ALL-SOUTH METRO BASKETBALL
Several Huskies appear on team.
BIRTH OF CIRCOOL
A Trussville father’s concern sparks school safety software. 14
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
SERVING TRUSSVILLE, THE 280 CORRIDOR, HOMEWOOD, HOOVER, MOUNTAIN BROOK AND VESTAVIA HILLS
Jefferson County hosts free Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off April 12
Many people do not properly dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW), including paint, automotive products and household and outdoor chemicals, thus creating lots of safety and environmental issues.
“HHW should never be emptied into sinks or drains, flushed down toilets, poured onto the ground, discarded in storm drains or placed in regular trash for pickup,” said Hana Berres, who serves as Stormwater Education Training Manager in the Jefferson County Roads and Transportation Department.
That’s why Jefferson County is sponsoring a free, public Household Hazardous Waste Day on April 12 from 8-11:30 a.m. at three sites:
• First Baptist Church of Gardendale (940 Main St.)
• Classic Car Motoring (3900 Grant Mill Road, Irondale)
• City of Bessemer Public Works Laydown Yard (1205 15th Ave. N.)
The event will allow residents to safely dispose of HHW from their garages, basements, kitchens
and bathrooms, as well as TVs, electronics and paper for shredding.
HHW Items accepted at the drop-off include — but are not limited to — the following:
• Automotive products: such as oil, gas, tires, batteries, cleaners, degreasers and filters.
• Household products: including aerosols, chemicals, cleaners, batteries, and light bulbs and tubes
• Outdoor products: including insecticides,
pool chemicals, yard chemicals and septic tank additives.
• Paint products: such as paints, resins, sealants, stains, solvents, adhesives, thinners, turpentine, varnishes and wallpaper cement.
• Miscellaneous items: including fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, large appliances and household cooking oil and grease.
The county’s other HHW drop-off this year will be held Oct. 18 from 8-11:30 a.m. at Camp Ketona in Birmingham and at Camp Bessemer.
Two other events solely for electronics drop-off and paper shredding will be held May 10 at the Jefferson County Center Point Satellite Courthouse and June 14 at the Jefferson County Valley Reclamation Facility in Bessemer.
ABOUT US
Editor’s Note By Taylor Bright
Is Trussville becoming an innovation hub? With several cutting-edge startups, it just might be.
In this month’s paper, we talk to the CEO of one of those innovative companies.
Jason Routson leads Circool, a company that has developed an app to help schools monitor event attendance and enhance student safety. The app has already been implemented at Trussville City Schools, and if its early reception is any indication, it could soon be adopted by other school systems.
We also spoke with Drew Lolley, a strong supporter of the local community who uses his position at a local car dealership to give
ON
back to Trussville. Plus, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the process of selecting members for the Trussville Board of Education as the city works to fill its latest vacancy.
Looking ahead, next month’s issue will feature the area’s high school Class of 2025, so be sure to check it out.
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Southern Blood Services (8)
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Trussville Chamber of Commerce (11)
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Publisher:
General Manager/Editor in Chief: Community Editors:
Dan Starnes
Tim Stephens
Jon Anderson
Taylor Bright
Sarah Owens
Sports Editor: Digital Editor:
Design Editor:
Graphic Designer:
Multimedia journalist:
Production Assistant: Operations Specialist:
Contributing Writers:
Kyle Parmley
Cady Inabinett
Melanie Viering
Ted Perry
Savannah Schmidt
Simeon Delante
Sarah Villar
Blair Moore
Ella Portwood
Warren Caldwell
Don Harris
Published by: Cahaba Sun LLC P.O. Box 530341
Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 cahabasun.com
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Window World of Central Alabama (11) Legals: Cahaba Sun is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. Cahaba Sun is designed to inform the Trussville community of area school, family and community events. Information in Cahaba Sun is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of Cahaba Sun. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.
THE COVER: Jason Routson holds up the Circool app on his phone, showcasing its ability to keep school events secure. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
ABOUT US
Cahaba Sun extends deadline for Creator Collective applications
By STAFF
If you’re a high school student in Trussville or Clay looking for hands-on experience in journalism and media, there’s still time to apply for the Starnes Media Creator Collective.
The deadline for students at Hewitt-Trussville High School and Clay-Chalkville High School has been extended to April 30, 2025, giving more students the opportunity to be part of this elite mentorship program.
