Department with the “Alabama Instructor of the Year” award
Oneonta woman killed, another injured in Deerfoot Parkway crash in Trussville
From Tribune staff reports TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – A two-vehicle crash on Deerfoot Parkway Thursday morning has killed one person and seriously injured another, according to the Trussville Police Department.
Birmingham man, 22, charged in Meadowbrook shooting
From Tribune staff reports
SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. – A 22-year-old Birmingham man has been charged with attempted murder following a domestic shooting near Meadowbrook on Sunday, according to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
Center Point woman wanted on theft, fraud charges
From Tribune staff reports
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. – A Center Point woman is wanted in Jefferson County on multiple felony warrants charging her with fraudulent use of a credit card and first-degree property theft, according to Crime Stoppers.
Yolanda Denise Harvey, 41, is 5 feet 9 inches tall and
Clay City Council pulls library out of APLS amid multiple controversies
By Chris Basinger, Staff Writer
CLAY, Ala. – The Clay City Council voted Tuesday night to withdraw its local library from the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) in the wake of a contentious library advisory board meeting earlier that day where board members confronted Mayor Charles Webster and City Manager Ronnie Dixon over multiple controversies surrounding library operations and management.
By Terry Schrimscher
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
Family and friends were in attendance as Jackson Howell accepted two honors at the July 24 meeting of the Trussville City Council.
Council member Alan Taylor read a proclamation honoring Howell for being the first person in Alabama to ever receive a scholarship from the National Football Foundation. The NFF announced 84 incoming college freshmen athletes to its 2024 Team of Distinction.
According to the proclamation, the NFF has presented the scholarships for incoming college freshmen athletes since 2018 based on “academic achievement, athletic accolades, and community involvement through high school.
Howell, a graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School where he played on the offensive line, plans to attend the University of Alabama and continue his athletic career for the Crimson Tide.
The dispute concerned an alleged new book purchasing review policy and powers that the city withheld from the library board in violation of the Code of Alabama.
Earlier this year, the library purchased a book titled “Hero Tales: A Family Treasury of True Stories from the Lives of Christian Heroes” by Dave and Neta Jackson.
Despite reporting from another news outlet, the city did not block the purchase of the book, according to Dixon. When speaking to The Tribune, Dixon stated that the city never blocked the library from purchasing “Hero Tales” and explained
See CLAY, Page 4
Trussville City Council honors student athlete, updates public on Chalkville Road expansion
Football
Former Alabama football player and College Football Hall of Fame inductee Antonio Langham and NFF chapter president at the University of Alabama Joe Hocutt were on
hand to present Howell with his scholarship recognition.
“This is the inaugural deal for the National Football Foundation for our chapter,” Langham said. “This 2024 Team of Dis-
tinction is a great honor and I’m happy for you,” he continued.
“I’m so happy I don’t have to take you on a
See TRUSSVILLE, Page 3
The Clay Library Advisory Board meets on July 23. Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune
National
Foundation chapter president Joe Hocutt and Alabama Football great Antonio Langham award Jackson Howell with a 2024 Team of Distinction scholarship. Photo: Terry Schrimscher
The Trussville Tribune
190 Main Street
Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664
Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com
Chris Basinger, Staff Reporter chris.basinger@trussvilletribune.com
Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor news@trussvilletribune.com
Jana Matthews, Finance Manager
Brookelyn Rush, Office Manager
Leigh Hays, Director of Sales & Marketing
Pump It Up celebrates reopening with new inflatables
By Chris Basinger, Staff Writer
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
Pump It Up celebrated the completion of its extensive renovation and the addition of a new slate of colorful bounce houses on Monday, which are sure to bring birthday celebrations to new heights.
Members of the Trussville City Council, the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce, and other community members gathered to celebrate the businesses grand re-opening with the new additions–and some
ACTION TREE SERVICE
even gave them a test run.
“Everything flows a lot better now,” General Manager Nikki Mewbourne said.
“We’re able to do 32 parties on the weekends so it flows a whole lot better and we’re just able to accommodate more than what we were.”
Seay Construction started the remodel in October and though the project was extensive, they were able to work around Pump It Up’s
schedule so that they never really closed.
“Everybody was very understanding of the fact that we were in the middle of a major renovation,” Mewbourne said.
In addition to the new inflatables, the remodel also added a new carpet, lighting, and sound system as well as new bathrooms and party rooms.
“Each inflatable is different so each one brings
something new,” Mewbourne said, adding that they have bounce houses, obstacle courses, slides, and even a basketball inflatable.
Though they finished the renovation in December, they have not had the chance to celebrate it and get the word out until now.
“I look forward to many more years of these kids.
Love the community and love being part of it,” Mewbourne said.
General Manager Nikki Mewbourne cuts the ribbon to celebrate Pump It Up’s renovation. Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune
Children climb around on the new inflatables. Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune
Some of the colorful new inflatables. Chris Basinger/ Trussville Tribune
Mayor Buddy Choat gets in on the fun. Courtesy of the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce.
L oca L / R egion
Town Hall
would fund multiple school expansion projects.
Videos of two of the town hall meetings and a copy of the sample ballot that will be used for the ad valorem tax vote are available on The Tribune’s website.
The town halls focused on answering questions from the community on the challenges facing Trussville City Schools as overcrowding becomes a major issue and possible solutions, including the proposed property tax increase.
of Commerce, the City of Trussville, and other community members gathered at Anderson Ave for the ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony.
“Thanks to everyone that supports me and for everyone that has just let me live my dream,” said Anderson Ave’s owner Emily Onofry before cutting the ribbon.
Onofry, who was a member of the Hewitt-Trussville High School Class of 2022, did not originally intend to become one of Trussville’s youngest business owners.
After graduating, she attended the University of Alabama for a year, but struggled to find her place there.
“I switched my major
at its 9th annual conference in Orlando last week for excellence in educating students.
“Sgt. Smith’s award is well deserved. We congratulate him on his outstanding job helping to protect students from the dangers of drugs and violence,” said Nick DeMauro, CEO of L.E.A.D.
“His dedication towards teaching children in Moody about the importance of drug and violence prevention is helping us to continue accomplishing our goal of strengthening police-community relationships.”
Smith, a L.E.A.D. instructor for fifth grade students, taught 160 kids last school year.
“It’s great getting to build a relationship with the children,” Smith said. “It makes me happy to know that when they start high school, they’ll have a familiar face and someone that they can rely on since I’m an SRO at the school.”
“It’s also enriching to observe when the students begin to relax, interact with one another and have fun
three times, wasn’t loving anything, so I came home and I was like, you know, it’s always been my dream to open a boutique so why don’t I just do it,” Onofry said.
She opened the online boutique last summer, and after briefly going back to school in the fall, she returned home and decided to focus on running the store full-time while pursuing her associate’s degree.
The boutique bears the last name of Onofry’s grandfather, which would have ended with him, as a way to carry on his family name.
“Hopefully I can pass the store down to my kids,” Onofry said.
Though Anderson Ave originated as an online-on-
Moody Sgt. Bryan Smith at L.E.A.D.'s 9th annual conference
learning the curriculum,” he added. “The kids are at the age where they’re still impressionable, so it’s really fun for them to have officers teaching them in the classroom and see us in our uniforms.”
