The Trussville Tribune – Dec. 29 - Jan. 4, 2021-2022

The Tribune

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

From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for its 2021 Ned & Goldie Paine Memorial Gatekeeper Awards.

FRI

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74 65

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Birmingham Bowl

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www.TrussvilleTribune.com

Dec. 29 - Jan. 4

Trussville Chamber now accepting nominations for annual Gatekeeper Awards

WED THU

Phil Williams

Page 6

2021-2022

Trussville City Council approved rezoned properties, amended business license classification and fees

Trussville declares January Human Trafficking Awareness Month

By Hannah Caver Staff Writer

TRUSSVILLE — The City of Trussville declared the month of January Human Trafficking Awareness Month at the city council meeting on Tuesday, December 28.

See AWARDS, Page 4

See JANUARY, Page 3

Trussville teen charged in April 2020 shooting death of classmate gets trial date

Leeds Police Department hosts ‘Shop with a Cop’ From The Tribune staff reports

From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — A Trussville teen charged with capital murder now has a trial date.

Steven Chase Lafoy, charged with capital murder in the death of Trent Thomas See TRIAL, Page 5

New facility for St. Clair County Sheriff’s investigation department Special to the Tribune

ST. CLAIR COUNTY — As St. Clair County grows, so do the needs of protecting its citizens.

Recently, the St. Clair County Commission purchased a facility in Pell City from Steve Hobbs that used See ST. CLAIR, Page 3

Slight chance for severe weather in the coming week From The Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM — A slight chance for severe weather is predicted to begin on Wednesday, December 28.

According to the National Weather Service, some strong to severe storms are expected Wednesday afternoon and evening.

See WEATHER, Page 4

The Trussville City Council meeting took place on Tuesday, December 28. (Photo by Hannah Caver)

By Hannah Caver Staff Writer

TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Council approved several rezoned prop-

erties, and amended business license classification and fee schedules on Tuesday, December 28.

The 2021-034-PZ ordinance was to rezone Truss-

ville Ridge to Q-RG Qualified Garden Residential from R-2 Single Family Residential. This rezoning encompassed the following site addresses:

• • • •

4630 Commerce Drive 4733 Commerce Drive 4741 Commerce Drive 4338 Wind Song Way

See TRUSSVILLE, Page 2

Senator Shay Shelnutt re-files bill to ban gender-changing procedures in children

By Brandon Moseley 1819 News

Legislation has been prefiled in the Alabama Senate ahead of the 2022 Alabama Regular Legislative Session that if passed would ban surgical procedures, the use of puberty blockers, and the use of massive doses of hormones, to change the gender of a child.

The legislation is sponsored in the Alabama Senate

by State Sen. Shay Shelnutt (R-Trussville). Shelnutt carried the bill in 2021 as well.

Shelnutt told 1819 News that his bill does not prevent any adult from having any medical procedure. All it does is protect a child from having anything cut off or from being given puberty blockers or hormones that will have irreversible consequences that would affect them for their whole lifetime.

Shelnut has pre-filed his bill as Senate Bill 5.

“I am going to refile my bill so that it uses the same

Sen. Shay Shelnutt

language as Wes Allen’s,” Shelnutt said.

State Rep. Wes Allen’s (R-Troy) version has not been pre-filed yet.

The bill passed the more conservative Alabama Senate during the 2020 Alabama regular legislative session but ran into a buzzsaw of opposition in the Alabama House.

The bill never made it to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote.

1819 news asked Shelnutt if there was a concern if this legislation passes, that the LGBTQ community and the mainstream media would boycott the State of Alabama.

“They try to do that anyway,” Shelnutt said. “I have no concern about that.”

According to the synopsis of Shelnutt’s current version, “This bill would prohibit the performance of a medical

procedure or the prescription or issuance of medication, upon or to a minor child, that is intended to alter the appearance of the minor child’s gender or delay puberty, with certain exceptions. This bill would provide for the disclosure of certain information concerning students to parents by schools. This bill would also establish criminal penalties for violations.”

The bill states, “The longterm effects and safety of the administration of puberty-blocking medications and cross-sex hormones to gender incongruent children have not been rigorously studied. Absent rigorous studies showing their long-term safety and positive benefits, their continued administration to children constitute dangerous and uncontrolled human medical experimentation that may result in grave and irreversible consequences to their physical and mental health.”

See SHELNUTT, Page 5

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News - Pages 1-5 Opinion - Page 6 Calendar - Page 7 Classified - Page 7 Obituary - Page 7 Sports - Pages 8-10

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Fabric Machines Classes Demos

LEEDS —The Leeds Police Department (LPD) hosted “Shop with a Cop” on Monday, December 2o.

“Our officers raised money during their no shave November and wanted to do something for the families in the community that have a need,” LPD Cheif Paul Irwin said.

See SHOP, Page 4

Trussville implements fire prevention code reinspection fees

By Hannah Caver Staff Writer

TRUSSVILLE — The City of Trussville approved an ordinance on Tuesday, December 28, authorizing the billing of reinspection fees to owners and occupants of commercial structures who fail to correct violations of the fire prevention code.

See REINSPECTION, Page 5

Argo Police Sgt. Jack Como named ‘Officer of the Year’

By Crystal McGough For The Tribune

ARGO – Argo Police Chief Glenn Wells presented Sgt. Jackson A. Como with the “Officer of the Year” award at the regular city council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021.

See ARGO, Page 3

The Trussville Tribune

Page 2

Trussville

The

From front page

Trussville Tribune 190 Main Street Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664 Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com Tanna M. Friday, Managing Editor news@trussvilletribune.com Bobby Mathews, Sports Editor bobby.mathews@trussvilletribune.com Hannah Caver, Staff Writer SALES STAFF Ryan Jennings, Director of Advertising & Sales Shari Moore, Account Executive Meredith White, Account Executive Lauren Taylor, Office Mgr/Traffic Coord.

Member of the Alabama Press Association

• 4747 Commerce Drive • 7900 Wind Song Drive • 4351 Wind Song Lane The following restrictions will apply within this qualified Q-RG zone: • All rear setbacks shall be at least 35 feet; • All side setbacks shall be at least 10 feet with the accumulative total being 25 feet; • Each lot shall contain at least 15,000 square feet and be at least 85 feet wide; • Each residence shall have at least 1300 square feet of liveable space on the main level, and • There shall be no front-loaded garages on residential lots along any pass-through streets between Stockton and Wind Song neighborhoods.

Two ordiance received its first reading. One ordinance was to rezone 6670 Green Drive to IN-2 (institutional) from R-1 (single family). The other ordinance was to rezone 3652 Sutton Avenue, 3642 Sutton Avenue, 3632 Hawkins Street, 3645 Springfield Street, 3627 Sutton Avenue, 3621 Sutton Avenue, 3613 Sutton Avenue, and 3616 Deyempert Avenue to A-1 (agricultural) from R-2 (single family). The vote for both will take place during the January 11, 2022 regular meeting.

