Keys to success
Realtor
doors across Trussville
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Editor’s Note By Taylor Bright
This month, we have a special focus on real estate, talking to local Realtor Bonnie Hicks, who started in the pre-pager age and has become one of the area’s most successful Realtors, navigating the ups and downs of the market through the years. Hicks now sees young and old alike wanting to move to Trussville. Emily Reed talked to Hicks about her journey in real estate and her advice for those who want to break into the business. We also have special stories with tips for
first-time homebuyers, what owners need to do to sell their home, tips on staging your home for a quick sale, and a look at what to expect from the real estate market in 2025.
Speaking of real estate, we also take a look at the new entertainment district at the site of the old Hall’s Motorsports property that is scheduled for Trussville on the heels of the successful entertainment district downtown. Mayor Buddy Choat talked to us about the next big thing in Trussville.
ON THE COVER: Bonnie Hicks, a top-selling real estate agent in Trussville, poses in one of her recently sold homes on Jan. 30. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
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New development seeks to add to entertainment district
By TAYLOR BRIGHT
On the heels of its successful redevelopment of the downtown entertainment district, Trussville has approved plans for a new mixed-use development at the site of the old Hall’s Motorsports property across the railroad tracks from the existing entertainment district.
The project is a public-private partnership that will transform the 35,000-square-foot former motorsports building into a retail and dining hub, with long-term possibilities including a boutique hotel and pedestrian bridge.
The project, spearheaded by Seay Construction, will repurpose the vacant building along with adjacent land in a public-private partnership with the city. Trussville Mayor Buddy Choat described the effort as a “win-win-win” for the city.
“The building was going to be vacated. It wasn’t something that was in high demand,” Choat said. “These guys bought it, sat on it for the last year or so, and worked on a plan with the city.”
The city will participate in revenue sharing, allowing developers to recoup initial investments through sales tax revenue. Additional city involvement may come later to address infrastructure needs, such as road improvements.
The new development aims to complement, not compete with, the city’s original entertainment district. The city will be looking for new businesses to attract for the new development. Choat said he expected some higher-end dining options to move
into the space.
“This will be all new business coming to Trussville,” Choat said. “It will be things that we have already discussed, maybe like a higher or a little more upscale dining experience for others.”
One long-term goal is to establish a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks to connect the two districts, creating a more walkable environment for visitors.
Beyond retail and dining, developers are considering adding high-end townhomes to the project, as well as a larger event space and possibly a hotel in the future.
“If we did get a little boutique hotel for the downtown area, or something like that, that would be more of a destination for people to come and visit,” Choat said.
In return for sharing some of the tax revenue, the city will be adding more revenue than it currently collects and adding amenities for residents.
“Immediately, it fills a vacant space,” Choat said. “But that building has an opportunity to produce a lot more opportunities for citizens and a bigger tax base for the city.”
The surrounding area may also see additional investment, with developers already acquiring land nearby for future projects.
“It’s kind of a long-range plan,” Choat said. “They’re starting with that 35,000-square-foot building to renovate and build out, get filled up, see how it goes, and then move forward after that.”
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THE REAL ESTATE REPORT
Keys to success
Realtor Bonnie Hicks opens doors across Trussville
By EMILY REED
When Bonnie Hicks smells the scent of wood, she is transported to memories of her father’s carpentry work. Those early memories helped serve as a catalyst for her to eventually become a real estate agent, a career she has held for the last 37 years.
“I have always loved the smell of wood and the thought of things being made, but never thought of being a Realtor,” Hicks said. “I was working for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama — a job that I loved where I worked in employment. But I had over a one-hour commute to work. My children were small at the time and it was too much for them having to go to daycare, to school and back to daycare. So I decided to leave Blue Cross Blue Shield and work on my degree.”
Hicks, a real estate agent with Keller Williams, serving the Trussville region, leads a sales volume of $9,008,544 with roughly 19.5 units sold in 2024 — making her one of the top agents in the area.
FROM BLUE CROSS TO REAL ESTATE
Originally from Oneonta, Hicks decided to pursue interior design school while working on a business degree with the thought she would eventually return to her job at Blue Cross.
“I started working with real estate because the thought was I would make a little extra money while I was working on my business degree, but I quickly realized that real estate was not a part-time job, and I also realized that I really liked it.”