Reaching students at an early age about the harms of becoming involved with drugs and alcohol is key in keeping them off the substances in the future, says Smith.
“I remember that an anti-drug campaign when I was in the fifth grade actually stuck with me all those years ago,” he said.
“The earlier you can educate a child on why steer-
ly store, offering dresses, tops, and rush apparel for the “classic Southern Girl,” moving into a physical location in her hometown was always the goal.
She hopes the store will allow people to have the full boutique experience by giving customers the chance to see the clothes in person, try them on, and feel the material.
“I want to offer people an experience when they walk in the store, I want them to experience a warm feeling of the clothes I offer,” Onofry said.
Anderson Ave, located at 152 Main Street, is currently open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
ing clear of things like drugs and violence is vital, the better, as it gives them the opportunity to understand the consequences of them before they likely experience peer pressure at an older age.”
Smith has been policing for 15 years, and he says that L.E.A.D. has been the best program in terms of strengthening the relationship between the law enforcement officers and community in Moody.
“I live in the community where I police, so I run into my students when I’m out in public, which makes them so excited that they often introduce me to their parents,” said Smith. “Seeing them have that reaction shows me that I’m really making an impact by teaching the program.”
The “In The Classroom” program provided by L.E.A.D. is taught by more than 5,000 trained instructors in 45 states, serving more than 500,000 students.
The L.E.A.D. curriculum is taught over the course of a 10-week program to educate youth on how they can make smart decisions without the involvement of drugs or violence.
The city-wide special municipal tax election will be held on August 27 and will let voters decide on a proposed 12.9 mill increase.
The new funds generated from the increase would be used for multiple projects in the district including the construction of a new elementary school at Glendale Farms, a new 15,000-square-foot cafeteria
Trussville
block,” Langham joked. Langham was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2019 and will become the University of Alabama’s 27th inductee, and 23rd player, in the College Football Hall of Fame in December.
Howell was one of 84 scholarship recipients selected by the NFF from a pool of 3500 nominees identified by the various chapters of the NFF.
Later in the meeting, Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight spoke to the council to update the public on the plans for road con-
at Hewitt-Trussville Middle School, and the addition of a C-Wing at Hewitt-Trussville High School.
According to Martin, the millage increase would bring Trussville City Schools in range with other competitive school systems in Alabama as they look to accommodate growing enrollment.
The current millage in Trussville is 62.1, which puts Trussville between Bessemer, 68.7, and Huey-
struction and expansion on Chalkville Mountain Road and N. Chalkville Road.
“We’re going to add an extra lane. It’s kind of a tight fit through there. It’s not going to be easy and it’s going to take a little time, so please be patient with us,” Knight said.
According to plans presented at the meeting, the project should be completed by July of 2025. Knight also mentioned upcoming plans to begin paving I-59 along the same area.
“That’s going to be another challenge for us,” he said. “We’ll survive this. It’s going to be inconvenient but we can do it.” Plans for the interstate
town and Gardendale, both 60.1. In comparison, Mountain Brook’s millage is 109, Vestavia Hills is 92.6, Homewood is 75, and Hoover is 72.6. A 12.9 mill increase would bring Trussville’s millage to an even 75. If approved by voters, annual property taxes would increase by about $129 for a home valued at $100,000 and by $645 for a home valued at $500,000.
work previously involved closing the Deerfoot Parkway and Argo exits but those exits are now expected to remain open. In other business, the council approved the annexation of 401 Roper Road into the city limits. The council also approved an unpaid leave of absence for a recently hired city employee. The next regular meeting of the Trussville City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Council meetings begin at 6 p.m. every 2nd and 4th Tuesday. Meetings are currently held at the City Hall Annex located at 113 N. Chalkville Road unless otherwise noted.
Emily Onofry cuts the ribbon to celebrate the opening of Anderson Ave. Chris Basinger/ Trussville Tribune
Mayor Buddy Choat and Superintendent Dr. Patrick Martin speak during a previous town hall meeting.
that the requisition requests he receives from the library never list the titles of the books, only the cost of the total number of books the library requests to purchase that month.
“I never see the title of the books, ever,” Dixon said.
According to Dixon, after the library purchased the book, a citizen came to city hall to voice their concerns about watchdog groups setting their sights on the library if it had books about Christianity but not about other religions.
“Somebody came into city hall, brought it to my attention that we had ordered this book, 15 Bible heroes, and if we were gonna order that book we needed to be prepared to order a book about 15 Muslim heroes,” Dixon said.
“So at the next library board meeting I told them, you know, if y’all are gonna order this kind of book then you have to be prepared to order 15 Muslim heroes also and it’s better to just not order either one because we’re a member of JCLC and if somebody comes in and requests one of those books then you just request it from JCLC and it will be delivered the next day or whenever it’s available and that way we don’t have to worry about spending money, city money on individual books.”
The Jefferson County Library Cooperative (JCLC) is a cooperative of 40 public libraries in the county that allows residents to check out and request books from across its network.
During that library advisory board meeting on June 11, Dixon stated that the library should not purchase books that were already in the JCLC since the books could draw attention to the Clay library based on their content being of a religious, gender, or sexual nature, according to the meeting minutes and multiple people in attendance.
According to multiple members of the library board, Dixon also stated that no books should be purchased if a religious text is used as its only source.
Soon after that meeting,
Library Board Secretary Sarah Grafman requested Dixon clarify the statements he made about book purchases, according to emails obtained by The Tribune. Dixon responded by stating that if the JCLC did not have a book requested by a local patron then they could ask them to add it to the collection and that library staff could “tell them it’s available on Amazon for private purchase or they can wait for JCLC to add it.”
“While most of our community would accept any Christian books we were to purchase, who do have watchers that will object and possibly escalate. That’s the reason for deference to JCLC,” Dixon wrote.
After Grafman posed more questions about the library’s ability to purchase religious materials and shared her concerns that the city would be exposing itself to religious discrimination liability, Dixon stated, “I have not had to review in the past but I will now” in regard to local book purchases.
Dixon also added that there have been accusations that the city is spending local money for a specific Christian group’s homeschool curriculum in purchasing the “Hero Tales” book.
Soon after the exchange, on June 21, Library Director Tara Gearhart tendered her resignation with notice to the city.
In an email, Gearhart stated that her decision to resign “stems from consistent challenges related to management’s decisions and communication.”
She also cited difficulties navigating through “frequent shifts in direction, unclear expectations, and a lack of transparent communication.”
With the specifics of the book review policy still up in the air, the library board met for another special meeting on July 9.
There, Library Board President Jane Anderton stated that she did not agree with the city’s new policy that book purchases would be reviewed by the city manager as she believed it to be the library director’s responsibility.
According to the minutes and attendees at that
meeting, Mayor Webster stated that the purpose of the policy would be to keep the city from being sued.
Webster and Dixon also reportedly defended the book policy on the basis that the city was not violating religious liberties since books of that nature were still available through the JCLC.
In an interview with The Tribune on July 22, Dixon asserted that there being a policy about what books the library could or could not purchase was “just not true.”
Dixon also denied there being a policy saying that the City of Clay will no longer purchase any religious, gender-related, or LGBT books.
“In 12 1/2 years I have never turned down a requisition from the library. Period,” Dixon said.