The council approved an Ordinance to Amend Section 18-65 license classifications with regards to yard sales and certain mobile food service and Section 18-66 license fee schedules with regards to certain mobile food service, insurance companies and rental property.

Section 18-65 was amended to read “PEDDLERS, ice cream, peanuts, sandwiches, donuts, etc. de-

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livered by basket, handcart or truck, direct selling, tables, tent, non-cooked and packaged food; yard or garage sales.”

Section 18-66 “Schedule ‘A’ — Basic” was amended to read “$150 plus an amount equal to 1/10 of 1 percent (.001) of gross receipts in excess of $50,000 of the gross receipts for the previous year.”

“Yard or garage sales shall only take place at the residence, in accord with all other City Ordinances.

There shall be no more than four yard or garage sales occurring over any twelvemonth period at any one residential address. At no time shall any yard or garage sale event operate longer than three consecutive calendar days. There shall be no permit fee for yard or garage sales. All yard or garage sales should be registered with the Inspections Department.” “*Peddlers with prepared food sales only — $50 flat fee.”

Section 18-66 “Schedule ‘U’ — Insurance” was amended to read “Insurance Agent — $150 plus an amount equal to 1/5 of 1 percent (.002) of gross commissions in excess of $50,000.”

“Insurance Adjuster — $150 plus an amount equal to 1/5 of 1 percent (.002) of gross fees for services rendered in excess of $50,000.”

“Insurance, Fire and Marine — Pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, § 11-51-120 — $4 on each $100 or major fraction thereof of gross premiums, including renewals when such renewal includes additional property or persons within its coverage at the time it is renewed, provided that new companies shall pay a flat minimum license of $50 for the first year on which there shall be an adjustment at year end.”

Dec. 29, 2021 - Jan. 4, 2022 “Insurance, Other than Fire, Marine and Fraternal — Pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, § 11-51-121—$20 plus $1 on each $100 and major fraction thereof of gross premiums, including renewals when such renewal includes additional premiums.”

“Insurance Brokers and Insurance Activities Not Listed Elsewhere — $150 plus an amount equal to 1/5 of 1 percent (.002) of gross fees for services rendered in excess of $50,000.”

Section 18-66 “Schedule ‘Y’ — Rental Property — Residential, Commercial, Mini-Warehouses, and Telecommunications Towers” was amended to read “Minimum license fee shall be $150 plus 1/10 of 1 percent (.001) of gross receipts of such rentals.”

Mayor Buddy Choat also told the council that the Trussville Police Department has ordered reflective devices to worn by walkers, joggers, and bicyclists at night. The reflective devices are free to the public and can be found at City Hall, police department, library, and Civic Center.

“Since it gets dark earlier now the time you see a lot of people on Parkway Drive, which is where a lot of people actually jog and walk,” Chief Eric Rush said.

In other matters, the Council approved: • Proclamation Declaring January 2022 Human Trafficking Awareness Month; • First Reading Only: Ordinance to Rezone 6670 Green Drive to IN-2 Institutional from R-1 Single Family Residential; • First Reading Only: Ordinance to Rezone 8 Properties off Sutton Avenue to R-2 Single Family Residential from A-1 Agricultural; • Public Hearing Regarding Proposed Trussville

Ridge Rezoning; • Ordinance to Rezone Trussville Ridge to Q-RG Qualified Garden Residential from R-2 Single Family Residential; • Ordinance to Authorize Billing Reinspection Fees to Owners and Occupants of Commercial Structures Who Fail to Correct Fire Prevention Code Violations; • Ordinance to Amend Chapter 18 Businesses License Classifications and Fee Schedules; • Resolution to Adopt the City’s 2022 Storm Water Management Program Plan, aka SWMPP; • Promote Annette Krucina and Jennifer Eaves to full-time Gymnastics Instructors (Grade 12 – Step 1), effective January 1, 2022, and • Hire Leah Commer as part-time Library Circulation Clerk (Grade 12 – Step 1), effective January 1, 2022.

Auditing accounts • Accounts payable; • 2022 Municipal Court Magistrate Training for Court Clerk Beth Burden, Fridays January 28 through February 25 in Montgomery. $250 registration fee; • Parks and Recreation $29,880 purchase of zero-turn infield groomer vehicle for baseball and other infields. Exempt from Competitive Bid Law under the sole source exception, State Code 41-16-75, and • Advanced Narcotics Investigations for Police Detective Anthony Martin, Feb 7-11 in Nashville, Tennessee $475 registration fee plus accommodations.

The next Trussville City Council workshop will be on Tuesday, January 11 beginning at 5 p.m. and the regular meeting will begin at 6 p.m.

The Trussville Tribune

Dec. 29, 2021 - Jan. 4, 2022

Local / Region

January From front page

According to the proclamation presented to council members, the City of Trussville seeks to enhance public welfare, protect public safety, and promote human flourishing for all residents and visitors by declaring that freedom from human trafficking is a fundamental human right.

Amy Wager from Child Trafficking Solutions Project accepted the declaration announcing January as Human Trafficking Awareness “It’s really important that we do this because this helps our entire city become aware of the signs of human trafficking and how to look for it, how to notice it,” Wager said.

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in which victims are forced to work in various forms of exploitation, including debt bondage, forced marriage, labor, and commercial sexual exploitation of adults and minors, that are induced through force, fraud, or coercion.

Wager explained that in the last two weeks, the Child Trafficking Solutions Project has been working to recover four children who were victims of sex trafficking. Two of the children were from the Birmingham area, and the other two children were from the Montgomery area.

The Department of Homeland Security has estimated that in the Birmingham Metro Area, “sexual exploitation is about $110 million a year.”

“That’s just right here,” Wager said. “That does not include child sex trafficking or illicit massage parlors. I have been advocating in all these different industries that filter into this, and we are so appreciative of your cooperation and teach people how they can rec-

From Left to Right: Councilwoman Lisa Bright, Councilman Ben Short, Amy Wager, Ava Wager, Mayor Buddy Choat, and Councilman Alan Taylor.

(Photo by Hannah Caver)

ognize the signs and help.”

The proclamation stated that Trussville is committed to ensuring that our community is prepared to recognize signs of human trafficking.

“Our police department has gone through training to identify human trafficking because it came about when Birmingham was awarded the World Games,” Mayor Buddy Choat said. “Were anticipating that number she called that’s, that’s a real number, $110 million, but Birmingham is a hotspot for 1-20 coming across.”

The risks of human trafficking have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Economic turmoil, financial hardship, isolation, and the shuttering of schools and other programs have resulted in increased opportunities for human trafficking, particularly online, and resulted in fewer places for victims to turn to report exploitation and fewer chances for the abuse to be recognized.

