Trussville, Amerex to celebrate opening of Miracle League Field
By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
Trussville Beautification Contest nominations now open
From Tribune staff reports
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
The Trussville Beautification Board is accepting nominations for this year’s beautification awards contest, which celebrates some of the prettiest properties in town.
By Terry Schrimscher
By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
The last day to submit a nomination is May 30.
Walking Tour.
afterward, Thomas said he trations because the council sometimes delays making decisions it needs to make. He discussed his motion to add unaddressed items from the February meeting to a proval. That approach was
Many other cities in the prove non-controversial items with a single vote through a consent agenda, a procedural process used to
been a year of firsts for Dobbs Ford as new owners Joey and Rachel Goshein recently celebrated their first year as managing partners and as members of Human bones found by local dog are connected, coroner says From Tribune staff BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A human skull and a left tibia found by a dog in East Birmingham last year are confirmed to have belonged to the same person, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. The link was confirmed
LEEDS, Ala. – On Saturday, April 12, the streets of downtown Leeds turned the clock back decades, bringing the 1950s back for a day during this year’s iteration of the Leeds Historic
The Springville City Coun cil took a detour Monday night before it returned to unfinished business held over from the Feb. 17 meet ing. After an extended work session and a short break, the March 3 meeting began around 6:45 p.m. derway, the council ap proved the minutes from the last meeting in February. Mayor Dave Thomas mo tioned for them to reconsid er the minutes noting mem bers motioned to adjourn before conducting business on the agenda without that motion being recognized. to deliver a dissertation, as he called it, for the next 55 minutes, cross-referencing political history, addressing recent editorials, and quoting Teddy Roosevelt, Jesus, and Socrates along the way. Although not technically a filibuster, the lecture was designed to prolong the meeting allowing Thomas to air his displeasure at the lack of
leave a meeting before the conclusion of business. No hands raised. Along the way, he said the council’s lack of leadership on salaries would be a burden on the city.
good,” he added.
“The story is about what Leeds was like after we came out of the depression in the 30s and World War II and what was happening in the Leeds in the 50s, how it was blooming,” explained an enthusiastic Randy Ray, president of the Leeds His-
“The council had every opportunity to redress the error but chose otherwise, wanting to move on, showing their frustration and the effectiveness of the filibus-
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
From Tribune staff reports
IRONDALE, Ala. – Bee enthusiasts will soon be swarming to Irondale to visit a new beekeeping education center designed to teach students and community members about the world of pollinators.
Birmingham-based Foxhound Bee Company is preparing to break ground on the 5,000 square foot facility
in the coming weeks, which will serve as an expansion from its current location in Hardware Park. In addition to educational opportunities and STEM programming, the center will also sell a range of products sourced from bees, including honey and beeswax, as well as supplies for beekeepers.
opened on Saturday.
“When looking for a place to build our new beekeeping store, we continued to hear comments about how Irondale was doing great things,” said founder Adam Hickman.
SPRINGVILLE, Ala. –The City of Springville has announced that it will be hosting an all-new farmers market in the heart of town this summer, offering fresh, locally grown produce in a vibrant community setting. The weekly farmers market will be held at the newly revitalized Market on Main space located at 6347 Highway 11. The space now features new concrete, a turf area, stage, pergola, warm string lighting, and beautiful planter boxes. In addition to the farmers market, the city plans to host other events there including festivals, live music, and more. The first certified farmers market will be held on June 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will continue to run every Saturday during the summer through Sept. 6. The city is also still accepting vendor applications for the 2025 season. For full market details, vendor information, and updates, visit SpringvilleParksandRec.com.
It will be built across from the all-new Ruffner Sports Complex, which
“Everyone on the project seemed to speak highly of working with Irondale and its leadership. So, when we approached the
“The example they set was that if you make an error it can’t be corrected. That the error becomes a mistake,” he said.
torical Society during a reception for the tour’s reenactors before the event.
“But now the window to act has closed as of last Wednesday, shackling the next administration with the consequences of their actions,” he said.
ing process, Thomas led the tance of bids for a new sewer project which will need further action for financial decisions. The council also renewed the city’s garbage collection contract with Waste Management.
Speaking to The Tribune
Items from the February agenda were addressed individually. The purchase
These were Barron Industries, Anderson Electric, and Hayes Aircraft among others that Ray said helped
have been named the recipients of the 2024
See LEEDS, Page 2
“And what we found in Leeds in the 1950s was that the soldiers would come home from the war, they were looking for something to do and the city was looking for ways to get people involved and engaged in the community, and they brought in new businesses to the community.”
See SPRINGVILLE, Page 2
See BONES,
pressing issue through their state conference project.
From Tribune staff reports
IRONDALE, Ala. – The City of Irondale welcomed over 35 young business owners to Shades Valley High School for its 4th Annual Young Entrepreneurs Day on Saturday. The event allowed students from across the state to showcase their products and ideas and compete for scholarships to develop their growing businesses.
The young leaders have not only compiled critical statistics but are also working with local officials and educators to promote stronger safety measures in schools. Their project, which will be presented at the FCCLA state conference in March, aims to raise awareness about the devastating impact of school shootings and propose actionable changes to improve safety protocols in Alabama
ments mandate that schools perform lockdown or intruder drills; in Alabama, public schools are required to conduct two such drills per semester. However, Davis believes these measures are insufficient and is advocating for more and comprehensive drills.
Nearly $3,500 in scholarships were awarded to the students across multiple categories as selected by judges provided by the Irondale Chamber of Commerce.
sentiment, emphasizing thecal toll that school shootings take on students and their families. “You shouldn’t have to worry about being scared when you’re just trying to learn,” Johnson said.
“When people’s lives are on the line, we can’t just do the bare minimum,” Davis said.
Here are the winners in each category:
“We need to make sure that every school feels safe and ready to handle anything that could happen.” McCormick highlighted the importance of turning awareness into action.
“Schools should take intruder drills as seriously as they do fire or tornado drills.” Johnson echoed this
High School Division • 1st – Rebecca Howard, Howard Girls Jewelry • 2nd – Carli Johnson,
“School shootings are such a huge problem, and we
See STUDENTS, Page
190 Main Street
Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664
Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com
Chris Basinger, News Editor chris.basinger@trussvilletribune.com
Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor John Goolsby, Sports Editor news@trussvilletribune.com
Sherry J. Parker, Marketing Executive & Photographer, sherry.parker@trussvilletribune.com
Brookelyn Rush, Office Manager
Brannon Dawkins, Tribune Unscripted Producer & Account Manager
Leeds From front page
to make Leeds a place to work, live, and be even further involved in community happenings.
Ray was part of the historical recreation himself, playing the role of Joseph Wyeth “Skip” Griffin, who was an insurance agent in Leeds.
“And it was just a vibrant community here in downtown Leeds,” he said. “And we want to recreate that.”
He was among 40 reenactors who brought the decade to life on Saturday.
The historic walking tours were created by the society four years ago with each featuring different themes. The first celebrated the centennial anniversary of the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library. Another was themed around the year 1940.
In 2025 organizers decided to celebrate the entire decade of the 50s.
“This year we decided to do a whole decade because the decade was quite harmonious,” said Ray. “It wasn’t as changing as the 1940s–pre-World War II, postWorld War II–the 1950s was more steady.”
Another change was a focus on the people who built Leeds and lived in it compared to the 2024 tour, which was focused on buildings. Among notable people were Mayor Bill Dorrough played by Brian Attaway.
“He was mayor from 1948 to 1962 before he passed away at age 50, and he used to be a veterinarian from Auburn University,” Attaway explained and added that Dorrough had specialized in caring for cattle.
Others included Chief John “Bull” Pledger played by Leeds Police Chief Paul
Irwin, librarian Winnie Carlisle played by Nelda Faulkner, and Bill Lewis, the Coca-Cola Bottling territory manager, played by Eddie Moore. There was also Jane “Rootin’ Tootin’” Hooton, a math teacher at the high school, played by Debbie Childers.