The Creator Collective is a hands-on learning experience designed for high school students interested in journalism, writing, photography, videography and digital media. Participants will contribute to Cahaba Sun and other Starnes Media publications while working alongside experienced journalists and industry professionals.
Selected students will create published articles, multimedia content and social media projects while attending monthly workshops and receiving mentorship from
media professionals.
WHO CAN APPLY
The program is open to:
► Current sophomores and juniors who will be juniors and seniors in the 2025-26 academic year.
► Homeschooled students and students from private schools in Trussville and Clay are also eligible to apply.
► Current high school seniors
(graduating in May 2025) are not eligible for the Trussville extension, as the program begins in the fall of 2025.
HOW TO APPLY
Students must submit:
► A completed application form
► A writing or multimedia sample
► A letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor
► Applications are reviewed based on:
► Creativity and storytelling ability
► Commitment to the program’s mission
► Potential for growth
► Availability to participate in workshops and cover events
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to video conference interviews between May 1-3, with final selections announced on May 10, 2025.
Students will gain practical experience in journalism and media production, including:
► Writing news and feature articles
► Producing videos and digital content
► Managing social media coverage
► Conducting interviews and covering live events
► Additionally, the program will focus on life skills development, such as:
► Résumé building
► College and internship guidance
► Financial literacy
► Networking and personal branding
► Time management and balancing creative and technical skills
The Trussville students will participate for the full 2025-26 academic year, beginning in August 2025. They will not participate in the spring 2025 session but will join all workshops, mentorship sessions and media opportunities when the program resumes in the fall.
Students selected from Hewitt-Trussville and Clay-Chalkville will join those chosen in March from other communities served by Starnes Media publications when the program resumes in fall 2025.
Political newcomers enter Trussville City Council races
By TAYLOR BRIGHT
Whichever way the upcoming Trussville City Council elections go this summer, one pattern has emerged — people who haven’t run for office are taking the opportunity to do so now.
This year’s elections for city council may be the most wide open in years. One reason is the retirement of longtime Mayor Buddy Choat. Two city council members, Lisa Bright
program management analyst at the U.S. Missile Defense Agency who has retired from the U.S. Army, had long considered public service but planned to wait until his children were older. However, after observing some recent council decisions, he felt the time to act was now.
“I really stood out, and I prayed about it for about the last year and a half about whether this is the time that God wanted me to run or not, or if I needed to wait until a different time,” he said. “And it just seemed like the answer kept coming back to run, that this was the time.”
Kimberly Farr, the human resources director at SPOK Automation, is another newcomer. Farr, who serves on the Trussville Industrial Development Authority and is vice president of the Trussville Chamber of Commerce board, said she felt like it was time to serve the community even more, even though she hadn’t planned on running for office.
“That was never really on my radar, until I got involved here,” Farr said. “And I was like if I'm going to serve, I want to serve in a bigger way.”
Horton Lolley Miller Farr
SCHOOLHOUSE
Paine Elementary School receives honor
By STAFF
Paine Elementary School was recently named a CLAS School of Distinction for its program, “Using Cognitive Interest Cues to Spark Curiosity, Enhance Engagement, and Facilitate Deeper Learning.”
The CLAS Banner School program was created in 2001 to recognize Alabama schools that showcase outstanding
programs and services for students. This year, 234 schools were nominated for the honor.
“Congratulations to these wonderful Alabama public schools … Further, the stakeholders at every School of Distinction are to be commended for striving for excellence daily,” said Vic Wilson, executive director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools.
Amazing
happens
When people with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries and innovations happening today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures. And it benefits not only the patients and families who come to Children’s of Alabama, but people across the country and around the world for years to come.
AL org
We are here in your neighborhood at Pediatrics East. To schedule an appointment at either the Trussville or Deerfoot locations visit www.pediatricseast.org
Paine Elementary School. Staff photo.
Business Buzz
HAPPENINGS
RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF
As a kickoff to Trussville Restaurant Week, running May 2–18, participating restaurants will showcase signature dishes and offer special deals. Patrons can also take part in Restaurant Bingo, earning stamps for purchases at participating locations for a chance to win prizes. Restaurants interested in participating should call 205-6557535. Proceeds benefit the TACC Scholarship Fund and community events. The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce will present the annual Taste of Trussville on May 1, 2025, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Trussville Civic Center. The event is sponsored by SYSCO Foodservice, and tickets go on sale March 13 at www.trussvillechamber.com or in person at the chamber office at 400 Main St.