Hicks describes the feeling of falling in love with real estate and eventually went on to get her homebuilder’s license to further her real estate career.
“This allowed me to fulfill that love for the smell of wood and building things that I have always had,” Hicks said. “I love watching something be built, and that love has never gone away.”
BUILDING HER CAREER IN ONEONTA
While in Oneonta, Hicks opened an office with First Real Estate and eventually, over time, started working in Trussville, where she lives. She now works in downtown Trussville with Keller Williams Trussville.
“My first year in real estate was very hard,” Hicks said. “I was in Oneonta with properties going on the market in the $50,000 range and no internet, no cell phone, no pager and no Association of Realtors. After five years, I decided to
move to First Real Estate to open up more marketing options for my clients. I opened a local First Real Estate office and joined the Birmingham Association of Realtors. The office is now RealtySouth and is still in operation in Oneonta.”
Hicks currently enjoys her time with Keller Williams Trussville because she lives in Trussville and is involved in her community there.
“I needed to be in a little more local, active office, and I needed to be in an office with more agents, so this is a great fit for me,” Hicks said.
ADAPTING TO TECH, MARKET
When Hicks first started her real estate journey, technology was primitive compared to today’s standards — there weren’t even any pagers.
“I can now manage most of my paperwork from my cell phone,” Hicks said. “Things are so much faster and more efficient now.”
From the period of 1997 to 2007, Hicks said most of her clients were custom builders.
“At one time, I was working with 14 custom builders and exclusive agents for 5-plus subdivisions,” Hicks said. “The real estate bubble burst first with high-end new construction. It was horrible. The builders that live from one job to the next and didn’t plan for the future were in trouble. It took me several months to realize I could not break into the foreclosure market, so I moved my business to Mountain Brook to survive. When the market began to change, I came back to my hometown and I picked up where I left off.”
WHAT MAKES TRUSSVILLE SPECIAL
Hicks said Trussville is a community that continues to grow, and people want to live there.
“I have three different senior couples right now looking to move to Trussville because of the traffic in other areas,” Hicks said. “People moving in from out of town with
Bonnie Hicks, a top-selling real estate agent in Trussville, poses in one of her recently sold homes on Jan. 30. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
THE REAL ESTATE REPORT
2024 Top Real Estate Agents in Trussville
children do their due diligence regarding school systems often find that Trussville is normally top of their list. Trussville has so much to offer.”
Hicks said those looking to move to Trussville often have to experience the city to fully understand the appeal.
“I think if an outsider simply drives through downtown Trussville they aren’t going to understand all that our city has to offer,” Hicks said. “We have an entertainment district and a Saturday morning farmer’s market. We have various events throughout the year including our Fourth of July celebration, which I think is probably one of the best. It is a big, major event for our city, and it is wonderful. We have a library with a new expansion, the parks and pathways in Trussville, the Sports Complex, the Senior Center, the school system. It is just a really great place to live.”
ADVICE FOR NEW AGENTS
Hicks has always been a single agent throughout her career. When she entered the market, there were not as many real estate agents as there are today.
“It was hard to build my clientele then, so I’m not sure I could start out today as a single agent,” Hicks said. “If someone entering the market today could team up with
like-minded people, it might be easier. Lots of real estate agents enter the market, sell homes to their family and friends, and then realize it is harder than they thought it would be.”
One trademark Hicks carries with her to each client she serves is that she always answers her phone — no matter what.
“If I am working with a client, they deserve an answer from me,” Hicks said. “They are paying me for a service and whatever their call might be about I need to respond to them as quickly as possible. I start my days at 7 in the morning and end my days at 10 at night. I make myself accessible always and if I ever go out of town, most of my clients never even know I am gone because I try to always be there for them.”
Hicks said her accessibility and desire to serve her clients stems from the fact she genuinely loves her job.
“My friends that I have, that have been retired, always ask me when I am going to retire,” Hicks said. “My comeback is always, ‘When it is not fun anymore.’ I have made some wonderful friends over the years and watched people find homes that they love to live in, and that is something I am really thankful for.”
“
I think if an outsider simply drives through downtown Trussville they aren’t going to understand all that our city has to offer. We have an
entertainment district
and a
Saturday morning
farmer’s
market. We have various events throughout the year including our Fourth of July celebration […] We have a library with a new expansion, the parks and pathways in Trussville, the Sports Complex, the Senior Center, the school system. It is just a really great place to live.