Childers said that “Rootin’ Tootin’ Hooton” was her geometry teacher during the 70s. After she graduated she and Hooton became friends.
“I had a really special relationship with her,” Childers said. “But everybody called her ‘Rootin’ Tootin’ Hooten’. Her name, it was spelled H-O-O-TO-N, and people would spell it H-O-O-T-E-N, and so she would say it’s three O’s, not two. And so one of the students spelled it
H-O-O-O-T-E-N and never heard the end of it. But she was wonderful. I absolutely loved her.”
Ray said he hopes what the public takes from the
is that “people make a difference.”
“When we work together for a common goal, we can make a difference in our community, and it’s the shared values of the folks working together to make a community and [the public] will see examples of people who did that and why we have our community today.”
In other council business:
From Tribune staff reports
of Alabama as part of the Capstone Men and Women Class of 2025-26.
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
The Trussville City Council unanimously passed a proclamation during its meeting on Tuesday declaring April as National Donate Life Month.
Over 100,000 Americans and nearly 1,200 people in Alabama are currently on the national transplant waiting list.
this Thursday, April 17.
The event will feature a ribbon cutting followed by the opening game of the Trussville Miracle League season.
Amerex partnered with the city to build the field, donating $500,000, to provide an inclusive space for children and adults of all abilities to participate in sports.
Designed by architect Ryan Vernon of Lathan Architects, the new field features a specialized surface that is safer to play on as well as fully accessible dugouts.
Amerex President and CEO Harrison Bishop, Mayor Buddy Choat, and Trussville Miracle League participant parent Stephanie Langford will speak during the dedication of the field.
“At Amerex and all of the McWane Inc. family of companies, we are committed to protecting lives, whether through fire safety or by investing in projects that build stronger, more inclusive communities,” Bishop said.
Ann Rayburn with Legacy of Hope, a nonprofit organ procurement organization, and Andy Jackson, a Trussville resident whose wife died in need of a lung transplant, were presented with the proclamation.
“I’ve worked with donation for over 30 years and I’m also a living kidney donor,” Rayburn said. “It’s certainly an important cause and we appreciate you taking time today to recognize it.”
Thirteen people die each day while waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, and another person is added to the waiting list every eight minutes.
• The council passed a resolution repealing Ordinance No. 2025-005ADM in order to allow Trussville City Schools to use the property where Public Works was formerly located as its maintenance shop. The council passed a resolution declaring two Parks & Recreation floor scrubbers as surplus.
The council passed a resolution renewing an inmate housing agreement with the City of Irondale.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Hewitt-Trussville High School graduate Anne Rogers has been selected to serve as an official ambassador of the University
Properties will be judged on June 2 with a rain make-up date of June 9. This year’s judging categories include: • Best Use of Color Best Home Landscape Design
• Best Home Overall Best Business Overall Best Garden Home Landscape
• Best Garden Home Overall Winners will receive a lawn stand while second place honorees will receive a certificate.
The group of students assists the President’s Office, Office of Undergraduate Admissions and National Alumni Association in providing tours daily to prospective students, parents and other campus guests.
Last year, Capstone Men and Women gave 3,370 tours and served over 12,300 hours.
Last year’s winners included Amy and Rob Trautwein of 8025 Caldwell Drive for “Best Home Overall,” Anita Eaves of 402 Water Oak Lane for “Best Home Landscape Design,” Jim Meads of 6384 Ziglag Circle for “Best Use of Color,” and Corbeau Wine Bar for “Best Business Overall.” Nominations are open to any Trussville resident who wants to nominate their own or someone else’s property. All nominees must agree to be nominated. Ballots are currently available at the Trussville Public Library, the Trussville Chamber of Commerce, and City Hall. Nominations can also be submitted through email to janderson@trussville.gov. A copy of the nomination form is included on The Tribune’s website. This year’s contest winners will also be announced in The Tribune.
Keeping Athletes in the Game for the Whole Season
“We are excited to be in a position where we can bring this Miracle League field to life and look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the Trussville community.”
“Amerex Miracle Field is more than just a part of our sports complex–it’s a place where memories will be made and the entire community can come together,”
“Thanks to the generous donation from Amerex, we are proud to bring this space to fruition not only to meet the needs right here in our community but for people from all over Alabama.”
The ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. and the game will start at 5:30 p.m.
At OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports, we are committed to providing you with excellence in patient-centered care. When you get injured on or off the field, our doctors are determined to find the right treatment solution for you because every player deserves nothing less than the very best care.
Walk-In Clinic Available
Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
HOOVER
Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
To schedule an appointment, please call (205) 622-9844 or scan the QR code below.
The
and 7 Brew lover Miss America Abbie Stockard.
“I’m obsessed with 7 Brew, y’all have no idea.
that multiple missing person cases have been ruled out by the DNA analysis as the identity of the remains.
I’m so glad this is a closer location because I live 30 minutes away from the Trussville one and I will drive the 30 minutes to go and get it,” Stockard joked.
The skull was discovered by a homeowner on the shoulder of the roadway next to his residence near the 1300 block of 5th Place NW on Aug. 20, 2024.
Investigators believe the skull was moved from its original location, which remains unknown, to the property by the homeowner ’s dog.
The coroner’s office per-
Before the ribbon cutting, she was presented with a $1,000 check from the company for the Miss America Scholarship Foundation, which offers academic and community-based scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies.
“I’m so appreciative of y’all writing this very generous check for the Miss America Scholarship Foundation. For those who don’t know, Miss America is a scholarship organization, and the entire reason I started competing in the first place was to fulfill a financial need for my family,” Stockard said.
“I know that this scholarship money will definitely help other young women like me who are in similar positions,” she continued.
Located at 1353 Mont-
Ala. – The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man was shot at a bingo hall near Grayson Valley early Monday morning.
Ala. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man was shot at a bingo hall near Grayson Valley early Monday morning.
clair Road, formerly the Sonic Drive-In, the drive-thru stand offers over 20,000 unique drink combinations to satisfy any craving. The coffee spot has proven to be a hit with locals, joining other locations
that have opened up recently in Moody and Trussville. In addition to offering special deals, the location will host a “Swag Day” on April 19 where customers who purchase a large drink will get a free 7 Brew shirt.
From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
Deputies responded to the bingo hall, located at 5712 Chalkville Road, shortly after 5 a.m. where they found a male employee suffering from a gunshot wound.
Deputies responded to the bingo hall, located at 5712 Chalkville Road, shortly after 5 a.m. where they found a male employee suffering from a gunshot wound.
The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Community Shred Day on May 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Bryant Bank. The event is free to the
Center Point Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and transported the victim to UAB Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Center Point Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and transported the victim to UAB Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to the sher-
According to the sher-
Elementary Division
• 1st – Charley Ann Petry, Honey BeeHam Candles
• 2nd – Jacee & Janaah
Summers, J&J Treasures
• 3rd – Faith Cochran, Fabulous Faith Jewelry & More
From Tribune staff reports
LEEDS,
community but limited to personal use only—no businesses allowed. Participants can bring up to two boxes or bags of paper, weighing no more than 50 lbs.
The bingo hall where the shooting took place.
The bingo hall where the shooting took place.
vice, and the event is made possible by presenting sponsors BBB of Central and South Alabama and Bryant Bank.
Gone for Good will be providing the shredding ser-
iff’s office, the preliminary investigation revealed that a verbal altercation between the victim and a male security guard occurred, resulting in the guard shooting him.
iff’s office, the preliminary investigation revealed that a verbal altercation between the victim and a male security guard occurred, resulting in the guard shooting him.
Outstanding Branding
The security guard re-
1st – Ava and Averie Sanders, Luxuri Nook Popcorn
• 2nd – Carrington McCloud, Take a Bite
Mayor’s Choice
• 1st – Angely Navarette Marquina, Vanely’s Mexican Accessories
portedly remained at the scene and cooperated with deputies.