“The City of Trussville a Trafficking Free Zone and encourage all residents to join us in raising the visibility of this crime and to become more informed about ways to prevent, to recognize, and to respond to potential victims of human trafficking in our community,” Choat said.

The World Games 2022 Birmingham is an international sporting event that will bring

thousands of athletes, as well as countless tourists and media, to the Birmingham metro area. An increase in tourists seeking entertainment, including commercial sex, increases the potential risk for exploitation and human trafficking.

The proclamation stated that due to its isolating nature, many individuals remain unaware that trafficking is a threat to their neighborhoods, families, and children. The first step in eliminating human trafficking in our community is to educate others. We must work diligently to ensure that all front-line industries, educators, and first responders are aware of this issue and how to spot it; and The City of Trussville will continue its efforts to make the City a Trafficking Free Zone by combating the human trafficking of our children and vulnerable adults and mitigating the associated public safety, economic and health risks to our community in collaboration with the Child Trafficking Solutions Project and other anti-human trafficking organizations by: • Combating labor trafficking, servitude, and commercial sexual exploitation through comprehensive education of our staff; • The implementation and enforcement of zero-tolerance policy against any act which may support human trafficking; • Supporting collaborative community-based solutions across a continuum that includes prevention, recovery of victims, and prosecution of perpetrators, and • Asking all citizens of the City of Trussville to join city officials in promoting a shift away from the culture of tolerance toward human trafficking.

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Argo

From front page

The title, as well as the trophy and plaque that go with it, came as a surprise to Como, who had been told that he would be giving the police department’s report for the city council that evening.

During Como’s report, Chief Wells and Captain Alan Busler entered the council chambers and presented Como with the award.

“I first met Jack when he was appointed to the State

St. Clair From front page

to be Southern Food Brokers located on Bruce Etheridge Parkway. The facility is two-story and is between 4,500-5,000 square feet in size.

Sheriff Billy Murray said the facility will now be used by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division, and 14 investigators will be assigned to that facility.

“It is critical, as the county grows, that we have the resources we can utilize for investigation purposes,” Murray said. “This facility will fit that need.”

Murray added that it is crucial for the future that they plan for the growth.

“We need the resources that we can utilize to fight crime,” Murray said.

Chairman Paul Manning said they are working on taking care of new growth – something they have been looking at for years.

“It has been and will continue to be the vision of this commission to plan for the future,” Manning said. “The need is obvious, and we have

Page 3

Board of Pharmacy by Governor Riley,” Wells said. “He was one of the board members for five years, and then one day he said, ‘Can I come ride with you at Argo?’ And he did. He liked it so much that he wanted to join the reserve program. He did. Did the driver’s license checks, came out at night, chased somebody through the woods one night, had a heart attack, had four stints put in, went to the academy, came back and here he is doing a great job. … You certainly do deserve this; Santa

brought this.”

Wells also said that Como and his wife, Deborah, painted the police department.

“I’m shocked,” Como said, to which Wells replied that he was not.

In other business, the city council unanimously approved a motion to change the regular meeting time of the Argo City Council to immediately follow the 5 p.m. work sessions.

The next meeting of the Argo City Council will be Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, at the Argo Municipal Complex.

to realize that this facility will take care of two departments within the sheriff’s office.”

Commissioner Tommy Bowers said the addition of this facility to the county is another step in making sure St. Clair County continues on the right path.

“We are headed in the right direction to keep our citizens safe,” Bowers said.

“This will also furnish our investigators with a work environment that will help them do their job. We have some of the best law enforcement in the state located right here in St. Clair County. This facility will be a great addition to our sheriff’s department. I am proud to be part of this county team and the purchase of this facility.”

Commissioner Bob Mize said thanks to Chairman Paul Manning, Sheriff Billy Murray, and Steve Hobbs, the county was able to purchase this facility for future law enforcement advancements.

“I am just so very thankful we were able to purchase this facility for the future growth of St. Clair County,” Mize said. “Mr. Hobbs was very gracious in this acquisition.

We have now purchased a

facility that matches the skill level of our law enforcement here in this county. This facility is second to none.”

Commissioner Jeff Brown said he wanted to thank everyone involved in purchasing the building.

“Mr. Steve Hobbs worked with us very well,” Brown said. “Mr. Hobbs, the county commission, and the sheriff all worked well on it. We make a good team. We made a good purchase because it was needed. It was probably a little overdue. This is a great facility for a great group of people.”

Commissioner Ricky Parker said he, too, would like to thank Mr. Hobbs for making this facility available to the county.

“This is something we needed in the sheriff’s department for a long time,” Parker said. “I believe Sheriff Murray and his staff are grateful to us for doing this for them. This will allow us to move two of Murray’s units to this facility which is going to free up two of our other locations. I think this was a great move for the county and the sheriff’s department.”

The Trussville Tribune

Page 4

Awards From front page

Nominations must be received in the chamber office

by Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 4:00 p.m.

For more information or to request a nomination form, email june.mathews@trussvillechamber.com. Nomination forms are also available on www.trussvillechamber. com.

Shop

From front page

“I contacted Superintendent John Moore and Principal Justin Burns on selecting kids in the community that have a need.”

Fifteen fifth graders from

Dec. 29, 2021 - Jan. 4, 2022

Leeds Elementary School were selected for “Shop with a Cop.” Each child received a $250 gift card to shop with a Leeds Police Officer at Trussville Academy Sports. The children could use the money to buy for themselves or for others.

Leeds Police Department hosts Shop with a Cop. (Photo courtesy of Chief Paul Irwin) Photo courtesy of Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce website

Since 1966, the Gatekeeper awards have honored outstanding service to the Trussville community. Award nominations for individuals and groups are accepted.

Award winners will be honored during the chamber’s “Toast of the Town: Celebrating Trussville’s Best” event on the evening of Tuesday, February 1.

Bryant Bank is the Presenting Sponsor for “Toast of the Town: Celebrating Trussville’s Best” is Bryant Bank.

The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce seeks to provide leadership and coordination of efforts that will contribute to the economic vitality and quality of life of the Trussville-area community.

Leeds Police Department hosts Shop with a Cop. (Photo courtesy of Chief Paul Irwin)

Weather From front page

Wednesday will be a mostly cloudy day, with showers

“We are very excited about this event and as the new chief here in Leeds I know this will make an impact on our relationship with the community and I am proud of the excitement

and commitment of our officers and employees for this event,” Irwin said. “I know this is going to make a lot of kids and their families happy during this special time of the year.”

and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon and into the evening hours.

Damaging winds up to 60 mph will be the primary risk,

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Dec. 29, 2021 - Jan. 4, 2022

Reinspection From front page

According to the proclamation presented to the council members, the ordinance is an adoption of the International Fire Code promulgated by the International Code Council and the Life Safety Code published by the National Fire Protection Association with respect to structures in the City of Trussville.

