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Run for the Wall
Cracker Barrel shooting update
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Legislative Session Countdown: What’s left?
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The Trussville Tribune TRUSSVILLE • PINSON·CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE
www.TrussvilleTribune.com
May 22 - 28, 2019
50 Cents Springville Tigers: The snowball effect By Shaun Szkolnik, sports editor
MONTGOMERY — After a heartbreaking loss to the Briarwood Patriots in game one of the AHSAA 5A State Baseball Championship, the Springville Tigers dusted themselves off and went to work, winning the next two games and winning it all. Tigers’ Head Coach Johnathan Ford commented on Springville having a big third inning in Game 2 and Game 3. “It’s like we always wait for that one big hit to kind of get us going,” said Ford. “And these guys, they really just feed off each other. So, when one of them gets going, it really snowballs. We’ve done it throughout, through the playoffs, through the whole season.” This was the Tigers’ first state win since 1992.
CHAMPS!
Your Huskies are the 7A State Softball Champions By Shaun Szkolnik, sports editor
MONTGOMERY – A historic season for Hewitt-Trussville softball was capped off by the 7A softball state championship game against Sparkman on Saturday, May 18, 2019. The Huskies lost their first game in the double-elimination tournament to defending 7A champions Fairhope but came back strong with six wins against five teams. Hewitt-Trussville’s 7-3 triumph over Central High School gave the Huskies their first ever win in a state championship tournament. The Huskies had a more dramatic road than usual on their way to this win. The game, which was started on Thursday, May 16, at 4 p.m., had to be postponed due to a weather delay. Play resumed Friday, May 17, at around 8 a.m. The delay didn’t seem to do the Huskies any harm. A real nail-biter took place in the May 17 game against Spain Park. The Huskies had been beaten by Spain Park every other game in the season and things got dicey for the Huskies in the fifth inning when Spain Park put up eight runs. However, Hewitt-Trussville’s lead held and they won the game 12-9. See HUSKIES, Page 14
Pinson Waffle House customers, employees robbed at gunpoint From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
Eastern Area Landfill expansion over Trussville water source approved by ADEM
Trussville Redevelopment Authority reports possible violation to the Alabama Ethics Commission
PINSON — Jefferson County detectives need help identifying a person they say robbed the Pinson Waffle House at gunpoint. According to Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama, the robbery happened at 5:40 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2019. Surveillance images show the man robbing customers and employees of the restaurant in the 4600 block of Pinson Boulevard. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama at (205) 254-7777. See WAFFLE HOUSE, Page 4
Inside the Tribune News - Page 1-7 Opinion - Page 8 Calendar - Page 9 Classified - Page 9 Obituary - Page 10 Faith - Page 11 Kids page - Page 12 Sports - Page 13-14
Pinson working on fix for Splash Pad From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — The attorney for the Trussville Redevelopment Authority (TRA) has contacted the Alabama Ethics Commission about a possible violation by a member of the TRA following questions raised during an interview with The Trussville Tribune after the authority’s May 7 meeting, according to a written statement from Rick Stotser, of Massey, Stotser & Nichols.
PINSON — The Pinson City Council met on Thursday, May 16, 2019 and discussed several items including Movies in May and issues at the city’s splash pad. Mayor Hoyt Sanders said the timer on the controller on the feature pump at the splash pad is malfunctioning. The mayor has installed a bypass switch as a quick-fix and to get chemicals to the water, but he’s working with Counselor Robbie Roberts to try and fix it permanently. Hoyt said there are options for the repair. The worst-case scenario would cost about $2,000 and that would mean having a company out of Ohio come to Pinson to fix the pump controller.
See ETHICS, Page 5
See PINSON, Page 5
By Erica Thomas, managing editor, and Scott Buttram, publisher
See LANDFILL, Page 3
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The Trussville Tribune
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The
Trussville Tribune
Run for the Wall zooms through Trussville From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — The Run for the Wall Veterans ride zoomed through Trussville on Tuesday, May 21, 2019. Dozens of spectators came out to cheer the motorcycle group along the way. They flew American flags and waved as hundreds of bikes
two ladder trucks and a large American flag. American Legion Post 205’s Commander Tony Berenotto said he was thankful to see the turnout. "I love it! I just think this area of the country is so great when it comes to patriotism," Berenotto said. The southern route of the ride is what people in TrussWashington. The purpose is to promote healing among all veterans, according to the Run for the Wall website. The ride was started in 1989 by Vietnam veterans James Gregory and Bill Evans as a way of supporting veterans and to call for “an accounting of all Pris-
190 Main Street Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664 Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com Erica Thomas, Managing Editor news@trussvilletribune.com STAFF WRITERS Shaun Szkolnik, Sports Editor Crystal McGough, Copy Editor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS June Mathews Terry Schrimscher SALES STAFF Ryan Jennings, Director of Sales & Marketing Shari Moore, Account Executive Meredith White, Account Executive Lauren Taylor, Traffic Coordinator
May 22 - 28, 2019
roared through Trussville on their way to Washington, D.C. Veterans and patriots lined up on the Deerfoot Parkway overpass on Interstate 59 for a bird's eye view of the ride. As vehicles drove under the bridge, several honked their horns in a show of patriotism. The Trussville Fire Department showed up with
oners of War and those Missing in Action.” Anyone who would like to track the riders as they ride to Washington can do so on the live tracking map online. You can watch video of the Run to the Wall coming through Trussville at www. TrussvilleTribune.com.
ville saw. There was also a central and northern route. They all started in Ontario, California, on May 15, and they will all meet back up in Arlington, Virginia, on May 24. They will then travel together, to Washington, D.C., to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. There will be a parade Friday at Marine Barracks in
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May 22 - 28, 2019
The Trussville Tribune
Page 3
Local / Region
Cracker Barrel shooting suspect Ribbon cutting requests immediate release ceremony at Taco Bell in from jail after court delay Center Point From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
CENTER POINT — The new Taco Bell in Center Point is open. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Monday, May 20, 2019. The location on 20th Avenue Northeast is one of the new style Taco Bells with take-out and in-house dining. The design is similar to the new Taco Bell in Clay. The restaurant will employ 30-40 people. The Center Point City Council was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremo-
ny. Council member Bobby Scott cut the ribbon. Representatives from Tacala LLC,
which is the largest operator of Taco Bell franchises in the U.S., were also in attendance.
JEFFERSON COUNTY — Attorneys for Bryan Hancock have filed a motion on his behalf, requesting his immediate release from the Jefferson County Jail. Hancock, 22, of Pinson, is charged with capital murder in connection to the shooting death of Randy Young. Young was shot in the parking lot of the Trussville Cracker Barrel on the night of Thursday, March 28, 2019. According to court documents, a defendant (Hancock) has the right to a preliminary
hearing within 21 days of requesting one. After a request was filed on April 10, 2019, the court scheduled a preliminary hearing for May 30, 2019, which is well out of the 21-day window. The motion seeking immediate release also states the court has not provided a reason for a delay or responded to a bond reduction request, as required by law. Hancock faces the death penalty if found guilty of capital murder. His attorneys said video evidence will prove their client was acting in self-defense. You can read the mo-
Bryan Hancock, Jefferson County Jail[/caption]
tion for immediate release at www.TrussvilleTribune. com.
Trussville Police say social media helped identify theft suspects quickly From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville Police Department said it identified two men accused in a theft case. Erick Stillwell, 43, of Dora, and Nicholas Rice, 40, of Jasper are charged with theft of property third
degree. Investigators said the two were caught on surveillance cameras taking items from the Home Depot in Trussville on Monday, April 29, 2019. Images from the incident were released on social media. Police said interaction online led to the quick identifica-
Erick Stillwell and Nicholas Rice, Trussville Police
LANDFILL, from front page By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) has issued a permit to the city of Birmingham to expand the Eastern Area Landfill. The permit modification was made on Monday, May 13, 2019, after pADEM reviewing comments from the public for weeks. Those comments included concerns about the Bangor Aquifer, which feeds Trussville’s water source, sinkhole concerns and stormwater management. The permit modification contains requirements including routine inspections. ADEM said it would ensure compliance by continually evaluating the landfill. According to the Cahaba River Society (CRS), the extension could put Trussville drinking water at risk and could cause flooding down-
town. The expansion site is adjacent to Mary Taylor Road near Magnolia Elementary School and Trussville neighborhoods. CRS expressed concerns in a letter to ADEM in January. Trussville Gas and Water supplies water for approximately 37,000 people in unincorporated parts of Jefferson and St. Clair counties, and has customers located in the city limits of Trussville, Argo, Irondale, Birmingham and Springville. TGW drinking water comes from wells in the Bangor and Ft. Payne Tuscumbia aquifers. It is the Bangor aquifer that is of concern, as some maps show the landfill adjacent to or overlapping the aquifer and Bangor Limestone Formation, which feeds the aquifer. Magnolia Place neighborhood is located near a Birmingham landfill that is not popular among many residents.
