The Trussville Tribune - Dec. 27, 2018

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Trussville’s Calvary Chapel begins radio ministry

Page 3

Recipes for the holidays

Local players headline National Signing Day

Page 15

Page 16

The Trussvil19 Tribune

Dec. 27, 2018 - Jan. 2, 2019 Trussville recognizes Human Trafficking Awareness month

By Shaun Szkolnik For The Tribune

TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Council presented a resolution during a Thursday, Dec. 20, combined workshop/council meeting declaring January as Human

BESSEMER — Henry “Mr. Gip” Gipson is a musician, a legend and very much beloved by the community.

“He has owned a juke joint for several years,” said Tara Bentley of Guitar Pro’s in Trussville. “He has one of the last ones in the south. He may have the only one in the state of Alabama. It is kind of a back-yard party. He plays slide and has played for several years. Everybody knows him. He is 98 years old. He will be 99 in January. And he still has his place going strong.”

Gip’s Place, as Bentley further explained, is much more than a juke joint. He has been running the establishment since 1953 and it has served as a place where folks of every color that love God and love music can get together and make a joyful noise.

“He starts out the evening with prayer and Amazing Grace, ” said Bentley. “He has a little stage and several seating out there. Some of

Center Point paves way for new Taco Bell

By Shaun Szkolnik For The Tribune CENTER POINT — The Center Point City Council unanimously approved a motion to accept the yearly audit report from the MPK Group.

Before voting on the motion, the council heard from Andy Key, of the MPK Group, in regards to the report the group prepared concerning the city’s finances for the fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30, See CENTER POINT, Page 6

Pinson area man wanted on felony warrant for assault From The Trussville Tribune staff reports PINSON — A Pinson area man is wanted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on a felony warrant charging him with assault in the second degree, according to Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama.

James Richard Mordecai is wanted as of Dec. 19, one day after his 51st birthday, See PINSON AREA, Page 6

Victim identified in Panorama East Apartment shooting From The Trussville Tribune staff reports BIRMINGHAM — A victim has been identified in a shooting that occurred Thursday evening, Dec. 20, at the Panorama East Apartments.

The victim has been identified as Kirby Kermit Davis Jr. of Birmingham.

Birmingham Police OfSee VICTIM, Page 6

50 Cents

Local musicians surprise “Mr. Gip” with new guitar after two are stolen from Gip’s Place

From The Trussville Tribune staff reports

See TRUSSVILLE, Page 5

www.TrussvilleTribune.com

it is outside, some of it is inside. There have been several blues and local artists and everybody knows where it is at. It is kind of part of history

really.”

Musician and artist Tex Deville, leader of the local band Reverend Tex and the HotRod Revival, has been

good friends with Gipson for at least a decade.

“I’ve been knowing him for 10 years,” said Deville.

“When I first met him, I’d seen him on television and they were wanting to talk to him about the juke joint, and he was wanting to tell them about Jesus. It kinda struck a chord with me, in my heart. I was at my mother’s and said ‘I’m want to meet this man.’

I went down there to talk to him and I walked in there and they introduced me to him.”

Within fifteen minutes of their meeting, Gip had decreed that Tex would never have to pay to come to his establishment.

Because he is such a good man, and so beloved by the community that he is a pillar of, many were stunned when he was robbed of his prized guitars back in November.

“He had a Gibson LPJ guitar stolen from him,” said Bentley. “He had an old American Stratocaster stolen from him. They were stolen.

Someone had broken into the place where he stores them See MR. GIP, Page 5

Three Hots and A Cot wins Regions Bank’s ‘What A Difference A Day Makes’ contest

By Crystal McGough Copy Editor CLAY — Three Hots and A Cot, located on Old Springville Road, recently won Regions Bank’s What A Difference A Day Makes contest. The grand prize for winning the contest was $5,000.

“Regions contacted us and said they were starting something new and it was to help get the awareness of what nonprofits do out in to the community,” Three Hots and A Cot CFO Rich Cislak said.

“I guess this first one that they did was going to evolve around veterans organizations.”

Eleven organizations were chosen from eight states to participate in the contest, and people from the communities could vote for their favorite organization once a day, each day for the month of November. Three Hots and A Cot was announced as the winner on Nov. 30.

Each organization chosen for the contest received $500.

Those organizations that surpassed 3,000 votes received a total of $1,000, and the grandprize winner received a total

Community rallies to support ClayChalkville’s Voice of the Cougars

By Crystal McGough Copy Editor Most people living in the city of Clay have heard Freddie Flowers Jr., ClayChalkville’s Voice of the Cougars, over the loudspeakers on Friday nights during football See COMMUNITY, Page 4

Local residents recount impact from Dec. 12 earthquake

By Shaun Szkolnik For The Tribune TRUSSVILLE – According to The United States Geological Survey, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake, centered near Decatur, Tennessee, ripped through Tennessee and North Georgia on Dec. 12 at around 3:14 a.m.

The impact of the event stretched for hundreds of See RESIDENTS, Page 6

Report of mail theft in Jefferson County leads to drug arrests From The Trussville Tribune staff reports JEFFERSON COUNTY — Two men were arrested Wednesday after reports of mail theft in the Sylvan Springs area.

Just after 8 a.m. Wednesday, deputies responded to a report that two men had been seen taking mail from mailSee REPORT OF MAIL, Page 9

Freedom Hall is the handicapped and women’s quarters. Photo by Crystal McGough

of $5,000 to go toward their nonprofit.

“I think the total was somewhere around 70,000 votes, altogether, and we received half of them,” Cislak said. “It surprised all of us here because the community really got involved; not just the community, but the state got involved.”

Cislak said that he doesn’t know how Regions Bank knew about Three Hots and A

Cot, or who nominated the organization for the contest.

“We had no idea,” he said.

“We had no idea they picked us until (Regions Bank Community Relations Specialist Joy Parker) sent me an email.

I don’t know how they picked the nonprofits, no one ever told us that. I’m just glad they did.”

Cislak said that the winnings from the contest would be put toward renovations at

the center.

“We’re always building and making it better for the veterans, because basically, this is their home while they’re staying here,” he said. “So we want to show them that there is a better life than what they are coming from and we want them to leave here feeling, ‘Hey, this is the kind of life I want.’ So this is going to help See THREE HOTS, Page 3

North Alabama man sentenced to more than 10 years for online drug-trafficking conspiracy From The Trussville Tribune staff reports BIRMINGHAM — A Madison man who used the internet’s dark markets in an online drug trafficking conspiracy was sentenced on Wednesday, Dec. 19, to more than a decade in federal prisSee ALABAMA, Page 8

Inside the Tribune News - Page 1-9 Calendar - Page 10 Classified - Page 10 Obituary - Page 11 Opinion - Page 12 Faith - Page 13 Tribune Kids - Page 14 Tribune Living - Page 15 Sports - Pages 16

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The

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Students share Alabama’s heroes in honor of the state’s 200th anniversary TRUSSVILLE - In honor of the state of Alabama’s 200th anniversary approaching in 2019, Governor Kay Ivey launched the Alabama Bicentennial Schools Initiative in December 2017 to give 200 Alabama schools the opportunity to participate in a year-long project representing their state’s history and achievements.

Nearly 400 K-12 schools statewide submitted proposals for the program, and each

of the 200 chosen schools received a $2,000 grant to complete their project.

Among the schools chosen for this honor were five home-school groups, one of which was Trussville’s own Faith Community Christian School (FCCS).

“It makes me so proud to see such a strong showing of schools participating in the program,” Ivey said in an August press release. “It is an honor to recognize these

Clay woman starts home-school group to benefit children

Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com

By Angela Ann Traylor, 12th grade Special to The Tribune by students of FCCS

Tanna Friday, Managing Editor Damian Mitchell, Sports Editor

Melissa Jordan is the administrator of Faith Community Christian School in Trussville, Alabama, founded in 2005.

“My oldest son was in a home-school group in another church,” Jordan said. “We didn’t love the group and we felt like there was something

STAFF WRITERS Shaun Szkolnik news@trussvilletribune.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS June Mathews Crystal McGough Tommi Peters

Dec. 27, 2018 - Jan. 2, 2019

better out there. So we talked with another home-school administrator and she encouraged us to start our own home-school group and she walked us through how to get started.”

Jordan enjoys being a home-school group administrator. Her job is talking to new families, helping them learn how to home-school, handling all of the money, See WOMAN, Page 3

outstanding schools and their projects as we head into Alabama’s bicentennial year.

The Alabama Bicentennial celebration is about bringing communities together and getting all of our citizens involved. The schools being honored are a great representation of that goal.”

For their project, the students of FCCS are collectively writing a book called Everyone Has A Story, which will profile noteworthy Ala-

Famous Clay native gives back

By Kenzie Nunnally, ninth grade Special to The Tribune by students of FCCS Joseph “Clayne” Crawford is an actor who is a 1996 graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School. He played sports in school, but found real inspiration in an improv acting class. Shortly after graduation, he moved to California to pursue his dream of acting.

Crawford struggled,

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bamians, selected by the children.

The middle and high school students took a sixweek journalism class in the fall where they learned to write profile news stories about everyday heroes, while the elementary students are writing biographies of famous Alabamians. The following stories were written by ninth grader Kenzie Nunnally and 12th grader Angela Ann Traylor.

working construction to make ends meet, and appeared in small productions. In 2000, See FAMOUS, Page 5

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The Trussville Tribune

Dec. 27, 2018 - Jan. 2, 2019

Page 3

Local / Region

Calvary Chapel Trussville begins radio ministry

By Shaun Szkolnik For The Tribune TRUSSVILLE — Cavalry Chapel Trussville has begun a weekly radio ministry that can be heard on FM station 101.1 every Sunday from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and simulcast on 850 AM on the same day and time.

The messages are delivered by Cavalry Chapel

Photo courtesy of Cavalry Chapel Trussville

Trussville’s Pastor Tyler Warner and serve as Biblical lessons presented in the expositional style of teaching.

“It will start with a teaching series through First John that Tyler had done,” Cavalry Chapel Elder Zachary Grafman said. “When we finish that, we’re going to start with what we are doing currently, which is Luke.”

The radio format works

especially well with the teaching method that Cavalry Chapel Trussville employs, and Warner’s sermons will translate almost seamlessly into the terrestrial medium.

“If your wheelhouse is radio teaching, it is almost lossless in terms of what you can communicate,” Grafman said. “If you have other elements of what you’re trying to do, those get lost in radio

had people here probably as long as a year.”

