Pinson Council gives preliminary approval for new park honoring military veterans
By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
PINSON, Ala. – 16-year Navy veteran Scott Ragsdale delivered a proposal to the Pinson City Council during a pre-council meeting on Thursday, Jan. 16 to support his vision for a
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
By Terry Schrimscher
3 See ARGO, Page 4 See PINSON,
took one
step closer to becoming a reality after the Trussville City Council voted unanimously to approve a project development agreement with the developer during its meeting Tuesday night. The agreement could
Irondale to celebrate start of youth sports with opening of new Ruffner Sports Complex
Ruffner Sports Complex.
The city broke ground on the $8.5 million project last April, which has seen Ruffner Park go through a complete overhaul including the construction of three new turf baseball and softball fields, LED field lights, a playground, and more.
The city is scheduled to throw out the first pitch on March 1, which will also be the first day of practice for the city’s inaugural youth baseball, softball, and t-ball leagues.
See RUFFNER PARK, Page 4
provide millions of dollars to the developer based on the sales tax generated by new businesses that move into the development.
The property, located at 6345 South Chalkville Road, is the former home of
alert system. Aislinn Campbell, Director of St. Clair County E911, alerted the Argo City Council to the situation in the
LEEDS, Ala. – Two teachers from the Leeds Primary School and Leeds High School were recognized by the Leeds Board of Education for their achievements in becoming nationally certified educators during a meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
As stated by Superintendent John Moore in the past, receiving a certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or NBPTS is no easy task. The process involves rigorous testing and submissions of portfolios for evaluation.
Which is what Leeds Primary School teacher Peyton Black and Leeds High School teacher Lance Hughes were both able to achieve.
“Some things don’t change over time,” Moore said. “When I was hired by the board of education 16 years ago item number 29 on my list was to constantly–and I fall short–but to recognize excellence. Recognize excellence within teachers, recognize excel-
lence within students, any time we have that, and the unquestionable mark of excellence for a teacher in America is national board certification.”
Black, who teaches all subjects in kindergarten at the primary school, commented, “While I did have this amazing accomplishment Leeds City Schools provided the resources that we needed. If I needed extra help there was a mentor there for me. As much as they recognize us, which I’m thankful for, they need to also be recognized because they give us the tools to accomplish it.”
Hughes is a math teacher for the 11th and 12th grades at Leeds High School.
“The board, they value teachers,” Hughes said. “And so them valuing teachers makes us go the extra mile and do things like being nationally [certified]. I mean they have structures in place, they have mentors in place, they pay for it, so I’d say them valuing the teachers makes the teachers value themselves, and make them go above and beyond, which is what the National Board is. It’s being an accomplished
See TEACHERS, Page 4
The site of the proposed Cahaba Station project.
One of the new fields at Ruffner Park. Courtesy of the City of Irondale.
From left to right: Rayford Williams, Steven Porter, Peyton Black, Lance Hughes and John Moore.
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The new business offers access to three state-of-theart golf simulators featuring over 1,200 courses, which patrons can book for up to 4 hours.
“These are extremely accurate golf simulators. We’ve had professional golfers hit balls on them at our Vestavia location and say they’re spot on,” Owner Michael Weber said.
Weber, who also owns Weber Mortgage, opened The Golffice’s first location in Vestavia Hills after buying his first simulator as a way to entertain clients.
“I said, well I’ll buy this golf simulator and just use it to entertain clients, which we did at first but enough people said how much they were enjoying it they were like you really should rent this out,” Weber said.
The space they moved into there also had conference rooms and office space that could be rented along with the golf simulators,
leading his brother to suggest naming it The Golffice. Along with the three simulator bays, the new Trussville location also features a conference room, mini fridges, and ample seating.
Golfers can book their time slot online and are tex-
Development
posing the development, which has a working title of Cahaba Station.
According to the agreement, the city would give up two-thirds of the sales tax revenue generated by businesses in the development for the next 10 years, not including the one cent sales tax for Trussville schools, and waive all permit fees.
The city has the power to incentivize economic development projects like this within the city as a way for it to support increasing employment opportunities, broadening the city’s tax base, and increasing tax revenues.
According to the resolution, the project is estimated to produce taxable revenues in excess of $13 million annually and sales tax revenues in excess of $500,000 annually.
ted a code that they can use to gain access to the building 10 minutes before their tee time.
The Golffice does not serve food or drinks, but players can bring their own, including alcohol.
Golfers also need to bring their own clubs and golf balls.
Bookings cost $39 an hour Monday-Thursday and $49 an hour Friday-Sunday. The business also offers monthly memberships that include 8 hours of play for $150. It is located at 3575 Vann Road.
If those projections are met, the developer would receive $2.6 million over the 10 year period, which they plan to pass on to prospective tenants to help them succeed.
Only businesses new to Trussville would be part of the incentive package. Any current business located in the city that chooses to relocate to the Cahaba Station development would not be part of the incentive calculations.
While the proposed incentive agreement does end 10 years from the first business producing taxable revenue, there is no limit on how much the company can earn during the incentive period.
“We’ve been dealing with the mayor, council, and planning & zoning trying to come up with a plan that we think is good for the city, that we think is profitable for the city, but also something that’s not gonna add to traffic and negatively affect the city,” Company Vice-President Jonathon Seay said during the meeting.
The company purchased the property two years ago and could begin construction on Phase 1 of the project by this summer if everything goes smoothly.
Phase 1, which is expected to cost $12-13 million, would renovate the existing 35,500 square foot building to include retail, dining, and entertainment space.
They also plan to build an additional 13,400 square feet of outdoor recreation, seating, and dining space as well as a 3,500 square foot entertainment venue with 2,500 square feet of covered outdoor dining.
“It’s an area that has an opportunity to grow into much more and be connected to our entertainment district at some point. That was the goal on this, but I think we take it one step at a time and it’ll add a great addition to that area,” Mayor Buddy Choat said.
“We’ve got the entertainment district, which I think is a beautiful spot in our city, it’s well done, but right behind that in eyeshot is a building that needs renovating and I think that’s just gonna add to our downtown by that being redone there,” Councilor Alan Taylor said. Taylor later added that the city is currently earning nothing off the property and that approving the tax incentive would help create a new tax base for the city.
Seay was not prepared to publicly announce potential tenants at this time, but did say there are a number of tenants interested and they have even turned down some interested businesses.
The developer plans to retain ownership of the property following construction, which is expected to take approximately 18 months.
The renovation is projected to create the opportunity for 80 post-opening jobs at the property.
Owner Michael Weber prepares to cut the ribbon to celebrate the official opening of The Golffice. (Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune)
Attendees at the grand opening got to test their swings at the three simulator bays at. (Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune)
L oca L / R egion
Pinson
park that honors veterans of all the branches of the U.S. military.