BONNIE HICKS
THE REAL ESTATE REPORT
Market predictions: Trussville home sales expected to pick back up in 2025
By JON ANDERSON
The number of home sales in Trussville continued to decline in 2024, but some Realtors say activity has begun to pick up this year now that the election is over and people are adjusting to the interest rate environment.
The total number of homes sold in Trussville in 2024 was 428, down 23% from 554 homes sold in 2023 and half as many as the 850 homes sold in 2020, statistics from the Greater Alabama Multiple Listing Service show.
The biggest part of that decline was in new homes. Trussville had only 36 new homes sold in 2024, down from 131 in 2023 and 183 in 2021. Activity flattened out, particularly toward the end of 2024, said J.R. Malchus, the city’s building official.
The number of single-family residential construction permits in Trussville declined from 203 in 2021 to 182 in 2022, 98 in 2023, and 59 in 2024, City Clerk Dan Weinrib said.
Construction is still happening in communities such as Longmeadow, Carrington, Hillbrook, Park Ridge, and Keystone Ridge. And construction should start again soon on the final two sectors of Trussville Springs once a railroad crossing is completed, Malchus said.
Additionally, the Trussville City Council has approved plans for Harris Doyle’s Tapestry community, which is planned to have more than 200 homesites, but the first of those homes probably won’t be ready for another 12 to 18 months, Malchus said.
The lack of available lots was just one reason for the decline in home sales, Malchus said. Other factors were uncertainty over last year’s elections, construction prices, and relatively higher interest rates, he said.
Sales of existing homes in Trussville were down just 7%, from 423 in 2023 to 392 in 2024, but that’s far below the 668 existing homes sold in 2020, MLS statistics show.
Susan Weber of Pro Home Realty said 2024 actually was a strong year for her, but she agreed activity stalled because of the election.
“Nobody would budge for a long time,” Weber said. “As soon as Trump got elected, … it just seemed like the faucet was turned on again.”
Interest rates also were a factor, Weber said. People under 40 have never seen rates as high as they are now, but they don’t realize that, relative to the past, they’re not bad, she said.
The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage so far this year, as of mid-February, was 7.09%, according to Bankrate. While that average rate fell to a historic low of 3.15% in 2021, it was 8.08% as recently as 2000 and 16.06% in 1982.
As interest rates rose, some people chose to remodel or build an addition instead of moving. Permits for remodeling in Trussville rose from 104 in 2021 to 141 in 2023 and 129 in 2024, and permits for additions climbed slightly from 16 in 2021 and 2022 to 20 in 2024, Weinrib said.
Weber said she’s optimistic 2025 will be a good year.
Based on the end of 2024 and early 2025,
“I feel like people are confident,” she said. She also believes rates will fall again to the upper 5% or 6% range, but “I don’t think we’re going to see under 5½% for a long time.”
Staging your home for a quick sale
By SARAH OWENS
When moving, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is selling their home. With the real estate market slowing, homes aren’t selling as quickly as they did a year ago. That’s why it’s crucial for sellers to make their homes as appealing as possible to buyers.
That’s where home staging comes in, helping to highlight a home’s strengths, minimize its flaws and attract the right buyers.
Bonnie Hicks, a top-selling real estate agent in the Trussville market with Keller Williams, shares his insights on how staging can impact home sales in the local market.
“Staging is very important,” Hicks said. “It can make the difference in a fast sell at the best price, versus staying on the market and getting low offers.”
Home and Garden Television, more popularly known as HGTV, recommends taking steps such as freshening up curb appeal — pressure washing, painting, adding new lighting or a mailbox — giving the kitchen a face-lift with paint or other minor updates, adding a functional office space, reorganizing furniture to show the potential uses of a room, and depersonalizing the home by removing family photos and other personal items.
“Staging is more than hanging a pretty picture. It really
starts outside with curb appeal and continues through the home,” Hicks said. “A qualified Realtor can make suggestions that will help the home homeowner know what to do. Usually, it starts with decluttering and purging items to show floor space and wall space. It sometimes may even be as simple as changing a paint color and rearranging furnishings. Should it be a vacant home, there are professional stagers that provide furnishings.”