OPENINGS
Scarlet Raven Gaming is now open in Trussvilleof-
fering a welcoming space where people can take a break from screens, connect with others, and enjoy a selection of more than 100 board and tabletop games. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned strategist, there’s something for everyone. The venue is also available for birthday parties, making it a great destination for celebrations. 205-644-6934.
Cahaba Sun is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight
Do you have news to share about a business in Trussville or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings
Ella’s on Main has now opened in downtown Trussville. The new home furnishings and décor store is the latest addition to the heart of the community, offering a thoughtfully curated selection of furniture, home décor, and unique finds designed to bring style, charm, and function to any space. 205-508-3187. ellasonmain.com
Dobbs Ford recently held a grand opening celebration at the dealership’s location. This event coincided with Dobbs Ford celebrating its first full year under new ownership. Over the past year, the dealership has continued to build on its legacy of exceptional customer service, expert vehicle care, and a commitment to the community. 205-854-2222. hulldobbsfordbirmingham.com
Recently sold homes
► ADDRESS: 156 Water Oak Drive
► BED/BATH: 4/3
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,204 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Sherman Oaks
► LIST PRICE: $459,000
► SALE PRICE: $536,500
SOURCE: GREATER ALABAMA MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE
► ADDRESS: 302 Yellow Wood Lane
► BED/BATH: 3/2
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,341 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Trussville
► LIST PRICE: $279,900
► SALE PRICE: $279,900
► ADDRESS: 6929 Honor Keith Road
► BED/BATH: 3/2
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,458 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Trussville
► LIST PRICE: $238,250
► SALE PRICE: $200,000
EVENTS
Community calendar
HERITAGE DAYS 2025
► Where: Various locations in Trussville
► When: Tuesday, April 1–Sunday, April 6, 2025
► Details: The third annual Heritage Days returns to Trussville, celebrating the city’s history, arts, and culture. This year’s event features the Gee’s Bend Quilters, Alabama Plein Air Artists painting throughout the Cahaba Homestead Village, and a songwriter’s round at The Gateway Entertainment District. Other highlights include the Historic Home Tour, showcasing beautifully restored homes in the Cahaba Project.
GEE’S BEND QUILTERS
► Where: Trussville Public Library
► When: Thursday, April 3–Saturday, April 5, 2025
► Details: Experience the artistry of the world-renowned Gee’s Bend Quilters during this three-day event. On Thursday evening, meet quilters Mary Ann and China Pettway at a welcome event where they will share their stories and offer quilts and handmade items for purchase. On Friday and Saturday, participate in a hands-on quilting workshop, sponsored by America’s First Federal Credit Union. Sessions are limited to 24 participants. Cost: $50 per day (plus processing fee). This event is part of Heritage Days 2025, co-hosted by the Cahaba Homestead Heritage Foundation.
TRUSSVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GOLF TOURNAMENT
► Where: Grayson Valley Country Club, 2201 Grayson Valley Drive, Birmingham
► When: Monday, April 7, 2025, 8 a.m.
► Details: The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its 18th annual golf tournament, featuring a shotgun scramble, networking, and prizes, including a chance to win $10,000 for a hole-in-one. The entry fee includes green fees, a cart, range balls, lunch, and giveaways. Each golfer will also receive pro shop credit. Registration is $750 per team or $200 per individual. Presented by M3 Performance and Physical Therapy.
TRUSSVILLE FARMERS MARKET OPENING DAY
► Where: 101 Beech St., Trussville
► When: Friday, April 19, 2025, 8 a.m.–noon
► Details: The Trussville Farmers Market opens for the 2025 season, featuring fresh produce, handmade goods and artisan crafts. Local farmers, bakers and crafters will offer a variety of high-quality products in a community atmosphere. The market will be open every Friday through the fall.
HIT SONGWRITERS AT THE GATEWAY
► Where: The Gateway – Trussville Entertainment District
► When: Friday, April 4, 2025, 7–9 p.m.
► Details: Enjoy a night of live music with a songwriter’s round featuring Adam Craig, Ray Fulcher and Jordan Walker. These songwriters have penned hits for Luke Combs, Kane Brown, Cody Johnson and Jason Aldean. Craig’s single Just a Phase reached the top 30, while Fulcher has written six No. 1 songs and amassed over 30 million streams. Walker, formerly of Walker McGuire, co-wrote Luke Combs’ diamond-certified hit When It Rains, It Pours. This event is free and open to the public.