Mayor Buddy Choat explained that before the ordinance, when the Fire Marshal’s Office would cite an establishment for breaking one of the codes during the reinspection if the code was still broken, there was no way to reinforce the code.

“By law or by ordinance, we didn’t have any way to make them do all that,” Choat said. “We could have pulled their business license and shut them down. But, we don’t want to do that; we just want it’s all about public safety.”

The City of Trussville’s Fire Marshal’s Office conducts inspections on commercial structures within the

Shelnutt From front page

SB5 continues, “Studies have shown that a substantial majority of pre-pubescent children who claim a gender identity different from their biological sex will ultimately identify with their biological sex by young adulthood or sooner when supported through their natural puberty.

There is no psychological or medical test that can differentiate between the majority of children who will desist from their gender incongruence and the minority who will not. Research shows that the administration of puberty-blocking medications or cross-sex hormones forecloses the possibility of a natural

city to ensure compliance with the fire prevention code, as well as all applicable National Fire Protection Association Codes, International Code Council Codes, and City Ordinances.

The proclamation states that the adoption of this Ordinance concerning the billing of inspection fees for fire official services arising from failures by owners and users of commercial structures to correct violations of the fire prevention code will promote the public safety, health, and general welfare of all citizens by promoting compliance with that code and permitting recovery of expenses incurred by the fire official.

Choat said that this is a way for the city to ensure that the fire codes are met for safety precautions.

“When the fire marshal goes in there and inspects if they haven’t fixed the violation now we have a way to get their attention monetarily,” Choat said. “It’s a small amount of money, and it’s not even about the money; it’s a public safety thing.”

If, in the course of a fire

recovery from this condition.”

Specifically, SB5 would prohibit medical providers from altering children by: • (1) Prescribing, dispensing, administering, or otherwise supplying puberty-blocking medication to stop or delay normal puberty.

• (2) Prescribing, dispensing, administering, or otherwise supplying supraphysiologic doses of testosterone or other androgens to females.

• (3) Prescribing, dispensing, administering, or otherwise supplying supraphysiologic doses of estrogen to males.

• (4) Performing surgeries that sterilize, including

The Trussville Tribune

Trussville Fire and Rescue (Photo courtesy of Trussville Fire and Rescue Facebook page)

safety inspection, the fire official identifies a violation of the fire prevention code at a commercial structure, that official may: • Furnish notice of such violation to the owner or occupant of that structure; • Instruct either of them to correct said violation on or before a date specified in that notice; • Advise either of them that the official will make a subsequent visit to the structure on or about that date to verify that the violation identified in the iniDescription Fee Reinspection fee for fire official services Reinspection fee for fire official services

castration, vasectomy, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, orchiectomy, and penectomy.

• (5) Performing surgeries that artificially construct tissue with the appearance of genitalia that differs from the individual’s biological sex, including metoidioplasty, phalloplasty, and vaginoplasty.

• (6) Removing any healthy or non-diseased body part or tissue.

There are exceptions to allow treatments for a minor born with a medically verifiable disorder of sex development, including • (1) An individual born with external biological sex characteristics that are irresolvably ambiguous,

tial notice of violation has been corrected, and • Further advise either of them that, if correction of the violation of the fire prevention code is not completed by the stated date of the subsequent visit, the city will charge the owner or occupant, and they will be obligated to pay the city for each visit to the structure that the fire official may make after the date specified in the initial notice of violation to verify compliance.

After the fourth reinspection fee, a Summons to court will be issued to the property owner and/or occupant, and the business license shall be suspended until all violations can be corrected. Failure to pay the “Reinspection fee for fire official services” within a period of 30 calendar days will result in a Summons to court for a “failure to pay” violation. (in dollars) $100 for first and second Reinspection $250 for each Reinspection thereafter

including an individual born with XX chromosomes with virilization, XY chromosomes with under-virilization, or having both ovarian and testicular tissue.

• (2) An individual whom a physician has otherwise diagnosed with a disorder of sexual development, in which the physician has determined through genetic or biochemical testing that the person does not have normal sex chromosome structure, sex steroid hormone production, or sex steroid hormone action for a male or female.

Violating this law would be a Class C felony. The standard sentence for a Class C felony in Alabama is a term

Page 5

Trial

From front page

Parkerson, will face a jury trial at 9 a.m. on May 9, 2022 according to court documents filed Friday, December 17.

He will also have a pre-trial hearing on motions and matters related to the case on February 9 at 10 a.m.

Lafoy was 17 at the time of the shooting, on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.

Lafoy was originally given a bond and posted a $500,000 property bond to be released from the Jefferson County Jail. However, that bond was revoked after

Trent Parkerson.

he was arrested in November, for possession of marijuana.

He has remained in jail since.

Police believe Lafoy shot and killed Parkerson outside of a home in the 7600 block of Happy Hollow Road.

Parkerson, 18, was pronounced dead on the scene.

He was inside a locked vehicle.

Detectives said Lafoy and Parkerson, who were friends, got into a physical altercation over a theft that had occurred.

They believe Parkerson was attempting to leave when he was shot with a rifle.

Both teens were students at Hewitt-Trussville High School. They were also teammates on the varsity football team.

Lafoy is considered innocent until proven guilty.

between 366 days and 10 years.

The bill also states that “No nurse, counselor, teacher, principal, or other administrative official at a public or private school attended by a minor shall do either of the following: • (1) Encourage or coerce a minor to withhold from the minor’s parent or legal guardian the fact that the minor’s perception of his or her gender or sex is inconsistent with the minor’s sex.

• (2) Withhold from a minor’s parent or legal guardian information related to a minor’s perception that his or her gender or sex is inconsistent with his or her sex.

There was opposition from psychologists during the last session.

In this version, “Nothing in this act shall be construed as limiting or preventing psychologists or psychological technicians from rendering the services for which they are qualified by training or experience involving the application of recognized principles, methods, and procedures of the science and profession of psychology.”

SB5 currently has no cosponsors in the Senate.

SB5 has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Healthcare chaired

by Sen. Jim McClendon (R-Springville).

The 2022 legislative session begins on Jan. 11, 2022.

The Trussville Tribune

Page 6

Opinion

Dec. 29, 2021 - Jan. 4, 2022

As goes the King, so goes the Country

By Phil Williams 1819 News Commentary

There’s an old saying that “heavy is the head that wears the crown.” It speaks to the fact that leadership bears the burden of responsibility and that it can be lonely at the top. In my experience, whether running a business, standing for public office, or commanding a military unit, those are truisms.

But there’s another old saying as well: “As goes the King, so goes the Country,” which refers to the fact that the man or woman at the top can set the tone, steer the ship, and can help stoke the fears or quiet the discontent, all by the way that he or she leads and addresses situations – especially crises.

