The Trussville Tribune – Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2022

City of Irondale employees

HTHS theatre steals the spotlight with play written, directed by student

By Crystal McGough Associate Editor

IRONDALE

By Hannah Curran Editor

TRUSSVILLE — The Hewitt-Trussville High School (HTHS) Theatre De partment presents “Way of the Wanted,” a western mur der mystery written and di rected by HTHS Senior John Murray. The shows are on Oct. 27 – 29 at 7 p.m. and on Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students, including students at any school, even college, and $10 for adults.

Tickets can be purchased at the door by card only.

Murray originally wrote this play as a one-act his freshman year, and after many hours, days, weeks, and even months, he has transformed it into a full-length production.

“It was interesting be cause having a one-act only has so many pages, so you can get away with a lot more plot holes, but expanding it out, you have to have more detail and everything,” Mur ray said. “Every character got a much richer backstory, and honestly, expanding it made it a whole lot better.”

said. “It’s a lot of fun to see it all take shape.”

The casting and audition ing aspect of the production for Murray was the most daunting.

job, and it’s going to be really great.”

Last year Murray stu dent-directed the two shows HTHS produced, and then Lemmons offered him the opportunity to write the show this year.

“When I hear western murder mystery, I think goofy, silly, but it’s not at all,” Lemmons said. “It’s very real. It’s very gritty, real people, you’re going to be invested. Not cartoony at all.”

Moody City Council sponsors high school band, accepts Creekview streets

By Nathan Prewett For the Tribune

MOODY – At another brief meeting at City Hall on Monday, Oct. 24, the Moody Council voted unanimously to sponsor the high school’s marching band and accepted

By Hannah Curran Editor

TRUSSVILLE — A Trussville man passed away after his long battle with Des moplastic Small Round Cell

“I think it’s a really spe cial kind of book ending his high school career,” Theatre Director at HTHS Valerie Lemmons said.

Murray explained the pro cess of creating a full-length play was exciting and differ ent.

Murray said when work ing on a murder mystery, he had to find the archetypes he wanted to use.

“Once I did that, it was just assigning names and ev erything and getting the right actors for the job,” Murray

“It’s because you have so many people in front of you, and you have this idea of the character, but nobody’s exactly what you want, so you have to pick the person who’s right for it,” Murray said. “It’s involved a lot of gender-bending different characters. People who were guys are now girls and stuff like that. But I feel like we found the right people for the

However, Murray isn’t the only student making a name for himself. Noah Weber, an other student at HTHS, has composed the entire show and written a completely original score for “Way of the Wanted.”

“I’ve never done anything like this before,” Weber said. “It’s also a learning opportuni ty. I’ve always wanted to make music for something bigger.”

Weber has competed in and won Trussville’s Got Tal ent several times, but now he

Trussville council to consider changes in Trussville Springs

By Hannah Curran Editor

By Hannah Curran Editor

—

Springville seeing steady growth in building permits

By Terry Schrimscher For The Tribune

SPRINGVILLE — The Springville

TRUSSVILLE — Truss ville City Council is consider ing approving a change in the original Trussville Springs Master Plan during an up coming council meeting.

The City Council approved the original plan around 2007. Initially, the developer went to P&Z with requested chang es, and the board “determined that continued changes, in the manner they were requesting, constituted a major change to the PUD and would need to be brought back before the current council.”

After a special session on Wednesday, Sept. 21, the board unanimously passed P&Z and will go before the council with a favorable rec ommendation.

“It comes with a positive recommendation from P&Z contingent upon their T4A1 and T4A2, meaning the ar chitectural standards and R1 zoning of Cherokee, which is what that section will con nect to. So that’s the contin gency there,” Councilmem ber Ben Short said during the

council workshop.

Short stated previously that this would more than likely lead to a further reduc tion in the unit count for those categories.

Trussville Springs was the highest-density PUD previ ously approved, and Short said these changes would reduce that number slightly.

However, it still will be one of the highest-density PUDs that Trussville has.

According to Short, this PUD was approved 15-16 years ago, with a total unit count of 586 dwellings; this new plan will lead to a solid reduction in total dwellings, add additional green space, allow for the completion of

a permanent entrance to the community, and adjust the mixed-use/commercial com ponent to areas that make more sense.

“The original plan called for a max of 80 planned at tached family (townhomes) and a max of 160 multi-fam

Local veteran discusses ‘veterans park’ proposal with Pinson City Council

By Crystal McGough Associate Editor

PINSON – Lifelong Pin son resident, business owner and veteran Scott Ragsdale addressed the Pinson City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 18, concerning his plans for

By Hannah Curran Editor

TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Schools (TCS) BOE named Dr. Frank Costanzo, former superinten

HTMS student reportedly brought weapon to school

From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — A Hewitt-Trussville Middle School (HTMS) student re portedly brought a weapon to school on Monday, Oct. 24.

According to the Truss ville Police Department (TPD), they were made aware of a student that brought a

Acting superintendent of TCS Dr. Frank Costanzo, ‘I believe in working together as a team’

Trussville family mourns loss of Blake Abercrombie, ‘his legacy will never be forgotten’

Way of the Wanted (Photo courtesy of Hollie Yount)

Trussville Springs (Photo courtesy of the City of Trussville)

My Life as a Hobby: The Boy Toy

By Joe Hobby

Growing up, I didn’t have any fancy-schmancy electron ic toys that kids have today. That’s OK. I had some neat stuff that – gasp! – didn’t even require batteries. Things like a Daisy BB gun, a Mousetrap game, Silly Putty, a Slinky, a Man From UNCLE gun, cap pistols, Duncan Yo-Yos, Case pocket knives, Frisbees, and a bike that Dad bought at Sears. About the only thing I want ed that I never got was Lawn Darts. That’s because my parents thought I would turn them into weapons. And they were right. By the way, who even came up with this idea? At some product development meeting, did a toy executive stand up and say, “Hey! What if we make giant steel-tipped darts that kids can throw in the air?” And everyone else said,” Yeah!”

As I look back on my childhood, there is one toy that I would’ve really liked: the Big Wheel. Oh, how I would have loved to glide down our driveway and cut that front wheel to do a 360-degree turn! Of course, the reason I never had one is that they didn’t come out un til 1969. That was the year I got my driver’s license, and then my main focus became seeing how much rubber I could burn off the tires of my Mom’s 1967 Plymouth Fury.

Growing up, a pedal trac tor was the only thing re motely comparable to the Big Wheel. I got one when I was about five years old. It was typical of toys from the late fifties, American-made with thick gauge metal, nothing like the cheap Chinese stuff you see today. It had a single seat, a steering wheel, and a gear shift lever that, once en gaged, made the tractor emit a puttering sound when you

pedaled. The body had an in tricately painted replica of an engine on both sides. White rims and knobby rubber tires contrasted sharply with the bright red paint job. A lot of thought and workmanship went into its creation.

I loved that toy. In the summertime, I washed it fre quently. I cleaned that tractor like a teenage boy cleaned his Dad’s car before he took it on a date. I rode it down the hill in our front yard so many times that there was a groove in the grass. When I broke my foot, I ruined two plaster casts because I discovered that dragging them on the driveway was an excellent way to slow the tractor down. Upon setting it a third time, the doctor threatened to break my other foot if I did it again. He was joking – I think. But little boys don’t last forever, and neither do their toys. And so, in time, my three-wheeled buddy ended up in the corner of our base ment – unused, unmoved, and unloved. By the grace of the toy gods, it somehow never

made it to the Goodwill pile. Unlike most of my toys, the tractor outlasted my child hood.

When I grew up and bought my first house, my Mom decided it would be a good time to have a home transplant. That’s a proce dure when every possession you’ve left in your parent’s basement is transplanted back to you. And that is how my old toy tractor ended up in my basement.

Years passed. On occa sion, my wife would walk past it, then come upstairs and say, “Why are we still hang ing on to that old thing? It has no use at all.”

And I’d say, “You know, that describes me, and you keep me around.”

She replied, “That’s be cause at least you’re good for lawn maintenance and basic home repair.”

Sometimes I wish I could give her to Goodwill.

However, my opinion of the tractor began to change when I discovered the prices they were fetching online. I

thought, “Well, it is just col lecting dust in my basement. Why not sell it to a collector and pocket some cash? Oth erwise, my kids will probably donate it to a thrift store when I’m gone, where somebody else will buy it and make a big profit.”

I decided to clean it up, oil the moving parts, and see how it looked. Like most 63-yearolds, it had a few bumps and scrapes, adding to its charm. Patina, as they say. It was time to put it on e Bay.

But distant childhood memories still had a firm hold on me. I just couldn’t bring myself to list it.

I guess the reason I couldn’t get rid of the trac tor is the same reason I can’t delete my Mom’s contact in formation from my phone. In my mind, I would be remov ing much more than a name, address, and phone number. Likewise, with my tractor, there are so many memories from my youth imprinted in it that selling it would feel like I’m giving them away.

Fortunately, Pinterest pro vided me with a solution to my dilemma. I took the tractor out of the basement and dis played it on our front porch. Depending on the season you drive by my house, you can see the proud old toy flanked with pots of colorful flowers in the summer, pumpkins and hay bales in the fall, and even Santa around Christmas.

And on occasion, I will let my granddaughters ride it down the driveway if I am there to supervise. After all, it has no brakes, and none of them have a cast on their foot to slow it down.

Find more of Joe’s stories on his blog: https://mylifea sahobby.blogspot.com/?m=1. Also, follow him on Face book at Joe Hobby Comedi an- Writer.

Joe Hobby, Tribune Columnist

Theatre

From front page

is taking his talents to a new level. Lemmons said that you can explain to Weber the feel and vibe you want for a scene, and he will do it.

“It’s been very collabora tive,” Murray said. “He read the script, but it really was just him getting in here and being like, ‘I want this for this character and this for this scene,’ and he’s just so good that he’s on the fly, and it’s amazing.”

Murray has indeed found his calling, and Lemmon said it’s an honor to have one of her students take the reigns.

“At this age, students don’t do well taking direction from their peers at all, but John can communicate with them in a way that they hear and respect,” Lemmons said. “He treats them with such

respect that even though he has this authority over them, I don’t think anybody ever feels that he abuses his pow er; he is very professional. To see someone doing what I love to do, and to see him in his element, makes it worth getting out of bed every day.”

Lemmons explained that Murray, every year, has sub mitted playwriting to the Trumbauer District competi tion.

“We’re going to the Trum bauer District competition the first Saturday in November, then state is at Troy State Uni versity, the first weekend of December, and he has submit ted playwriting every year,” Lemmons said. “So I predict you will probably see films by John Murray one day.”

Murray said that writing and directing is his passion and has been for a very long time now.

“It wasn’t until freshman year at the Trumbauer Dis trict competition that I started actually pursuing it,” Murray said. “

Lemmons said there is something to be proud of at HTHS.

