The Trussville Tribune – October 5 - 11, 2022

The

Pinson Valley High School honors Mayor Joe Cochran

By Loyd McIntosh Sports Editor

PINSON VALLEY — Pinson Mayor and longtime PA announcer for Pinson Val ley High School Joe Cochran was honored Friday night pri or to the Indian’s homecom ing match-up against Huff man High School.

Adelynn’s Army held second annual fundraiser walk for rare disease

By Hannah Curran Editor

PELL CITY — Ade lynn’s Army held their sec ond annual fundraiser walk, “No Mountain Too High for OCNDS,” on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 10:30 a.m., at Lakeside Park in Pell City to bring

TCS BOE tables vote for interim superintendent, allows TPD full access to schools

By Hannah Curran Editor

TRUSSVILLE — Truss ville City Schools (TCS) Board of Education (BOE) called a board meeting Tues day, Oct. 4, 2022, at 5 p.m. in the Board Room of the Cen tral Office for the purpose of discussing and approval of an interim superintendent. How ever, upon further discussion, the board tabled the approval of an interim superintendent until further evaluations can be made.

Board President Kathy Brown explained that the board is not ready to vote and would need to have a more concise plan, and they decid ed to table the vote.

Board Vice President Kim DeShazo explained that the board had options in which direction they would like to take in determining an acting superintendent.

“We can look internally, or we can look externally,” DeShazo said. “There are pros and cons for both.”

Concerned parents address Trussville Council:

By Hannah Curran Editor

TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Council heard from many concerned par ents on Tuesday, Sept. 27, regarding the recent threats at Hewitt-Trussville High School (HTHS).

Council hears from

County

By Terry Schrimscher For The Tribune

SPRINGVILLE — The Springville City Council met Monday night, Oct. 3, for the first regular meeting of the month. Much of the agenda was discussed in the

DeShazo said looking in ternally would be someone that knows the system, is comfortable with the system and knows the people. How ever, if they take one of the internal people, they would

be taking them away from their current position, and then would have to find some body to do their job.

“Looking externally, of course, it’s somebody that doesn’t know our communi

ty, but that may not be a bad thing. They may bring new ideas, they bring fresh ideas, they bring experiences from themselves,” DeShazo said.

TCS Superintendent placed on 60-day paid leave of absence: ‘Communication and transparency is key’

By Hannah Curran Editor

TRUSSVILLE — Truss ville City Schools (TCS) Su perintendent Dr. Pattie Neill was placed on a 60-day paid leave of absence by the TCS Board of Education (BOE) on Friday, Sept. 30, during a spe cial called meeting. Neill was not present at the meeting.

“I think that we have cer tain issues that we need to learn about and in this situ ation that we find ourselves in,” TCS BOE Vice Pres ident Kim DeShazo said.

“There’s been a lot of things that have come out this week, and we need to figure out and get to the bottom of those things.”

Neill will not have access to email or the building, and she would have no daily du ties.

“We needed some space,” TCS BOE President Kathy Brown said. “We needed

some space to do our job as a school board.”

DeShazo also requested that the board seek services from outside entities that would “conduct an unbiased, thorough investigation, re view, and find out the facts.”

The board approved her re quest.

Many parents and citizens filed into the board meeting room to share their thoughts and concerns about recent events that have transpired in TCS.

Nathan Pruet, whose son was on the “Death Note” list, addressed the board, explain ing that their policies need to be updated for accountability purposes.

Clay City Council approves 20222023 budget

By Loyd McIntosh For The Tribune

CLAY — The Clay City Council unanimously ap proved its annual budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year during its council meeting Tuesday, Sept. 27.

In a short and sweet meet ing barely clocking in at 20 minutes, the council approved a budget in the amount of

Center Point holds Virtual Town Hall to discuss upcoming ad valorem tax vote

By Loyd McIntosh For The Tribune

CENTER POINT — The City of Center Point held a virtual town hall meeting Monday, Sept. 26, to discuss an ad valorem tax increase.

By Crystal McGough associate editor

TRUSSVILLE – Thrill seekers in The Tribune cov erage area don’t have to look far to find one of the area’s best local haunts: the Insani tarium.

Leeds Councilman questions items in 2022-2023 budget

By Nathan Prewett For the Tribune

LEEDS – The Leeds Council tabled the fiscal year 2022-2023 budget af ter Councilman Eric Turner voiced concerns about several items and the expenses being paid by the city.

‘Insanitarium’ haunted attraction reopens in new Trussville/Argo location

expect action’

Board Vice President Kim DeShazo and Board member Mark Sims. (Photo by Scott Buttram)

The

events. (Photo by Hannah Curran)

Trussville schools are in crisis, but it can be an opportunity for a greater community

By Scott Buttram publisher Commentary

TRUSSVILLE — Let’s not sugarcoat this situation. Trussville City Schools is in a crisis. That’s the bad news. The good news is that this is a manageable crisis that, if handled properly, can be a launching point to reach new heights.

It’s no secret that I’ve been highly critical of TCS leadership and the BOE ap pointment process of the City Council for the last few years. No sense running from it be cause much of that criticism is on video or in writing, and it’s on the Internet for all to see. If some think I’ve been too harsh, fair enough. They may be right.

But it isn’t my criticism or my opinion that matters any more.

Trussville citizens have packed two public meetings this week, City Council on Tuesday and BOE today, to share their stories and their concerns. Hundreds, if not thousands, more have shared their thoughts on Tribune social media sites this week. They have resoundingly and clearly stated their position.

Dr. Pattie Neill cannot remain as superintendent of Trussville City Schools.

Today, the TCS BOE ac cepted Neill’s recommenda tion that she take a 60-day leave. Board members prom ised a third-party investi gation. But BOE members shouldn’t need 60 days or an investigation to determine that Neill must be terminat ed as soon as possible so the community, students, teach ers, and administrators can begin the healing process.

The citizens of Trussville, stakeholders as school offi cials like to call them, have spoken. It’s over.

The investigation should continue and may very well provide the BOE with reason to terminate Neill with cause and save taxpayers from wasting more money.

A culture of avoiding transparency through se lective communication has been developing within TCS for years. It has permeated throughout the schools, even going as far as infecting the BOE appointment process used by the City Council. This is not representative of the desires of the people of Trussville, and it must end today.

On Thursday’s Tribune Unscripted, I asked our au dience to give leaders on the school board and on the City Council a chance to lead. Leading during the good times requires very little ability. It is in times of crisis

when true leadership shines, and pretenders fade. No mat ter what any of these people believed or said 10 days ago, they may have very different feelings and beliefs today.

They know all eyes are on them. They are where they are because the communi ty had high expectations for them. It is in the best interest of Trussville for them to live up to those expectations, and they’ll need the support of the community to do so.

Statements this week from Councilman Ben Short and TCS Board Member Kim De Shazo offer glimmers of hope and indicate welcome new paths. It’s time to move for ward in a new direction.

There has been much talk of shifting to an elected school board. Adding another layer of politics rarely pro duces the intended results.

But maintaining an ap pointed school board will require a Herculean effort by the City Council and the

BOE. An appointed BOE cannot exist without absolute transparency, and that begins with the appointment process by the City Council.

The State of Alabama places the appointment re sponsibility in the hands of the City Council. The entire Council must embrace that responsibility in an open and transparent process from be ginning to end that convinces citizens that they can be trust ed to seek and find the most qualified people possible.

The BOE must operate with as much transparency as legally possible and, above all, prove to the community that they are approachable and empathetic to citizens, students, teachers, and ad ministrators.

If these leaders step up and lead, this crisis becomes a milestone on the path to an even greater community. We should all give them our support and a chance to turn things around.

L oca L / R egion

Victims’ families fight to bring awareness to distracted driving

By Hannah Curran Editor

TRUSSVILLE — A spokesperson with Hands-Free Alabama spoke with Truss ville Tribune Publisher Scott Buttram and Tribune Digital Media’s Brannon Dawkins on Tribune Unscripted, Thursday, September 29.

Michelle Lunsford ex plained that Hands-Free Al abama is a group of victims’ families trying to pass a bill in Alabama where you can not hold your phone or any electronic device in your hand while you are operating a vehi cle. For the past four years, they have been trying to save lives with Hands-Free Alabama.

Lunsford lost her teenage daughter Camryn “CiCi” Call away in a distracted driving ac cident in February 2018. CiCi, a senior at Thompson high school, was heading home from work, where she worked with my uncle and aunt.

“On her way home, she got on her phone and recorded a happy birthday message to a friend,” Lunsford said. “She did not see an 18 Wheeler that had stopped in front of her and ran right underneath it… She was 26 days away from her 18th birthday, three months to the very day of graduation.”

Lunsford explained that she wasn’t ever worried about Camryn when she first started driving.

“She was actually a good driver, 10 and 2; she would go the speed limit,” Lunsford said. “I wasn’t worried then; it was all the people around her driving that I was worried about. I started to worry when she got comfortable behind the wheel; she started allowing distractions.”

Lunsford said that when she saw all the students, CiCi’s friends, and their parents that came to the wake and funeral with fear in their eyes, that en couraged her to talk with the students.

“I really wanted to bring awareness and education on the dangers of distracted driv ing,” Lunsford said.

However, this isn’t a teen-driving problem; accord ing to Lunsford, the blame also falls on the parents.

“The parents, the 30, 40, 50-year-olds, we’re the ones that are more guilty about it,” Lunsford said. “What kind of a role model are we being for our teens that are just starting to drive.”

Lunsford explained that there are manual, visual, and cognitive distractions. Manual if your hands are off the wheel, visual if your eyes are off the road, and cognitive if your mind is not on the task at hand, which is driving.

Buttram told Lunsford he couldn’t think of anything more devastating for any par ent to go through than losing a child.

“What a testament that you decide to keep her memory alive by trying to save other people’s lives,” Buttram said.

This is not unique to Ala bama; other states deal with the same thing, and some states have dealt with it. Lunsford said she believes 26 to 27 states passed a stronger version of a hands-free bill in their state.

“For example, Washing ton actually calls it a DUIE, Driving Under the Influence of Electronics; they are very, very serious about driving,” Lunsford said. “Georgia has one. Tennessee actually has one that’s pretty strong as well; it’s

not just a cell phone in your hand, it’s eating, it’s anything in your hands that’s a distraction.”

Lunsford said their goal is to get a law passed where you can’t hold a phone or any elec tronic device in your hand while you’re driving, but drivers are still allowed to use Bluetooth.

“There are numerous Hands-Free devices you can get on Amazon for $20,” Lunsford said. “However, hands-free does not mean riskfree… Distractions come in many different ways. These kids we are losing, my heart is really torn; we are the ones that are more guilty. It’s my age group, but the 15 to 20-yearolds are the ones that we are losing every single day.”

Lunsford explained that the number one reason that 15 to 20-year-olds pass away is a motor vehicle accident.

She explained that it’s been difficult to get a bill passed, but there isn’t just one item she can pinpoint that makes it challenging.

“We have had a couple of the representatives basically say, ‘I’m not going to put my phone down, and I’m not go ing to ask my constituents as well’; they were very vocal about that,” Lunsford said. “It’s really a shame. I think a little bit of political issues was kind of going on as well… It has been a real struggle.”

Lunsford said they have to start over every year when the bill isn’t passed.

“It’s a brand new bill ev ery single year, but now it’s a matter of finding a new repre sentative, new senator to ac tually take this challenge on,” Lunsford said.

For more information, visit Hands-Free Alabama on Face book.

Leeds man arrested for rape and human trafficking

From The Tribune staff reports

LEEDS — A Leeds man was arrested for rape and hu man trafficking on Tuesday, September 27, at 7:15 a.m.

According to the Leeds Police Department (LPD), 68-year-old George Ervin Clark was arrested after LPD served a search and arrest war rant in the 1500 Block of Phil adelphia Street in Leeds.

Clark was taken into cus tody and detained. He was im mediately arrested and trans ported to jail on outstanding charges that LPD had obtained.

“Officers collected evi dence from the residence that included a camera, VHS tapes, Thumb drives, CDs, laptop, cellular phones, rifle, pistol, cocaine, and multiple items of drug paraphernalia,” LPD Chief Paul Irwin stated.

Clark is charged with three

counts of rape and human traf ficking. Clark has a $350,000 bond and is housed at the Jef ferson County Jail.

“It is great to remove a pred ator from our community, and it is a tragedy that these offenses have occurred,” Irwin stated.

“We want the public to know that if you have been a victim of a crime, please report it.

“Sexual Assaults such as these are almost always not

reported, but fortunately, a young lady came forward who is going to make a difference. It appears that many victims may still be out there, and any one with information on this defendant or who has been a victim is encouraged to con tact the Leeds Police Depart ment.”

LPD is here to bring indi viduals to justice who have victimized anyone regardless of their status in the communi ty. According to Irwin, this is an ongoing investigation, and there is no statute of limitations in sexual offenses.

“I am proud of the efforts of our personnel and the differ ence that is going to be made in this community,” Irwin stated. “I appreciate all of the victim’s advocates who are assisting with this case.”

The story will be updat ed when more information is available.

Board From front page

“We’ve reached out to the AASB and asked them for recommendations from a list of superintendents that are retired, so they would not be someone that would be seek ing out a job anywhere per manently.”