According to Cislak, space to accommodate all the veterans in need is a constant issue.

“A lot of people don’t realize how bad the problem is of homelessness out there,” he said. “Homelessness, everybody knows about homelessness. We see it every day.

But veteran homelessness – to me, I’m kind of prejudice because I’m a veteran – it’s sad.

It should never be like this and it’s unfortunate; sometimes we have to say ‘no’ because we’re full. Right now we have five independent homes, we have two shelters, one here and one in Woodlawn, and we’re constantly full.”

In emergency situations, Three Hots and A Cot tries to make room for more veterans, but Cislak said that it’s just a Band-Aid. “We try to be more than a Band-Aid,” he said. “If we had 20-30 more beds here, they would be full right now. That’s how bad the problem is.”

The most important thing the community can do to help is spread the word, Cislak said.

Liberty Hall is the men’s quarters

“Awareness is probably the biggest help that any nonprofit can have,” he said. “We can’t survive without the involvement of the community. The awareness is so important, that people know what’s actually going on out there.”

Cislak also encouraged the community to come visit with the veterans.

“We love when the community comes to visit us,” he said. “Talk to the veterans.

Who knows, you may even become good friends. They’ve made a lot of friends in the community.”

ple and it seems like it is fitting a need,” Grafman said.

“We’re excited to see where it goes.”

Cavalry Chapel Trussville meets every Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. at the Cahaba Ballroom of the Hilton Garden Inn. For more information about their ministry and services, please visit their website.

WOMAN, from page 2

THREE HOTS, from front page

us continue our upgrades at the center.”

Three Hots and A Cot works with the Department of Veterans Affairs to take in and house veterans who are homeless, on the verge of homelessness, struggling with addictions, and battling mental health issues such as PTSD. “We basically start the process over again,” Cislak said. “We help them get the treatment they need and we work with the VA to do that, to overcome whatever problems they have. Then we help them either get back with their family or into an affordable place to live.”

The center in Clay now has 13 rooms with a total of 18 beds, including three two-person rooms and one three-person room; the rest of the rooms are single occupancy.

“Right now we house a total of 13 veterans, but we just got an approval from the health department for four more,” Cislak said. “Everyone’s here for a different reason. It could be until they receive their next paycheck. It could be three months, six months, we’ve

really quick, but expositional teaching is complete plug and play; it is perfect for getting 100 percent of what was the original, of getting that communicated. It is pretty fantastic.”

For now Warner and Grafman have no long term goals for the project other than to offer teaching to the public.

“It allows us to reach peo-

To those who supported Three Hots and A Cot in the contest, Cislak said, “Thank you is just not enough, but thank you. Everyone here is still in awe of the support that we’ve gotten just from this contest. We’ve noticed a lot of posts on our Facebook page from new people that we’ve never seen before, and it’s great. The contest really did help get the awareness out.”

Cislak encouraged the people of the community to continue following the organization’s Facebook page.

“Everything we do here, we post on there,” he said.

“They’ll see all the upgrades.

They’ll see the success stories, and they may even see some stories that are not so successful. We’re very upfront with everybody and any organization is going to have that. We would love everybody to keep following us so they can know what’s going on, and we will update them constantly, everything that’s going on in the house.”

To learn more about Three Hots and A Cot, visit https:// cotsforvets.org

teaching home-school seminars, overseeing that all activities run smoothly, the overall vision for the school group, and support for the families.

“I’m available for anything our families’ need,” she said. “I can help guide them in preparing lesson plans, choosing a curriculum for their students, identifying problems in their curriculum or learning difficulties in their children.”

Some of the challenges that Jordan faced in the beginning was learning how to run a home-school group, balancing running a home-

school group while also home-schooling her own young children, deciding the best way to run a homeschool program, figuring out the fees, creating the admission process and creating all the forms and filing systems. Jordan would like to see continued support of the home-schooling community and more meeting places to accommodate large groups in the future.

“One of the toughest things is, if we have a family that is not complying with our rules and we have to ask them to leave,” she said. “That is the hardest thing for me.”

Jordan said she loves running a home-school group.

“I really do enjoy it,” she said. “I love having relationships with our students and with the parents.”

Her favorite activities to do with other home-school families are field trips, co-op and community service.

Parents looking to homeschool or looking for a cover school can find more information at www.fccstrussville. com

The Trussville Tribune

Page 4

Dec. 27, 2018 - Jan. 2, 2019

COMMUNITY, from front page

season, but not as many may be aware of the tragedy that struck his family this holiday season.

Only days after Thanksgiving, on Nov. 24, Freddie and La-Tunya Flowers’ daughter, Vivyanne Smith, gave birth to her third child, Aaria Nichelle Smith, but things quickly turned south.

“Immediately following the birth, they realized something was wrong because they took the baby out of the room,” Flowers said. “(Vivyanne) didn’t get to hold the baby.”

Baby Aaria was rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UAB Hospital, where doctors discovered she had Lissencephaly, also known as ‘smooth brain,’ a rare genetic disorder that affects the brain.

“Best case scenario, the life expectancy of a child with that disorder is 10 years,” La-Tunya said. “(Vivyanne) had a project on this particular genetic disorder in high school her senior year. So when she heard the physicians talking about it amongst themselves, she immediately knew what it was. When she called me, she made me remember her homework assignment, and when she said ‘smooth brain,’ everything started to kick in and all of the different scenarios for that disorder started kicking in. I was hoping for the best case, but the doctor said it was the more severe end.”

The Flowers’ said that doctors told them Aaria’s brain’s ability to learn would not exceed that of a six-month-old and they did not expect her to live past 48 hours.

“As far as the doctors were concerned, they were giving it 48 hours,” La-Tunya said.

“Every day was 48 hours, and we were just hoping for 48 more hours. She lived for 13 days.”

When Aaria was a week old, doctors discovered that

her lungs were also underdeveloped, Flowers said. One lung was the size of her heart and the other was smaller than her heart.

“She was on a respirator, and they had to put her on an oscillating ventilation machine, which is almost like an iron lung, because she just could not breathe on her own,” he said. “There were times when she would try, but she was unsuccessful, and then they realized that this wasn’t going to work.”

“She was a fighter, I can tell you that,” La-Tunya said.

“And a miracle, because for her to live that long and try to breathe on her own. But the doctor said in the end, on that second week, that Monday he came to us and told us that she would never be able to breathe on her own because of the size of her lungs. They were just truly underdeveloped.”

After 13 days of hoping and praying, Aaria’s parents, DeAndre and Vivyanne Smith, had to make the hardest decision any parent could make, to take their daughter off life support and place her in the hands of God. Aaria passed away on Dec. 7, 2018.

As if everything the Smiths were going through wasn’t already hard enough, while they should have been able to take time to solely focus on their newborn daughter, DeAndre and Vivyanne were facing several other challenges simultaneously.

Early on in the pregnancy, DeAndre lost his job and had to spend most of the pregnancy working part-time jobs to support his family, which also resulted in the loss of their second vehicle, leaving them with one car.

“They had struggles, like a lot of young couples do, and they weren’t able to hold on to one car, and the other one needed some work done to it, but they were not able to af-

ford it,” Flowers said. “That always creates this problem and it’s not uncommon for that to happen.”

During this time, DeAndre was – and still is – going to a journeyman electrician school to learn electrical work, which opened the door for him to get a full-time job with Trinity Contractors, just days before Aaria’s birth. “(Trinity Contractors) have been generous throughout the whole process in trying to accommodate DeAndre,” Flowers said.

Right after the baby was born, however, the transmission went out on the Smith’s only vehicle. “(DeAndre) went to work and on the way home, it just died, right after the baby was born,” Flowers said. “Everything kind of converged all at once. It’s a tough situation for them, it truly is.”

While the Smiths live in Tarrant, DeAndre works in Alabaster and goes to school in Birmingham off Oporto-Madrid Boulevard, so he has been having to depend on rides from family members to get to and from work and school.

“So we spent a lot of time staying overnight in the NICU,” Flowers said. “That’s how we were so involved.

You couldn’t really help it, because given their situation: dad’s trying to start a new job and get a career going, he’s still in apprenticeship school; Vivyanne…the avalanche, like drinking from a fire hydrant, because of everything going on with the baby and then the post-partum on top of that. It was just one of those situations to where, OK, we have to take the reins. God said, ‘Hey, you’re here. You do this. You have been prepared for this.’”

The Flowers both felt that God had prepared them a long time ago to walk with their daughter and son-in-law

Aaria Nichelle Smith, Nov. 24, 2018 – Dec. 7, 2018.

Photo submitted by Freddie Flowers Jr.

through this hardship. Early in their marriage, the Flowers lost their first babies, twins, at 23 weeks gestation. They were living in Germany at the time, where they met when they were both stationed there in the military.

“It truly is a testimony to say that, in our family, this is not the first time,” La-Tunya said. “Fred and I experienced the same thing at the beginning of our marriage with our twins, and it was right at Christmas season. The kids grew up hearing our testimony, because (the twins) were my testimony to my salvation. Leading up to me having them is where I found Jesus.

So when Fred said we were prepared, we were prepared.

Every situation is different, but it was as if the foundation was laid so that we had firm ground. Vivyanne, throughout it all, said, ‘Mom, I had the right parents to see me through this.’ I’m just so thankful that she held on to those memories and she used that as a foundation to stand on and to hold on to so that she, too, could get through this.”

Several members of the Clay community, including Clay City Council members, have rallied around the Smiths and the Flowers during this hard time, offering prayers and looking for ways to help them.

“We, here in Clay, we have heard from everyone from the

mayor on down, and I guess everybody is wondering what to do, how to help,” Flowers said.

Vivyanne’s best friend since high school, Michelle (Hancock) Jackson, started a GoFundMe page for the Smiths to help with funeral expenses and medical bills.

“In it all, we’re firm believers that God didn’t get La-Tunya and I where we are by accident,” Flowers said.

“There have been folks who have tried to do what they can. There are folks at (ClayChalkville) high school that have rallied around us, here in the community. They just don’t know what to do. So with Michelle setting up the GoFundMe page, we were surprised. We woke up one morning and it was there. Michelle is like a daughter to us.”

Not knowing how much to ask for on GoFundMe, Vivyanne called her mom for advice. Ultimately, not wanting to ask for too much, Vivyanne decided to tell her friend to set the goal at $1,000. As of Dec. 21, $380 of the $1,000 goal had been reached.