Also among concerns are wetlands that could be impacted by water runoff from the landfill. Additionally, there are concerns over the proposed geotextile liner for the landfill, which is intended to prevent the seepage of runoff into the ground. If the geotextile liner fails, runoff from the landfill could potentially reach the aquifer. If the liner works, rainwater would be blocked from recharging the aquifer and continuously refilling it with water. Those concerns are shared by the mayor and city council of Trussville. Mayor Buddy Choat said he has reached out to Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin to voice concerns. Go to www.TrussvilleTribune.com for a link to the detailed response from ADEM. The city of Birmingham has not responded to inquiries by The Trussville Tribune regarding the landfill expansion.
tion and arrest of the two men. The Trussville Police Department's Public Information Officer Ben Short said he will be using social media more often to connect with the community. "Social media is an effective way to keep the community informed
Suspect identified after Trussville Police chase driver into Birmingham From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville Police Department said a traffic stop turned dangerous Friday and ended with an arrest. Officers attempted to stop the driver of a red Ford Taurus on Interstate 59 near exit 141. The driver took off and drove towards Birmingham.
During the pursuit, another vehicle was side-swiped but no one was hurt. The chase ended in Birmingham in the area of 74th Street and Second Avenue. Officers said the driver bailed from the vehicle and was caught after a short foot chase. Christopher Garrison Jr., 25, of Birmingham is facing charges for attempting to elude law enforcement, leav-
PAMELA P. KULBACK, M.D.
From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
CENTER POINT — The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office took a person into custody in Center Point after a chase.
It happened on Saturday, May 18, 2019, at 8:47 a.m. Deputies were attempting to stop a car for a traffic violation when they said the driver took off. A chase ensued and ended with a crash, according to Capt.
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May 22 - 28, 2019
Budgets, education reform among bills pending in final stretch of legislative session By MARY SELL, Alabama Daily News
Alabama lawmakers this year have approved a statewide gas tax increase, told sheriffs they can’t keep money meant for feeding jail inmates and said they want a shot at the U.S. Supreme Court with the nation’s most restrictive abortion ban. The Legislature has two to three weeks remaining in its 2019 session and a lot of legislating is left to do. Here’s a look at some of the major bills that are pending and what might get punted to a special session later this year. Alabama lottery not a sure thing The Alabama House of Representatives is expected to vote Tuesday on a proposal to allow for paper-ticket lotteries such as PowerBall and Mega Millions. A House committee changed the Senate-approved version of the bill to send 25 percent of ticket sale revenue to the state education budget. The Senate wants to send 100 percent to state debt and the General Fund, which supports non-education agencies and departments. If approved in the full House Tuesday, the bill goes back to the Senate where spon-
sor Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, said changes could cost several votes. That chamber approved the bill without a vote to spare earlier this month. “I really don’t know at this point,” Albritton said Friday about whether the House and Senate can come to an agreement. Albritton wouldn’t say if he’d support the bill in its current version. “I’m going to wait and see what comes out of the House,” he said. If it gets through both chambers, Alabama voters will have the final say in March 2020. But even House approval isn’t a sure thing. “I think it’s certain to say it won’t be a slam dunk, it’ll be close,” Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon, R-Monrovia, said Thursday. Meanwhile, disputes about the education and General Fund budgets aren’t limited to the lottery… Budgets pending Both the proposed $2.1 billion General Fund and $7.1 billion education budget are increases over last year. The General Fund includes more money for most agencies and a 2% raise for state employees. The education budget boosts funding to many pro-
grams and has a 4% raise for K-12 and community college educators. But early last week, the state’s $35 million match for the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program wasn’t in either the House-approved General Fund or the Senate-approved education budget. Both budgets are now in the opposite chamber. Albritton is the Senate General Fund committee chairman and lead a meeting where $17.5 million for CHIP was put in that budget. “That is on the belief, hope and faith that the (Education Trust Fund) will step up some,” Albritton said. About 174,000 Alabama children receive health care funded through CHIP. House education budget committee chairman Rep. Bill Poole couldn’t be reached for comment Friday. That budget should be in committee Wednesday while the General Fund budget could be on the Senate floor Tuesday, Albritton said. The 2020 General Fund budget includes an additional $40 million for the Alabama Department of Corrections, most of which is to hire additional prison staff. But the big fixes for the state’s crowded and dangerous pris-
ons aren’t happening in this session. Pushing prisons to a special session A bipartisan group of lawmakers recently asked Gov. Kay Ivey to call a prison-focused special session later this year to respond to the U.S. Department of Justice’s April report on the suicides, staffing shortages and extreme violence in Alabama prisons. Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, on Friday said there isn’t enough time remaining in the session to get necessary data, including information on possible sentencing reform and prison construction. Lawmakers for years have kicked around the crowding issue and the possibility of new prisons. Ward said he’s “not thrilled” about legislators revisiting prison construction because it always leads to disagreements about locations. New facilities mean thousands of jobs for an area. Meanwhile, Ivey has explored the possibility of leasing new prisons from private companies. Ward also said Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, is working on a bill to require more state oversight on how sexual assaults and suicides are reported. Ivey hasn’t committed to a
special session but says all options are on the table. Ward said the remaining priority on prisons for him in this current session is a bill to let the governor appoint members of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole. The bill, which has cleared the House and is pending in the Senate, also sets sentence minimums. Medical marijuana The Alabama Senate this month approved legislation to allow medical marijuana for people with certain medical conditions. The bill from Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, creates a state commission to regulate the use and sale of medical marijuana. As of Friday afternoon, the bill was not on a committee meeting agenda for the upcoming week. “In the House, there is still a lot of misinformation about the bill… members want to make sure they have a chance to read what came out of the Senate,” McCutcheon said. He said he isn’t sure of his position on the bill. Stopping asset seizures without convictions Sen. Arthur Orr’s bill to prohibit law enforcement agencies from seizing the assets of people who haven’t been convicted of a crime again met resistance Thursday on the Sen-
ate floor and did not get a vote. It could come up again though. Under Alabama’s civil asset forfeiture law, police can seize property if they have reason to believe it was criminally gained. Even if there’s no conviction, law enforcement can keep the property with a civil court order. On the Senate floor Thursday, Orr said one in four people who have their assets taken are never criminally charged. “We didn’t convict, much less charge the person whose property we have,” he said. “That’s something I think the public ought to know.” Some law enforcement agencies oppose Orr’s bill. “I’m getting some dings from back home on this,” Sen. Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro, said on the Senate floor before the bill was carried over. Ban on devices while driving stalled Another bill that’s delayed would ban the use of hand-held cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. The companion bills from Rep. K.L. Brown, R-Jacksonville and Sen. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, are modeled after Georgia’s 2018 law. McCutcheon said a substitute bill is in the works. See BUDGETS, Page 8
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The Trussville Tribune
May 22 - 28, 2019
ETHICS, from front page
The TRA is a separately incorporated body charged with revitalization and development of the downtown business district, according to the city’s website. The authority works to promote trade, commerce and employment opportunities. TRA received $1.5 million in funding from the city council in 2018. The city has also conveyed real estate assets to TRA to lease or develop with the intention of bringing in business to the downtown district. Following an open records request by the Tribune, questions were raised concerning a contract executed between the TRA and a former TRA board member. Concerns were first voiced after real estate agent and board member Kevin Sargent resigned from the board and was hired by the board to handle real estate matters. According to the meeting records from June 19, 2018, Sargent resigned from TRA and signed a contract with the board on the same night. Sargent has retained former judge John Amari of Amari and Gray to represent him since the city contacted the Ethics Commission. “I have advised Mr. Sargent to refrain from making any public comment while a review may be ongoing,” Amari said in a written statement. “However, I can confidently say that while volunteering as a board member on the TRA and working under contract, Mr. Sargent was diligent in performing his duties ethically, professionally, and with transparency. At all times, Mr. Sargent carried out his responsibilities with the City of Trussville’s best interests in mind. When this issue was brought to Mr. Sargent’s attention, he and the board mutually agreed to terminate his contract. Mr. Sargent is fully cooperating with any review and is confident his efforts to improve the City of Trussville will be apparent.” It all started with a special-called meeting on the night of Tuesday, June 19, 2018. Board members Kevin Sargent, Ian Maddox, Matt Phillips and Diane Poole met in an upstairs conference room at Bryant Bank. Also in attendance in an official capacity were attorney Chesley Payne, secretary and treasurer Robin Wilkins, city of Trussville inspector David Arnett and city council liaisons to the TRA, Alan Taylor and Perry Cook. First, the authority held a workshop. Things discussed included zoning, updates to Trussville Office Park and the future of the former Borella Auto building. During the special-called meeting, the board discussed grant applications from several businesses. Board member Diane Poole then made a motion to adjourn into an executive session. Councilman Taylor and Councilman Cook were invited to stay and listen in on the executive session. The motion to enter executive session was seconded by Kevin Sargent. According to the minutes from the meeting, the reason for this meeting was to discuss a contract. The minutes did not specify what contract or the nature of the said contract. Following the executive session, the board resumed the special-called meeting and Sargent submitted his resignation from TRA. The board then approved a contract with Sargent Realty Consulting, LLC., which Sargent signed and dated June 19, 2018. According to Dennis Bailey, who serves as attorney for the Alabama Press Association and was instrumental in drafting the Alabama Open Meetings Act of 2005, meeting in executive session to discuss the contract may be problematic. The act strictly limits the reasons a government body may call an executive session.