The interim superinten dent would simply become an acting superintendent tem porarily. DeShazo explained that the better option is to look external and use some one from AASB.

In order for the school board business to be conduct ed, they need to have an ac tive superintendent.

“We’re governed by the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB). That’s our protocol. That’s our law,” Brown said. “Every public school system in the State of Alabama is a mem ber of AASB. They provide legal services and resources that we use as a board and for all the other state of Alabama School Boards.”

Brown explained that the board can only meet with two or more board members in an open forum because of the Sunshine Law.

Boardmember Mark Sims spoke with Sally Smith, who is the President of AASB, and Susan Walker over develop ment and explained that the AASB has candidates that the Board could use as acting su perintendent.

“They have candidates that have retired from super intendent roles, probably 7A and some are smaller, and some from other parts of the state,” Sims said. “These peo ple are still very involved in education.”

Sims explained that some of the candidates have stepped into other acting su

perintendent roles in the past.

“What I asked them to do, to save us time, is to vet a few people that we could talk to,” Sims said. “Then the purpose of tonight would be to set up a format that we can move as expeditiously as possible for meetings with these candi dates; once they supply those who are interested in our opportunity, to discuss with them and begin to work out details.”

Sims said he should have a list by tomorrow, but that is not a guarantee. Once the list is provided, Sims and Board member Sherrye Tolbert will start having zoom or in-per son interviews.

“This is just a temporary thing,” Sims said. “This is just someone stepping in to help.”

Tolbert said that the board wants to keep the public in formed on what’s going on as they continue to push forward with the process.

“We are trying to let ev eryone know what’s going on as we push through this,” Tol bert said. “That’s the whole thing, it’s communication.

Brown said the board could call a meeting before the regularly scheduled meet ing on Oct. 17, 2022, if they have determined an interim superintendent.

In other news, the board is working to add a way for those who did not attend the meeting to get a breakdown of the events on the TCS web site.

DeShazo explained that she spoke with Chief Eric Rush, and they have deter mined that starting today, the Trussville Police Department (TPD), not just SROs, would have full access to all the schools in TCS.

“If there were an emer gency at one of the schools, the SROs and any member

of the police department can come in,” DeShazo said.

DeShazo explained that it’s a very important step for law enforcement to have ac cess to the schools.

“It’s one of those needs that we didn’t know that ex isted,” DeShazo said “I also had a lot of people reach out to me about safety and people that are in independent orga nizations that have offered their services to help with Threat Assessment protocols, present policies and proce dures, and training that they may offer.”

DeShazo said she has for warded all the information to Rush, who she believes is better equipped to determine what the best course of action should be.

“I also invited Chief Rush to come to our Oct. 17 board meeting to report to us if he thinks that any of those pro grams that we need to devel op and what he would have to do to put this into place,” DeShazo said.

The Community Founda tion of Greater Birmingham reached out to DeShazo to explain some programs that include mental health and bullying programs to be im plemented in the schools. De Shazo said she plans to meet with her on Friday to discuss it further.

“This is kind of a new day here in TCS, I think we are going to move forward with more collaboration and more involvement of board members, parents, teachers, administrators, all working together so that we all have the same goal, which is to im prove TCS,” DeShazo said.

Brown said moving for ward, they want to help ev eryone. She explained that TCS is a great school system, but if something is broken they need to fix it.

George

courtesy of

work session prior to the meeting.

One item up for discus sion involved merit pay increases for part-time em ployees of the city. The Council also voted to amend employee benefits to cover 75% of family healthcare coverage. The amended package increases coverage from 50% of expenses in cluded for families last year. The city currently covers

Insanitarium

From front page

The haunted attraction, which originated in Pinson at the Palmerdale Homesteads Community Center (PHCC), is now conveniently nestled between the cities of Truss ville and Argo, at 8433 Gads den Highway, Trussville, AL, 35173.

The attraction will be open every weekend in October, from 7 p.m. until 12 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. It will also be open Halloween night from 7 p.m.to 10 p.m. This will be the Insanitar ium’s first full walk-through event at its new location, and general admission will cost $20 per person, or guests can purchase “RIP” tickets to skip the line for $45.

100% of employee health care benefits for individuals.

In the work session, rep resentatives from the ARC of St. Clair County spoke to the Council about a fundraising gala planned for December.

“We’ve had to cut back during covid because of fi nances,” Joyce Cunningham said.

She said the ARC of St. Clair is hosting its first large fundraising gala in its 49year history this year. Cun ningham services ad board chair for the organization.

In 2011, the Insanitarium opened as a fundraiser for the Pinson Valley High School arts department, as well as an effort to help restore the his toric PHCC. Owner and di rector Justin McElroy worked at PVHS at the time, where he learned of the struggling arts department and wanted to make a difference.

“That’s always been my nature, to just help,” McElroy said. “When I came across Chris Screws of the art de partment … he was talking about how he didn’t have any funding. So I said, ‘Let’s open up a haunted house!’”

The Insanitarium had nine successful fundraising sea sons before the 2020 pandem ic shut it down, along with many other public events worldwide. In January 2021, McElroy and his “haunt fam

The gala will be held at Mat thews Manor in Springville at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2.

Speaking to The Truss ville Tribune, Cunningham said the ARC of St. Clair gets some funding allocated from the county commission and has funding coming from Pell City as well. She is reaching out to other cities across the county to help meet the needs of citizens with Intellectual and Developmental Disabil ities (IDDs).

“We’ve struggled through covid, and we really don’t

ily” were getting ready to plan their reopening when they were informed that they would no longer be able to operate out of the community center they had called home for the last decade.

“We didn’t just get up and move because we wanted to,” McElroy said. “It was because we had to; we had no other choice. But this is more than just a haunt – it’s a haunt fam ily – and this family comes together like we always do. We adapt and overcome.”

In April 2021, McEl roy bought nearly four acres of unincorporated land off Gadsden Highway, between Trussville and Argo. That Oc tober, the Insanitarium crew held a “Creature’s Carnival” to raise funds for a new build ing, which they broke ground on at the end of July 2022.

“It is a miracle that we are back,” McElroy said. “(This location) came at the right place, right time.”

For McElroy and the In sanitarium staff, this is more than just a haunted house; it’s a home and a family for those who have nowhere else to go.

“When you’ve got kids that have broken homes and come from a broken place, they want a home,” he said. “I say kids, but I mean kids

want to lose this agency in St. Clair County because it really does a wonderful ser vice,” Cunningham said.

Cunningham and Mi chelle DeGeorge, who serves as treasurer for the ARC, will work with Mayor Dave Thomas to develop a propos al to present to the Council at a future meeting. They said schools have programs for students with IDDs, but peo ple with disabilities are often forgotten after graduation.

“If we don’t have this in St. Clair County, they (adults

with disabilities) get sent anywhere in Alabama there’s an opening,” Cunningham said. “We’re trying to keep this in St. Clair County.”

In other businesses, the Council suspended automat ic rate increases on water. The city also created a new position for a Certified Water System Operator.

The Council approved a request from Police Chief Wayne Walton to surplus three police vehicles the de partment has determined are no longer in good enough

condition for use. The Coun cil also approved the pur chase of three police vehi cles from the City of Oxford.

The Council also ap proved hiring three School Resource Officers, which will be funded through the county. One officer will be delegated for each of the city’s three schools.

In closing, Mayor Thom as asked everyone to send their prayers and well wishes for councilmember Wayne Tucker who is in the hospi tal.

crude and insulting doll cre ated from the mind of Serick the toy maker) and Pantaleon (the once-traveling gypsy and flatmate of Victorious).

and adults. There are kids and adults that work here, and we try to make sure they have food in their mouths, whatev er their situation.

“If you want testimonies, I have them all … of how many times this place has saved these peoples’ lives. I’ve had a girl who tried to (overdose) before coming up here; then she found this place and now she’s acting up here. I’ve had rape victims that have literal ly gotten stronger through this place because we don’t do victims in our haunt. That’s what makes (the Insanitari um) unique.”

When McElroy says there are no victims, he means it. Guests will find no prisoners, torture victims or ear-piercing screams in this walk-through haunt. Instead, they will find

various creepy creatures wait ing for them around the dis orienting twists and turns of the trail.

“Insanitarium is a psycho logically terrorizing haunted attraction,” McElroy said.

“Submerging customers each year into an ominous environ ment, we explore deeper into a world full of creatures and the undead. … I guess the best way to say it is we are where the wild things are, kind of like the old storybook.”

Those who have visited the Insanitarium in the past will revisit familiar person alities such as Victorious (the machinists engineer), Splyce (the angry, macabre sculptor) and Dr. Ausenemen (the me thodical doctor obsessed with mutating the undead). They will also find Dudley (the

“Everything is always themed-out to continue the storyline of Victorious (and) Dr. Ausenemen, and we still have our iconic creatures,” McElroy said. “We’re build ing into more characters and building off storylines … kind of taking it back to the streets of London, where we left off in 2019. But we have thrown some things in there that people should catch onto … little Easter eggs.”

Not only does McElroy plan to continue developing the ongoing storyline of the Insanitarium, but he and his team also have plans to add more buildings on their prop erty in the future, utilizing the entire nearly-four-acre lot for an experience unlike anything else found in this area.

“We’re not settling,” he said. “We’re taking our time to actually focus and plan like we need to. It’s never going to be the same path, ever.”

For more information about the Insanitarium, visit www.insanitariumhaunt.com.

Crystal McGough can be contacted at mcgoughcrys tal@gmail.com

Image

of Justin McElroy

Outlet Shops of Grand River announces Grand RiverFest fall event

Clay

From front page

$5.275 million for the year beginning Oct. 1. During his presentation to the council, City Manager Ronnie Dixon expressed that the 2022-23 budget would vary greatly from the previous year’s bud get.

Dixon based his projec tions on the city’s spending over the last 10 months while building in room for cost in creases, health insurance and utilities in particular. In a meeting in May, Dixon told the council the city had been told health insurance costs for city employees would in crease by 5%; however, the fi nal figure came in higher than projected.

“I initially increased the budget by 5% to cover that

health insurance increase and also the regular step raises that each employee gets,” Dixon said. “But when we got the letter last week, they increased 6.5% on health in surance, so I had to change that and make it another per cent (and) a half.”

Health insurance costs for the City of Clay’s employees have dramatically increased each of the last four years: 8%, 5%, 7% and 6.5%.

“Our health insurance costs for each employee with

a family is over $1,200,” Dix on said.

To help with the rising health care costs, the 202223 budget will continue a plan put in place three years ago in which the city covers 100% of city employee health coverage while the employ ee pays for additional family coverage.

The budget also reflects unexpected hikes in utility costs in 2022.

“In 2022, we budgeted $160,000, and we have spent, in 10 months, $236,910.50,” said Dixon.

The rising utility costs do not include gasoline, only electricity, water and natural gas costs at city-owned build ings.

“When President Obama said electrical rates will have to increase, this is what we’re

reaping right now because of all the coal-fired and natural gas plants (that) have been shut down,” Dixon said. “So, I put another $35,000 in the budget for this year, antici pating those utilities will in crease.”

The 2022-23 Clay budget also includes: $700,000 for law en forcement and employee retention bonuses from American Rescue Plan COVID-19 funding;

• $100,000 in contributions to Clay Elementary and Clay Middle Schools; and

• $125,000 in contributions to Clay-Chalkville High School intended for im proving the concession stand at Cougar Stadium if approved by the Jeffer son County Board of Ed ucation.

LEEDS – The Outlet

Shops of Grand River in Leeds has announced the Grand RiverFest fall event, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m., in the front parking lot of the mall. This one-day festival marketplace will host arts, crafts, food trucks, balloon art, face painting, a bounce house, fashion and so much more.

Zone Mobile Entertain ment Gaming Theater, from Huntsville, will be a new ad dition to the festival. This 50foot gaming truck will pro vide kid-friendly games such as Mario Kart, Madden, NBA 2K, Fortnight, Minecraft, Just Dance and many more.

Children attending the event will also have the op portunity to meet Spider-Man and several Enchanted Prin cesses, such as Tiana, Anna and Mirabel. The Mad Hatter will also be present, perform ing some balloon twisting for the children.

Admission to Grand Riv erFest is free, and festival-go ers will be able to enjoy more than 60 vendors represent

ing categories like artwork, candles, clothing & accesso ries, gifts, jewelry and more. There will also be a wide va riety of food trucks, as well as a new tent area where people can sit, relax, and enjoy all the delicious food and snacks.

Adopt-A-Golden Bir mingham will be at the fes tival with some furry friends, just waiting for their forever home.

While you are at Grand River, be sure to stop in The Backyard to enjoy an original brew from Neighbors Brew & Pies and a round of mini golf, along with other fun activities for the family to enjoy

The Outlet Shops of Grand River is Alabama’s favorite outlet destination where customers can come to shop at more than 70 stores and then stay to play. The Shops offer a wide variety of dining options, as well as several entertainment venues. The center is located in his toric Leeds, off I-20 at Exit 140, 6200 Grand River Bou levard East.

For more information about this event or The Outlet Shops of Grand River, please visit www.shopsofgrandriver. com.

OCNDS

From front page

awareness to Okur-Chung

Neurodevelopmental Syn drome (OCNDS).

They had raffles such as Alabama football tickets, a photography session, mer chandise, and gift cards. All proceeds will benefit the CSNK2A1 Foundation.

