Irondale man pleads guilty to Alabama Attorney General’s office bombing
From Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY, Ala.
– An Irondale man who was accused of detonating an explosive device outside the Alabama Attorney General’s office building earlier this year changed his plea to guilty last Friday, according Springville man charged with assaulting an officer
From Tribune staff reports SPRINGVILLE, Ala.
– A Springville man now faces multiple charges including assaulting a law enforcement officer after deputies attempted to serve him with an active felony warrant, according to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office.
Dental practice opens in Irondale
From Tribune staff reports
IRONDALE, Ala. –
Iron Rose Dental Care, a new full-service, state-ofthe-art family dental practice, opened in Irondale today.
Operated by Gerald Benson, DDS, Maria Kolettis, DMD, and their dental team, the new practice will offer individualized care from routine cleanings and sim-
Trussville woman, 25, faces multiple charges after road rage incident
From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – A Trussville woman is now facing multiple charges after hitting a person that she had been arguing with during an apparent road rage incident with her car on Saturday, according to the Trussville
Rockin’ for Restoration 2024 at The Gateway
Con Huevos Restaurant in Trussville serves authentic Mexican fare with flair
By Donna Cope, Alabama News Center
In the Mexican culture, a meal with family or friends is an experience, a time to savor tasty food made with loving hands while enjoying lively conversation.
Con Huevos Restaurant in Trussville, brings those ideals to the table, with a focus on authentic Mexican food, delicious cocktails and a fun and welcoming atmosphere.
“In Mexico, the food is
New car wash coming to Trussville
By Chris Basinger, Staff Writer
TRUSSVILLE, Ala.
Even more construction trucks are going to be stationed along Chalkville Mountain Rd. in the upcoming months as work on a new car wash gets underway. Located at the site of Trussville’s old Burger King, which burned down in
Pinson Council talks budget, approves paving project
By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
something really important to unite family,” said Daniela Trucios, owner of Con Huevos, which opened in Trussville’s Entertainment District in November 2023. “It is important to go to a place with good service.”
With Trucios’ attention to detail, Con Huevos Restaurant is a popular spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch or an early dinner. The beautiful, festive décor adds to the feel of a real Mexican cantina, but customers are drawn by Con Huevos’ ex-
cellent food and friendly staff.
Con Huevos means “with eggs” in Spanish, but the eatery offers much, much more.
Jessie O’Dell enjoys a meal at Con Huevos almost daily. The Trussville resident said the “quality food” and service that one “doesn’t find anymore” are why he, his teenage son, George, and their friends eat at Con Huevos.
Oneonta resident Alexandra Gutiérrez always or-
ders the chilaquiles verde, Con Huevos’ most popular entrée. Her favorite meal has a sunny-side-up egg, four tortillas with beans, sour cream, cheese, onion and cilantro, topped with either verde (green) or rojo (red) chile sauce.
“It looks like a huge plate, and it has everything – it has protein, grains, vegetables, sauce,” said Trucios, describing Mexico’s No. 1 breakfast entrée. “It is See CON HUEVOS, Page 6
From Tribune staff reports IRONDALE, Ala.
A man who was seen running in and out of traffic on Highway 78 in Irondale early Tuesday morning has died after being transported to a local hospital, according to Irondale Police Department Lt. Jason Hill.
Owner Daniela Trucios’ focus is on serving fresh and authentic Mexican dishes. (Phil Free / Alabama News Center)
Con Huevos’ popular prosciutto toast is deemed a work of art by some guests. (Phil Free / Alabama News Center)
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
Letter to the Editor Where Oh Where Can I Get My
Can you believe another car wash is going in on Chalkville Road where Burger King burned down!! All we need is another car wash…another
oil change…another auto parts place… another you name it when eating establishments are shutting down all around!! What we need are some more family
Car Washed?
type restaurants like IHOP, Shoney’s, and/or mom & pop meat & three “good ol’ eatin’” places! Why can’t our city leaders use proven techniques to attract the
kinds of establishments we need and to discourage those we don’t?
Brice March, Trussville Resident
From Tribune staff reports TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – Residents at Legacy Ridge Trussville are getting tech-savvy through a new partnership with Amazon’s Alexa Smart Properties and Speak2, bringing Alexa-inte-
grated devices to all resident apartments.