“I would love to see the accomplishments of our art ists be celebrated on the same level as the accomplishments of our athletes,” Lemmons said. “I would love to change the culture of the city as a whole, that you can go see a show at Hewitt-Trussville, you don’t have to research it, you don’t have to know what it is, and you know it’s going to be great.”

Murray said this is a sen timent that this show is by students, for students, and is going to be something com pletely unique to this town that you can’t get anywhere else.

R egion

Christmas Open House featuring University Pickers, The Local Collection Stores

From The Tribune staff reports

front page

a request to begin upkeep of the streets in the Creekview subdivision.

Several weeks ago, the council heard from Moody High School Band Booster President Michael Spence, who requested funding for new uniforms and equip ment. Spencer said that among the updates needed was additional music to the band’s library, as well as in struments.

Mayor Joe Lee said that Spencer met with Council man Lynn Taylor, chair of the finance committee, where they made a recommendation for the city based on his re quest.

The overall estimated cost is $10,000.

Additionally, the council voted unanimously to accept the streets of the Creekview subdivision for upkeep.

Creekview Homeowners As sociation Terry Daniels was present at the last meeting, where Lee said that the cost

would be split between the subdivision and the city of 75 percent and 25 percent.

The overall cost was esti mated to be $72,693, with the HOA to pay $54,000.

In other business, the council:

• Approved a request from Parks and Recreation Di rector Mike Staggs to ad vertise and hire for a fulltime groundskeeper for the park,

Approved Staggs’ request to repair a mower for $4,750,

• Approved a request from Police Chief Thomas Hunt to purchase Southern Soft ware for the CAD system for $9,603, Approved Hunt’s request to renew the Southern Software for updated li censes for $1,900

• Approved Hunt’s request to send Sgt. Jonathan Melton to Street Cop Training class in April 2023 for $599,

Approved Hunt’s request to repair work unit #325 for $2,569.61,

• Approved a request from Fire Chief Larry Horton to pay this year’s contract for the tank maintenance on the tank at the fire pumps for $37,431,

• Approved Horton’s re quest to purchase medical supplies for $775,

• Approved a request from Councilman Lynn Tay lor to add a civic center events and guest service position to the city’s pay scale, and

• Approved a request from Public Works and In spections Director Steve Mitchell to install a new fuel pump and a new fuel management system at City Hall at a cost not to exceed $35,000.

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

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

LEEDS — With Christ mas just around the corner, the deals are beginning at The Outlet Shops of Grand River with a Christmas Open House scheduled for Friday, No vember 4, through Sunday, November 6, featuring Uni versity Pickers and The Local Collection stores. Christmas kickoff to shopping has nev er been this much fun, and you will not want to miss the chance to win a $500 gift card to The Shops with the Christ mas Passport.

The Local Collection of participating retailers and restaurants honoring the Christmas Passport feature University Pickers and in cludes Artists Incorporated, ARZEL, Ashley by Design Boutique, Birmingham Bar gains, Campus Spirit, El Zarape, Farm & Sea Cajun Grill, Frozen Rooster, Grace Accessories, Lou Lou’s, Mr. Tea Boba & Coffee, Noel’s Place Boutique, Teriyaki Ex press, The Backyard, The Grumpy Princess, The Pixel Room, The Rug Bug Design, White Flowers and Zoo Scoot.

This is a new event for us and we are excited to see the local shops highlighted on this Christmas Kickoff week end. We have several ven dors who make custom gifts, offer personalization along with so many unique items for home and for gifts. Sev eral handmade vendors offer even more unique items and, of course, our fun antiques,

too!” says University Pickers Trish Gleason. “By shopping University Pickers, you are supporting local! With over 70 vendors under one roof, you are purchasing from your neighbor.”

When you arrive to shop during this event weekend, pick up your Christmas Pass port at University Pickers and visit each store in The Local Collection to receive a unique stamp on your pass port. Once you have complet ed your shopping and visited each participant, turn in your Christmas Passport to Guest Services in the food court area to enter to win the $500 gift card to The Outlet Shops of Grand River.

Many participating stores will have light refreshments, music, door prizes, coupons, deals, and giveaways. With the introduction of the excit ing Grand River Entertain ment District, you can Sip & Shop during this Christmas Open House event. All alco holic beverages must be pur chased at The Backyard. As you shop, take notice of new

signage throughout the mall to signify the boundaries of the entertainment district.

The Outlet Shops of Grand River is Alabama’s favorite outlet destination where cus tomers 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 entertain ment venues, including the Grand River Drive-In, The Backyard hangout with yard games, a dog park, and eater ies which include Neighbors Brew & Pies, Saw’s BBQ, and now the addition of the Grand River Entertainment District. The center is located in historic Leeds, off I-20 at Exit 140, 6200 Grand River Boulevard East.

A QR code will be avail able as a convenience for shoppers to quickly access information about this special Christmas Open House event, including a map to illustrate the location of each local par ticipant. For more informa tion about The Outlet Shops of Grand River, please visit www.shopsofgrandriver.com.

Photo courtesy of Dona Bonnett

HTMS

From front page

kitchen knife to school. As soon as the knife was report ed, the student was imme diately removed from class. The middle school adminis trators worked quickly with the school resource officers to ensure student safety and assess the credibility of any threat.

Due to the guidelines put in place and the quick action taken by the TPD and Truss ville City Schools, there was no disruption to any classes or normal school activities.

At this time, the police department is still gathering information and investigat ing why the student brought the knife to school. School

From front page

ily units (three-story condos) for a total possible max of 240 units within these prod uct types based on the original density map,” Short stated.

Short said during the workshop that this would be an overall reduction of a least 45 units. In addition, the new plan removes the multi-fami ly category (condos) entirely and changes the number of attached family (townhomes) to a max of 111 units for this

safety is a priority to the Trussville Police Depart ment and the Trussville City School System. We will con tinue to work together to en sure the safety and security of all students, faculty, and staff.

product type.

During the P&Z meeting, Short explained that while this is an increase in 31 pos sible townhome units, it’s a significant reduction (possi bly 160 condos) in overall units when you factor in the removal of the multi-family category, which in his opin ion, is a better outcome here.

The original plan called for 19.5 acres of commercial property, and the new plan shows 14.19 for a reduction of 5.31 acres.

The mixed-use catego ry shows a small increase in acreage, going from 10.9 to 11.3. Barry Stalnaker from the Offices for Trussville Springs LLC said they could implement a grocery store or assisted living in that multiuse area.

“With the reduction of 5 commercial acres adding .4 to this category is still a solid trade-off from my perspec tive,” Short stated. “Overall, this PUD has been ongoing for a long…long time, and

Riner stated that the stu dent told TPD that during the football game Friday night, he was reportedly jumped during an altercation with a group of boys.

“The weapon was report ed to school administration

with these changes and a PUD update, we can hope fully get these residents their permanent entrance and move toward finishing this commu nity, which is long overdue.”

Short explained that the original plan called for 35.7 acres of green space, and the new plan now has 39.35 acres of green space.

“Along the backside of the river, they are doing their nic er river homes and then kind of tiered that out,” Short said.

“So you’ll have the nice riv er homes along the river, and then you come down to some of the other stuff that you see, and townhomes are on the backside of that, which was also a positive change.”

Also, in the new plans is the potential for a bridge to be built to cross the river, but it is not certain whether the bridge will be pedestrian or vehicle.

Stalnaker said that if the council doesn’t approve the new plan, they would be “forced to go ahead and put a three-story condominium

and the student was immedi ately removed from class and the threat assessment protocol completed,” HTMS Principal Jennifer Abney stated. “Ad ministrators worked with our school resource officers to en sure student safety and assess the credibility of any threat. Student code of conduct was followed as it pertains to a weapon.

“All students and faculty are safe. Classes and general school operations were nev er disrupted and the school day is continuing as normal. The safety and security of our students, faculty and staff is our number one pri ority.”

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

in the phase three area where we’re proposing townho mes.”

“I think the difference here is that the worst-case scenario has already been im proved,” Councilmember Jai me Anderson said. “We just want to be able to justify with people and let them know that this was approved 17 years ago, and this is a better propo sition that it was before, even though it’s not ideal for those who are concerned about den sity.”

Councilmember Lisa Bright said the new plan helps alleviate traffic and density, which is the better option.

“If there’s an option that there’s going to be condo miniums, three-story condo miniums turning in and out of Highway 11 with no red light and no bridge. I think that’s a disaster for being a very unsafe place to live,” Bright said. “I like the new plan.”

The council will vote on the new plan during an up coming council meeting.

In the work session, Asa Sargent presented an update on building permits in the city. Sargent serves as Building In spector for the Building and Zoning department.

intendent, presented a request from Karen Lee Estates for the installation of lights in the subdivision. City Attorney James Hill suggested creating a policy to manage such re quests. The Council decided to wait on the request until a policy could be presented.

‘Total permits issued is 577. We had 85 new residen tials, six new commercial, 194 electrical permits, 52 gas, 93 plumbing, 95 mechanical, and 52 miscellaneous,” Sargent said.

In his report, Sargent presented figures showing $265,547.12 in fees collected so far in the 2021-2022 fiscal year. He continued his presen tation by explaining the in spection process to the mem bers of the Council. Sargent said the city had conducted 765 residential inspections for new homes this fiscal year and 54 inspections for new busi nesses.

“Many of our employees and department heads wear multiple hats, but I don’t know that any wear more than Asa,” added Mayor Dave Thomas after the report.

In the regular meeting, Earl Peoples, Public Works Super

In other business, the Council requested Peoples conduct a cost study to deter mine if the city can feasibly begin collection services for debris. Earlier in the year, the city had issues getting vendors to stay caught up with debris collection.

Before adjourning the meeting, Mayor Thomas read a letter of support for the City of Argo, which is seeking grant funding to ease traffic problems at the intersection of Hwy 11 and Argo Mar garet Road. The intersection has long been a sore spot for traffic flow due to a train track running close to the intersec tion.

Thomas also asked the Council to consider financial support for the ARC of St. Clair County and is expected to present a request for fund ing for the organization at a future meeting.

Archer's Cove has recorded 38 Certificates of Occupancy and 31 residential building permits this fiscal year.

(Photo courtesy of Zillow)

Hewitt-Trussville Middle School photo courtesy of Trussville City Schools

State-wide sign program promotes local outdoor recreation

From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — The Alabama Scenic River Trail met on the banks of the Ca haba River in Trussville with state lawmakers and lo cal stakeholders Monday to highlight the importance of a state-wide sign system that is making it easier for boaters to access Alabama waterways.

Senator Shay Shelnutt, Representative Danny Gar rett, Trussville Mayor Buddy Choat, Trussville city coun cilmembers Lisa Bright and Ben Short, and Cahaba Riv erkeeper founder Myra Craw ford stood creekside at Civi tan Park shortly before noon to learn more about the sign program during a ceremony. Also in attendance were Ala bama Scenic River Trail em ployees, board members, and volunteers.

Rep. Garrett spoke brief

Pinson

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a newly constructed veterans park near the entrance to Bi centennial Park.