He also said the city would not be opposed to buying books as long as they are placed in the correct section in the library and said there was no truth to the allegation that the mayor directed him to review all purchase orders and deny purchasing any books with scripture as its only basis.
“The mayor has not directed me to do anything where the library’s concerned about reviewing any titles. I’m not there for that. If I tried to micromanage every department of the city it would be physically impossible, that’s why I have directors that I trust to do that,” Dixon said.
“That’s all I was doing was warning them that if you start something like this then you can call attention to yourself and these watchdog organizations are gonna start bombarding us with letters and that we could wind up spending tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars on attorneys to respond to these letters and correspondences.”
It all came to a head at a packed library board meeting on Tuesday, July 23, after Grafman said she had been in contact with the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian legal advocacy group, who believed the policy violated religious liberties.
Argo
From front page
cameras for City Hall and to add trip expenses for an Argo police officer to fly to Anaheim, California to receive an award.
The contract with Vision Network for the camera purchase and installation was unanimously approved for a total price of $22,407. The total price of the contract consisted of two quotes
In a heated exchange, Webster said the city would not refuse any Christian books or books about other religions in the library and claimed he never said that the city would not allow religious books in the library.
After Grafman challenged the mayor’s denial of the existence of the book review policy, Webster said, “I don’t appreciate what y’all have been doing to stir all this up.”
Webster went on to say, “I can tell you we’ll make fast changes if y’all keep this up.”
Dixon then addressed the emails and again clarified his position on the library’s curation process saying that there has been no change in policy.
“I never said the library couldn’t purchase religious materials, I said if you’re going to, you have to be willing to purchase them all.”
He added, “You have to be willing to purchase Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, whatever and there’s no point in our library having a stack that includes all of those books when they’ll never be asked for. And we’re members of JCLC so they can be borrowed from JCLC and then returned.”
The discussion of curation policies also brought renewed interest into the powers of the library board, which led to the board’s discovery that the city was limiting its duties in violation of the Code of Alabama.
According to the code, public library boards should have the “full power and authority” to control library expenditures, purchase books, hire library employees, and manage and control the library.
However, as it had currently been operating, the library board did not have these powers, which were instead held by the city manager.
Nancy Pack, the director of APLS–a state agency that advises and provides funding to public libraries–cited the Code of Alabama and said that libraries must comply with the code in order to receive funding from the agency.
which included $18,282 for the cameras and $4,125 for wiring.
The council approved up to $3,000 to cover flight and travel expenses for Corporal Cason Davis of the Argo Police Department. Davis is the recipient of an award from the National Interdiction Conference. The conference will be held between August 18 and August 23.
In other business, the council approved up to $500
“That is the responsibility of the board. If you want to continue to be in the APLS network this is what has to happen. If you decide you want to be an independent library, a city library, and not involved with APLS, you do whatever you want to as a city,” Pack said.
She later said, “You have a choice to make–whether you want to be in compliance with the Code of Alabama 90 or whether you want to be an independent library and withdraw from the Alabama Public Library Service.”
According to Pack, if the city chose to withdraw then they would lose about $10,000 annually in state aid as well as access to support materials and workshops put on by APLS. Though Clay had been in violation of the code in recent years, it was unclear if the city would be penalized for receiving the state aid during that time, but Pack said funding would be reviewed going forward.
In response, Webster said, “We’ve run this library like it’s been run for 12 years and we haven’t had a problem” and questioned the need to make changes to how the library is operated.
Near the end of the library board meeting, attendees stated their concerns on the mayor seemingly being intent on pulling out of the APLS rather than changing how the city operates the library in order to be in accordance with the state code.
Discussion of the library picked up almost immediately at the city council meeting, which directly followed the library board’s meeting. Without prior advertisement or inclusion in the meeting agenda, Councilor Dean Kirkner made a motion to pull the city out of the APLS, which would mean continuing to run the library as the city has done.
“I’m seeing that we are fortunate to be sitting on $10 million in the bank. We would be giving up $10,000 a year from the State of Alabama but in relinquishing the $10,000 we would gain complete control of the library, keep a library com-
for pine straw on flower beds at City Hall. The council also approved $3,000 for lunch catering for police classes at City Hall.
The council discussed bids for city engineering services during the work session prior to the meeting. An approval to enter into negotiations with Sain Engineering is expected to appear on the first council agenda in August.
The next regular meet-
mittee, dissolve the library board,” Kirkner said. The motion was seconded by Councilor Chris Nail, and it passed in a 4-1 vote. Councilors Kirkner, Nail, and Orletta Rush and Mayor Webster voted in favor of the motion.
Councilor Bo Johnson voted no, saying that he felt it was rushed, and Councilor Becky Johnson, who did not attend the library board meeting, abstained.
Prior to the vote, library board members and library staffers were not given an opportunity or asked to give their input on the decision.
According to Webster, despite leaving the APLS the library would continue to be a part of the JCLC. After the council meeting, multiple library board members expressed doubts that there would even continue to be a library board since it had essentially no input on how the library should run.
“If I heard correctly, the mayor’s position was that he wants Ronnie Dixon to be in charge of everything concerning the city,” Anderton said.
“I don’t really see the point of a board if our opinions are totally negated because they’re all going to have to be under the authority of Ronnie Dixon. Why am I wasting my time?”
She added, “The city is run by one man.”
At the same time, Grafman said she counted the apparent backtracking of the book review policy as a “win.”
“When we brought all this up they backtracked it completely and said that it was never a thing but it absolutely was,” Grafman said.
“We all heard the same thing when he said, ‘We won’t be buying that book,’” Anderton added.
“I followed the proper channels and spoke to several councilmen and they said, ‘Well we want Ronnie to approve the purchases.’ They said Ronnie will look at all the purchases,” Grafman said.
“We shined so much light on the city that they shut us down.”
ing of the Argo council is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12 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.
Leeds Splash Pad closed for season due to equipment failure
From Tribune staff reports
LEEDS, Ala. – A major equipment failure has forced the Leeds Splash Pad to close for the remainder of 2024 due to a major equipment failure, according to the city.
“We apologize for having to close a week early, but it was beyond our control,” the city wrote in a Facebook post.
Major renovations are planned for the splash pad, which will reopen on Memorial Day 2025.
The city wrote, “We are excited about the renovations that we will be doing over the winter months and
The man, who was identified as TY Austin Bell, has been charged with one count of second-degree assault.
At approximately 11:16 p.m. on July 27, deputies were dispatched to the Jefferson County Courthouse at 716 Richard Arrington Jr., Blvd. in response to a report of a person shot.
Birmingham Police Department officers secured the scene, and when JCSO deputies arrived they found Bell suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the upper torso.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue transported the sus-
Fatal Crash
TY Austin Bell
pect to UAB for treatment of his non-life-threatening injury, where he remained under guard until being transferred to the Jefferson County Jail for processing. Deputies also found an adult male suffering from
On Friday, Jefferson County Lead Deputy Coroner Matt Angelo identified the person fatally injured as Ashlen Nicole Hawkins, 38, of Oneonta. At approximately 6:05 a.m., officers responded to a report of a traffic collision at the 5900 block of Deerfoot Parkway. The roadway was temporarily shut down between
the ability to bring you a new and improved splash pad in the spring!”
non-life- threatening injuries to the face.