The idea has been in the making for several years with some changes to the original design and the materials for it have been funded with private donations.
Ragsdale got the idea when he realized that Pinson did not have its own display to recognize veterans.
He has brought it to the council in the past but it was not addressed until he returned recently.
“With this park, it’s a symbol of myself,” Ragsdale said. “It’s a symbol of [Coun-
Center Point
From front page
spaces as part of a new yearlong campaign developed by the Center Point Planning & Zoning Board and Mayor Bobby Scott.
“Fight the Blight” aims to beautify the city and create a deeper sense of community pride by bringing together neighbors, businesses, churches, and other local organizations in a shared mission to uplift the city.
The initiative was launched in response to concerns from citizens and city leaders about derelict properties that impact the city’s image, economic potential, and quality of life.
“Through organized clean-ups, landscaping projects, and community partnerships, we are committed to creating an environment where every citizen can take pride in their surroundings,” the city said in a statement.
“In addition, by reducing visible blight, we aim to attract more businesses, enhance property values, and contribute to a safer, more connected Center Point.”
As part of the effort, the Planning & Zoning Board is going street by street to identify neglected properties, abandoned vehicles, and other code violations.
cilor Brad Walker, himself a Marine Corps veteran]. It’s a symbol of every National Guard member, every person who’s ever served. It’s a strong statement.”
The left corner of Bicentennial Lane and Pinson Boulevard is the proposed site of the Veteran Honors Park, which would feature six, 20-foot tall concrete columns, each representing a branch of the armed forces.
Among other features would be an American flag on a 20-foot pole in the middle of the park, a concrete podium holding a plaque displaying the Oath of Enlistment, and an Arlington burial cross, which would represent soldiers who died
overseas or died after returning home.
In his proposal, he requested a letter from Mayor Robbie Roberts verifying the creation of the park for donors and designating a liaison from the city for the project, which would be carried out over several phases, beginning with a groundbreaking on Memorial Day and followed by construction, landscaping and concluding with a ribbon cutting on Veterans Day.
During the regular meeting the council unanimously voted for a preliminary approval of the project.
Later in the regular meeting the council recognized the winners of the 2024
Christmas Parade float contest. In third place was the Girl Scout Troop 25007. They received $50. Second place was Pinson United Methodist Church, which received $75, and Kermit Johnson Elementary School was in first place, receiving $125.
Roberts presented a $250 check to several people representing the winning teams.
“We appreciate you guys participating in the parade,” he told them. “Everybody really enjoyed it. There were some nice floats.”
Additionally, it was announced that the city website has a feature where residents can report concerns. This can be accessed by going
to thecityofpinson.com and clicking on the “Report a concern” button to fill out an information form.
During public comments
Center Point Fire District
Battalion Chief Chris Horn announced that they will be hosting a recruit school on Feb. 17.
Afterwards James Vining spoke and thanked Ragsdale for the upcoming park and wished a happy birthday to Councilor Clinteshia Irvin, who mentioned that the previous day, Jan. 15, would have been the late Mayor Joe Cochran’s birthday. In other business the council:
Approved the tax free holidays for Severe
Residents will also be able to alert the city to problem areas through the city’s website where they can also register to volunteer for clean-up events.
“We invite everyone in Center Point to get involved in this transformative journey,” the city’s statement continued.
“Whether you partici-
pate in clean-up events, volunteer time, or take on improvement projects of your own, your contribution will play a vital role in the success of Fight the Blight.”
Here is an outline of the city’s plan:
• January: Citizen’s Hotline – Advertise the online citizen request portal where residents can
report code violations, overgrown lots, abandoned vehicles, and other blight concerns.
• February-March: CleanUp Grants & Awareness – Offer community assistance grants to neighborhoods for clean-up efforts; Organize cleanup days led by block captains in each neigh-
borhood; Distribute materials and resources for clean-up including dumpsters, trash bags, and gloves.
• April: Blight Day CleanUp and Yard Sale – Mobilize city departments for debris pickup, heavy item removal, and brush clearing; Involve local high school sports teams
Weather Preparedness and Back to School
• Approved an alcohol license for the new ALDI location,
• Granted $28, 760 to the Center Point Fire District for new laptops,
• Granted $50,000 to the fire districts with more funds to be paid in intervals in the coming months,
• Approved a payment of $7,200 to Pinson Valley High School for public safety services in the fall football season, Annexed a property on Clay Palmerdale Road, and
• Announced four Shred Day events with specific dates to be determined.
for volunteer labor; Host a city-wide yard sale event where residents can declutter their homes.
• May: Children Against Blight Paint Expo – Host an event where children can paint photos to be placed in city buildings. June-July: Commercial Blight Messaging – Encourage businesses to sponsor cleanup efforts or improve the appearance of their storefronts; Offer matching grants to businesses to improve building facades.
• August: Fight the Blight Campaign Letters –Send formal letters to landlords, homeowners, and commercial property owners outlining the importance of maintaining their properties and offering support programs like grants or clean-up assistance Move events will be added as the year goes on. In December, the city plans to host an awards banquet to recognize citizens and organizations who went above and beyond in their contributions to the initiative.
Some of the awards that will be presented include a Good Neighbor Award, Church of the Year, and Beautiful Street of the Year.
Center Point City Hall
Scott Ragsdale. Photo by Nathan Prewett.
Pinson Mayor Robbie Roberts presents a $250 check to the winners of the 2024 Christmas Parade float contest. Photo by Nathan Prewett.
Applications open to serve on Trussville Board of Education
From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
The City of Trussville is now accepting applications from residents who want to serve on the Trussville City Schools Board of Education. The deadline for applications is Jan. 31.
Applicants will go through an interview process before the council makes its appointment.
The council usually announces who the new board member will be by the end of February or March.
The school board typically meets on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. and members serve a five-year term. Prospective board members can fill out an application at trussville.org/ board-application. Residents can also apply to other boards through the city’s website.
Clay-Shalkville’s Chelsey Hearn named Rotary Student of the Month
From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
The Trussville Rotary Daybreak club announced its Don Haisten Student of the Month and Teacher of the Month for January at its meeting last week.
Chelsey Hearn, a senior from Clay-Chalkville High School was recognized as student of the month.
Hearn is involved in Key Club, National Honor Society, GirlTalk, Book Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Future
Health Professionals, and is a member of the 12th grade student council, where she serves as treasurer.
She also works part-time at the nearby Piggly Wiggly, plays soccer, and likes to read and draw.
Hearn selected her science teacher Brittany McKinney as teacher of the month.