Adelynn Cole, 5, was di agnosed in 2019 with OkurChung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome (OCNDS), a rare genetic disorder first iden tified in 2016. OCNDS is caused by a mutation in the CSNK2A1 gene. The gene CSNK2A1 creates a protein called CK2, which plays a crucial role in development. Therefore, a mutation in this gene disrupts typical devel opment.

Adelynn has overcome so much in her life, and it’s all thanks to her family and the army that has stood by her through it all.

“We’re excited to be able to hold it again,” Adelynn’s mom, Kelsey Cole, said. “We feel like this year, we had

some donors come forward, and they gave away like some Alabama tickets and some photography sessions and raf fles, and we’re just apprecia tive of the community, stand ing behind Adelynn’s army this year.”

Adelynn is the only re ported case of OCNDS in Alabama, and there are few er than 200 reported cases worldwide.

Adelynn’s dad, David, said that everyone diagnosed with OCNDS is affected dif ferently; in Adelynn’s case, she can’t walk. David ex plained that when Adelynn was diagnosed, he discov ered he also had the gene for OCNDS, but he never expe rienced any developmental difficulties growing up.

Kelsey explained that the foundation plans to create an award recognizing all their hard work in bringing aware ness to OCNDS.

“Last night, when the news aired us as ‘Alabama Champions,’ our president stepped forward, and she said ‘y’all really are champi ons, because y’all don’t ever

give up. You’re always doing something, whether we’re at conference or doing this walk,’” Kelsey said. “Outside the walk, we’re always doing other things in the community and trying to educate.”

Adelynn’s Army will also be present in the Trussville Christmas parade.

“Adelynn’s going to get her to ride as a princess in the parade, which is huge be cause she misses out on a lot of pageants and things like that,” Kelsey said. “So it’s a rolling pageant for her, and she gets to be in the spotlight and bring awareness even more.”

Kelsey said it’s incredi ble and emotional how much Adelynn’s Army has grown.

“We’re grateful; the bigger the army, the better chance we have for research or cure,” Kelsey said. “It was very emotional because we raised over a million dollars for the organization between now and the conference, and we’re talking about less than 200 people worldwide. That’s incredible.”

To donate or find a way to help raise awareness about OCNDS, visit www. csnk2a1foundation.org/do nate/ and join the fight against OCNDS.

Photo by Hannah Curran

Photo courtesy of The Outlet Shops of Grand River

Adelynn's Army (Photo courtesy of Kelsey Cole)

Two famous Trussville restaurants are making a comeback

Springville Preservation Society announces inaugural Festival of Trees

From The Tribune staff reports

SPRINGVILLE — The Springville Preservation So ciety has announced the in augural Festival of Trees that will take place on Saturday, Nov. 19, and Sunday, Nov. 20, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the historic 1872 Springville Presbyterian Church campus.

PVHS

From front page

Individuals, groups, civ ic organizations, businesses, and churches are encouraged to register to participate. There will be categories for Christmas Trees and wreaths.

You may be asking your self, ‘why November?’ The Society wants to begin this an nual event when there is time to enjoy it before the busy holiday season and kick off

the season. The Society will also host a home tour later in the holiday season. The timing will also allow time for use of personal Christmas trees be fore they are used for decorat ing during the holiday season.

Participants are encour aged to decorate the trees with a theme in mind or to tell a story. The proceeds from the event will be used to contin

ue the work of maintaining three historic structures by the Springville Preservation Society.

The pieces of the puzzle are still being assembled for this event. This is just an ini tial announcement to call at tention to the event. Specific details and entry information will follow in the upcoming days.

From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — Brian Kemp, the owner of Kemp’s Kitchen & Bakery, is now bringing back two of the most famous and beloved Trussville restaurants. Start ing Sept. 28, 2022, construc tion will begin on the new and improved Kemp’s Kitch en and Bakery, along with the historic and great-tasting Golden Rule BBQ and Grill.

“God’s plan was great er than my dreams,” Kemp said.

These greatly missed restaurants will be found un der the same roof. The new location will be located in the original Golden Rule building off South Chalkville Road in Trussville. This is a historic moment not only for Kemp’s and Golden Rule, but for the city of Trussville.

“We are planning on opening the doors on Dec. 1, 2022,” Kemp said. “We are super excited to be a part

of the Entertainment Dis trict and completely back in Trussville. We are rebuilding from the ashes and coming back better than ever.”

Golden Rule BBQ is Alabama’s oldest running restaurant and the 16th old est in the country. Golden Rule first opened the Iron dale location in 1891 and has been in the Matos family since 1969. The Trussville location closed its doors on Aug. 12, 2022.

Kemp’s Kitchen opened its first location in Trussville back in November 2017. Then moved to the old Hard ees building in August 2020 and caught on fire in Novem ber 2021. The building was a total loss.

Kemp said he would like to thank Charles Matos, Mayor Buddy Choat, the City of Trussville, and Coby Lake for their guidance and loyalty through this process.

For more updated infor mation, please follow their social media platforms.

In a short and touching ceremony shortly before kick off, Cochran was recognized for his decades of service to the Pinson Valley athletic pro gram and to the community at large. Surrounded by family and close friends, Cochran was surprised with several honors including the renam ing of the press box at Willie Adams Stadium to the Joe Cochran Press Box.

Cochran said he and his family were completely sur prised by the recognition and he was hard pressed to put what it all meant to him into words.

“I had no clue. No clue whatsoever,” Cochran said. “It’s just overwhelming. It’s more than I deserve.”

Moving to Pinson in the early 1990s, Cochran quickly found himself volunteering in a number of roles in the Pinson Valley High School athletic program. He says he spent ten or 11 years calling Indians football games, 15 years or so in the girl’s soft ball press box, and even more time calling baseball and bas ketball games. He was even drafted into service as a coach for the girl’s softball team several years ago.

Over the years, Cochran has worked tirelessly to raise money for area schools, even

operating an educational foundation for the better part of a decade. Shortly after Pin son was incorporated in 2004, Cochran was elected to the city council and eventually as mayor.

Surrounded by family, friends, and the community supporting his beloved Pin son Valley Indians, Cochran reflects on the community that welcomed him more than 30 years ago and al

lowed him an opportunity to serve, lead, and help the city grow into the community it has become.

“I thank this community for embracing me and for giv ing me a chance to be a part of this family. I didn’t grow up here and I’m so fortunate that this community has embraced me,” Cochran said. “Being elected mayor … I couldn’t believe an honor like that. They are real heroes in the world. I ain’t one of them.”

“You do the things you do for the love of the community and to try to make it a better place, but in the end, it’s very nice to be recognized,” Co chran said. “I appreciate.”

The Pinson community begs to differ. Congratula tions on your recognition, Mayor Cochran.

Voting

Kemp’s Kitchen & Bakery Golden Rule Bar-B-Que (Photo courtesy of Daniel Harp)

Pinson Mayor Joe Cochran was honored for his years of service Friday, September 30. (Photo by Loyd McIntosh)

The press box at Willie Adams stadium was renamed the Joe Cochran Press Box on Friday, September 30. (Photo by Loyd McIntosh)

Town Hall

From front page

Center Point residents will have the opportunity to vote for or against during a special election on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

Broadcast on the City of Center Point’s Facebook page, the town hall meeting was hosted by Mayor Bobby Scott, Place 5 Councilwoman Ebonee Scott, and City Clerk Tameeka Vann. The proposed increase would increase Cen ter Point’s ad valorem proper ty tax from .005% to .012%. Copeland said the purpose of the ad valorem tax increase includes such items as infra structure and waste disposal, and other public nuisance and safety concerns throughout the city.

leaving the city government in a tough spot. The revenue expected from the ad valor em tax increase would be used to fund a new depart ment focused on debris pick up at a cost of approximately $600,000 per year.

“This proposed tax will be primarily used to keep the city clean and to keep the bulk trash picked up,” Scott said.

“We will have trucks running five days a week, basically, just to keep everything off the streets.”

The tax revenue would also be earmarked for other quality-of-life programs and initiatives, as well as to pro vide additional funding to the four Jefferson County schools within the Center Point city limits.

tax of $0.012 would increase the cost of a typical $100,000 home located in Center Point from $500 to $1,200 per year. Making a case for support, Scott pointed out that Cen ter Point’s current ad valor em property tax is currently lower than most other cities in Jefferson County and that Center Point didn’t tax prop erty prior to 2018.

“In comparison to oth er municipalities around the county, Center Point has had the lowest property tax in the county, and that was only in the last three or four years when we didn’t have any property tax at all,” Scott said. “So that five mils that you currently pay was only added within the last four years. We ask that you vote yes on this property tax because it affects all of us. Our impression that we leave is very important to us.”

Should the referendum passes, the tax increase would go into effect in 2024.

The city received almost 150 comments and questions regarding the tax proposal on Facebook. Opinion on the plan was mixed.

“I would feel better vot ing yes if the funds were earmarked; I’d like to know where the funds are going be fore they are spent,” Center Point resident Eniah Vance said. “I’m all for improve ment. I just like to know that everything is being spent wisely,”

Trussville declares October 2022 Down Syndrome Awareness Month

From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Council pro claimed October 2022 as Down Syndrome Awareness Month on Tuesday, Sept. 27, in support of individuals with Down syndrome, as well as their families, advocates, re searchers and medical profes sionals.

Down Syndrome Alabama representative and Trussville resident Stephanie Langford, along with her son Zac, Lang ford’s friend, Liana, and Lia na’s daughter, Layla, accepted the proclamation.

Syndrome,” the proclamation stated.

“The goal of the tax would be to fund waste removal and debris efforts, the removal of dilapidated structures, burned and damaged houses, and abandoned apartment com plexes, and to improve public safety,” Copeland said.

“As you know, one of our big issues this year has been bulk trash removal,” Scott said.

Earlier this year, Waste Removal, Inc. abruptly dis continued offering brush and debris pickup in Center Point,

“Every year, the City of Center Point sets out funds for all four of Center Point’s schools to help with supplies and programs that are offered by the schools,” Copeland said. “Even though we don’t run county schools in our city, we have always tried to sup plement and help with needed items from educational trips to student development cours es. This will help us in further promoting our children’s learning opportunities.”

The proposed ad valorem

“If you want a cleaner city with more police presence, common sense should tell you it won’t pay for itself,” Kendrick Sandridge said.

“I think we all realize an increase of some sort is need ed, but this is too much at this time,” Rhonda Lambert said.

“Honestly, we’ve enjoyed low taxes for years,” Amy J. Whatley said. “The increase was bound to happen.”

The ad valorem tax spe cial election is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 11, at Center Point City Hall, 2209 Center Point Parkway.

“I encourage all Trussville citizens to work together to promote respect and inclusion of individuals with Down syn drome and to celebrate their accomplishments and contri butions,” Mayor Buddy Choat said.

According to the procla mation, Down syndrome is the most frequently occur ring chromosomal disorder and is the leading cause of intellectual and developmen tal delay in the United States.

Approximately one in every 700 children are born with Down syndrome, representing an estimated 6,000 births per year in the United States, with approximately 85 of those an nual births occurring here in Alabama.

“We live here in Trussville; Zac goes to Magnolia and Layla goes to Cahaba,” Lang ford said. “I’m just so grateful that the mayor and city council acknowledge this awareness month because, more than any thing, just giving them the op portunity to thrive in their own community is very important to us, and these kids are obvi ously thriving. They’re living their best life.”

The proclamation states that possessing a wide range of abilities, people with Down syndrome are active partici pants in educational, occupa tional, social and recreational circles of our communities.

“Yet despite significant increases in lifespan and intel lectual opportunities over the past decade, there is still much work to be done regarding the rights to equality, inclu sion, education, medical care, research, employment, and support for people with Down

Langford invites everyone on Oct. 21, 2022, to help turn Alabama blue and yellow in awareness of Down syndrome. Then, on Oct. 23, 2022, they’re going to have a walk at Wald Park, located at 1973 Merry vale Road in Vestavia Hills.

“Just everybody come up and celebrate their accom plishments, their friendships, and what they’ve been able to accomplish over the year and all the milestones that they’ve hit,” Langford said. “So we just appreciate this full room and audience.”

Trussville encourages all citizens to work together to celebrate the lives of individ uals with Down syndrome and remember to appreciate and regard every individual with dignity as a valued member of the community, and through public awareness, the City of Trussville supports the initia tives of organizations working to ensure people with Down syndrome have adequate ser vices, are valued by society, and can lead fulfilling and productive lives in our com munity.

File Photo

(From Left to Right) Council member Perry Cook, Zac Langford, Council member Jaime Anderson, Layla, Mayor Buddy Choat, Stephanie Langford, Liana, Council member Lisa Bright, Council member Alan Taylor, and Council member Ben Short, (Photo courtesy of Hannah Curran)

TCS

From

“There’s a lot of opinions in this room about what needs to go and what needs to hap pen,” Pruet said. “What I’m trying to say is we’ve got to put ourselves in a position where this can never happen again. That’s where these policies come into play. The accountability will rest within your governing documents.”

Pruet told the board that he would not rest until action is taken.

“This was said earlier to me, ‘In the time of crisis, leadership leads or hides,’” Pruet said. “I’m asking you to choose leadership.”

Christy Miller also spoke to the board about imple menting new ways to prevent a situation like this from hap pening again.