According to the sheriff’s office, the preliminary investigation has revealed that a member of the Jefferson County Court House Security Team encountered a “suspicious male” in the parking structure of the 2121 Building.
The security guard then followed the suspicious man to the rear of the parking garage and into an alleyway where a verbal altercation ensued.
A physical assault then occurred, which resulted in a shot being fired.
Bell is currently in custody of the Jefferson County Jail under a $10,000 bond.
Husky Parkway and Deerfoot Crossing but is now open. The Trussville Police Department’s Traffic Unit is currently investigating the circumstances of the crash.
Birmingham man shot, killed while sitting in car
From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
– A Birmingham man was shot and killed while sitting in his vehicle outside an apartment complex last Friday night, according to the Birmingham Police Department.
The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Reco Dewayn Stevenson.
There is currently no one in custody.
On July 26 at approximately 9:25 p.m., officers
Wanted
weighs 235 pounds. She has long black hair and brown eyes. Her last known address was at the 1900 block of East Bend Circle, Center Point.
were dispatched to a report of a person shot at Mountainside Apartments in the 100 block of Penthouse Dr. When officers arrived on the scene, they found Stevenson unresponsive inside a vehicle suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue Services arrived on the scene and pronounced him dead.
According to police, the preliminary investigation suggests that Stevenson
was sitting outside in the vehicle when an unknown suspect approached the car and fired multiple shots into it, fatally wounding him.
BPD is asking anyone with information on the case to contact the BPD Homicide Unit at (205) 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777.
This marks Birmingham’s 84th murder investigation of 2024 with eights justifiable death investigations.
Tips from the public that lead to the solving of a felony case, a felony arrest, or the issuance of a felony warrant could be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
Meadowbrook
From
At approximately 4:18 p.m., Shelby County 911 received a report of a shooting with injuries in the 200 block of Shoal Run Trail.
Deputies arrived on the scene and discovered an adult male suffering from at least one gunshot wound to the torso.
Deputies and North Shelby Fire rendered aid to the victim, who was transported to a Birmingham area hospital where he underwent surgery.
The victim is reported to be in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.
Shortly after the shoot-
If you have information about this individual, contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 205-2547777.
ing, deputies detained a suspect near the scene. This shooting is believed to be the result of a domestic incident as the parties were known to one another, and the sheriff’s office has stated that there is no reason to
suspect any danger to the community.
The alleged shooter has been identified as 22-yearold Casey Deandre Smith of Birmingham.
Smith was taken into custody by Shelby County deputies and was charged with attempted murder and first-degree domestic violence assault. He is being held in the Shelby County Jail with no bond.
Sheriff John Samaniego is encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at (205) 670-6000 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777.
Yolanda Denise Harvey
Casey Smith
Leeds Splash Pad. Photo via City of Leeds Facebook.
L ifesty L e
Sean of the South: Small Town Newspapers
By Sean Dietrich, Sean of the South Commentary
Springville, Alabama
(pop. 5,043). I am downtown with a few minutes to kill. I pick up a copy of the Trussville Tribune, sit on a bench by the antique store and count cars.
I count four.
I shake open the newspaper beneath an angry noontime sun. The Tribune is a slender paper. Not much to it. You’d need at least three to line a litter box.
The Tribune is your typical small-town paper. Just like small-town papers used to be. The paper is not loaded with reports of stabbings, shootings, and senseless acts of politics. Just local stuff. It reminds you of a bygone age.
The front page, for example, features important breaking news from nearby Argo (pop. 4,364). The headline reads: “Ann ‘Granny’ Grimes celebrates 100th birthday at Fox’s Pizza Den.”
“God has just been good to me!” Granny is quoted as saying.
Granny has nine grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren. She also ties down a full-time job at Fox’s Pizza.
She works in the kitchen, preparing her special spaghetti sauce, prepping food, and washing the dishes in the three-compartment sink.
The article goes on to say that if you should ever visit Fox’s Pizza, you should ask Granny for proof that she’s 100 and “she will gladly show you her current driver’s license!”
That’s what you’ll find
in a small-town paper. There’s also the weather forecast, sponsored by Trussville Water and Gas. This week’s forecast: you’re going to die of heat stroke. In other news, the Winn-Dixie in Pinson is remodeling. And, in case you were wondering, 2,000 people attended the rodeo. More on Page 5. There’s the classified section. The first three forsale ads are advertising adjoining funeral plots. Get’em while they’re hot.
The community calendar of events is slamming. Visit the Trussville Public Library for summertime stories, read by Ms. Alicia. And don’t forget, ladies, the “Yarn Manglers” knitting club meets on Thursday for “fellowship and creativity!” Be prepared to get a little crazy. Bring your own needles.
Football season updates. The Huskies are looking good. The Blue Devils are struggling, but Coach Ganus is working on it, so get off
his back.
And the obituaries.
Jerry Cross, 80, of Northport. Passed away in Fayett. “He served the Mountain Brook Police Department… and retired after 27 years of service.”
Jackie Dewayne “Wayne” Frederick, 55. “Wayne was an avid wrestling enthusiast, and a particular fan of Hulk Hogan.” “To our brother Wayne, your laughter, love, and kindness will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.”
Betty Carol Goss, 76.
DESIGN HEARING for SR-959(Birmingham Northern Beltline)
“Betty worked as a hairdresser and later moved into working retail.” “She loved the Lord with all her heart.”
And my favorite line: “Betty loved her family more than she loved herself.”
America is losing two newspapers per week. At this rate, experts predict we will have lost a third of U.S. newspapers by next year. In another 20 years, experts don’t think there will be newspapers. Most local papers have either vanished or reduced operations, publishing weekly or bi-weekly.
HPPF-A126(900) - West of SR-3(US-31) to Cunningham Creek
HPPF-A126(901) - Mainline Bridges over Cunningham Creek
APDF-1602(555) - From Cunningham Creek to East of SR-79 Formerly HPP-1602(531)
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Gardendale Civic Center – Exhibition Hall 857 Main Street Gardendale, Alabama 35071 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
But for today—just for today—I was caught up in the olden charms of newsprint. Just for today, I touched soy-based ink and recycled paper. And I miss it all. So, I’m going to hope the experts are wrong about newspapers. I’m going to pray the huge media outlets don’t win. And most importantly, I’m going down the street to ask to see Granny’s driver’s license.
During the Open House part of the Design Hearing, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, the public may review project information, ask questions, and discuss the project with ALDOT Staff. A presentation on the Birmingham Northern Beltline will be conducted at 5:30 PM, followed by a public forum. During the public forum, the opportunity to comment openly on the proposed project will be available. Persons wishing to provide comments during the forum must first register at the Sign-In Table. There will be a two (2) minute time limit for each person wishing to comment. All comments will be recorded, reviewed by ALDOT and become part of the public record for the meeting. Persons wishing to provide comment privately may do so by speaking with the court reporter or submitting a written comment to ALDOT. All comments must be received by Monday, September 16, 2024. Project information and/or comment form will be accessible at www.ALDOTinvolved.com
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR FOR INDIVIDUALS REQUIRING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE CONTACT: Mr. DeJarvis Leonard, Region Engineer Alabama Department of Transportation – East Central Region P.O. Box 2745 Birmingham, Alabama 35202-2745
Attn: Mrs. Sandra F. P. Bonner
REQUEST FOR SPECIAL ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE RECEIVED AT LEAST FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR
Sean Dietrich (Photo courtesy of seandietrich.com)
f inance
Thoughtful Planning: Essential to Successful Saving
By Seth Edgil, Financial Advisor – Keystone Financial Group
Saving money is a fundamental aspect of financial security and growth, but the approach we take to saving can significantly impact our financial outcomes. Thoughtful planning around saving is not merely about putting money aside; it’s about making strategic decisions that align with our long-term goals.