“I first had Mrs. McKinney during my 7th grade year. The school I attended at the time was very rough but Mrs. McKinney was the
Argo
From front page
council meeting on Monday, January 13.
The houses affected by the change are located near the entrance of the neighborhood. The homes face Roulain Road but are only accessible to vehicle traffic from rear alleyways.
“I came across the addresses that are in question that are on Roulain Road and there are two that are on Mountain Oaks Lane,” Campbell said. “You can’t get to those houses coming off of Roulain Road. That presents a problem for your first responders.”
Campbell said St. Clair County E911 will assist residents in updating their new mailing addresses with the postal service, power company and other entities and said E911 would pay for the new road signs.
She also suggested naming the access roads with new street names to make the homes easier to find in an emergency. Residents are requested to send in a minimum of three road names to choose from. The process can take several months for official names to be adopted.
Also during the meeting, Rod Carroll of Buckeye Grocery presented a check for $1,650 to the council for the Christmas for Kids program. Carroll said the store
Ruffner Park
From front page
T-ball will be open to 4-year-olds while children ages 5-12 can sign up for baseball or softball.
Families can register at irondaleyouthsports.com.
The day will also feature a City Softball Game played by the Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr., Irondale City Council members, and city employees.
Teachers
From front page
teacher that goes above and beyond normal expectations.”
also sponsored Christmas for a local child in need.
Police Chief Alan Busler delivered the department’s monthly report. He said the department received over 500 dispatch calls in December but talked more about preparation for the recent ice storms and thanked everyone who assisted.
Fire Chief Scott Payne also presented his monthly report during the meeting.
In his report, he said the department received 36 total calls including 7 assists.
The department also issued 8 burn permits.
In other business, the council accepted a quote from Argo Power Equipment for $2,128 to purchase generators for City Hall.
The council also approved a $3,000 annual membership invoice to the St. Clair Eco-
nomic Development Council.
Mayor Betty Bradley also spoke to The Tribune after the meeting about her decision to not seek re-election, saying she said she wanted to announce her intentions early to encourage others who might be interested in running. To date, no one has declared as a candidate for the office.
The next regular meeting of the Argo council is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27 with a work session at 5 p.m. and the regular meeting following immediately after the session. An agenda for each meeting is posted in local businesses including Hill Top Farms, Argo Hardware, Liberty Automotive, Shell, Southland BBQ, Fox’s Pizza and Buckeye Grocery. Agendas are also posted on the city’s Facebook page.
teacher who made sure I kept my head on straight,” Hearn said.
“She gave me daily reminders on why school was important, and she also made me think hard about my future plans.”
The student/teacher of the month program is sponsored by Full Moon BarB-Q in Trussville.
The Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club meets at 7 a.m. on Wednesday mornings at First Baptist Church Trussville.
Leeds Primary School Principal Steven Porter and Leeds High School Principal Rayford Williams were also present as the two were recognized.
Also during the meeting, Chief Financial Officer Ryan Miller gave his reports for the months of October and November 2024.
In November 2024, 18.09% of the general Fund revenues and other financing sources were received along with 19.79% of the local revenues, up 49.29%
from November 2023. Expenditures and other fund uses in the General Fund were 15.20%. Accounts payable were $721,419 and gross payroll expenditures were $1,399,421. The month was ended with an excess of revenues over expenditures in the General Fund of $123,899. The unreserved fund balance was $10,728,102. In October 2024 the district received 7.34% of the general fund revenues and other financing sources and 3.98% of the local revenues, which was down 38.94% from October 2023.
Fund were 7.62% of the budget. Accounts payable were $1,343,587 and gross payroll expenditures were $1,387,519. The month ended with an excess of expenditures over revenues in the general fund of $403,352. The unreserved fund balance was $10,200,851.
Expenditures and other fund uses in the General
In other business the board: • Set the school calendar for 2025-2026, and Approved the 20242025 Science Textbook Committee. The next regular meeting will be held on Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. at the Leeds Board of Education Building located on 1517 Hurst Avenue.
Mayor Betty Bradley accepted a donation to the City of Argo from Rod Carroll of Buckeye Grocery.
Photo courtesy City of Argo.
The first games of the youth sports season will be held on March 31 and the season will end May 15.
The new baseball and softball fields feature new turf, lights, and dugouts. Courtesy of the City of Irondale.
Chelsey Hearn and Brittany McKinney accept their awards alongside SOM/TOM Coordinator Fran Aldridge, Chelsey’s parents, Jessica and Phetis Porter, and Rotary Club President Brad Wideman.
Local fire departments receive new life-saving breathing equipment
From Tribune staff reports
SPRINGVILLE, Ala. –
Multiple St. Clair County fire departments received new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment made possible by a grant last week during an event at the Springville Fire Station #1.
86 SCBA units, including spare cylinders and facepieces for each firefighter, were distributed among Argo Fire & Rescue, New London Fire Department,
Shoal Creek Fire Department, and Springville Fire & Rescue. SCBA supply clean, breathable air to firefighters, protecting them from smoke, toxic gases, and oth-
er harmful substances that can be present at fire scenes.
The departments were able to receive the new equipment through an $808,000 regional grant awarded by the federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
The new SCBA equipment will enable each department to replace outdated, mismatched, or obsolete gear currently in use, enhancing the safety and operational efficiency of their teams.
Officials hold groundbreaking ceremony for new hotel in Leeds
By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
LEEDS, Ala. – City of-
ficials, business leaders, and members of the development teams celebrated the start of construction of the new SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Leeds with an official groundbreaking ceremony last Thursday, Jan. 16.
“We are so excited to get started on this project,” said Cory Jackson, President of Jackson Hospitality Services, which owns the hotel.
“This hotel will be a wonderful addition to Leeds, offering guests a high-quality stay experience with spacious suites and thoughtful amenities. We’re proud to be part of the continued growth and success of this city.”
Following the tradition-
al turning of the dirt with shovels attendees were able to meet with project manager Kevin Ivy, general contractor representatives from Pinkerton & Laws, and Jessica Cantrell, who will manage the hotel.
“This hotel represents another step forward in the development of our city,” said Leeds Mayor David Miller in a statement.
“Leeds is growing, and this project is a testament
to the collaborative efforts between the city, our partners, and the private sector. We are thrilled to welcome SpringHill Suites to our community and look forward to the many opportunities it will bring.”
The location is anticipated to serve a number of visitors to Leeds, including visitors to the Barber Motorsports Park and the future Sports Park. It is expected to open in 2026.
25-year-old Trussville man killed in crash
From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
A 25-year-old Trussville man died last week in a single-vehicle wreck, according to the Jefferson County
Coroner’s Office. Noah Lauren White’s vehicle crashed in the 2500 block of Floyd Bradford Road at approximately 6:13 a.m. on Jan. 14. He was pronounced dead
shortly after. The Irondale Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the wreck.
