic Center on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

Attorneys C. Blake West & JoAnn B. Higginbotham will be speaking at the event. The workshop will have two sessions on Sept. 19. The first will run from 10 a.m.11:30 a.m. while the second will be held from 2 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. According to Vertical Estate Planning, participants will be able to learn more about:

• How to avoid having your life savings or retirement plans wiped out by the cost of care as you get older

• How to protect your belongings against your kid’s debts, divorce or disability

• How to maximize the inheritance you leave to your children

The pitfalls of putting as-

Center on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023.

The topic of discussion will be Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Going Woke at Bama and Auburn, where Tilford will address what DEI is and its place in higher education.

Refreshments and coffee will be served from 5:30- 6 p.m. The meeting will start immediately after at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Dr. Earl H. Tilford holds PhD’s in American and European History, and Soviet and East European politics. He is the author of “Turning the Tide: The University of Alabama in the 1960s” and “Crosswinds: The Air Force’s Setup in Vietnam.” He also co-edited “Eagle in the Desert: A Look Back at the Persian Gulf War.”

sets into your children’s names

• How to avoid unnecessary expenses in the event you incur nursing home costs

• Why your current power of attorney may be useless if you want to protect assets

How to keep your affairs private.

To learn more about the event and reserve a seat, please visit Vertical Estate Plannings website event page at verticalestateplanning.com/ workshops/9-19-23/.

Photos courtesy of the Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club

Trussville Civic Center, located at 5381 Trussville Clay Road

September is AFib Awareness Month

By Crystal McGough Editor

The month of September offers a good reminder to those over 50 that it may be a good time to visit your general practitioner and get your heart checked. While February is more commonly known for being National Heart Month, September is officially the month for promoting Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness.

Atrial Fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm that comes from the top chambers of the heart. According to Dr. John Parks, and interventional cardiology specialist with Ascension St. Vincent’s, AFib is probably the most common abnormal heart rhythm in the U.S. in adults.

“AFib is an increasing problem in the U.S.,” Parks said. “There are about three million people in the United States that have AFib.” Parks described AFib as an irregular heart rhythm where the heart beats fast and skips around a lot.

“People might notice this if they have symptoms of palpitation such as racing or skipping in their chest, but it tends to be a very fast heart rate (around 120),” he said. “It tends to be something that happens in older folks, particularly in folks above the age of 65.”

While AFib in young people is considered rare, it can occasionally be diagnosed in younger people who have congenital heart disease due to being born with a heart defect.

In general, however, Dr. Parks said he would recommend people over age 50 have an EKG at least once every three to five years with their primary care doctor, just to look for potential issues.

Untreated AFib can result in complications such as blood clots or even strokes.

“That’s why we’re trying to bring awareness, so we can decrease risks for folks,” Parks said.

“Generally, people have symptoms with AFib – they end up coming to the emergency room because it tends to make them have symptoms of shortness of breath or chest pain. But occasionally, people will come in with AFib that don’t realize (they have it) – so not everyone has symptoms with AFib – and they’ll come in presenting with a blood clot or a stroke, and that comes with that rhythm problem.”

Blood clots happen with AFib when the heart beats so fast and irregularly that blood flow gets stagnant inside a small area inside of the heart, Parks said. A blood clot then forms in the heart and can move outside of the heart.

“If it goes to the brain, it typically causes a stroke and, unfortunately, they tend to be large strokes,” Parks said.

AFib is usually diagnosed by an EKG or heart-rhythm tracing, either in the doctor’s office or in the emergency room.

“That’s the easiest way to diagnose it for sure,” Parks said. “There are some newer phone apps (such as the Kardia app) and things like

Apple watches that can sometimes pick up abnormal heart rhythms that can be clues that something is going on.”

If this happens, he says people should be checked out by their primary care doctor or a cardiologist.

While AFib can cause other health problems like blood clots and strokes, it can also be caused by pre-existing health conditions.

“People that have had heart problems in the past like coronary artery disease or high blood pressure, those are things that can cause people to have AFib,” Parks said. “Sleep apnea and other stressors can cause AFib, as well.”

AFib is typically treated with blood thinners and medications that help keep the heart rate down, but unfortunately, blood thinners aren’t an option for everyone.

“As I mentioned, AFib comes with a risk of blood clots that can cause a stroke, but we have a number of patients, for various reasons, that can’t take blood thinners to prevent those blood clots,” Parks said. “So, an alternative has been for us to do this minimally invasive procedure (called Watchman) that’s done through the leg vein where we place an implant into the upper left chamber of the heart where blood clots tend to form – in an area of the chamber called the appendage – and we seal off this area with a small, flexible implant that prevents blood clots with AFib from forming. So, we kind of stop the blood clots before they ever have a chance to form, and we can prevent strokes with an implant rather than having to take a blood thinner if they have a high risk of bleeding issues.”

Another option for people who have problems with medication is an AFib ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that’s done through the

leg vein where catheters are placed into the heart and the electrical system is mapped to identify where the AFib is coming from. Physicians then use small amounts of electrical energy to cause those areas to get rid of the excitable heart cells that are causing the AFib. More rarely, a patient may need to be treated with a pacemaker.

Dr. Parks said there are preventative measures people can take to prevent AFib, such as keeping their blood pressure under control and maintaining a healthy weight, including losing weight if necessary.

“There’s also some evidence that eating a Mediterranean diet with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies and healthy fats can reduce the risk of heart rhythm problems,” Parks said.

He also recommended that people over the age of 50 be on the lookout for health fairs, which are occasionally held at local churches or community gathering places, where health professionals

offer screening physicals and free routine EKGs.

“We don’t have anything scheduled right now, but people can be on the lookout for

those screening events,” he said. “It’s always good for people to have a close relationship with their primary care doctor, as well.”

Dr. John Parks, MD

Dr. John Parks (holding the sign) and Dr. Corey Coleman (in green), along their team, celebrate scheduling Ascension St. Vincent’s East's 300th Watchman Procedure in December 2022.

(Photo courtesy of Shea Allen)

H ea L t H and W e LL ness Hit the ground running with a fellowshiptrained foot and ankle surgeon

By Scott G. Morris, M.D., OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports

Cross-country is not only a race that challenges runners physically but also psychologically through diverse landscapes. It takes planning and quick thinking to maneuver around unpredictable obstacles. Because of the unpredictability, runners can get injured, especially without the proper preparation. We see a range of orthopedic injuries in these athletes that can keep them off the trail.

Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains occur when the ankle is rolled, twisted or turned in an awkward way. The ligaments that hold the

ankle bones are stretched beyond the normal range of motion and, in some cases, tear. Most instances of this type of injury occur on the outer ankle.

Depending on the severity of the sprain, the symptoms and signs vary. A common symptom is pain, especially when weight is put on the affected foot. Other symptoms include bruising, swelling, limited range of motion, ankle instability, tenderness when the ankle is touched and a popping sensation or sound at the time of injury.