“We’re one of the very few cities that doesn’t have a park or an area designated for our veterans,” Ragsdale said. “We just don’t. Never have, that I’ve seen. What I’m proposing is for the area that is right before you get to the Bicentennial Park, where the old, white fruit stand used to be, right across the street from the Shell gas station, for that area to be designated … for a veterans honors park or a veterans recognition park. The reason why I didn’t put memorial park in there is be cause I don’t feel if a service member has passed, that he or she should be recognized. I think they should have

ly about the role of outdoor recreation in recruiting and retaining a competitive work force to and in Alabama. He is a member of the Alabama Innovation Corporation Board of Directors, which seeks to spur innovation and entrepreneurship in Alabama for the 21st Century.

“This type of effort is going to be very critical in growing the state, retaining the workforce, and attracting people here,” Garrett said, referencing the Alabama Sce nic River Trail’s state-wide sign program.

The Alabama Scenic River Trail is a 6,500-mile network of waterways designated for recreational use in Alabama. It is the longest single-state river trail in the nation, and it has been named a National Water Trail by the U.S. De partment of the Interior. The river trail’s core section, a 650-mile path from northeast

it done, like myself, while we’re still here.”

Ragsdale, who served 16 years in the Navy, said that all the material and labor for the veterans park would be pro vided by himself and through donations he has already received. He said he has al ready received donations for pavement, concrete pillars, a rock formation, flagpoles and flags, and lights.

“It just recognizes the vet erans who have lived in Pin son or still live in Pinson,” he said. “ … I know we have a lot of veterans and I would just like to give them some form of recognition, past, present and future.”

Mayor Joe Cochran said that Ragsdale’s design is sim ilar to something the city had already been discussing, and he’s excited to seeing com munity members getting in

Alabama to the Gulf of Mexi co, attracts elite athletes from across the country each year for the longest annual paddle race in the world, the Great Alabama 650.

“Trussville affords our residence many outdoor rec reational opportunities, and the Chabaa River is part of that,” Mayor Buddy Choat

said. “The city fully supports any efforts to promote the Cahaba river since the head of the river does start here in Trussville.”

The Cahaba River section of the Alabama Scenic River Trail begins in Civitan Park in Trussville. A sign there marks the first in a series of access points that help paddlers ex plore this valuable waterway. This sign is part of a network of signs that span the state and help kayak and canoe enthusiasts access Alabama waterways in Trussville and beyond.

“One of our big tasks is promoting Alabama’s water ways here and all through out the state,” ASRT Acting Executive Director Andrew Szymanski said. “One way we try to do this is by edu cating local residents about the paddling opportunities in high-traffic areas all across the state of Alabama.”

First ever ‘Argo Monster Mash’ to be held on Oct. 29

From The Tribune staff reports

ARGO — The City of Argo will be hosting its first ever Monster Mash Hallow een Bash on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 4-6 p.m. The event will be free to the public and held at the Argo City Park, lo cated at 100 Blackjack Road, Trussville, AL 35173.

“We are very excited to be able this year to offer not only to our community, but surrounding communities, a fun-filled evening in a safe environment,” Argo City Councilor Ann Brown said. “We would like to invite fam ilies to come enjoy a hot dog and play some games and take home some candy!”

Sponsors for the Mon ster Mash include the City of Argo, Alabama Tourism

to bring one guest. To register for the event, call Pinson City Hall at (205) 680-5556.

Pinson’s “Ugly Christmas Sweater” Christmas parade will take place on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 6:30 p.m. Appli cations are available on the city’s website at www.thecity ofpinson.com and are due by Nov. 25.

amount of $4,762.09

Quote for a road/trail connecting Main Street to Glen Brook Road, to provide easy access to the city’s parks, in the amount of $10,800

• Quote from LockCorp Inc. for door enhancements at City Hall, in the amount of $5,175

volved with the project.

“I think what I would like to see – when you talk to your architect to design the final –what I would like to see is a little wall … and you have an area in front of it where people can walk and read a plaque for each branch of the service and that kind of thing,” Cochran said.

Ragsdale asked the coun cil to consider allocating the property for that purpose, al

lowing him and his architect to move forward with their next steps. The council agreed.

“It’s about time we do it,” Councilor Glenda Kirkland said. “So, let’s do it.”

The council reminded the public that Pinson’s Veter ans Day luncheon will take place on Nov. 11, 2022, at 11:30 a.m., at the Rock School Complex. The luncheon will be catered by Olive Garden and each veteran is allowed

Pinson Trade Days will be celebrating its one-year anni versary on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be vendors, food trucks, a classic car show and more.

Also on Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m., the city will be hosting its Shred-A-Thon event at City Hall.

In other business, the council approved the follow ing:

• Quote for dock doors on the back of the Rock School Complex, in the

Quote for office furniture for Public Works, in the amount of $5,059.81

Motion to initiate com petitive bidding for Rock School roof project

• Motion to move the first city council meeting in De cember to Dec. 5, at noon, at PHCC

The next meeting of the Pinson City Council will be Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, at 7 p.m., at Pinson City Hall. A pre-council work session will be held at 6:15 p.m.

Alabama Scenic River Trail Acting Executive Director Andrew Szymanski addresses a small group of local leaders at a recent ceremony on the banks of the Cahaba River in Trussville. (Photo courtesy of Laura Gaddy)

Photo credit: City of Pinson Alabama Facebook page

Grant, Print Corp., Massey, Stotser & Nichols, and Grant Crossing: Argo’s Newest Community.

Image credit: The City of Argo

ville Springs PUD amend ment per the request of Truss ville Springs LLC. The new date for the public hearing and vote has not been deter mined by the time of publica tion.

The council also approved the authorization of the may or to declare three police de partment vehicles as surplus and to sell, convey or other wise dispose of the same in accordance with resolutions

and ordinances pertaining to surplus property.

In other news, the council approved the following:

• Reappoint Ed Smith Jr. to the Trussville Utilities

Board, with term expiring November 30;

Public Hearing Regarding the Proposed Rezoning of 5137 Vann Valley Road;

• Ordinance Rezoning 5137 Vann Valley Road to C-P (Preferred Commercial) from IN-1 (Institutional); and

Resolution to Surplus Po lice Vehicles.

The next council meet ing will occur on November 3, 2022, at 5 p.m. at the City Hall Annex, located at 113 North Chalkville Road.

Leeds announces Second Annual Leeds Cruising for Toys

From The Tribune staff reports

LEEDS — The Second Annual Leeds Cruising for Toys, a cruise-in for a cause, is scheduled for Saturday, October 29, beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Parkway Drive in downtown Leeds. This event is open to all cars, trucks, and bikes. Admission is an unwrapped toy or donation. Bring your unwrapped toy to enter a drawing to win $500 cash.

This is a toy drive and fundraiser to benefit children and teens through Leeds Out reach to provide Christmas for needy families. The more toys you bring, the more chances you have to win the $500 cash. A cruise-in, 5050, door prizes, food trucks, and an afternoon full of fun is planned for all ages so bring your favorite vehicle and your family to enjoy a great time together for a great cause.

To pre-register your ve hicle in the cruise-in, contact Chris McCombs at 205-365-

7412 or Christy McCombs at 205-283-0952. To register your food truck to participate, contact Sandra McGuire at 205-965-9392.

Vehicles will cruise in on Saturday and drop off their toys and donations in front of the State Farm – Aycock Agency at 8028 Parkway Drive. From there, the cars, trucks, and bikes will mark from 6th to 9th Street.

The Cruising for Toys event is sponsored and host ed by the Leeds Area Cham

ber of Commerce, the City of Leeds, and C & C Motor Company. A high-resolution flyer is available for you to share and display in your place of business at www. LeedsAreaChamber.com.

This group is accepting unwrapped toys, monetary donations, and items for door prizes. If you would like to drop off any door prizes, toys, or donations prior to Saturday, contact Sandra McGuire or Christy Mc Combs.

TCS

dent of Tuscaloosa County Schools, as acting superin tendent of TCS earlier this month.

The role of the acting superintendent is different from the interim superinten dent. Interim is related to position vacancy, and Cos tanzo explained there is not a position vacancy in the City of Trussville right now. The appointment of an acting superintendent will be effec tive until the role of the su perintendent has been filled permanently.

“The superintendency, like anything else, really, in the principalship, is about a fit,” Costanzo said. “They had to decide, is Frank the right person? Is this the person that we want? And if they do, then we’ll move forward. So it’s just typical things that you do in conversations.”

Costanzo will fill the role after Dr. Pattie Neill took a 60-day leave following par ents packing a City Council meeting a couple of weeks ago. At the meeting, which granted leave to Neill, the BOE also heard citizens ex pressing concerns about the school system.

As acting superintendent, Costanzo brings with him years of experience; he was a teacher, coach, school bus driver, assistant principal, principal, and central office director. He also was in stu dent services for five years and assistant superintendent for 10 years. Costanzo was named superintendent of the Tuscaloosa County Schools in November 0f 2004.

“I served in that role for eight years and two months; most of my career was in Tus caloosa County,” Costanzo said. “I am from the Birming ham area, I lived in Ensley when I was a child, and my parents moved from Ensley to Cahaba Heights. From there, I went to John Carroll High School.”

He describes himself as a servant leader first and fore most.

“I’m a people person,” Costanzo said. “I believe in working together as a team, a team approach ‘it’s not about I; it’s about we.’ I believe in listening to people; there’s a right way to make a decision, there’s a wrong way to make a decision, and you don’t solve a problem by creating a prob lem. You have experts here.”

Costanzo called the Truss ville school system “elite” during the Oct. 10 board meeting, stating his role was to move the system forward and help the board make de cisions in the best interest of the school system.

During an interview with The Tribune, he explained that the board of education is strong and that there is “out standing leadership in this office.”

“The same is true at the principal’s level, as well, and then, most importantly, your teachers,” Costanzo said. “We met with the central of fice staff to give them that opportunity, one to meet me, but also to hear their con cerns and whatever issues they have, and I want them to feel free and comfortable to do that. There’s got to be open communication because the jobs we do are very diffi cult. That’s the style of lead ership.”

Costanzo said he is a pol icy-driven person and doesn’t believe in “stepping out and making decisions” based on opinions.

“I want to hear from peo ple; I want people to tell me, how do you feel about this,” Costanzo said. “Trust your staff, trust your people to do their jobs, and we don’t mi cromanage what they do. So that’s the way I’ve always been, in support, and with the board, I want to help them to do the job that they’re doing.”

During the most recent BOE meeting, Costanzo ex pressed his support for fami lies with children and family

members with disabilities.

His brother-in-law had cere bral palsy and passed away at 52-year-old, and his family provided everything for him.

“I’m very sensitive and very understanding to any child that has any disability regardless because it’s our role; they rely on us as par ents and as a school system,” Costanzo said during the BOE meeting last week.

He understands the chal lenges that come with disabil ities, and he believes every child has a right to free and appropriate public education.

“You’re a public school system, and every child that shows up at our front door, we take them in, regardless of who they are,” Costanzo said.