No other information has been released at this time.
Human bone found near Springville
From Tribune staff reports
BLOUNT COUNTY, Ala. – The Blount County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation after a resident found what appears to be a human
bone. The sheriff announced last Wednesday, Jan. 15, that the bone was found in the area of Blount County Highway 24 and Thunder Road, which is just outside of Springville.
The Blount County, Jefferson County, and St. Clair County Sheriff’s Offices are conducting a search in the area.
This story will be updated when more information becomes available.
Deputies pursue stolen vehicle along Gadsden Highway, 4 teens taken into custody
From Tribune staff reports
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. – A 19-year-old has been charged after leading Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputies on a chase in a stolen vehicle along Gadsden Highway and I-59 South on Jan. 16.
The pursuit ended in the 400 block of West Valley Avenue after the suspect’s vehicle left the roadway and collided with a curb and a fence
The four teenagers who were in the stolen vehicle fled the scene on foot but were all apprehended.
The driver has been iden-
tified as 19-year-old Juwon Poole. He has been charged with two counts of receiving stolen property, reckless endangerment, attempting to elude, and various traffic violations. Poole is now out on bond from the Jefferson County Jail, which totaled $83,500. According to the sheriff’s office, warrants for attempting to elude and resisting arrest are being sought for another 19-year-old suspect and the 18-year-old suspect. They are also seeking a petition for attempting to elude for the 16-year-old
male suspect.
*Amount
The sheriff’s office also stated that all four suspects were in possession of a handgun, two of which were stolen.
Adobe Stock Image
Photo courtesy of Dona Bonnett.
Juwon Poole
Public Safety Legislation Looks to be on Agenda for Upcoming Legislative Session
By Paul DeMarco
The year 2024 was a violent one in Alabama. With the high amount of crime across the state, particularly, in the large metropolitan areas, local officials could not solve the problems alone. It is now up to Alabama leaders to tackle public safety issues that have not been solved at the local level.
There are a multitude of reasons for the violence in this country, including what has happened across the country with new no bail laws and the release of prisoners across the country during the pandemic. However, another problem has been the recruitment of police officers. Morale
is down which has led to fewer men and women patrolling the streets because of the constant criticism of law enforcement. The city of Birmingham alone has been down hundreds of officers, which has been part of the equation leading to record homicides in the city that had not been reached in almost 100 years.
The good news is that there is already talk of lawmakers taking up legislation to address the crime problem in Alabama. Bills that would expand the use of metro area crime suppression units, which would include both state and local officers to put more law enforcement on the street looks to be introduced early in the
session. One such unit, the Montgomery task force, has been successful in removing criminals from the streets. The effective partnership between these law enforcement officers from all levels of government in the state will be an important part of creating more public safety in the state.
In addition to looking at putting more police on the streets, the state representatives and senators need to also look at the felons who are repeat offenders. Over and over again, those with long rap sheets are committing the most violent of crimes. The reason is that we see too many short sentences by judges or weak plea deals by some prose-
cutors that put them back on the streets. Thus, state legislators have to tackle what is
going on in the courthouses and not just policing. When sentences are handed down
at the federal level, felons have to serve the majority of their sentences. Alabama needs to reform its sentencing laws to mirror what is happening at the federal courts to require truth in sentencing. We have to put a halt to the same felons who are committing so much havoc in Alabama.
There has to be a comprehensive look at the Alabama criminal justice system to really solve the violence in our state.
Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. He can be found on X, formerly Twitter, at @Paul_DeMarco.
Inside the Statehouse: Jabo Waggoner –An Alabama Political Legend
By Steve Flowers
When the 2025 legislative year begins in February, State Senator Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia) will begin his 52nd year in the Alabama Legislature. He is the longest serving state legislator in Alabama history. Jabo Waggoner is more than the senior member of the State Senate, he is one of the most accomplished senators in state history.
Jabo Waggoner has done a lot for Alabama, but especially for his native and beloved Jefferson County. I said words to this effect in
a column in May of 2023, and stated that it would take a book to chronicle his legislative accomplishments. Some people came to me afterwards and asked me to write Jabo’s biography. I accepted the challenge and have written Jabo Waggoner: An Alabama Political Legend. A ceremony and book signing event will be held at the Capitol, commemorating the biography, at the beginning of the 2025 legislative session. It will be attended by every major officeholder in the state, including Governor Ivey, all
members of the Alabama Senate and House of Representatives, and numerous judges, along with throngs of lobbyists and admirers.
In all my years of following Alabama politics, I have never seen a more modest or amicable leader than Jabo Waggoner. I have never seen or heard of anyone who has ever met Jabo that did not like him. He will be recorded as not only the longest serving legislator in state history, but also the most beloved and greatest state senator in Alabama history. Therefore, it goes with-
out saying that Jabo Waggoner is the greatest and most accomplished state senator in the history of Jefferson County, Alabama’s largest and most populous county. The theme of this book, Jabo Waggoner: An Alabama Political Legend, is that over his five decades of leadership, his influence is inextricably tied to the transformation of Birmingham and Jefferson County from a blue-collar steel city to a high-tech international UAB medical mecca and economic center of our state.
He is not the only reason that Jefferson County has been transformed into one of the nation’s premier medical economic centers, but there is a distinct correlation between Jabo’s 51 years of legislative leadership and the transformation of Birmingham since 1966.
In the 1970’s, Waggoner sponsored legislation that spearheaded the purchase of 45 blocks in downtown Birmingham for UAB’s expansion. UAB purchased this property, which was valued at $8.5 million at that time. That land is worth well over $300 million today. That legislative act has enabled UAB to grow into one of the premier medical and research institutions in America, and the “Crown Jewel” of Alabama.
Jabo Waggoner served 17 years in the Alabama House of Representatives before being elected to the Alabama Senate in 1990. During his 35 years in the Senate, he has held most major leadership posts, in-
cluding his current chairmanship of the powerful Rules Committee. Jabo was the Minority Leader of the State Senate from 1999, until the Republicans gained the legislative majority in 2010. He was the first Republican Majority Leader, then relinquished that role to be the Rules Chairman where he currently serves.
Jabo is revered in Jefferson County, but his popularity extends beyond Jefferson and Shelby counties. When Kay Ivey was running for Governor for her first full term in 2018, she asked Jabo to be her titular campaign manager. He introduced her as she announced her candidacy.
Jabo is adored by his senate colleagues, especially the younger state senators. He has mentored dozens over the years.