For more details, visit the chamber’s website or call (205) 6557535.
At this time there have been no arrests or charges filed in the case.
The case is still under investigation.
At this time, there have been no arrests or charges filed in the case. The case is still under investigation.
The security guard reportedly remained at the scene and cooperated with deputies.
2nd – AJ Arnold, Miss Luscious Lip Products Specialty award winners received $150 for first place and $100 for second place.
People’s Choice • 1st – Ka’Sharee Wilson, Ree’s Sweet Treats 2nd – Stella Gurganus, Froggy Amor
LEEDS, Ala Police in Leeds are asking for the public’s help in identifying an individual believed to be involved with an organized retail theft investigation.
Alabama State Troopers Association Trooper of the Year Award.
Leeds are asking for the public’s help in identifying an individual believed to be involved with an organized retail theft investigation.
The duo were presented with the award in recognition of their heroic actions during a daring rescue operation that took place in Perdido Bay in October 2024.
“The Leeds Police Department requests the public’s assistance in identifying this individual,” officials said on social media “He is a suspect in an Organized Retail Theft Investigation.
“The Leeds Police Department requests the public’s assistance in identifying this individual,” officials said on social media “He is a suspect in an Organized Retail Theft Investigation.
Notice is here Service Company, Inc., Greenbrook Dr., Hazel Green, AL 35750, has completed all work on the Well #17 and #18 Project 3-010-23 and 3-011-23, for Trussville Gas and Water. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project, should immediately notify the above named contractor and Trussville Gas and Water, 127 Main Street, Trussville, AL 35173.
Notice is here Service Compa Greenbrook Dr., Hazel Green, AL 35750, has completed all work on the Well #17 and #18 Project 3-010-23 and 3-011-23, for Trussville Gas and Water. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project, should immediately notify the above named contractor and Trussville Gas and Water, 127 Main Street, Trussville, AL 35173.
If you recognize this individual or have any information about this crime, please contact Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama.”
If you recognize this individual or have any information about this crime please contact Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama.”
CrimeStoppers of Met-
In a display of remarkable bravery, Manning and Wade swiftly responded to a distress call involving two vessels, which had both capsized, leaving four individuals desperately stranded in the water.
CrimeStoppers of Met-
Despite challenging weather conditions and low visibility, the troopers quickly located the four victims and safely extracted them from the water, saving their lives.
ing, teamwork, and unwavering dedication to public safety saved lives and serve as an inspiration to us all.”
“Troopers Manning and Wade’s heroic actions exemplify the highest standards of law enforcement,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “Their quick think-
In addition, Sr. Trooper Brent Pickle, who is assigned to ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division, has been named Runner-Up for Trooper of the Year, in recognition of his outstanding service and contributions
to public safety in Jefferson County and the State of Alabama.
“Detectives obtained these photos from video surveillance and are asking the public for help with identifying the person shown.”
Pickle, along with his K-9 partner, Pici, were responsible for numerous successful operations, including the removal of significant amounts of illegal narcotics and firearms from Alabama’s roadways.
If you recognize this individual, or have any information about this crime, please contact Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama. You may remain anonymous, and if your tip leads to an arrest, you could receive a cash reward of up to $5,000.
Unfortunately, K-9 Pici retired last year due to medical issues, but the team’s legacy of diligent service continues to have a lasting impact.
“Trooper Pickle and K-9 Pici’s partnership and achievements have undoubtedly made Alabama’s communities safer,” added Secretary Taylor. “Though K-9 Pici has retired, the work they accomplished together will never be forgotten.”
From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
Two people were arrested last Thursday after allegedly stealing a felony amount of merchandise from Belk and leading police on a highspeed chase through Trussville.
“As I said before, please stop coming to Trussville to shoplift,” TPD Cpl. James McCool said after police apprehended the suspects. “We are not gonna tolerate it here.”
Coty Domian of Altoona has been charged with third degree theft of property and felony eluding.
Caleb Wininger of Gadsden has been charged with third degree theft of property.
Trussville police re-
leased a video on their Facebook page depicting part of the chase along Valley Road. TPD also received assistance from the Argo and
Springville Police Departments and ALEA during the pursuit.
The video can be viewed on The Tribune’s website.
From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has identified the man who died Monday night after crashing a stolen motorcycle on I-65 as
Charles Rogers Daugherty, 32, of Birmingham. Daugherty had been traveling on I-65 North through Gardendale at a “high rate of speed” when he lost control, was thrown from the motorcycle, and
struck by another vehicle.
He was transported to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 7:38 p.m.
ALEA is investigating the circumstances surrounding the wreck.
From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
– Nine people have been arrested following a raid in the Norwood neighborhood, which saw drugs, including fentanyl, and weapons seized.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Vice and Narcotics Division executed the search warrant at the 1700 block of 32nd Place North on April 9 along with the Drone Unit, SWAT, and the Sheriff’s Neighborhood Enforcement Team.
In total, officers seized 88 grams of fentanyl, 40 grams of methamphetamine, 680 grams of marijuana, five grams of cocaine, three clonazepam tablets, and one Xanax pill.
They also seized multiple handguns, a rifle, brass knuckles, and digital scales.
The suspects range in age from 20 to 46 and have been charged as follows:
Demario Demonte Gray (26) – carrying brass knuckles/slingshot, loitering/drug purposes, second-degree possession of marijuana
Chris Laran Scott, age (45) – loitering and gambling
• Jamicah Joshua Perry (23) – drug trafficking and first-degree posses-
sion of marijuana
• Derrick Dewayne Day (46) – loitering/drug purposes
• Darius Lamar Coates (35) – certain persons forbidden to possess a pistol and loitering/drug purposes
• Demarkus James Smith (31) – loitering/drug purposes and possession of a controlled substance
• Rodtreiz Ladamion Smith (41) – two counts of drug trafficking, distribution of cocaine, second-degree possession of marijuana, and first-degree possession of marijuana
• Semajay Reynolds (20) – loitering/drug purposes, second-degree pos-
session of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia
Ahmad Alexander Am-
erson (37) – loitering/ drug purposes
All of the suspects are now out on bond except Rodtreiz Ladamion Smith, who is being held in the Jefferson County Jail with a total bond of $246,000.
“This is another example of how our specialized units work together to keep our citizens safe,” Sheriff Mark Pettway said.
“The safety of our citizens is my number one priority. Taking drugs and weapons off of the streets of Jefferson County helps to accomplish this goal.”
From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
– A man was found dead in an apartment in North Birmingham by police on Thursday. He has been identified
as 27-year-old Letaris Demonds-Lapri Franklin. At around 5:10 p.m., Birmingham police were dispatched to report of a person shot at an apartment in the 2100 block of 29th Avenue North.
Officers arrived on the scene and spoke to a family member of the victim who stated that they went to check on him after not hearing from him and found him shot. According to inves-
tigators, North Precinct Officers responded to the complex the previous night after community members heard shots fired in the area. During that call, officers reportedly canvassed
the area and spoke with community members at the complex.
Detectives believe the suspect targeted Franklin's apartment. There is no one in custody at this time.
Anyone with information about the case can contact BPD at (205) 2541764 or remain anonymous and receive a cash reward of up to $5,000 by calling Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777.
By Joe Hobby, Tribune Columnist
Local Meetings
● Trussville City Coun-
cil Meetings: 2nd and 4th
Tuesday of each month at
6 p.m., City Council Annex
● Trussville Board of Education Meetings: 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m., TCS Central Office
● Clay City Council Meet-
ings: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
● Pinson City Coun-
cil Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
● Center Point City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, at 6:30 p.m.
Here’s a friendly reminder to all of you travelers hitting the road this spring and summer: your GPS routing system is only as good as the information you put in it. Simply put, if you type in the wrong address, it’s going to take you to the wrong place, not the one you wanted to go. If there’s not a chapter about this in the book called Traveling for Dummies, there should be. What the book probably wouldn’t include is this: if your wife is in charge of putting the address in the Google Maps app; and more importantly, if she’s using the “talk to text” feature on her iPhone, you should double check her. I didn’t. And that my friends, is how the address to Walt Disney World,
● Argo City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 5 p.m.