END OF THE LINE: ALLMAN BROTHERS TRIBUTE
► Where: Ferus Artisan Ales, 101 Beech St., Trussville
► When: Friday, April 25, 2025, 6–9 p.m.
► Details: Enjoy a night of Southern rock with End of the Line, an Allman Brothers tribute band dedicated to recreating the group’s legendary sound. The performance will feature classic hits in the atmosphere of Ferus Artisan Ales.
SPORTS
All-South Metro Basketball
Several Huskies make team
By KYLE PARMLEY
The 2024-25 high school basketball season is in the books. It was a season that included plenty of expected contenders (Hoover’s boys and girls) and some programs that made historic runs (Mountain Brook and Chelsea girls).
There were plenty of outstanding individual campaigns as well, and the Under the Lights All-South Metro Basketball Team highlights the best of the best.
As far as accolades go, Hoover seniors Salim London and DeWayne Brown share this year’s boys Player of the Year award. London and Brown have been stars for the Bucs for four years now, leading the program to three consecutive Class 7A state championships. London averaged 16 points and nearly four assists per game, while Brown averaged a double-double.
On the girls side, Vestavia Hills’ Sarah Gordon and Chelsea’s Haley Trotter share the Player of the Year honors. Both capped off tremendous individual careers that coincided with terrific team success as well. Both leave their programs as the all-time leading scorers.
BOYS
► Players of the Year: Salim London and DeWayne Brown, Hoover
► Coach of the Year: Scott Ware, Hoover
BOYS 1ST TEAM
► Drew Mears, Briarwood: The leading scorer in the area for the second straight year, averaging 19.4 points per game and becoming the Briarwood all-time leading scorer.
► Salim London, Hoover: The UAB signee capped off a stellar career by leading the Bucs to an unbeaten season.
► DeWayne Brown, Hoover: The Tennessee signee went for 14 points and 10 rebounds per game in a dominant final high school season.
► Devon McKinnon, Clay-Chalkville: Nearly led the Cougars to their first final four appearance, scoring 19 points per game.
► Aiden Owens, Chelsea: The senior forward went for 16.5 points and 6.7 rebounds, leading the Hornets back to the regional tournament.
BOYS 2ND TEAM
► Adam Barksdale, Vestavia Hills: Stepped into a starring role for the Rebels, posting nearly 18 points per game.
► Victor Odiari, Clay-Chalkville: The UAH signee had 18 points and nine rebounds per game.
► Trey Davis, Mountain Brook: The junior scored 11 points per game and knocked down 78 3-pointers.
► Jarett Fairley, Hoover: The senior had 12.5 points per game as one of the stars for the Bucs.
► Kaleb Carson, Homewood: The junior guard came off the football field and averaged 15 points, four rebounds and nearly four assists per game.
BOYS 3RD TEAM
► Latham Binkley, Homewood: The Trevecca signee went for 12 points and seven boards per game.
► Chase Lamey, Oak Mountain: The senior led the
Eagles with 14.5 points per contest.
► Jordan Garcia, Chelsea: The sophomore stepped up in his first full varsity season and had 13 points per game.
► Seneca Robinson, Hoover: One of the most versatile facilitators and defenders in the state.
► Colt Wells, Hewitt-Trussville: Scored 10 points per game for the Huskies.
BOYS HONORABLE MENTION
► Mac Couvillion, Mountain Brook; Will Patterson, Oak Mountain; Gray Plaia, Oak Mountain; Jack Bakken, Mountain Brook; Eli Stubbs, Briarwood; Jones Cleary, Vestavia Hills; Johnny Towry, Vestavia Hills; Chris Kunard, Oak Mountain; Jackson Sheffield, Hoover; Austin Dudley, Hoover; Harrison Stewart, Spain Park; Daniel Vinson, Homewood; Brayden Robertson, Briarwood; Jack Maloney, John Carroll; Rashad Rolley, Hewitt-Trussville; Tommy Morrison, Spain Park.
GIRLS
► Players of the Year: Sarah Gordon, Vestavia Hills, and Haley Trotter, Chelsea
► Coach of the Year: Krystle Johnson, Hoover
GIRLS 1ST TEAM
► Sarah Gordon, Vestavia Hills: The Penn signee led the area in scoring with 19.8 points per game.