Preventing this injury is quite simple. Stretch each day to keep the muscles and tendons flexible. It is also good to note that it is essential to put aside time to warm up be-

fore any activity and time to cool down afterward. Wear the right shoes that are not too snug or loose, and tuck in shoelaces to avoid tripping over them. Make sure you hydrate and eat a well-balanced diet so your body can have the energy it needs to perform at your best.

If you do get injured, most cases of ankle sprains can be treated in the first 24-48 hours of injury using the PRICE method: protect your injury using crutches or applying a splint or brace, rest and take a break from physical activities, ice the ankle in 20-minute increments to reduce swelling, compress with an elastic bandage, and elevate or raise your ankle above your heart while sitting or lying down. Another

way to treat a sprained ankle is by reducing pain and swelling with anti-inflammatory medication. Ankle sprains are not the only injuries affecting cross-country runners.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a tough, fibrous band of tissue that connects to the heel and base of the toes. The function of the plantar fascia is to hold the arch of the foot in place to help with its mechanics when walking. Plantar fasciitis occurs when tension or stress is put on this band of tissue and increases when pushing off on the ball of the foot and toes. This pushing-off motion regularly occurs while walking and

running, but over time, the plantar fascia loses its elasticity and becomes irritated.

The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain. The pain can vary, ranging from gradually increasing to sudden pain, especially after missing a step or jumping from a great height. It can also worsen after a time of inactivity such as waking up in the morning. It may reduce when doing light activity, but it gets worse with vigorous activity. You may also experience heel pain when barefoot or in shoes with minimal support. To prevent this injury, it is key to balance your activity and rest. Keep a healthy weight by exercising and stretching regularly. If you

stand often, take frequent breaks, especially if you wear heels. You might also try wearing orthotics for better support.

Common treatments include specified stretches, physical therapy, icing, anti-inflammatory medication, rest and activity modification, orthotics, shock wave therapy, steroid injections and surgical treatment, including gastrocnemius release. This procedure lengthens the gastric tendon, which is a part of the Achilles tendon, to decrease irritation. Another overuse injury that is common for runners is shin splints.

Shin Splints Shin splints occur when too much stress is put on the

High school varsity runners

shin bone (tibia), muscles and connective tissues. It develops when a new exercise is started, or someone does not ease into adding more activity or exercises.

Symptoms include pain or tenderness on the inner or outer part of the shin, and the pain can be dull or sharp. It can start when the heel touches the ground during running and becomes worse over time, becoming painful to the touch. Pain can also be felt on the inside of the lower leg just above the ankle and get worse when standing on the toes or rolling the ankle inward.

Shin splints can be prevented by wearing well-fitted athletic shoes and gradually increasing the intensity, duration and frequency of your workout. Alternating between high-impact activities and low-impact activities, like swimming or cycling, can also benefit you and prevent this issue. Though cross-country includes running in unpredictable natural environments, try limiting or taking a break from running on hard, uneven or hilly surfaces.

If you are experiencing symptoms of shin splints, try stretching and strengthening exercises to relieve some ten-

sion. Icing with cold packs and anti-inflammatory medication will help reduce potential swelling. It might also be time to get new shoes that have a stiff heel and special arch support. Shin splints that are not treated right away can develop into a more critical injury—stress fractures.

Stress Fractures

A stress fracture is a crack in a bone or severe bruising within a bone. This injury is typically caused by overuse and repetitive activities, and for runners, it is commonly experienced in the foot or lower leg. It can happen when people change activities or increase the intensity or duration of their activities.

Like shin splints, the main symptoms are pain and tenderness, but they can be accompanied by swelling. This pain gets worse with physical activity and does not subside after activity. In fact, it becomes more noticeable when resting or standing and walking.

Some of the best ways to prevent fractures is to stop exercising or training as soon as you feel pain. Take the time to warm up before physical activity and cool down when you finish. It is also important

to use the right equipment. For runners, that means wearing the right kind of shoes and orthotics if necessary. Plan a diet and exercise regimen that works for you.

Based on the location and severity of your fracture, the best treatment option for your situation may vary. The most common treatments are rest, ice, over-the-counter pain medication, compression, immobilization with a cast or boot, elevating your injury and using crutches to reduce pressure. Stress fractures can put a pause on your activities and so can Achilles tendonitis.

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. When this band is under a lot of stress, it is referred to as Achilles tendonitis. Like the previously mentioned injuries, this is an overuse injury that is caused by increased duration or intensity of an activity, be it running, jumping or otherwise.

It can be identified by a mild ache in the back of the leg located above the heel after activity. More severe pain may be noticed after prolonged running, climbing

stairs or sprinting. Aside from pain, you may also experience tenderness or stiffness, especially after periods of long rest. Mild activity can alleviate these symptoms.

If you want to prevent

this injury, start new physical activities gradually, especially advanced intensity level activities. You should also invest in proper footwear, stretch often, do lower leg strengthening exercises and

take a break from activities that put stress on the Achilles tendon.

If you experience swelling, rest, ice the area and take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Other treatments your doctor may recommend include physical therapy, cortisone injections, splinting at night, changing or improving your footwear and shockwave therapy. For more severe cases of Achilles tendonitis, surgical treatments may be the best option, including debridement and minimally invasive surgery, both of which involve the removal and “cleaning up” of tissue. Alternatively, gastrocnemius recession, or calf lengthening, is an option.

Cross-country has its many benefits and its many challenges. By planning ahead, taking preventative measures and seeking a professional if you do get injured, you can stay in prime running shape to run stronger and compete longer.

Her cure

happened

Kennedi is cured of sickle cell disease thanks to a life-changing bone marrow transplant she received from her sister here at Children’s of Alabama. The amazing treatments, discoveries and innovations for pediatric blood disorders and cancer happening here are helping change lives for the children of Alabama, across the country and around the world.

ChildrensAL.org

Female cross country runners

By Joe Hobby

I recently went to see singer Jackson Browne perform at the Alabama Theatre in downtown Birmingham, and a curious thing happened. After the first song, he looked around and said, “I remember this theatre. What a nice place to play music.” It’s a nice place to do most anything. It’s old, it’s ornate, it’s beautiful. And like a lot of people, going to the Alabama brings back a wheelbarrow full of personal memories. As I looked around, the time seemed to melt away.

I came here as a kid. My big sister frequently brought me downtown to catch a Saturday matinee. I’ve performed standup comedy on

e

My Life As A Hobby: Old Theatre, Old Memories

this stage in front of a packed audience.

However, for me, there is one Alabama Theatre memory that burns brighter than the neon marquee out front. The Alabama was the site of my first date. (Incredibly, I looked everywhere inside the theatre and didn’t see a plaque marking the occasion.) While many of the details have faded like an old pair of jeans, others I recall quite clearly.