“This may be the greatest opportunity that we have as a community, that you have as a board, that the city coun cil has to show our children when there’s a problem, this is how you identify it, this is how you address it, this is how it moves up and down the system,” Miller said. “We can work together as a com munity.”

Miller told the board that this process was going to take time.

“We didn’t get here in a week, and we’re not going to fix it in a week,” Miller said. “But with open communica tion, we’re behind you.”

Another parent, John Iris, addressed the board, explain ing that everything rises and falls on leadership.

“Over these last few weeks, we have seen the lead ership in our school system fail us, and honestly, we’re not confident in the leaders who are leading us,” Iris said. “A vote of no confidence is a hard thing to talk about.”

Also addressing the board was Amber Jones, who start ed her comments with a 37-second moment of silence for the 37 children on the list before explaining how “awk ward and unnerving” the situ ation has been.

“When you are expecting to hear something, and you hear silence, sweeping things under the rug, withholding in formation from the police and parents has to stop,” Jones said. “These actions are put ting all of the students in the Trussville City School system in danger. Communication and transparency is key. It is key to a successful school system, which I believe we can have. This is our stand, and this movement does not end until we have better lead

ership at the school board level. Our children deserve better.”

Jones directly addressed her following statement to Neill.

“Dr. Neill, TCS ignored this child’s red flags in the most recent security threat; we will no longer ignore your red flags, as a superintendent or as a board,” Jones said. “Your failure to communi cate, to be transparent, and your blatant disrespect to wards Trussville City School employees, students and par ents has not gone unnoticed and will no longer be tolerat ed on any level.”

Some members of TCS chose not to attend out of fear of losing their job but had community members read anonymous statements for them addressing the various problems that have occurred in TCS.

Others used the opportuni ty to bring to light the failures of the school system that they have experienced.

Mike Kidd told the board about an Office for Civil Rights (OCR) complaint form he filed on Feb. 4, 2022, about Trussville City Schools, to advocate for his 10-year-old Type 1 Diabetic daughter, Isabella. Kidd said that his daughter’s IEP and 504 Plan were ignored and not exe cuted properly, putting his daughter’s life in danger.

James Thomas addressed the board about how his visu ally impaired daughter, Sarah Thomas, was treated by TCS and how his family had to fight for a fair and appropriate education.

“There has been a culture through the special needs program that I’d say hun dreds of children have been directly hurt and punished at the direction of Pattie Neill,” James said. “My daughter, Sarah Thomas, is one of them.”

James’ daughter and HTHS student, Ellen Thom as, also spoke to the board about how corrupt the school system is.

“The problems that the schools are facing are not in the teachers or the aides or in the counselors, but in the ad ministration and the Board of Education,” Ellen said.

During the closing re marks, Brown told the au dience that the board hears them.

“I’m appalled at some of the things we’ve heard today. It’s distressing,” Brown said.

During an interview af ter the meeting, Brown said, “It was painful, but to get to something good, it has to be painful.”

Action From front page

Thirty-five parents and citi zens took to the podium to ad dress the council, demanding that action take place at Truss ville City Schools (TCS); many requested that change occurs within TCS.

Nathan Pruet, the nominee spokesperson on behalf of a significant group of parents di rectly impacted by the recent events at HTHS, spoke to the council about the recent events.

“We’re all deeply disturbed by the events and details that have been exposed as informa tion has been released,” Pruet said.

Pruett asked the council who appoints the Board of Education and who appoints school board members.

Council member and liai son for TCS, Lisa Bright, re sponded and said Trussville has a committee that was started two years ago.

“It consists of the mayor, the council president, school board liaison, the school board president, and the city’s HR person,” Bright said. “So that is the group that comes together, and we gather applications, and then we interview each candi date. We pick a candidate and then present it to the city coun cil, and the city council votes on that.”

Mayor Buddy Choat said TCS is under “specific direc tion on how to operate the school board.”

“We’re not allowed to in terfere with that, and we have several conversations; I have conversations quite often with the school board members,” Choat said.

Pruet explained that he had a list of requests, “which will quickly turn to demands if they don’t see any action on this.”

“The Memorandum of Un derstanding (MOU) between the schools and the Trussville Police Department must be rewritten, and the language strengthened,” he said. “The MOU must contain clear steps to follow, unambiguous word ing, detailed timelines, and re percussions if there’s a failure in the process.

“Secondly, the Student Code of Conduct Threat As sessment protocol must be re written to the same standard as the MOU.

Additionally, the threat assessment protocol must include law enforcement involvement. It’s currently left to the discernment of the ad ministration on the viability of the threat. Administrators are woefully underqualified to make such a judgment indepen dent of law enforcement.

“Third, the Board of Edu cation Policy Manual requires rewriting to include the MOU and the updated Threat Assess ment protocol. You might also want to tell your board to up date their policy as posted out there and remove attorneys’ comments that are still on it.

“Fourth, I reviewed mul tiple documents over the past few days, and there’s one glar ing part missing from them all, and that is accountability. The current events force the issue of accountability to be added in a clear and correct term to all these documents.

“All the revisions need to be conducted by an indepen dent third party and reviewed by the council. We expect ac tion from the leadership of the city, primarily you, the council and the mayor.”

Pruet asked the council if they would require the board to meet on this item prior to the next scheduled meeting or the subjects returned to school. Choat responded, “Absolute ly.”

Another concerned parent, Laura Maddox, addressed the council and said that she had heard a collective response over the last 24 hours regarding who has control over the BOE.

“I’ve been reaching out to anybody that I know personal ly, that I know serves this city, and kind of a collective re sponse has been ‘I’m the may or, but I have no authority; I’m a city councilman, but I have no authority; you need to go to a Board of Education meeting,’” Maddox said. “So I guess my number one question is why are we paying these salaries if y’all have no authority?”

Maddox said her request is simple.

responded that it has to go through a process with the board and be approved.

“I want it to be very clear,” Maddox said. “Please remove (Superintendent Dr. Patti Neill) from office today.”

Maddox received an over whelming response of approv al from those in attendance at the meeting who shared similar viewpoints as her.

Also speaking to the coun cil was Karen Johns, who ex pressed her love for living in the city of Trussville, but in light of recent events, has felt the fear that many of the com munity members are feeling.

“A lot of fear, a lot of frus tration, a lot of anger,” Johns said. “There’s a factor of peo ple whose kids are at stake here, but there’s a factor of people that is your faculty and staff. They’re extremely pro fessional. These people love these kids, and they pour their heart into it, and they deserve leadership.”

Johns explained that these things don’t just happen.

“This didn’t just wake up last Thursday, and you guys are dunked on,” Johns said. “It is about being a servant leader, and this community has that in their bones. Our children are learning some bad lessons right now. We don’t want that. We don’t want that as a com munity.”

Johns said Trussville resi dents love their city, and they believe in this community.

“We believe in you, we be lieve in this police force, we trust you,” Johns said. “This didn’t just happen, and we ask of you the strength and the courage to bring us servant leadership because we’re starv ing for it. We’re starving for it; we should be the best.”

Jennifer Heinzman ad dressed the council about the false rumors that circulated throughout the high school ear lier this week.

“Why in the world is my 14-year-old texting me in the middle of the school day, for the first time ever, to hear about some notebook hitlist, to hear there were false rumors that this child was out of alterna tive school yesterday, com ing to shoot up the school,” Heinzman said. “That’s fine that it was false, that the rumor

was false yesterday, but the fear was real.”

Heinzman broke down be fore the council, expressing her fear when she dropped her child off at school today.

“I can’t tell you that I didn’t cry in the driveway when I got home,” Heinzman said. “I can’t imagine being one of the par ents of the 37. I know how I feel. I would be livid.”

Also addressing the board was Melissa Keck, who asked the council how Neill was hired and how she can be removed.

“The board that is appoint ed by the city does the hiring, contract renewals, and the eval uation,” Choat said. “Dr. Neill was hired many boards ago. So none of those board members are actually there now. All this falls on the board, so the board is responsible for hiring and/ or terminating the superinten dent.”

Many other parents ad dressed concerns about the lack of communication between the school system and the parents. Most commented on how they received the daily “Husky Up date” but not an update on the current situation.

Ian Maddox said transpar ency and communication are lacking.

“That’s all I want to say is that there’s a lack of communi cation and transparency,” Mad dox said. “I think every single person here knows it.”

Choat addressed the crowd and said there were many things the council had heard to night, which will be brought up tomorrow in a meeting. Those in attendance at the meeting tomorrow will be Choat, two councilors, Neill, two school board members, and the city attorney.

“I appreciate everyone that we had here tonight,” Choat said in an interview after the meeting. “Their message is loud and clear, which we un derstand, and that’s why we had already, before the meet ing tonight, scheduled this very important meeting tomorrow to talk about things that are concerning to not only me and the council, but to the parents. I think this is what we needed to hear.”

As the council was about to approve the minutes, Turner pointed out a detail about the resolution passed at the last meeting that authorized the mayor and staff to “take any and all such further actions necessary,” which is still there despite an agreement to strike that line.

Mayor David Miller said that this would be looked into before the council approved the minutes. In his report, Miller announced that the Jefferson Personnel Board ap proved the city making a pay ment to the Leeds Main Street program.

This has been the subject of discussion in past meetings where citizens have raised concerns about the city not making the payment to the program, though Miller has

Additionally, he an nounced that the historic Depot building is “ready for occupancy” and that he will present a proposal for a nocost lease to allow those in volved with Main Street to move there, which is said had restrooms, storage, and office space, is ADA compliant and has “high visibility.”

The Main Street Leeds Board will have to be in formed and vote on any plan to change locations.

Shortly afterward, discus sion came to approving the budget. Turner asked about several of the items in the Re development Authority’s bud get, including a $40,000 line for contract services.

He asked Miller what that was for, to which Miller re plied that it was for a contract

employee with the city who is involved in the Chamber of Commerce, as well as the city website and advertising.

Turner asked if she was under the personnel board, which Miller said that she was not. Councilwoman DeVoris Ragland-Pierce said that her position is under the board. City Attorney Scott Barnett clarified that personnel board does not govern the Redevel opment Authority.

Turner asked about $15,000 for advertising. RDA Chairman Mike Cauble stood and spoke, saying that these were expenses for the Every one Leeds website and for ad vertising. It was also clarified that the expenses are not going to salaries.

Turner then asked about the whereabouts of a $600 monthly lease being paid to Lee Barnes for the building next to Lynn’s Office Lounge. Cauble said that it was includ ed in one of the line items that listed $40,000 in expenses for parking lots. Turner pointed out that this amounts to $7,200 per year to Barnes, with an other $38,000 for parking lots, making this more than $40,000.

“And I guess this question is for the council: why are we paying a private citizen $7,200 for an uninhabitable business that was condemned?” Turner asked.

Miller replied that the building is being investigated along with the Office Lounge to be sold for a restaurant. Turner reiterated his question, to which Miller said that the matter would be looked into.

Turner turned the subject to Lee Barnes as city prose cutor, saying that he is paid an estimated $43,000 per year, plus an additional $24,000 for appeals. He said that two years ago, he asked Linda Miller on the finance committee about this and was told that Barnes was being paid for appeals

that he didn’t charge the city for and that this would eventu ally cease.

He asked Councilman Johnny Dutton in the past year about the $24,000 payments still being made to Barnes.

“He explained that it was like an insurance policy,” Dut ton said. “That Mr. Barnes had agreed to handle one appeal if it came up, ten appeals if it came up, twenty appeals if it came up, and we would never have to pay any more mon ey. But I’ve done research, I’ve done it years ago, and I’ve checked it out again this week: we’ve had like three appeals in twelve years, and it costs $700 to $1,000 to handle one appeal, so we’re paying $24,000 per year for appeals that don’t happen.”

Similarly, Miller said that would be investigated be fore Turner suggested that an amendment be made in the budget to reduce the payment. He also suggested that no vote be taken until the items are looked at.

Turner criticized the ex penses being paid, particularly regarding leasing parking lots, saying that the amounts were unfair and compared it to the $12,000 being given to the library. Soon afterward, the council voted to table approv ing the budget.

In other business, the council:

• Agreed to give 90 days to a property owner on Saddle Trail to bring the building up to code, and Renewed the lease of a meeting space at the Civic Center being used by the Knights of Columbus. Meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of ev ery month at City Hall on 1400 9th Street Northeast. Agenda packets can be seen online at the City of Leeds website.

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

L ifesty L e

Sean of the South: The Helpers

By Sean Dietrich Sean of the South Commentary

The hotel parking lot. Early afternoon. He was packing his truck. Slamming toolbox lids. Reorganizing luggage in the rear cab. Iowa plates.

I’ve never met anyone from Iowa before. Or if I have, chances are they were so timid I don’t remember them.

Midwesterners, in my ex perience, are quieter than your average folks. They don’t enter a room like my people. Yelling, laughing, clapping everyone’s backs like a politician or a ma nure salesman.

They are humble people. Reserved. Kindhearted, but very hesitant to give away a free hug. In other words: they are Lutheran.

This man was late forties. Wearing denim and boots. Qui et disposition. He talked a little like Jimmy Stewart.

His wife was with him. Reddish hair. Pretty. They looked like they just stepped off the alfalfa farm. Good peo ple.