In fact, there are only nine statutory reasons set forth in the act for which a body is allowed to call an executive session. Bailey said the TRA did not trigger an exception that would have allowed an executive session, especially with Sargent present. “The exception did not apply to a contract to hire a real estate agent and even if it did, it would not apply because a member of the body was involved,” Bailey said. “All discussions about this contract should have been in public.” During an interview with
the Tribune on Tuesday, May 7, questions were raised concerning the contract between TRA and Kevin Sargent. Upon being asked when the TRA discussed the contract with Sargent, Board Chairman David Morgan initially said the contract was likely discussed in an executive session. Although attorney Chesley Payne insisted Sargent resigned before discussions on hiring him, that is not reflected in the minutes of the two meetings prior to Sargent resigning and the contract being signed. “After Kevin resigned, then the board met separately without Kevin and discussed the terms of the agreement, various proposals, things of that nature,” Payne said. “… Typically, the way it would work is we would approve the terms and then draft the agreement, itself, according to those terms.” Board member Ian Maddox said he remembers discussing the contract with Sargent on at least two occasions. “If they aren’t in the minutes, they had to be in executive session,” Maddox said. A review of board minutes dating back to March 6, 2018, revealed no mention of any public discussion of a possible contract with Sargent. Kevin Sargent resigned immediately following the executive session on the night of June 19, 2018. He signed the contract to provide real estate services for TRA on the same night, according to board minutes. Attorney Payne said that during the hiring process, there were never any concerns about possible ethics violations because he said he was sure to advise Sargent to resign before taking a job with the TRA. Sargent Realty Consulting was charged with managing lease tenants of TRA, supervising TRA property, helping the TRA prepare property for development and finding property that could be developed. Sargent said he had experience in commercial development. Before being contracted by the TRA, he had dealings with Alabama Outdoors in Birmingham, an optometrist office in Chelsea, Signature Homes in Inverness and several fitness centers in the Birmingham-metro area. Following a request for a copy of the contract through the Open Records Act, the Tribune discovered Sargent Realty Consulting was contracted to be paid $4,000 a month as a retainer fee. Sargent would also be paid a commission, in addition to the retainer, for selling real estate. According to Sargent and TRA members, no commissions have been paid during the 10 months that the contract has been in effect. Morgan said the board did not consider putting the
job out for bid because it was following past hiring routines and practices. Attorney Payne pointed out state law did not require that specific job to be put up for bid. Attorney Hugh Evans, who served as the general counsel for the Alabama Ethics Commission for 22 years, said anyone appointed by the city council would be considered a public official. “They are a public official if they are either elected or appointed at the state, county or municipal level,” Evans said. “As your members are appointed by the city council, that makes the development
board a governmental entity and it makes them public officials.” Evans said the move could be a violation of the Revolving Door Act that was put in place in 1995 to prevent somebody from being able to personally profit from a decision they made while on a board. “They can’t resign from the board, (then) go to work for the board; they can’t contract back with the board for any reason for a period of two years,” said Evans. “The contract may have been okay, depending on the contract, if they had waited the two-year period.” During The Trussville Tribune’s interview with the board on May 7, 2019, Attorney Payne said the Revolving Door Act does not apply to the TRA board. “They are not public officials,” Payne said. “This has been confirmed with the Attorney General’s Office. They are not public officials per se, even though each and every member of this board has undergone ethics training for public officials, voluntarily.” According to the Ethics Commission, as of May 2, 2019, board members Kevin Sargent, Ian Maddox, Matt Phillips, Diane Poole and Heath Buckner had completed the online ethics training course. Trussville City Attorney Rick Stotser said after The Trussville Tribune asked the TRA board about the hiring of Sargent, his contract was canceled pending a response by the Alabama Ethics Commission. “At the Tuesday, May 7, 2019, regularly scheduled board meeting of the Trussville Redevelopment Authority (TRA) a question was raised regarding the TRA’s engagement of a real estate consultant which occurred in June 2018,” Stotser said in a statement. “Prior to entering into the contract, the matter had been subjected to review by the TRA’s legal counsel. Its legal counsel determined statutory authority existed for the TRA to engage a real estate consultant. “Following the question raised at the May 7th meeting, the TRA’s legal counsel conducted another review. It was then determined that a potential issue may have existed- unbeknownst to the Board or the consultant. The TRA’s board instructed its legal counsel to contact the Alabama Ethics Commission on May 8th to bring this issue to its attention,” the statement continues. “Additionally, out of an abundance of caution, the TRA’s board and the consultant mutually agreed to cancel the consultant’s contract pending guidance from the Ethics Commission. The Ethics Commission is currently reviewing the matter. Once the Ethics Commission has completed its review, the
TRA will evaluate the Commission’s findings to determine how it should proceed.” “All parties stand ready to assist the Commission in its review of the potential issue,” Stotser said. Attorney Evans said only a member that received a benefit would have exposure to a possible ethics violation. “Under the ethics law, the personal gain has to be limited to yourself or a family member or a business you are associated with,” said Evans. “So, if any of the other members had business dealings with this guy where they would benefit, then quite possibly. But just helping a friend, unfortunately, doesn’t fall under there.” Evans said that the statute of limitations for an ethics violation can be two or four years. “For ethics violations, it’s four years,” Evans said. “A misdemeanor has gone up to two years. We always approach things as they are probably a felony with Revolving Door, which would be four years statute of limitations. Sometimes as the facts develop, it may end up being a misdemeanor or a prosecutor could proceed with it as a misdemeanor. But I would travel under the assumption of four years statute.” Trussville Mayor Buddy Choat said if mistakes were made, they were unintentional and that city leaders would work to correct any errors. “I was made fully aware of this last Wednesday morning,” Choat said. “It was reported to the Ethics Commission by the TRA counsel at the direction of the TRA board. “I can assure everyone that the volunteers serving on our Redevelopment Authority were acting on the advice of counsel. If any mistake was made, it was an honest mistake, and the TRA will correct it. The character and commitment of these volunteers and their counsel is outstanding and very much appreciated.” As for deals made by Sargent Realty Consulting, Kevin Sargent said that in the first 10 months of his employment for the board, he has completed a deal to bring more parking to the city’s new entertainment district by connecting a private developer with a downtown property owner. “Without that private developer coming in and buying a strategic piece of property, we couldn’t have added additional parking to what we were looking at,” Sargent said. “Now that developer is looking at multiple properties, so purely that networking is one of the pieces I do.” In a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, Sargent said he still had ongoing projects that he has been working on for months. “There are several things we just had to get going for the first months because it was all so new,” Sargent said. “We were trying to figure out the direction we needed to go.” Councilman Taylor expressed his pleasure with the job that members of the TRA have done. “We’re extremely pleased with you guys and what you’ve done and the progress we’ve made,” Taylor said. “I don’t think it’s any accident that the interest we have in Trussville is the result of all your work.” Maddox, a downtown business owner who has served on TRA for the last few years, said he values the opportunity to serve the community. “I think there is great satisfaction in being able to use your professional skills, your passion for the city, for the community, to facilitate, to be a member of the TRA,” said Maddox. “I think just being able to contribute back to your town where you live, to be able to have a voice, to have influence in what comes down here is just wonderful.”
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Alabama Public Television won't run 'Arthur' gay wedding From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — Alabama Public Television will not run an episode of the PBS children's show "Arthur" because it included a same-sex wedding.
miere. Programming director Mike McKenzie said broadcasting it would break parents' trust in the network. In a statement, McKenzie said, "parents trust that their children can watch APT without their supervision,"
PBS Kids
The episode, "Mr. Ratburn and the Special Someone," aired nationally on May 13, showing Arthur attending the wedding of his teacher, Mr. Ratburn, marrying his partner, Patrick. But APT instead ran an old episode and announced it had no plans to show the pre-
and that children "younger than the 'target' audience" might watch without parental knowledge. Show creator WGBH and broadcaster PBS reportedly alerted local stations in April about the episode, and McKenzie said this was when they decided not to air the show.
PINSON, from front page
Map of property annexed into Pinson
The council unanimously approved $2,000 to go towards repairs if needed. Hoyt said it is unusual for this type of equipment to go out as soon as this one has, but it is already out of warranty. A piece of property adjacent to a Pinson homeowner was annexed into the city. The
Concrete Creations, LLC. The stairs, landings and siding will be replaced on the press box on the Pinson Valley Youth Sports Complex baseball field. RTS Construction estimated the upgrades at $18,550. The Pinson City Council approved the funds unanimously.
Kermit Johnson School Library
homeowner owns the parcel that is on Pinewood Drive and it is zoned as residential. After a petition for annexation was considered, the council voted unanimously to annex it into the city of Pinson. The city council also decided on a new Christmas tree. The 14’ panel tree includes C7 LED lights and red, gold and green ornaments and artificial pine cones. Councilor Dawn Tanner said during the trip to the League of Municipalities Conference in Mobile, she was able to see how different trees look and how they are assembled and disassembled. The tree is made by a company in North Carolina. Mayor Sanders presented photos from the new library at Kermit Johnson School. The modern design includes bright colors and dynamic architecture. The library is near completion and an open house day will be announced at a later date. Councilor Joy McCain presented plans to install Graniflex System flooring to the Pinson Public Library. The new flooring will be put in the event room and the hallway. The total price for the work is estimated at $22,583.75. The council voted to approve the work that will be done by
The mayor also showed off plaques presented to him on behalf of the city at the Pinson Valley Education Foundation Banquet. One is from the football team and the other is from the basketball team. They thanked Mayor Sanders for supporting their teams.