Jabo is married to his high school sweetheart, Marilyn. They have been married for more than 66 years. I have never met a more beautiful or sweeter lady than Marilyn Waggoner. She and Jabo have
lived in the same home in the heart of Vestavia for 58 years. They raised their four children there. They love Vestavia and Vestavia loves them.
The Mayor of Vestavia, Ashley Curry, and city fathers have built a showcase museum of Jabo Waggoner and his achievements for Vestavia in the City Hall administrative building on Highway 31, which is adjacent to the magnificent Civic Center. It is worth viewing. In addition, the city recently named the Vestavia Hills High School baseball field, “The Waggoner Family Field.” There is a chapter in the book titled, “Mr. Vestavia.”
Jabo and Marilyn are ardent members of the Homewood Church of Christ. They attend almost every Sunday and sit with their best friends, Dr. Swaid and Christy Swaid. Some of Jabo’s and Marilyn’s children attend the same church. Jabo is a devout member of the Church of Christ. He is on the Board of Trustees of Faulkner University. Jabo Waggoner’s over 50 years of legislative service will probably never be matched. He has served with eleven governors. Jabo Waggoner is an icon of Alabama political history.
See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at steve@steveflowers.us.
Paul DeMarco
Senator J. T. “Jabo” Waggoner
L ifesty L e
Lass But Not Least: A Cow on a Train
By Ken Lass
There is something special about reading a story to your kids or grandkids. Something unique and connective about having them cuddled up beside you, your arm around them, holding the book at their eye level, interpreting the words in your own way, quizzing them about what they see in the pictures. They especially love it when you ham it up, changing your voice for the different characters, emoting the narrative as though it were a dramatic stage play. When you’re done, often they will want you to read it again. And again. In the exact same way. You would think they would get bored hearing the same tale over and over. To understand, you must think like a child. Kids don’t have control over their lives. They don’t
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make their own decisions. They don’t know what’s next. So they rely on the consistency and stability of their authority figures. They know they like the story. They know it ends happily. Most of all, they know you will make it come alive for them, as only you can. Through their eyes, the story is coming from you, not from the pages. It’s a connection they will remember all of their lives, and will one day emulate with their own kids.
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and just being a good person. Reading to your kids can be a singular way of teaching them moral structure and character.
how to make words rhyme and relate:
I learned that words are powerful! They’re used for good and bad.
Let’s choose the words that make friends smile, Not words that make them sad.
I’m glad we got to travel
On that train, and I must say…
My cow’s kind words changed everything
C al en da r
For ALL of us today! — from When You Take A Cow On a Train
Trussville’s own Sally Blass Murray wrote the book on thinking like a kid. Actually, she’s written several books. For kids. She knows there’s more going on here than just story telling. There are little insights and clues about the world around them. Subtle lessons about dealing with adversity, handling disappointment, treating others kindly
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Sally learned to think like a kid through her career as an elementary school music teacher in the Hewitt Trussville system. When rheumatoid arthritis forced her to retire in 2014, she felt God leading her to write. For kids. Her books tackle some of the burning issues of our time, such as, what happens if you take a cow on a train? Great things, it turns out, especially when it’s a talking cow who teaches everybody on the train to be encouraging and supportive.
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What makes a good children’s story even better? Write it in poetic verse. All of Sally’s books are written in rhythm and rhyme. It makes them more fun to listen to, and kids pick up on
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Sally likes to embed a spiritual message in her work as well. She keeps it subdued so that the book can be read in public schools. My Mission In The Sky tells the Christmas story from the perspective of the star of Bethlehem. She also wants her work to be intellectual enough to get kids to ask questions about the
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material. The book provides a guide to give adults some foundation for explaining the topic. Her latest efforts are beautifully illustrated by Abigail Banks Brandenburg. If you’re looking for excellent literature for your tots, her stuff is a great place to start. You don’t have to be the second coming of Laurence Olivier to read and
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interpret stories to your little ones. They just want your time and attention. We used to read frequently to our daughter, and then she would take the book and pretend to read it to her dolls. She didn’t know the words, but she knew the story and summarized it in her own style. Now her daughter does the same thing. It’s another side benefit, kids learning to speak and communicate. It’s a skill that will serve them well in a future where technology wants to do all the communicating for you. Want quality time with your child or grandchild? Read to them. It won’t take up all that much of your day. It will be about thirty pages, usually around four lines per page. Takes about ten minutes. But be advised: You will likely be asked to read it over and over again. If you’re lucky.
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ICHBW: Is Healthy Communication the Real Key to Modern Love?
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I Couldn’t Help But Wonder…
By Dixie Dreamer
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When it comes to mod-
ern dating, I couldn’t help but wonder… what does healthy communication really look like? We live in a time when relationships begin with a swipe, flirting is often done via emojis, and “good morning” texts sometimes feel like the new love letters. But in all the chaos of pings, notifications, and read receipts, I had to ask myself—is there such a thing as texting compatibility? And more importantly, is poor communication a red flag or just bad timing?
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life without realizing it. But then it hit me like a brick (or maybe an errant text notification): healthy communication isn’t about instant responses or constant availability. It’s about intention, clarity, and prioritizing someone because they matter to you.
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Years ago, I found myself dating a man who seemed surgically attached to his phone. And yet, despite his apparent devotion to that glowing rectangle, my texts languished in the dreaded limbo of “unread” for hours. Not minutes, my friends—hours. At first, I rationalized it. Perhaps he was busy. Maybe there were meetings, or an existential crisis involving an overloaded inbox. But here’s the thing—I’m a single mom of two juggling full-time work, homework chaos, and a social life (or what’s left of it). If I could spare two seconds to type “Hey, totally swamped, but thinking of you,” then why couldn’t he? Spoiler alert—he wasn’t that busy. And you guessed it, he wasn’t that into me. It stung at first, realizing I’d relegated myself to the back burner of someone’s
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Healthy communication in dating isn’t rocket science; it’s courtesy, wrapped in honesty, with a sprinkle of effort. During our shortlived romance (if we can even call it that), I found myself spiraling because of his lack of transparency. A simple “I’m at work, talk later” would have sufficed. I didn’t need a Shakespearean soliloquy, just a few words to remind me that I wasn’t screaming into the abyss of his inbox. And here’s the tea— when someone wants to prioritize you, they will. Period. There’s no conference call so important or meeting so extensive that it prevents
basic human decency. Trust me, even Beyoncé finds time to text Jay-Z. Healthy communication doesn’t require paragraphs explaining your every move or 24/7 instant replies. It’s about creating space for someone in your life while respecting your own—and theirs. It’s about setting boundaries, sharing expectations, and showing that the other person matters enough to make the effort.