“She only asked for $1,000 to help cover the funeral expenses,” La-Tunya said. “Her medical expenses (have not yet) come in and I said, ‘You’re going to need more than $1,000.’ And she said, ‘Mom, we’re just going to do this because I can’t deal with anything else.’ So I just stopped when she said that, backed up, and I said the Lord will provide and we’ll just go with that. Maybe more will come in if it does, and if it doesn’t, we’ll just pay on it $20 at a time, because that’s the best that we can do right now.”

“It’s just one of those situations where, they’re great kids and they’re really needing some help,” Flowers added. “They’re still dealing with it.”

Aaria’s memorial service was held on Saturday, Dec. 15. At the Dec. 11 Clay City Council meeting, Councilor Don Baker asked the council to keep the Flowers and Smith families in their prayers.

“Y’all know Freddie Flowers, the Voice of the Cougars,” Baker said. “They’ve had a really rough go with one of their grandchildren. I just want to note everything that Freddie does for the kids (in the community). He does it selflessly and serves. In the wake of their grandbaby, I want to keep the Flowers and the Smith family in our thoughts and prayers.”

The Flowers were both surprised and touched that the city council reached out to support them.

“We understand that God is the head of our lives, and living in a community that is God-centered is where we wanted to be,” Flowers said.

“In times like this, it has shown. I would’ve never expected a call from Don, where he asked could the city council pray for us. Here I am, I see myself as just ‘Joe Citizen,’ because there are so many others that live in Clay…and there’s no telling what they’re going through. God speaks to me when I hear things like that.”

For anyone wanting to help the Smiths through this hardship, Flowers said that “an immediate need, at the top of the list, would be a car. We know that there are folks out there working on clothes for the kids, that we’re aware of.

If we had $5,000 right now, they’d have a car, they’d have everything, it’d be done. But we just can’t do it right now.

Life brings its lumps and God has a purpose in all of it, and we know that they’re going to be stronger for it.”

Donations can be made for the Smiths at https:// w w w. g o f u n d m e . c o m / aaria-nichelle-smith-memorial.

Dec. 27, 2018 - Jan. 2, 2019

The Trussville Tribune

MR. GIP, from front page

and stole them.”

The feeling of disbelief, however, soon transformed into the decision to take some action. Not long after the theft, Deville decided to replace one of Gipson’s guitars.

“The reason I wanted to give him a guitar is because he inspired me to start playing music again,” Deville said.

“If it hadn’t been for that, I wouldn’t have this band that I’m playing in now. Which are just a great bunch of guys.

On top of all that, now I’m in a guitar shop teaching kids; something I never thought I would do. I was thinking about that even before I even came up with the idea of get-

ting him a replacement guitar; that I kinda owe him.”

Deville had some credits at Guitar Pro’s and decided to put them towards purchasing a new guitar for Gipson.

When Guitar Pro’s owner, Bruce Bentley, found out about Deville’s plan, he put up half of the cost. A Gibson JPL was quickly located in the store, and Deville set out to have it customized for Gipson.

Deville took the guitar to a friend that does pin-striping on hot rods and vehicles.

Michael Swann of Swann Graphics provided all of the customized pinstriping that truly made the guitar one-of-

a-kind.

“I got a hold of him (Swann),” Deville said. “So, he gets through and I asked what I owed him and he said, ‘Nothing man, I just want to be part of it.’”

The guitar was put on display in the store while the pin-striping dried. It was such a striking guitar that it drew a lot of comments from customers.

After the paint dried, Deville and Bentley presented it to Gipson at one of his shows.

“We went down there and gave it to him,” Deville said.

“Tears welled up in his eyes, and he was smiling and just so happy.”

FAMOUS, from page 2

he decided to change his name from Joey Crawford to Clayne Crawford, to honor his ancestor, Clan Crawford, and his hometown, Clay, Alabama.

It took many years, but he finally got his big break, which led to more parts and more opportunities. Crawford is most recognized for his role as Martin Riggs in the television series Lethal Weapon.

He and his wife, Kiki, felt blessed by the success of his career and decided to give back. Together, Crawford and Kiki started the Clayne Crawford Foundation. Their foundation is dedicated to providing support to charities that help women, children, military organizations and veterans in Alabama and other areas. A local charity they help is Three Hots and A Cot, in Clay, which helps homeless veterans while they try to get affordable housing.

“We help people to help people,” Crawford said. “We started it so that you know where the resources actually go.”

Crawford said his fame gives him a platform to work from and makes it easier to get help to people who need it.

“People feel like they know you,” he said. “It’s like a superpower and comes with

responsibility. You have to use it wisely.”

Crawford wants to be remembered as someone who loves his kids and wife, a good dad and husband, and a passionate and empathetic person.

If you would like to support the Clayne Crawford Foundation, you can contact them at info@crawfordfoundation.org.

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Victim identified from deadly accident on Edwards Lake Road From Center Point area From The Trussville Tribune staff reports BIRMINGHAM – The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has identified a Center Point area woman named Barbara Ann Bryant as the

victim of a deadly accident that occurred on Edwards Lake Road on Monday, Dec. 17. Bryant was 64-yearsold.

The crash occurred at 7:10 a.m. on Edwards Lake Road near Falcon Drive.

Bryant was driving a Buick Rendezvous that collided with a Ford Winstar.

Bryant was transported to St. Vincent’s East Hospital’s emergency department and was later pronounced dead.

TRUSSVILLE, from front page

Trafficking Awareness month.

Council Pro Tem Zack Steele, who read the city’s proclamation, noted that human trafficking is a problem nationwide. It’s a horrific crime that usually involves forced labor, mostly in the sex trade.

According to the Wellhouse in Birmingham, 40 percent of all U.S. human trafficking occurs in the Southeast and impacts children ages 12-14 years. Since September of this year, there has been 5,000 (60,000 a year) victims of human trafficking moved through Alabama each month, according to a 2018 Alabama Human Trafficking study led by researchers of the University of Alabama. To compare, that’s more than double the population in Trussville. Of those 60,000 last year, 617 were saved.

In other matters, the council approved: • Dec. 11 minutes; • Proclamation 201824 Human Trafficking Awareness Month January 19; • Resolution 2018-073 budget adjustment; • Announcing City offices, building closed on Dec.

24-25, Dec. 31 – Jan. 1; • Consent agenda; • Reappoint utility board members Teddy Gilmer (through Dec. 1, 2024), A.H. “Buddy” Wright (through Dec. 1, 2024); • Merit increases effective Jan. 5, 2019; • Andrea Downing, Municipal Court; • Thomas Phillip Dillon, Police; • Maria Duarte, Dispatch; • Claire Jackson, PD Account Assistant II; • David A. Morrette, Police; and • Geovanny Valverde, Parks & Rec. • Merit increases effective Jan. 19, 2019; • Joe K. Rosetta, Police; • Lakeisha N. Addie (Minor), Municipal Court;

• Brett Deloach, Police; and • Karen P. Davis, Library.

• Hiring Police Officer Ana KilgoreMcCombs effective Jan. 5; • Hiring Fire Fighter Matthew Joseph Fredrick effective Jan. 7; • Copier/Printer contract with Dex Images (all city locations); • Contract with Cintas (Civic Center) contingent on existing contract agreement; • Auditing accounts; • Training & Risk Management for SWAT, Riner on Jan. 14, 2019.

The next council meeting will be on Jan. 15, beginning with a 5:30 p.m. workshop and council meeting to follow at 6 p.m.

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The Trussville Tribune

Page 6

Dec. 27, 2018 - Jan. 2, 2019

CENTER POINT, from front page

2017.

“Rather than going through thirty-something pages of financial statements, which I don’t think anybody really wants to do tonight, I’m just going to go over highlights,” Key said.

According to these highlights, the city’s total assets as of Sept. 30, 2017, was $12.1 million, and the city’s total liabilities were $716,000, mean-

ing that the city’s total assets exceeded total liabilities by $11.4 million.

“All in all, your net position is in great, great shape,” Key said.

Key described other highlights for the council.

“During the year ended Sept. 30 of 2017, the city’s net position, which represents revenues in excess of expenses, increased by $396,000, which

compared to last year, the city’s expenditures exceeded it’s revenues by $197,” Key said. “So, in essence, the city’s net position changed from one year to the next by almost $594,000.

So comparatively speaking, the city performed much better in 2017 than 2016.”

In other city news, the council unanimously approved an ordinance to amend the zoning of 100 20th Avenue N.E.

PINSON AREA, from front page

and change it from the I1 designation to C1. This change in zoning will allow the property to be developed commercially.

It is expected, as the zoning has been changed, that Tacala, LLC will purchase the property of building and operate a new Taco Bell on it.

The next Center Point Council meeting will be held on Jan. 10.

and is described as a white male standing at 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighing 130 pounds.

He has blue eyes and red hair.

His last known address is in the 8700 block of Bradford Trafford Road in Pinson.

If you have any information on Mordecai’s whereabouts, please dial 911 or contact Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

VICTIM, from front page

Trussville Chamber names customer service award recipient From The Trussville Tribune staff reports TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce recognized its most recent Customer Service Award recipient at its monthly luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 20, at the Trussville Civic Center.

“My husband and I recently ate at Happy Wok for the first time, and we were very pleased with the food and with the service,” said the customer service award nominator. “Our server was David Belcher, and he was very attentive without being overbearing, and he carried on some fun and interesting con-

versations. He kept our glasses filled without being asked.

Anything else we asked for, David delivered within just a minute or two. We found out he was a student, and that made us appreciate his personality even more.”

If you would like to nominate someone for the Cham-

RESIDENTS, from front page

miles and was felt in our area.

“I live just off the interstate in Leeds in a home built in 1977,” said area resident Christy D. Jones. “Every time a semi-truck goes by on the interstate, I hear my windows rattle and shake. On this particular morning, around 3:30 a.m., I had awoken to let my puppies out. As I waited on them inside, I felt a tremor run from one side of the house to the other and the rattle in my windows was slightly different than what I was used to hearing.”

Jones had never gone through an earthquake before, but almost instinctively knew she had been through one.

“I would have easily bet everything on it being a quake, though I have never felt one before,” she said.

Later, when Jones con-

205-655-8833

Crack in wall discovered day of earthquake. Photo provided by Ronnie Aldrich

From the Desk of

firmed that an earthquake had taken place, she was still a little shaken by the news.

“I was not surprised, but a little shocked at how far it had been felt,” she said.