Christmas Tree model
Sanders also presented a plaque from the Special Olympics teams. The Special Olympics Basketball team won 2nd place in the state this year. The Special Olympics Track and Field team participated in the State Summer Games on Saturday, May 18, 2019, at Troy University.
Page 6
The Trussville Tribune
M e t r o / S tat e
May 22 - 28, 2019
Woman arrested for October Birmingham Police release 2018 homicide in Ensley images of KFC robbery From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Police Department arrested a woman in connection to a shooting death in Ensley. Micayla Brooke Sloan, 22, of Quinton, is facing a murder charge. The victim, Skyler Lewis, was found shot in the early morning hours on Thursday, October 1, 2018. The shooting happened at 1839 18th
Micayla Sloan, Jefferson County Jail
St. The 24-year-old was pronounced dead on the scene by Birmingham Fire and Rescue. Another man was found shot at the location and was taken to UAB. He was placed on critical status. A third victim was taken to UAB with a gunshot wound. She was found in the 1500 block of Bessemer Road. She was treated and released. Sloan is now in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail.
From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama said an investigation is underway after the armed robbery of a KFC restaurant. According to a report filed with the Birmingham Police Department, the robbery happened on Tuesday, May 14, 2019. Witnesses said a man came in with his face covered, carrying a black handgun. The robbery happened at the location in the 1800 block of 20th Street North in Birmingham. If you know anything about this crime, you are asked to call Crime Stoppers
of Metro Alabama at (205) 254-7777. You will remain anonymous, and the information you provide to Crime
Stoppers leading to the charge and arrest of an identified suspect could result in a cash reward.
Accused Auburn officer killer was a member of the Alabama National Guard Arrest made in shooting death of man at Birmingham hotel
By Chuck Williams
AUBURN (WRBL) — The man accused of shooting three Auburn police officers, killing one, is a current non-commissioned officer in the Alabama National Guard, officials confirmed Tuesday. Grady Wayne Wilkes has been in the National Guard since 2010, a guard spokesman said. Wilkes, 29, is charged with the murder of William Buechner, a 13 year veteran of the Auburn Police Department. Officer Webb Sistrunk and officer Evan Elliott were also shot but survived. The officers were responding to a domestic call at the Arrowhead Mobile Home complex when police say Wilkes opened fire on them.
From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — A Fultondale man was charged in the shooting death of another man at the Birmingham Garden Inn on Friday, April 26, 2019. Nicholas Burrell, 29, is being held in the Jefferson
Wilkes is a corporal in the Alabama National Guard and an infantry fire team leader. Each nine-person squad is split into two fire teams with a leader. Wilke was assigned
to the 173rd Infantry, which is headquartered in Enterprise. He had not been deployed in his career, according to the guard spokesman.
County Jail on a $75,000 bond. Birmingham Police said Sterling Bradley, 33, of Birmingham, was found shot to death in the breezeway of the hotel.
Nicholas Burrell, Jefferson County Jail
Detectives searching for murder suspect after woman found dead in car From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
JEFFERSON COUNTY — Detectives said a body found in a vehicle off Interstate 22 on Mother's Day, May 12, 2019, was that of a Hispanic woman. The sheriff's office has identified the woman as 39-year-old Ernamy Padilla.
The suspect, Jose Afrain Dubon Rodriguez, may have fled the area. Rodriguez will face a murder charge with no bond. If anyone has any information on where Rodriguez may be, they are urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777. If the information leads to an arrest, the caller will receive a reward.
Jose Afrain Dubon Rodriguez
False identification released in homicide investigation From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Police Department sent out a correction after a homicide victim was wrongly identified. Davi Junior Escalunte’ Ramirez, 20, of Birmingham, was shot and killed on
Monday, May 20, 2019. He was first identified as Aaron Alberto Elena, based on the identification he had on his person at the time of his death. After investigating, police found that information was not correct. Ramirez was found at the corner of Fifth Avenue and First Street South at 1:14
a.m. He was pronounced dead on the scene. No suspects are in custody. If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at (205) 2457777.
The Trussville Tribune
May 22 - 28, 2019
PVHS Career Tech students sign on for jobs
Sen. Shay Shelnutt of Trussville mentioned on SNL skit
From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
PINSON — Pinson Valley High School Career Tech students experienced how hard work pays off after they were given the opportunity to advance their careers right out of high school. The students took their learned trades and skills before industry professionals and some students were able to sign on for jobs. According to Industrial Maintenance instructor Lensey King, some students had on-the-spot interviews from the likes of IBEW, Thompson Tractor, Akins and Kimbrough Mechanical, ESC Central, Birming-
NEW YORK — Alabama's new abortion law, which makes almost all abortions illegal in the state, has drawn national headlines. The law has also become fodder for late night talk show hosts and comedians. Saturday Night
dents see the countless opportunities available outside of traditional college," said King. "With the
Pinson Valley High School senior Antonial Temple shakes hands with Brittney Waddell, Assistant of Operations at ESC Central
ham and Associates, and others. "With graduation knocking at the door, PVHS stu-
Alabama industrial revolution upon us, companies are hiring high school students with industry credentials."
Ask t Our u o b A mer m u S ials Spec
Pinson Valley High School senior Antonial Temple shakes hands with Brittney Waddell, Assistant of Operations at ESC Central[/caption] PVHS senior Antonial Temple was offered a position at ESC Central. King said Temple will be able to use his solid foundation in electronics and customer service in his new job while pursuing a degree in electronics. Central, a Pinson Company, has been active and supportive in helping build the Industrial Maintenance program at PVHS, according to King. “ESC is a Communication Center that provides Central Station Services,” King said. “Industry partnerships at the high school level are key to helping close the ever-growing skills gap. We are grateful to have companies in the Pinson area that are handson with our program. ESC, Kamtek and Thompson Tractor to name a few.”
Page 7
Live poked fun at the law last weekend and Sen. Shay Shelnutt, who supported the Alabama law, was mentioned in a skit mimicking The View. Shelnutt is mentioned by Aidy Bryant, who plays the part of Meghan McCain in the skit. Lawmakers supporting the bill are hopeful that chal-
lenges to the law will make it to the Supreme Court of the United States and lead to overturning Roe v. Wade, which has stood since 1973. Supporters would like to see decisions on abortion laws returned to the states. You can watch the video at www.TrussvilleTribune. com.
Rat snake stuck to mouse trap, saved by local high school teacher By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — With the help of a high school teacher, crews with the Center Point Fire District saved a snake after it slithered onto a sticky mousetrap inside a home. Battalion Chief Brad Appleton sent photos of the
ordeal to The Trussville Tribune. Appleton said on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, Engine One from Fire Station One responded to a home in Center Point after a resident told dispatchers a snake in the home. Firefighters arrived to find a rat snake stuck on a mouse trap.
Ms. Sarah Brown, ClayChalkville High School
The snake was taken to Clay-Chalkville High School, where science teacher Ms. Sarah Brown took the lead. Brown tended to the snake's wounds and freed it from the sticky mess. The snake has since been released back to the wild.