If you’re looking to have your home professionally staged, Realtor.com recommends budgeting around $300 to $600 for an initial design consultation and $500 to $600 per month per staged room. The more expensive the home, the higher the potential staging costs can be.
While sellers will need to front the money for staging, the Real Estate Staging Association reports that several studies have shown that by investing 1.3% of a home’s value in staging, 73% of sellers saw a return of over 7.1%.
“Recently, I had a seller call me because his home had been on the market for a couple of months, and he wanted to change realtors and list it with me,” Hicks said. “I went in, did a walk through with him, made some suggestions and he gave me full access to do some purging and rearranging some of his furnishings. The home went under contract within two weeks.”
For more tips on staging, visit hgtv.com/lifestyle/ real-estate.
Staging a home can help to highlight a home’s strengths, minimize its flaws and attract the right buyers. Stock photo.
THE REAL ESTATE REPORT
Pro tips on preparing to sell your home
By CADY INABINETT
Preparing to sell your home can be a daunting and confusing process.
To lend clarity, local real estate agent Lee Marlow of RealtySouth answered some key questions to consider when starting the process of selling a home.
Q: How should homeowners determine the right time to sell their home?
A: Homeowners determine the right time to sell based on their goals or what is going on in their lives.
But if it’s just a want, then meeting with their trusted Realtor and talking about the current local market would be very important.
Q: What factors should sellers consider
when choosing a real estate agent?
A: There are many factors that go into deciding what real estate agent a seller should hire. Personally, I believe the agent should be a full-time Realtor.
I also believe in asking friends and neighbors for referrals.
A good real estate agent should communicate well and view the process of selling a home as a team effort with the seller. It needs to be someone you can work with and trust.
Q: What are the pros and cons of selling by owner versus using an agent?
A: I personally cannot think of a great
reason to sell by owner. A lot of sellers believe that by doing so, they’ll save money.
However, it is a well-known statistic that homes listed by a real estate agent typically sell for more and will net a seller more money in their pocket.
Q: What advice do you give sellers about pricing their home competitively?
A: It is so important to review the sold comps in a neighborhood to price a home correctly. If a home is priced correctly, it will get offers. If a home is overpriced, it likely will not get offers.
Buyers don’t usually make really low offers
expecting to negotiate back and forth. If they like the property and feel it’s priced correctly, you’ll probably get offers at or near asking price.
If buyers feel it’s overpriced but still like it, they usually won’t make an offer unless it has been sitting on the market for a long time.
Q: How can sellers vet potential agents?
A: If someone is looking to sell their home and does not already have a relationship with a real estate agent, it’s not unusual to get names of several different Realtors and have a conversation with them.
Usually, pretty quickly, you can tell if that agent knows the market, is well-educated and is someone you feel you can get along with and trust.
First-time home buyers face competition, rising home costs
By TAYLOR BRIGHT
Trussville has been booming in the last few years. While that may be good for the community, it may not be great for firsttime homebuyers looking for a home in Trussville.
The real estate market remains tough for first-time homebuyers, with rising prices and increased competition making homeownership more difficult, said real estate agent Lee Marlow of RealtySouth in Trussville.
“The average first-time homebuyer, if they’re younger, they’re kind of limited because pricing has gotten so high all over the Birmingham metro area, honestly,” Marlow said. “It really just comes down to what they’re preapproved for, what they can afford.”
In Trussville specifically, Marlow noted that the market has remained strong due to the city’s highly rated schools, convenient location and desirable community atmosphere.
“Trussville has been a hotspot for buyers because of its great school system and small-town feel with big-city amenities. That demand has driven prices up, making it harder for first-time buyers to find affordable options,” she said.
While affordability is a concern, Marlow said buyers are also facing stiff competition. Many young adults entering the housing market have saved for a solid down payment, but higher interest rates have added another layer of difficulty.
“Usually, there are a lot of first-time homebuyers in the market now, and there are a lot of young adults who have saved
up a good down payment,” Marlow said. “But pricing, again, is high. Interest rates are higher than they have been in the past couple of years.”
For those hoping to buy their first home, Marlow emphasized the importance of being financially prepared and realistic about expectations. She often reminds buyers that their first home is not their forever home but a stepping stone toward building equity.
“I feel like I’m constantly like, this is not your forever home. This is where you can grow some equity, you know, and be able to then make a move up in five to eight years, hopefully,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Marlow noted that some lenders are offering programs designed to help first-time buyers. Given the competitive nature of the market, she stressed that buyers should have all their financial preparations in place before making an offer.