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That lesson, thankfully, led to growth. Growth not just in how I communicate, but in what I expect from others. I stopped settling for someone whose silence made my anxiety spiral. I started noticing what good communication looked like—not just in words, but in action. “Hey, I’m caught up at work, but can’t wait to talk later.” Even a quick “thinking of you” on a busy day. It’s those little moments that say, “I see you. You’re important.” Because if someone can’t even be
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bothered to send a text, would they move mountains for you? Doubtful.
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Trussville Public Library
To be fair, one text won’t make or break a relationship. And some people simply aren’t glued to their phones (although in today’s world, these unicorns are rare). But here’s a little protip from yours truly—it’s not about the frequency; it’s about intention. Silence on its own isn’t the issue—being left in the dark is.
leave me second-guessing or over-analyzing delayed responses. Someone who, much like myself, had a full, busy life but still made space for me in it. Because when someone truly values you, you don’t have to force them to act like you matter. They just do it.
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I eventually moved on to someone who didn’t
And so, dear readers, I’m throwing this out to you—what does healthy communication look like to you? Is it daily texts or spontaneous calls? Or simply understanding when the
other person is MIA without spiraling into a sea of uncertainty? Share your stories at Columnist@ICHBWColumn.com, because in the world of digital dating, we’re all just navigating the waters together. Remember, healthy communication is sexy and so is consistency. Anxiety-inducing silence? Not so much. Stay fabulous, prioritize those who prioritize you, and never settle for less than you deserve.
XOXO
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Ken Lass, Tribune columnist
I Couldn’t Help But Wonder…
Janice Lee Phillips
june
o bitua R y
morning on January 17,2025 at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, Alabama, with her celebration of life beginning at 12:00 in the Chapel. The service will be in care of Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens, officiated by Reverend Jamie Walley and Mark Enoch. Bearers will be her grandsons and great-grandsons.
Peggy Bryant Eason
february 28, 1949 — january 11, 2025
Peggy Bryant Eason went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on January 11, 2025. A visitation was held Wednesday, January 15th, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. Funeral services were Thursday, January 16th, 2025 at 12:00 PM, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will be at Eason Johnson Cemetery in Albertville, AL.
She was born to Dock and Henry Etta Bryant on February 28, 1949 as their youngest of ten children. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Kent Eason. She is survived by her five children. Sam Kahler, Jamie Terry, Irven Terry (Jennifer), Buck Frazier, and Haley Eason. Her 8 grandchildren – John Kahler, Jacob Kahler, BJ Terry, Carmen Terry, Ciara Terry, Zoey Terry, Kentleigh Davis, and Beau Davis. Her 5 great grandchildren, Isabelle, JD, Neveah, Colt, and Abellynn. And a host of nieces and nephews and her friends.
Peggy was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Leeds, AL. Peggy retired from Alabama Power as a sales representative.
Jim “Granddaddy” Awtry
may 15, 1941 — january 15, 2025
James (Jim) Milton Awtry, 83, of Birmingham, AL, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday evening, January 15, 2025, peacefully. Born on May 15, 1941, in Birmingham, he was one of four children of Roland Nunnley Awtry and Bertha Lee Callahan growing up in the Woodlawn and Gardendale areas.
Jim graduated from Phillips High School in the Class of 1960 and pursued two years of Bible studies, deepening his lifelong passion for learning and faith. He dedicated 40 years of service to Alabama Power as a lineman and troubleman. In addition to his career, Jim ran a side business in tree service, and had an uncanny knack for falling trees in tight spaces.
Jim was an avid reader and lover of knowledge. He also had a calling to teach. He shared his faith and wisdom through over 35 years of teaching Sunday School at Huffman Assembly of God, Cathedral of the Cross, and The Summit Church, touching many lives with his insight and wisdom. Jim had a heart of hospitality for others. He often cooked for others, conducted practical acts of service, and the buffet line was always open to guests and friends over the years at his Saturday tailgates for Auburn football home games.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Yvonne Kay Awtry; his son, Eric Weston Awtry; his daughter, Jill Awtry Greene; and his six cherished grandchildren, Eric Weston Awtry Jr., Anna Caroline Awtry, Stephanie Ellyse Awtry, Elijah Noah Greene, Ethan Isaiah Greene, and Phoebe Elizabeth Greene. His legacy of love, hospitality, and faith will be remembered by those who knew him.
A private Celebration of Life was held in Jim’s honor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Operation Blessing (ob.org), in honor of Jim’s heart to serve others.
Melba Brown
september 16, 1941 — january 15, 2025
Our loving mother, Melba Marie Winningham Brown (83) of Palmerdale, Alabama died peacefully on January 15, 2025. She is preceded in death by her husband, William “Percy” Brown, her parents, Thomas Jefferson “TJ” Winningham, and Zabelle “Deocie” Winningham, and sister, Shelby Winningham Holland.
She is survived by her children, Jeffrey S. Brown of Cropwell, Alabama, Gayla Brown McCracken (Ron), of Oneonta, Alabama, her brother Roger Winningham (Janet) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and three nephews and a niece.
Melba was born September 16,1941 in Gadsden, Alabama. She and Percy were married for 56 years. They were able to spend many years together in retirement. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She will be remembered for her unconditional love, dedication to family, always being there with a listening ear, giving a hug or providing a great meal just to warm your soul.
Before her stroke, she enjoyed attending Compassion Church Palmerdale. She sang in the choir and helped work the food pantry. She appreciated the friendship of many at the church and loved the Happy Hearts group! Domino day was a must do on her calendar along with yearly trips to Gatlinburg with the group. Melba freely gave her love to others and will be greatly missed by all that knew her. We would personally like to thank the ENTIRE staff at TLC Nursing Center in Oneonta. They took
mom for three
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(Alicia) Quick and their sons Braxton and Nolan Quick, and Bryanna (Luke) Mastro and their daughter Mila Mastro; his siblings, Kathy (Kenny) Branch and Earney (Alisha) Quick; and a host of nieces and nephews who adored their “Uncle Bryan.”
He is preceded in death by his father, Bobby Joe Quick; his granddaughter, Allie Marie Quick; & his brother, Bobby “Junior” Quick.
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Visitation will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, Alabama, on Saturday, January 25th 2025 at 1pm with the funeral service to follow. Burial will take place immediately after in the adjoining cemetery. Bryan will be remembered as a devoted family man, a friend to many, and a man who truly lived life to the fullest. He will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered.
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Jesse Lyle Walker
may 7, 1936 — january 14, 2025
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Jesse “Lyle” Walker, 88, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away on January 14, 2025 at his residence in Tarrant, Alabama surrounded by his loving family.
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Lyle Walker was born on May 7, 1936 in Spencer, Indiana to Harry A. Walker and Lola M. Walker. He moved to Alabama in 1948. He was a willing and faithful servant of Jesus Christ all his life and raised his family to do the same. He lived his life as an example to others of Christ’s devotion. He loved his wife for 67 years, and together they built a beautiful family filled with love, laughter, and joy.