● Springville City Council
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
March 9 at 1:30 p.m. - Extensive ACT review class
● Chess Club: Monday March 10 at 5 p.m. - Learn the basics, cool tricks, strategy, opening, and tactic in chess from a ChessKidsNation coach
● Books & Brews: Monday, March 10 at 7:15 p.m.
- An evening Adult Book Club meeting at Ferus Artisan Ales
● Ukulele Club: Tuesday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. - Beginner ukulele club
which was supposed to be Maingate Lane, mistakenly became Marianne Lane on her GPS. Let me elaborate. After about a 10-hour drive, we were on the outskirts of Orlando, so I asked Carol to put in the final directions to the land of the mouse. Great! The GPS told us we were only 45 minutes away. It had been a long drive; we were tired and ready to call it a day. However, as we got closer to our destination, I begin to wonder how we were being routed to Disney World. You see, the exit we took off the freeway did not look like the land of green grass, sunshine, and magical dreams. I didn’t even see a palm tree. What we did see was urban blight, which got worse with each passing block. There were liquor stores, pawnshops, and quite
● Preschoolers at Play: Wednesday, March 12 at 10:30 a.m. - Join us for a short movement and story with Ms. Alicia followed by free play with various toys
to lightful exciting & beloved
● Storytime
Growin’
Beans with Ms. Allison: Friday, March 7 at 10 a.m.
- Our theme is Smell. We’ll read books, have fun, do a craft, & have a snack
a few places with boarded up windows. I thought I saw the chalk outline of a body. When I asked Carol about our location, she assured me it was the correct address.
“Well, ok. Maybe this is Disney’s way of helping to revitalize a depressed area,” I said.
Soon, Google Maps directed me to turn. “Thank the Lord,” I thought. I hoped we were finally leaving this
● Goat Yoga: Saturday, March 8 at 1 p.m. - Announcing “Goat Yoga” with our friends at Olive Valley Farms & our host, “Yoga with Kayla.” This will be a day of yoga, laughter, & the adorable company of friendly goats! Registration required
abyss, but we weren’t. We drove another half mile thru more squalor until we were told to take the next right turn and arrive at our destination. I complied, although by now I smelled a rat, not a mouse. Carol, looking around wide-eyed, also had a change of attitude, declaring, “I’m not getting out of this car.” That’s because we weren’t near Disney or our hotel. Oh no. Marianne Lane was the entrance to an old trailer park. Yes – Google Maps had routed us to an entrance to a trailer park. I thought I heard Siri say, “Let’s get out of here!” It only took me a few seconds to determine what had happened. Sometimes I’ll use the talk to text feature, so I knew it was capable of mistakes; however, never, would I ever use it to put an address into a GPS with-
out double checking it. And Carol didn’t. That’s how we ended up in the ‘hood. Still, I needed my pound of flesh, so I feinted ignorance, and said, “Gee whiz, what could have possibly gone wrong?
Hey, I’ve got a swell idea. why don’t you double check Google Maps?”
Carol cross-checked the address with the one my son gave her.
“Uh Oh!”
“You put it in wrong, didn’t you?”
She stammered as she tried to come up with an excuse. “Well yeah, but….”
“No buts! Give me that,” I growled. “Unless you want to stay here and ride Crack Mountain or Drug Lords of the Caribbean.” I grabbed her phone, and saw it for myself. The message from my son said Maingate Lane. And when
I toggled to Google Maps –Marianne Lane.
Once I made the correction, I discovered that we were still 35 minutes from our correct destination. Ugh. Not what I wanted to see on a dark, rainy evening after a day on the road. We drove in silence, except for the monotone voice of the GPS directing us to our correct destination, Maingate Lane. Finally, I saw palm trees and neat strip centers with colorful neon lights. I semi-politely pointed out that there were no boarded-up windows. Our first stop was a Mexican restaurant, not because I wanted Tex-Mex food, but because I knew they would have margaritas. Note to self: next time fly to Orlando. Sure, it costs more, but peace of mind is worth something.
● Children’s Storytime: Thursday, March 13 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. - Join Ms. Alicia for stories, songs, bubble time, and lots of fun
● Tech Tuesdays: Tuesday, March 11 at 10 a.m.Drop by for helpful tech tips and tricks with Mr. Keith!
Please bring your device with you if you are able
By Sean Dietrich Commentary
● Irondale City Coun-
cil Meetings: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
My sister and I sit cross-
legged on the front porch, playing cards. I am losing. Not that this matters.
● Leeds City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
We are really into the game right now, slapping cards on the porch floor.
● Moody City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
Trussville Public Library
The sun is low. Random cars pass our neighborhood. The five o’clock train is singing in the faroff. A robin is building a nest in one of our hanging ferns, talking to herself while she works.
● Young Adult D&D: Friday, March 7 at 4 p.m.D&D for ages 18-25
● ACT Prep: Saturday, March 8 at 10 a.m. - Extensive ACT review class
It’s been a long time since I’ve played cards. Not since the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The irony is, I used to play cards all the time.
● ACT Prep: Sunday,
There for a while, my
mother and I would play casino almost every night. Or rummy. After my father died, we were big card players. Sometimes, my mother and I would play for hours without saying more than a few words. And once every 10 or 12 hands, I might even win. My sister has never played casino before. So I teach her. It takes a few seconds for her to fully grasp the rules well enough to thoroughly kick my aspirations.
● Homeschool Hangout: Thursday, March 13 at 1 p.m. - A place for homeschool teens to hang out, socialize, and play games
● Cult Classic Cinema: Thursday March 13 at 5:30 p.m. - An evening highlighting the other half of Trussville’s Core Collection of movies–Cult Classics. This month’s feature: “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986) Pinson Public Library
Casino is one of the better card games out there. It’s quick. It’s all about numbers. It’s a card game my dad taught me. I don’t know why that matters.
● Dahl’s Delightful Kits: March 3-8, All week - Join us as we celebrate the imaginative world of Roald Dahl! Stop by the library
I look at my sister sitting
● Geek Guild D&D (Teens): Tuesday, March 11 at 4:30 p.m. - We’re playing Dungeons & Dragons! Delve into the Forgotten Realm in this fantasy Role-Playing Game.
across from me. She looks like my dad. In fact, she has all my father’s best attributes and she doesn’t even know it.
His long, lean frame, and fast metabolism—she can eat an entire pizza and you will still see the veins in her abs. Whereas all I have to do is look at a single slice of ham and suddenly I look like a church deacon.
● Junior Jamz: Wednesday, March 12 at 10 a.m.
- Bring your little kiddos to jam at the library! We’ll provide a variety of musical instruments for the children to explore
this is one of the laws of the universe.
My sister also has my father’s long legs. His competitive streak. His athleticism. His pathos. His introspectiveness. His swift temper. His pronounced sense of right and wrong, devoid of gray.
She has his laugh. My old man had a unique laugh. I liked to watch him laugh. His head would go back. His teeth would show. It was a full-body experience. He was incapable of laughing halfheartedly. My sister has that same laugh. Same head posture.
● Let’s Jam!: Thursday, March 13 at 4 p.m. - Are you learning to play an instrument or have you been playing for years? Come jam at the library!
Same tone. Nobody taught her how to do that. She just does it. And she talks a lot. Like he did. Same mannerisms. Same self-depreciating humor. Same way of interjecting. Same fervent enthusiasm for The Conversation.
Dad could talk the paint off a fire hydrant. Especially in social situations where he felt pressure to perform. His loud voice would absorb all sonic space in the room, and everyone sort of gathered around him. People like a talker. I don’t know why, but
His easy smile. His disarming way of forcing you to like him, even if you didn’t want to like him. Even if he was kicking your butt at cards the way my sister is doing right now.