I didn’t start dating until my junior year of high school because I was a year younger than my classmates. I waited because I wanted to be a driver before I took on such a serious social undertaking. Once I passed the test, it was time. But who to ask out? Denise was the perfect choice. I liked

her. We had some friendly banter in the hallways, and there seemed to be good chemistry between us. But, this was a date! What if she rejected me? Worse, what if she said, “I’ve got plans, but thanks for calling me.” To an insecure teenager, an answer like that creates a lot more questions. Does she already have another date? Does “thanks for calling”, mean call me another time? If so, how long do I wait? Should I ask her out again? When? Oh, the things we had to navigate when we entered the world of high school dating. I finally conjured up the courage to make The Call, and Denise seemed glad to talk with me.

When she said yes, my heart almost jumped out of my chest. Saturday was going to be D Day, that is, date day.

Now the planning began. The first order of business was to procure transportation. I called my big sister, and she agreed to let me borrow her nearly new 1970 Barracuda. I didn’t even have to beg. Soon, my mom and sis saw the advantage of allowing

detailing before I used it. This was one of the pre-date rituals high school boys of that era practiced. The car would be washed, waxed, and thoroughly vacuumed before the big event. We are talking showroom clean. I did everything but change the transmission fluid. If I had dates on two consecutive weekends, the car got waxed twice. It was over the top, but most guys did it.

Of course, since this is me, you can be sure there was going to be some kind of complication. On Friday, Denise told me that she had done something to get on the wrong side of her parents, and her Saturday curfew was cut back to 9:30. She was so embarrassed by this turn of events that she offered to reschedule.

No way. Instead, I picked her up at 5:00, and we headed for the earliest feature I could find – which happened to be Patton playing at the Alabama. A war flick was probably not a great choice for a first date, but honestly, time was the key factor. It could’ve been a movie about how to re

we both were. Conversation before and after the show flowed freely.

Now for the big decision. I could:

1. Take her home and give her a good night kiss;

2. go parking – a term we used for making out in a car for a period of time; or

3. ignore my raging hormones and don’t do anything.

There was no doubt. Despite the time constraints, I chose option b. I knew of a nearby overlook where the lights of the city sparkled beautifully, and we spent the rest of the time we had doing what teenagers do – although a small car with bucket seats made it difficult to get comfortable. I would quickly learn that my mom’s giant Plymouth Fury was much more user-friendly for park-

We both knew that 9:30 meant 9:30, not 9:31, so I made it a point to we be right on time. In between a sweet good night kiss, and reaching for the front door Denise said, “Joe, please, please don’t tell anyone that I had a 9:30 curfew.” I smiled and nodded. Nobody knew – until now.

By 9:35 I was backing out the driveway, basking in the afterglow of my first date…

And as if on cue, Jackson Browne jolted me back to the present when I heard him sing these words:

“Everybody’s just waiting for the one

Who can give them the answers

And lead them back to that place in the warmth of the sun

Where sweet childhood still dances…”

Who? Tonight, it was the Alabama Theater.

Joe Hobby, Tribune Columnist

Phil Williams: We need a God-fearing gunslinger for governor

By Phil Williams, 1819 News

Commentary

On this 22nd anniversary of 9/11, I hold no illusions that we’ll never see a crisis again. The question is, “Who will lead us through it?”

This past week, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced on social media that, despite all those left-wing COVID-screechers lining up to put masks and mandates in place, “Let me say it again – there will be no mask mandates, COVID vaccine mandates, or lockdowns in Mississippi.”

Firm, unequivocal and easily understood. Refreshing really.

Years ago, I told Rick Perry during his presidential campaign that I wanted a “God-fearing gunslinger” in the executive office. Someone who is not faint of heart. A leader who can care about people and direct traffic all at the same time. Someone who operates decisively while listening to wise and carefully selected counsel. An executive who studies the issues deeply but will still hear advice. Someone who will admit mistakes and tell you what it takes to ensure they never happen again.

There’s not much of that available in the public arena right now.

But what about our state?

We have crisis opportunities here as well. We are halfway through Gov. Kay Ivey’s term. Cultural, fiscal and social fights are only getting more intense. The kind of leader we want as the chief executive of the great state of Alabama should already be on our minds as the

race will begin right after the current presidential cycle is over.

I have served with inspiring leaders in military, political and civilian roles. I know that none of the traits we should look for are imaginary. They are real, and when people are in crisis they are needed. I submit that we need a God-fearing gunslinger to face down the times we are in.

Having just endured the past few years of COVID-19, Biden, Afghanistan, BLM riots and more, I find myself modeling in my mind what I know we need and deserve in the governor’s office. It starts with a simple question: “What should a God-fearing gunslinger governor (whether male or female) say or do in a crisis?”

Here’s some of my personal checklist: In a crisis we want a leader who stands up quickly with steely-eyed confidence, saying to the people of the state, “We will get through this. We will be here tomorrow.”

• We want a leader who will say, “I don’t know it all, but there are people in my administration who do, and if they don’t, I will find those that can join our team.” This kind of governor will not long suffer a fool who lets turf wars prevent governmental assets being of good use. This governor will be willing to replace a person of any stature who impeded recovery. In a major crisis, the governor we’re looking for would meet with the press at least once weekly to candidly answer questions —

the good, the bad and the ugly — knowing that the well-being of the people is not about appearances or poll numbers.

• A God-fearing, gunslinger governor would make known that “following the science” is only one aspect of decision-making in crisis management and that considerations of culture, faith, liberty and law will always be on the table.

• Such a governor would make clear that the government is not the be-all and end-all and would incentivize and galvanize the voluntary support and cooperation of the private sector and the vast resources and capabilities that exist outside of the walls of government.

• We hope for a governor who refuses to allow politics to play into decisions affecting life, limb, or property. One who would not let

politics enter a crisis negatively affecting education and the economy. That kind of governor would openly say that he did not get elected to get reelected and that doing right ain’t that hard.

• That kind of governor would make clear that fear and shame are not tools of his administration. If a behavior is believed best (like getting a vaccine shot) then this leader would point people to it and not blame them for deaths and destruction for which they had no part. The governor I’m describing would direct that relief funds must be given liberally to the private sector in a manner that does not have the government picking winners and losers like we’ve seen in the last few years. That kind of governor would make known that any crisis-induced excuse to commit a violation of

civil liberties would not be tolerated and would make the preservation of our individual and corporate rights a priority evidenced by advancing collaborative work with the state legislature and the attorney general regardless of party affiliation. And lastly, in a time of crisis we long for a governor who would walk among the people – eat at their restaurants, frequent their parks, visit their churches, hug their necks and shake their hands, and if necessary, visit them at the hospital. It is not enough to speak from the safety of the Capitol. A good leader must walk out under fire and exude confidence to those they lead.

So, what do I want from a governor of my state? I want a leader who can and will do all of the above. Show me a governor who will do those things, and I will be his champion! I will donate funds, knock on doors, and extol his virtues. Is there a God-fearing gunslinger in our future? I hope so. We need him for such a time as this.

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

Important Safety Information About The Gas Lines In Your Area

Most natural gas pipelines are buried underground. This is not only for safety reasons, but also to protect them from the weather and ensure reliable service for all consumers. Although pipeline leaks and incidents rarely occur, keeping the delivery of natural gas for everyone remains our highest priority.