“Our job is to help them grow and be successful, so we take them where they’re at, and that’s our job as educators to help them be successful. So how do you do that? You teach.”

Costanzo explained that students learn in different ways.

“Some are visual learn ers, and we are in the age of technology; we have all these different things, and they can listen, they can process,” Cos tanzo said. “It’s no different if you’re in the regular class room or receiving special ed ucation services. They’re our students, so we’re going to do what we have to do in their best interest and help them be successful. To me, there’s no difference. It’s just the way a student qualifies for the type of learning that they have.”

Dr. Frank Costanzo

(Photo by Scott Buttram)

Photos Courtesy of Dona Bonnett

Photo by Hannah Curran

for their contributions to the city of Irondale. In a turn of events, there were no proc lamations read by the mayor during the Tuesday, Oct. 18, meeting, but the city’s de partment heads and employ ees surprised the mayor and council with a proclamation of their own.

“Whereas the employees of the city of Irondale wish to honor and show appreciation to the mayor and city council on the occasion of Nation al Boss’s Day,” Irondale Fire Chief Josh McDaniel read from the proclamation, “and whereas under the leadership of this mayor and city council, the city of Irondale has become a top tier place to work and has set the example for other municipalities to follow; and whereas employees have been given the largest pay raise in the city’s history, allowing us to better care for our families; and whereas resolutions have been passed to empower em ployees through continuing ed ucation opportunities and train ing; and whereas we have been provided with the first-rate equipment to help us perform our jobs safely and efficiently; and whereas we are honored to come to work each day and serve the citizens of Irondale with passion and excellence; now, therefore, be it hereby re solved that we, the employees of the city of Irondale, issue this proclamation in appreci ation, in witness whereof we have signed and sealed on this 18th day of October, 2022, city of Irondale employees.”

Mayor Stewart and each council member extended their gratitude to the city em ployees, and Stewart informed the public that the city em ployees had also surprised him with a “Boss’s Day” celebra tion at the Zamora Temple on Monday, Oct. 17.

“The only thing I can say is thank you,” Stewart said. “The other thing that really meant a lot to me is that every dime

that they spent on that event – food, all of that – it came out of the employees’ pockets. They didn’t ask the city for a dime. That meant a lot to me.”

Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Walter B. Gonsoulin Jr., along with Jefferson County Board of Education member Donna Pike, were in attendance at Tuesday’s council meeting to give the city and residents an update on Irondale’s schools.

“First of all, I wanted to say how fortunate I feel as a school superintendent to be able to work with a mayor and a council such as we have here in Irondale,” Gonsoulin said. “It is essential that school and community work together so that our children can be very successful.”

Gonsoulin showed the council a new data book that Jefferson County Schools has created to assist with tracking the progress and needs of each individual school in the county.

“This data is used so that we can make very important decisions,” he said. “In this book, we cover everything from student enrollment, by school, to achievement data, to learning supports, schol arships, credentials, all that stuff. Then we have to take that information and we re spond to it appropriately.”

Gonsoulin told the council that, according to state stan dards, all schools in Irondale are in good standing or excel ling.

“I’m very proud, and I’m especially proud about the

schools in Irondale,” he said. “We’re getting to the point that our enrollment is about to catch up to pre-Covid, and our achievement, as well.”

Mayor Stewart gave the council an unaudited finan cial report, stating that the current projected surplus for the city’s 2022 fiscal year is $6,461,014.12.

The mayor also announced that the city has 2,000 brand new recycling trash cans, which will be available at no cost to the first 2,000 residents who sign up for recycling. The cans, which were purchased through a grant, will be deliv ered in November. To find out more about how to sign up for recycling, contact City Hall at (205) 956-9200 or visit their website at https://cityofiron daleal.gov/

“(The city) is willing to order more after we pass the 2,000, but you’ll have to pay for it,” Stewart said.

The Irondale City Coun cil’s next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 1, at Irondale City Hall, at 6 p.m. Mayor Stewart will also be holding a “Town Hall” meet ing on Nov. 10 to present the city parks master plan to the public.

“It won’t be a work ses sion; it will be the mayor’s town hall meeting to unveil what the survey produced for what the citizens would like to see in the parks,” he said. “Also, … the plan for the dog park is 75% complete and we should be going out to bid with that in less than six months.”

Abercrombie

Tumors (DSRCT). DSRCT is a soft-tissue sarcoma that causes multiple tumors to form in the abdomen and pel vic area, but where it begins is usually unknown. The first case of a DSRCT was record ed in 1989; this rare form of cancer has had fewer than 500 cases diagnosed since 1989.

DSRCT is typically not diagnosed until it has reached late stages, making it hard to treat, especially since this can cer is usually resistant to treat ment.

Blake Abercrombie was 30 when he went to a routine doc tor’s appointment after he ex perienced stomach pains while on a family beach trip with his wife, Amanda, and daughter, Blakely. Still, this doctor’s visit would be anything but routine when the doctor found multiple tumors in Blake’s ab domen and pelvic area.

Blake was initially diag nosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, but after receiving more tests, Blake was diagnosed with DS RCT in June 2019.

In July 2019, before Blake and Amanda went to Houston and started Blake’s initial set of treatments, they discovered Amanda was pregnant with a little boy.

The Abercrombie Army/ BA Foundation Facebook page announced the news of Blake’s passing last week.

“Our hearts are broken as we lost Blake very early this morning, but we are rejoicing that he was welcomed to his eternal home healed, healthy, at peace, and all strength re stored into his Father’s arms,” the post stated. “There is tru ly nobody like Blake, his tes timony of faith and strength through this journey speaks volumes of him in itself, and we know his legacy will NEV ER be forgotten! Please pray for our family as we navigate this new season. Pray for strength and peace to pour out over families as well as under standing for Blakely and Jack.

We are working on arrange ments and will let everyone know when they have been made.”

Amanda said Blake was the kind of person you always wanted surrounding you.

“His greatest loves were God, his family, and his friends. He loved golf, Au burn football, and being at the lake with his people,” Amanda said. “He always made sure everyone was happy and was the most selfless person, con cerned about everyone but himself even over these last few years and weeks. Blake loved life and was the life of the party. His laugh was loud and contagious, and he was always making jokes. He ab solutely adored his wife and kids and was always the per fect image of what a father and husband should be.”

Blake formed the BA Foun dation to raise awareness and funds for research at MD An derson Clinic for DSRCT. The BA foundation is Blake’s lega cy, and Amanda said they want to ensure it continues to grow.

“Blake wanted to see a cure for DSRCT, and with this foundation, we will be able of help assist with research to make that happen as well as be there to support other families that find themselves in simi lar situations,” Amanda said.

“The annual golf tournament if coming up in November at Old Overton Country Club, and we know Blake has the best seat in the house for it. We will continue to support research

of DSRCT at MD Anderson in Houston.”

Blake graduated from Clay-Chalkville High School (three-year starter) and UAB. He spent the last five years as Territory Manager for Climat ic Comfort Products, where he was loved by his coworkers and clients. Blake was an in volved member of The Gather ing Place Church. In addition, he was a loving person with an outgoing personality and was the life of the party with the best laugh.

“Blake was the most faith ful man and made it a point to remind everyone around him how good God is and always has been,” Amanda said. “His story and fight impacted so many people for the better, and we know it will continue to do just that. Blake will truly never be forgotten, and we know his legacy and testimony of faith will only continue to grow in the days and years to come. He is rejoicing with the Lord, and we could not be more proud of the person he was.”

Blake’s brother, Jordan Ab ercrombie, said Blake was the most “selfless, loving person.”

“Always making sure ev eryone is okay,” Jordan said. “Being there whenever you need someone. Jokester, bring ing a smile to everyone’s face. Life of the party. Best son, husband, father, brother you could have ever imagined. Fol lower of Christ. Even after his passing, he used his testimony through pastor Matt to spread the love of Jesus to help build his kingdom.”

Jordan added that to this day, he smoked the best butt, grilled the best burgers, and loved driving the Moomba.

His family celebrated his life with visitation on Thurs day, October 20, 2022, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Clearbranch United Methodist Church. His service was at the church on Friday, October 21, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Burial fol lowed at Elmwood Cemetery.

Donations to the BA Foun dation can be made through bafoundation.net.

Irondale city employees surprised Mayor Stewart and the city council with a proclamation on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022. (Photo credit: Crystal McGough)

Blake Abercrombie (Photo courtesy of The Abercrombie Army/BA Foundation)

Finance: Are Markets Finding Their Footing?

By David R. Guttery, RFC, RFS, CAM President, Keystone Financial Group-Trussville Al October 26, 2022

that I’m not attempting

call

No one can do

more restrictive now, and being so much more rapidly, than at any other point over the last 35 years.

and

the summer, some well-known business media personalities tried to do just that and weren’t suc cessful. We won’t be able to accurately identify a bottom until we can see it in the rearview mirror. I am encouraged by what, in my opinion seems to be, evidence that markets are finally doing what they normally do. They might be looking forward to the next 30 months instead of being fixated on the next 30 min utes, while the prospect of fu ture conditions is priced into current assumptions.

There are also some quan tifiable metrics that are pres ent today, that we didn’t have in July when markets seem ingly rallied over the summer. So, I’ll expound upon these during the video, but for now, at a high level, yes, I am op timistic that markets may in deed be coalescing around a near term bottom.

December will bring the 32nd anniversary of my be ing in practice. I’ve seen a lot over three decades. While participating in a WebEx on this topic recently, the thought occurred to me that I couldn’t recall a time over the course of my career anyway, when the Federal Reserve had seemingly been this restric tive and hawkish.

I believe that markets have priced into themselves, the assumption however that the Federal Reserve will re main blindly on a path to 450 basis points however, and that this posture of tightening will not relent. I’m not in that camp. We’ll find out in a few weeks when meeting minutes are released, but I believe that the Federal Reserve may find itself with the latitude to pur sue targets of tightening, but with a less hawkish tenor, given the degree by which we can now measure economic deceleration.

Let me dispel a myth at this point. In my opinion, the Fed is not trying to con trol inflation. They are trying to disincentivize lending and borrowing. If they are suc cessful, then the velocity of money should continue to de cline, and hopefully leave us with fewer dollars chasing as many goods.

The Fed wants to stop short of disincentivizing pro duction though, because it will defeat the purpose to have fewer dollars, chasing fewer goods. For this reason, I believe that the Fed may find the latitude to be less hawkish, and to potentially pursue tightening at a slower rate, and if they do, I believe the market will respond posi tively to this development.

are lower as a result.

Markets are repricing the risk that revenue estimates given twelve months ago, prior to record strength in the dollar, may not come to frui tion. Should the Fed signal an intent to be less hawkish, this may indeed cause the dollar to weaken against the global basket of currencies, and thus be a positive for equities at this point.

This chart seems to sug gest that the recent strength in the dollar against the global basket may be running into resistance at these levels, and again, if this proves to be the case, it may be one of many catalysts around which the market can coalesce, and from which a bottom could precipitate.