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The Trussville Tribune
Page 8
May 22 - 28, 2019
Opinion
Alabama’s Un-Sung Pro-Family Hero By John W. Giles
Alabama is one of the most conservative states in America when you look at our statewide votes on the marriage and human life constitutional amendments, and now the Human Life Protection Act. Embedded in the strong infrastructure of all of these effective statewide movements in the state, is a quiet yet strong unwavering pillar, Eunie Smith. When I write about economic, social, moral and constitutional conservatives, Eunie Smith for five decades has been our Alabama role model for across the board conservatism. She always volunteered her time and personally invested immeasurable financial contributions for the noblest of missions. Eunie has served on the National Eagle Forum Board since the Board’s inception in 1975 and as First Vice President since 1996, on Phyllis Schlafly’s recommendation. She is a cum laude graduate of Vanderbilt University, where she was Vice-President of the Women’s Student Govern-
ment Association. Her volunteer activities in Alabama began with the Junior League, other service organizations, her church, and her children’s schools. As President of Pro-America (1970), she invited Phyllis Schlafly to speak in Birmingham. In 1972, Eunie co-founded Alabama Stop ERA, which she chaired for its 10-year existence. She was a founder of Eagle Forum of Alabama (1976) and is its longest serving President. She was President of the Womens’ Committee of 100 for Birmingham. She was Chairman of the Ethics and Religious Committee (2011) of the Southern Baptist Convention. She currently serves as a member of the Alabama Supreme Court Standing
Committee on Judicial Ethics (2008-2016). She is the recipient of numerous awards for her lifetime of volunteer service, including a 1992 Joint Resolution by the Alabama Legislature “for outstanding service in support or pro-family and pro-life causes”. In 2016, she received the “Salt and Light” Award from ALCAP (Alabama Citizens Action Program). Eunie is the widow of former U.S. Congressman Albert Lee Smith, Jr., the mother of three and grandmother of six. She was singularly honored by Phyllis Schlafly in 2014 with the Eagle Forum Homemaker of the Year Award. We met Eunie about forty years ago, when we first started in pro-life work. Eunie had already been active with Eagle Forum about a decade ahead of our introduction. I had the pleasure of working with her husband Albert Lee Smith (he too was a champion for conservative causes) on the Alabama Republican Executive Committee. I can remember as if it was yesterday, August 12, 1997, when the phone rang and it
was Eunie asking for our prayer for Albert Lee who fell on a ladder cleaning out his gutters. You have to understand, these folks are family, so my wife Deborah and I drove at Mach I to UAB to be with Eunie. When we got off the elevator, Eunie and her children were heading into the room to say goodbye to Albert Lee who was on a ventilator. A few minutes later, our dear friend Eunie emerged; shaken, disturbed, but ever so strong in her faith and trust in God for taking her husband home to heaven at the prime of his life. Likewise, when we lost our son Micah, Eunie was immediately in Montgomery at our home giving us warm words of love and encouragement. As you may recall, I worked for two of Alabama’s Republican Governors, Hunt & James. Eunie’s impeccable reputation with both of these Governors was at the highest level. If she called, they stopped what they were doing to talk to Eunie, because they knew she did not call, unless it was very urgent. Eunie was NEVER calling about anything per-
sonal; she was great counsel for these governors on a wide range of issues impacting the state. Eunie always did her exhaustive research, had her facts together and her positions were always sound and substantive. Working right in the office suite with the Governor, from experience I know firsthand there are certain folks that may call the Governor, where all of the staff know this call goes to priority one, Eunie was one of those people. I was in the Capitol early one morning and Governor James called me. He overnighted in Dothan for an economic development announcement and was furious after reading the Dothan Eagle about the Superintendent of Education sending out a memo to all School Principals. The memo instructed them to not allow any Christmas Programs or the singing of Christmas Carols. He instructed me to get the press team enroute to Dothan when they got to the capitol. He was holding a press conference at the hotel after the official ribbon cutting. I asked him did he want any local citizens to attend, he said yes. I made one
call to Eunie in Birmingham and she was able to assemble over three hundred people in a matter of two hours for a standing room only crowd at this local hotel. As a side note, prior to even the news conference, the Superintendent had reversed his order. In life, it is rare to meet someone who is authentically humble, sound, steadfast, extraordinary, principled, dedicated, devoted, laser focused, effective, heartwarming and just plain out saintly. Mrs. Eunie Smith, President of Eagle Forum of Alabama meets and exceeds these aforementioned attributes. As we pan across the landscape of life, there is no question; one of the finest Christian women we have ever met is Eunie Smith. My wife Deborah and I often say and have said for years, Eunie can do no wrong. Eunie, as a Southern Baptist will probably one day be recognized by Rome as a saint. Moms and dads, if you are raising your daughters and want to point them to a role model here on earth, your search is over.
tion, or “a differential based on any factor other than sex or race.” Employers who violate the law would be required to pay the employee the lost wages and interest. The employee would have to make the claim in a civil suit that would have to be brought within a year of the violation. Alabama and Mississippi are the only two states without their own laws on pay discrimination. Broadband expansion efforts The effort to expand access to high-speed broadband internet is one of the hottest issues of the session. A coalition of business, agriculture, education and health care groups are pushing Alabama lawmakers to make progress on getting more of rural Alabama connected. The Senate included $30 million in the Education Trust Fund to boost a state grant program that helps subsidize the cost of internet providers running fiber-optic lines to less-populated areas. Such areas often lack the potential customer base necessary for internet providers to justify the expense of building the infrastructure that carries the broadband service. The state grants aim to offset those costs to make it financially feasible for lines to be run to rural communities. Earlier this month, the House passed House Bill 400, sponsored by Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Cullman, which allows electric utility companies to offer high-speed internet to rural communities by way of their existing power networks. Supporters say it would alleviate the cost of running new fiber lines to rural areas by allowing utilities like Alabama Power, the Tennessee Valley Authority and regional electric coopera-
tives to piggyback their existing networks with high-speed cable lines. The bill was briefly debated in the Senate Thursday but set aside due to disagreements that would lead to a lengthy debate. Some existing cable and internet providers have problems with losing market share to utilities or the state subsidizing their competition with taxpayer-funded grants. Inland ports Orr also has a bill to dedicate some of the revenue from the gas tax increase lawmakers approved in March to publicly owned inland ports and intermodal facilities around the state. The proposal would spend up to $10 million a year for 15 years on a new grant program “to facilitate and coordinate inland port and transfer facility development, improvement, maintenance, onsite storage, moorings and construction.” The bill passed the Senate 30-to-0 earlier this month and is pending in a House committee. Orr points to the intermodal hubs in South Carolina and Georgia that have spurred millions of dollars in economic investment in the last decade and moved container traffic — including for automotive industry — off the interstate and onto trains and rivers. The gas tax increase is sending nearly $12 million a year to the Port of Mobile, where it and federal money will pay for improvements to allow access by more and larger ships. “If that’s the case, you’re looking at a huge increase in river, rail and truck traffic,” Orr has said. Alabama Daily News reporters Caroline Beck and Todd Stacy contributed to this report.
BUDGETS, from page 4
Some church ‘Stand Your Ground’ bills pass, others pending Representatives from several counties, including Shelby, Bibb, Talladega, Limestone, Lauderdale, Colbert and Franklin, filed county-specific constitutional amendments to clarify that churchgoers can use deadly force if threatened. The local bills came after a statewide bill wasn’t advancing because Democrats and some Republicans said the state’s current “Stand Your Ground” law covers places of worship. So far, the Lauderdale and
Franklin county bills have cleared the Legislature. But because at least one House member voted no, the constitutional amendments will be on statewide ballots, not county specific ballots. Several education bills priority for Senate leader Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, said his education bills are a priority for him. He has a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow voters to decide if the state’s board of education should be appointed by the governor rather than elected, as members currently are. The bill has the support of
Ivey and cleared the Senate unanimously. It’s now in the House. The bill also mandates the new education commission adopt a new course of study standards “in lieu of Common Core.” Waiting for a vote in the Senate is Marsh’s bill to ensure more public dollars can follow students to charter schools. The original charter school law, sponsored by Marsh in 2015, said any local revenues “restricted, earmarked, or committed by statutory provision, constitutional provision, or board covenant” shall be excluded from the funds allocated to a charter school.
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Marsh’s new bill strikes that language. It also deletes the 10mill cap on local funding, per student, that could be forwarded to a charter school. Also, the House approved a bill by Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, to require schools to hold back third-grade students who are not reading. It now goes to the Senate. ‘Tier III’ bills clear House, in Senate A bill providing better retirement benefits for teachers cleared the House in late April and is awaiting committee action in the Senate. The Tier III benefits are between the Tier I benefits offered prior to 2013 and the lesser Tier II benefits that have been in effect for new teachers since then. A fiscal note on the bill says it would increase the total employer contributions by an estimated $16.7 million for the fiscal year 2020, with approximately $9.8 million being paid from the education budget. Advocates say the more generous benefits could attract new teachers, of which the state has a shortage. A similar bill for state employees also received House approval and is in the Senate. Equal pay for women The House passed a bill from Rep. Adline Clarke, D-Mobile, on Wednesday that would prohibit employers from paying different wages to employees based on their race or sex. The measure passed 98-to-0 and went to the Senate. The bill says employers can only pay employees differently based on seniority, a merit system, systems that base earnings on quality or quantity of produc-
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May 22 - 28, 2019
Calendar
May 21-26 SEC Baseball Tournament at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. Catch some of the nation’s best baseball as the top teams battle it out for the 2019 SEC Baseball Tournament title May 21-26 at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. Find family-friendly fun for all ages at the FanFest, free to the public and open every day of the tournament. May 22 Wellness Screening at St. Vincent’s Trussville from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. To stay abreast of your numbers, cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, BMI and waist circumference screenings will be held by appointment. Results and interpretation in fifteen minutes with a simple finger stick. Please call 408-6550 to register for St. Vincent’s Trussville, by appointment only. May 28 Adult Volleyball (Co-ed, 18 and over) with the Trussville Parks and Recreation begins May 28. Games will be on Tuesday nights at Red Gym (601 Parkway Drive). Sign up by May 21 with a team of at least 6. $150/team. Email Donna Fox at DFox@trussville. org or call (205) 508-5666. May 29 Savor Your Breakfast Cooking Class @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, St. Vincent’s Trussville, 7201 Happy Hollow Road $12.00
The Trussville Tribune
Breakfast is an important meal that provides crucial energy to start your day. Most cultures associate breakfast foods with sweet ingredients such as fruits, sugar and syrups, but this meal provides the perfect opportunity to incorporate savory ingredients such as vegetables, low-fat cheeses and herbs and spices. Join us for a cooking class on savory breakfast recipes that incorporate seasonal vegetables, herbs and spices. The menu will include Greek Tofu Scramble and Spinach Wraps, Asparagus and Mushroom Frittata, Indian-style Chickpea Waffles with Poached Eggs, and Turkey Bacon, Avocado and Kale Quinoa Bowl. The cost is $12/person. To register, please call 408-6550 by May 27. June 3 Monday Night Knitting 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Trussville Public Library Monday night knitting group! Join us for fellowship and creativity. All levels of experience are welcome (crocheters welcome too). There should be someone available to help if you need assistance. If you are a beginner wanting to learn how to knit, call the library at 6552022. June 8 Hewitt-Trussville Class of 1957 reunion. 11 a.m. Sherry’s Cafeteria, 5800 Valley Road, Trussville. Class contact: Carol Massey. 655-2580.