Natural gas utility companies like ours set high standards to keep natural gas pipelines incident free. The natural gas industry invests billions of dollars in research, testing, damage prevention, training and awareness to ensure pipeline safety. The natural gas pipeline system is regulated by numerous federal and state government agencies.

In your area we work closely with public fire and safety officials to promote natural gas safety. Damage prevention education and training takes place at least once a year, so local officials are prepared and know how to respond if there ever is a natural gas emergency.

As your neighbors and a part of your community, we know the importance for everyone to be well informed and know how to respond in case of a natural gas emergency.

Detecting A Natural Gas Leak

Natural gas is one of the safest, most reliable and environmentally friendly fuels in use today, but leaks can occur. There are three key ways to recognize a natural gas leak.

Look

Blowing dirt, bubbling creeks or ponds, dry spots in moist areas or dead plants surrounded by green, live plants also may indicate a natural gas leak.

Listen

An unusual hissing sound near gas lines or appliances may indicate a natural gas leak.

Smell

In its raw state, natural gas is colorless and odorless. Natural gas utility companies add a substance called mercaptan to create the familiar, rotten-egg like odor you associate with natural gas. You should take action even if you detect only the faint odor of natural gas in the air.

Take

Action For Safety

Here are some keywords to help you remember what to do if a natural gas leak is suspected.

Leave

Leave the area immediately. Do not try to find or stop the leak.

Don’t Touch

Do not smoke, use any type of phone, flashlight, turn on or off any lights or appliances or operate any kind of vehicle or equipment that could create a spark.

Dial Immediately notify us.

(205) 655-3211 or 1-800-755-3211

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if a natural gas appliance is operated in an enclosed space that has no access to fresh air. Because improper installation of gas appliances can lead to carbon monoxide build-up, it is important that only qualified, licensed service personnel install your gas appliances.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly. Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble flu symptoms and include headache, dizziness and/or nausea. If you have any of these symptoms get fresh air immediately.

You may decide to purchase a carbon monoxide detector. If so, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends that the model you choose meets the Underwriters Laboratory Standard 2034. Under no circumstances should a carbon monoxide detector be used as a substitute for regular inspections by qualified service personnel.

Maintaining Gas Lines

Trussville Gas & Water is responsible for maintaining the gas lines that carry natural gas to your meter. However, you are responsible for all gas lines on your side of the meter. These lines include all piping that goes:

• From your gas meter to the appliances on your property

• From a curb side meter to the home, when the meter is not right beside the home

• From your meter underground to a building, pool, spa heater, barbecue or other gas appliance.

Not maintaining gas pipelines could result in potential hazards due to leakage. To properly maintain your gas lines, you should have them periodically inspected to identify unsafe conditions including corrosion and leaks, and repair any unsafe conditions immediately. A licensed, qualified professional can assist you in finding, inspecting and repairing your buried gas lines.

Markers Indicate Pipelines

Most natural gas pipelines are buried underground. Markers indicate only the general, not exact location of pipelines. They also show the natural gas operator and emergency phone number. The markers do not show the depth of the pipelines or the number of pipelines. Underground gas lines on your property are not marked in most cases, so you should know the location of your gas meter. Be cautious when digging in areas where the lines may connect or extend from the meter to appliances on your property.

A major cause of pipeline leaks is thirdparty damage. This may include contractors or excavators digging, grading, and working along roadways. Please always notify Alabama One Call by dialing 811 no less than two days before starting any excavation.

What To Do if You Disturb Or Damage A Pipeline Or Natural Gas Line

Even if you cause what appears to be only minor damage to the pipeline, immediately notify the pipeline company. A gouge, scrape, dent or crease to the pipe or coating may cause a future rupture or leak. It is imperative that the pipeline owner inspects and repairs any damage to the line or related apparatus. Many states have laws requiring damages to be reported to the facility owner. Do not attempt to make repairs to the line yourself.

Call Before You Dig

Pipelines may be located anywhere. This is why it is important to know where they are before digging for any reason.

When digging, excavating, drilling or moving earth in any way that could damage underground utility pipelines, you must contact Alabama One Call by dialing 811 no less than two days before starting the excavation. This will help avoid costly damage or injury.

A new, federally mandated national “Call Before You Dig” number, 811, was created to help protect you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines while working on digging projects.

Every dig job requires a call, even small projects like planting trees or shrubs. If you hit an underground utility line while digging, you can harm yourself and those around you, disrupt service to an entire neighborhood and potentially be responsible for fines and repair costs. Smart digging means calling 811 before each job. Whether you are a homeowner or a professional excavator, one call to 811 gets your underground utility lines marked for free. Don’t assume you know what is below. Protect yourself and those around you– call 811 every time.

We Need Your Help

The nation’s infrastructures, including pipelines, are a matter of national security. If you witness suspicious activity on a pipeline right-of-way, please report it to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible or call Trussville Gas & Water at (205) 6553211. Threat advisories may be found at the Department of Homeland Securities Web site at www.dhs.gov.

c a L enda R

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

each month at 10:00am. No

Registration Needed.

Children’s Storytime

Thursday, September 14: 9:30am - 10:00am, 10:30am - 11:00am

Trussville Public LibraryLBK Auditorium

AGE GROUP: EARLY LEARNERS (BIRTHPRE-K)

EVENT TYPE: STORYTIME, CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

cLassified

we will look at what your house and land might be saying. Then we will dive into some of the items I look for, like Spirits & Ghost, Geopathic Stress, Man Made Stress, Technopathic Stress, Consecrated Land, Furniture & Artifacts, along with Attachments, Chakras, and Physic Cords. We will finish with some sample floorplans.

Storytime for Growin’

Call (205) 533-8664

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

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

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

Food for Fines

Tue Sep 5th 9:00amSat 30th 4:00pm

Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson

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

Preschoolers at Play

Wednesday, September 13: 10:00am - 11:00am

Trussville Public LibraryLBK Auditorium

AGE GROUP: EARLY

LEARNERS (BIRTHPRE-K)

EVENT TYPE: CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

Join Ms. Alicia for stories, songs, puppets, rhymes, bubble time, and lots of fun! This thirty-minute program will be held in the library auditorium every Thursday at 9:30 a.m.

Children will be introduced to the pleasure of stories and caregivers will learn books, rhymes, and songs to use at home.

Yarn ManglersKnit & crochet group

Thursday, September 14: 2:00pm - 4:00pm Trussville Public LibraryCahaba Room

AGE GROUP: ADULT (AGES 18+)

EVENT TYPE: DROP-IN, CRAFT, ADULT PROGRAM

Knit & crochet meetup group (aka The Yarn Manglers). Bring any projects you are working on; join us for fellowship and creativity. This is a great way to check in, catch up, see what everyone is working on, and get help if you are stuck. Please join us - newcomers are welcome!