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He was a devoted father to Pam Adams and Kristi Taylor, and he raised them to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, the same way he lived his own life.
He loved his grandsons with all his heart, but his great-grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was loved by all who knew him, and he leaves a legacy that will live on in the lives of his family and friends for generations.
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He was a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Tarrant where he served as a deacon and chairman since 1959.
He worked many years for the Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief and loved tending his garden every year. He was a master of many crafts and skills, and he used them to minister to others as he gave freely of his time and resources. He faithfully worked for Thompson Tractor until his retirement in 2000. He was inducted to the Central Alabama Softball Association Hall of Fame in 2012 and played the sport until he was in his seventies. He is preceded in death by his father, Harry Walker, his mother, Lola Walker, his brother, Wesley Walker, and his great granddaughter, Saylor James Adams.
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He leaves behind his loving wife, Myra Simpson Walker; his daughters, Pamela Walker Adams (Larry) and Kristi Lynn Taylor; his grandsons, Joshua Lyle Reeves (Amanda),
be held at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, Alabama on 1/20/25 at 11:00 AM. The funeral will take place on 1/20/25 at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donation to Birmingham Metro Baptist Association disaster relief.
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Local Meetings
● Trussville City Council 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 Meetings: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
● Pinson City Council 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.
● 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.
● Irondale City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
● Leeds City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
● Moody City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
be provided. This month’s movie will be “Torn Curtain”
● Young Adult D&D: Friday, Jan. 24 at 4 p.m. - D&D for ages 18-25
● Parachute Playtime: Saturday, Jan. 25 at 11 a.m
- Join Ms. Alicia for parachute playtime as we have some fun with rhymes, songs, and movement.
● Fun Day Monday: Monday, Jan. 27 at 4 p.m.Craft snowy mason jars
● American Girl Club: Monday, Jan. 27 at 5 p.m.
- Read the book “No Ordinary Sound” then join us as we discuss the book and Melody (1964)! Participants will also play a themed game and make a craft together.
● Learn to Knit: Monday, Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. - Join us for a series of classes where attendees will be walked through the basic stitches of knitting and make a dishcloth!
● Teen Advisory Board: Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 4 p.m.A place for teens to help out at the library
● Adult D&D Group 1: Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 5:30 p.m. - Join us to play Dungeons & Dragons: Call of
Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m.
- Take your business to the next level!
● Children’s Storytime: Thursday, Jan. 30 at 9:30 a.m. - Join Ms. Alicia for stories, songs, bubble time, and lots of fun!
Pinson Public Library
● Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison: Friday, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m.
- This week’s theme is Day & Night. We’ll read books, have fun, do a craft, & have a snack.
● Anime & Unwind: Friday, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. - It’s our anime club for adults! Enjoy Asian snacks & hang out with fellow anime enthusiasts.
● Bunco Night: Monday, Jan. 27 at 5 p.m. - Join us as we play a few fun games of Bunco. Small prizes will be provided by the library.
● Tech Tuesdays: Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 10 a.m.Need help with your tablet, smartphone, or computer? Drop by for helpful tech tips and tricks with Mr. Keith! ● Homeschool Hangout: Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 1 p.m. - Join us for a community gathering of
sports
More Than a Player: The Softball Legacy of Hannah Borden
By Blair Moore
Hewitt-Trussville
soft-
ball alumni Hannah Borden will always remember the moment when the 2019 team won the State Championship—the first state title in the program’s history. It was a sweltering day in May at Lagoon Park in Montgomery, and she had played catcher in eight games over two days as the underdog team clawed its way out of the losing bracket to claim victory.
“It was all of the emotions wrapped into one,” Borden said, reflecting on her last game as a senior. “I was crying because I was excited. I was crying because I was in so much pain, and I was crying because I was sad it was over. It’s one of those feelings you can’t really describe but you’ll never forget.”
As she looked around the field, Borden was overwhelmed by the support of her friends, family, and the Trussville community. For her, this State Championship was the culmination of years of dedication to her sport, both individually and as part of the growing Hewitt-Trussville softball program. While she also played soccer, volleyball, and basketball growing up, it was softball that she loved most. After middle school, she focused solely on the
sport to meet the high demands of her highly competitive travel team. During her junior year, her travel coach, Taylor Burt, was hired as Hewitt-Trussville’s head softball coach.
“Coach Burt is an authority figure, but she’s also there to support you and help you through things that aren’t about softball—just life things. She’s there for you in every circumstance,
both in sports and outside of sports. And she’s stern— she’ll get on to you if you do something wrong, but you know it’s out of a place of love, and you know she wants you to get better.
She’s the perfect balance of everything you’d want in a coach.” Under Burt’s leadership, the Hewitt-Trussville softball team has won three of the last five Class 7A state
titles. Burt appreciates Borden’s impact on the school’s softball program. “Hannah was successful in all areas—not just See SOFTBALL, Page 12
Tigers win quarterfinals, advance to final four
Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
SPRINGVILLE – The Springville Tigers wrestling team continued their momentum on Thursday afternoon as they hosted a 5A quarterfinal event against Hayden for the right to wrestle at the Birmingham Crossplex on January 24 in the final four. This match was not without its drama. The home team found themselves in a bit of a hole heading into the final match.
Senior Landon McKen-
dree stepped onto the mat with his team down 33-31 to the Wildcats. McKendree pinned Kolten Motte at the 1:48 mark of the match and that sent the Springville bench into a frenzy, and it launched the Tiger wrestling team into the final four.
“Before the match, I was nervous, knowing I had number three in the state and knowing the match between us was going to decide who went to the final four,” said McKendree. “After the match, it felt like a boulder was lifted off of my shoulders, knowing that
the whole team was going to the final four and knowing that we were making history for Springville wrestling.”
After falling in the first match when Kalub Blanding beat Talan Swallows, Fischer Lundberg won his match with 3.4 seconds to go on a last-second takedown. This win gave Springville some momentum heading into match three of the day.
Throughout the event, Tiger wrestlers pinned Hayden’s guys when they needed to and fought hard to not get pinned during their matches, weather they
Tribune Sports launches new motorsports podcast
Trussville Tribune Sports launched a motorsports podcast for Tribune area racing fans earlier this week.
Prep Sports Editor John Goolsby of Tribune Sports Live and race car driver, engineer, and strategist Andrew Pinkerton dive into the fast-paced world of motorsports. From the roar of NASCAR to the precision of IndyCar, the glamour of Formula One, and the endurance of Sportscar racing, this podcast covers it all. With in-depth analysis, spirited discussions, and insider perspectives, Goolsby and Pinkerton bring fans closer to the action and the stories that shape the racing world. Whether you’re a die-hard motorsports fan or new to the track, The Green Flag is your ultimate pit stop for all
won the match or not, which played a vital role in the win.