There is a great movie that outlines this fact. A true story was made into film back in 2010 called “The King’s Speech.”

The title was a double entendre referring both to a speech given by the King of England at the onset of WWII and the fact that the King had a little-known but very serious speech impediment.

Just prior to the Second World War, the then King of

England abdicated his throne.

As a result, his younger brother Prince Albert very unexpectedly took the throne as next in line. Albert had a serious speech impediment that had haunted him for years but, because of the times in which they lived, most of England had no idea.

But soon after Albert took the throne, England entered into war with Nazi Germany. It was a dark time, filled with uncertainty as Hitler marched across the continent and the United States was not yet involved. England was very much alone and the people needed to hear from their King – the same King who had trouble speaking in public.

To be sure, a speech impediment is something for which there should be no shame. But the new King had never addressed the broader public and his inability to speak was seen by his advisors, -and himself – as something which, when heard by radio, could have been mistaken for fear and cause a total loss of national morale. But the young King had been working with a speech therapist whose methods were new and different. It was a truly heroic story as this man, whose head was

Phil Williams is Policy Director for the Alabama Policy Institute.

heavy with the crown during a time of war and international crisis, stood in a dimly lit studio and without a hitch – without a trace of his speech shaking – he rallied the nation and faced Hitler with resolve.

He could’ve just said “someone else give the speech.” He could have also just as easily chosen not to labor to be what his people needed and just botched the whole thing. But he was determined to be what his people needed because he knew that “As goes the King, so goes the country” is more than just a cliché.

I can think of some other examples like this in the Bible. In Joshua 24 we find that Joshua, who followed Moses and led the nation of Israel into the Prom-

ised Land, was dealing with a recalcitrant people. But he didn’t threaten, cajole or mandate. He just told them all “decide this day whom you will serve … but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord,” and the people followed him. In another biblical example, King Josiah took the throne of Judah. A few years later he was shocked to find a copy of the Scriptures. The nation of Israel had so forgotten its roots and strayed so far that even the King himself had never read Moses’ words. But when he did, he rallied the nation and personally read the words of the Bible to the people. Josiah’s story ends in 2 Kings 23 by saying that no king before him and no king after him turned to the Lord so well and with all his soul and with all his strength … and he led the people there as well.

My point is this: leadership matters. Not just leadership by virtue of one’s position, but leadership exhibited by deep care and concern for the wellbeing of one’s people, the history and viability of the nation, and a real and concerted effort to preserve them for future generations – and to project confidence in doing so.

I say this as both an example and as a contrast to what I’m seeing in leadership in our state and nation right now. It is not enough to simply say, “I’m in charge.” To some degree, you have to earn it.

State governors and national presidents are vital. They are required by our constitutionally mandated form of governance, so we’re always going to have both. We can see right now that it is possible for someone to be thrust into those positions who have not a clue what it means to inspire, to be selfless, or to sacrifice greatly so that others may rise.

A part of the fabric of this nation of ours is our freedom of expression, self-determination, and the ability to choose our leaders.

Even the most effective leader will have to prove themselves and, in the process of doing so, it will naturally come to be that people will look to see how that leader expresses/acts in a crisis.

When times are dark or tough, the troops look to the commander for confidence and direction.

I have worked for some great leaders with whom I would gladly storm the gates of hell. I’ve also worked for some self-serv-

ing sycophants whose authority came only from their position rather than their personal effectiveness.

Right now, our State and Nation need more than just platitudes, threats and mandates.

None of us want hollow rhetoric or empty executive orders. None of us want mandates. We want to know that tomorrow the sun is going to rise and we’re going to be here to see it and here is the plan to get us through to that sunrise.

In this next go-around of state and federal elections, we must find that man or woman who can inspire and truly lead.

Someone who can make decisions in the clutch in a timely and effective manner. Someone who knows how to rally the people to their best moments in their worst times not because they say so, but because they lead so.

After all, “As goes the King, so goes the Country.”

Phil Williams is a former State Senator, retired Army Colonel and combat veteran, and a practicing Attorney. He has served with the leadership of the Alabama Policy Institute and currently hosts Rightside Radio M-F 2-5pm on WVNN.

Legislation to address critical race theory in Alabama schools is coming in 2022 Editor’s Note: This is an opinion column.

By Paul DeMarco

This past year, one of the most controversial issues was the debate over critical race theory being taught in the Na-

tion’s schools.

Alabama parents were also part of the fight to keep this progressive agenda out of their K-12 schools as well. The Alabama State School Board addressed this issue earlier this year, but there is still concern there needs to be a stronger pro-

hibition put into law.

Now, as we approach the 2022 Alabama Legislative session that begins just weeks away in January, legislation has been introduced that will ban educators from trying to force students to support divisive issues surrounding race. You can expect

a lot of discussion and debate before this bill gets a full vote.

Faculty at the University of Alabama want their school trustees to fight the legislation.

And there are a lot of political heavyweights that lobby for Universities in Montgomery that could try to kill the bill.

Lawmakers should put the best interest of students and their parents before some academics, who are more concerned about teaching an ideology than education.

Alabama state representatives and senators should pass this legislation and protect stu-

dents from those that want to push their own politics.

Parents should watch with interest what happens at the Alabama Statehouse in the new year.

Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives.

Dec. 29, 2021 - Jan. 4, 2022

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Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille is ready to ring in the New Year with a Rare and Well Done® experience. Patrons can join in on Perry’s New Year’s Eve festivities by partaking in the 3-course, prix-fixe menu offered on Friday, Dec. 31 from 10:30 a.m. to close with choice of one of each of the following: six soups or salads, nine entrées and four desserts. The menu features some of Perry’s finest innovations, from its White Bean Pork Chili to Perry’s Famous Pork Chop, Pumpkin Cheesecake and more.

Perry’s Famous Pork Chop Friday® Lunch and its lunch and dinner menus will also be available for dine-in or to-go on New Year’s Eve from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pork Chop Friday Lunch is a special lunch-cut serving of Perry’s signature Pork Chop

complemented with whipped potatoes and homemade applesauce for only $17.

To dine in, join Perry’s from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for $75 per person or from 5:45 p.m. to close for $85 per person. Enjoy curbside pickup for $75 per person from 10:30 a.m. to midnight. To top off the night, patrons dining at the spark of the new year can enjoy a complimentary bubbles toast at Perry’s Bar 79 at midnight.

On New Year’s Day, Saturday, Jan.1 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., patrons may partake in tradition, as New Year’s Day classics like Perry’s seasonal, off-the-menu dishes – Black Eyed Peas and Sauteed Cabbage – are available to ensure a year of well wishes and positivity.

The New Year’s Eve 3-course options are as follows: Soup or salad (select one): Lobster Bisque, French Onion Soup, White Bean Pork Chili, Signature Wedge Salad, Caesar Salad, Field Green, Pear & Candied Pecan Salad Entrée (select one): 8-oz.