I am not a statistician, but it is interesting to observe sto

behavior when trying to co alesce around a bottom.

At the end of Septem ber, only 3% of the S&P 500 stocks were trading above their 50-day moving average. This is profound, because at the beginning of September, 92% of the stocks in the S&P 500 index were trading above their 50-day moving average.

bottom of all such cycles, this many days into the event.

To me, this suggests that markets are overly sold, and probably because markets have priced into themselves more nefarious assumptions than what we might actually realize.

participating in the recovery when it occurs.

So in conclusion, regard less of the period of time, or the state of the economy, the achievement of long-term goals is predicate on the con sistency with which you meet the implementation of the strategy. The composition of the investment accounts will change to reflect current peri ods of time, but the approach, dedication, and commitment to the strategy should be un wavering.

Ironically, I stumbled across this graphic shortly after the WebEx and it seems to confirm my suspicions. This illustrates major cycles of tightening over the last 35 years, and sure enough, the Federal Reserve is indeed

This is important because the actions taken by the Fed eral Reserve this year have strengthened the dollar to new highs against the global basket of currencies.

This is a key area of risk that markets have repriced all year. As goods are purchased with weaker foreign curren cies, and those currencies re patriate as dollars, revenues

chastic indicators that may be suggesting that markets have tested the same bottom on four occasions, in Febru ary of this year, and again in May, and again in July, and most recently, at the end of September. In and of itself, this is not an actionable piece of data, but when viewed ho listically with other metrics, it looks characteristic of market

While this was happening, we saw a significant increase in the ratio of open put to call interest. Normally, this is in dicative of excessive fear and we can also cross check this by looking at the VIX index, which recently touched a 52week high with a reading of 38.94. Mutual fund outflows also spiked in September. We see things like this when the average investor is wring ing their hands, and saying “I’m emotionally exhausted”. Lock in the losses, and get me out.

Let me wrap up this part of the commentary by draw ing reference to this chart. It depicts all bear market cy cles going back to 1929. The black line is the median result for all bear markets, and the blue line represents where we are now in this cycle. The shaded gray area represents the collage of all bear market cycles going back to 1929. Relatively, this chart suggests that we are below the median for all cycles, and also at the

Within my article from last month, I drew reference to a chart, that depicts emo tional states of being across the economic cycle. I sug gested then that I thought we were drawing near to the capitulation phase, and thirty days later, I believe we have increasingly greater, quanti fiable evidence that suggests this may be the case.

Even missing a few years, with the thought of letting a volatile period of time pass you by, can have a detrimen tal impact, 40 years down the road, on the potential success of long-term plans. I know that everyone is weary of this strange and unique year, but I believe that we’re drawing near to a point of inflection, and now is the time to have conviction, and intestinal for titude, to work through peri ods of time such as this, and avoid the risk that comes with riding the emotional roller coaster.

All of this is important, because if we are indeed co alescing around a bottom, and you’re not in the market, then in my opinion, you run an even greater risk that comes with talking yourself out of

(*) David R. Guttery, RFC, RFS, CAM, is a finan cial advisor, and has been in practice for 31 years, and is the President of Keystone Fi nancial Group in Trussville. David offers products and services using the following business names: Keystone Financial Group – insurance and financial services | Amer itas Investment Company, LLC (AIC), Member FINRA / SIPC – securities and in vestments | Ameritas Advi sory Services – investment advisory services. AIC and AAS are not affiliated with Keystone Financial Group. Information provided is gath ered from sources believed to be reliable; however, we can not guarantee their accuracy. This information should not be interpreted as a recom mendation to buy or sell any security. Past performance is not an indicator of future results.

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Jason Brand

OctOber 21, 2022 (age 52)

Helen Jackson

august 26, 1937 ~ OctOber 16, 2022 (age 85)

Helen M Jackson, 85, of Ashville, Alabama took her Heavenly flight to her home in Heaven to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 16, 2022. She passed at her home in Shoal Creek Valley surrounded by her family and caregivers. She was born on August 26, 1937, to G.W. and Pearl (Osborn) Boatwright of Chandler Mountain/Attalla, Alabama. She graduated from Ashville High School.

Mrs. Jackson was the wife of the Reverend Joel Max Jackson. In her role as a wife, mother, and Granny, she faithfully served her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by actively being a Baptist Minister’s wife and a leader of Woman’s Missionary Union in her church and Association. Her love for her God and others led her to be involved in many missions’ endeavors to share the Good News that Jesus Saves. It was her desire to see others come to a saving knowledge of her Lord and Savior. Most recently she was a member of Greensport Baptist Church where she led the WMU and taught an adult Bible Study class for many years. She truly exemplified the Proverbs 31 woman!

Mrs. Jackson is predeceased by her husband, Rev. Joel Max Jackson; her sons Timothy Dale and David Ray Jackson; grandsons Jonathan David,

Kenneth Roy Carden

february 5, 1943 ~ OctOber 17, 2022 (age 79)

For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creation, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Romans 8: 38 & 39

Kenneth Roy Carden, 79, went to be with the our Lord on Monday, October 17, 2022. He was born on February 5, 1943, in Wetumpka, AL, the son of Roy and Joyce (Bonnett) Carden. Kenneth, better known as Ken to his family and friends and “Poppa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was a graduate of West End High School and attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Kenneth enlisted in the United States Navy on August 23, 1961 through August 22, 1967, serving on the U.S.S. Bennington during the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Air Forces Expeditionary Medal. He married his high school sweetheart, Judy Gaynelle Carden in June of 1963. Their love affair spanned 59 years. Ken worked at Vulcan Materials for a short period until transitioning to BellSouth where he retired after 30 years. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Judy, his children Keith Carden (Tracy), Staci Payant (Brian) and Holli Maner; Seven (7) grand children, Timothy Trent Dennis Jr (Lydia), David Allen Dennis (Heather), Clayton Allen Carden (Marleigh), Kayci Nicole Timmons (Kyle-Harris), Kyle Benjamin Carden (Alisha), Skylar Erica Foxhall (Andrew), Ryan Christopher Payant and Thirteen great-grandchildren. His love for God, Country and family was always first and foremost. His was an example to all who knew him, quick witted and dry humored. An avid sportsman who loved fishing, Nascar and Alabama football. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Grace Community Church located at 6020 Deerfoot Parkway, Trussville, AL 35173 with visitation to begin at 10:00am and a service at 11:00am. He will be laid to rest at the Alabama National Cemetery with full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org

Eugene Earnest Langner, Jr.

december 11, 1929 ~ OctOber 18, 2022 (age 92) Langner, Eugene Earnest, Jr. went home to be with the Lord on October 18, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Ann Higginbotham Langner, his father, Eugene E. Langner, Sr., his mother, Leo Slaton Langner and a brother, Dr. L. Glenn Langner.

Born on December 11, 1929 in Birmingham, Gene graduated from Woodlawn High School, then attended Howard College and graduated from the University of Alabama. He was a Met allurgical Engineer working at American Cast Iron Pipe Company ultimately finishing his career as the Vice President and Works Manager as well as Board Member. The highlight of his pro fessional life was being awarded the National Management Association Silver Knight of Man agement and being included in the inaugural class of the Distinguished Engineering Fellows at the University of Alabama.

Gene’s civic involvement included being a member of the Jefferson County Republican Com mittee, working with the Boy Scouts of America, Junior Achievement and numerous commit tees and advisory boards for various organizations.

Gene proudly served as a member of the Alabama Air National Guard and in the U.S. Army Ordinance Corp. He had the honor of working as a “Rocket Scientist” at Redstone Arsenal during his service for the Army.

Gene was a long-time member of the Huffman Church of Christ serving in many capacities including Elder for many years.

Danny Earl Belk

june 22, 1943 ~ OctOber 17, 2022 (age 79)

Danny E. Belk was born June 22, 1943 in Mobile, Alabama to Troy and Willie Belk. He was a proud family man, loyal friend and passionate businessman. Danny graduated from Auburn University in 1966 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He was president of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He joined the Coast Guard Reserves, retiring with honorable discharge fol lowing six years of service as a Petty Officer Second Class (EN2). Danny married the love of his life, Chéri Beason in 1969. Together they have two beautiful daughters, Amy Graham and Kristi Mejia. He was a member of North Shelby Baptist Church and was an ordained deacon. Danny was employed by Weathertech Distributing Company (Carrier Air Condition ing) where he was a commercial engineer and an outstanding salesman, serving over 45 years. Danny was blessed with a loving family and wonderful friends. He was an avid water skier and enjoyed staying active. Danny will be greatly missed by those who had the honor of knowing him. Danny is survived by his wife Chéri; his daughters Amy (Billy) Graham and Kristi (John) Mejia; Grandchildren Conner Graham, Lauren Graham, Bella Mejia, and Maddie Rose Mejia. He was also loved by brother-in-law Dale (Lynne) Beason, two precious nieces, two grandnieces and numerous devoted cousins. Preceding him in death were his parents Troy K. Belk and Willie Barnes Belk. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or North Shelby Baptist Church mission funds. Dona tions can be made online at act.alz.org or northshelbybaptist.org Visitation will be Saturday, October 22, 2022 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm followed by funeral service at 12:00 pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens, 1591 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35235. The graveside service will be immediately following.

Grief

When you lose a loved one, it’s only natural to feel sad.

melancholy may persist

there’s

feelings

weeks or even months, and that’s okay.

normal feelings

The most important parts of Gene’s life were church and family. He is survived by four children, Lynn (Ken) Lampe of Sylacauga, Lori Langner of Homewood, David (Amy) Langner of Trussville and Todd Langner of Trussville. Gene loved his three grandchildren, Barbie, Jake, and Jeb, along with his five great grandchildren, Taylor, Emmett, Arie, Layla and Samson Jake. He is also survived by a brother, Donald W. Langner of Shelby. Visitation will be at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville on Friday, October 21st from 1pm-2pm. The funeral will immediately follow at 2pm at Jefferson Memorial’s chapel.

Gene’s nephews will service as pallbearers.

The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge, 1100 Ireland Way, Birmingham, AL 35205 or the charity of your choice. Jefferson Memorial Trussville directing.

James Leon Lowery

march 11, 1939 ~ OctOber 18, 2022 (age 83)

James "Jim" L. Lowery of Birmingham passed away on October 18, 2022 at the age of 83. He was born in Birmingham, AL to Seaburn and Nellie Lowery. Jim graduated from Wood lawn High School in 1957. Jim married the love of his life, Janet Cook and this past April celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. Jim and Jan were both members of Lakeside Baptist Church.

He started his career with Genuine Parts/NAPA in Birmingham, AL. He had a 30 year career with NAPA that included sales and supervisory positions with the Tenneco Division until his retirement. After his retirement Jim started his 20 year career with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He held several different positions, and when he retired was a Logistics Section Chief.