Yes, my father had a lot of rare qualities, and my beautiful little sister got them all. But this evening, I happen to have one of his qualities, too. Tonight, I have his pride.
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By Dixie Dreamer
By State Rep. Danny Garrett
tion as the lowest tax state
MONTGOMERY, Ala.
– Fifteen years ago, everything changed in the Alabama Legislature.
In 2010, Republicans gained control of the Alabama House of Representatives and the Alabama State Senate.
Republicans flipped 17 House seats and seven Senate seats, marking the first time in 136 years that our party held the majority in both chambers.
This historic shift gave Alabama—struggling in nearly every measurable way—a chance to right the ship. And that’s exactly what we have done.
When Republicans took office, Alabama’s financial situation was in crisis.
I couldn’t help but wonder, in the age of instant gratification—where you can order dinner, watch a movie, and shop for vintage vinyls all the time it takes to brew a cup of coffee—has our need for instant responses in dating gone too far? Somewhere between typing bubbles and “Seen” receipts, modern dating seems to have forgotten the art of patience. Take it from me. When my marriage ended, and I re-emerged into the dating world, I was like a hawk— hyper-focused on every text, every timestamp, and every pause between messages. My default attachment style? Send a text, wait an hour, and if there was no response, poof—goodbye. It was my own version of a mental dance-off. After all, I’d spent hours crafting witty lines, and the least they could do was respond.
The state had endured five rounds of proration in just 10 years—forcing mid-year budget cuts that disrupted essential services. Simply keeping the lights on at the State House was a challenge.
Prior to Republican control, the State Legislature had spent beyond its means for decades, racking up over $600 million in debt by raiding the Alabama Trust Fund and depleting the state’s rainy-day accounts.
That reckless era ended in 2010. The days of “robbing Peter to pay Paul” came to a screeching halt under Republican leadership.
One of our first actions was to reduce the number of state employees by over 5,000 people.
But here’s the thing nobody tells you post-divorce or heartbreak recovery camp (if such a place existed): your perception of communication isn’t a reflection of them—it’s a reflection of you. Five years later, my phone habits look completely different, and I’m not out here clutching my phone like a life preserver waiting for someone to respond. Don’t get me wrong; I love a good text exchange as much as the next person, but now, I take my time responding—sometimes hours, sometimes even a full day. Why? Because life is messy, unpredictable, and well, I’ve got better things to do than live in a constant state of ping!
My best friends joke it’s because I’m likely off chas-
In 2011, we passed the Rolling Reserve Act, which has been a game-changer for Alabama’s financial stability. Before this reform,
came in 2012, when Repub licans championed a Constitutional Amendment—
Do we believe additionalciency, accountability, and
That’s why, in 2019, the Legislature created the Alabama Commission on the Evaluation of Services
ta-driven evaluations of state programs to assess
tiveness. ACES works handin-hand with state agenciesmend improvements—or eliminations—of ineffective
what’s a waste of your emotional energy:
tee and are working on legislation to do the same with some occupational licensing boards.
1. Effort over immediacy – Volume doesn’t equal depth. A thoughtful reply is worth more than a flood of emojis. Go for substance.
ACES is a powerful tool, but we can and should do more to cut taxes, reduce waste, and ensure government works for the people— not for itself.
2. Consistency – Whether it’s steady replies or spontaneous calls, knowing someone’s communication style matters—and it should match your own energy.
That has been the mission of the Republican-led Legislature for the last 15 years, and our work is continuing in the current Legislative Session.
3. Trust the delays –People aren’t ignoring you because they hate you; they likely have lives outside the digital ether. Who knew?
So, does Alabama need a “Department” of Government Efficiency?
pw s, gr s, mealsand more.Memberships startaslow as $1 perday.Avail
day of eachmonthat6 p.m.,
We’ve made strategic investments in education,
TCSCentral Office
And we continue cutting taxes, solidifying our posi-
●Parks and RecTrivia: Thursday,July25at6 p.m.
ic development, and we’re
meracy Acts have moved Alabama’s public education rankings from 49th to 34th in reading and from 52nd to 32nd in math. We have also passed the CHOOSE Act – solidifying Alabama as one of the most pro schoolchoice states in the entire country.
●ClayCityCouncil Meetings:2nd and 4thTuesday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
●PinsonCityCouncil Meetings: 1stand 3rdThursday of eachmonthat7 p.m.
●CenterPoint City Council Meetings:1st and 3rdThursday of eachmonth, at 6:30 p.m.
●ArgoCityCouncil Meetings:2nd and 4thMonday of eachmonthat5 p.m.
ous boards and commission through the Sunset Commit-
ernment ended with Repub lican leadership. Over the last 15 years, we’ve implemented a series of fiscally responsible and conservative budgeting practices that have stabilized Alabama’s finances. In 2019, we finished paying off $600 million in debt. We restored, strengthened, and even created reserve accounts. We’ve passed more than a dozen tax cuts in the last three years, including reducing the Grocery Tax by 25%, which is the largest
ing unicorns, wrangling adventures, or sipping cocktails somewhere far from service. And honestly? They’re not wrong. For me, taking my sweet time isn’t a power move or a game. It’s not about testing anyone’s patience or looking unattainable; it’s about taking control of my own narrative and remembering that I don’t have to answer to anyone’s expectations— not my ex, not a potential date, not even society’s. It’s
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liberating, really, to not fill silences with constant validation.
Alabama’s roads and bridges were once among the worst in the country –we were recently ranked as 8th best state in the nation for roads, bridges, airports, power, and broadband.
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Economic development has been no different – we’ve cut red tape and utilized a pro-business approach to government that has resulted in Alabama being nationally recognized as the most improved state for doing business.
You see, healthy communication happens when you find the balance between connection and autonomy. Some of the best relationships I’ve had didn’t hinge on text efficiency; rather, they flourished in mutual respect and realistic expectations. Healthy communication involves understanding that people have lives—and that includes yours.
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●Springville City Council Meetings:1st and 3rdMonday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
●IrondaleCityCouncil Meetings:1st and 3rdTuesday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
But how do we figure out what’s “healthy”? Is it okay if your crush responds only once a day? Sure, if that’s their rhythm. Is it okay if they ghost you for a week because they claim they’re “so busy”? Red flag, honey. Healthy communication boils down to consistency and effort— both of which can look very different depending on the relationship. Context matters. If someone’s a first-responder working 12-hour shifts, maybe their response time is slower. If they’re playing hard to get for two weeks? Enter stage left and exit ASAP.
●Leeds City Council Meetings:1st and 3rdMonday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
●Moody City Council Meetings:2nd and 4thMonday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
Trussville Public Library
●SummertimeStories: Thursday,July25at9:30 and 10:30 a.m. -JoinMs. Alicia fora summer-themed
It’s not about clocking timestamps or tallying texts; it’s about the content of your connection. A “good morning” text that feels heartfelt could mean more than a novel-length essay sent begrudgingly out of obligation. Similarly, responsiveness has little to do with
●ClassicCinema: Friday, July 26 at 2p.m.- Come and watchaclassicmovie in the library auditorium!
frequency when both people truly value the ongoing conversation.
Pinson Public Library
●SplashBashatPinson
For me, detaching from the constant need for replies came with learning the art of delayed gratification. I stopped chasing every buzzing notification like it was a jackpot at a slot machine and started savoring my own time. No response for a few hours? Great, more time to write, or jog my creative musings—or yes, chase those metaphorical unicorns. And oddly enough? To the right people, this confidence is magnetic.
Of course, there’s always nuance. If my date takes two days to respond to “How was your day?” and offers zero explanation, I’m out. But if they send back a thoughtful update in their own time that shows genuine engagement, I’m all in.
Normal response times vary, but here’s a tip for spotting what’s worth pursuing and
4. Know your limits –If waiting too long creates anxiety, ask yourself if their behavior aligns with your needs. Communicate (politely) and see if they step up. If not, move on gracefully.