Trussville resident Jana Mathews knew something was amiss the morning of the earthquake.

“I set my gym bag in the same spot every day,” Mathews said. “On the day of the earthquake, I set down my gym bag and noticed a large crack running up the wall.”

There was little doubt in Mathews’ mind as to what had caused the crack.

“It had not been there the day before,” Mathews said.

“My first thought was, ‘this is from the earthquake,’ something must have moved to create that kind of crack.”

205-936-8776

Gregory S. Harrelson, O.D. It is with many mixed emotions that I announce that in December 2018, I will CLOSE MY OFFICE and RETIRE FROM PRACTICE. If desired, you may contact me at either of the above numbers until December 15, 2018. THEREAFTER, please use (205) 936-8776.

God blessed me with many loving, caring friendships over my years in practice , but most of all he blessed me to be born an American.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

205-655-8833

From the Desk of

ficers responded to the 3000 block of Panorama Terrace in Birmingham at approximately 8:15 p.m. Thursday evening on multiple shots fired in the area. Once officers arrived on the scene, they discovered Davis in the parking lot unresponsive inside a vehicle.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue arrived, along with the Jefferson County Coroner, and pronounced the victim dead as a

ber’s customer service award, or for more information about the chamber, please visit www. trussvillechamber.com.

You may also call the chamber at (205) 655-7535, ‘like’ us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram.

result of a gunshot wound.

This death is being investigated as a homicide, therefore, all other inquiries about this case should be directed to the Birmingham Police Department. If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, please contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit at 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.

Plans for freestanding Dollar General in Trussville presented to DRC

By Tommi O. Peters For the Tribune

will close once construction of the 10,000 square foot freestanding store is complete. Construction is expected to begin in 2019.

Plans to update the exterior of Arby’s at 5984 Chalkville Road were also approved.

The fast food restaurant will also receive interior renovation, though no structural changes will be made.

The group also approved the following: • Rod iron fence enclosure surrounding a residential swimming pool in the 200 block of Lake Street.

• Renovation and replacement of Shell gas station canopies at 5965 Chalkville Road and 1120

TRUSSVILLE — Dollar General representative Melissa Ballard presented plans to the Design Review Committee for the chain’s freestanding location to be built in the 400 block of Main Street. Ballard sought recommendation from the group based upon the color variations for both brick and stone treatment.

Given the prominent location of upon entering downtown Trussville, the DRC recommended that architectural interest be added to the otherwise simple exterior.

The current Dollar General location at 218 Main Street

Chalkville Road.

• Landscape plan for McDonald’s at 1110 Chalkville Road with recommendation to replace specific plants.

All exterior modifications to businesses and residences within the downtown overlay district are required to present plans to the Trussville Design Review Committee for approval. Detailed plans and applications should be submitted to Plans Examiner JR Malchus via jmalchus@trussville.org or (205) 655-5072.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Design Review Committee will be Monday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. at Trussville City Hall.

ALDOT: 31st Street off-ramp from I-59/20 SB now open From The Trussville Tribune staff reports BIRMINGHAM — As construction continues in downtown Birmingham for Interstate Improvements, the Alabama Department of Transportation announced today, Thursday, Dec. 20, that the 31st Street Off-Ramp from I-59/20 Southbound is now open.

This work is a part of the I-59/20 Central Business District (CBD) Interchange and Bridge Replacement Project.

Motorists are requested to consider using alternate routes, adjust arrival/departure times, observe work zone speed limits and other work zone signs, and use extreme

caution in this area. ALDOT thanks motorists for their patience during this Construction Operation to improve Alabama’s roadways.

ALDOT’s mission is to provide a safe, efficient, environmentally sound transporta-

tion network across Alabama.

For additional information, please visit our project website www.5920bridge.com and for traffic alerts and updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter @5920bridge.

205-936-8776

Gregory S. Harrelson, O.D. It is with many mixed emotions that I announce that in December 2018, I will CLOSE MY OFFICE and RETIRE FROM PRACTICE. If desired, you may contact me at either of the above numbers until December 15, 2018. THEREAFTER, please use (205) 936-8776.

God blessed me with many loving, caring friendships over my years in practice , but most of all he blessed me to be born an American.

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Dec. 27, 2018 - Jan. 2, 2019

The Trussville Tribune

Metro / State

Page 7

Alabama’s average weekly wages at second highest level From The Trussville Tribune staff reports MONTGOMERY – Employment and job counts have once again reached record levels, according to the Alabama Department of Labor.

In November, 2,128,082 people were counted as employed, an increase of 46,330 from November 2017. Wage and salary employment, which measures the number of jobs our economy is supporting, grew to 2,069,800, representing a yearly increase of 35,400 jobs.

“Business is booming in Alabama,” said Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington. “We

are continuing to shatter employment records month after month. Jobs are growing at a record 1.7 percent yearly growth rate. It’s a great time to be doing business in Alabama.”

Wage and salary employment grew by 1.7 percent from November 2017 to November 2018, tying with October 2018 and July 2015 for the largest over-the-year percentage growth in history.

Over the year, wage and salary employment increased 35,400, with gains in the professional and business services sector (+11,900), the manufacturing sector (+10,200), and the education and health services sector

(+3,200), among others.

Wage and salary employment increased in November by 6,400. Monthly gains were seen in the trade, transportation and utility sector (+6,000), the education and health services sector (+1,700), and the government sector (+1,200), among others.

Alabama’s preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 4.0, down from October’s rate of 4.1 percent, and above November 2017’s rate of 3.8 percent.

November’s rate represents 87,757 unemployed persons, compared to 89,745 in October and 81,970 in November 2017.

“Average weekly earnings continue to increase, with workers seeing an additional $34.76 per week in their paychecks,” Washington said.

“Those working in the manufacturing sector also saw an increase in their earnings, with manufacturing weekly earnings at their highest level in history.”

Total private average weekly earnings increased to $838.89, up from $804.13 in November 2017, representing a $34.76 increase. This represents the second highest level in history, surpassed only by September 2018’s average weekly wages of $849.89.

Manufacturing earnings

AG Marshall files brief asking U.S. Supreme Court to hear Alabama dismemberment abortion case From The Trussville Tribune staff reports MONTGOMERY – Attorney General Steve Marshall has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a case challenging the constitutionality of Alabama’s law banning dismemberment abortions.

Attorney General Marshall filed a cert petition with the Supreme Court Thursday asking the court to review the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ August 2018 ruling against Alabama’s 2016 law banning the gruesome second-trimester abortion pro-

cedure. About seven percent of the abortions performed in Alabama each year are dismemberment abortions. State law allows the use of more humane alternative medical procedures to perform second-trimester abortions.

“The constitutionality of a state ban on dismemberment abortion is an important question of national significance,” Attorney General Marshall wrote in the brief. “At least nine states have enacted laws to ban dismemberment abortion. Litigation over some of these similar abortion laws is pending in the Fifth Circuit,

the Eighth Circuit and multiple state courts.”

In a dismemberment abortion, a doctor dismembers a living unborn child and extracts him or her one piece at a time from the uterus using clamps, grasping forceps, tongs, or scissors.

Attorney General Marshall argued that Alabama’s law is similar to the federal ban on partial-birth abortions which was enacted in 2003 and upheld by the Supreme Court in 2007.

“The lower courts were wrong to enjoin Alabama from enforcing its ban on the

dismemberment of a living fetus. Federal law constitutionally prohibits partial-birth abortions. And there is no ‘meaningful difference’ between death-by-dismemberment abortion in the womb and partial-birth abortion outside it,” Attorney General Marshall wrote.

“As the court of appeals expressly recognized, only this Court can resolve the inconsistency in treatment between partial-birth and dismemberment abortion. The Court should grant certiorari and reverse.”

rose to its highest level in history, $1062.18 per week.

Counties with the lowest unemployment rates are: • Shelby County at 2.5 percent; • Marshall County 2.9 percent; • Madison County 2.9 percent; • Cullman County 2.9 percent; • Morgan County 3.0 percent; • Limestone County 3.0 percent; • Elmore County 3.0 percent.

Counties with the highest unemployment rates are: • Wilcox County at 7.9 percent;

• Clarke County at 6.4 percent; • Dallas County at 5.8 percent; • Lowndes County at 5.8 percent.

Major cities with the lowest unemployment rates are: • Homewood 2.3 percent; • Vestavia Hills 2.3 percent; • Alabaster 2.4 percent; • Northport 2.5 percent; • Madison 2.5 percent; • Hoover 2.5 percent.

Major cities with the highest unemployment rates are: • Selma 6.5 percent; • Prichard 6.1 percent; • Anniston 4.7 percent.

Florence grocer wins Bama’s Best Breakfast Award, Birmingham’s Chris Z’s runner up From The Trussville Tribune staff reports FLORENCE — If you want to see the best the world has to offer of Renaissance art and architecture, you go to Florence, Italy. And if you want the best Alabama has to offer for breakfast? Well, you visit Florence, Alabama — home to the winner and runner-up in “Simply Southern TV’s” Bama’s Best Breakfast contest.

Hosted on the show’s Facebook page, Staggs Grocery proved to be the fan favorite, racking up over

1,400 votes in the contest’s final round. As the winner, the restaurant will receive a plaque and $300, along with being featured in the fifth season of “Simply Southern TV.” The popular eatery has been a family-run Florence staple since 1936. Legends have been told of its Biscuits with Chocolate Gravy, which is only served on Fridays until 10:30 a.m. It’s also the place to be for comfort food classics like a Porkchop Biscuit. And for a stick-to-yourSee FLORENCE, Page 9

Congressman Brooks announces support for tax cuts, free speech for churches From The Trussville Tribune staff reports WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Mo Brooks announced his “Yes” vote on bill H.R. 88 on Dec. 20, which included the combined Retirement, Savings, and Other Tax Relief Act of 2018 and Taxpayer First Act of 2018. The bill passed the House 220-183.

Among other things, the bill delays many of Obamacare’s more egregious taxes that drive up health care

costs and protects churches from losing their tax exempt status for engaging in normal political speech in the regular course of their activities. “(Thursday’s) vote delays or repeals some of Obamacare’s most egregious taxes on health care that, in turn, drive up health care costs,” Congressman Brooks said. “One delayed tax, the Medical Device Tax, is a 2.3 percent excise tax on medical devices sold in the United States (wheelchairs, devices for amputees, and the like).