“They have to be very strong in their offers. They need to be very strong in their preapprovals, so have done all the legwork ahead of time with a good lender, so that if they make offers to a seller, that seller has the confidence that they can complete the transaction and close,” she said.
For those navigating the homebuying process, Marlow recommends working with a knowledgeable real estate agent who can guide them through each step.
“I strongly recommend that buyers have a good real estate agent who is hand-holding them through each step of the process, who has the knowledge to be able to explain it to them and tell them where we are in the transaction,” she said.
Lee Marlow
Recently sold homes in Trussville
► ADDRESS: 6228 Fox Branch
► BED/BATH: 5/6.5
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 5,567 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Wynwood
► LIST PRICE: $980,000
► SALE PRICE: $940,000
SOURCE: GREATER ALABAMA MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE
► ADDRESS: 3668 Halcyon Trace
► BED/BATH: 3/2.5
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,168 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Halcyon
► LIST PRICE: $424,900
► SALE PRICE: $420,000
► ADDRESS: 6484 Spring St.
► BED/BATH: 3/2
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,792 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Trussville Springs
► LIST PRICE: $365,000
► SALE PRICE: $365,000
SPORTS
Huskies take 3rd in state indoor
By KYLE PARMLEY
Hewitt-Trussville High School delivered a strong showing at the Class 7A state indoor track and field meet. The Huskies were competitive across the board, earning third place in both the boys and girls team competitions Jan. 31 at the Birmingham CrossPlex.
Hoover swept the boys and girls titles for the fourth consecutive year, with Vestavia Hills claiming the runner-up trophy in both.
On the boys side, Hoover scored 137.5 points, Vestavia accumulated 95.5, and Hewitt finished with 66.
For the girls, Hoover scored 108.5, Vestavia notched 61, and Hewitt finished with 55, edging St. Paul’s (53 points).
SPRINTS AND HURDLES
Dylan Cope led the Huskies’ sprinters with an impressive second-place finish in the 60-meter hurdles, clocking a personal-best 8.12 seconds after running 8.07 in the prelims.
In the 400 meters, sophomore Devin Kouanvih placed fifth in 49.01.
On the girls side, Haven White placed third in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 9.17, while Haley Melton secured eighth place in 10.23, both adding crucial points for Hewitt-Trussville.
DISTANCE EVENTS
The Huskies’ distance runners also played a key role in the meet. Mary Durham finished third in the 800 meters with a time of 2:20.42, while eighth grader Emmie Willoughby ran a personal-best 2:24.18 to finish sixth.
In the longer distances, Hadley Turner claimed a second-place finish in the 3,200 meters, running a personal-best 11:16.13. Turner also placed sixth in the 1,600 meters (5:19.35), earning additional points.
On the boys side, Noah Jordan delivered two strong performances, placing fourth in the 3,200 meters (9:40.29) and seventh in the 1,600 meters (4:22.71, personal best). John Paul Amari clocked a personal-best 9:43.87 to finish seventh in the 3,200.
FIELD EVENTS
In the field, Raphael Boakye-Yiadom secured second place in the long jump (21 feet, 5.25 inches) and followed up with a third-place finish in the triple jump (44-5.50).
Michael Igbinoghene also delivered strong results, finishing second in the triple jump (45-3.50) and fifth in the long jump (20-10.75).
For the girls, Melton placed fourth in the long jump (17-2.75) and matched that effort in the triple jump (38-4). Jayda Hammonds also contributed, finishing fifth in the long jump (17-1.25) and eighth in the triple jump (35-3.75).
White added a fourth-place finish in the pole vault (11-0).
In the boys pole vault, Shaw Helfrich cleared 13-0 to place fourth, while Alex Jones finished fifth at the same height.
RELAY SUCCESS
The Huskies also found success in the relays, led by their boys 4x200-meter relay team of Cope, Kouanvih, Simeon Watson and DJ Hall, which secured a runner-up finish in 1:28.80, earning eight points.
The girls 4x800-meter relay squad of Durham, Elizabeth King, Willoughby and Natalie Wiram placed fourth in 9:48.88, while the girls 4x400-meter relay team (Maggie Durham, Emmie Goodell, Karis Hughes and Lily Armstrong) finished seventh.