While budgeting determines the amount of money available to be saved, the planning aspect dictates where and how these funds will be accumulated. This involves making choices about asset allocation, saving mechanisms, and account types.
I want to share a personal story that illustrates this point. When I was born in 1992, my grandparents invested in Series EE Savings Bonds for me. Over a span of four years, they invested $3,000, which grew to just over $9,000 by the time I reached adulthood. While this investment was appreciated, I often pondered its intent and effectiveness.
The key question I asked my grandmother was about the purpose of the investment. Her intent was to provide a financial foundation for my future. However, had she sought professional financial advice, the outcome might have been drastically different. For instance, if the same amount had been invested in the S&P 500 during the same period, its
value would have grown to over $110,000.
This comparison highlights the impact of choosing the right investment vehicle. Savings bonds are low-risk, guaranteed-return instruments, but they often yield lower returns compared to risk-bearing assets like stocks. The S&P 500, despite its volatility, has historically provided substantial returns over long periods.
It is crucial to ask the right questions when planning for a financial goal: How long before the funds are needed? What will the funds be used for? Is a guaranteed rate of return important? What are the tax implications? These questions help in determining the best investment strategy. For example, custodial accounts, 529 plans, cash value life insurance, CDs, or savings bonds are some options for saving for a child. Each has its own set of benefits and considerations.
Working with a fiduciary financial advisor can significantly enhance your financial planning. Such professionals are committed to acting in their clients’ best interests, offering tailored advice that considers all aspects of the client’s financial situation. They help clients navigate the myriads of investment options and choose the most appropriate ones based on their goals and risk tolerance. Without proper planning, saving efforts can be misdirected, much like a ship sailing without a map.
The journey requires effort, but without a clear direction, the destination might be far from the intended tar-
get. This analogy illustrates how critical it is to have a well-thought-out plan in place.
LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION FOR BIDS
The financial environment today is vastly different from what it was a generation ago. Almost ev-
ery aspect of our lives has evolved from generations before. Likewise, investing has evolved along a similar path. What worked for our parents or grandparents might not be the best approach today. Therefore, staying informed and adapting to the changing landscape is crucial. Thoughtful planning around saving is essential for achieving financial goals. By understanding the purpose of savings, asking the right questions, and working with a fiduciary financial advisor, individuals can make informed decisions that align with their long-term objectives. As my story illustrates, the right planning can significantly enhance the value of savings and ensure that financial goals are met.
Seth J. Edgil and David Guttery offer products and services using the following business names: Keystone Financial Group– insurance and financial services | Ameritas Investment Company, LLC (AIC), Member FINRA/SIPC – securities and investments | Ameritas Advisory Services, LLC (AAS) – investment advisory services. AIC and AAS are not affiliated with Keystone Financial Group. Information is gathered from sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Data provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell any investment product.
Sealed Bids will be received by Trussville Gas and Water located in Trussville, Alabama, until the local time set forth below, for furnishing all labor, equipment and doing the work of constructing, according to Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents on file in the office of Trussville Gas and Water, the project hereinafter described. No bid will be received after the time set forth below; and the Bids will be publicly opened and read at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173.
Interested contractors can obtain prequalification applications from TG&W Engineering Department (“Engineering Department”), 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173; Telephone: (205) 655-3211 and must submit the completed prequalification application to the Engineering Department at the above address, no later than 4:00 p.m. on August 1, 2024.
Project Name: Sun Valley Road and 5th Place NW Gas Main Replacement
Project Number: 2-029-23
Bid Date and Time: August 15, 2024 at 10:00 A.M.
1. Installation of Approx. 50 LF of 2” Stl. Gas Main by Directional Bore
2. Installation of Approx. 200 LF of ¾” PE Gas Service Line by Open Cut
3. Installation of Approx. 30 LF of ¾” PE Gas Service by Directional Bore
Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents for the project described above are open to public inspection at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173. Telephone: (205) 655-3211.
Trussville Gas and Water reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid, and to accept any bid considered advantageous to the Owner.
No bid may be withdrawn after the time for opening bids has passed. Trussville Gas and Water reserves the right to hold the bids for a period of Sixty (60) days after the date of receiving Bids.
If said bid equals $20,000.00 or more, a certified check or bid bond must accompany each bid in an amount of not less than five percent (5%) of the total bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00. The payee of such check, or the obligee of such bond, shall be Trussville Gas and Water.
Contractor agrees to comply with all specifications, plans and contract documents as furnished by Trussville Gas and Water. Contractor must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34 Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975. Prior to submitting a bid for this project, contractor must be prequalified as a Gas Line Utility Contractor for Trussville Gas and Water. Contractor prequalification applications may be obtained at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173.
Seth Edgil, Financial Advisor – Keystone Financial Group
o bitua R y
Patricia Ann Howard
june 1, 1943 — july 21, 2024
Patricia Ann Howard, 81, passed away peacefully on Sunday July 21, 2024. Ann was born in Jackson County Arkansas, the daughter of Ernest and Golda (Bishop) Floyd. She grew up on the family farm in Swifton, Arkansas with her brothers Billy, Jim and Gene and sister Carolyn. After the death of her first husband, Carol Goza, she married Charles Howard. Soon after, they moved to Birmingham, Alabama and started an equipment dealership which they ran for over 30 years before selling it in 2005.
Ann was an integral part of the family business, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, playing cards, NASCAR and Alabama Football. She loved her Bible study group and hosting gatherings for friends and family at her home. While also loving her fur babies – Stella, Sadie and Henry.
Ann is survived by her son Steve and his wife Donna (Nolen) Howard; daughters Rhonda and her husband Scott Moore and Carol (Howard) Kinder; grandchildren Shane McGhehey, Joshua his wife Michelle (Bryan) Howard, Ashton Moore, Hunter and his wife Elizabeth (Miles) Moore, and Heath Moore; great grandchildren Colton McGhehey, Addie Howard and Hudson Howard; and great-great grandchild Braxton McGhehey. Ann was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Billy Floyd, Jim Floyd and Gene Floyd; sister Carolyn Cunningham; husband Charles Howard; daughter Melanie (Howard) Northcutt; son-in-law Dale Kinder; and granddaughter Jordan Howard.
In lieu of flowers, the family would ask to “please consider making an online gift in memory of Ann to www. dementiasociety.org Or www.diabetes.org
Becky McKelvey Thrower
july 22, 1959 — july 24, 2024
Becky McKelvey Thrower, age 65, of Birmingham passed peacefully from this life on July 24, 2024.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents Jo Anne and H.T. McKelvey. She leaves behind her loving family, her husband Pete Thrower, a son whom she adored Micah Thrower, her partner in crime sister Vicki McKelvey Fetui, several dear sisters by heart and a host of dear friends.