Another, the Health Insurance Tax, taxes health insurance providers, thus forcing insurers to raise health insurance premiums to cover the higher cost of health care. The Cadillac Tax is a monstrous 40 percent tax on high-quality health insurance plans that actually acts to encourage employers to give their employees cheaper and lower quality health insurance. Each of these Obamacare taxes is counterproductive and makes it harder for Americans to pay their medical bills. I am

pleased to have the opportunity to vote to repeal or delay them.

“Another positive in the bill is its elimination of IRS restrictions on churches’ free speech rights. Specifically, this bill rolls back the prohibition against churches engaging in political speech.

No church should be at risk of losing its tax exempt status because it expresses political views in the regular course of its long-held religious beliefs and activities. This is particularly true when a church’s

expression of its political views is nothing more than its expression of religious values and views that have been the underpinning of its religion for thousands of years. Taken further, this bill eliminates the possibility the IRS, under a liberal president, will target churches for political retribution, like Obama’s IRS did when it targeted Tea Party and other conservative groups. Reducing the federal government’s intrusion in American’s daily lives is always a winner.”

Meet Walter the happiest dog alive!

He comes bouncing in the front door excited to greet everyone in sight. We love to watch Walter as he helps new dogs feel more comfortable and encourages them to play in daycare. He’s a sweetheart who makes everyone around him feel happy.

H.R. 88 is supported by key conservative and religious groups: • Americans for Tax Reform; • Family Research Council; • FreedomWorks; • National Taxpayers Union; • Americans for Prosperity; • Home School Legal Defense Fund; • Archdiocese of New York; • Archdiocese of Washington, DC; and • American Association of Christian Schools.

The Trussville Tribune

Page 8

Dec. 27, 2018 - Jan. 2, 2019

Alabama ranks 16th for high natural gas costs, low on Internet From The Trussville Tribune staff reports Move.org has just released a report of which states’ residents bear the largest burden on the cost of utilities. The report provides average monthly utility costs in all 50 states, including Alabama.

Factors considered in Move.org’s report include electricity, natural gas, internet, cable and water. These five categories were calculated by the national consumption rates and the average cost for these services in each state. For example, to calculate electricity and natural gas costs, the average national consumption rates were multiplied by the average cost

of services. In determining internet costs, service levels that included speeds of 60 Mbps, unlimited, and Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) were reviewed.

Because state-by-state information was not available for both cable and water, the national averages were reviewed to supply figures for each state.

You can learn more about Move.org’s ranking criteria in the methodology section.

Utility Electricity Natural gas Internet (60 Mbps) Cable Water Total cost of utilities

Report Highlights: • Hawaii tops the list with the highest average utility cost: $730.86 per month.

Compare that to Idaho, which has the lowest average monthly cost at $343.71. That’s a $387.15 difference.

• Electricity costs are significantly higher on the East Coast. This is probably why seven of the top 10 states with the most expensive utilities are on the

Atlantic Seaboard.

• The average cost of cable is $100 per month, but that may change as more people cut their cable cords and switch to streaming services.

Move.org is a review site that was started with the mover in mind and dives deep into research before making a recommendation about anything related to your move — whether the topic is which moving company is best or how much you should be paying in utilities. Moving is frustrating. That’s why we rely on firsthand experience to simplify a disorienting situation and offer real-world solutions to all your moving problems.

Cost per month Ranking $110.15 27 $112.06 16 $49.57 49 $100.00 National average $40.00 National average $411.78 28

Congressman Brooks opposes First Step Act From The Trussville Tribune staff reports WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Mo Brooks (AL05) voted “no” on S.756, the First Step Act on 2018, legislation on Thursday, Dec. 20, that releases violent criminals from prison early, making Americans less safe and more likely to be victims of violent crimes and drug overdoses.

“The Senate version of the First Step Act is a step backward,” Brooks said. “My experience in law enforcement taught me early on that strong enforcement of criminal statutes and tough penalties for criminal conduct help keep dangerous criminals off the street. To be clear, I joined 359 of my House colleagues in voting ‘Yes’ on the House version of the First Step Act, which did not include dramatic cuts in criminal penal-

ties and early release provisions for violent criminals. It is only a matter of time before the verdict on this legislation is rendered: more crime, more crime

victims, and more dead Americans. To cite but one major flaw, S. 756 as amended CUTS penalties for gun use during the commission of violent crimes.

That is nuts! Further, this softon-crime bill even provides for early release of offenders who commit sex crimes, assault law enforcement officers, commit hate crimes, and assist with jailbreaks.

“Many major, national law enforcement groups strongly oppose this bill, including, but not limited to, the National Sheriffs Association, the Major County Sheriffs Association, the Major City Chiefs Association,[1] and the National Association of Police Organizations.[2] In sum, this bill makes America a more dangerous place to live. According to FBI annual ‘Crime in America’ data, violent crime has fallen sharply over the last quarter decade in America.[3] Why? Because, as every law enforcement officer knows, the greater the penalty for violation of criminal laws, the greater the deterrence and

the less the crime. Further, stiff criminal penalties keep violent repeat criminals off the streets and in jail. The Senate-amended First Step Act kicks violent, repeat offenders out of jail much quicker than under current law. Reform efforts should focus on reducing crime and apprehending suspects. This bill does none of that.

“The bottom line is, at a time when fatal drug overdoses plague our nation, Congress has irresponsibly passed legislation that increases the likelihood that even more fatal drugs will be imported into America by illegal aliens and foreign drug cartels. Let the record show, I voted against this irresponsible, soft-on-crime, and dangerous legislation.”

“The current draft of the First Step legislation remains troubling to the leaders of law enforcement,” the Nation-

al Sheriffs’ Association and the Major County Sheriffs of America said in a letter to Senate leadership. “Sheriffs are elected solely to protect our communities, and Police Chiefs have taken an oath to protect the public. We feel unless the changes recommended below are enacted, this legislation creates a high-risk path for dangerous criminals with gun crime histories to early release from prison. This amounts to a social experiment with the safety of our communities and the lives of Sheriffs, deputies and police officers in the balance. Please know that we did not come to this conclusion lightly. We have been working diligently with the Administration to correct these inequities. It is our hope the Senate will listen to the nation’s elected Sheriffs and the Chiefs of Police of our nation’s most populous cities.”

ALABAMA, from front page

AUTO, HOME, BUSINESS Why go direct with one carrier when we can shop multiple carriers at once?

on, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector in Charge Adrian Gonzalez and DEA Associate Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley.

U.S. District Judge Madeline Hughes Haikala sentenced 26-year-old Joseph William Davis to 126 months in prison for distributing, possessing with intent to distribute, and conspiring to distribute or to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, more than 40 grams of fentanyl, 2.81 grams of cocaine, and more than 80,000 units of Alprazolam.

“Federal law enforcement will continue to shine a spotlight on drug dealers operating in the darkest corners of the internet,” Town said.

“Federal prison beds await them all.”

“I commend the hard work and countless hours put forth by all of the law enforcement agencies involved,” Gonzalez said. “Together we will continue to be vigilant in identifying and working to prosecute those who illegally utilize the mail while keeping the safety of the American public and our Postal Service employees at the forefront.”

“The successful prosecution of Joseph Davis is a direct result of outstanding partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement,” Byerley said. “It should put others who engage in this type of activity on notice: if you sell drugs, whether on the street corner or online on the dark web, you will face federal charges and a lengthy prison sentence. This sentence in federal prison sends a message of our unending resolve

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to pursue drug traffickers who wreak havoc in our communities.”

Davis, also known on the internet’s dark markets as OlympusXans, or OX, pled guilty in August to conspiracy to traffic drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, and to possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Davis used encrypted internet chats to arrange smuggled shipments of illegal drugs, which he arranged to be delivered via U.S. Mail to addresses in Madison County.

U.S. Postal Inspectors, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Huntsville-Madison County STAC, and the Cullman County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Keim prosecuted.

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Dec. 27, 2018 - Jan. 2, 2019

The Trussville Tribune

Woman, 28, shot and killed in Piggly Wiggly on Christmas Eve in Birmingham From The Trussville Tribune staff reports BIRMINGHAM — A Christmas Eve shooting at a Piggly Wiggly grocery store following an altercation has left a 28-year-old woman dead in Birmingham, according to Sgt. Johnny Wiliams of the Birmingham Police Department.

Birmingham police detectives are conducting the homicide investigation. The incident occurred on Monday at approximately 11:55

a.m., Williams said.

It is the second homicide of the day in Birmingham.

The victim in the Piggly Wiggly shooting has been identified as Jerika Manuel, 28, of Birmingham, Alabama.

Officers from the North Precinct responded to the Piggly Wiggly store located at 2500 29th Avenue North on a shooting complaint. Officers arrived to find the victim was involved in a physical altercation just before the suspect shot the victim.

The suspect fled the scene after the shooting.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue arrived along with the Jefferson County Coroner and pronounced the victim deceased.

No suspects are in custody. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, please contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit at 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.

FLORENCE, from page 7

bones breakfast, try the 3 Egg, 3 Meat Omelettes.

Bama’s Best Breakfast runner-up — Big Bad Breakfast in Florence — is a relative newcomer to downtown Florence. It received 772 votes in the final round.

The contest started Dec. 10 and pitted eight restaurants against each other in a bracket-style tournament.

Readers are encouraged to visit both finalists and decide which they like best.

Staggs Grocery is open 5:30

a.m. to 2 p.m, Monday to Friday. Big Bad Breakfast is open daily, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The other Top 8 restaurants were: • Ray’s Restaurant in Dothan — semifinalist • Tater’s in Luverne — semifinalist • Chris Z’s in Birmingham • Biscuit King Cafe in Fairhope • Walters’ Gas & Grill in Opelika • The Waysider in Tusca-

loosa Bama’s Best Breakfast is sponsored by the Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Producers.

“Simply Southern TV” is a production of the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alabama Farmers Cooperative. The show airs Sunday mornings on broadcast channels across the state and Wednesdays at 5 p.m. central on RFD-TV. For more information about the show, visit SimplySouthernTV.net.

Page 9

JeffCo Sheriff detectives need help identifying suspect in fraudulent use of credit card From The Trussville Tribune staff reports JEFFERSON COUNTY — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s detectives are asking for public assistance in identifying a suspect in the fraudulent use of a credit card on Thursday, Dec. 20.

The person pictured was captured while allegedly using a victim’s debit card. According to a report filed with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, the victim’s car was burglarized on Sunday, Dec. 16, between 1:45 and 2:30 p.m., while parked in the 800 block of Shades Creek Parkway.