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Page 10
Margaret L. Cataldo
O b i t u a ry
Clyde Reid Todd
21, 1953 ~ may 13, 2019
Age 88 of Trussville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, May 17, 2019.
Margaret L. Cataldo age 66, of Trussville, died May 13, 2019.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Martha Jean Tompkins Todd; son, Tony C. R. Todd; daughters, Reida Todd Cox, Cathy Todd Watson, and Randi Todd Campbell (Robert); brother, Ray Todd; sisters, Peggy Sittre and Runetta Cobb; grandchildren, Tracey Harrell (Bert), Jonathan Cox (Jessica), Tripp Watson (Kristen), Bess Booth (Trey), C. J. Watson, Kayla O’Sullivan (Anthoney), Emily Campbell and Haley Todd; and great-grandchildren, Emma Wilkins, Baylor Cox, Brewer Cox, Barton Cox, Oliver Booth and Paisley Todd. Reid began his career with Seaboard Coastline Railroad in Birmingham, AL and received the CSX Transportation Take Stock and Safety Award in 1999 and retired in 2001 after 50 years of service. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Trussville, Georgiana Davis Lodge 338 and Brotherhood ofLocomotive Engineers. Reid was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Trussville.
january
Cataldo was born on January 21, 1953. She was a loving mother and friend. She drove a school bus for 40 years for Jefferson County Schools. She fought a long, courageous fight with cancer. Margaret is survived by her sons Jeremy and Jason Cataldo. Her sisters Terry Martin (Rick) ,Teresa McClure, Tracey Walker (Randy) one aunt Sara Agee and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. She was proceeded in death by her parents Charles and Mary Ann Mcclung and her brother-in-law Mark Cataldo (Jeannie).
Judith Ann Boatwright february
May 22 - 28, 2019
21, 1946 ~ may 16, 2019 (age 73)
Judith Ann Boatwright, age 73, of Birmingham, passed away May 16, 2019. She was a member of Faith Methodist Church in Clay and was preceded in death by her husband Gary Boatwright. She is survived by her son Shea Boatwright, daughter Shawnna Watkins, and sister Gloria Preston.
Online condolences may be expressed at DignityMemorial.com.
Online condolences may be expressed at jmgardens.com.
Charlotte M Thornburg
Jo Ann Johnston may
31, 1931 ~ may 13, 2019 (age 87)
Jo Ann D. Johnston, born May 31, 1931, passed away on May 13, 2019. She is preceded in death by her parents, David and Annie Mae Daniel; husband, Herbert Wagner Johnston. She is survived by her sister, Jean Daniel Pesnell; niece, Cynthia Anderman (Howard); nephew, John David Pesnell; great niece and nephew, Daniel M. Anderman (Jennifer) and Elizabeth L. Anderman; great-great nephew, Samuel M. Anderman. Online condolences may be expressed at jmgardens.com.
Gary Lee Thompson Sr. october
(age 77)
23, 1941 ~ may 14, 2019
Mr. Gary Thompson, 77, of Talladega passed away on May 14, 2019. Gary, a Real Estate Developer, was a devoted member of Heritage Place Church of Christ. He loved the Lord with all of his heart, found joy in his land, farm, and animals, and loved his family and people. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred Lee Thompson and Mildred Evelyn Jones Thompson; brother, Randy Thompson; and sister, Myrna McLaughlin. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Dorothy Purkey Thompson; children, Peggy Thompson Eason (John), Tina Thompson Crocker (Troy), Gary Lee Thompson Jr. (Jessica), and Michael Thompson (Lindsey); 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Diane Deason (Earl), Beverly Spivey (Eddie), and Sandra McCrary; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and other relatives. Online condolences may be expressed at jmgardens.com.
march
23, 1929 ~ may 18, 2019 (age 90)
Dr. Charlotte Thornburg May 18, 2019 Funeral services and burial were at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville, Alabama on May 21, 2019. Dr. Charlotte, as she was affectionately known, was born in Detroit Michigan. Her family moved to Birmingham Al where she eventually met and married Dr. Roland Thornburg. They both attended Samford University and were first generation college graduates. Dr. Charlotte taught at ASIPCO Elementary and Ensley High School. They moved to New York where she was Dean of Women at Finch College. After several years they moved back to Alabama where they began their teaching careers at Jacksonville State University. Dr. Charlotte taught in the College of Education for over 30 years and was Chair of the Department of Counseling. She and her husband were longtime members of 1st Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Alabama where she was part of the Grace Sunday School Class. Roland and Charlotte were married for over 50 years until he passed away in 2002. She continued to live in Jacksonville, Alabama and called it home. She is survived by her son Dr. Roland Thornburg, Jr., daughter-in-law Dr. Gena Thornburg, and grandchildren Brett Thornburg, Brooke Thornburg, Alex Riley, and Zach Riley. We would like to thank special family and friends from 1st Baptist Church Jacksonville, Ms. Jacci McReynolds, Ms. Betty Parker, Dr. Tamara Macintosh, Doctors and staff at Regional Medical Center, and Jennifer Saucer and the nursing staff at Alacare. Flowers will be accepted along with memorial donations to St. Jude’s Hospital at https://www.stjude.org.
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The Trussville Tribune
May 22 - 28, 2019
Page 11
Faith
Kids talk about God: Can I trust the Lord to Supply my needs? By Carey Kinsolving and Friends
Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved Scriptures in the entire Bible. Its simple, yet profound truths have provided comfort to millions for three millennia. My friends have plenty of ideas about what King David meant when he wrote, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." "Every time you go to the store, you don't have to ask for everything," says Meredith, 6. Or as Haleigh, 9, says: "He will supply every need. I should realize that there is a big difference between my needs and wants." Sheep receive comfort from hearing their shepherd's voice because they know he will lead them to green pastures to meet
Carey Kinsolving
their needs. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who calls his sheep by name and sacrifices his life for them (John 10). God's people should expect to hear God's voice when they meditate upon Scripture and follow the Good Shepherd with a
whole heart. "A shepherd sings to his sheep," says Katlin, 10. The Psalms were originally sung. It's easy to imagine David the shepherd boy singing Psalm 23 as he plucked his harp in the midst of his flock under the stars of the Judean hill country. "I think it means we are his sheep, and we don't know anything," adds Olivia, 8. Of all livestock, sheep require the most care. Without a shepherd, sheep are easy prey for predators. Sheep that fall down with a full coat of wool are said to be "cast." They can't even stand up on their own without help from their shepherd. OK, sheep are dumb. But that's only half the story. The prophet Isaiah wrote:
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way" (Isaiah 53:6). Not only are we dumb like sheep; we've taken a wrong path. But the Good Shepherd has made provision, says Nicole, 10: "He will lead you to make right choices. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He keeps you away from danger, and he loves you so much he gave his life for you. If we believe in him, we will go to a place where there are no deaths, no sicknesses and no sin." The prophet Isaiah also wrote, "And the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6). "A shepherd will protect his sheep," says Sara, 9. "It's just like having kids wander off."
We're good at wandering off on our own trails. After denying the Lord Jesus three times, the Apostle Peter was "cast" or knocked off his feet by doubt, selfpity and guilt. Three times, the Good Shepherd asked Peter, "Do you love me?" Three times, Peter affirmed his love for the Lord. Twice, the Lord replied, "Feed my sheep," and once, he said, "Shepherd my sheep" (John 21:15-17). The Lord knows how to restore us to fellowship with him and useful service to others when we're cast down and depressed over real or imagined failures. Those who stay close to the shepherd will experience his protection and provision. The following variation of Psalm 23:1 from an anonymous 6-year-old might
help the next time failure knocks you down: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall want him." Think about this: Nothing in this life can meet our needs and wants like fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Memorize this truth: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). Ask this question: Are you looking to the Lord to meet your needs and fulfill your desires? "Kids Talk About God" is written and distributed by Carey Kinsolving. To access free, online "Kids Color Me Bible" books, "Mission Explorers" videos, a new children's musical, and all columns in a Bible Lesson Archive, visit www. KidsTalkAboutGod.org.