I noticed the gas cans and chainsaws in the back of his truck. The entire bed of his Ford was weighted in heavy equipment.

The truck was towing an enclosed trailer with even more gear loaded inside. Lawn mow ers, Weed Eaters, hedge trim mers, chains, axes, you name it.

There were garbage bags full of secondhand clothes, box es of diapers, and baby formula.

“I’m on my way to Fort Myers, Florida,” he said.

I asked what a mild man nered Iowan was doing travel ing to Florida after a Category 4 hurricane had just struck.

He shrugged. “Way I figure, what Florida people need is help. I got the tools, I got the time, so I thought, why not?”

His wife added, “It’s what we’d want people to do for us.”

I can’t help but feel like heel. I am a Floridian. And yet I have never—not once in my life—traveled to Iowa after a tornado to help tornado vic tims. I’ve never asked myself what I can do to help blizzard victims.

For shame.

“You must have family in Florida,” I said.

That must be why he was going.

He shook his head. “Nope.”

“Friends?” I asked.

Another head shake.

“We just wanted to come,” said his wife. “We just really wanted to help.”

He is a farmer. He raises wheat. He comes from a long line of farmers. A long, long line.

“In Iowa,” says the man, “growing up, when something goes wrong, everyone helps each other.”

He tells a story. His grand father’s barn burned to the ground in the 1930s, the height of the Depression. The fire spread to his grandfather’s home. The farmhouse burned down, too.

His grandfather had nothing left but a charred lawn and the family dog.

“He lost nearly ever’thin’” said the man, as he covered his truck in a tarp. “Grandpa was destitute overnight.”

But that’s where his story gets good.

Because the next morning, a cavalcade of wagons and buckboards came loping up the long Iowan highway.

Local men drove horsedrawn carts, weighted with fresh lumber. Women sat on tailgates of Model A trucks, carrying picnic baskets, casse roles, and wrapped cakes.

The wagons circled. The local men unloaded pinewood by the metric ton. The sounds of hammers filled the air. The rhythmic sounds of handsaws, razing across long spears of lumber.

The community rebuilt a brand new home in only four days. Then they built a new barn. A new fence. And they replanted crops, too.

“People loaned my grandfa ther everything he needed,” the man said. “They rebuilt his life, nobody charged him a dime. It’s just what we do.”

Every woman in the com munity gave the needy family single dish. The family had an entire collection of mismatched china, which the young man still owns today.

“It wasn’t about what they did,” said the man, “it was about who they were. That’s the kind of man I want to be. I don’t want to be a taker, I want to be a giver.”

But this all happened a long time ago, I reminded him. America isn’t like that any more. People don’t give to each other without sticking their hands out in return.

These days people aren’t selfless and self-sacrificial. They are self-promoting and self-important. For cripes sake, doesn’t this man watch the news?

But the man just looked at me and smiled. He clapped my shoulder. “Man, you really need to come to Iowa sometime.”

I take back everything I said about Lutherans.

Lass But Not Least: Covering the Stars

By Ken Lass

I noticed where the Trussville Entertainment District recently featured a band called the “Music City Stones,” a tribute band for the Rolling Stones. Among the other attractions on the sched ule for October is a group named “End of the Line.” It is being promoted as a tribute to the Allman Brothers.

Tribute bands (they used to be called cover bands) are all the rage now. You can find multiple versions of these impersonators touring stages throughout the country. There are tribute bands for Jour ney, Abba, the Bee Gees, the Grateful Dead, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, Cher, and Tom Jones. There’s even a tribute band for Engelbert Humper dinck, which must be a very short show because, for the life of me, I can’t think of more than one or two Engel bert Humperdinck songs. In addition, the boy band One Direction has a tribute band called “Only One Direction.”

This does not even take into account the two acts that are, by far, the most imitat ed, those being Elvis and the Beatles. There is a website that actually ranks the top fifteen Beatles tribute bands. I’ve seen two of them. The band ranked number one was Rain. I saw them last year at the Birmingham Concert Hall. They sounded very much like the real deal, and their concert is intermixed with videos from the careers of John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The other one was called Liverpool Legends. I saw

them at the Lyric Theater in Birmingham. Of course, they dress in the iconic outfits of the Fab Four, and when they talk to the audience, they speak in British accents, even though they are from places like Los Angeles or The Bronx. There are certain mandatory requirements for every Beatles tribute band.

The bass guitarist must play left-handed like Paul; the rhythm guitarist must wear the Ben Franklin glasses like John; the drummer must have the long nose, a la Ringo.

It’s certainly understand able why tribute bands are so popular. Their fans love the music, especially when it is performed live, but the real artists have either grown too old to tour or have passed away. So a cover band is the next best thing. I get that.

But sometimes, the perspec tive seems to get a bit out of whack. I remember when the Liverpool Legends had fin ished their performance, they announced that they would be available in the lobby for autographs afterward. I actu ally thought they were joking.

Sort of poking fun at them selves so that the audience would know they weren’t tak ing themselves too seriously.

They weren’t joking.

There were tables set up across the lobby, and the impersonators were parked behind them, Sharpies and a stack of photos in hand.

Even more startling to me, a large crowd was lined up in a zig-zagging queue, eagerly awaiting their chance to meet the “celebrities.” This both surprised and puzzled me. I can appreciate why anyone with a taste for Beatles mu

sic would thoroughly enjoy a tribute band concert, but why would you want their au tograph? What would be the value? Do you show it to your friends and say, “Look! I have an autograph from somebody pretending to be Paul McCa rtney”?

My puzzlement got even more pronounced as I walked past the tables and got a better look at these guys. At close range, they don’t look as much like their celebrities as you thought. No doubt, they are best observed from a dis tance.

I do enjoy some of the names these tribute bands come up with. One of the Beatles cover bands calls it self “The Fab Faux.” I’d pay to see them just for that.

Anyway, the next time a tribute band comes to Truss ville, by all means, go see them and enjoy the music and the memories they retrieve. But I don’t recommend stand ing in line for autographs after the show. Try to keep telling yourself it’s not really Elton John or Mick Jagger signing those pictures. It’s probably some guy named Ralph from Jersey City.

Ken Lass is a retired Bir mingham TV news and sports anchor and Trussville resi dent.

Savvy Senior: Free online hearing tests you can take at home

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior,

Can you recommend any good online hearing tests?

My husband has hearing loss, but I can’t get him to go in and get his hearing checked, so I thought a simple online test could help him recognize he has a problem. What can you tell me?

Loud Talking Linda

Dear Linda,

There’s actually a growing number of very good online and app-based hearing tests available that will let your hus band check his hearing on his own. These tests are a quick and convenient option for the millions of Americans that have mild to moderate hear ing loss but often ignore it, or don’t want to go through the

hassle or expense of visiting an audiologist for a hearing exam.

Who Should Test?

Hearing loss for most peo ple develops gradually over many years of wear and tear, which is the reason many peo ple don’t realize they actually have a hearing problem.

Anyone who has difficulty hearing or understanding what people say, especially in nois ier environments or over the phone. Or, if you need a higher volume of music or TV than other people, should take a few minutes to test their hearing.

Self-Hearing Tests

Online and app-based hear ing tests can serve as a great screening tool. They are not meant to be a diagnosis, but rather to give you an idea of how bad your hearing loss is and what can be done about it.

For most do-it-yourself hearing tests, you’ll be advised to wear ear headphones or ear buds and sit in a quiet spot.

You also need to know that there are two different type of tests available. One type is known as pure-tone testing, where tones are played in de creasing volumes to determine your specific level of hearing loss. And the other type is known as speech-in-noise or digits-in-noise (DIN) where you’ll be asked to identify words, numbers, or phrases amid background noise.

Where to Test

If your husband uses a smartphone or tablet, two of my favorite app-based hear ing tests are the hearWHO app created by the World Health Organization, and the Mimi Hearing Test app. Both apps are free to use and are avail

able through the App Store and Google Play.

HearWHO allows users to check their hearing status and monitor it over time using a DIN test, while Mimi uses pure-tone and masked thresh old tests to give you a detailed picture of your hearing abili ties.

There are also a wide vari ety of online hearing tests your husband can take on a comput er.

Some top online tests – all offered by hearing aid manu facturers – for speech-in-noise

or DIN tests can be accessed at ReSound (resound.com/ en-us/online-hearing-test) and Mircle Ear (miracle-ear.com/ online-hearing-test).

And some good online hearing tests for pure-tone testing are available by Sig nia (signia.net/en/service/ hearing-test); Ergo (eargo. com/hearing-health/hear ing-check); and MD Hearing Aid (mdhearingaid.com/hear ing-test).

All of these hearing tests are completely free to use and take less than five minutes to complete.

What to do with Results

If the tests indicate your husband has hearing loss, it’s best to think of that as a start ing point. He should take re sults to his doctor or an audi ologist for further evaluation.

Many insurance providers

and Medicare Advantage plans cover routine hearing exams, however original Medicare does not.

If his hearing loss is mild to moderate, he should look into the new over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, which are available this fall online and at retailers like Best Buy, Wal greens and CVS.

OTC hearing aids don’t re quire a prescription or medical examination for purchase and they’re much more affordable than traditional hearing aids you buy through an audiolo gist or a licensed hearing in strument specialist.

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

Ken Lass, Tribune columnist

Spotlight on HEALTH &

From Tuscaloosa

East To I-65

A broken wrist from a mountain biking accident at your favorite trail. Or a torn ACL during a soccer game. Maybe it’s osteoarthritis hip pain that makes it difficult to get out of bed or walk the dog. Or possibly, carpal tunnel syndrome has made it hard to sleep through the night. Whatever the ailment is, all these problems have one solution: OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports.

It’s during these times that we need solutions, reli able doctors, and healthcare services we can trust. At Or thoAlabama Spine & Sports, we are the home for all your orthopedic needs. We make sure to be the support and expert care you deserve in times of need — treating you like family. Our doctors and specialists know how greatly impacted patients’ lives are when an injury or condition gets in the way, and we un derstand that each patient’s case is unique. That’s why we are committed to providing patient-centered care.

We take a comprehensive approach to orthopedic med icine, treating our patients

Orthopedic Care Focused On You

from head to toe with the latest and most reliable tech niques and advancements.

Placing the patient first in their care, we offer nonop erative treatments, including physical therapy and medica tions, and expert surgical care when necessary. Throughout our years of service to the community, we have grown to include three state-of-theart locations in Birmingham, Hoover, and Childersburg, a wide array of in-house ser vices, and multiple orthope dic specialties.

Our convenient on-site services include CT scans, digital X-rays, durable med ical equipment, EMG and nerve conduction studies, MRIs, occupational therapy, a pharmacy, and physical thera py. At our Birmingham loca tion, we offer an in-office pro cedure room and anesthesia as well as an on-site pharma cy staffed by a licensed phar macist. We house a Walk-In Clinic for acute bone, joint, and muscle injuries and con ditions in both our Birming ham and Hoover offices. Our practice has an exceptional staff of orthopedic surgeons,

doctors, physician assistants, therapists, nurse practitioners, and support personnel who are all committed to working together to provide care that is focused on you and your needs.

Our experts are dedicated to making sure every patient receives the same level of ex ceptional bone, joint, muscle, tendon, and ligament care that they need and deserve. High ly skilled in the field of or thopedics, they specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and providing surgical and non surgical care for a wide array

of injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system, including sports injuries, trau ma-related injuries, arthritis, fractures, and joint pain.

Our orthopedic doctors specialize in conditions and injuries of the back, neck, and spine; elbow; foot and ankle; hand and wrist; hip; knee; and shoulder. They are also experts in interventional pain management, joint replace ment and revision, orthopedic trauma, physical medicine and rehabilitation, rheuma tology, and sports medicine. When it comes to finding

the treatment option that is right for you, our team of fellowship-trained, special ty-trained, and board-certified orthopedic doctors and sur geons is devoted to partnering with each patient to create an individualized treatment plan.

Our doctors exhaust all appli cable conservative treatment options prior to introducing surgical measures.

Our specialty-trained or thopedic surgeons specialize in a broad range of ortho pedic surgeries, including joint replacement surgery, arthroscopic surgery, mini mally invasive surgery, and kyphoplasty as well as surgi cal fracture care. When oper ative measures are necessary, they will thoroughly explain all of the surgical procedures available and work with pa tients to find the surgery that is right for them and their injury or condition. Our staff has dedicated their time to extensive training to refine their knowledge, techniques, and processes to offer the best possible orthopedic care for our patients.

To further meet the needs of our patients, our practice

offers our Bone Health & Osteoporosis Clinic to help patients with osteoporosis receive fracture risk preven tion care. Our clinic provides options to decrease bone loss, speed up bone growth, prevent future fractures, and decrease the susceptible cy cle of the most common bone disease in humans.

Our main focus at Orth oAlabama Spine & Sports is the well-being of our patients. No matter what bone, joint, or muscle problems you or your loved ones are facing, you can rest assured that you will always receive the spe cialized, compassionate care you deserve from us. Since our founding, we have built a highly-skilled, family-cen tered orthopedic practice with leading experts from a variety of subspecialties within the field of orthopedics. It’s our priority to provide excellence in patient-centered bone, joint, and muscle care. In crit ical times, we are there for every patient and their family.

To learn more about Or thoAlabama Spine & Sports, you can visit our website at orthoalabama.com.