Jim was loved and respected by many as he led an exceptional life. He never met a stranger, was quick with a joke. He enjoyed hunting and playing golf with his friends. He was a lifelong Alabama football fan. He loved his family dearly and adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Seaburn and Nellie Lowery, sisters, Betty Jean and Becky and brother, Billy.

He is survived by his wife Jan; daughter, Leigh Ann Motley (Buddy) of Trussville; son, Chris Lowery (Kim) of Birmingham; grandchildren, Jennifer Motley Hayes of Trussville, Kadie Motley (Doug) of Vincent, and Joseph Motley of Truss ville; great grandchildren, Tyler Hayes of Trussville, and Brooklyn Albanese of Vincent. Services for Jim will be held on Monday, October 24th at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home's Chapel at 10:00 a.m. with visitation held one hour prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow the chapel service at Jefferson Memorial's adjoining cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to Alzheimer's Association 1-800-272-3900, alz.org in his name.

Elbert Lafayette Huey

january 22, 1939 ~ OctOber 23,

grief and

important to be aware of the signs and symp toms of the latter and to seek care when necessary.

Spotting the differences between grief and depression can be chal lenging, as there is certainly some overlap between them. For example, both grief and depression can result in intense sadness, insomnia, a poor appetite, and weight loss.

One key difference, however, is that grief tends to abate over time - and it can also come in waves. For example, certain people or situations may help you feel better, at least temporarily. Depression, meanwhile, is much more persistent and pervasive.

Some additional signs that it’s depression, not grief, that you’re dealing with:

1. You have feelings of guilt that are unrelated to your grief.

2. You have thoughts about committing suicide.

3. You have low self-esteem or become preoccupied by how “worthless” you are.

4. You become sluggish, hesitant, or confused in your speech.

5. You have prolonged difficulty in carrying out simple, day-to-day tasks.

These are all signs that you have clinical depression and should seek treatment. This could be as simple as regular therapy sessions, or it may include the use of antidepressant medications.

It’s important to remember that bereavement is nat ural and normal - but depression is something alto gether different. If you believe you are struggling with depression, make sure you reach out to someone who can help you find the treatment you need.

Harris (Marcus), Jake Garrett (Maddie), Brett Williamson (Beyla), John Garrett (Jenny), Everett Garrett (Leann), Nick Garrett (Hope), and Joseph Garrett. Also surviving her were three great grandchildren, the true lights of her life, Harper Harris, Carrie Garrett, and Eleanor Rogers Garrett.

other great grandchildren, Jacob Daniel Garrett and River Reign Williamson will arrive in November and December, and we fully believe Nanny is bouncing

knee in

on

at this mo ment! She is also survived by two brothers and their families, Jimmy Ferguson of Wylie, Texas and Buddy Ferguson of Nashville, Tennessee, as well as a host of other family and friends. Shirley was a 1954 graduate of Memphis’s Bartlett High School, where among many other honors, she was head cheerleader and Miss Bartlett High. She and Ray married September 21, 1956, with her bridesmaids dressed in Shirley’s lifelong signature color, red. Having four children by the age of 27 she spent many happy years living her greatest dream, raising and caring for her “Four Ds.” She made sure her home was always open and a “gathering place,” providing sweet memories of laughter, fun and “Mrs. Garrett’s chili and popcorn” for her children’s many friends. She was fiercely protective and proud of her children, always finding so much pleasure in supporting their many and varied extra curricular activities. That love and support followed them into adulthood and extended to her grandchildren as well. When her children were older she worked for both Johns-Ridout’s and Jefferson Memorial Funeral Homes, and as an empty nester she served for many years as pastor’s secretary at Liberty Park Baptist Church. She was a member of First Baptist Church Trussville. Shirley was very musical but never enjoyed the spotlight for herself. She played the piano with a unique and technically proper style, and also had a beautiful alto singing voice. She passed this musical ability on to her children, and did very much enjoy seeing them shine in their many musical endeavors. She was a member of many church choirs through the years. Shirley had a lifelong love of gospel music, and after retiring she served as a nursing home volunteer and often played piano for the residents. Although a true belle and beauty of Memphis, our Shirley Jane Garrett was no shrinking Southern Violet. No, the Shirley Jane Garrett we all knew and loved was a flaming red Steel Magnolia. She was tough and tenacious, but also warm and kind. She was always welcoming, always available to listen, and was known by her family to have a witty and wickedly deadpan sense of humor. She was completely unashamed of her convictions and beliefs, yet open minded to other’s feelings and opinions. She did not like change, but whatever path her children or those she loved chose to follow, she found ways to go with the flow and still offer her love and support.

after, “Well

how she will be

Seal, General

Homeschool Hangout:

October 26 @

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Free

L enda R

games with your family.

7:30 PM for the second annual Boo Bash pre sented by Pinson Public Library & Pinson Parks & Recreation Department!

cLassified

Call (205) 533-8664

Venue

6020 Deerfoot Parkway, Trussville, AL 35173

Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison: Trains October 28 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Free

(All ages)

Join us for a community gathering of homeschool students on Wednesday, October 26th from 1 to 3 PM! This month’s theme is show & tell! Students are invited to bring their collections, projects, ex periments, knowledge/ facts & more to show their peers. Each pre senter will have 3-5 min utes to explain/show/tell the audience about their contribution.

Homeschool Hangout is a monthly event for homeschool students to learn together, meet new friends, & use resources available at our library.

Venue Pinson Public Library (RSMC)

FALL FESTIVAL

October 26 @

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Free

Please join us at Grace Community Church @ Deerfoot on Wednesday, October 26, from 6:008:00 p.m., for our free Fall Festival. Enjoy an evening of food, fun and

(All ages)

Join us for Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison on Friday, Octo ber 28th at 10 AM. Our theme is Trains! 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)

Boo Bash

October 28 @

5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Free (All ages)

Join us at the Rock School Center on Friday, October 28th from 5 to

This family-friendly fall festival event is for all ages! There will be many activities, crafts, & can dy. Be at the RSC Au ditorium Stage at 6 PM for the Costume Show!

Everyone will have a chance to parade across the stage to show off their costume or you can sit in the audience to watch.

Businesses, clubs, nonprofits & individuals are invited to sign up for a FREE station at our event to pass out good ies or engage attendees.

There is no charge to participate, but you are required to provide ei ther treats/toys or an in teractive activity at your station.

Please see our regis tration form for more information about hav ing a table at this event: https://forms.gle/UCWP jXUj8jSG6bz29

All ages are welcome. No registration is required to attend the event

Venue

Pinson Public Library (RSMC)

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By Joe Crowe For the Tribune

CENTER POINT

Point Eagles (7-1)

the Oxford Yellow jackets (4-5) in a hard-fought battle, 41 to 24.

Oxford got points on the board first, with a field goal from Center Point’s 16-yard line with 6:29 to go in the first quarter.

Center Point took action

with a steady drive after that, with running back Troy Bruce and quarterback Jabari Col lier taking turns pushing the ball downfield. With 3:26 left in the first, Collier scored the touchdown. One extra point by by Antonio Sebastian later, Center Point was up 7-3.

The Eagles began the second quarter with another drive, this time with Harold Holloman joining Collier and Bruce driving toward the

goalposts. Center Point went up 14-3 after a Bruce drive with 3:26 remaining in the half.

A drive by Oxford failed to yield a score for the Yel lowjackets, as the clock ticked down on the first half. With 29 seconds left, Collier landed a 43-yard pass to Bruce, putting Center Point up 20-3.

The action ramped up in the third quarter as both teams came out of halftime with new

energy. Oxford pushed down the field and made a 43-yard run to put Oxford on the board for the first time since the first quarter, with the point after setting the score at Center Point 20, Oxford 10 at 9:25.

Just 37 seconds later, Col lier made the longest run of the game, an epic 75-yard run that put Center Point up 27-10 with 8:48 left in the third.

Hewitt dominates Chelsea on homecoming night

By Zack Steele For the Tribune

TRUSSVILLE — On Homecoming night at Hewitt Trussville, the Huskies used a quick strike offense and defensive scores to steamroll Chelsea 45-14 Friday, Octo ber 21. By halftime, the out come was long since decided, as Hewitt raced to a 35-0 lead.

on third down at the Hewitt 36, Hunter Osborne deflect ed a pass into the air and senior linebacker Braylon Chapman snagged it out of the air and raced 64 yards to the house. The pick-six made it 14-0 after the Riley Rigg PAT.

Chelsea went three and out on their next possession, and Hewitt set up in Hornet

On the opening drive, Hewitt gave Chelsea a steady diet of workhorse running back Jackson Melton. Peyton Floyd capped the drive with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Brett Moseley.

Chelsea moved the ball into Hewitt territory on their first drive of the game, but

territory on a nice punt re turn by Ricky Gibson. Hewitt made the short drive to the end zone as Floyd found Jay don Loving for a three-yard pass. With 4:06 left in the first quarter, the rout was on as Hewitt led 21-0.

Brandon T. Guttery

Center Point

Head Coach George Bates gives instructions during the Eagles win over Oxford, Friday, October 21.

(Photo by Ron Burkett)

Hewitt-Trussville tight end Donovan Price stretches to catch a pass during the Huskies rout of Chelsea, Friday, October 21.

(Photo by Ron Burkett)

Clay-Chalkville Dominates Mounties, 52-0

By John Goolsby Special for the Tribune

IRONDALE — ClayChalkville rolled up 452 yards of total offense and held Shades Valley to just 80 yards on their way to an undefeated region record.

The Mounties lost their starting and backup quarter backs this week and we’re forced to start Jacari Wedge worth, a wide receiver, at the position. The Valley offense struggled all night against an aggressive Clay defense as Wedgeworth completed just 6 of 11 passes for 58 yards.

The powerful Cougar rushing attack rolled up 374 yards on 29 attempts and scored 5 rushing touchdowns.

Backup Clay-Chalkville quarterback Marlon Compton threw three touchdown passes and rushed for 112 yards and scored once on the ground.

Allan Cotton added 103 yards on 10 attempts and scored twice.

Receiver Mario Com prom caught all six of Clay’s completions and tallied 78 yards and scored two touch downs.

Mario Byrd returned the opening kickoff for 88 yards to start the scoring for Clay.

Daniel Diaz’s PAT was good.

Rodreckus Johnson then ran for a six-yard touchdown with 5:39 remaining in the opening quarter. The PAT failed, and Clay led 13-0.

Marlon Compton complet ed a seven-yard pass to Mario Craver for a touchdown with 2:40 remaining in the quarter.

The PAT failed again, and the Cougars extended the lead to 19-0.

Marlon Compton hooked up with Mario Craver again for a 17-yard touchdown. The PAT was good, and Clay led 26-0 with 10:31 remaining.

Aaron Osley ripped off a 52-yard touchdown run with 6:20 remaining in the half.

Malique Steele intercept ed the two-point conversion pass by Coda Cooper. The Cougars went into the locker room with a 32-0 lead.

With 1:45 remaining in the third period, Allan Cotton capped off a Cougar driven with a one-yard touchdown drive.