A Challenging Year By Richard Harp
The title above may seem that struggles have hit the Harp household. While no one is perfect, and no one is free from strife, the title is not referring to this. I have challenged myself personally this year - both physically and spiritually. The physical task has been brought on by a need to change eating habits and diet. As a result, my blood pressure and cholesterol are normal, and I am 35 pounds lighter. The spiritual test has come in the form of a “read the Bible in 30 days” challenge. As I write this, I am 15 days in and finished the book of Job this morning. Both challenges have been difficult in their own ways, but complimentary in nature. The Spiritual challenge has helped the physical one. The physical challenge has given me the
confidence to tackle the Spiritual one. Jesus faced His own challenge physically by fasting for 40 days. Satan tempted Jesus physically with food but Jesus responded in a unique way to counter the temptation. “And the tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread’” (Matthew 4:3). Jesus had fasted for 40 days when issued this challenge concerning food. Who can fathom the temptation Jesus faced to eat? The way He approached it is how all people should face Satan’s wiles: He countered the physical struggles He faced with the only source we have for Spiritual insight. The Word of God. “But he answered, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from
Richard Harp
the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4). He did not face the temptation with a personal resolve to overcome, or even with His own decision to fast as His reason. If Jesus responded with Scripture, you and I will do well to follow suit. He did not say, “I feel,” because we all know the hunger he felt would have distorted His feelings. He did not say, “I am going to go with my gut
Reflections on regrets By Michael Brooks
A mentor when I was younger insisted Monday was a good day for pastors since the pressure of the upcoming Sunday hadn’t yet settled in. He was in the minority because many pastors joke about Mondays being “resignation day.” They feel badly about the day before and drag in on Monday with discouragement. Another pastor I knew did reverse psychology. He had staff meetings at 8 a.m. on Monday morning so his compatriots wouldn’t drag in! I drug in a few Mondays ago distraught over my sermon the day before. It didn’t flow like I’d planned, so I took time to re-do it before filing notes away. Of course, I won’t get to reuse it in my present ministry station, since some people write these things in their Bibles, but I couldn’t bear to save it without reorganization. The Greek philosopher Aristotle taught principles of rhetoric--the “Aristotelian proofs”--and we still use these to teach public speaking. One of his three key principles was “logos.” He meant that a speaker’s research, organization and word choice in large mea-
sure made one effective or not. A presentation needs to be easy to “track,” as millennials say. I thought about recalling our congregation for a sermon re-do. However, another Greek, Heraclitus, famously said “no man steps into the same river twice.” Life moves on and we’ll never have the same moment again. By the way, this is one of the primary motivations for making good use of every opportunity since opportunities are temporary. I began to think about how many times I wish I might stage a personal intervention and re-do something. I’ve said things I shouldn’t have said. Most often when I’ve given someone a piece of my mind, I regretted it later. I had an office assistant once who dared ask if I really wanted to mail a letter of reprimand to a neighboring pastor who had insulted our church. I did mail it, but I should’ve listened to her superior wisdom and refused to get in the mud with him. And I’ve done things I shouldn’t have done. As TV’s Jesse Stone said, “You know, you live long enough, you have regrets.
on this,” because His empty stomach may have interfered. David said it best, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). When we respond to Satan with, “It is written,” we are harnessing the power of God’s name: I AM. This means God was and is and is to come. He is perfect in time and place. He has no beginning and no end. It is fitting that when Jesus says, “it is written.” The Greek word for
“written” is transcribed in a tense that we do not have in our English language. We generally use three tenses to define time as past, present and future. The Greeks utilize a fourth tense known as the perfect tense. This is the tense Jesus used and it means, “It was written in the past, it is written in the present and it will be written in the future.” This is why the word of God is timeless and just as valid today for our learning as it has been for thousands of years.
This means that the more we study the Bible we will be challenged by it. We too can be tempted with Scripture to stop on convenient passages to justify our own positions rather than reading a passage within its context. It is important to recognize that we follow what God says, regardless of what I feel, believe, or previously thought. This has been a blessed, challenging year. A note from the Harp. Richard preaches for the Deerfoot Church of Christ
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Michael J. Brooks
And the ones that nag at you the most are the ones where you knew you had a choice. The ones where you knew you could have stopped yourself. The ones where you looked into the mirror and everything good inside you said, 'Don't do this.'" None of us can completely undo the wrong we’ve done in the past. But it’s possible to grow in wisdom and in relationships. We can humbly repent before God, and we can make peace with those we hurt along the way. Reflections is a weekly devotional column written by Michael J. Brooks, pastor of the Siluria Baptist Church in Alabaster, Ala. The church's website is siluriabaptist.com.
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Page 12
D K I pageS
The Trussville Tribune
May 22 - 28, 2019
HIDDEN IMAGES
Help Little Bear clean his room by finding the hidden images. Each week, The Trussville Tribune invites students to submit stories to Tribune Kids for their own special column. The list of the upcoming topics will help you plan. Please also try these guidelines in order for students to have a better chance of having their writings published. Please send all writings to tribunekids@gmail.com or bring to The Tribune located at 190 Main Street, Trussville.
TRIBUNE KIDS MONTHLY WRITING
C O R N E R
Questions
READING What is your favorite book? How does it inspire you? Deadline: May 11 Publish Date: May 15 MEMORIAL DAY Memorial Day is Monday, May 27, 2019. What does Memorial Day mean to you? Deadline: May 25 Publish Date: May 29
TRIBUNE KIDS MONTHLY WRITING
GUIDELINES
1. Keep length between 50 and 100 words.
2. Follow directions for the topic. Creativity is great but is the entry on topic? 3. Make sure all entries are legible. 4. Include students’ name, school, grade and parent’s email on each entry submitted. 5. Screen for appropriateness. We try to avoid potentially embarrassing entries, but sometimes it is not obvious. Note: Parents or teachers should include a note if an entry is exceptional for a particular student that might not otherwise stand out.
What is your favorite book and why? Tyler Anderson, 5th Grade Magnolia Elementary
MEMORIAL DAY POEM By Skyler White, 5th grade Magnolia Elementary
The Brave and the Worthy Ahh...Memorial Day, there’s lots I could say... They fought In the war They fell to the ground got shot in the core And now they are crowned They fought to the end They fought to their end… Ohh...Memorial Day That’s what I could say...
My favorite book is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This inspires me because in the story Harry Potter is doing a bunch of hard challenges. He shows bravery every time I have a problem. I always stand up to the problem. Like driving a 70 mph go kart, which is very scary. And doing a zip line that is 60 foot up in the air. Harry potter books are very good books to read. I have read all of the books and I am re-reading all of them again.
What is your favorite book and why? Lily Newell, 5th grade Magnolia Elementary My favorite book is Wonder. It inspires me because it showed me that it does not matter what you look like on the outside, it is the inside that counts. How Jack will stand up for Augie inspired me because he did not like it that Julian was making fun of him. Another thing that inspires me about this book is that bullying is not funny and to keep going with your life and then telling an adult. It is okay to look the way you look. You should read this book because it helps in difficult times of bullying. That’s why you should read it.
Page 13
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Keeping Co Community 1st Always
USL Soccer: Legion Battles to Scoreless Draw in N.C. By Chris Megginson, assistant sports editor
CARY, N.C. — Birmingham Legion battled to a scoreless draw with North Carolina FC Saturday evening, May 18, in its return to USL regular season play. It’s the third shutout of the season for the Legion and the second 0-0 draw. See USL SOCCER, Page 14
Barons take series against Mississippi Braves By Chris Megginson, assistant sports editor
BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Barons won three of five games this week in its home stand against the Mississippi Braves at Regions Field, but it was not enough to climb out of the bottom of the Southern League North Division Standings. See BARONS, Page 14
at Louisville City Sunday, May 22 6 p.m.
The Trussville Tribune May 22 - 28, 2019
at Chattanooga Sunday, May 26 5:15 p.m.
Clay-Chalkville wrestler signs with Truett McConnell University By Shaun Szkolnik, sports editor
CLAY — Years of hard work and sacrifice paid off for Clay-Chalkville High School student-athlete Jacob Williams when he signed to wrestle with Truett McConnel University Friday, May 7. “I got into wrestling after I was getting bullied in school,” said Williams. “It definitely helped me learn how to defend myself, and it made me bold enough to stand up for myself.” The circumstances that led Williams to wrestle are common enough; however, following through with the choice takes more than just desire. Success in this arena requires discipline, drive, and sacrifice. “I really feel like I sacrificed my body a lot when it comes down to wrestling, said Williams “I’ve had concussions, neck injuries, and two torn tendons in both my shoulders.” Wrestling for a college is not the only reward for Williams’ efforts. Wrestling has given him much more than just that; gifts that will be
Photo courtesy of ClayChalkville HS
with him throughout his lifetime. “I like wrestling because it made me who I am today,” said Williams. “It taught me how to channel my anger and take to take it out on the mat and not in the school. Wrestling really made me a man. “Wrestling really made me a leader. It taught me that every person is very different and that others need time to develop, so I stay after practice to help others who are trying to get better. Going away from sports, I’ve learned how to help others with they’re problems by
talking things out and really being able to listen. Wrestling really makes me feel like I am a very dependable person.” A wrestler may be alone with his opponent at matches, but the journey there was filled with a vast support system. “My family, friends, and coaches have all been there for me every step of the way,” said Williams. “I would not be the person I am today if it was not for the wonderful group of people who have always kept my head up through the rough times in my life. My mom and my head wrestling coach were my biggest supporters in my season and life.” Williams is as ready as he can be for his college career, but there is always going to be a bit of nervous anticipation around such an important life step. “Although I’m a bit nervous, I Am also very excited about becoming a student-athlete, said Williams. “I’ve dreamt all my middle school and high school years that I was going to be a college wrestler. I couldn’t even explain to you how happy I
am that my dreams are coming true.” Once he starts at Truett McConnel University, Williams knows exactly what path he wants to take. “Besides being a tough guy with wrestling and all I actually have a very soft spot for animals,” said Williams. “I’ve always loved the rescuing of animals and saving their lives. Going into Truett, I will be majoring in biology to (later) pursue a degree to become a veterinarian.” It seems almost certain that Williams will reach these goals, and what he has learned from wrestling are the same skills that will take him there. “After being bullied in middle school It really made me push to be the very best, I can be,” said Williams. “Hard hours in the gym and staying late after practice to run and work on my technique was something’s that I felt like I had to do on my own to be the best wrestler I could be. I’ve always told myself I got to keep working because someone out there is going to try to bully you again, and you have to be ready.”