Join our Facebook group: YARN MANGLERS ANONYMOUS House Healing

Thursday, September 14: 6:30pm - 8:00pm Trussville Public Library -

LBK Auditorium

AGE GROUP: ADULT (AGES 18+)

Beans with Ms. Allison: Foxes

Fri Sep 15th 10:00am11:00am

Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson (All ages)

Join us for Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison on Friday, September 15th at 10 AM. Our theme is foxes. We’ll read books, have fun, do a craft, & have a snack.

Storytime is designed for pre-K children, but all ages are welcome.

Forest Bathing

Sunday, September 17: 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Trussville Public LibraryParkway Room

AGE GROUP: ADULT (AGES 18+)

EVENT TYPE: OUT-

DOORS/NATURE, CLASS, ADULT PROGRAM

SERVICES

HOUSE FOR RENT: 6560 Self Lane, Pinson, AL 35125. 3 bed, 1 bath, 2-story house located in the city of Clay. Approximately 1,600 square feet total (800 upstairs/800 downstairs). Fenced yard. Call Jordan Self for price and additional info. (205) 6156073.

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FOR SALE

AUCTION: Fultondale Mini

Storage Auction September 5th, 10 AM Tables, Tables with Umbrellas, and Miscellaneous Items

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

BURIAL PLOTS FOR

SALE: Garden Of The Christus, Jefferson Memorial Gardens, Trussville, Alabama. Lot 72A. Spaces 1, 2, 3, 4.

Includes: Full Date Williamsburg Companionate Memorial 36” X 13” with Vase; Two (2) Opening and Closing; Two (2) Lined Concrete Vaults. As of 8/29/2023 valued at $30,800.00. Will consider offer of $28,800.00 (seller will pay $295.00 transfer fee). Contact Paul J. Vishaway at (251) 644-4941.

DirecTV Satellite TV Service

Starting at $59.99/month!

during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. 1-877-323-5516

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Topof-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844871-6175

AUTOMOTIVE

SUPPORT THE BLIND! Donate a car to the American Council of the Blind. FAST FREE PICKUP. 24-hour response. Running or not. maximum tax deduction and no emission test required! Call 24/7: 844-601-1342.

AUTO INSURANCE from $29 month Free 2-minute Quote! We Compare all Insurance providers offers for you! Lowest Rates! Call Now 866-450-0943

VEHICLE TITLE Problems?

Learn about Forest Bathing with Anne Markham Bailey FOREST BATHING IS IMMERSION IN NATURE. The term “forest bathing” is a direct translation of the Japanese term “shinrin yoku,” and is a guided immersion in nature with a trained guide. Forest Bathing is also called Nature Therapy. Anne Markham Bailey will offer a workshop of 3-hours that explains the origins of Forest Bathing, the benefits, and then explore the practice - as well as provide some creative writing prompts.

Teen Advisory Board

Tuesday, September 19: 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Trussville Public LibraryCahaba Room

AGE GROUP: TEEN (6TH12TH GRADE)

EVENT TYPE: TEEN PROGRAM

ING: 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 844925-3534

EDUCATION

ATTENTION ACTIVE Duty & Military Veterans! Begin a new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 866-4751014 (M-F 8am-6pm ET).

HEALTH/BEAUTY

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THERAPY USERS! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. FREE information kit. Call 844-322-9935.

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LEGAL NOTICE

Join us for a short storytime, followed by free play at several stations around the large auditorium with various toys and activities. Best for children ages 2 - 5

Join us in the auditorium for a special playtime program for preschool-aged children.

A guided story time will begin at 10:00, followed by free play at several stations around the room with various toys.

Parents are asked to stay with their children and travel with them as they play with the different selections of toys.

Ages 2-5 years old. Held on 2nd & 4th Wednesday of

House Healing with Jason Kirby

What is a House Healer anyway? Does my house need healing? Great questions!

In the first section, I will cover some of my background, how I got started in House Healing, and how I came up with the name and tools of the trade. We will look at some misconceptions and dowsing. I will cover what my typical clients are like, how sensitive you are, and the process. We will talk about energy and what I look for.

In the last part of the class,

A place for teens help out at the library.

Teen Advisory Board is a place for local teens to get involved with their library. At TAB meetings we will discuss popular books, movies, and shows and bringing them to the library. We will also discuss programming and take part in projects to benefit the library. Open to 8th to 12 grade. Snacks and refreshments provided. (Photographs may be taken during the program and used by the TPL. If you do not want pictures of your child to be taken please let the Librarian in charge of the event know)

ATTENTION: VIAGRA and

GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup power

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that , Milam & Co. LLC Contractor, has completed the Contract for Construction of Trussville Fire Station #4 Sitework Package at 5540 Trussville Clay Road, Trussville, AL 35173, for the State of Alabama and the City of Trussville, Owner(s), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Turner Batson Architects, 1950 Stonegate Dr., Birmingham, AL 35242, Architect/ Engineer Wil Bradford.

o bitua R y

Leta Rotenberry

march 13, 1928 — september 1, 2023

Leta Rotenberry of Trussville, Alabama passed away on Friday, September 1, 2023 at the age of 95.

She was born in Bremen, Alabama on March 13, 1928 to the late Sherman and Levis Harris. Also preceding her in death is her husband of 53 years Charles Leslie Rotenberry; and her sister, Freda Brown. Leta graduated from Cold Springs High School in 1946. She worked at TCI in Fairfield, Alabama where she met her husband on a blind date, arranged by his aunt who worked with Leta. She retired from AmSouth Mortgage Company in 1990 after 25 years of service.

She enjoyed many hobbies after retirement including gardening, especially her favorite flowers; iris, day lilies, and African violets.

She loved to search through the flower catalogues for the many different varieties of each. She also enjoyed a good book, backyard bird watching, jigsaw puzzles, crocheting afghans, and word search. She loved to cook, always eager to try a new recipe and was best known for her chocolate pie. But, her all-time favorite hobby was quilting, having pieced more than 90 quilts. She kept up with the pattern name and date completed of each one, and shared many with her family and friends. She was an excellent seamstress having sewed most of her daughters’ school and play clothes along with many doll clothes, including for Barbie. She also liked reminiscing about her childhood and growing up with her three sisters on the family farm lovingly known as “The Old Place” in Bremen. She lived a long, full life and was a wonderful and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

She is survived by her daughters Jeannie Purcell (Michael) and Karen Rotenberry of Trussville; beloved granddaughter Lesley Purcell of Hoover; sisters Nina Phillips and Carolyn Dooley (Gary) both of Bremen; sister-in-law Dot Rotenberry of Sandusky; and many nieces and nephews. Also, her much-loved great-grandpups Ember and Sable; and Tucker Boy her precious grandcat.

Although she didn’t have a recent church home, she was a member of Westmont Baptist Church in Minor Heights for many years where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Ashley and Brooke with Ascension Home Health from whom she received excellent care at home, and also to all the healthcare providers at Ascension St. Vincent’s East who not only treated her illness but prayed for her and our family.