Contents stolen during this burglary included the victim’s purse, credit/debit cards, and a backpack containing a laptop. The victim’s stolen debit card was used at a retail store in the Galleria Mall on the same day at approximately 2:05 p.m. Detectives obtained surveillance video images of the pictured suspect. She is described as a white female with dark hair pulled back into a ponytail.

Photos provided by Crime Stoppers of Metro Birmingham

If you recognize this person or know anything about this crime please contact Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama. You remain anon-

ymous, and the information you provide to Crime Stoppers leading to the charge and arrest of an identified suspect could result in a cash reward.

a sheriff’s office statement said. He also had an outstanding warrant and a revoked driver’s license. Additionally, 32-year-old Phillip Ryan Graham of Mulga, identified as the driver of the car, was also found to have a revoked driver’s license and was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, deputies said.

Watson was arrested for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and the out-

standing warrant. Graham was arrested for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Both men were taken to the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer.

During the inventory of the vehicles, several pieces of mail were found from different addresses in the area.

None belonged to the suspects.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.

REPORT OF MAIL, from front page

boxes in the area of Hoagtown Loop and Lynn Drive in Sylvan Springs. The men were said to be in a black four-door Ford vehicle.

While searching for the suspect vehicle, deputies said they located a blue Ford pickup that had been identified as a suspect vehicle in a mail theft that occurred on Dec. 12, parked at a nearby business. Deputies said they checked the video surveillance from the business and

saw a black Ford Focus stop and pick up the driver of the truck.

The Focus soon returned to the business parking lot.

The passenger got out of the car and got1 back into the truck.

Both vehicles were stopped by deputies. Officers identified the driver of the truck as 33-year-old Eric Chase Watson of Mulga. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia,

The Trussville Tribune

Page 10

Calendar

January 3 Inspirational Book Club Join us for Inspirational Book Club! Each month we will read and discuss a fiction or nonfiction book of an inspirational nature. For the October meeting, we will discuss Twelve Steps to a More Compassionate Life by Karen Armstrong. Contact the Adult Dept. if you need assistance getting the book (also available in Large Print, audiobook, and ebook formats).

Go here to register: http:// www.trussvillelibrary.com/ adult/adult-events/. Call 6552022 for more information.

Event will be at the Trussville Public Library beginning at 1:30 p.m.

January 21-27 Scale Back Alabama Coming in January, Trussville will be a Weigh in site.

Weigh in week is January 21-

27. More information about the challenge can be found at www.scalebackalabama. com.

family with new eyes and be inspired about giving your family a “Living Room Reset”.

January 25 Living Room Rest with Kirk Cameron Kirk Cameron will be bringing the Cameron living room to churches across the country and want you to join him for a heartfelt conversation about what matters most to us as husbands, wives and parents. Think of it as a “homerun date night” with Kirk and his wife, Chelsea and also our special music guest, Matt Hammitt. A time to get away with your spouse for 3 hours with them to laugh together, pray together, learn together, and worship together, as everyone dives deep into the subjects that matter most to you and Kirk. And best of all, you’ll learn how to see your

ONGOING Georgiana Davis Masonic Lodge Georgiana Davis Masonic Lodge No. 338 in Trussville meetings are at 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd/4th Monday at 190 Beechnut St., Trussville. For information, call Bruce Phillips at 205-4852.

Cahawba Art Association meetings The Cahawba Art Association meets the 2nd Monday 6 p.m. at the Trussville Library.

For info call 661-0517.

Republican Women of Trussville The group meets on the first Thursday of the month

at the Three Earred Rabbit in Trussville with meet and greet beginning at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, contact cherylamathews@gmail. com or www.rwot.com.

Springville Military Order of the Purple Heart The Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 2213, Springville meets at the Smokin’ Grill at 85 Purple Heart Boulevard on the first

Dec. 27, 2018 - Jan. 2, 2019

Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

The Joyful Jammers The Joyful Jammers are looking for people to join us who enjoy playing Southern Appalachian folk music and hymns. Dulcimers, psalteries, spoons, and all types of acoustical stringed instruments are welcome. We are part of the Southern Appalachian Dulcimer As-

sociation (SADA). We meet each Thursday from 6-8pm at the First Baptist Church Trussville, AL. For more information and room location, contact E. Maddox at 205542-0076.

For more events, please visit our on-line calendar at trussevents.com.

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The Trussville Tribune

Dec. 27, 2018 - Jan. 2, 2019

Obituary

Page 11

Mrs. Wilma Ruth Hornsby Moorer

Nancy Myers Hood

Wilma Ruth Hornsby Moorer, 87 of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away Thursday, December 20, 2018.

Nancy Myers Hood died December 20th after a brief illness. Her greatest desire was to teach children and adults about her savior, Jesus Christ. She was preceded in death by her Husband Paul W. Hood, parents, Henry Frank Myers and Pearl Hamilton Myers, sisters Mildred Webb, Gladys Warren, Helen Lee & Juanita Seale. She is survived by her sister Judy Myers Lollar, daughter Janice Simmons, son Wayne (Terri), grandchildren Tommy & Lisa Simmons, step-grandchildren Megan & Madison Hammons. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or a favorite charity. The funeral will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 23rd at Jefferson Memorial Home in Trussville, with visitation held one hour prior.

Mrs. Moorer was born May 5, 1931 in Arab, AL. She graduated from Arab High School at age 16 and moved to the Eva Coma Home in Birmingham to attend Business School. She performed secretarial work for several years before marriage. She loved spending time with her family — especially with her grandchildren; plus, sewing, antique doll collecting, flower arranging and gardening.

Mrs. Moorer was a member of Huffman United Methodist Church, the “Loyalty” Sunday school class, and the Flora-Dora Garden Club. She was a long-time East-End Council of Garden Clubs’ blue-ribbon winner with horticulture entries and flower arranging. Also, she was a member of the Birmingham Antique Doll Club.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law: Susan Moorer-Edmonds and Rodger Edmonds; and Laurie and Ken Buchanan; her grandchildren: Ashley Buchanan, Ryan Buchanan, and Matthew Moorer-Edmonds; brother Ralph Hornsby (wife Trish Hornsby); sisters: Sara Martin (husband Rev. Doug Martin), Martha Head, and Katherine Farris (husband Terry Farris); plus many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband: Roy Lee Moorer, Jr. and her parents: Artis and Grace Hornsby; grandson Kris Krzistetzko; brother Alfred Hornsby, and brother Waymon Hornsby.

Appreciation is expressed to the care team at Aspire Cahaba and to Comfort Care Hospice.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., with service to follow at 12 p.m. Sunday December 23, 2018 at Jefferson Memorial Gardens-East / Trussville, Alabama.

Rayburn E. “Ray” Smith oct. 20, 1928 – dec. 22, 2018 Rayburn E. “Ray” Smith was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on October 20, 1928. He passed away on December 22, 2018, at his home in Trussville. He was preceded in death by his parents, O.Z. and Alyne Smith, and his son-in-law, Rick Jesup. Ray grew up in Lucedale, MS; attended Mississippi State University, and was an active member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Ray graduated in 1950 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Following graduation, during the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. Following his service, Ray worked for Dupont as an engineer in the Construction Division. He married the love of his life, Lula “Lou” Fancher in 1953. After five years at five sites with Dupont, Ray and Lou moved to Birmingham where he began a long career with Rust Engineering.

When he retired in 1986, Ray was Chief Electrical Engineer, primarily focused on the pulp and paper industry. Ray was an active member of the International Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, and worked as a consult for several years after retirement. He maintained his professional certification until 2013, he was 85 years old. Ray joined Huffman Baptist Church in 1959 where he served in various capacities including Sunday School Director and was a life Deacon. He also served as an electrician on 19 mission trips with Builders for Christ in various parts of the United States. Ray was a devoted member of Rotary International where he had perfect attendance for 31 years. He volunteered with the yearly Rotary Golf Tournament, and especially enjoyed working with young people at local high schools through Rotary’s Interact Program. Ray loved his family and friends and took every opportunity to spend time with them. He stayed in touch with his classmates at Lucedale High School and never missed a class reunion. In addition to visiting all 50 states, he toured much of the world. On some of his trips, he got to play golf, one of his favorite past times. Having the opportunity to putt on the green at St. Andrews in Scotland was a highlight. Ray leaves his loving wife of 65 years, Lula; his children, Warren Smith (Trish), Cindy Jesup, Lisa Norris (Wayne), Alice Murdoch (Michael); his grandchildren, Dr. Lexie Jesup (Dr. Jason Buckley), Derrick Jesup, Aaron Norris (Dr. Caroline), Ronnie Norris (Courtney), Steven Murdoch, Andrew Murdoch; 2 great-grandchildren; sisters, Geraldine Danford and Bernice Brasher; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, AL on Wednesday, December 26 from 5pm until 7pm. The funeral will be held at Huffman Baptist Church on Thursday, December 27, 2018, at 2pm, with gravesdie service following at Jefferson Memorial Gardens. Dr. Larry Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Huffman Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.