The funeral service was held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation was on Saturday, July 27, 2024 from noon till 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Pallbearers included Waylon Lett, Wade Lett, Wyatt Lett, Aaron Smith, C.J. Thrower, Gage Watts.
Her departure leaves a hole in many hearts as she was a kind, loving, funny and compassionate person who will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers memorials should be made to the National Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
Thomas Brewer Jr.
november 28, 1948 — july 24, 2024
Thomas “Tom” S. Brewer, Jr. age 75, of Trussville, passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
He was active in Trussville his entire life – a walking book of Trussville history/ knowledge; never forgot a face or name of a classmate; held a spot on Trussville city council; strong tie to his hometown decades of sales at Tru-blu/Trusign.
Beamed with pride, a devoted Granddaddy to his two grandchildren; supported his two children in their passions and hobbies; maintained friendships from elementary school days to new ones from his time at Bass Pro Shop and all between.
Visitation was held from 10-11am Saturday, July 27.
Graveside prayer was at 11am at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East He was preceded in death by parents, Wilma Lyle Brewer and Thomas S. Brewer Sr.
Diana Brewer Lindsey (Adam); son, Michael David Brewer (Tiffaney); grandchildren,
AskEddie
Customizing Your Funeral Music
Music sets the tone for any environment, and personalizing the music played at your service can create an ambiance of care, remembrance, and love. Personalized funeral music invites the members in attendance to slow down and be thoughtful about their relationship with the deceased and can evoke memories of happiness and nostalgia.
When choosing how to customize your song list, it is best to choose songs that are meaningful to the deceased. While hymns and religious songs are traditionally used, any song can be selected regardless of genre. Another suggestion to keep in mind is choosing to have music played on a digital device or hiring a soloist or band to play live at the gathering or visitation. Your choice should always have the deceased’s interest as the top priority. If the individual was a musician or had any musical talents, consider including songs or videos of them singing or playing musical instruments in a memorial tribute video. Customizing your funeral music can bring members in attendance together to remember the deceased’s life, ensuring that each song played honors the unique life being celebrated.
o pinion Alabama Lawmakers Need to Address Comprehensive Criminal Justice Reform
By Paul DeMarco
The crime in Alabama has everyone reeling from violence across the state, particularly in places like Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile. However, we have seen criminal acts in rural parts of the state increase as well.
There are a number of reasons for how dangerous the streets have become. One of the factors is the progressive’s slanderous attacks on law enforcement that have hurt the morale and recruitment of more officers. The defund the police movement has actually led to fewer officers protecting the public, including right here in Alabama. And with fewer men and women on the thin blue line, there are more crimes being committed and less being solved.
In Birmingham alone, the department is at least 300 officers short and Jefferson County has about 100 fewer deputies than they have had in the past. This has gotten the attention of state legislators. Lawmakers are proposing a bill that would allow the state to appoint an interim police chief for any department that employs less than 30 percent of the police officers they have had over the past decade. There would also have to be consultation with the local district attorney, sheriff and crime victims.
Of course, a well run police department and more officers will definitely help with the crime problem, but state representatives and senators must also address the lack of truth in sentencing in Alabama’s criminal justice system.
Police can find and arrest the bad guys, but if they are not sentenced to the time they deserve then violent crime will continue. There is example after example of hard work by detectives and prosecutors bringing a killer to justice, to then just have a judge lay down the minimum sentence to someone who should have spent decades or life in prison. You also have legislators who are currently preparing to file bills that would allow for the release of more prison-
ers from state corrections facilities.
As a matter of fact, some local police departments are turning to U.S. Attorneys offices to prosecute gun crimes to ensure the worst of the felons on the streets serve more time in prison. Law enforcement are choosing the federal over the state system as it is more likely those convicted of crimes will serve substantially more of their sentence behind bars. Thus, state leaders can beef up local police but they must fix Alabama’s broken sentencing system as well. Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives and Chair of the Judiciary Chairman. He can be found on X, formerly Twitter, at @ Paul_DeMarco
Survivors: daughter,
Eddie Seal, General Manager
Paul DeMarco
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Two prime-located cemetery plots (Section 76A, plots 5 & 6) in the Garden of Love at Jefferson Memorial Gardens. $4,750 for BOTH plots or BO - contact Bob Cardwell @ (205) 4106006. Will split transfer fee.
Two cemetery lots for sale at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville. For information please call Tim Cash at 256225-0347.
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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.
Trussville Public Library
● Red Cross Blood Drive: Thursday, Aug. 1 from 8:3012:30 p.m. - Every unit donated can help save up to three lives.
● Yarn Manglers: Thursday, Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. - Knitters and crocheters, join us for fellowship and creativity!
● Adult Book Club: Saturday, Aug. 3 at 2 p.m. - From fantasy to contemporary fiction and everything in between, come join us at the library on the first Saturday of every month!
● Crafty Collective Morse Code Bracelets: Monday, Aug. 5 at 5:30 p.m. - Make a bracelet using long and short beads to spell out a
secret message in Morse code. Registration is required.
● Yarn Manglers: Monday, Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. - Knitters and crocheters, join us for fellowship and creativity!
● Friends of the Trussville Library: Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 11 a.m. - The Friends of the Trussville Library (FOL) members support library staff by providing extra hands for special events and money for programs and prizes!
sports
Bates looking for Eagles to soar with move to 5A
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
“CP, not me,” is not just a slogan. Center Point head coach George Bates practices what he preaches.
You would be hardpressed to find a coach in the Birmingham area who does more to promote his team on social media than Bates.
From recruiting fairs to community service projects to posting about his players’ accomplishments, Bates makes sure his Eagles are exposed to life off the field and recognized for their achievements on the field.
While Bates, the tenth-winningest coach in 5A, understands what it takes to make a program successful away from the Xs and Os, he has also shown that he knows how to build and sustain a winning program between the lines, too.
Bates took over a Center Point program in 2018 that had gone 3-37 over the previous four seasons.
The Eagles doubled that win total in Bates’ first year, made a playoff appearance, and won their first playoff game in eight years to finish the season with a 6-6 record.
The Eagles’ next three years saw them put together a 25-12 record, make three playoff appearances, and advance twice to the third round of the 5A playoffs.
In 2022, the Eagles moved up to 6A and joined Region 6, one of the most challenging regions in the
state. Center Point was unphased by the move up in classification and responded with a runner-up finish in the region to Clay-Chalkville, a playoff win, a 9-2 record, and a #8 final season ranking.
Last season, the Eagles finished with a 7-4 record, third in the region behind state champion ClayChalkville and #7 ranked Oxford. They advanced to the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year under Bates.
The Eagles are returning to 5A for the 2024 season and are looking to have another outstanding season.
Bates feels that the move to 5A is good for his program. “It’s a depth deal,” he said. “We will have about 55 to 60 players, and in the region we just came from, the top teams have 90 to 100 players.”
“Our top 22 could play with their top 22, but about 60 percent of our top 22 had to play both ways,” Bates said. “So, it’s not really the same.”
“There will be a few in 5A with larger numbers, but most will be similar to us.”