Bicentennial Park:Thursday July 25 at 4p.m.- It’stimeto saygoodbyetoanother wonderfulSummerReading Program!Enjoy free access to theSplashPad, crafts,food trucks,& so much more!
We already have one. We just call it Republican leadership.
also serves as chairman of the Alabama House Education Ways and Means Committee.
●GlowParty:TeenFinale: Thursday,July27at4 p.m.
-Celebrate theend of another successful teen summer readingprogram duringour Glow PartyTeenFinale. Enjoysnacks,games,music,& otherglow-in-the-darkactivities!
At the end of the day, healthy communication is about a rhythm that celebrates individuality, respects time, and fosters connection without the toxicity of over-analyzing. Relationships, much like texting habits, aren’t one-size-fitsall. It’s about finding what works for you—and realizing you’re worth so much more than obsessing over typing dots.
I couldn’t help but wonder—what have your texting or communication habits taught you? Have you mastered the balance yet, or are you still navigating the murky waters of response times and expectations? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your stories, breakthroughs, or even your own witty one-liners by emailing me at Columnist@ICHBWColumn.com.
Until next week, take your time…and your texts…and stay unapologetically fabulous!
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october 13, 1953 — march 22, 2025
Cynthia Hanserd Horsley, 71, of Trussville, AL, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025, at Grandview Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born on October 13, 1953, in Montgomery, AL.
Cindy’s dedication to her career was unwavering. She graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in 1972 and was part of the first nursing class to graduate from Troy State in Montgomery in 1974. Her career, which spanned 44 years, began at Baptist in Montgomery, continued at MCE/ St. Vincents East, and concluded at Princeton. Cindy’s exceptional nursing skills and her love for her patients and coworkers were evident throughout her career.
Cindy loved life and cherished her family. Spending time with them brought her immense joy, and many wonderful memories were made on vacations at the beach and in the mountains with her kids and grandkids. She enjoyed time with friends and always knew how to bring people together.
She is survived by her daughter, Lara Gaines (Timothy); her son, William Horsley (Natalie); grandchildren: Emma Gaines, Tucker Gaines, Reed Gaines, Annie Horsley, and Lizzie Horsley; and her cousin, Kenny Roberts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles “Rabbit” and Louise Hanserd.
The family received friends and family at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville on Monday, March 31st, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 10:00 a.m. where Dr. Roger White officiated. A graveside service followed at Arley First Baptist Church Cemetery in Arley, AL. Pallbearers were Louie King, Brandon Billingsley, Timothy Gaines, Tucker Gaines, Reed Gaines and Ethan Wright.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the youth department at Arley First Baptist Church, the Boaz Project, or any hospital memorial foundation.
april 13, 1938 — april 1, 2025
Albert Earl Reese, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and proud veteran, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, just shy of his 87th birthday. A man of quiet strength, steady faith, and deep devotion to his family, Albert lived a life that spoke volumes—not through words, but through unwavering commitment, selfless service, and a legacy built on integrity and heart.
Born on April 13, 1938, in Gattman, Mississippi, Albert was the second oldest of eight children born to John Albert Reese and Earlis Osborn Reese. He was raised in Winfield, Alabama, where he attended Winfield High School, lettering in football before graduating in 1956. Just a year later, in March of 1957, he answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Air Force.
In 1959, Albert met the love of his life, Geraldine, and the two were married in 1960. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and deep-rooted family values. His military service became his life’s work. As an aircraft mechanic in the Air National Guard, he dedicated decades to ensuring the safety and readiness of those who took to the skies. He retired in 1993 as Flight Line Supervisor with the distinguished rank of E-9, Chief Master Sergeant—a role he held with immense pride.
Even after his military retirement, Albert’s dedication to service continued. He was a longtime, active member of the American Legion, where he served in many roles, always finding ways to support his fellow veterans and his community.
While duty and service were integral parts of Albert’s life, his greatest joy came from time spent with his loved ones. He was a devoted Christian and a remote member of Gardendale Baptist Church. He found peace in the simple pleasures—fishing, collecting coins, and feeding the birds and deer that visited his yard. He loved his family deeply, and that love was evident in the way he lived his life.
In 2022, at the age of 84, Albert took his first trip to Disney World to celebrate his birthday—a reminder to all who knew him that it’s never too late for a new adventure.
He was preceded in death by his parents, several siblings, and his beloved wife, Geraldine.
Albert is survived by his devoted daughter, Kecia Lee Clark (Mark); two cherished grandchildren, Tyler Clark and Kindrel Clark Armstrong (Justin); and three heart-chosen grandchildren, Patience Denney (Tyler), Daniel Cohen, and Connie Cohen. He also leaves behind one treasured heart-chosen great-granddaughter, Andirsyn Greigh Cohen.
He is also survived by his brother Larry Reese, and his sisters Virginia Smith, Malinda Sims, and Marilyn Scarbrough.
Albert Earl Reese will be remembered for his loyalty, his quiet kindness, and the strong foundation he built for those who came after him. His legacy lives on in the stories, traditions, and love he passed down—and in every life he touched with his steady presence and generous heart.
october 23, 1933 — march 22, 2025
tisestatewide!
Family and friends rejoice in the life of Billy Cooke, who went home to be with the Lord, March 22, 2025. Billy lived his life according to 2 Corinthians 8:21 he took pains to do what was right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.
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Billy was a devoted husband and caring father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 73 years, Mary Ann, they had 3 children: Sharon Jordan, Wayne Cooke, and Cathy Abramson. Billy was known as “Papa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who loved him for his warmth, wisdom, and generosity.
Throughout his career Billy exercised an unwavering work ethic and deep sense of integrity and fairness—first in hardscrabble days
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He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Benton (Brian),
(Peyton),
Benton (Lexi), Baylie Skiles (Noah), Brianna Triplett (Eli) and Savanna Benton (Abbie), his great-grandchildren, Benton, Briggs, Beckett, Sailor, Shepherd, Sunny, Jaxson and Stevie, and a host of friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Neal, his father Robert Neal, his bonus mother, Sudie Neal and his mother, Mary England Miller.
Pallbearers were Peyton Heard, Christopher Benton, Noah Skiles, Abbie Benton, Eli Triplett and Landon Triplett.
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Visitation was held on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 9:00 A.M. until service time at 10:00 A.M. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.
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september 21, 1981 — march 26, 2025
Tommy was born in Park Ridge, Illinois on 21 September 1981. He died on 26 March 2025 at the age 43. Tommy graduated from Hewitt Trussville High School and studied at UAB. He then served two years in the United States Navy. After leaving the Navy, he worked as an electrician. He was a member of Holy Infant Catholic Church. Tommy loved The Simpsons, video games, reading (especially science fiction and fantasy), being with family, the Navy and Notre Dame. He loved helping his aunts with gardening and other projects. Tommy was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Sybil Taggart and Tom and Marlys O’Fallon. He is survived by his parents, Tom and Pat O’Fallon
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● Trussville City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., City Council Annex
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Trussville Public Library
● Fun Day Monday: Monday, April 21 at 4 p.m.DIY Zen Garden
● STEAM for Kids (Rocket Science): Monday, April 21 at 5 p.m. - Join Ms. Jan, the science lady, of Dynamic Education Adventures in the library auditorium for a hands-on application of STEAM!
● Adult Book Club: Tuesday, April 22 at 6 p.m.
● Preschoolers at Play: Wednesday, April 23 at 10:30 a.m. - Join us for a short movement and story with Ms. Alicia, followed by free play at several stations set up around the large auditorium with various toys
● Children’s Storytime: Thursday, April 24 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. - Join Ms. Alicia for stories, songs, bubble time, and lots of
24 at 4 p.m. - Come learn to play Magic the Gathering or find people to play with!