Leeds downs Lincoln 31-10, Green Wave remains undefeated

By Will Heath For the Tribune

LEEDS — Jerry Hood had some words for his “disappointed” Leeds High Green Wave team after Fri day night’s victory over Lin coln.

“I told them, the day you’re disappointed in win ning 31-10, you need to quit football,” Hood said. “You stay around this thing long enough, you’ll be on the other side.”

Hood’s 5A Region 6 champs did more than enough to secure the victory Friday night in their region finale against Lincoln, racing to a 24-0 halftime lead. Lincoln (4-5, 2-4) did outscore the

Green Wave (9-0, 6-0) 10-7 in the second half, including a 67-yard touchdown pass.

“I feel like we could’ve played much better, actu

ally on both sides,” said Leeds’ Jeremiah Hunter. “We could’ve played better.”

Hunter helped key the Leeds offense, finishing with

114 yards and two touch downs on the ground.

“Our defense is so strong, everybody focuses on our de fense,” Hunter said. “They don’t really think about the offense that much.”

He got some help from a potent Green Wave air attack — a week after only attempt ing 3 passes as a team against Moody, Leeds quarterback Jarod Latta accounted for 163 yards through the air, com pleting 13 of his 18 throws.

Sophomore Conner Nel son caught 8 of those for 106 yards and scored a touchdown as a runner. CJ Douglas also touched the ball five times on offense, accounting for 88

Moody beats Southside to finish regular season 9-1

By Johnny Sanders For the Tribune

GADSDEN — The South side Panthers welcomed the Moody Blue Devils to Barney Hood Stadium Friday night in a game that would decide the number 2 team in 5A Region 6 and guarantee the winner a home game in the first round of the playoffs.

Though they started a bit slow, Moody relied on a dominant running game and a suffocating defense to clinch the runner-up position in the region, winning 35-13.

‘The game started with both teams trading punts and Southside getting deep into Moody territory but missing a field goal. Moody’s second drive lasted just two plays, both runs by Blaine Burke.

The first was 33 yards and the second was a 47-yard blast that was responsible for the first points of the night.

Southside answered the opening score after Moody gave them good field posi tion on a failed onside kick, Quarterback Brooks Nesmith found pay dirt from 18 yards out with just over two min utes to go in the first quarter.

The second quarter start ed with a Moody touchdown drive that was capped off by Cole McCarty calling his own number from the eight-yard line to put Moody up 14-7 with 7:55 to play in the half.

Southside was held to an other punt but a Blaine Burke fumble gave the Panthers the ball back at the Moody 19. They made it as far as the three-yard line as the Moody

defense held on a fourth down and gave them the ball back to finish the half.

“We shot ourselves in the foot with penalties (in the first

half) and the turnover on of fense. We were moving the ball and having some success and the defense was playing their brains out,” said Jake Ganus of the first-half perfor mance.

The third quarter didn’t start great for Moody as they drove the ball to the South side 25. However, McCarty threw an interception to give Southside the ball back.

The Moody defense got the ball right back two plays later as Chase Jackson would pick off a Nesmith pass to set the Blue Devils up with good field position, just 27 yards from the end zone. Burke got the call on second down, obliterating a defender on his way to another touchdown.

See

The Shades Valley Mounties and the Clay-Chalkville Cougars, Friday, October 21. (Photo by John Goolsby)

Leeds running back Jeremiah Hunter ran for 114 yards and two touchdowns in the Green Wave's 31-10 win over Lincoln.

(Photo by Hanna Curran)

Moody Head Coach Jake Ganus discusses strategy with wide receivers Davion Dozer (#4) and Kolby Seymour (#3) Friday, October 21. (Photo by Johnny Sanders)

Springville defeats St. Clair County, 42-32, for first win of 2022

By Will Heath For The Tribune

SPRINGVILLE — The Springville Tigers survived a wild second half on Friday night to earn their first win of the season, 42-32, over region rival St. Clair County.

“I’m just proud for our boys,” Springville head coach Jon Clements told the media after the game. “They de serve everything. They’ve stuck with us this whole time through the good and the bad, and they persevered tonight and found a way.”

Springville (1-8, 1-5) led St. Clair (0-9, 0-6) 21-12 at the half, on the strength of 3 Mahlon Alverson touch downs. The Saints, however, continued battling, narrow ing the margin to 3 points on two separate occasions in the fourth quarter.

They could not hold off the Tigers as Springville quarterback Asa Morrison sealed the win with a 14-yard run in the final two minutes.

Alverson finished the game with four touchdowns for the Tigers. Morrison

would account for the other two — one rushing and one passing — both in the fourth quarter. Noel Cox caught his TD pass, a 58-yarder.

For St. Clair, Nigel Dowdell tossed a pair of touchdowns, both to receiver Jeremiah Thomas. The Saints also got touchdown runs from Ryan Parker and Timothy Jones in their effort.

“Hats off to St. Clair Coun ty,” Clements said. “Their guys played their tails off. That was a good high school football game, with two teams that were trying to get their win. That’s what high school football’s all about.”

Clements commended his players for continuing to fight, despite entering the game without a win.

“I’m proud for our se niors, but overall I’m proud for our organization,” he said. “It’s a community effort. This is what makes Springville special.”

Both teams will finish the season next Friday on the road. Springville will travel to face Pell City, while St. Clair County will take on Dora.

Pinson Valley rolls over Pell City, 45-21

By Loyd McIntosh Sports Editor

PELL CITY — After a slow start and a scoreless first quarter, the Pinson Valley of fense exploded in the second quarter as the Indians rolled to a 45-21 win over Pell City Friday, October 21.

Senior wide receiver Am are Thomas lit up the Pell City defense for 187 yards and three touchdowns in the first half alone, including an 80-yard strike from quarter back Dylan Reese, a fresh man who got the start for the Indians.

“We wanted to get the butterflies out just in case he has to come in for any rea son, down the road with a little bit more on the line. I'm glad we were able to do that and I think he did well," said Guess. "I'm proud of him for stepping and making sure he's ready to go if we need him."

Pinson Valley came into the 6A Region 6 contest with a record of 5-3 overall and 3-2 in conference play. In their final region game of the 2022 season, The Indians faced a winless Pell Panther Team playing for pride.

Pell City showed some different looks on offense to start the game, eating up yard age and time on the clock in the first quarter. Pinson Valley Head Coach Lee Guess said it took some time to adjust but managed to keep Pell City off the scoreboard in the first half.

“They came out and they gave us something that, you know, we didn't really have a plan for and it took us a while to kind of figure it out and for our guys to settle in,” said Guess. “They did a good job of controlling the first part of the game.”

Pinson Valley got on the board shortly after a missed

field goal by Pell City place kicker Jake Blackstone early in the second quarter. Start ing the possession on their 20-yard line, normal starting quarterback Cameron Jen nings who alternated with Re ese, led the Indians on a fourplay, 80-yard drive capped off with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Thomas to put the In dians on top, 7-0.

Pell City mounted a drive and looked to even the score. However, defensive back Ja len Patterson intercepted a pass from Pell City quarter back Caleb Groce in the end zone. Starting the next drive on their own 20-yard line, Pinson Valley needed only two plays to score as Reese hit Thomas for an 80-yard touchdown score. With 5:53 to play in the first half, Pinson Valley led 14-0.

The Panthers fumbled the ball over the Indians on the ensuing kickoff, giving Pinson Valley excellent field position on the Pell City 25-yard line.

After the drive stalled, kicker Luis Sanchez added a field goal, pushing the lead to 17-0.

Following another turn over by Pell City, Pinson Val ley took over inside their own 30-yard line. Reese led the Indians on another impressive drive connecting with Thom as again on another touch down stroke with just under one minute to play in the half. The extra point attempt was wide to the right, giving Pinson Valley a 23-0 lead at halftime.

Pinson Valley recovered an onside kick attempt by Pell City to start the third quarter. Jennings started the second half at quarterback and led the Indians to an efficient four-play, 48-yard drive end ing in a four-yard touchdown plunge by Jennings, pushing the score to 30-0.

Pinson Valley added two more rushing touchdowns in the second half while al lowing Pell City to score 21 points in garbage time.

Pinson Valley committed only one turnover, coming on a bad punt snap ending recov ered by Pell City for a touch down late in the third quarter, a dramatic improvement over the four turnovers the Indians committed last week against Shades Valley. Guess said ball protection and cutting down on penalties is a major focus as they finish out the season and prepare for the playoffs.

“That’s what we wanted to emphasize. It doesn’t matter if we’re playing the Number 1 team in the state or the last team in our season, we have to be able to do what we do and that includes taking care of the ball,” said Guess. “It also includes how we respond, and how we act. We got to cut down some of the flags before we hit the playoffs when ev ery play matters.”

Pinson Valley improves to 6-3 overall, 4-2 in region play. The Indians will play at Moun tain Brook on November 4 in the first round of the playoffs.

Pinson Valley wide Receiver Amare Thomas had 187 yards and three touchdowns in the first half against Pell City, October 21, 2022. (Photo by Loyd McIntosh)

Springville wide receiver Noel Cox leaps over St. Clair County defenders Friday, October 21. (Photo by Hannah Curran).

The renaissance of Bo Nix

By Loyd McIntosh Sports Editor

EUGENE, Ore. — My, what a change of scenery can do.

After three tumultuous years at Auburn University, Pinson Valley graduate Bo Nix has turned his fortunes around after transferring to the University of Oregon for the 2022 season. He's also estab lished himself as a Heisman Trophy candidate.

Since an opening-week loss to Georgia, Nix has led the Oregon Ducks to six consecutive wins and a Top 10 ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 College Football Poll. Following a 45-30 win over #9 UCLA on Saturday, Oregon is now the only unde feated team in PAC-12 con ference play.

Nix threw five touchdown passes in the win over the Bru ins, two in a first half in which the Ducks jumped out to a 31-13 lead. For the year, Nix has thrown for 1.809 yards, 17 touchdowns and only one interception, and has rushed for an additional eight scores.

Following the win over the previously undefeated UCLA Bruins, the main question on the minds of the sports me dia is what is the difference between the Oregon Bo Nix performing at a top level and the Auburn Bo Nix that strug gled to live up to expectations under two head coaches, Gus Malzahn and Bryan Harsin.

"I don't think anybody can sit here and watch football right now, watch our quar terback play, and tell me he's not an elite quarterback," said Oregon Head Coach Dan Lan ning following the win over UCLA. "This guy's playing at an extremely high level."

The former defensive co ordinator for the Georgia Bull dogs, Lanning is in his first year as the Ducks' head coach. Lanning said Nix deserves to be in the conversation as one of college football's top quar terbacks. "He's an elite com petitor, he's an elite leader, he has phenomenal character, he's throwing the ball really well, and he's making great decisions," Lanning said. "I think everybody on our team is excited about his success."

Nix, now 6-1 as Oregon's starting signal caller, has Or egon in the college football playoff hunt and is gaining steam as a serious Heisman candidate. The big question is, what has changed since strug gling to a record of 21-13 in three seasons on The Plains.