► Haley Trotter, Chelsea: The 6-foot forward posted 17.4 points and nine rebounds per game, leaving Chelsea as the program leader in points and rebounds.
► Maddie Walter, Mountain Brook: The sophomore continues to show great promise, finishing the year averaging a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.
► Aaliyah Blanchard, Hoover: The junior guard led a balanced Lady Bucs attack with 13.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per contest.
► Kaitlyn Gipson, Hoover: The senior guard and Alabama-Mississippi All-Star finished her storied career with 1,906 career points.
GIRLS 2ND TEAM
► Ellis McCool, Homewood: The junior forward could dominate games, and went for 15.9 points and 8.2 rebounds each game.
► Emily Williams, John Carroll: The junior forward averaged a double-double of 16 points and 10 boards.
► Ashlyn Howard, Hewitt-Trussville: The UAB commit averaged 12.5 points and nearly nine rebounds.
► Emma Kerley, Briarwood: The junior became the Briarwood all-time leading scorer and had 14.6 points per game.
► Jill Gaylard, Vestavia Hills: The senior guard went for 10 points and over four assists per contest.
GIRLS 3RD TEAM
► Kimora Brewster, Clay-Chalkville: The Lady Cougars had a retooling season, but the junior guard posted 12 points per game.
► Libby Geisler, Mountain Brook: The lone Lady Spartans senior was a strong leader and averaged 11.5 points.
► Lauryn Holley, Hewitt-Trussville: The sophomore guard burst onto the scene with 14 points per game.
► Kristen Winston, Hoover: The eighth-grade sensation finished her second varsity season with 12 points, four rebounds and three assists per contest.
► Caroline Brown, Chelsea: The junior forward led the team in assists and posted nearly 12 points per game.
GIRLS HONORABLE MENTION
► Caroline Kester, Oak Mountain; Grayson Hudgens, Vestavia Hills; Ava Robinson, Homewood; Avery Davis, Mountain Brook; Ann Tatum Baker, Briarwood; Ava Leonard, Spain Park; Ryleigh Martin, Hewitt-Trussville; Mackenzie Hale, Clay-Chalkville; Tori Flournoy, Spain Park; Savannah McDonald, Homewood; Olivia Pryor, Chelsea; Layla Cannon, Hoover; Zyaire Walker, Oak Mountain; Jaliyah Manuel, Hoover; Sadie Schwallie, Chelsea.
Left: Hewitt’s Colt Wells (1) shoots the ball during a game against Vestavia Hills at the 7A area championship on Feb. 5. Right: Hewitt’s Lauryn Holley (12) dribbles the ball during a game against Vestavia Hills on Jan. 21 at Hewitt Trussville High School. Photos by Savannah Schmidt.
COMMUNITY
56-for-56: The competition problem (and the math I can’t ignore)
By TIM STEPHENS
I have two problems. The first is a competition problem, and the second is a math problem — and since I really dislike math, we’ll get to that later.
Let’s start with competition. A lifetime of playing sports wired my brain to frame challenges like this as a competition against others. I’d either crush the opponent (motivated by anger) or avoid getting embarrassed (motivated by fear). It worked — until it didn’t.
That kind of fire burns hot, but it also burns out. So if I can’t compete the way I used to, how do I stay motivated?
This is where reframing the competition comes in. My therapist, Dalila Bass, says seeking an external opponent is always temporary — but competing against myself? That’s sustainable.
“I think you should be your own competitor,” she told me. “If you ran a mile in 20 minutes one week, shoot for 19 the next. That way, the competition is consistent and sustainable.”
Tim Stephens, the general manager of Starnes Media, works out at the YMCA during his 56-for-56 Transformation Project challenge. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
That’s the shift I’m working on now. Instead of proving myself to someone else, I’m setting personal benchmarks and focusing on beating those. The challenge still feels familiar — there’s a deadline, discipline and a goal. But the motivation comes from a healthier place.
THE MATH I CAN’T IGNORE
At 275 pounds, I’m down five pounds since the last episode. But reality is setting in — 138
Scan the QR code to watch the second episode of 56-for-56: A Transformation Story.
days until my 56th birthday, 51 pounds left to lose. Losing 1.5 pounds per week won’t get me there.