Filet Perry – wrapped with applewood-smoked bacon and topped with blue lump crabmeat, Pecan-Smoked Caramelized Prime Rib, Perry’s Famous Pork Chop, Chargrilled Salmon – with Lemon Dill Butter, Cedar Plank-Fired Redfish, 14-

Cynthia Bailey Grice

3, 1955 ~ december 22, 2021 (age 66) august

Cynthia Grice, age 66 of Pell City passed away on December 22, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, her husband, Samuel Grice and her granddaughter, Teagan Delk. She is survived by her brother, Bill Bailey; son, Zachary Grice (Christina); daughter, Claire Delk (Cody); grandchildren, Brantley Delk, Elliana Delk, Nikolas Grice and Amanda Grice

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oz. Upper Choice New York Strip, 14-oz. Prime New York Strip (add $10), Chicken Oscar, Spaghetti Squash Primavera (All entrees, except Spaghetti Squash Primavera, are served with whipped potatoes and seasonal vegetables) Dessert (select one): Pumpkin Cheesecake, Dessert Trio, Chocolate Crunch, Flourless Fudgy Chocolate Cake Reservations for New Year’s Eve are limited. Please visit www.perryssteakhouse. com or call 205.968.1597 to make your reservation today. Perry’s lunch and full dinner menu will also be available until 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. For to-go orders, order and pay online for car-side pickup at https:// perryssteakhouse.com/togo/. For more information about Perry’s New Year’s Eve offering, visit https:// perryssteakhouse.com/specials/new-years/.

A credit card is needed to make reservations, and a $25 per person cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations made after Dec. 29. Tax and gratuity is not included in prix-fixe menu cost.

Tax plus 15 percent handling fee will be applied to food on to-go purchases. No gratuity necessary.

Venue Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

Page 7

Bobby Joe Cosby

12, 1933 ~ december 23, 2021 (age 88)

july

Bobby J. Cosby, age 88 of Pinson, AL, passed away at his residence December 23, 2021. Bobby was born in Etowah County, AL on July 12, 1933. He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force. Bobby married the love of his life, Juanita Morris Cosby and is survived by his four children, Rodney Cosby (Lynn), Donna Brown (Nauvelle), Wanda Edwards (Don), Bill Cosby; 12 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; sister, Faye Parker (Al), and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Monday, December 27th for visitation from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral home in Trussville, AL. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a charity of your choice.

Marie Brasell

3, 1927 ~ december 19, 2021 (age 94) september

Marie Chance Brasell, born September 3, 1927, in Selma, AL, the daughter of Helen Dear Morgan and James Bruce Chance, died Sunday, December 19, 2021 at Fair Haven. She was preceded in death by her son Glenn Lidell Brasell, Jr, and her husband Glenn Lidell Brasell, Sr. Survivors include her three children, Beverly Jean Brasell (Joseph Slane), R. Bruce Brasell, and Patricia Brasell Murray (Alan); three grandchildren, Tiffany Sealy Kemp, Francis Trevor Sealy, and Winston Dory Sealy; and three great grandchildren, Michael Chance Stembridge, Ashton Grace Kemp, and Tatum Marie Sealy. Marie grew up in Pine Hill, AL living with her mother and brother in her grandparent’s house with no running water and no electricity. She always told her children, “Life is about people, not things.” She died on the Forth Sunday of Advent when we light the Love candle.

Her hospice person that night was Angel, and her Fair Haven nurse was Grace. She died surrounded by Love and Grace and Angel(s) which is the way she lived. A graveside service will be held at Mobile Memorial Gardens on Thursday, December 30, at 12:00. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to do something for “one of the least of these” (Matthew 25:40) as a way to honor Marie’s generosity.

Ask Eddie

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5 Reasons You Should Pre-Plan Your Funeral Planning your own funeral is an important way for you to ensure the service happens exaPre-planning a funeral (also known as preneed) is a funeral plan that is made while someone is living. Pre-planning a funeral can be done at any time. You can do it by yourself or with a family member. It can also be helpful to enlist the support of a funeral director if you have any questions or need advice about different options.

When you pre-plan you can make big decisions, such as whether you would like to be buried or cremated, where you would like the service to be held, or where you would like your final resting place to be. But you can also make smaller decisions such as what kind of food you would like served or what songs you would like played.

Pre-planning a funeral has many benefits.

You can give yourself and your family peace of mind. Many people have definite ideas about what they want or do not want to be done surrounding their death. It can provide comfort to know that you have written down your desires. And it can be comforting to your family knowing that are able to honor your wishes.

You can save money. When the time comes to plan a funeral, there is often little time allowed for shopping around. Many families may rush to plan a funeral which may lead to paying higher costs. Pre-planning can allow you that time to shop around and compare prices.

You can be more financially prepared. If you know what your funeral plan will cost, you can find ways to start paying for it. You could visit a funeral home to set up a pre-need plan where you pay the costs of the funeral outright while you are still living. You could also look into other payment methods such as setting up a savings account or purchasing insurance.

Either way, you take much or all of the financial burden off your family members.

You can save your family time and stress. Grieving is already difficult and having to plan a funeral or memorial service for a loved one can make this time even more challenging. By having a plan in place, you free your family up to focus on supporting each other.

It can help prevent family conflict. When a family member passes away unexpectedly, family members are often left having to guess what they would have wanted. This can lead to disagreements. If you are concerned there may be disagreements on funeral or burial practices within your family, having a plan in place can be very helpful.

To begin pre-planning your funeral, start by writing down your thoughts and wishes. Make sure to keep your document in a safe and accessible place. If you have any questions or need advice, contact your funeral director who can help you get started.

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The Trussville Tribune Dec. 29, 2021 - Jan. 4, 2022

sports Springville vs. Leeds Prep basketball 8 p.m., Jan. 4, 2022

Moody vs. Vincent Prep basketball 7:30 p.m., Jan. 4, 2022

William E. Bright, Jr. Attorney at Law

205-655-9284

Center Point at Hayden Prep Basketball 7:30 p.m., Jan. 6, 2022

Houston stuns Auburn to win Birmingham Bowl

By Bobby Mathews Sports Editor

BIRMINGHAM — With two Auburn starting defensive backs out of the game due to targeting calls, the Houston Cougars went 80 yards in eight plays here Tuesday to defeat the Tigers 17-13 in the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl.

The Cougars (11-2) scored twice in the first half and carried a 10-3 lead into the locker room. But Auburn (6-7) scored 10 unanswered points in the third quarter to go up 13-10, and Houston’s offense looked particularly ineffective as the Tiger defense caused two turnovers to

Tank Bigsby looks for running room during Auburn’s 17-13 loss against Houston in the 2021 Birmingham Bowl. (Photo by Ron Burkett)

Blue Devils blow out Southeastern

keep momentum away from the Cougars.