New Soccer Head Coach From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — At the Trussville City Schools Board of Education meeting on May 20, Shane Ashcraft was approved as a Secondary English Teacher for Hewitt-Trussville High School and the Hewitt-Trussville Varsity Head Boys Soccer Coach. Ashcraft comes from Northridge High School in Tuscaloosa where he taught AP English. See SOCCER, Page 14
HT’s Shelnutt, Long finish first, second in state championship From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
HOOVER — Hewitt-Trussville seniors Stone Shelnutt and Caleb Long finished 1-2 in the final standings of the 56th AHSAA State Decathlon Championships held at Hoover High School Football Stadium. See SHELNUTT, Page 14
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The Trussville Tribune
Page 14 HUSKIES, from front page
The game against Baker ended in just about the most dramatic manner imaginable. On the last play with two outs, Hannah Borden pulled it off with a walk-off home run overcoming a two-run deficit and leading to a 12-11 victory. Huskies played three games on the last day of the tournament. First, against Auburn, who they beat 4-3, then, against Sparkman, who they beat 7-4. Because it was a double-elimination tournament and Sparkman was, prior to the last game, undefeated a second game had to be played to determine the champion. Throughout the tourna-
ment, Head Coach Taylor Burt praised the Huskies for their drive and resilience in never giving up and pushing through the toughest teams in the state. “The fight, the sheer willingness to keep going forward,” said Burt. “I love these kids, and this is all we’ve talked about all year long and they’re doing it at the right time. Never down, never out. The just kept fighting.” And fight these Huskies did. In the second game against Sparkman the Huskies got on the board early within the first off, a hit by Crystal Maze. More runs came in the second when Kenleigh Cahalan brought in two runs on a line
USL SOCCER, from page 13
drive single. Sparkman tied it up with runs in the third. The Huskies added to their score in the fourth as a double by Cahalan drove in another run, and then Cahalan came across the plate thanks to a hit by Maze.
Kailey Walters got a double to center with bases loaded for the Huskies. This brought the Huskies lead over Sparkman up to 8-3. Sparkman was able to score one more run in the
game, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Huskies at bay. After defeating Sparkman in two consecutive games, the Hewitt-Trussville Huskies became the 7A State Softball Champions. “It is pretty sweet,” said Coach Burt. “That is something I dreamed about as a player, something I dreamed about as a coach. I think one of the things that I didn’t realize was that I love it for myself, but I love it 150 times more for them and that they get to experience it, and they get to do these amazing things and represent their city and their school and be the first.” Hewit-Trussville softball player Crystal Maze was named the MVP for the game. She had one run, two hits and two RBIs. Kaitlyn Hughes had the win for the Huskies. She gave up four runs on 11 hits. Hughes had four strikeouts and pitched for seven innings.
Photo courtesy of Baron’s Facebook
Alexander Basabe was the next-best hitter at .333 (412) with one run scored and a RBI after a 3-for-4 performance to collect all three Barons hits Monday night. Luis Martinez (2-1) recorded his first two wins of the season in relief, while Mauricio Cabrera (3-2) was the other Baron to pick up a win on the mound. The Barons are on the road this week, May 22-26,
with a five-game road series against the North Division foe Chattanooga Lookouts (22-21) at AT&T Field in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Next week, the Barons return home to host North Division leader Montgomery Biscuits (28-16) next week for a five-game series, May 28-June 1, including the Rickwood Classic at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, at Rickwood Field. Promotions during the five-game home stand at Regions Field include T-Shirt Tuesday (first 1,000 adults) and Dollar Hot Dogs on May 28, Thirsty Thursday on May 30, LGBTQ Night and Friday Night Fireworks on May 31, and Space Jam Night on Saturday, June 1, with the first 1,000 fans receiving a “Tune Squad” jersey from the 1996 movie, which had a nod to Michael Jordan’s 1994 season with the Barons.
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Both teams had several chances through the night, a few clanking off the posts and crossbars, but the defensive stop that stands out the most for the Legion came in the 31st minute. Trevor Spangenberg made a diving save to his right to take away what appeared to be a point-blank shot into the open corner by NC’s Steven Miller. After a 0-0 first half, Birmingham looked to go on the attack early in the second half, being off target on a few chances. In the 63rd minute, a strike
Photo by Birmingham Legion
by JJ Williams was punched over the crossbar by NC keeper Alex Tambakis. Brian Wright, who had a shot saved in the 11th minute, saw his shot in the 73rd minute collected by Tambakis. The Legion return home #WINSDay Wednesday, May 22 to host the Nashville Soccer Club at BBVA Compass Field at 7 p.m. Ticker prices for fans 12 and under will start as low as $5 according to the team. Round three of the U.S. Open Cup for Birmingham is slated for May 29 in Louisville, Kentucky.
SOCCER, from page 13
For the last two seasons, he served as the Varsity Head Boys Soccer Coach. In 2019, his Northridge team finished 21-3 (6-0). The Jaguars won their Area and hosted a playoff game. In 2018, Northridge advanced to the second round of the playoffs after going undefeated in Area play. Beginning in 2011, Ashcraft held the positions of Head Freshmen and JV Coach at Northridge. He served on the Girls staff that advanced to the Final Four in 2015 and the State Championship game in 2016. He also served on the Boys staff that advanced to the Final Four in 2016. In his time at Northridge, Ashcraft has also led the strength and conditioning programs for soccer and wrestling and has overseen the evaluation process for both sports. In addition to Soccer, Ashcraft served as the Head Wrestling coach from 2014-
2016. He also served as an Assistant Football Coach from 2011-2013. Ashcraft said, “I’m both excited and appreciative of the opportunity to coach these young men. Hewitt-Trussville is known for both its academics and athletics, and I’m honored to be a part of this community. I can’t wait to get to work in the classroom and on the pitch. Go Huskies!” “We are excited to welcome Shane to Trussville,” said HTHS Athletic Director Lance Walker. “We are always trying to add quality teachers and coaches and Shane certainly checks those boxes. He has passion for the game of Soccer and we are looking forward to supporting him. Soccer is important in our community, and we have a lot of participation from our young students. I am looking forward to the future of HT Boys Soccer.”
Ashcraft grew up in Montgomery, AL. where he graduated from Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School. There, he was a member of the school’s first soccer team in 2003. He played fullback for the Rams and captained the team to their first playoff game in school history in 2004. Ashcraft attended The University of Alabama, where he graduated with a degree in Secondary Education and English Language Arts in 2010.
SHELNUTT, from page 13
BARONS, from page 13
A pair of walk-off wins helped Birmingham (1826) capture the series with Trey Michalczewski hitting a pinch-hit, three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth to win Game 1 of the series, 6-4, on May 16, and a game-winning sacrifice fly by Mitch Roman to lift the Barons to a 2-1 Game 4 victory on May 19. A tworun, 426-foot home run on Friday night by Yermin Mercedes helped power Birmingham to a 4-2 win. Mississippi won Game 3 of the series, 4-1, on Saturday and took the final game of the series Monday night, 6-1. Gavin Sheets led the Barons during the series with a .357 average (5-for-14) during the week with one RBI, while Mercedes (.350) and Luis Gonzalez (.300) had seven and six hits, respectively with three runs scored. Mercedes drove in three runs in the series. Luis
May 22 - 28, 2019
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YOGA
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TRAINING
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ZUMBA
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PILATES
Shelnutt finished the first day with 3,594 points and totaled 6,481 after Tuesday’s final events to claim the 2019 Decathlon state title. Long, 176 points back at 6,305, took second. Rounding out the top five were Bob Jones junior John Murray (6,241), Mountain Brook senior Baynes Autrey (5,975) and Thompson senior Dominique Hall (5,701). Shelnutt won the 100-meter dash with a state decathlon record 10.88 time on Monday and also captured the long jump with a leap of 22-01 and the 400-meter dash in 49.52 seconds. He won the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.85 on Tuesday, finished third in the pole vault clearing 13-05.25 and was seventh in the discus. Long won the javelin throw with a 179-02 toss. David Dobbs, who is the head coach for Hewitt-Trussville’s boys cross county, as well as boys indoor and outdoor track, was very pleased with how well these two student athletes represented themselves, their community and Hewitt-Trussville High School. “(I’m) very proud of
Photo by AHSAA
Stone and Caleb for finishing 1-2 on Decathlon this year,” said Dobbs. “Ten events over two days is very taxing on the body and to have it at the end of a very long season makes it even tougher. Auburn and Montevallo are both getting athletes with a very strong work ethic and it showed over the last two days. They both represented Hewitt-Trussville HS with class. Our other two athletes, Caleb Kettering and Ethan Womack, represented well for their first decathlon and will do well for us next year. A total of 50 participated in the decathlon competition this year.
Top 10 / Final Standings 1-Stone Shelnutt, Hewitt-Trussville - 6,481 2-Caleb Long, Hewitt-Trussville - 6,305 3-John Murray, Bob Jones - 6,241 4-Baynes Autrey, Mountain Brook - 5,975 5-Dominique Hall, Thompson - 5,701 6-Trey McFarland, Randolph County - 5,521 7-David Dolan, McGill-Toolen - 5,414 8-Trevor Hunziker, James Clemens - 5,378 9-Edwin Rainey, Northridge - 5,356 10-Eli Brooks, Homewood - 5,151