My latest InBody analysis confirmed that while I lost weight, my muscle mass percentage dropped slightly, and my body fat percentage rose. Balancing calories in, calories out and macros is key.
The numbers show what it will take:
► Daily calorie intake: 1,800-2,200
► Daily calorie burn needed: 3,100-3,500
► Daily caloric deficit required: 1,294
ADJUSTING THE PLAN
To get there, I’ve made key adjustments:
► More protein and cleaner carbs for fuel and recovery
► 2 HIIT sessions and 2 strength training
workouts per week
► 4 HOTWORX sessions for low-impact, high-efficiency burn
► 7,000-10,000 steps daily, 12,000-15,000 on rest days
► Tracking with WHOOP and managing intake with MyFitnessPal
Recovery is a major focus. Training in an infrared-heated studio at HOTWORX supports calorie burn and recovery.
“The first thing I think of is HOTWORX is all low impact,” said Danica Kempinski, studio owner at HOTWORX Vestavia Hills.
“So there’s no extra stress on the joints.”
IV therapy at Prime IV Homewood helps with hydration and muscle repair.
I’m also using ProjectLeanNation for meal prep, keeping me on track while balancing work, including running six media brands.
WHAT COMES NEXT
The math problem isn’t going away. But this time, I’m approaching it smarter — competing against who I was yesterday, not who I was 20 years ago.
And that’s a competition I intend to win. April 25-27,
COVER STORY: A Trussville father’s concern sparks school safety software
BIRTH OF CIRCOOL
By BLAIR MOORE
The idea for the school safety solution Circool wasn’t born in a tech lab or a boardroom. It started with Jason Routson, a Trussville native and concerned parent.
In a crowded elementary school gym in 2018, Routson noticed a glaring security flaw. Each week, parents gathered to watch students sing, hear announcements and build community. But something about the setup alarmed Routson: The school’s doors were wide open.
“Anybody could just walk in,” he said. “On two different occasions, we had an individual blend in with the crowd, walk right into the gym and access our school. Obviously, that made the parents super nervous.”
The school’s quick fix — having parents sign in on paper — only created long lines and offered “zero security,” according to Routson. With 25 years of experience in software, he started researching existing tech solutions but found nothing designed specifically for K-12 schools. So, he decided to build one himself.
Routson, who studied programming at Auburn University, envisioned a simple system for schools to manage visitors on an everyday basis, handle large events and streamline a checkout system in the event of a crisis.
He began the 18-month development process while living in Atlanta but moved to Homewood in 2021, which is when Circool really began to take off. Now working from Birmingham’s creative hub, Innovation Depot, his entire team — from development to support — is Alabama-based.
“What Innovation Depot provides Alabama startups is invaluable,” Routson said. “It’s a community of entrepreneurs who share in the unique challenges of building a business and truly support each other. The Innovation Depot community is truly transforming Birmingham into a tech hub as strong as any.”
Throughout the development process, Routson and his team involved school staff to ensure a school-centered perspective.
“Every idea developed within Circool has been workshopped by someone in education.”
Their advisory board includes school administrators who weigh in on every aspect. With Routson’s added insight from the software and parent side, Circool has become a standout solution, which is still expanding to address additional school security issues.
Schools today face a balancing act between providing quality education and ensuring student safety.
As Routson said, “The school really just wants to focus on educating the kids. They want to teach, and they don’t want to have to worry about security. But that’s just not the world that we live in. We’re there just to bridge that gap and to make it incredibly simple for the schools to run and incredibly simple for the parents.”
Routson noted that a Circool profile takes less than 60 seconds to set up and provides users with a unique QR code
and visitor badge on their mobile device.
“Parents really appreciate the extra steps that these schools are taking to make sure that the kids are safe, inside the school and outside the school,” Routson said.
Circool is gaining traction, having recently secured a partnership with Trussville City Schools, along with nearly 100 other schools across Alabama. But for Routson, this is just the beginning of his mission to make schools safer. The goal is to provide schools with a single solution for managing everyone who enters or exits the building.
“We’re starting in Alabama, then expanding across the Southeast and eventually nationwide,” Routson said.
Dr. Patrick Martin, the superintendent of Trussville City Schools, emphasized the importance of these safety efforts.
“
The school really just wants to focus on educating the kids … and they don’t want to have to worry about security. But that’s just not the world that we live in. We’re there just to bridge that gap …
JASON ROUTSON
”
“One of the charges that I received as superintendent when I was hired was to work with our team to increase our efforts for safety and security. The Circool products support us with this effort.”