The boys 4x800-meter relay team (Charlie Crowson, Gabriel Knox, Maddox Turner and Max Ryan) also placed seventh, rounding out a solid showing in the relay events.
Left: Hewitt’s Natalie Wiram runs the 3200m during the AHSAA indoor track and field championships at the Birmingham Crossplex on Jan. 31. Right: Hewitt’s Jayda Hammonds long jumps. Photos by Savannah Schmidt.
Hewitt’s Alex Jones pole vaults.
SPORTS
Huskies enter 2025 with high hopes
By KYLE PARMLEY
The margins are slim in Class 7A baseball, but Hewitt-Trussville High School will try its hand once again at putting together a strong spring.
The Huskies went 27-9 last season, falling to Hoover in a first-round playoff series that went the distance. Had they won that series, they could have easily made a run to the state championship.
That will be the case once again in 2025. The Huskies have one of the most talented rosters in the area and the state.
“It’s going to come down to who can execute in those area games and who doesn’t make the mistake when it matters,” Hewitt-Trussville head coach Jeff Mauldin said.
While Mauldin has long been an outspoken advocate of expanding the 7A playoffs beyond the current 16-team model, he views the Huskies’ postseason as beginning in early April during the regular season’s Area 6 games. Hewitt will have to be one of the top two teams in an area that includes Hoover, Vestavia Hills and Oak Mountain in order to make the playoffs.
“It’s the best of the best,” he said.
Hewitt-Trussville will be one of the most experienced teams in the area this year, likely playing as many as seven or eight seniors simultaneously.
Major League scouts have been a common sight at preseason practices, as shortstop and Tennessee signee Steele Hall enters his senior season as one of the most highly touted
players in the country.
Drew Ollis, a Shelton State signee, is back as the team’s primary catcher. Cam Simpson returns at second base, Christian Helmers (UAB) is back at third, and Cooper Huffman and Cale McIntosh are the favorites to hold down first base or designated hitter.
In the outfield, Colby Durden will move from right field to center. Jonah Jackson, a Gadsden State signee, is likely to take over in left field. The right field spot is still open, with Mauldin mentioning Jacob Francis (UAB), Jonathan
Hewitt-Trussville’s Steele Hall (19) dives back to first base as Hoover’s Will Adams (8) catches a pick-off throw in game three of a firstround Class 7A playoff series at Phil English Field in April 2024. Staff photo.
Hoffman, Taylor Alfano and Lane Bilodeau as options.
Koal Duckett and Blake Bales are also in the mix at third base when Helmers is pitching.
The Huskies’ pitching staff should be solid as always. Helmers returns as one of the team’s top arms. Francis has battled injury the last two years but has great potential from the left side. Freshman Hudson Mitchell will be thrust into action as well. Huffman led the Huskies in wins last year, while Durden, McIntosh and Duckett will also be part of the rotation.
Despite new look, Huskies ready to compete
By KYLE PARMLEY
Hewitt-Trussville High School’s softball team has dominated Class 7A in recent years.
Last spring, the Huskies won their fourth state championship in the last five completed seasons, finishing with a 37-6 record. They won their final 11 games en route to the title, with Sara Phillips outdueling Daphne star Vic Moten in a 1-0 victory in the final.
But Phillips was one of several senior contributors last season, making this year a challenging transition for Hewitt-Trussville. Six players from last year’s team are now on college rosters.
Hewitt-Trussville will look to this year’s group of nine seniors to lead the way as the Huskies aim to remain among the state’s top teams.
Makaila Hope (Emory), Peyton Hull (Montevallo) and Zaylen Tucker (UAB) have signed to play college softball next year, and several other seniors are expected to step into key roles.
“There’s a ton that are going to have to step up,” Hewitt-Trussville head coach Taylor Burt said.
Hope is expected to handle much of the catching, while Hull is competing for the
starting shortstop job. Tucker had a strong junior season both at the plate and in the circle, but she is still working her way back from an injury. She will contribute in some capacity early in the season, and the Huskies hope to have her fully available later in the year.
Ryleigh Wood, Evie Andrews, Darcy Hill and Sydney Moore are among the infielders expected to play key roles.
Ava Hyde and Tucker, once fully healthy, will anchor the outfield.
Junior Corey Goguts led the Huskies in home runs last season with 10. She and sophomore Presley Hull will be key outfielders this spring.