Life

change on a dime. From enjoying an afternoon

the family to dealing with excruciating knee

orthopedic

comes

be a burden to deal with,

looking

Whatever musculoskeletal injury

loved

condition

“Ascension St. Vincent’s East has long had a strong reputation of quality heart care,” cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Adam Witcher said. “We have a great cardiothoracic surgery program here, which Dr. John Thurber has been leading for the last sever al years. It’s special for me to come in at the beginning while we are building this dedicated cardiology unit and to watch this program con tinue to grow as we deliver leading heart care in the com munity.”

Using cutting-edge tech nology and delivering ad vanced, personalized heart care, cardiovascular special ists at Ascension St. Vincent’s have already been leading the way in minimally invasive

procedures for treating cor onary, carotid and peripheral vascular diseases.

The opening of the new dedicated cardiology unit at Ascension St. Vincent’s East means more advanced heart care options for the growing community.

“The greatest benefit of the new unit is that it will focus exclusively on the care needs of cardiology pa tients,” cardiologist Dr. Jason Thompson said.

Patients with heart failure or who need more advanced heart care treatment may need to be in the hospital for a few days. Nurses working in the new heart care unit will be focused on caring for patients with advanced heart care needs. This means more per

sonalized heart care for our patients.

“We're creating an envi ronment with a close work ing relationship between nurse and physician,” said Dr. Thompson. “The result is not only happier nursing staff, but also nurses that are very educated on the disease we're caring for."

Our multidisciplinary team approach to heart care is also part of how this new unit will change heart care for lo cal patients.

"The pace of medicine has gotten faster and faster, and we've realized that we need to enhance the patient expe rience, making it really an exceptional experience," said Dr. Thompson.

Enhancing the patient

experience means a team ap proach to care and connecting the dots for the patient.

"Medicine has become multidisciplinary," Dr. Thompson said. "So I can take care of heart failure, but if we don't have a nutritionist for the patient to talk to about a low-sodium diet, then we fail the patient. And in this new unit, doctors, nurse prac titioners, and case managers come together as a team when we care for the patient. We do rounds together to see the pa tient.”

The entire care team works together with the pa tient. There is consistent com munication across the team to care for the whole patient –including all aspects of physi cal and emotional health.

Dr. Witcher added, "As this program grows, we will have more nurses, more re spiratory therapists, more pharmacists – everybody in volved in the care of a cardiac surgery patient.”

Our team approach means we care for the whole patient and take time to answer their questions, whether it's about medications, symptoms, next steps or treatments. Each con versation starts with listening to the patient’s concerns. “It's not enough to give a patient medicine, you have to take the time to explain to them why they're taking the medi cine,” Dr. Thompson said.

As we expand the care we deliver in east Birming ham and surrounding com munities, patients choosing

Ascension St. Vincent’s for heart care will continue to find the advanced heart care they need, from screenings and managing chronic heart conditions, to more advanced care and heart and vascular surgery. Cardiologists and surgeons at Ascension St. Vincent’s are trained in the latest heart care testing, treat ment and procedures, spe cializing in diagnosing and treating aortic aneurysms, aortic valves and many other heart diseases. If you’re look ing for a second opinion, our specialists can provide that for your diagnosis and care plan.

To start a conversation with a doctor today, schedule an appointment: ascension. org/StVincentsALheart.

You can have cancer and hope

Get a care plan personalized for you

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. With Ascension St. Vincent’s Cancer Care, you’re not alone. Your first step is to sit down with a cancer specialist who listens. Your doctor will help you personalize a care plan with a goal of getting you back to the daily life you enjoy. You’ll have an entire care team beside you. With a plan, comes hope.

Building on leading heart care at Ascension St. Vincent’s New dedicated cardiology unit brings enhanced and more connected care with a team approach

Dr. Thurber

Adam Witcher, MD

Jason Thompson, MD

o bitua R y

Lionel D. Grizzell

october 11, 1938 ~ september 27, 2022 (age 83)

Lionel D. Grizzell, age 83, of Trussville, AL went to be with the Lord on September 27, 2022. Mr. Grizzell was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church. He worked for the City of Birmingham for over 30 years before retir ing. He was an avid Alabama football fan and loved to fish.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Sam Grizzell and Ora Belle Clifton Grizzell, brothers, Edsell Grizzell and Carlon Grizzell.

Mr. Grizzell is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Wanda A Grizzell; his son Bryant Grizzell (Tammy); his daughters, Robbie Vernon and Deborah Coulan (Norman); special niece, Rachael Norris; special sister-in-law, Sharon Parker. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

The funeral for Mr. Grizzell will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, AL on Saturday, October 1st at 12:00 p.m. with the visitation for friends and family held one hour prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow at Jefferson Memorial’s adjoining gardens. Pastor Bill Evans is officiating.

William Lloyd Palmer

july 27, 1936 ~ september 25, 2022 (age 86)

William Lloyd Palmer, age 86, of Clay passed away September 25, 2022. He was an active member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church for over 50 years and at tended Central Baptist Church for the last three years. Lloyd loved the Lord, and every conversation was a cherished opportunity for fellowship; a seemingly simple handshake with a stranger meant a friendship for life.

Lloyd was preceded in death by Trudy, his wife of 54 years; sister Annie Sue Christain; and he shared his journey to heaven on this same day with sister Dorothy Lowery. He is survived by his children Dr. Melisa Walker, DNP, RN (Eddie) and Captain Allen Palmer, U.S. Navy (Jodi), sister Pauline Woods (Pete), and grandchildren Chanae and Alexandra. He also leaves behind many family and friends.

Leo Corscadden, Jr

july 20, 1957 ~ september 24, 2022 (age 65)

Leo Corscadden, age 65, of Pinson, AL passed away on September 24, 2022. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland on July 20, 1957 to Leo Corscadden and Margaret

Laverty Corscadden. Leo was a graduate of Banks High School in 1976. He was a longtime member of Lakewood Baptist Church of Birmingham.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Stewart Corscadden, of Great Falls, MT.

He is survived by his loving wife, of 44 years, Donna Corscadden; sons, Mat thew Corscadden, Eric Corscadden (Laura); three grandchildren, Graham, Liam and Beckham Corscadden; his brother, Scott Corscadden (Louise); sister-in-law, Lorraine Corscadden; numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Leo will be held at Lakewood Baptist Church at 8300 9th Ave South Birmingham, AL 35206 on Sunday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m. with a vis itation for family and friends held one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to an organization or charity of your choice in honor of Leo Corscadden’s memory.

Raymond Gale McMahon

september 7, 1937 ~ september 27, 2022 (age 85)

Raymond Gale McMahon is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marylyn McMahon, his oldest son Patrick, and youngest son Michael. He has two grandchildren. Pat rick, and his wife Margaret’s daughter Madison Reed and Michael daughter Katherine Elizabeth. Raymond was born in Leeds Alabama on September 7,1937. He served nine years in the U.S. NAVY as an Electricians Mate First Class. Ray mond retired with more than thirty years of U.S. Government service with Unit ed States Postal Service. All who knew Ray (as some called him), loved him, was entertained by him, or was just happy to have known him. He will be greatly missed by many.

Jeannine Romine Kennington

january 7, 1929 ~ september 21, 2022 (age 93)

Jeannine Romine Kennington, age 93 was born in Granite City, Illinois on 1929. She passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. She was retired from the Birmingham City School System. She is sur vived by her two daughters, Cathy Gibson and Cheryl Martin (Jim). 5 grandchildren, Melissa Wallace (Jeff), Molly Edwards (Greg), Bo Martin (Paige), Caleb Mar tin (Amber) and Hannah Suter (Blake). She is also sur vived by 10 great grandchildren.

Helping Elderly People Through Grief

One of the toughest things about growing old is experiencing so much grief, watching close friends and family members pass away. This grief takes a toll and can often leave elderly people feeling chronically de pressed.

If you have an elderly family member who’s experienced some intense grief, there are a few ways you can help them shoulder their burden. The best thing you can do is be there to listen to them. If they bring up their deceased friend and seem like they are eager to talk, engage them with some questions. Ask them to share some favorite memories of their friend. By the same token, though, it’s important to let your elderly family member steer the discussion—and if they seem reluctant to talk, don’t force it on them.

Often, it’s meaningful just to spend time with your elderly family mem ber. Find an activity that you can do together, even if it’s as simple as working a puzzle, going for a brief walk, or sitting down to enjoy a cup of coffee. Help them occupy their time and attention, and to see that they’re not alone.

It’s also important that you ensure your elderly family members take care of themselves. Grief can sometimes cause individuals to forsake regular meals or to have a hard time sleeping at night. Ask your loved one how they’re doing and encourage them to take care of themselves as best they can. You can help by offering to bring them food, take them out to a favorite restaurant, or simply keep them company as they go out for some fresh air and a change of scenery.

Grief is hard at any age, and those who are a bit older may feel it more acutely. There are steps you can take to help them, though, and to give them some one to lean on during their season of bereavement.

c a L enda R

Cat Craft Club: Cat

Standee

October 6 @ 5:00 pm6:30 pm Free

An Allman Brothers Tribute – End of the Line

October 7 @ 7:00 pm10:00 pm

BOOKIN’ IT 5K RUN/WALK

October 15 @ 8:00 am10:00 am

cLassified

Call (205) 533-8664

SERVICES

Love cats? Love crafts?

Then we have the purrrfect club for you! Cat Craft Club is a bi-monthly event for teens & adults to gather together to make a cat craft.

October’s craft is a painted cat standee! We’ll supply ev erything you need to make a cat-inspired work of art! No registration is required. Snacks will be provided. This event is only for teens (6th12th grade) & all adults.

Venue

Pinson Public Library (RSMC)

Storytime for Growin’

Beans with Ms. Allison: Tools

October 7 @ 10:00 am11:00 am

Free

End of the Line is the pre mier Allman Brothers Trib ute Band. Having carved up the Southeast with sold out shows, End of the Line is making a name for them selves with a sound as clas sic and heavy as the original brothers themselves. More info here: www.endoftheline band.com FREE EVENT –

ALL AGES

Venue

Trussville Entertainment Dis trict

Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison: Sheep

October 14 @ 10:00 am11:00 am Free

The Friends of the Truss ville Library and the Truss ville Public Library are very pleased to announce our first annual BOOKIN’ IT 5K Race/ Walk coming up this Fall on Saturday, October 15th at 8AM! The race will start and end at the Trussville Pub lic Library and all proceeds from the race will benefit the Friends of the Trussville Li brary!

EARLY BIRD registra tion ends on Monday, August 22nd and the race price will increase to $30, so go ahead and REGISTER before that date to get your early bird dis count!

YOU MAY REGISTER THROUGH THE LIBRARY’S WEBSITE AT WWW.TRUSS VILLELIBRARY.COM

Venue

Trussville Public Library

Animal Tales: Creepy Critters

October 15 @ 2:00 pm3:00 pm

Free

(All ages)

Join us for Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Al lison on Friday, October 14th at 10 AM. Our theme is sheep! We’ll read books, have fun, do a craft, & have a snack.

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

(All ages)

Join us for Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Al lison on Friday, October 7th at 10 AM. Our theme is tools! We’ll read books, have fun, do a craft, & have a snack. Storytime is designed for pre-K children, but all ages are welcome.

Venue Pinson Public Library (RSMC)

Fear Factor October 7 @ 4:00 pm5:30 pm

Free (Teens)

Face your fears by compet ing with your peers in a se ries of gross-out, creepy, & wild challenges on Friday, October 7th at 4 PM. Reg istration required. 6th-12th graders only.

Registration: https://forms. gle/HBBy6qEiGife64Xm7

Venue Pinson Public Library (RSMC)

Venue Pinson Public Library (RSMC)

Ferus Presents: Lyn Avenue

October 14 @ 7:00 pm10:00 pm

Born and raised in Savan nah, GA, Lyn Avenue is a Country/Americana act bringing you catchy, com pelling stories with genuine southern charm. Comprised of husband and wife duo, CC Witt and Patrick Elling ton, their writing style is rooted in sharp lyricism and memorable melodies, organ ically blending elements of Americana, Folk and Clas sic Country. Driven by rich vocals, electrifying leads, and boot stomping rhythms, there is always a story to be told with Lyn Avenue and you can guarantee that you’ll be wanting to sing along.

Listen here: https://www. lynavenue.com/home

Venue

Trussville Entertainment Dis trict

(All ages)

Animal Tales presents Creepy Critters on Saturday, October 15th at 2 PM!

Creepy Critters focuses on those less cuddly and icky creatures whose importance is often taken for granted. This program features arach nids, insects, and snakes to illustrate that such unde sirable critters serve an ex tremely important purpose to the environment.

Venue

Pinson Public Library (RSMC)

Introduction to Genealogy

October 17 @ 4:00 pm5:30 pm

Free (Adults)

Birmingham Public Library’s Southern History Department presents an Introduction to Genealogy at Pinson Public Library on Monday, October 17th at 4 PM.

Want to learn how to do ge nealogical research? Come to this introductory class that will help get you started on your genealogical journey. The staff in the Southern His tory Department covers such topics as vital records, court house and church records, and the Federal Census.

Venue

Pinson Public Library (RSMC)

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Hewitt-Trussville falls short in defensive matchup vs. Thompson

By Bobby Mathews The Tribune

ALABASTER — Welp.