Bates expects the Eagles’ experience in 6A the past two seasons to help his team’s confidence this fall.
“We talk to the kids about respecting everyone in our region and everyone on our schedule, but we know that with the level of competition and caliber of programs we played the last two
years, we won’t face a better program or better competition,” Bates said. “We held our own against everyone except Clay, and they got the best of us.”
“It is an equal playing field at this point,” he said. “There are no excuses.”
Bates feels good about his team at this point in the summer. “We have a lot of skill guys, and we are still mixing and matching to see where they fit in the ultimate puzzle,” he said. “The team is working hard and jelling.”
“It is our job as coaches to put them in the right place.”
The Center Point coaching staff isn’t large, but it returns all the coaches from last season. Geoff Walters is the offensive coordinator, and Justin Wright is the defensive coordinator.
“We have everyone back,” Bates said. “We had no changes, so continuity is important to us.”
Bates believes in communication, and getting the coaches together for a retreat is an important part of the coaches’ relationships with one another.
“We are upfront and honest with each other; we have good comradery and rapport.”
This past spring and summer, the Eagles have had the opportunity to play against and work with some quality programs across the state. For their spring game, Bates took his squad to Shelby County to face Briarwood Christian.
The Eagles participated in the Magic City 7-on7 Showcase, the Alabama State 7-on-7 tournament,
and the Hustle Up Regional 7-on-7 tournament.
Center Point also had OTAs with Brewer, Mountain Brook, and Shelby County. “We like to get away in the summer as much as we can, but it has to make sense,” Bates said.
Bates will rely on a large senior class of 21, the largest under Bates, to lead the Eagles this upcoming season.
“The majority of the 21 have been contributors,” said Bates. “They know what to expect.”
Defensive players to watch:
Willie Kimble, defensive lineman; Terence Tubbs, linebacker; Javiyeen Taylor linebacker; Kaleb Parker Holt linebacker; and Jaquoryae Busby, defensive back.
The Eagles will be led by Moore, a 6A All-State player. “He is an athlete,” said Bates. “He will spend time at the quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and defensive back positions.” Moore committed to Austin Peay last week. The Eagles join Jacksonville, Leeds, Lincoln, Moody, Springville, and St. Clair County in a new-look 5A Region 6.
Center Point will face Bessemer City, Fultondale, J.A.G., and Woodlawn in the non-region slate.
“Come out and support us. We put a pretty good product on the field and will continue to do it,” said Bates. “Our complete scholar-athletes deserve to see a packed house.”
2024 schedule: 8/23 @ Bessemer City
• 8/30 Fultonde
• 9/6 @ Lincoln (region) 9/13 @ Jacksonville (region)
• 9/20 St. Clair County
• 9/27 @ J.A.G. 10/4 Moody (region)
• 10/11 OPEN
• 10/18 @ Leeds (region)
• 10/25 Springville (region) 11/1 Woodlawn
Offensive players to watch: Deon Moore, athlete; Julius Finnerson, running back; Antonio Garfield, receiver; Jaylyn Rainey, offensive lineman; James Edwards, offensive lineman; Jaimouryn Fuller, offensive lineman; Brian Dickerson, quarterback, and Keywone Posey, receiver.
Center Point Head Coach George Bates. (Photo by Ron Burkett)
Season Preview: Leeds Greenwave
By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
LEEDS – When you talk about legends in Alabama high school football coaching, you cannot have that conversation without the name Jerry Hood, head coach of the Leeds Greenwave, being mentioned.
Hood got started as an assistant at McAdory in 1993 followed by serving on Toney Pugh’s ClayChalkville teams when the Cougars first started their program in 1996.
Continuing the trend of building new programs, after 2 years at Clay, Pugh took his staff, Hood included, to the new Oak Mountain High School to build the football program there. When Pugh moved on, Hood stayed and took over the Eagles in his first head coaching position.
In five years at Oak Mountain, Hood went 28-26, making it to the state semifinals in 2005 before losing to Hoover.
In 2008, Hood was hired to take over the ClayChalkville Cougars, this time as the head coach. On the field, Hood’s Cougars went an impressive 84-17 during his 8 years, winning a state championship in 2014.
Officially, Hood’s record was 75-26 due to a controversial 2011 season in which
there was accusation of an ineligible player on the team that caused Clay to forfeit nine of their 10 wins. Pure speculation would lead one to believe that they likely would have won the state championship that year as well. This was also the only year under Hood that the Cougars would miss the playoffs.
Hood took a couple of years off from coaching before taking the Leeds job in 2019.
Under Keith Etheredge, from 2006 until 2015, the Greenwave had built one of the better teams in 3A and 4A football in Alabama, winning multiple state championships, including back-toback titles in 2014 and 2015 paired with a title in 2010 and 2008.
Lee Gibson took over for Etheredge and could not find the same success, going 1815 in three years at Leeds.
Coach Hood’s first Greenwave team went 2-8 in 2019. In Jerry Hood fashion, the Greenwave turned things around quickly. 2020’s Leeds Greenwave went 9-3 and has not looked back since. In the same year, the Greenwave moved to 5A which made it even more impressive. Each year since, Leeds has won no less than nine games and has been a playoff contender in each year.
Strong defense and “old school” football has been the name of the game for Hood’s version of Leeds football.
While there have been some good offensive teams, 2022 being the best, the defense often chokes out opponents and allows even the most prolific of offenses to score minimal points. In 2024, the Greenwave will face new challenges such as replacing two of the best defensive linemen, in Chris Burge and Kavion Henderson, to ever play for Leeds and a couple of new region foes in Center Point and Jacksonville to pair with a tough non-region slate.
On defense, as stated above, Hood will be replac-
ing two dominant defensive linemen, including one of the most decorated players in Leeds history in Kavion Henderson, who will be suiting up for the Arkansas Razorbacks this year. Chris Burge is the other lineman that will need to be replaced, a UAB Blazer for the coming season. “Replacing them will be tough, but we have some good guys coming in to do it,” said Coach Hood. Jackie Bishop and James Langford will carry the load up front for the defense while Miles Jones, Gavin Howard, Reece Bitner and Miles Ashford look to fill out the rest of the defense. “We should still be strong on defense, but we will be young. I am looking
forward to watching them grow. I think we will be good there,” said Hood. On offense, the Greenwave return almost everyone. The line, anchored by Gavin Bowlin, Wilson Beasley, and Carlos Plascencia, who have multiple offers between them, will be a strong point for the Leeds offense. Hard-nosed quarterback Conner Nelson returns for the Leeds as a dual threat who is not afraid to tuck the ball and run into a pile for tough yards. Nelson will have every receiver from last year’s team to spread the ball to, as well as ZJ Dale and Grayson Ford, who also has several offers, in the backfield to provide experience and toughness in the running game. “We will be pretty explosive with Nelson back at quarterback and all of our receivers, said Hood. “We also have ZJ (Dale) and Ford back at running back.”
Offensive players to watch: Conner Nelson, quarterback; ZJ Dale, running back; Wilson Beasley, offensive lineman; Grayson Ford, running back; Gavin Bowlin, offensive line; Carlos Plascencia, offensive line.