"I think it's just scheme and the players around me," said Nix in his post-game comments on Saturday, Oc tober 22. "To be honest, when I'm out there doing it, it feels like I'm not doing a whole lot because I don't have to. I just have to get the ball to the playmakers around me."

When Lanning departed Georgia for the Pacific North west, he took with him assis tant coaches with elite SEC experience, including Tosh Lupoi, former defensive coor dinator at Alabama, and, per haps most importantly, Kenny Dillingham, who joined Lan ning in Oregon as offensive coordinator.

Dillingham was the quar terbacks coach at Auburn in 2019, Nix's first season on The Plains. Nix said he and Dillingham are on the same

wavelength and that the new OC has a knack for develop ing schemes that put him in a position to succeed. It also doesn't hurt that Nix has an array of talented backs and receivers to distribute the ball to.

"I think that right now we're as close and just con nected offensively, and think ing the same so much," said Nix. "I know what he wants out there on the field, so if

we get a certain look I know what plays to get us into and he trusts me."

"There's a whole lot of dy namics that go into it. Differ ent schedule you're playing, different teams you're playing, personnel, different staffs, dif ferent offensive schemes, so it's hard to say that the other coaches didn't get it out of me because at times I was doing the same thing at Auburn," added Nix. "Honestly, it's

easy to be in position because all I got to do is make sure the ball gets to the right person.

Nix led Pinson Valley to back-to-back state champi onships in 2017 and 2018 under head coach, father, and former Auburn quarterback Patrick Nix. During his tenure as quarterback for the Indi ans, Nix amassed more than 12,000 yards, threw for 161 touchdowns, and was Ala bama's Mr. Football in 2018.

Amare Thomas and Blaine Burke: Co-Players of the Week

MONTGOMERY

the 36th Alabama-Missis sippi All-Star Football Clas sic in

Moody wide

Arkansas commit Davion Dozier, the first Blue Devil

1996 and only the sec ond player in Moody history selected to the Alabama high school football all-star squad.

be more proud of Davion and his hard work,” commented first-year Moody Head Coach Jake Ganus on Twitter.

Hewitt-Trussville and Pinson Valley each had two players named to the roster.

Huskies Hunter Osborn, de fensive lineman, and Ricky Gibson, defensive back and Tennessee commit will be joined by Indians Amare Thomas, wide receiver, and T.J. Metcalf, defensive back committed to play at Arkan sas.

Clay-Chalkville Head Coach Drew Gilmer was se lected as offensive coordina tor by Keith Ethridge, Head Coach at Auburn High School and the skipper for the Ala bama All-Star team.

The Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coach

es Association (AHSADCA) All-Star Selection Commit tee selected the players from nominations submitted by member school coaches at a meeting last week at the AH SAA Office.

“We would like to thank the selection committee for doing their due diligence in picking this year’s team,” said AHSADCA Director Brandon Dean. “Picking from such a deep talent pool was not an easy task.

The 36th Annual Ala bama-Mississippi Classic is scheduled for Saturday, De cember 10 at the University of South Alabama’s Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile.

In a week of many blow outs, starters having an early night, and everyone looking forward to the playoffs, it was hard to focus on a sin gle player’s contributions Friday night. However, two names stood out. Pinson Valley senior wide receiv er Amare Thomas had 187 yards receiving and three touchdowns during the Indi an’s rout of Pell City - all in the first half. Moody running back Blaine Burke, a player who doesn’t get enough rec ognition on the Blue Devil’s high-octane offense, ran for

Pinson Valley graduate and current Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix in action against UCLA, Saturday, October 22. (Photo courtesy goducks.com).

234 yards and four touch downs in a 35-13 win over Southside. For their efforts,

Thomas and Burke are the Tribune’s Co-Players of the Week.

Chelsea drove deep into Hewitt territory on their next drive, with some nifty run ning by Chelsea running back Emmerson Russell. Hewitt’s defense rose up again, as Tyrell Averhart made a huge interception at the two-yard line.

From there, Hewitt need ed only three plays to go 98 yards, with Floyd hitting Ricky Gibson on a 72-yard bomb. Rigg’s PAT made it 28-0 with 8:34 left in the half.

Desperate to get any thing positive going, Chelsea looked to put the ball in the air. It proved unwise as Riggs Dunn made a perfect read and intercepted a Carter Dotson pass and took it 76 yards for the second pick-six of the night.

Clay

Marlon Compton streaked 54 yards for a touchdown. The PAT was successful and Clay led 39-0 with 7:15 re maining in the third.

Allan Cotton scored his second touchdown on a 29yard run to take a 52-0 lead

Green Wave

From page 13

yards rushing and receiving, while repeatedly setting up the Green Wave offense as a returner.

“I’m glad they care enough to not be exactly hap py with their performance,” Hood said. “I am proud of how they came out and took care of business early.”

The Green Wave scored the first four times it touched the ball on Friday, with touch downs from Nelson, Hunt er, and tailback Miles Jones. Jackson Arthur added a 33yard field goal as well.

Floyd would be relieved late in the first half by Jack Ollis. Head Coach Josh Floyd said of the early change at signal caller, “Peyton is a lit tle banged up, and we just felt like Jack needed some snaps, because we need him ready to go moving forward.”

Chelsea opened the third quarter with a touchdown strike to get on the board, as Chelsea’s Dotson found Turner Simpson for a 76-yard touchdown pass, cutting the Hewitt lead to 35-7.

The Huskies answered as Ollis hit Donovan Price on a perfectly set-up screen pass. Price rumble all the way to the Chelsea sis. Hunter Jones scored on the next play, and Hewitt led 42-7 with 6:02 left in the third quarter.

Hewitt emptied the bench es from there, with several reserves getting in the ball

with 7:53 remaining in the contest.

“I’m proud of my team and how they played,” ClayChalkville head coach Drew Gilmer said. “I can’t say enough about Marlon Comp ton. We threw him in a tough situation and he responded.”

The Mounties finished the season with a 5-4 record and

At halftime, Leeds led 24-0.

“They’re monsters,” said Lincoln head coach Matt Ze daker. “They’re fast. We had so many areas where we felt we had a good play, and when a guy can whoop 2 of yours, it’s very hard.”

Zedaker’s team fared somewhat better in the second half, holding the Green Wave out of the end zone until late in the fourth quarter. Wide re ceiver Camare Hampton “ran by” the Leeds defense in the third quarter, and quarterback Montavius Weed found him for a 67-yard TD. Another Hampton reception set up a Lincoln field goal in the fourth

game. Rigg would add a 40yard field goal late in the 3rd quarter.

Chelsea addee a late score to make the final 45-14 Hewitt.

After 10 straight weeks without a break, Floyd’s mes sage was clear: Heal up for the playoffs.

“We know we’re on the road at Florence. I haven’t seen a lot of film on them yet, but we’ll get a good look at them next week and hopeful ly have some time to heal up before them.”

“Give Chelsea credit, they were able to run the ball on us some,” Floyd said

Hewitt finishes the regular season at 7-3, with all three losses coming to three top five teams in 7A. Hewitt will travel as the number three seed in 7A region 3 to Flor ence on November 4th.

the first winning season in five years.

Clay finishes the regular season with an 8-1 record (6-0 Region)

“We won three games last year, and we won five this year,” said Mountie head coach Rueben Nelson. “We are going to get better; it just takes time.”

quarter before Hunter closed the game with a 26-yard run.

“Very easily could have folded right there (at halftime), but that’s not us,” Zedaker said. “That’s not these kids. Not re ally about moral victories, but when your kids don’t quit and they keep fighting that’s all you can ask as a coach.”

The challenges for the Green Wave are only begin ning now that region play has wrapped. Leeds will host Center Point, the 9th-ranked team in 6A, on Senior Night next Friday, before hosting the first round of the 5A play offs. Lincoln will return home to face Beauregard.

Eagles

A little over three minutes later, Collier came within a yard of repeating that feat, with a 74-yard run ending in a touchdown and successful kick by Sebastian, setting Center Point at 34-10.

The battle continued until, with 50 seconds remaining, Oxford intercepted a Collier pass that intended for Hollo man.

The Yellowjackets kept that momentum going into

Moody

“I attribute runs like that to our offseason training program. Coach Cam Willis helps us out a lot in strength and conditioning,” said Burke of the run.

The Blue Devil defense continued to dominate, set ting Burke up for yet another touchdown to close out the third quarter, this time from 15 yards out.

Moments later Southside fumbled the ball, giving it back to the Moody offense and giving Burke the chance to cap off a 20-carry, 234yard night with an 8-yard

the final quarter, and rove in a touchdown at 9:10 in the fourth. One point-after kick later, Oxford made it halfway to Center Point’s total, 34-17.

About two minutes later, Collier widened the divide with a pass to Malik Brown for a 14 yard touchdown.

Center Point led 41-17 with seven minutes left in the game.

Oxford refused to relent, however, and managed the final score, earning another touchdown and ending the game at 41-24 Center Point.

touchdown, his fourth.

Late in the fourth quar ter, Moody gave up another Southside touchdown, but by that time the game was over. With the exception of a cou ple of plays, the Moody de fense was dominant.

Defensive leader Amon Lane said, “We all trust our coaches. We have great coaches who make great calls. We just work hard and we really believe we can do this. We want to get this for our seniors.”

Moody finishes the regu lar season at 9-1 and runners up in the region. “It means everything. Ganus said he and his young Blue Devils

Center Point now heads to Leeds on Thursday to take on the Green Wave to close out the Eagles’ regular season. Bates called Green Wave’s Coach Jerry Hood an “amaz ing coach.”

Bates pointed out that this would be the teams’ third confrontation, and Leeds de feated them both previous times. “We didn’t want to play each other,” Bates said with a laugh. He added that on Thursday the Eagles planned to close out their regular sea son “the best way possible.”

squad aren’t satisfied by any means.

“We are about to enter into a new season in the play offs where we are 0-0. Only one team is going to go 5-0 in the playoffs. Only one team will get to hold the blue map. Everyone else is going to lose,” said Ganus.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Ganus added. “I’m proud of my kids. Proud of my staff and this communi ty for rallying behind these guys. I’m just so proud to be at Moody.”

Moody gets a bye next week before welcoming Jasper to “The Bill” in firstround playoff action.

Springville High School earns Team of the Week honors

It’s been a rough year for Springville High school. A young team in one of the most brutal 5A regions in the state, the Tigers had yet to get a win despite coming ever so close several times throughout the 2022 season. Despite the set backs, Head Coach John Cle ments has managed to get great efforts out of his squad even if it didn’t translate to Ws on the scoreboard. Friday night, Springville got their first win over St. Clair County High School, 42-32. The win re flects everything we love about sports. A coach who knows how to motivate and encourage

Amare Thomas and Blaine Burke

Springville

young people through adversi ty and players who continue to compete no matter how tough

the challenge. Congratulations on your win, Springville. You deserve it.