Visitation is Wednesday, September 6 at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, Alabama from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

Graveside services to follow for immediate family at Crestview Memorial Gardens in Adamsville, Alabama. In her memory, the family requests gifts to your favorite charity.

Lorene Ellis

march 21, 1933 — september 4, 2023

Lorene Ellis, age 90, of Birmingham, AL passed away on September 4, 2023. She was born on March 21, 1933 to Otis and Era Kittle. Lorene was a loving spirit and had a strong faith in her Lord. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even had the blessing of 7 great-great grandchildren.

Lorene is preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Era Kittle; husband Randell Ellis; two sons, Charles and Jimmy Ellis; grandson, Jason Ellis; granddaughter, Brianna Ellis; brothers, J.D. Kittle, Ray Kittle and Wayne Kittle.

She leaves behind her son, Richard Ellis (Marilyn); daughter in law, Debra Ellis; grandsons, Barry Turner (Tammy) and Jonathan Ellis; granddaughters, April Smith (Scott), Christy Morgan; sister in law, Pat Kittle; great- grandchildren, Brandon (Kylle) Ellis, Blake Ellis, Zach (Kaitlyn) Turner, Ivey Smith, Randi Morgan, Karli Rutledge, Isabella Williams, Ryan, Jason and Jackie Ellis; great -great grandchildren, Blakelyn, Kalli, Hallie, Brantley, Kldi Ellis, D.J. Hanson and Michal Yost. The family will have a service in her honor on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 2:00 pm in the chapel at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.

AskEddie

The Importance of Screening for Undetectable Cancer

Cancer screenings are tests recommended by doctors to check for cancer before symptoms appear. These tests are commonly prescribed due to risk factors like age, genetics, and exposure to harmful substances. Common types of screenings include mammograms for breast cancer, colonoscopies for colon cancer, and Pap smears for cervical cancer. The main benefit is early detection, which could lead to higher survival rates. However, screenings are not diagnostic and can come with risks, such as false results and potential harm. It’s crucial to consult your doctor about appropriate screenings for you, considering both the benefits and risks involved.

Early detection can save lives. To learn more about the importance of cancer screenings, the tests available, and their potential risks, scan the QR code to read the full article. Make an informed choice and encourage your loved ones to do the same.

Jack Dunn

july 25, 1940 — september 5, 2023

Jack Bentley Dunn, age 83, of Center Point, AL passed away on September 5, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Jack was a native of Birmingham, AL. He grew up in West End and graduated from West End High School. After high school he attended the University of AL. He then joined the Birmingham Police Department and served faithfully until he retired.

Jack was a former member of West End Baptist Church. He enjoyed spending time at the lake with his family.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, of 47 years, Carolyn Dunn; his children, Mark Dunn (Bonnie), Chris Dunn, Eric Dunn (Lindsay), and Amanda Dunn; five grandchildren, Christopher, Alexis, Marissa, Emerson, and Blake; three great grandchildren, Natalie, Elizabeth, and Grayson. He also leaves behind many cousins, friends, and extended family.

A funeral for Jack will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel at 12:00 p.m. with a visitation held two hours prior to the service. The family asks that in lieu of flowers please send donations in honor of Jack’s memory to an animal rescue center of your choice.

Fletcher Smith

december 30, 1953 — september

5, 2023

Fletcher Mitchell Smith, Jr. of Trussville, Alabama, passed away September 5, 2023, after a valiant battle with Signet Ring Adenocarcinoma. He was 69 years old. Born in Sandusky, Alabama on December 30, 1953, he graduated from Jones Valley High School in 1972 and from Auburn University’s Harrison School of Pharmacy in 1978. He was a pharmacist with Big B/CVS for thirty-two years and with Cornerstone Family Pharmacy in Gadsden for the last seven years. He was a member of Trussville Baptist Church and enjoyed researching investments, as well as fishing and playing golf with his son. He was a generous and giving husband and father with a heart of gold. He loved nothing more than helping his family and others with whatever they might need.

Mitchell was predeceased by his parents, Fletcher M. Smith, Sr. and Wilmer Louise (Bell) Smith, his brother, Charles Danner and brothers-in-law, Herman Brasher and Dean Hess. He is survived by his beloved wife of forty years, Maria (Everett) Smith and their son, Fletcher Mitchell Smith, III ‘Tre’, who was the light of his life and Tre’s cherished wife, Jayla (Robinson) Smith, MD. He is also survived by his sisters, Barbara Danner Hess (Jose), Carol Smith Peoples (James), Lucy Smith Brasher, Peggy Smith Warren (Charles) as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, great-great-nieces and -nephews, cousins, in-laws (Mary & Bill Sansing, Bill Everett, Daniel & Carmen Everett, and James Everett), and three wonderful goddaughters. He also leaves behind innumerable friends who filled and blessed his life, especially Dale Bragan and Scott Godfrey.

A gathering for family and friends will be held at Jefferson Memorial Gardens on Highway 11 in Trussville, Alabama on Thursday, September 7, 2023, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with a service following in the chapel. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society or to your favorite charity.

Eddie Seal, General Manager

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.

flew up and down the field, racking up an incredible 32 points before the second quar-

See CENTER POINT, Page 20

Hewitt Dominates Oak Mountain in Region Opener

By Zack Steele for the Tribune

TRUSSVILLE – Hewitt

Trussville used a balanced offense and a smothering defense to dominate Oak Mountain on the road Friday night. And Hewitt made a statement on their opening drive.

Using a mix of run and short passes, Hewitt moved down the field with relative ease on the first drive as Peyton Floyd was locked in.

“He made some really good, quick reads on that first drive,” Said Hewitt Head Coach Josh Floyd. “It’s something that he works very hard on.”

Floyd’s survey of the Oak Mountain defense was a thing of beauty on the initial Husky drive, finding wide-open receivers for eight and 10-yard chunks. Floyd would cap off an 80 yard drive with a 1 yard touchdown run only 1 minute and 45 seconds into the game.

On the initial Oak Mountain drive, sophomore defense back Will Phillips would step in front of an Oak Mountain receiver to make a nice interception. Hewitt would waste little time as Floyd hit Jett Loving on a wide receiver screen. Loving would make

one man miss and outraced the rest of the Oak Mountain defense to the end zone. Hewitt was quickly in control after the Tripp Ward PAT, leading 14-0.

Hewitt’s defense would flex its muscle the remainder of the half, refusing to allow an Oak Mountain first down until midway through the second quarter.

A nice punt return by Riggs Dunn set the Huskies up with great field position early in the second quarter. Oak Mountain appeared to have Hewitt stopped at the 41 yard line, but Floyd would find Jacob Serena on the wheel route on 4th and 7. It was a 41 yard strike

and Hewitt’s lead expanded to 21 after the Ward PAT. Oak Mountain would finally string a few plays together to get into Hewitt territory, but Will Phllips would make another big interception to end the threat from Oak Mountain.

Hewit would march once again, this time the big play coming on a reverse by Dylan Cope for a 38 yard scamper. Jacqson Melton would score the first of two touchdowns in the first half from 1 yard out with 5:46 to go. Ward’s PAT made it 28-0, and the route was on.