Defensive players to watch: Jackie Bishop, defensive line; James Langford, defensive line; Miles Jones, linebacker; Gavin Howard, linebacker; Reece Bitner, de-
fensive back; Miles Ashford, defensive back. Hood said of his team, “They are going to be young on defense but there is a lot of speed out there. As a team, we are very competitive and that gets me really excited for this season.”
Coming off of a 9-3 season in 2023 that ended when eventual 5A champions Ramsay ended their season in the second round of the playoffs, the Greenwave look to continue their winning ways despite a tough schedule. Out of region, Leeds travels to Mortimer Jordan and Briarwood while welcoming Shades Valley and Pelham to Homer Smiles. The region slate has familiar opponents in Springville, Lincoln, Saint Clair County and Moody with additions Jacksonville and Center Point.
2024 Leeds Greenwave Schedule:
Stallions select ten players in UFL Draft
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
ARLINGTON, Texas –
The UFL College Draft took place last week in Arlington, Texas. The eight teams in the league selected from a pool of more than 12,000 draft-eligible players. The draft consisted of ten rounds with the following order of selection:
Birmingham Stallions UFL draft-eligible players must have been eligible to have been selected in the
2024 NFL Draft and were not selected. UFL teams will hold exclusive rights to the players they pick in the draft until the player reports to the team or the team gives up that player’s rights. All players eligible for the 2024 UFL College Draft must have been out of high school for at least three years and exhausted or waived their
college eligibility, with some limited exceptions. All players who sign a UFL contract, including players who remain under contract from the 2024 season, will have an “NFL Out” during the NFL season.
The Stallions selected: Frank Crum, Offensive Tackle, Wyoming
● Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos
● Was named first-team all-conference in the Mountain West last season
● Ended his collegiate career with 55 games played and 48 starts
● Had the second-fastest 40-yard dash among offensive linemen at the NFL
combine
Lorenzo Thompson, Offensive Tackle, Rhode Island
● Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cleveland Browns
● Following last season was named Phil Steele Third
See STALLIONS, Page 12
Leeds Football Coach Jerry Hood (Stock Photo)
Tribune to bring back Football Media Days
By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
TRUSSVILLE – The Trussville Tribune is bringing back Football Media Days for 2024, hosting the event for the first time since before the 2022 season.
The event will be broken up into two evenings, emanating from the Trussville Tribune Studio in Trussville on Monday, August 5th and Tuesday, August 6th.
The eight Tribune-area teams will be split with four teams being represented on Monday and the other four on Tuesday.
There is a lot of excitement surrounding our teams this year! How will Pin-
Team All-American, All-
CAA Football First Team, and New England Football Writers Association AllNew England Team
● Elected team captain in 2023 and started all 11 games at left tackle, finishing his career with 37 consecutive starts.
Emani Bailey, Running back, TCU
● Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs
● Rushed last season for a team-best 1,209 yards and eight touchdowns, adding 25 receptions and a receiving score, named 2023 Honorable-Mention All-Big 12
● Ranked 14th nationally with 100.8 rushing yards per game, with a 82.9 yard increase from 2022, the second-best improvement nationally.
Isaiah Williams, Wide Receiver, Illinois
● Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions
son’s first-year coach James Thompson do in his inaugural season on the Reservation? Can Jon Clements and Springville continue their success using the triple option? Center Point was a playoff team in 6A, what will they do in 5A? Can Shades Valley and Reuben Nelson rebound from being the Tribune’s only non-playoff team last year? Will Jerry Hood continue to do Jerry Hood things at Leeds and be a playoff contender? Can Moody win 10 games for the third consecutive season under Jake Ganus? What does life look like for the Huskies of Hewitt-Trussville and Josh Floyd after Peyton Floyd’s graduation?
Can the Cougars of ClayChalkville defend their 6A state championship under first-year head coach Stuart Floyd?
We will get the answers to these questions and much more during the two-night event.
We have invited each head coach as well as two of their players (to be determined later) to the event to share their thoughts on the season and answer questions from our media members.
The schedule will be as follows: Monday, August 5:
• 5:00-5:30 – Reuben Nelson (Shades Valley High School)
5:45-6:15 – James Thompson (Pinson Valley High School)
6:30-7:00 – Jake Ganus (Moody High School)
• 7:15-7:45 – Stuart Floyd (Clay-Chalkville High School)
Tuesday, August 6:
• 5:00-5:30 – Jon Clements (Springville High School)
• 5:45-6:15 – Jerry Hood (Leeds High School)
6:30-7:00 – George Bates (Center Point High School)
7:15-7:45 – Josh Floyd (Hewitt-Trussville High School)
This event will be live streamed on Facebook.
by:
● Named to 2023 AllBig Ten First Team (coaches and media), All-Big Ten
Honorable Mention as a return specialist and Academic All-Big Ten
● Last season he led the Big Ten in receptions (82), second in receiving yards (1,055), and first in yards after catch (553). Ranked 14th nationally in firstdown receptions (48) and tied for 13th in the nation in total receptions.
Dallin Holker, Tight End, Colorado State
● Signed as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints
● Named All-Mountain West First Team (2023), Unanimous Second Team All-American and First Team Group of Five All-American (Hero Sports)
● Finished last season with 767 yards on 64 receptions and six touchdowns, leading all FBS tight ends in receptions and yardage during the regular season.
Trajan Jeffcoat, Defensive End, Arkansas
● Signed as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints
● Named 2023 Preseason Fourth-Team All-SEC
(Phil Steele)
● Last season started all 12 games at defensive end, making 16 tackles with 8.5 tackles for loss and four sacks
● Led the team with 29 QB pressures and 18 hurries (Pro Football Focus)
Andrew Coker, Offensive Tackle, TCU
● Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Las Vegas Raiders
● Named to 2024 EastWest Shrine Bowl, Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (2022, 2023)
● Started 11 games in the 2023 season (five at left tackle, six at right tackle), missing one game due to injury
● Played 733 snaps, ranking third on the TCU offense, with a season-high 91 snaps in the win at Houston.
Ahmarean Brown, Wide Receiver, South Carolina
● Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cleveland Browns
starts, recording 92 receptions for 1,136 yards and nine touchdowns
Sam Hartman, Quarterback, Notre Dame
● Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Washington Commanders
● Played five seasons at Wake Forest and transferred to Notre Dame
● Threw for 12,967 yards, 110 touchdowns, and 41 interceptions at Wake Forest, and 2,689 yards, 24 TDs, and 8 INTs at Notre Dame
● Holds ACC records for most touchdown passes (134), ranks second in ACC history in passing yards (15,656), and ranks in the top 20 in FBS history for total touchdowns and total yards.
Ethan Driskell, Offensive Tackle, Marshall
● Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs
● 2023 Preseason AllSun Belt Conference Second Team selection by Phil Steele, Athlon, and SBC Coaches
● Played five years of collegiate football, including three at South Carolina and began his career at Georgia Tech. Appeared in 54 career games with 27
● Senior season in 2023, played 13 games at left tackle, allowing 14 QB hurries, 2 hits, and 3 sacks in 909 snaps
Photo
Heath McPherson
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - JUNE 16: Tom Brady talks with head coach Skip Holtz of the Birmingham Stallions after the Stallions beat the San Antonio Brahmas to win the UFL Championship Game at The Dome at America’s Center on June 16, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Scott Rovak/UFL/Getty Images)