However, Auburn defensive back Smoke Monday was called for targeting while blocking for an interception in the fourth quarter. Monday had been called for targeting in the first half, but replay overturned that call.

The second time, the ruling was upheld and Monday was ejected.

However, Auburn’s Jaylin Simpson went headfirst into Cougars’ quarterback Carlton Tune after the quarterback went into his slide at the end of a play on Houston’s final drive.

See BOWL, Page 10

Springville wins Gaston tournament

By Josie Howell The St. Clair Times

GASTON — The Springville boys basketball team won three straight games to claim the Gaston Christmas tournament crown.

The Tigers beat Piedmont 50-38 in the tournament opener and Moody 63-48 in the semifinals before polishing off Class 6A, Area 13 rival Pell

The Springville Tigers pose with the trophy from the Gaston Christmas tournament. (Contributed photo)

City 59-35. The Tigers head into Christmas break at 15-2, including 3-0 in Area 13.

“I am really proud of our team,” Springville coach Jeremy Monceaux said. “Anytime you get to compete in a tournament format with a championship on the line, it gives your team a great opportunity to improve and grow in meaningful games.

“It feels really good to

bring a championship trophy home to our Springville community and I hope this experience will help our team in big games later in the season.”

To kick off the tournament, they beat Piedmont, with Derek Moore leading with 10 points and seven rebounds. Carson Kersch posted eight points and five assists.

See TIGERS, Page 10

MOODY — The Moody Blue Devils routed the host Southeastern Mustangs basketball team by a final score of 72-46 In their next game, the Blue Devils face the Vincent Yellow Jackets in a non-are game, on Tuesday, January 4. Moody will attempt to improve upon on its 10-6 season record. The Yellow Jackets enter the game with a 5-7 record after a 63-44 loss to Childersburg.

Green Wave girls set for Mounties LEEDS — The Leeds girls basketball team will play host to Shades Valley on Monday, January 3, 2022.

The Green Wave is 6-6 and coming off of a tough 84-21 loss against Hewitt-Trussville, one of the top girls’ teams in Class 7A. Shades Valley lost their last contest against Central-Tuscaloosa, 38-28 on December 21, 2021.

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Dec. 29, 2021 - Jan. 4, 2022

The Trussville Tribune

Page 9

Hewitt-Trussville’s Finkley, Clay-Chalkville’s Johnson finalists for endof-season awards

From The Tribune staff reports

Moody High School pitcher Hollie Graham (center) signed with Coastal Alabama to play college softball. (Photo by Bobby Mathews)

Blue Devils’ Hollie Graham signs with Coastal Alabama

By Bobby Mathews Sports Editor

MOODY — Meet Hollie Graham outside the pitcher’s circle and you’ll find a nice, polite young woman who loves to read Harry Potter and hang out with her friends.

It’s inside that chalk where the Moody High School senior turns into someone that batters don’t want to see.

Graham pitched 144 innings, went 5-2 in the postseason and had 13 complete games as a junior for the Blue Devils. She’s gone the distance in 17 games and pitched one shutout. Now the powerful hurler has signed to play softball at the collegiate level with Coastal Alabama Community College.

It was an easy decision for Graham to choose to sign with Coastal, a two-year community college located in Bay Minette, near the Florida line.

“No. 1, it’s close to the beach, and I like the beach a lot,” Graham said. “It’s near one of my favorite beaches, Pensacola, and honestly, I re-

ally liked the way their team dynamic was, the way the team was put together.”

Graham plans to get her core academics out at Coastal Alabama, and then hopefully transfer to Jacksonville State, where she plans to major in forensics and become a forensic scientist after she finishes her secondary education Graham’s plans to play college ball don’t surprise her high school coach.

“I am so incredibly proud of Hollie,” said Moody head coach Becky Seymour. “She has worked so hard both on the field and off. She takes so much pride in her ability to control and place the ball wherever she chooses. For the past two years, I have had the privilege to watch her grow not only in physical toughness but mental as well.”

The mental aspect of the game is one of the biggest keys for Graham, Seymour said.

“She is one of the most headstrong pitchers I have had the opportunity to coach.

She shows little emotion,

maintaining her composure even in the toughest of situations,” Seymour said. “I truly believe her dedication to her craft, her ability to rise above challenges, and her headstrong demeanor will help her be extremely successful at the next level.”

Graham, the daughter of Kristi Scott and Jeff Graham, is looking forward to playing collegiate ball.

“I’ve been playing softball since I was about four years old,” Graham said. “I started pitching when I was 11, maybe 10. I love the community of it, being able to be out there with my friends.”

As far as when she gets into the circle, Graham said it comes down to mental focus.

“I just try to keep my mind clear,” she said. “I try not to think about anything and block everybody out. I think that’s mainly the big reason I’ve been successful.”

To relax away from the diamond, Graham likes to read and clean.

“Oh, I’m definitely a clean freak,” she said, laughing.

MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Sportswriters Association has named its finalists for linemen and back of the year, and a pair of local players have made the lists.

Hewitt-Trussville's Justice Finkley was named a finalist for 7A lineman of the year, while Clay-Chalkville's Khalib Johnson is a finalist for 6A back of the year.

The ASWA selects three back and three linemen finalists from each of the seven AHSAA classifications and the AISA. They will be honored at the annual Player of the Year banquet in Montgomery on Jan. 13.

The full list of finalists is below: CLASS 7A Back of the year Conner Harrell, QB, Thompson Ryan Peppins, WR, Thompson Evan Smith, QB/ATH, Oak Mountain Lineman of the year Jeremiah Alexander, EDGE, Thompson Drew Bobo, OL, Auburn Justice Finkley, DL, Hewitt-Trussville CLASS 6A Back of the year Khalib Johnson, QB, Clay-Chalkville Braylon McReynolds, RB, McGill-Toolen Earl Woods, QB, Hueytown Lineman of the year Trevon McAlpine, DL, Saraland John McMillan, LB, Mountain Brook Jaquavious Russaw, DL,

Khalib Johnson runs for yardage during Clay-Chalkville’s 6A state championship victory over Hueytown. (Photo by Ron Burkett)

Justice Finkley (file photo)

Carver-Montgomery CLASS 5A Back of the year Quinshon Judkins, RB, Pike Road DeMarcus Lacey, RB, Pleasant Grove Parker Martin, QB, Fairview Lineman of the year Anez Cooper, OL, Pleasant Grove Robert Courtney, LB, UMS-Wright Khurtiss Perry, DL, Pike Road CLASS 4A Back of the year Antonio Kite, DB/ATH, Anniston Will Stokes, RB, Madison Academy Walter Taylor III, QB, Jackson

Lineman of the year Deuce Spurlock, LB, Madison Academy Michael Towner, DL, Vigor Robert Woodyard, LB, Williamson CLASS 3A Back of the year Jeremiah Cobb, RB, Montgomery Catholic Jashawn Cooper, RB, Montgomery Academy Jack Hayes, QB, Piedmont Lineman of the year TJ Dudley, LB, Montgomery Catholic AJ Odom, DL, Oakman Landon Smart, LB, Piedmont CLASS 2A Back of the year Emmanuel Henderson, RB, Geneva County Jammarian Johnson, WR/ DB, Clarke County Logan Washburn, QB, Cleveland Lineman of the year Keldric Faulk, DL, Highland Home Koby Keenum, OL, Mars Hill Bible Caden Story, DL, Lanett

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The Trussville Tribune

Page 10

Bowl

From page 8

Simpson was ejected from the game, and Houston got an extra fifteen yards on the penalty.