● Cult Classic Cinema: Thursday, April 24 at 5:30 p.m. - Now showing “Clueless (1995)”
Pinson Public Library ● Closed for Easter: April 18-20
● Bunco Night: Monday, April 21 at 5 p.m. - Join us as we play a few fun games of Bunco at the library, small prizes will be provided
● Tech Tuesdays: Tuesday, April 22 at 10 a.m. - Drop by for helpful tech tips and tricks with Mr. Keith
● Anime Afternoon: Tuesday, April 22 at 4 p.m. - Join us to watch some episodes of anime and enjoy ramed and other Asian snacks
● The Write Crowd: Thursday, April 24 at 5:30
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April 17 - 23, 2025
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
TRUSSVILLE —
Steele
Hall blasted a solo homer in the first and Christian Helmers threw a complete-game shutout as the top-ranked Hewitt-Trussville Huskies blasted the Hoover Bucs 8-0 Monday night at Phil English Field.
Hall’s blast to right jumpstarted the Huskies in a crucial area game.
The Husky’s patience at the plate and a strong defensive performance gave the Bucs no shot at the Huskies.
A wild pitch hit Koal Duckett to start the second, and the Huskies capitalized on a Hoover error, a pair of walks, and heads-up baserunning to put four more runs on the board to take a 5-0 lead.
In the third, Cam Simpson added an RBI, to give Hewitt a 6-0 lead.
The Huskies added two
more runs in the fourth to make the score 8-0.
Helmers was in full command on the mound, allowing just one hit across seven innings. The senior righthander struck out six and walked three in a dominant performance that Hoover had no answer for.
Simpson drove in a pair of runs and finished 1-for3, while Hall set the tone from the leadoff spot, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.
The Huskies showed great discipline, drawing six walks and forcing Hoover’s multiple pitchers to work deep into counts.
Defensively, Hewitt was nearly flawless. The Huskies turned three double plays and didn’t commit a single error.
The two teams will meet again Wednesday in Hoover, with the Huskies (29-2) looking to sweep the regular-season area series.
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
TRUSSVILLE –
Hewitt-Trussville softball
took care of business Thursday night, handling Oak Mountain 6-3 and giving Head Coach Taylor Burt a milestone win in the process.
The victory improves the Lady Huskies to 23-11 on the season and marks Burt’s
300th win at the program’s helm. Under Burt, the Lady Huskies have become one of the premier powers in Alabama and the nation, with four state championships and five trips to the title game.
“I’m thankful to be a part of such an amazing group of players and coaches at Hewitt,” Burt said.
11
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
CLAY – For the first time since 2018, ClayChalkville baseball is postseason-bound.
The Cougars used timely hitting, patient at-bats, and a monster night from senior Nic Youngblood to power past rival Pinson Valley, 12-6, on Friday night and clinch a spot in the Class 6A playoffs.
Clay-Chalkville head coach Landon Robinson credited his team’s resilience after bouncing back from a tough area split ear-
lier in the week.
“We played great in Game 1 and got the 9-0 win,” Robinson said. “Base-running mistakes cost us in Game 2, but the guys came back the next day and didn’t let the loss affect them. We got timely hits when we needed them and two big homers from Nic Youngblood.”
Clay (15-11) jumped on the board early, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first behind RBI hits from Dorian Daniel and Aaron Frye and a pair of Pinson errors.
See CLAY, Page 11
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
BIRMINGHAM –
Hewitt-Trussville senior Grayson Pope received two prestigious awards and scholarships Monday night: the Bryant-Jordan Student Athlete Achievement Award for Class 7A, Region 3, and the Bryant-Jordan Student Athlete Achievement Award for Class 7A.
standing, sport involvement, athletic honors, student leadership and civic/church leadership.
Achievement Award
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
BIRMINGHAM –Shades Valley swimmer
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
Our Achievement Award honors high school senior student-athletes who have achieved success relative to his or her ability or who may have overcome an unusual hardship. Selection considerations include: academic performance relative to measured ability, sport involvement, athletic honors, student leadership, civic/church leadership.
Emma Crider was awarded the prestigious Bryant-Jordan Student Athlete Achievement Award for Class 6A, Region 6 Monday night.
Crider became the first Shades Valley female swimmer to sign a D1 swimming scholarship when she signed her NLI with Eastern Illinois University last December.
standing, sport involvement, athletic honors, student leadership and civic/church leadership.
Achievement Award
The number one-ranked
Hewitt-Trussville baseball team went 4-0 in Georgia over the weekend.
From page 10
and his parents at the Bryant-Jordan Awards ceremony. Credit: Pope family
The Huskies, 10-0, defeated Mill Creek (GA), LaGrange (GA), Central Phenix City, and Morgan County (GA).
Named after two Alabama sports legends – Paul “Bear” Bryant and Ralph “Shug” Jordan – the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program brings together the best and brightest high school senior student-athletes from 52 regions in Alabama awarding college scholarships to celebrate their achievements. The Bryant-Jordan Program honors students who are exceptional academically, as well as those who have overcome major obstacles to succeed. Our scholarships are divided into two major categories: Scholar-Athlete Award The Scholar-Athlete Award high school
“We had a great two-day run for four games,” said head coach Jeff Mauldin. “It
This statewide program in Alabama honors high school seniors who demonstrate excellence both academically and athletically. Established in 1986 by the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and the Alabama High School Athletic Association, it continues to recognize student-athletes each year.
seniors who are both superior athletes and outstanding students. Selection considerations include: scholastic
was truly a total team effort to win the tournament. Most everyone on the roster contributed in some way to help us win all four games.”
“We played some highly respected programs from Al-
Youngblood extended the lead in the second with a homer, then later added a solo shot in the sixth to cap a four-RBI performance.
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
IRONDALE
From page 10
– Shades Valley had four student-athletes participate in the school’s signing day on Friday. One volleyball player and three football players signed their National Letters of Intent.
Out of 190,000 athletes across Alabama, only 104 were selected for the Bryant-Jordan Award.
abama and Georgia and continued to grow as a team,” he said.
Steele Hall, Drew Ollis, Christian Helmers, and Hudson Mitchell. made the All-tournament team.
Steele went 11 for 15 with ten runs scored, two triples, one double, and six RBIs and was named tournament MVP. Mitchell threw a three-hit complete game shutout with seven strikeouts.
Our Achievement Award honors high school senior student-athletes who have achieved success relative to his or her ability or who may have overcome an unusual hardship. Selection considerations include: academic performance relative to measured ability, sport involvement, athletic honors, student leadership, civic/church leadership.
threw a complete game one-hitter with seven strikeouts and offensively had five hits and reached base on 10 of 13 plate appearances. The Huskies host Huntsville this Tuesday.
The Cougars blew the game open in the fourth, scoring five runs on just one hit thanks to a combination of walks, errors, and aggressive baserunning.
Volleyball standout Ashley Peake signed with Xavier University.
“We’ve all worked very hard to make this program successful, and it couldn’t be done without our awe-
D’Marques Kendrick, TK Smith, and Kayden Lee picked up RBIs during the inning. Frye finished 3-for-3 at the plate, while Daniel and Lee each added two hits. Clay drew nine walks as a
through two innings on the mound. The bullpen held strong behind him, allowing just one run over the final five frames to seal the win— and a playoff berth.
Named after two Alabama sports legends – Paul “Bear” Bryant and Ralph “Shug” Jordan – the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program brings together the best and brightest high school senior student-athletes from 52 regions in Alabama awarding college scholarships to celebrate their achievements. The Bryant-Jordan Program honors students who are exceptional academically, as well as those who have overcome major obstacles to succeed. Our scholarships are divided into two major categories: Scholar-Athlete Award
A&M earlier this month.
• Landy Saxton, football, signed with Huntingdon College
team, grinding down the Pinson pitching staff across all seven innings. However, Pinson Valley didn’t go quietly. The Indians scored five runs in the third to briefly tie the game before Clay answered with its fourth-inning outburst.
• Jasmine Terry, volleyball, signed with Lee in November.
For the Cougars, Kendrick started and battled
Clay-Chalkville will travel to take on the Homewood Patriots in the first round of the playoffs next week.