See HEWITT, Page 20

Center Point linebacker Malik Brown. Photo by: Malik Brown

Cougars hand Panthers reality check

By Britney Bailey for the Tribune

PELL CITY – The ClayChalkville Cougars (3-0, 0-1) continued their winning streak Friday night with a 46-7 region win over Pell City (0-3, 0-1) on the road.

Quarterback Jaylen

Mbakwe found wide receiver

Mario Craver early in the first quarter for a 44-yard touchdown. Kicker Antoine Ellison added on the PAT to give the Cougars a seven point lead.

Just three minutes later, on the Cougars next possession, Mbakwe slid through the Panther defense for a 34-yard touchdown to up the lead to 13-0. The Ellison PAT failed.

Mbakwe, not quite done in the first, found the end zone yet again at the 1:16 mark for six more for the Cougars on a

Dominant first half leads to region win for Blue Devils

59-yard touchdown run. The PAT from Ellison upped the lead to 20-0 to end the first.

Craver kicked off the second quarter in pure Cougar fashion, hurdling defenders on a 50-yard sprinter to the endzone for 6. A fumbled snap on the PAT set the Cougar lead at 26-0 with just 30 seconds off the clock. Cougar lead defender and Auburn commit DJ Barber kept the momentum going with a pick-six ten seconds later, giving the Cougars a 32-point lead.

Continuing the streak, Mbakwe found the endzone once again late in the second, adding on six more for the Cougars. Ellison added on the PAT, giving the Cougars a 39-0 lead going into halftime.

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

ALEXANDRIA

– Moody

traveled to Alexandria’s Lou Scales Stadium on Friday night to take on the Alexandria Valley Cubs in the opening region matchup of the year for each team. The Blue Devils used a balanced offensive attack and an opportunistic defense that caused numerous turnovers, despite being down two players in the defensive backfield, to walk away with the 42-7 victory over region the Valley Cubs.

The scoring got started when Charlie Johnston found Aidan Robinson on a third and 15 from 17 yards out to put the Blue Devils up 7-0 at the 7:09 mark of the first quarter. Moody was not finished scoring in the first as the defense would hold Alexandria to a punt and, after a nice return from KD Barnes, the Blue Devils would set up shop at the Valley Cubs’ 45. They would drive the ball down to the four-yard line

where Abram Jackson would punch it in to make it 14-0 with 54 seconds to go in the first quarter. Moody would not slow down in the second quarter, scoring their first touchdown of the period on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Johnston to Robinson with 2:16 to go in the half. With the score now 21-0, the Valley Cubs would get on the board after a big 82-yard pass play to close the gap by a touchdown, to 21-7. The Blue Devils would drive the ball down once again and, after a Blaine Burke touchdown was called back due to holding, Moody would go to the well again and give it to Burke from 14 yards out for the score to give the Blue Devils a 28-7 lead and that is how the half would end. Moody came out of the locker room and, despite having success on offense, they could not find the end zone early. They would give

the ball up on fourth down 3 times. However, each time, they would get the ball back on a turnover by the Valley Cubs. With 2: 25 to go in the quarter, the Blue Devils would go back to a play that had success earlier, but was called back due to a holding penalty, the jet sweep from Johnston to KD Barnes. This time, there was no penalty and the Hewitt Trussville transfer took it to the house from 50 yards out to put the visitors up 35-7. In the fourth, Moody would begin putting in the substitutes and get a lot of players involved in the game. One player that was all over the field all night finally got the payoff for his hard work on the night. With 6:09 to go in the game, Marshall Teofilo found paydirt from 11 yards out to end the scoring for Moody and make it 42-7, which would be the final.

“Great opportunity to play. We have the greatest players and coaches in the state and I

am grateful that God gave us the ability to play this game,” said Teofilo AJ Madison had a monster night on defense for the Blue Devils, grabbing an interception and recovering 2 fumbles to “put out the fire” for the Blue Devils when they found themselves in tough defensive situations. “We dominated like I said we would on the Coach Ganus Show. It wasn’t only me but it was my teammates. Everyone being where they are supposed to be when they are supposed to be there. We showed them what Moody does tonight.”

Despite some sloppy play, Coach Jake Ganus was proud of his team. “This was good. It is a tough place to play. There is lots of tradition and the fans are great here and they are loud. It’s a great atmosphere. I am proud of the kids and the way they finished. We had a sloppy third

Moody wide receivers line up as the play is called in their 42-7 victory over Alexandria on September 8, 2023. Photo by: Madi Snow Photograph/Average Joes Sports Talk

Cougar’s Mbakwe

Leeds wins hard fought game against Springville 23-7

By Will Heath

For the Tribune

SPRINGVILLE — When the dust had settled and numbers were tallied Friday night at Tiger Stadium, a few numbers stood out for the Leeds defense in their region opener.

Two possessions. One first down. Not counting punts, 9 total offensive snaps. 75 total offensive yards allowed.

It all added up to a 23-7 victory for the Green Wave.

“It’s nice to go up against people that are as big as you, and put in as much effort as you and as much work as you put in,” Leeds H-back Grayson Ford said after the game. “And you just battle for four quarters.” Ford and the Leeds Greenwave (2-1, 1-0) offense monopolized the

football for almost the entirety of the second half. The killer possession covered 65 total yards, beginning at the 1:45 mark of the 3rd quarter and not finishing until quarterback Conner Nelson scored his second touchdown, with 4:51 remaining on the Tiger Stadium clock.

Nelson finished with 215 yards rushing and throwing, and accounted for all three Leeds touchdowns. Ford, ZJ Dale and slot back Tay Gaiter accounted for 176 yards rushing between them, and carried the bulk of the rushing load in the second half.

“We’ve been practicing it a lot this week,” he said. “And when (Nelson) was down a little bit, it opened up my opportunities more.”

That support was all the Green Wave defense need-

ed. Tiger tailback Mahlon Alverson finished with 38 yards rushing on the night, on 19 carries. Springville head coach Jon Clements called Leeds “as good of a defensive front as you’re going to see.”

“I thought our guys kept battling, I thought our guys kept fighting tonight,” Clements said. “That’s a lot of punch coming from that other side.”

Leeds head coach Jerry Hood said the defense was prepared for a physical battle.

“Really beat the kids up a little bit this week,” Hood said. “But it was necessary to get that kind of performance. And they did. I’m dang proud of them.”

The offense opened the game with consecutive TDs on their first two drives. Nelson found Gaiter wide open

Oxford defeats Shades Valley

for a 52-yard score on the first drive, then capped a 74-yard march with a 5-yard TD run early in the second quarter, making it 14-0.

Springville (1-2, 0-1) got a rushing TD from quarterback Jacob Conner late in the second quarter, at the tail end of a 31-yard drive following a short Leeds punt. The Green Wave responded to Conner’s touchdown with a 2-minute drill that resulted in a 38-yard field goal by Avery Langford, giving them a 17-7 lead at halftime.