As of January, the Trussville City School system has fully integrated the Circool platform.
“Trussville City Schools community members will start to see, if they have not already, other safety enhancements at our schools over the course of this spring and moving into the summer months,” Martin said. “Educating the students of Trussville is our top priority, but right there with that priority is assuring parents and family members that when they drop their students off at school in the morning, that throughout the day and into the afternoon, they are safe and secure.”
Magnolia Elementary School utilizes Circle, the new safety app, to check visitors into a choir concert in November 2024. Photos by Savannah Schmidt.
Faces of Trussville
BY SAVANNAH SCHMIDT
Rico Wicks, a Trussville resident, hosts Hustle and Motivate boxing classes during the spring and summer to serve children from inner-city and under-resourced areas.
“Being from the inner city, you don’t have many extracurricular opportunities. Kids who don’t make the basketball or football team have more time to get in trouble,” Wicks said.
While he teaches basic boxing techniques, he also demonstrates life skills and offers mentorship.
“I try to give them confidence, something many kids may not have considering their home lives,” Wicks said. “Some of the kids can’t read, so I start by teaching them the five values: hard work, discipline, sacri-
Left: Trussville resident Rico Wicks runs Hustle & Motivate Boxing. Photo by Savannah Schmidt. Right: The club helps kids from underpriviledged areas in the city learn boxing and life skills Photo courtesy of Rico Wicks.
Spring Home & Garden Guide 2025
Spring is in bloom, and it’s the perfect time to plant a garden, do some cleaning or start a home renovation. Find tips and tricks from area businesses to jump-start any project in our guide.
Transforming homes with custom storage solutions
Since 1982, Closets by Design has built a reputation of integrity as the industry leader in customer service and total customer satisfaction. From their no obligation in-home consultation, custom tailored designs and the highest quality product construction, their products offer the best value in the industry.
Closets by Design works to simplify your life. They design, build and install custom closets, garage cabinets, home offices, laundries, pantries, wardrobe mirror doors and much more. Their floor-based, adjustable systems come in a variety of finishes, accessories, and hardware for a personalized look.
“We build each closet with the customer in mind,” General Manager Tyree Melton said.
Their innovative home office systems maximize space, including the foldaway designbed™ system, which is ideal for
small spaces.
Other organizing solutions include custom pantries, laundry room storage, and garage systems designed to cut clutter.
Melton’s benchmark of success is when their customers are totally happy with their project from start to finish.
“I love giving our customers the highest level of customer service,” Melton said. “Helping them bring their dream closet to life.”
Reliable home repairs and maintenance done right
If your home needs routine maintenance or minor repairs, you may think you can do it yourself and save money.
However, even if you believe you have the right skills and tools to do a job, it will likely take you a lot longer than it should, because you don’t do home repairs every day.
Most home projects, even small handyman jobs, are better left to the experienced professionals at One Man & A Toolbox.
One Man & A Toolbox can handle any small project, including minor carpentry, plumbing and electrical fixes. They can also do painting, caulking, shelving and more.
“Any odd jobs around your home, we’ll get them done right the first time,” said
owner Jay Moss. Moss and company can also do many other special tasks, like putting up decorations or assembling a swing set.
“No matter how crazy you think the task is, call us and we’ll try to figure it out,” Moss said.
One Man & A Toolbox can also tackle larger home improvement projects.
Moss warns homeowners against calling unlicensed, uninsured repairmen from Angi or Craigslist. Many will ask for money to buy materials before starting and won’t return or won’t be available for warranty issues that arise after the job.
One Man & A Toolbox has skilled, reliable employees who are licensed, insured and bonded.
It’s a Matter of Life & Breath
At Grandview Freestanding Emergency Department, we’re prepared for life’s critical moments. Our ER provides rapid evaluation and treatment for serious injury and illness – with 24/7 access to imaging and lab services. Patients also have access to Grandview Medical Center’s surgical and medical resources for continued specialty care if needed. From treatment for broken bones to care for life-threatening conditions, our dedicated team is ready.
For more information, visit GrandviewEmergencyRoom.com or scan the QR code.
Freestanding Emergency Department
5542 Vanlerberghe Lane, Trussville
In an emergency, call 911 or go to the closest ER.