The Scholar-Athlete Award honors high school seniors who are both superior athletes and outstanding students. Selection considerations include: scholastic
This statewide program in Alabama honors high school seniors who demonstrate excellence both academically and athletically. Established in 1986 by the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and the Alabama High School Athletic Association, it continues to recognize student-athletes each year.
Out of 190,000 athletes across Alabama, only 104 were selected for the Bryant-Jordan Award.
some kids and a staff that’s always supported my crazy ideas and four-hour practices. I’m incredibly thankful to them for loving our girls and this program just as much as I do.”
• CJ Ford, football, signed with Bethel College Johnny Steele, football, signed with Coffeyville Community College Dreshan Cook, football, signed with Bethel College earlier this month. Aidan Smith, football, signed with Alabama
Landy Saxton, football, signed with Huntingdon College.
• Kindle Wright, volleyball, will sign with Dillard University in March.
• Peake, Terry and Wright played for Coach Kimberly Cook.
• Steele, Ford, Saxton, Cook and Smith played for former head coach Rueben Nelson.
The area win last night didn’t come easy. Oak Mountain jumped out to an early lead with a run in the first, but the Huskies didn’t waste time responding. They tied it up in the first,
then broke things open with a five-run second inning that proved to be the difference. Evie Andrews led the offensive attack with a threehit night. Corey Goguts and Ava Hyde came through in
the clutch, combining for four hits and four RBIs.
Zaylen Tucker did her job at the top of the lineup, crossing the plate twice. On the mound, Darcy Hill picked up the win with
four strong innings of work. Kinley Poe closed things out, allowing one run to secure the victory. Hewitt hosts Hoover in an area showdown Tuesday night.
By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
LEEDS
– After a Tuesday night loss to John Carroll, the Greenwave needed two wins over the Cavaliers in a Thursday night doubleheader to decide the 5A Area 10 championship.
Tuesday was an uncharacteristic game for the Greenwave as the visiting team committed seven errors in the loss and dropped the first game of the series 8-5.
Thursday night was back to business for Leeds as they took it to John Carroll.
The Cavaliers jumped out to a 1-0 lead after the first inning of the first game, but Leeds answered with three in the second. John Carroll got three in the top of the third and, once again, Leeds answered with three of their own. After two scoreless innings, Leeds added their final two runs in the bottom of the sixth before holding the Cavaliers scoreless in the final inning to take game one 8-4 and keep area championship hopes alive.
Conner Nelson got the start, pitching three innings and allowing two hits and four runs while striking out six batters. Gavin Howard got the save, going the final four innings, allowing not hits and no runs and getting a strikeout.
At the plate, Grayson
Ford and Graham Gulock each had two hits. Gulock drove in two RBI while a host of Greenwave batters drove in one each.
Game two began with three scoreless innings before Leeds piled on three in the bottom of the fourth.
The Greenwave dominated in the field, shutting John
Carroll out in the championship-deciding contest. They would add two more runs in the bottom of the fifth to seal the 5-0 shutout win before weather would end the game after six innings of play, earning the Greenwave their fifth-straight area championship.
Ryder Chambers went
the distance, allowing three hits and no runs and striking out eight Cavalier batters.
Ty Bedell and Will Thomas each had three hits to lead the team with Bedell, Grayson Ford, and Evan Gast all adding RBI for the Greenwave.
“I was proud of how they responded from Tues-
day,” said head coach Jake Wingo. “We didn’t play very well then. We had a bunch of errors, which is not like us.”
Wingo continued, “We have been blessed with great players here the last five years. We have had five straight 20-win seasons due to the hard work of our kids and coaches. I am proud of this team. We have 10 seniors and they are very close. Probably the closest team I have ever coached. I am just proud of the work that they put in and yesterday was a testament to that work. It’s paid off. All of the seniors have done a great job.”
“The best teams I have had are the ones who are player-led and hold each other accountable,” said Wingo. “That is definitely the case this year. They have handled the responsibility very well to this point.” Leeds will finish the regular season with a game at Tuscaloosa Academy on Friday and the season finale against Sylacauga on Monday for senior night.
By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
SPRINGVILLE – The Springville Tigers, under the leadership of Jonathan Ford as well as his assistants, have put together quite the season in 2025. On Tuesday, they clinched the 5A Area 12 with a 4-2 win on the road at Corner.
The top-ranked Tigers took advantage of yet another stellar night on the mound by Carter Samuelson, a UAB commitment. Carter went the distance, pitching the full seven innings, allowing three hits and two runs with 11 strikeouts against the Yellowjackets.
Jake Conner continued his success with the bat as he had two hits and drove in an RBI on the night. Kade Willis, Kevin Jones and Charlie Hare joined Conner with an RBI each to help the Tigers to the key win.
Springville held the home team scoreless for six innings while going into the seventh inning with a 2-0 lead.
In the top of the seventh, the Tigers loaded the bases and Corner walked Conner to get Trig Murdoch to the plate and make it 3-0. Kevin Jones hit a grounder that the defender made an error on and brought Alex Holland home for the final Tiger run of the game.
Samuelson and the visiting Tigers held off a comeback in the bottom of the seventh where Corner scored their lone two runs of the game, but it was not enough to stop Springville.
The Tigers got the 4-2 win to seal their fifth consecutive area championship, dating back to the 20202021 season when they were a 6A team.
“We are super excited about winning the area again this year,” said coach Ford. “This gives us the opportunity to host the first round of the playoffs. It is always great to host and have so many of the community come out to support us. We are currently 23-4 overall and 5-0 in the area. What has made our team
successful so far is that everyone has the ability to get the big hit or make the needed play. We have 3 games remaining in the regular season with Senior night coming up Monday at 5:00.
It looks like we will host Northside in the 1st round who has been ranked in the top 10 most of the year. 5A north is really tough so we know we have our work cut out but are thankful for the
opportunity. We have been led on the mound by Carter Samuelson, Alex Holland, and Kade Willis. Carter is 5-1 with 64 Ks in 41 1/3 innings. Alex Holland is 4-0
with 46 Ks in 34 1/3 innings and Kade Willis is 4-1 with 41 Ks in 28 innings. All three pitchers have ERA’s barely above 1. At the plate, we have currently have 5 players hitting over .300. Jacob Bailey, Kade Willis, Jake Conner, Sean Nichols, and Alex Holland. Jake Conner and Grant Martinez lead in RBIs with 23 while Cade Gleason leads the team in runs scored with 27.”
Ford’s squad made a deep playoff run last year, getting to the final four of the 5A state playoffs. No stranger to success, this is Ford’s eighth area championship. In his 17 years at the helm of the Tigers, he has won a state championship (2018-2019), been to the Elite 8 three times and two Final Four appearances. The Tigers and Yellowjackets will play a doubleheader on Thursday at Springville before the Tigers take on Gadsden City in the regular season finale on Monday.
From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE – One of the most decorated players in Hewitt-Trussville High School basketball history has left Auburn University and committed to Memphis. Jordan Hunter entered the transfer portal shortly after Auburn Coach Johnnie Howard was fired at the end of the season. Harris, who posted a 58-63 record in her
four years on the Plains, has been hired as the Assistant Head Coach at Baylor. As a true freshman, Hunter saw action in 30 games for the Tigers, starting in two. She averaged almost 14 minutes, 2.5 points, 1 rebound and 1.5 assists per game.
Memphis is coming off of a 7-23 season under second year head Coach Alex Simmons.
Hunter was a standout during her HTHS career, joining the varsity as a 7th grader where she became the first 7th grade student-athlete to appear in an AHSAA 7A state championship game. She was named to the All-Trussville Tribune team more often than any player in the newspaper’s history, earning Tribune Player of the Year honors in 2024.
The former Alabama 7A Player of the Year was ranked as the No. 1 prospect in Alabama and No. 50 in the country by Hoopseen. Hunter was named to the 7A All-State team four times while leading the Huskies to three 7A State Championship games. She was also a member of the first-ever AHSAA 7A State Champion Flag Football team.