Eva Cosby november 17, 1930 ~ december 17, 2018 (age 88) Eva passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family. Eva was born in Jefferson County to James Coy Fox and Author Lee Fox. Her brothers, JC and Herbert, preceded her in death, as well as her beloved husband of 47 years, Daniel Marion Cosby. Eva is survived by her three children, Sue, Danny and Tommy; grandchildren Tammy, Keith, Caron, Josh and Katie, twelve great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. The Cosby Nursery in Trussville was a labor of love for Eva. In addition, she faithfully taught children at First Baptist of Trussville for over 50 years. Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 21, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Home in Trussville. Family will receive friends Thursday, December 20 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

William Lankford november 1, 1936 ~ december 19, 2018 (age 82) William Austin Lankford Jr., 82, died Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018 at Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham, Ala. Lankford, known by most as Bill, was born in Birmingham on Nov. 1, 1936. Raised by parents, Betty and Austin, Bill spent his early years in the communities of Norwood and Crestwood, eventually graduating from Woodlawn High School. He attended Auburn University from 1956-1960 finishing with a degree in Electrical Engineering. A stint in the Army Air Corps (117th TAC Recon Wing) took him to France during the Berlin Crisis and upon return, Bill assumed a role at East Birmingham Bronze Foundry. He invested his entire career in the growth of the foundry, which the family started in 1930, ultimately becoming President in 1981. He was the soul of the organization until the last castings were poured in 2003. Bill’s children, John, Jamie and Janet were raised in a farm house he built with his own two hands on a piece of property in Shelby County. He filled their childhood with magical memories of romping through the woods, raising various farm animals and many other sweet adventures. He helped found a Christian school in Vestavia, started Boy Scout Troop 226 in Hoover, AL and always kept his children amidst his curiosity and his work. Bill will always be remembered as a compassionate man. There was no challenge too great and no problem that couldn’t be thoughtfully considered and solved. His outlook on life serves as an inspiration to all who encountered his gentle and humble disposition. Among his countless undertakings as a creative soul and craftsman, Bill is best known as a builder of friendships and classic wooden sailboats. He and Helen, his beloved wife, of 26 years, logged thousands of miles across the Southeast, attending, entering and, more often than not, winning wooden boat shows. The duo, known as Pappy and Granny by their 15 grandchildren, opened the doors to their lake house in Pell City for holidays and many impromptu gatherings. Their 4th of July celebrations were things of legend and every trip to the lake was a passport to adventure as each child learned and laughed. His is a story of unbridled curiosity and a creative will that broke the bounds of fear and pushed the horizons of his own imagination. Bill is survived by his wife of 26 years Helen; his daughters Jamie Chappel (Mark), Janet Moran (John), sons John Lankford (Laura), Paul Hill (Regina) and John Hill (Michelle); 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. There will be a visitation Friday, December 21st from 5PM to 7PM at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville, AL. The celebration service will be at 11AM on Saturday, December 22nd at First Baptist Church Trussville with visitation from 10-11AM.

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Trussville, Al Trussville

The Trussville Tribune

Page 12

Dec. 27, 2018 - Jan. 2, 2019

Opinion We lost some great leaders in 2018

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse As is my custom at the close of the year, I like to memorialize great Alabamians who have appeared and lived legendary lives upon the stage of political history in the Heart of Dixie.

This year we have had some real legends. I have expanded the geographical limits to outside of Alabama to include two of the greatest men in American history.

America’s greatest preacher and one of the nation’s great presidents passed away.

Most of these fellows lived a long time.

One of my favorite men I ever had the privilege to know, Mr. John “Bubba” Trotman, died in February at age 93 in Montgomery. Mr. Bubba was born and raised in Troy, but he spent his entire life in Montgomery.

He was the best known cattle farmer in Alabama. He served a stint as President

of the National Cattleman’s Association. Bubba played football at Auburn and loved the Loveliest Village on the Plains. Bubba Trotman epitomized the term, a true southern gentleman.

My mama grew up with Bubba in Troy. They graduated high school together. One day I told mama that Bubba was one of the finest gentlemen I had ever met. She said he was just that way growing up in Troy. A lot of people in Montgomery loved Bubba,

Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse but a lot of people in Troy did too.

Billy Graham died in February at the age of 99 at his beloved mountain home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. He was probably the greatest preacher in American history. He was America’s preacher.

Speaking of great preachers, Dr. John Ed Mathison, the legendary Methodist minister in Montgomery did not pass away this year, however, he has made his mark as one of the greatest preachers in Alabama history. John Ed Mathison gave a masterful Eulogy for his friend, Milton McGregor, who passed away in March at age 79. Milton McGregor had a lot of friends throughout the state. He was born and raised in Hartford, and spent his early adult life in the Wiregrass.

Alabama lost one of its greatest entrepreneurs and charitable benefactors when Milton passed away. He cre-

ated thousands of jobs and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes for Macon County and the State of Alabama. There are untold stories of people who he personally helped who were down on their luck. He used his personal jet to transport people he did not even know to hospitals all over the country for medical care, more than he used it for himself.

He and his wife, Pat, donated millions to charitable organizations as well as their church, Frazer United Methodist in Montgomery.

Milton McGregor was the ultimate family man.

He was devoted to his wife, Pat. They were married 50 years. He loved his wife Pat and their two daughters, Cindy and Kim, better than life itself. He was an intensely loyal friend to those he called his friends.

Birmingham Congressman, John Buchanan, Jr. passed away in March at age 89. He was one of Alabama’s and Jefferson County’s first Republican Congressman, having been elected in the 1964 Goldwater Republican landslide in the state. His father was the longtime pastor of the legendary, prominent, Southside Baptist Church.

His congregation included most of the City’s wealthiest and most powerful businessmen. It was where Liberty National Life founder, Frank Samford, went to church along with his friends and associates. Samford University was built with Liberty

National money.

C.C. “Bo” Torbert passed away in June at age 88 in his beloved Lee County.

He served eight years in the Alabama House and served two four-year terms in the Alabama Senate. He was elected Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court in 1976 and was Chief Justice for 12 years. He was a great Alabama leader and a gentleman.

Our 41st President, George H. W. Bush passed away at the age of 94 in Houston, Texas on December 1, 2018. Bush served as President from 1989 to 1993.

Bush was a true statesman and gentleman. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later as a Congressman, U.S. Ambassador, our CIA Director, and Vice President prior to being elected President of the United States.

Even though the above resume of distinguished service puts him in a league very few Americans in U.S. history can lay claim to, he personally was probably prouder of having been a star first baseman on his Yale Baseball team.

We lost some icons in 2018.

Happy New Year.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

Dec. 27, 2018 - Jan. 2, 2019

The Trussville Tribune

Page 13

Faith

Kids talk about God: Why did god send his son to earth as a baby?

By Carey Kinsolving and friends “I think a baby is a sign of love,” says Casey, age 9. “God sent our Savior as a baby because when babies are born, everybody thinks they are special,” says Buck, age unknown.

Yes, babies are special signs of love, but there’s more to the story, says Richard, 9: “God sent our Savior as a baby because kings would want to kill him. If he was big, he would be easily tracked.”

An angel warned Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt.

Herod, the Jewish king, felt threatened when wise men from the East showed up asking, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews?”

If Jesus had come with

Carey Kinsolving

great fanfare, King Herod would have sent his soldiers to a specific house in Bethlehem. Instead, he ordered the massacre of all children in Bethlehem two years old and younger.

“God sent our Savior as a baby because he wanted to show us that God is our Mighty God and that even a baby could lead us to the right path,” says Karly, 11.

“The mystery of godliness” describes the ultimate paradox. Who can comprehend the depth of the descent Jesus experienced when he left the glories of heaven to enter a world dominated by self-centered people?

Almighty God experienced the limitations of humanity.

Jesus grieved over people who rejected him and his mission to save the world from being separated from his Father. His own disciples, like others, thought the Son of God would come in great power and majesty to set up an earthly kingdom. Even they weren’t above

jockeying for position in his kingdom.

God’s way is different, says Stewart, 12: “If Jesus didn’t come as a baby, people would be convinced immediately that he was the Son of God.” During his ministry, Jesus spoke of those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. God’s ways are often hidden. An angel announced the birth of the Savior to shepherds watching over their flocks by night, not to government officials in Jerusalem or Rome.

The greatest drama in all history unfolded that night in Bethlehem, yet VIPs were conspicuously absent. The emperor in Rome probably had never heard of Bethlehem.

Even for the majority of residents in this small, obscure town, it was a routine night.

Spiritual reality is like that.

Usually, it doesn’t come with flashing neon lights. It’s subtle, small and seemingly insignificant. Those with spiritual eyes see it.

“I think God came as a baby because He wanted us to know that He is humble and a servant,” says Will, 11.

Will’s comments remind me of the Apostle Paul’s summary of Jesus’ incarnation: “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8, NLT).

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.

Merry Christmas!

Think about this: Almighty God sent his Son to this Earth as a baby born into humble circumstances.

Memorize this truth: Philippians 2:6-8 quoted above.

Ask this question: If God’s Son humbled himself for us, shouldn’t we be more concerned about His reputation than our own?

“Kids Talk About God” is written and distributed by Carey Kinsolving. To access free, online “Kids Color Me Bible” books, “Mission Explorers” videos, a new children’s musical, and all columns in a Bible Lesson Archive, visit www.

KidsTalkAboutGod.org.

the rip in the fabric creation?

Jesus was the answer. He said, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches.

Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:4,5) Jesus is truth (John 14:6) and we must abide in Him. God made it possible for man to take hold of truth and wear it.

“Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt

of truth…” (Ephesians 6:1314a). Jesus represents this belt of truth that will not die.

Adam and Eve chose a belt that would die. Their choice of material for their covering will forever serve as a symbol of the very corruption man experienced that day.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8).

Today we are blessed beyond measure to be able to choose between these two belts.

I choose the belt that will not fade, the Belt of Truth that’s been Tailor Made.

A note from the Harp.

Richard preaches for the Deerfoot Church of Christ

Tailor made

By Richard Harp With a brand-new year comes another birthday for this old world. This new year means we have a new resolution and new beginning, tailor-made for us. Yet with this concept, we are also reminded that the world is not getting newer, but older. Things that get older wear out. They fade and pass away. Is this what was intended by the Tailor? Is this what God had in mind?

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to

futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (Romans 8:18-21).

This subjection to futility came when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate from the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

“Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves (belts) loincloths” (Genesis 3:7).

When Adam and Eve saw that they were uncovered, they felt shame. They had to do something to be clothed.

Richard Harp

The first fashion statement by the second tailor and seamstress was designed and created. They took fig leaves and sewed them together to en-

sure their nakedness problem would go away. Their efforts, it seemed, had worked and they were covered by their newly-made belts.

There was one problem.

The green material they used had always been green. It had only just been subjected to corruption. Death had begun its slow perversion, but had not been detected. There was no reason for them to think that this was a poor material to use for their covering. Even as God spoke with them, their covering was drying out and would soon become useless.

Material was beginning a new cycle of life where death completed the circle. How would this be rectified? What did God have in mind to mend

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for Jefferson County, Alabama and Incorporated Areas The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, reflecting proposed flood hazard determinations within Jefferson County, Alabama and Incorporated Areas. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. Technical information or comments are solicited on the proposed flood hazard determinations shown on the preliminary FIRM and/or FIS report for Jefferson County, Alabama and Incorporated Areas. These flood hazard determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.

However, before these determinations are effective for floodplain management purposes, you will be provided an opportunity to appeal the proposed information. For information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, as well as a complete listing of the communities affected and the locations where copies of the FIRM are available for review, please visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/bfe, or call the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).

Page 14

D KI S

The Trussville Tribune

Dec. 27, 2018 - Jan. 2, 2019

Tribune

Each month, The Trussville Tribune invites students to submit stories to Tribune Kids for their own special column. The list of the upcoming topics will help you plan.