A few plays later, Tune hit Jake Herslow as the senior receiver broke free on the right side for a touchdown with 3:27 left in the game. Dalton Witherspoon’s PAT was good, and the Cougars led 17-13.

also going 8 plays for 57 yards and a field goal in the third quarter. Auburn finally pulled ahead in the third when they went 78 yards in 11 plays and T.J. Finley hit Kobe Hudson from 12 yards out. Ben Patton’s PAT was good, and the Tigers had pulled ahead 13-10.

Without two of their starting defensive players in the lineup, however, the lead couldn’t hold.

The ending was a bitter one for Auburn, as the Tigers lost

Malcolm Johnson Jr. makes a catch for Auburn during the Tigers’ 17-13 loss against Houston in the 2021 Birmingham Bowl.

(Photo by Ron Burkett.)

With Auburn trailing and time winding down, the Tigers managed only eight yards in four plays, turning the ball over on downs.

In 11 possessions, Auburn punted six times and turned the ball over on downs twice.

The Tigers managed three scoring drives, going 67 yards in 8 plays to score a field goal with 3:10 left in the first half, while

Tigers From page 8

In the semifinals, the Tigers were faced with county rival Moody. While the Blue Devils put up a good fight, Springville raced out for a 19-3 lead in the first quarter to stay ahead and take the win. Kersch once again picked up his team scoring 16 points. He was 4-for-8 from the 3-point line. Collin Lockhart provided a boost with 11 points.

The championship game came down to Springville and Pell City, with the Tigers winning by 24.

their last five games of the season under first-year coach Bryan Harsin.

Finley was 19-of-37 for 227 yards and a score for the Tigers, while Tank Bigsby totaled 96 yards on 16 carries.

For Houston, Tune went 26of-40 for 283 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Alton McCaskill had 16 carries for 78 yards for the Cougars.

The duo of Moore and Kersch once again led the Tigers, as Springville got 17 points and seven rebounds from Moore and 12 points and five assists from Kersch.

Coming back from a knee injury and sitting out some of the season, Kersch was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

The Tigers will return to their home court as they host the Leeds Green Wave on January 4.

This story originally appeared in The St. Clair Times and is used with permission.

Dec. 29, 2021 - Jan. 4, 2022

Moody's Skylar Black signs with Bevill State

Special to The Tribune

MOODY — Moody High School senior Skylar Black will be playing softball at the collegiate level as she recently signed a scholarship to play for Bevill State Community College.

Black, the 17-year-old daughter of Stephanie Brasher and Chris Black, first committed to Marion Military Institute to play softball.

“But, I got a better offer from Bevill, so I decided with my family that it was the better decision,” Black said.

Black is a utility player and mostly plays center field and middle infield. In 62 games at Moody, Black has a slugging percentage of .455.

In the classroom, she maintains a 3.92 GPA but is undecided on her major.

When asked how it has felt to play for the Moody softball team the past few years, Black said it makes her feel honored to be part of a team that helped build and shape her into the person she is today.

“This coaching staff and team have supported me so very much,” Black said. “Not only me, but every player in the program. I’m just so grateful to be part of it.”

When asked how she felt being on her own at college, Black said she was a little nervous.

“I am excited to go to the next phase of my life,” Black said. “And getting the opportunity to have the responsibility of being on my own.

I’m going to miss my family and friends a lot, but I am so grateful that Bevill allows us to go home on weekends.”

Black said she knows three of the current Bevill players — one is Jana Morrow who was a teammate of hers at Moody and two others

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Moody’s Skylar Black, center, signed a softball scholarship with Bevill State recently. Seated next to her are her mom Stephanie Brasher and her dad Chris Black. Standing, from left, are MHS coaches Maggie Verby and Rhonda Crowe, Moody head coach Becky Seymour, Alabama Thunder head coach Matt Diffy, coach Emily Church and MHS Principal Christopher Walters. (Contributed photo)

who played on her travel ball team.

Her mom, Stephanie Brasher, said the day Skylar entered the world with a smile, it melted her heart.

“I had to cover her hands with tiny socks because she scratched everything around her,” Brasher said. “I think back and you were just throwing a softball like it was meant to be your future.”

Brasher said as years passed, Skylar’s smile kept her smiling.

“When she pulled her own tooth one day, I knew she would always be tough,” she said. “I remember the day I signed her sister Sami up for ball, and I asked Skylar if she wanted me to sign her up. She told me no, but I asked her just to try it.

"I loved playing when I was in high school. I just wanted her to give it a shot.

Now look at her. I am so proud of her, and will always be her number one fan. I love her more every day. So many people say they love you to

the moon and back. But, a momma’s love is way far beyond the galaxy.”

Her dad Chris Black said he was so proud of his daughter.

“I’m looking forward to seeing her excel at the next level,” he said. “I’ve always been there at every practice pushing her along and it has paid off. She is very smart and great at everything she does. She always gives 110 percent. This is a day I have been looking forward to for a long time.”

Moody softball coach Becky Seymour said she is so proud of Black.

“I have watched her grow into a remarkable young woman both on the field and off,” Seymour said. “She is one of those players who makes the game fun. She is electric, energetic and loves to be challenged as an athlete.

She takes so much pride in her ability to contribute and excel both on the field and in the weight room. She makes my job easy and makes me

want to come to practice every day. It has been a privilege to watch Skylar grow into a strong young leader amongst her peers. I am excited to see where she will help lead our team this spring. It is going to be an exciting year for sure.”

Black also played travel ball for the Alabama Thunder. Her head coach was Matt Diffy and he was at Black’s signing last week.

“Skylar is very special to me and my family,” Diffy said. “My 9-year-old daughter thinks the world of Skylar.

It’s funny how a team like this can become more like family.

I consider Skylar one of mine.

I’m excited for her, and excited to see her go to Bevill State. I will get to see her play some because the softball field is right across the street from my house. She will be a perfect fit at Bevill. I am excited for her and know she will do well. This game will take her a lot further than Bevill.”

This story originally appeared in The St. Clair Times and is used with permission.

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