Hood noted that, following a first half in which his offense only had 4 possessions, it was necessary to control the ball in the second half.

“We wanted to purposely run our big back (Ford) as

See LEEDS, Page 20

By John Goolsby Prep Sports Editor

IRONDALE-The Oxford

Yellow Jackets (3-0, 1-0)

came into Frank Nix Stadium Friday night and left with a 42-13 region win over Shades Valley (1-2, 0-1).

Oxford drew blood first on a 51-yard run to take a 7-0 lead at the 9:47 mark.

The Mounties knotted the game at 7-7 after an 11-yard touchdown pass from Steve Brown to Ji’Quez Daniels with 4:23 remaining in the half.

The Yellow Jackets would score again as time expired in the first quarter on a 42-yard run.

Shades Valley’s offense, led by the hard running of senior David Ware, moved into scoring position and scored on a Brown fumble into the endzone that was recovered by Quincy Crawford.

The PAT was blocked, and the Mounties trailed 1413 with 7:00 remaining in the half.

The Yellow Jackets broke open a close game in a span of fewer than four minutes on Valley mistakes, turnovers, and breakdowns in pass coverage. Oxford would score three more times before halftime on a six-yard pass with 3:51 remaining, a 28-yard pass with 2:15 remaining, and a 35-yard pass with :17 seconds remaining.

The Mounties headed to the locker room trailing 3513.

Neither team was able to score in the third quarter.

The Yellow Jackets scored their final touchdown on a 24yard pass with 6:22 remaining in the game.

The game was hard-hitting and chippy throughout with tempers flaring. The game was halted on two occasions to separate the two teams.

Ware was a bright spot for the Mointies, with 157 yards on 25 carries.

Shades Valley is open next week.

Jaylen Mbakwe – Quarterback – Clay Chalkville Cougars

Leeds' Conner Nelson hands to Tay Gaiter in their 23-7 victory over Springville September 8, 2023. Photo by: Ron Burkett

Shades Valley’s David Ware

Photo by: John Goolsby

Leeds

From page 19

much as possible,” he said.

“We ran him for a while, and (Dale) got to run some more.

Blue Devils

From page 18

quarter. Overall I’m glad we got a lot of guys on the field.”

The win was the first for Moody at Lou Scales Stadium since 2005, so it was a big one for the Blue Devils.

Center Point

From page 17 ter had really gotten started.

As the Eagles led 44-0 at the half, both remaining quarters were shortened to eight minutes. At the end of the third, Center Point had reached 50 points. The final quarter saw Center Point achieve 56 points.

The night was an emotional one for the team and its captains, senior brothers Mekhi Brown and Malik Brown. The Browns’ mother passed away on Saturday after a bout with cancer. Speaking to Trussville Tribune, Center Point Coach George Bates said he offered to let the Browns skip the game. “I told them to stay away as long as needed.”

This coming week, they take on Bishop McNamara High School out of Maryland. Head coach Gregory Calhoun is a UAB graduate. Friday night will be a historic night at The Bill as this will be the first time Moody has ever taken on an out-of-

But both Browns played – and led the Eagles to make their season record 3-0 by defeating the Vikings, a team now winless on the season at 0-3.

Therman Deon Moore (#1) lived up to his number by earning the most running (79) and passing (345) yards. Brown also earned the most sacks in the game.

Before the kickoff, Coach Bates praised the Center Point community for showing their love and support for the Brown brothers. “We honored those guys before the game.

To be truthful, this was the best crowd – this is my sixth year as head coach– it’s the best crowd we’ve had since I’ve been here.”

“That moment, that was for #13 (Mekhi) and #22 (Ma-

state team.

“They reached out and, we got it scheduled. They’ve got multiple players with SEC offers. They won’t bring as many fans so we need our fans to pack the house and show them how it’s done in the south.”

lik),” Bates said. Mekhi led the team in sacks, and also scored. “We wanted to make sure he got a touchdown tonight,” Bates said.

Next up for the Eagles is another region game against another winless team, a road trip to play the Pell City Panthers. “Our second region game, we’re going to head over to Pell City, and see what happens,” Bates said.

The coach praised the Eagles’ teamwork. “We always say ‘CP, not me,’ and tonight kind of embodied that.”

The Eagles had a stellar 2022, where the team went 9-2 (9-1 in regular season play), and made it to the second round of the state playoffs.

Hewitt

From page 17

A quick 3 and out from Oak Mountain would give Hewitt time for another drive, and Jaqson Melton would cash in again, this time with a 25 yard touchdown run, and Hewitt would take a 35-0 lead into the half.

Oak Mountain managed only a three and out on its initial drive in the second half. After the punt, Hewitt would

Cougars

From page 18

Cougar quarterback Kamari McClellan found wide receiver Marlon Compton late in the third on a 25-yard floater to tack on six more for the Cougars. The PAT from Ellison secured the 46-point lead.

In a strange turn of events, the Panthers would score with just 29 seconds to go in the ballgame, giving a final score

That’s the kind of football we like.”

Clements lauded his own team’s effort in the loss.

“I thought our kids fought like crazy tonight,” he said.

waste little time marching down the field again. Jaqson Mitchell would cash in from 2 yards out to cap a 73 yard drive, and Hewitt led 42-0 with 4:35 to go in the 3rd quarter.

A running clock was instituted in the 4th quarter, and Oak Mountain would score with 8:54 in the game on a 73 yard drive of their own.

The subs played the remainder of the game as Hewitt looked every bit the

of 46-7.

“Our defense played hard, we’ve got a few mistakes right there at the end with some of the young kids,” Cougar Head Coach Drew Gilmer on tonight’s performance, “but we’re proud of our defense. They played hard.”

Gilmer had high praises for Mbakwe as well, “He showed out tonight, we challenged him earlier this week to come out and show everybody what he’s about and he

“We just didn’t have enough in the end.”

Leeds will return home to face St. Clair County next week. Springville travels to face Southside, in Gadsden.

part of Region 3 contender.

“Our defense played really well tonight, ” said Floyd, “They set the tone. Still too many penalties, but all in all I thought it was a pretty good night.”

Floyd would finish the night with an efficient 19-25 for 262 yards and two scores. Jaqson Melton would lead all rushers with 63 yards and two touchdowns.

Hewitt hosts 3-0 Tuscaloosa County Friday night.

done that tonight. He made some big time plays, that’s who he is.”

Mbakwe, who played only the first half, ended the night with 7-of-9 passing for 102 yards and one touchdown. He rushed for 136 yards on only six carries.

Mbakwe and the Cougars will finally head home for the first time this season to face Pinson Valley next Friday, September 15th. Kickoff is at 7pm.

Springville’s Noel Cox with a tough run against Leeds September 8, 2023.

Photo by: Ron Burkett

Coach Jake Ganus coaches up Kaleb Goff in the Blue Devils’ 42-7 win over Alexandria on September 8, 2023. Photo by: Madi Snow Photography/Average Joes Sports Talk