Please also try these guidelines in order for students to have a better chance of having their writings published.

Please send all writings to tribunekids@gmail.com or bring to The Tribune located at 190 Main Street, Trussville.

Each year, the Watt family tries to decorate their home exactly the same as the year before. It’s hard to do! How many differences can you find?

2017

anta’s workshop is having some trouble getting each jack-in-the-box assembled correctly. Study the blueprint to see what the finished product should look like. Then, draw the missing part or parts on each jack-in-the-box below.

TRIBUNE KIDS MONTHLY WRITING

C O R N E R Family What is unique about your family?

Deadline: December 28 Publish Date: January 3

2018

Principal If you were principal, what would you do?

Deadline: January 4 Publish Date: January 9 Frosty What if my snowman turned into Frosty?

Deadline: January 11 Publish Date: January 16

Winter Would you rather be hot or cold? Why? Deadline: January 18 Publish Date: January 23

TRIBUNE KIDS MONTHLY WRITING

GUIDELINES 1. Keep length between 50 and 100 words.

2. Follow directions for the topic. Creativity is great but is the entry on topic?

3. Make sure all entries are legible.

4. Include students’ name, school, grade and parent’s email on each entry submitted.

5. Screen for appropriateness. We try to avoid potentially embarrassing entries, but sometimes it is not obvious.

Note: Parents or teachers should include a note if an entry is exceptional for a particular student that might not otherwise stand out.

TRIBUNE KIDS WRITING SUBMISSIONS

Last month we reached out to young readers and writers asking “What does Christmas mean to you?” These are their submissions. DeDe’s Book Rack has partnered with The Trussville Tribune to award two $5 gift cards each week. The winners will be announced each Friday following the paper’s release on Wednesday via email.

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Chr istmas

Chr istmas

Chr istmas

Submitted by Zach Friday, 10-years-old

Submitted by Olivia Szkolnik 9-years-old

Submitted by Eleanor Szkolnik 6-years-old

To me, Christmas means the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, presents, elf fun, cookies, family and Christmas vacation. I like to watch my mom decorate for Christmas and help make Christmas cookies.

Christmas means to me spending time with my family and loves ones. It also means celebrating the remembrance of Jesus’ birth. I like it when we unwrap the cellophane ball and candy comes out!

Christmas means to me Jesus’ birth and family and spending time with the people you love. My favorite activity is probably Christmas arts and crafts and making Christmas cookies with my Aunt Lissie.

The Trussville Tribune

Dec. 27, 2018 - Jan. 2, 2019

Page 15

Tribune Living Southern Bits and Bites Recipes for the holidays

By Tanna M. Friday Editor TRUSSVILLE — A south Georgia native has a love for all things delicious and values home cooking. Publishing a cookbook for USA Today’s best-selling author, Suzanne Johnson, began merely as a check off to her bucket list.

Today Johnson’s love of cooking and sharing easy, delicious recipes has provided her an opportunity to connect with a vast number of hungry readers and viewers through bits of family memories and bites delicious recipes.

GAME DAY WINGS with BLUE CHEESE DIP hh 3 pounds chicken wings, cut into thirds and tips discarded hh ½ cup hot sauce hh 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning hh 1 teaspoon salt hh 6 cups oil, for frying hh 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter hh 1 bottle Russian dressing In a large bowl, toss the wings with ¼ cup hot sauce, steak seasoning and salt. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Heat oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 375 degrees.

Fry wings in oil until crisp and a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees, about 10-12 minutes.

Drain on paper towels. While the wings are draining, melt butter in a small bowl for 1 minute in the microwave. Add remaining ¼ cup hot sauce and Russian dressing to the butter and mix well. Transfer wings to a large bowl and pour sauce over them. Toss to coat and serve.

BLUE CHEESE DIP hh ½ cup sour cream hh ½ cup mayonnaise hh 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce hh 1 tsp salt hh 1 tsp pepper hh 1 tsp garlic powder hh ½ cup crumbled blue cheese In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

FRIED PICKLES and FRIED PICKLED OKRA hh 1 jar pickled okra hh 1 jar hamburger dill pickle slices hh 2- 8oz container sour cream hh 1 cup cornmeal hh 1 cup flour hh 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning Oil for frying

In a Dutch oven or deep fryer bring about 6 cups of oil to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream with the pickle juice from the jar.

Next, mix together the flour, cornmeal and Cajun seasoning in a medium bowl. Dip each piece of okra and pickle slices into the sour cream mixture and then into the dry mixture.

Add about 6 at a time to the fryer and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Repeat until all okra and pickles have been fried. Drain on paper towels.

SPICY SAUCE hh 1 cup mayonnaise hh 2 tbsp sriracha hh juice of 1 lemon In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and refrigerate for at least 30 minues before serving.

SPICY CORN DIP hh 1 (15.5 ounce) can white corn hh 1 (15.5 ounce) can yellow corn hh 8 ounces cream cheese hh 1 cup mayonnaise hh 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese hh 1 tablespoon garlic powder hh 1/2 cup green onion, chopped hh ¼ cup fresh jalapeno, chopped (seeds removed) hh 1 teaspoon salt hh 1 teaspoon pepper hh 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper hh 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded hh 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes Preheat oven to 350 de-

grees. In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients except for 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and red pepper flakes.

Place in a baking dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake for 30 minutes.

Remove from oven and top with red pepper flakes.

MARGARITA CHEESECAKE BITES hh 1 cup crushed pretzels hh 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted hh 2 tablespoons sugar hh 2 (8 ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened hh 1 cup powdered sugar hh Juice and zest of 1 lime hh 1 tablespoon tequila hh 1 teaspoon vanilla extract hh ½ teaspoon salt Line 24 mini cupcake tins with liners. In a large bowl, mix together pretzels, butter and sugar. Press an even layer of crushed pretzels into the bottom of each muffin tin using the back of a spoon. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until combined. Mix in remaining ingredients, reserving some of the zest for the topping. Spread evenly over pretzel crust and top with remaining lime zest.

Freeze for 1 hour or until ready to serve.

tablespoons butter, melted

hh ¼ cup white sugar hh ¼ cup brown sugar hh 1 tablespoon ground

cinnamon Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Unroll pizza crust and spread evenly with Nutella and melted butter, in that order.

Sprinkle remaining ingredients evenly across all of the dough.

Roll up dough lengthwise and slice into 1 inch thick rolls.

Place on a greased 9 x 9-inch pan and bake for 15 minutes.

Top with Cream Cheese Icing. hh Cream Cheese Icing hh 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, softened hh 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese hh 1 teaspoon vanilla extract hh 3 cups powdered sugar In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, combine butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until blended. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time until all 3 cups are blended.

LASAGNA ROLLS hh 1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained hh 1 large bottle of marinara sauce hh 12 lasagna noodles, cooked hh 1 large container ricotta cheese hh ¼ cup basil pesto

hh 1 egg hh ½ cup grated parmesan hh 2 cups mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine beef and marinara sauce in a large saucepan and simmer over low heat for at least 30 minutes. Cook noodles according to package.

Drain and place noodles flat on parchment paper. Combine ricotta cheese, basil pesto, egg and Parmesan cheese in a medium bowl and spread evenly on noodles. Place half of the marinara sauce in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Roll noodles with cheese mixture from end to end and place on top of sauce.

Spread remaining meat sauce over rolled noodles and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20 minutes.

PUMPKIN SPICE LOAF with SPICED ICING hh 1 8 count can flaky layer biscuits hh 1 can pumpkin filling hh 1 cup sugar hh 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice hh 1 stick butter, melted Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. On a large plate, mix together sugar and pumpkin pie spice. In a separate bowl add the butter. Separate dough into 8 biscuits. Separate each bis-

cuit into 2 layers, making a total of 16 biscuit rounds. Dredge each biscuit into the melted butter. Then dip each side into the sugar mixture. On a second large plate place down 4 biscuit rounds a time. Top with 1-2 tablespoons of pie filling.

Stack biscuits in 4 piles of 4 biscuits each. Place stacks on their sides in a row in loaf pan, making sure sides without filling are on both ends touching pan. Bake 50 minutes or until loaf is deep golden brown and center is baked through. Cool 10 minutes. Top with spiced icing to serve.

SPICED ICING hh 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened hh 1 stick butter, softened hh 1 tsp vanilla extract hh 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice hh 3 cups powdered sugar In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, combine butter, cream cheese, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice until blended. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time until all 3 cups are blended.

To read more about Suzanne Johnson, visit www. southernbitsandbites.com. She is also on Facebook at SouthernBits&Bites, and Instagram SouthernBitsand_Bites.

CHOCOLATE CINNAMON ROLLS with CREAM CHEESE ICING hh 1 package refrigerated pizza crust hh ¼ cup Nutella hh 3

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“This project was supported by Subgrant #16-VA-VS-076 awarded by the Law Enforcement / Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the U.S. Department of Justice.” The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or grant-making component.”

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Page 16

The Trussville Tribune

Sports

Dec. 27, 2018 - Jan. 2, 2019

Local players headline National Signing Day Oklahoma Sooners. Quick will also join the Tide as an early enrollment.

Huskies’ four-star receiver Ja’Varrius Johnson signed with Auburn. On the defensive side, Tyler Antkowiak and Creed Parker both signed to play at the University of North Alabama.

Joining Quick and Tyson at Alabama will be ClayChalkville defensive tackle DJ Dale after he signed his letter of intent, as well, to join the Crimson Tide.

The back-to-back 6A state champions Pinson Valley Indians had three to sign. Quarterback Bo Nix joins Johnson after officially signing with Auburn and will have a chance to compete for the starting quarterback position under head coach Gus Malzahn and new offensive coordinator Kelly Dillingham on the Plains.

Indians’ receiver Geordan Pollard, a big time target for Nix during their days at Pinson Valley, signed with Austin Peay. Defensive end Joel Parker signed with Kennesaw State.

By Damian Mitchell Sports Editor TRUSSVILLE — National Signing Day for the 2019 season has begun as many high school football players across the nation honor their commitments and sign national letters of intent to become early signings for their respective college programs.

Hewitt-Trussville had five

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players sign their letters of intent. Offensive tackle Pierce Quick and quarterback Paul Tyson both signed to play at the University of Alabama.

Tyson has been in Tuscaloo-

sa prior to the official signing period, as he has participated in practice for the Crimson Tide as they prepare for their upcoming college football semifinal matchup with the