In the pitching staff, Tucker’s absence will be significant until she returns. Senior Kinley Poe, who has seen opportunities over the past two years, will get plenty of innings early in the season. Hill has pitching experience as well, and the Huskies have several others competing for a spot in the rotation.
This year’s team will look different from the past few seasons, but Burt believes they have the potential to grow into a special group as they gain experience and confidence.
“They’re super coachable,” she said. “Very hard-working, they don’t complain, and they just get out there and do what’s asked of them.”
HewittTrussville’s Ryleigh Wood (2) catches a pop-up ball in a game last season. Staff photo.
EVENTS
Community calendar
2025 APSO POWER RUN
► Where: Trussville Entertainment District, 101 Beech St.
► When: March 1, 5K is 8–9 a.m., 1K fun run is 9–9:30 a.m.
► Cost: 5K $30, 1K fun run $20, T-shirt only $25
► Web: power-run.org
► Details: The Alabama Power Service Organization hosts the 14th annual Power Run, benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama. Proceeds provide children and teens with mentorship, safe spaces, and character-building programs. Whether you’re racing or cheering from the sidelines, your participation helps create opportunities for youth in the Birmingham area.
TROY ELLIS FOUNDATION REC BASEBALL TOURNAMENT
► Where: Trussville Sports Complex baseball and softball fields
► When: March 14–16, games start at 7 p.m.
► Tickets: Free
► Details: This recreational baseball tournament, hosted by the Troy Ellis Foundation, features local teams competing in a spirited fundraiser. The foundation, created in memory of Troy Justice Ellis, supports youth athletics by improving facilities, providing equipment, and reducing costs for families. Join the community in honoring Ellis’ legacy while enjoying an exciting weekend of baseball.
BOOKS AND BREWS
► Where: Ferus Artisan Ales, 101 Beech St., Suite 111
► When: March 10, 7:15–8:15 p.m.
► Details: This month’s book club selection is Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. Join fellow readers to discuss this thrilling heist novel, set in the bustling trade city of Ketterdam. Open to ages 18 and older, the club meets in the event room at Ferus Artisan Ales on the second Monday of each month. Contact the adult department at the Trussville Public Library for assistance in obtaining a copy of the book or with any questions.
JACKSON CHASE LIVE
► Where: Trussville Social, 114 S. Chalkville Road
► When: March 14, 6 p.m.
► Details: Enjoy an evening of live country music with Jackson Chase, a rising star blending traditional and modern sounds. Influenced by artists like Don Henley, Merle Haggard, and Chris Stapleton, Chase’s music captures the essence of classic storytelling while appealing to all ages. Having toured extensively and recorded with country legends, he brings a unique, heartfelt performance to every show. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience his music live.
TRUSSVILLE AREA CHAMBER LUNCHEON
► Where: Trussville Civic Center, 5381 Trussville Clay Road
► When: March 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
► Web: trussvillechamber.com
► Tickets: $23 (cash or check), $24 (credit, debit, or Venmo)
► Details: Join the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce for its March luncheon, featuring guest speaker Mike Ennis, founder and president of Impact Resource & Development. He will discuss personality traits in the workplace and their impact on professional success. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by the luncheon program at noon.
OCB MAGIC CITY MUSCLE (PRO QUALIFIER)
► Where: Trussville Civic Center, 5381 Trussville Clay Road
► When: March 29
► Web: OCBonline.com
► Tickets: $45, ages 13–16 $20, children 12 and younger free, trainer pass $60 (includes admission and backstage access)
► Details: The OCB Magic City Muscle is a natural bodybuilding competition and conditional pro qualifier. The event features multiple divisions, including bikini, wellness, figure, men’s physique, classic physique, and bodybuilding. Athletes will compete in pre-judging rounds at 10:30 a.m., with finals beginning at approximately 1–2 p.m.
COMMUNITY
Embarking on a transformation and a new community mission
By TIM STEPHENS
There’s no sugarcoating it: I’m starting this journey at 280 pounds. As a former athlete who has spent years around college and professional sports, I’ve often joked that I’m an All-American at losing weight and a Hall-ofFamer at gaining it back … with a little extra.
But this time, it’s different. This time, it’s about more than a number on the scale. It’s about creating a permanent transformation and using my story as a launching point to inspire others.