Head coach Matthew Lee said, “I am really proud of how our guys handled themselves this week. Top to bottom, the guys were motivated this week in practice to continue the momentum. Our guys were excited to wrestle in front of the school today and they showed out in a big way. They put in the work this season and they have earned this. We told them not to be satisfied with just winning the region and put in the work in the wrestling room and they did a great job. Hayden is a great team wit some great wrestlers and we knew this would be tough. We will celebrate tonight but we will need to get back to work tomorrow. I am
proud of our guys and look forward to making a run in the final four.”
• 108 lb – Fischer Lundberg (SVL) over Eli McLaughlin (HHS) 9-7
• 115 lb – Skylar Owens (HHS) over Mason Ruple (SVL) 16-3 122 lb – Andre Brown (SVL) over Christopher Mayle (HHS) Pinfall at 2:41 128 lb – Aiden Hand (SVL) over Thatcher Wiley (HHS) Pinfall at :16
Springville wrestling team after 37-33 quarterfinal victory over Hayden. Credit: SHS Wrestling
Hoops roundup: Hewitt, Shades Valley, Clay and Center Point
on the field but as a student as well,” said Burt. “She was successful because she’s such a hard worker and disciplined in every area. She’s a competitor and wanted to be the best, and she went and earned it. She was a part of those first couple of years where I came in as a new head coach and really helped influence the girls to buy into what we were trying to do as a program.”
Burt believes that Borden’s character was even more influential than her athleticism and talent. “She was an incredible softball player, but an even better person,” Burt said. “She, of course, hit a softball as far as anybody I’ve ever seen and was a dang good catcher and leader. She led by example on and off the field— and in the weight room. I just can’t say enough good things about the person she grew to be. I love Hannah, and I’m thankful for the relationship that we still have to this day.”
Following high school, Borden went on to play for The University of Southern Mississippi, where she made an immediate impact as a freshman despite the season being cut short due to the pandemic. Masks and constant Covid testing were among the challenges of the next two years, but Borden persevered through the difficulties to some of her best seasons yet. During her final two years as a Golden Eagle, Borden broke the school record for all-time home run leader (career runs) and also holds the record for single-season runs.
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
Hewitt-Trussville
The Hewitt-Trussville Huskies, 19-8, reeled off three straight wins after losing to top-ranked Hoover last week. The Huskies defeated Oak Mountain 50-39, blasted Moody 65-38, and defeated Vestavia 41-40 last night.
Hewitt will host Pell City Friday night in a non-area matchup.
The Lady Huskies, 1511, went 2-1 after losing to Hoover last week.
The Lady Huskies defeated Oak Mountain 67-42, Pelham 46-36, and lost to Vestavia 60-48 last night.
Hewitt hosts Moody this afternoon.
Shades Valley The Shades Valley Mounties, 13-8, went 2-1 after losing to 4A number one-ranked Fairfield last week. The Mounties lost to number four Oxford 52-45, defeated Pell City 59-45 and Woodlawn 56-46 on Monday.
Valley hosts Center Point in a non-area game Friday.
The Lady Mounties, 137, lost to Oxford 62-48 and defeated Pell City 48-44.
The Lady Mounties host Center Point on Friday afternoon.
Clay-Chalkville
The Clay-Chalkville Cougars, 18-7, defeated number seven-ranked Pinson Valley Friday night 5553. The Cougars travel to
Gardendale Friday night.
The Lady Cougars, 1010, exploded offensively after falling to 4A four-ranked Midfield 49-42 last week. Clay outscored Pinson and Parker 96-32 to pull even on the season.
The Lady Cougars travel to Gardendale on Friday afternoon.
Center Point The Center Point Eagles, 2-16, defeated Cornerstone 62-32 and fell to Springville 56-28. The Eagles play host to Alabama Aerospace and Aviation on Thursday. The Lady Eagles, 2-18, lost to Cornerstone 48-27 and Springville 93-26. Center Point travels to Wenonah on Thursday for a non-region game.
“The girl who held the record before me, Megan Hill, wrote me a letter when it happened, and it was really sweet,” Borden said. “I still have the letter. I had support from a lot of people, and my hitting coach was just awesome.”
Borden’s hitting coach, Aaron Longenecker, quickly recognized that she shared distinctive qualities he’d seen in other exceptional hitters. “The commonality between Hannah and those young ladies was elite-level bat speed and swings that transferred a lot of energy into the ball. In other words, when they hit it, they tend to hit it really, really hard!” he said. “The most important thing Hannah and I talked about was ‘intent’ at the plate. Are we going up to the plate to do damage, or are we going up there just to make contact, hoping for a hit?”
Longenecker described Borden’s fifth year as an offensive showcase of how to be the best overall player in the Sunbelt—the strongest “mid-major” in the country. “The pitching that Hannah saw week in and week out was among the very best in the nation. She led the Sunbelt in home runs and finished in the top 5 in just about every offensive category,” he said. “Last year, Hannah worked extremely hard on having a plan and approach in every at-bat and worked every day to become more adjustable at the plate. She reduced the amount of ‘holes’ in her swing that could be attacked
and exploited by the pitcher. She put all that together with the elite hitting tools she possessed, and it became a situation where the only person getting Hannah out is Hannah.”
After graduating from Southern Miss last May, Borden was recruited by Athletes Unlimited to play professionally—the first player in Hewitt-Trussville’s softball history to go pro. After catching in over 200 games over her 5 college years, she wasn’t sure about continuing, but she took the opportunity and made the most of it, moving just outside of Chicago over the summer. “It was a good
experience, and I’m glad I did it,” she said. After fulfilling her contract, Borden made the decision to hang up her cleats and move on to the next chapter of her life.
Though her time on the field may have come to a close, Borden continues to inspire young athletes hoping to follow in her footsteps. Her advice is to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way, even when it’s not what you expected. “I love Southern Miss, but it’s not one of those really big softball schools that you see on TV all the time,” she said. “I didn’t ever think that going
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somewhere like that would get me to where I was. But it’s not always about the name on the front of your jersey. It’s about the name on the back. Your circumstances don’t always make the outcomes. It’s you. It’s what you put in behind the scenes. It’s your hard work, and it’s about the support of the people you have around you.”
From winning the first state title to making history as a professional player, Hannah Borden’s legacy—both as a player and a person—will always be a source of pride for both Hewitt-Trussville softball and the entire community.
Hewitt wins three straight. Credit: Amy Blount-Beloved Creation