Hewitt-Trussville went into halftime leading against defending 7A state champion Thompson, but the Huskies couldn’t hold on, giving up 14 second-half points and fall ing 14-12 despite a ferocious comeback attempt.

The Huskies (4-3, 2-2) outplayed Thompson (5-2, 4-0)in the first half, forcing

a pair of turnovers and using two long scoring drives to stake themselves to a 6-0 lead at halftime. But the Warriors proved that even slightly di minished, they are still at the top of the class in 7A Region 3.

Thompson’s AJ Green lost the ball on the Warriors’ first possession, and Jadon Cant ley recovered the ball at the Hewitt-Trussville 32 to give the Huskies possession.

Quarterback Peyton Floyd

directed a mammoth 18-play drive to the Thompson 15yard line where Riley Rigg kicked a 32-yard field goal with 2:35 remaining in the first quarter.

“That’s the type of game where it’s like … it’s been two or three plays that have been the difference in the game,” Hewitt-Trussville head coach Josh Floyd said after the game. “But again, our kids battled. It’s not go ing to be easy, but we’ve got

to bounce back. We’re going to play somebody really good next week (Vestavia) and we’ve got to bounce back and try to keep going.”

The Huskies defense forced a punt on the Warriors’ next possession and Floyd again led the Huskies on an other long scoring drive. Rigg capped the 13-play drive with a 22-yard field goal with 7:30 left to play in the first half.

HEWITT, Page 20

Hewitt-Trussville grad Brent Key gets first win as Georgia Tech head coach

By Loyd McIntosh Sports Editor

PITTSBURGH — HewittTrussville graduate got his first win as the Georgia Tech Head Coach as the Yellow Jackets upset No. 24 Pitt Pan thers, 26-21, on Saturday, Oc tober 1.

Key was named interim head coach of his Alma Ma ter on Wednesday, September 27, shortly after Geoff Col lins was relieved of his duties midway into his second year. Key was elevated to the po sition with just three days to prepare for the Yellowjacksts’ ACC match-up with Pitt at Acrisure Stadium in Pitts burgh.

With the win, Key be came the first coach in Geor gia Tech history to defeat a ranked opponent in his first game as the Yellow Jackets’ head coach, where he was a stand-out offensive lineman from 1997-2000.

“I’m just very proud of these kids and this coaching staff that, in a week like this, we blocked out all the noise and eliminated all the ex ternal distractions that were around us and focused on one goal, and that was moving

Georgia Tech Interim Head Coach and Hewitt-Trussville Graduate Brent Key. (Photo courtes of ramblinwreck.com)

forward,” Key said during his post-game press conference.

“We’re going to enjoy this on the way home tonight, but we got a lot of work to do.”

Georgia Tech moved to 2-3 overall and evened its Atlantic Coast Conference record at 1-1. No. 24-ranked and defending ACC champi on Pitt fell to 3-2 overall and 0-1 in conference play.

Once a premier program in college football, Georgia Tech has slipped in promi nence since last winning a na

KEY, Page 20

The Hewitt Trussville offense, led by quarterback Peyton Floyd, lines up against the Thompson Warriors. Photo by Bobby Mathews.

Center Point defeats Shades

clinches playoff berth

By John Goolsby Special for The Tribune

IRONDALE — The Cen

ter Point Eagles went on the road and pulled off a huge 36-20 region win at Shades Valley. With the victory, the Eagles secured a trip to the playoffs in their first year in 6A.

The Eagles’ powerful of fense was led by senior run ning back Troy Bruce, Jr. Bruce came into the game av eraging 147 yards per game and having scored 14 touch downs. Bruce rushed for 225 yards on 13 carries and accounted for all five Center Point touchdowns.

Bruce was pleased with his performance. “It was a great game for me thanks to my teammates, offensive line, and coaches,” he said. “We had a great week of practice and we were able to come out and play fast and physical.”

The Eagles struck quickly on a 69-yard touchdown run by Bruce. Senior quarterback Jabari Collier converted the two-point conversion, and the Eagles led 8-0 before most fans were in their seats.

Shades Valley was unable to generate any offense and was forced to punt the ball away on their first series.

The Eagles took over at the Valley 27-yard line after a short punt. Two plays later, Collier connected with Bruce for a 13-yard touchdown pass that extend the lead to 15-0 with 8:23 remaining in the first quarter.

On Shades Valley‘s next possession, the Mounties moved the ball to the Eagle 32-yard line, but the drive stalled, and Valley turned the ball over on downs with 4:35 remaining in the first quarter.

During Center Point’s next series, the night’s most controversial play occurred.

Senior linebacker Malique Steele appeared to score on an Eagle fumble recovery. Af ter an official’s conference at midfield, Bruce, the ball car rier, was ruled down and the Eagles retained possession of the ball.

Collier completed a 57yard pass on third down to keep the drive alive. Bruce scored on a 2-yard run, and after a successful PAT, Cen ter Point pushed their lead to 22-0 with 2:27 remaining in the first quarter.

On the Mounties’ next se ries, quarterback Steve Brown

connected with Korda’e Harp er for a 70-yard gain to the Eagles’ 8-yard line. The drive came to an end when Brown threw an interception at the goal line with 39 seconds re maining in the first quarter.

The two teams traded punts over the next two series.

Center Point’s next drive saw the Eagles pick up a cru cial third down conversion on a 39-yard completion. The Eagles steadily moved the ball down the field, and Bruce scored his third rushing score of the night on a 15-yard run with 4:35 remaining in the

Pinson Valley routs Huffman at homecoming, 47-0

half. After the successful PAT, Center Point led 29-0.

Shades Valley moved the ball to the Center Point 6-yard line but once again could not get the ball in the end zone and turned the ball over on downs with 1:01 remaining in the half.

On the first play of the ensuing Center Point posses sion, Bruce ripped off a 94yard run for his fifth touch down of the night, and the Eagles led 36-0 with 45 sec onds remaining in the half.

The Mounties were again able to move the ball deep

into Eagle territory. The drive reached the 10-yard line, but the Mounties could not come away with any points and headed to the locker room trailing 36-0.

The biggest play of the 3rd period was an intercep tion by Shades Valley’s Ken dall Odom who returned the ball to the Eagle 49-yard line. However, neither team could generate any offense, and the two teams headed to the fourth quarter with the Eagles holding a 36-0 lead.

The Mounties finally got on the board with 8:05 re

minding in the game with a 9-yard strike from Brown to Korda’e Harper. Jair Aguilar converted the PAT, and the Eagles’ lead was cut to 36-7.

The Mountie defense held the Eagles short off a first down and forced a punt.

Freshman quarterback Zay vian Bolden hit senior wide receiver Christian Thomas for a 34-yard touchdown. The PAT failed, and the Mounties trailed 13-36 with 4:36 remaining.

The Mountie defense once again forced an Eagle punt.

By Brittney Bailey For The Tribune

PINSON — In his first start for Pinson Valley, quar terback Cameron Jennings paved the way for the Indians to take down the Huffman Vikings 47-0 at home Friday night.

In the first drive of the game, Jennings found Amare Thomas for a 63-yard touch down pass to put the Indians up early 7-0, followed by a successful PAT from Damian Gonzalez. Gonzalez would kick a field goal on the next possession to give the Indians a 10-0 lead.

After taking over for Key wone Posey, in the third quar ter of Pinson Valley’s win over Homewood last week, Jennings led Pinson Valley to the win on the Indians’ home

coming. “We wanted to get an opportunity for Cam to be able to showcase what I know he’s been waiting in the reins for,” Pinson Valley Head Coach Lee Guess said on his decision to start Jennings, “I thought this would be a good game to at least give him a chance to get his feet wet and to make sure he’s comfortable with the offense. You never know what we’ll need going into the playoffs.”

The Indians’ usual weapon of choice, running back Tau rus Chambers, had a series of plunges through the Viking defense, including returning a Viking kickoff fumble to give the Indians a comfortable 16-0 lead midway through the first quarter. Demarion Hatten followed that up with a punt return for a touchdown with 1:59 remaining in the first

quarter to make it a 23-0 ball game after a successful PAT attempt.

The second quarter also belonged to the Indian of fense. Jennings found Thom as once again with just three minutes off the clock to make it 30-0. The Vikings fumbled the kickoff yet again, giving possession back to the Indians in which the Indians capital ized on a Jennings to Thomas touchdown pass in tight cov erage at the 7:40 mark.

The rest of the contest was a time for the Indians’ young er guys to put the icing on the cake, scoring once more and adding on another field goal from Gonzalez for a 47-0 fi nal score.

The Indians take on re gional opponent Center Point on the road next Friday, Octo ber 7, at 7 p.m.

The Center Point Eagles clinched a playoff berth with a win over Shades Valley, Friday, September 30. (Photo by John Goolsby)

Quarterback-Cameron-Jennings-Leads-Pinson-Valley-To-Win-Over-Huffman.

(Photo by Loyd McIntosh)

Leeds defense stifles Southside leading to 24-6 win

By Will Heath For The Tribune

LEEDS — Two special teams errors by the visiting Southside High School Pan thers helped spark the Leeds offense on Friday night.

A stifling defense made sure that was all the Green Wave would need.

Leeds’ defense limited the visitors from Gadsden to 158 total yards for the entire game Friday, allowing them across the Homer Smiles Field 50yard line once. The Green Wave won the game 24-6.

Moody remains undefeated with win over Springville, 53-14

By Johnny Sanders For The Tribune

MOODY —The Moody Blue Devils continued their winning ways on Friday night as they defeated the Springville Tigers, 53-14, at The Bill for homecoming.

“Yeah, we scored. I think it was still pretty sloppy over all. We did not finish the way we wanted to,” said Moody Head Coach Jake Ganus. “We wanted to come out at the half, have a good drive with the 'ones'. From there, we got stopped on fourth down. Then they scored twice on our D. It’s frustrating but I’m proud of our guys.”

Moody started the scor ing with 7:55 to go in the first quarter. After being stopped

on their first drive and then holding the Tigers to a threeand-out, Moody then turned

to junior running back Blaine Burke, who took the first play of the drive 77 yards for the

game’s opening score.

On Springville’s next pas sion, Moody's defense and got the ball back for the Blue Devils On the next drive, Zane Smith would line up at quarterback for the first time this year and score from 4 yards out. Another punt from Springville led to another Moody score. Lineman Ma son Myers would line up in the backfield once Moody drove the ball down to the Springville one-yard line. Myers would get the call, put ting Moody up 19-0.

Moody would continue to put points on the board in the second quarter as quar terback Cole McCarty, who finished the night 20 of 25 for

“We knew they (South side) were physical,” said Leeds senior CJ Douglas, who also took time at half to serve as Homecoming King. “We knew this would be our toughest test yet.

“We just said we can’t quit. When you get hit in the mouth, you can’t quit,” he added. “I think we really took that to heart.”

The punch in the mouth came in the second quarter, as Southside’s Jordan Bryan

received a pass from quar terback Brooks Nesmith 20 yards away from the nearest defender. His catch and run covered 84 yards, and Leeds trailed 6-0, its first deficit since Week 0.

“It was a busted cover age,” Douglas said. “They do a great job moving our eyes with their motion.”

Leeds (6-0, 4-0) would take advantage of its kicking game to wrest control from the visitors.

First, the Green Wave re sponded to the Panther TD by driving into position for a

40-yard Jackson Arthur field goal. Then, when it looked like the half would end on that score, a Nesmith punt landed at the Panther 43-yard line.

Leeds quarterback Jarod Latta found Jaelyn Felder down the sideline for a 48yard TD, and the Green Wave led 10-6 at intermission.

In the third quarter, Leeds took advantage of another

Moody quarterback Cole McCarty setting up for a pass during against Springville (Photo by Hannah Curran)

File art. (Photo by Ron Burkett)

Moody running back Blaine Burke outruns the Springville defense (Photo by Hannah Curran).

A true trailblazer: The inspirational story of Sarah Thomas

By John Goolsby Special To The Tribune

TRUSSVILLE — Like most new middle school runners, Sarah Thomas was nervous when she took the starting line for the Trussville 2-mile cross-country race last month. It was an opportuni ty to try something new, and compete against herself and other runners for the first time.

But, for Sarah, it was much more than a race. Born blind, this was an opportunity for Sarah to be a part of some thing bigger than herself: part of a team.

Sarah’s parents, James and Chanel, try their best to raise her like they would a sighted 13-year-old. Sure, some accommodations have to be made for her, but they strive to give her the same op portunities and expectations that their daughters Ellen and Charlotte are given.

Early on, Sarah expressed a desire to play basketball, but that was just not possible due to her vision. With Ellen run ning for the high school cross country team, Sarah’s father, an avid runner himself, began to think that Cross Country might be an excellent team sport for her to try.

“The main reason we were excited about Sarah doing Cross Country was the fact that as a blind child, there are very few sports if any, that she can participate in as a member of a team,” he said. “Cross Country affords her that opportunity.”

The Thomases already knew Hewitt-Trussville High School cross county head coach, Matthew Michakle, and reached out to him first with their idea. After some initial discussions about do ing Track or Cross Country, the two parties agreed to pro ceed with Cross Country.

“I didn’t want her to have to start with the shorter dis tances,” Thomas said. “I didn’t want to limit her and let her ever think she couldn’t do something that all her friends were doing.”