Welcome to 56-for-56: A Transformation Story. My mission is simple: to lose 56 pounds by my 56th birthday on July 12, 2025. But here’s the thing — this isn’t just about me. It’s about you.
As general manager and editor-in-chief of Starnes Media, I’ve seen firsthand the power of storytelling to bring people together, spark change and inspire action. That’s why 56-for56 is just the first chapter of something much bigger: The Transformation Project.
Through The Transformation Project, we’ll explore and spotlight inspiring stories of
transformation happening right here in our communities. These aren’t just fitness journeys — they’re stories of financial breakthroughs, career pivots, relationship rebuilding, entrepreneurial success, educational achievements and so much more.
We’re not stopping at simply telling these stories. Each one will include practical tools for how these transformations happened. Whether it’s creating a budget, starting a business or overcoming obstacles in a relationship, we’ll share step-by-step playbooks to empower others to take their first steps toward change.
Here’s what you can expect from 56-for-56:
End of Life
Care For Your Pets
Locally owned and operated, we make the hardest time in a pet owners’ life a little easier by offering end-of-life services to allow you and your pet to remain in the comfort of your home.
Compassionate Crossings offers peaceful in-home pet euthanasia for the Birmingham area. We handle all cremation services with all of your selected memorial items hand-delivered to your doorstep. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We’re here for you. You can learn everything by visiting our website or giving us a call. We’ll do the rest.
► 7-Part Mini-DocuSeries: We’ll go behind the scenes of my journey, from the initial weigh-in to the workouts, meal planning, expert consultations, and everything in between. Each episode will explore not only what I’m doing but also why I’m doing it and how I plan to make it stick this time.
► Social Media Bonus Content: Follow daily updates on my personal Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn, where we’ll post exclusive clips, motivational moments and behind-the-scenes content not featured in the main episodes. Expect raw and real updates that take you inside the ups and downs of this transformation.
► Playbooks for Success: Alongside the series, we’ll release a detailed playbook outlining the steps I’m taking, the tools I’m using and the lessons I’m learning. It’s designed to help you adapt these strategies for your own transformation.
This time, I’m doing it differently. I’m working under medical supervision, consulting with nutritionists and trainers and leaning into the lessons I’ve learned from past failures. I’m not just remodeling my body; I’m reprogramming
my thinking.
But The Transformation Project is bigger than my journey. It’s about spotlighting your story — or the story of someone you know who has overcome obstacles and transformed their life.
If you — or someone you know — has a story of transformation, we want to hear it. Use the QR code below to nominate yourself or someone else. Whether it’s losing weight, climbing out of debt, changing careers, starting a business, going back to school or something else, your story could be the one that inspires someone else to take the first step.
Together, we’ll show what’s possible when we commit to transformation. It starts with me — 56-for-56 — but ultimately, it’s about all of us.
Who’s in with me?
Scan the QR code to watch the first episode of 56-for-56: A Transformation Story.
Tim Stephens
Lindsay Floyd, D.V.M. | Ross Scruggs, Ph.D.
Hear and know God in a new way
First Baptist Church Trussville
First Baptist Church Trussville has summer programs for every age group to help young people develop a relationship with Christ.
From devotion and summer fun in Ocoee Ridge, Tennessee, to honing fine arts skills, First Baptist Church Trussville hosts fullweek summer camps and day camps throughout the summer.
Student Camp Ocoee takes students who have completed grades 8-12 to Tennessee for five days packed with fun activities, worship and distraction-free time with friends.
Middle schoolers who have completed grades 6-7 adventure out to Shocco Springs Camp in Talladega to enjoy a weekend of adventure, competitions, worship and Bible study.
Campers who have completed grades 3-5 are invited to Camp ToKnowHim to get away and have fun. Kindergartners through second-grade campers attend a Day Camp at First Baptist Church Trussville with the same themes.
The Conservatory at FBCT offers three different camps:
For the artistically inclined students who have completed grades 1-5, Fine Arts Camp is a day camp that offers a fun introduction to the music and art that the Conservatory teaches all year.
For kids 6-12 who want all art, they can explore the visual arts at Kids Art Camp.
Finally, Princess Dance Camp is a fun halfday camp that teaches the basics of dance plus lots more to girls ages 3-7!
For more information, call 205-655-2403 or go to fbctrussville.org