The next step in Sarah’s journey to the starting line was to take the request to Lance Walker, Hewitt-Trussville’s Athletic Director. Walker was open to the idea and contacted Marvin Chou of the Alabama High School Athletic Associ ation (AHSAA) to gain more information about rules for blind runners. Unfortunate ly, the AHSAA did not have any rules or guidelines on the books.

Chou then contacted the National Federation of State High School Associations in

early July to gather more in formation. On the first day of August, Walker finally re

Center Point earns Team Of The Week honors

By Loyd McIntosh Sports Editor

Whatever George Bates is selling, everyone should buy it. The Head Coach of the Cen ter Point Eagles has turned this team in the shadows of Clay Chalkville and Pinson Valley into contenders.

In their first year back as a 6A program, Center Point currently sports a record of 6-1, their lone loss to Clay Chalkville on September 16

On Friday, September 30, Center Point defeated region foe Shades Valley, 36-20. Se nior running back Troy Bruce, Jr. almost singlehandedly de stroyed the Mounties' defense scoring a ridiculous five touch downs on the night, helping to lead the Eagles to their third re gion win and, most important ly, a berth in the 2022 Alabama 6A playoffs.

It's almost impossible to overstate what Bates has ac complished at Center Point. In 2017, the last 6A season at Center Point and the year be fore Bates arrived, the Eagles were 1-9. This season, none of Center Point's victories have been close. Led by Bruce, quarterback Jabari Collier,

and wide receiver Harold Hol lomon, Center Point is aver aging 236 yards rushing and 144 yards passing per game. They're also dangerous on spe cial teams, having gained 463 yards on kickoff returns return ing several of them for touch downs this season.

Now, with three games left in the 2022 regular sea son, Center Point joins Clay Chalkville and Oxford with three wins in 6A Region 6, without a doubt one of the toughest regions in the state.

The Eagles take the field each week with a chip on their shoulder. Upon their return to 6A, few outside observers thought they could compete in this region right out of the gate.

They were wrong.

Center Point is a dangerous team. And they're the Truss ville Tribune's Team of the Week.

Moody’s Cole McCarty earns Player of the Week honors

Cole McCarty was almost perfect on Friday, September 30, leading the Moody Blue Devils to a lopsided 53-14 over Springville. The senior gunslinger threw for 302 yards and four touchdowns - three of them to his favorite target, Davion Dozier, and ran for 39 more yards as Moody cruised to its seventh-straight win of the 2022 season.

Often overlooked as Dozi er racks up the yards and the accolades, McCarty has been the perfect quarterback for Jake Ganus’ brand of gonzo football that has raised eye brows and lit up scoreboards like a pinball machine all sea son long.

For the year, McCarty has thrown for 2007 yards, con nected for 27 touchdowns, averaging more than 285 yards per game. Additionally, he has

completed 93 of 123 passing attempts and only three inter ceptions in 2022.

Under his leadership, Moody is undefeated at 7-0 and ranked 10th in the state among 5A schools. As Moody heads into the final three games of the 2022 regular season, including a matchup against rival Leeds (6-0, ranked 11th in the state) that is bound to be epic, the Blue Devils will need to rely on McCarty’s arm, legs, and head to go deep in the playoffs.

His performance last Fri day proves McCarty is up for the challenge and earned him recognition as the Trussville Tribune’s Player of the Week.

hand, Sarah, who had been diligently training with her sister and father, was cleared to officially compete as a member of the Hewitt-Truss ville Middle School Cross Country team.

Fortunately for Sarah, Trussville City Schools had recently hired a former Uni versity of North Alabama Cross Country runner, Sa brina Hudgins. Hudgins was approached with the idea of being Thomas’ guide runner and eagerly agreed to help her train and race.

The two work togeth er daily at practice, with Hudgins guiding Sarah with a bungee rope tethering the two together. With the help of Thomas’ father, the two have developed a unique language

they use while running, al lowing Sarah to feel safe and aware of her surroundings at all times.

Sarah has steadily im proved her practice and race pace over the last few weeks. She dropped her average mile pace by almost one minute and thirty seconds in only her second race held at Heard mont Park where she was guided by her sister Ellen.

“That was one of the cool est things that we have been able to experience as parents through this whole process,” said Thomas.

Sarah’s improvement has come, in part, because of an epiphany her father had a few weeks ago.

At the Shops of Grand River Open 7 Days a week

ceived the long-awaited in formation from the AHSAA. With guidelines finally in

Sarah Thomas, center with trophy, with her teammates from the Hewitt-Trussville Middle School Cross Country Team. (Photo courtesy of James and Chanel Thomas)

Sarah Thomas competes in a cross-country meet with the help of her guide, Sabrina Hudgins. (Photo courtesy of James and Chanel Thomas)

Sarah running with help from her sister, Ellen Thomas. (Photo courtesy of James and Chanel Thomas)

Troy Bruce (No. 7) had 300 allpurpose yards as Center Point steamrolled a hapless Pell City team. (Photo by Ron Burkett)

gift, as Southside’s Koal Gar rett mishandled a punt at their own 11-yard line. Leeds came up with the football, and one play later sophomore Con ner Nelson charged through the middle for a 17-6 Green Wave advantage.

“You trust your players to make plays,” Southside head coach Mike Holcomb said after the game. “Sometimes it works out. Tonight it just didn’t work out.”

For the game, Leeds tail back Miles Jones led all rush ers, with 154 yards on 23

carries. Jones’ fourth-quar ter touchdown, from 6 yards away, sealed the deal on the win.

“I was just glad we got to go through this,” Leeds head coach Jerry Hood said after the game. “This (Southside) is a really good football team.”

Nelson finished with 76 yards rushing and receiving, and scored another touch down. For the Panthers (5-2, 3-1) Nesmith finished with 145 yards passing, most of it on the 84-yard touchdown.

“We always play with ef fort,” Holcomb said. “Effort’s never an issue with this team.

We know we have to do bet

ter. Players have to play better; coaches have to scheme bet ter; we have to prepare better.”

The Green Wave can now look ahead to its two most im portant road trips of the sea son, beginning with a visit to Alexandria next Friday. The Valley Cubs have defeated Leeds the past 2 seasons to win 5A Region 6.

“You better not look ahead to other teams on your sched ule,” Hood said. “We have got to prepare for Alexandria. Those kids know how to win, they fight hard.

“That’s how we do. We just want to look ahead to the next week.”

Hewitt

Coming out of the break and leading 6-0, the Huskies’ Alijha Gardner recovered a pooched kickoff to keep the ball away from Thomp son.

The Huskies fumbled to end a promising drive at the Thompson 5-yard line.

Thompson quarterback Zach Sims hit Korbyn Wil liams over the top on an RPO play-action for a 48-yard touchdown with 9:26 left in the third quarter to tie the game at 6, and Kahnor Hughes add ed the point after to officially give the Warriors the lead, 7-6.

With 29 seconds remain ing in the game, Bolden connected with sophomore receiver, Ji’Quez Daniel with an 8-yard pass in the back of the end zone for a score. The PAT was good and the score stood at 20-36.

Head coach George Bates was excited about the win. “It was a huge win for us,” he said. “We've been told since

December we couldn’t com pete in 6A. To come out and clinch a playoff birth in our first year in 6A is huge for our community. It is a testament to the hard work of our play ers and coaches.”

Mountie head coach Rue ben Nelson, who saw his team come away from the Eagle red zone four times without a score, was prag matic about the game. “Cen ter Point was the better team tonight,” he said. They beat

their endeavor work.

“It occurred to me that she really didn’t know what it looks like for people to run,” he said. “When we told her to go faster, she didn’t under stand to lengthen her stride. She was taking faster short steps instead.”

It began to click with Thomas, and her stride im proved after a few sessions on the family treadmill with her father. Thomas is also receiv ing gait training to improve her stride and prevent injuries by teaching her a proper run ning form.

James and Chanel Thom as will readily tell you that it takes a team effort to make

“Matthew Michakle, along with middle school head coach Logan Cornutt and assistant coach Kel ly Dunn are some of the best people on the planet,” Thomas’ father said. “They have been so supportive of this process. From a parental standpoint, you couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Cornutt has high praise for Thomas, “Sarah has done an excellent job for us this sea son and the team has been very supportive and encour ages her any chance they get,” he said. “We are so excited and proud to have her on the team and her perseverance is such a motivator for all of her teammates.”

us in every aspect of the game, and we just have to get better.”

Center Point hosts Pinson Valley in another huge region game next week. “Pinson is only seven minutes away from us, and we have them at home,” Bates said. “We are going to enjoy this, but then go get ready to improve our seeding.”

Shades Valley will host Pell City in another Region 6 matchup.

Any runner will tell you that running prepares you for the struggles of life. If anyone is ready to take on the strug gles of running, it is Thomas.

“We teach Sarah that her struggles in life are no differ ent than what others have,” Thomas said. “We all have disabilities in some way; some are just more visible than others.”

The Thomas family ul timately wants the sport to provide their daughter with the experience of being part of a team and to impact others with disabilities positively.

“Her life is a testimony, and we tell her that she’ll never know how many peo ple she will impact with what she does.”

After that, it was tough sledding for Hewitt-Truss ville. Floyd threw an inter ception to Kelby Taylor in the third quarter and then tossed a pick-six to Thompson safety Antuon Fegan, who returned the ball 30 yards to put the Warriors up 14-6 with 11:45 left in the fourth quarter.

With their backs to the wall, the Huskies responded as Floyd led Hewitt-Trussville on another long drive, this one

Key

tional championship in 1990. Under Key’s leadership, the Yellow Jackets’ win over Pitt ended a handful of losing streaks.

The win was Georgia Tech’s first victory over a nationally ranked opponent since September 25, 2021, a 45-22 victory over North Carolina, ending a four-game losing streak to ranked teams.

The win was also the Yellow Jackets’ first road victory over a national ly-ranked team in six years, when they defeated Virgin ia Tech in Blacksburg on Nov. 12, 2016, snapping a streak of six-straight road losses to ranked teams. The win snapped Georgia Tech’s nine-game losing streak against NCAA Division I FBS opponents, dating back

Moody

18

311 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 1 interception, found Davion Dozier – five receptions, 126 yards, and three touchdowns on the night - for touchdowns of 49 and 20 yards. As the defense continued to dom inate, Moody would score again with 13 seconds in the as McCarty would find Kolby Seymour to put the Blue Dev ils up 40-0 heading into the locker room.

a 14-yard scoring drive that started at the Hewitt-Truss ville 20 with 6:04 left in the game and hinged on an 11yard completion to Jacob Serena on fourth-and-four to keep the drive alive. On firstand-goal from the four-yard line, Floyd went right up the gut of the Thompson defense to score with 1:37 left in the game to pull to within two points, 14-12.

But the magic had run out for the Huskies. Floyd’s twopoint conversion attempt was no good, and the ensuing on side kick was recovered by Thompson.

The Warriors then ran out the clock to preserve the vic tory.

Hewitt-Trussville plays Vestavia Hills next Friday, while Thompson plays Oak Mountain.

Center

The second half start ed with Springville being held to a punt on their first drive. Moody would then turn the ball over on downs, and Springville would turn to their backup quarterback, Boaz Thornton. His first pass would be intercepted by Zane Smith who would return it 70 yards for a touchdown.

Down 47-0, it would have been easy for Springville to

to a 31-27 victory at Duke on Oct. 9, 2021.

A native of Clay, Key graduated from Hewitt-Truss ville High School in 1997, where he played for legend ary head coach Jack Wood.

give up, but they would do just the opposite. Continuing to fight, Jamari Cash would burst up the middle for a 44-yard touchdown and his partner, fellow running back Mahlon Alverson, would tack on a 13-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, making the score 47-14. The final touch down of the game would come on an eight-yard Mc Carty to Dozier connection, making it 53-14 Moody.

“Coach Floyd and Coach Matt Partridge did all the talking at halftime. I didn’t say a word. And they chal lenged them to win the second half. We won the second half and how we won the second half was on a blocked extra point,” said Springville Coach Jon Clements about his team’s effort in the second half. “We are getting our tails kicked and they fight through there and block that extra point. Didn’t mean a hill of beans to

nobody else here. But it told me a lot about our kids, and it meant everything.”

After winning his per formance in his final home coming game, Davion Dozier said, “Honestly it was just an other game. It didn’t matter who it was. We made a lot of mistakes and we will have to get back this week and fix them. I give all credit to our line. If Cole doesn’t have time to throw the ball, we are nothing.”

“They are special. I got the job on a Friday and met with just them (the seniors) Saturday morning and dis cussed where we wanted this thing to go,” said Gauns re garding the Moody seniors’ final homecoming game. “They mean everything to me. It’s my first senior class.” Moody (7-0) will travel to Saint Clair County next and Springville (0-7) will host Lincoln.

Hewitt Trussville’s Braylon Chatman and Peyton Floyd

After graduating from Geor gia Teach, Key served as an assistant coach for the Uni verity of Central Florida and the University of Alabama, helping the Crimson Tide win a national title in 2017.

Georgia Tech defensive back Myles Sims stands over Pitt running back Vincent Davis during Tech's 26-21 win on Saturday, October 1. (Photo courtesy of ramblinwreck.com)

Cole McCarty