The partnership aims to empower residents with greater independence as well as improve connection and access to the internet.
“We’re constantly looking for ways to keep our
residents connected and as independent as possible,” says Charlie Goff, Executive Director of Legacy Ridge at Trussville.
Some of the benefits of the new devices include giving residents access to smart home features, voice activated
calling, and music on demand.
“With Speak2, this technology will not only enhance the convenience and quality of life for our residents but also support our mission to provide an engaging and empowering environment for seniors,” Goff added.
Legacy Ridge at Trussville. Photo courtesy of Abbey Fowler.
L oca L / R egion
the last meeting on July 18 where the council talked extensively about information being shared in city operations.
At that meeting, Councilwoman Clinteshia Irvin asked Mayor Pro-tem Robbie Roberts if he felt that the council was “better prepared,” to which he replied that he did not.
Irvin paraphrased Roberts from a previous budget meeting that he has stated that he wanted to have more financial analysis to determine the exact numbers of the city’s expenses.
“Because we need real numbers,” she said. “And the budget is not going to give us that because it’s a guess or estimate.”
Roberts said that he wanted to look closer at “specific transactions” to see the city’s financial situation more clearly, though he complimented the staff for their progress. Assistant City Clerk Heather Lind said that she and Roberts could schedule a time to review the budget further. “Even if we don’t know the accurate, real numbers we do have a fairly confident estimate of what we’ve spent or received over the last couple of years,” said Councilman Brad Walker.
“And I think we can create a budget confidently because budget is something that you manipulate throughout the year.”
“I mean, some people do it weekly, some people do it monthly, especially if it’s your personal budget.
Some companies do it every month, some companies do it every six months. There’s a process there and it’s always a guess. So, I feel confident that we can guess at what we are going to spend for the next year. And adjust it as necessary.”
During the regular meeting, the council also formally approved a resolution to enter into an intra-governmental agreement with Jefferson County to pave the roads on Elphreth Johnson and Walnut Grove.
The work had been authorized at a previous meeting but the recently approved resolution allows the city to cooperate with the county on roads that divide Pinson and Jefferson County. The overall estimate for the project is $47,972.03.
Dr. Benson said.
ple fillings to restorative and cosmetic services to help patients keep their teeth for life.
“We are excited to be joining the Irondale community to offer high-quality dental services to families and individuals of all ages,”
“Our mission is to provide exceptional experiences to each patient who walks through our doors.”
“Dental health is vital to overall health, so we want to help our patients make the best decisions for their care,” said Dr. Kolettis.
“We plan to educate patients on the importance of
Courtesy of Iron Rose Dental
dental care and encourage them to adopt an ongoing preventative care routine.”
Iron Rose Dental Care is located at 1290 Grants Mill Rd Ste 114 in Irondale.
The office is now accepting new patients.
Appointments can be made by calling 205-3962171 or visiting http://ironrosedentalcare.com/.
James Spann guest speaking at Trussville Chamber Luncheon
From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE, Ala.–Birmingham television mainstay James Spann will be the guest speaker at this month’s Trussville Area Chamber Luncheon sponsored by Massey, Stotser & Nichols, PC.
The long-time ABC 33/40 chief meteorologist will speak at the event on Thursday, Aug. 15 at the Trussville
Civic Center. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. and will be catered by Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux.
It costs $23 cash or $24 credit per person and space is limited.
Attendees can reserve their spots by contacting the chamber.
Reservations are required by Aug. 13 at noon.
Pinson Mayor Pro-Tem Robbie Roberts. Photo by Nathan Prewett.
ABC 33/40 Chief Meteorologist James Spann
to court documents.
26-year-old Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert had been charged with malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device.
In the early hours of Feb. 24, an explosive device was detonated outside Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office in Montgomery.
No one was injured by the explosion and there was no major damage to any buildings.
According to court documents, investigators found footage from a surveillance camera showing a man wearing a dark jacket and a blue face mask with googles walking around the area near the explosion between 2:50 a.m. and 3:43 a.m.
The man, who was later identified as Calvert, was seen placing one of many stickers on the door of the Alabama State Capitol building before walking toward the Attorney General’s office.
According to court documents, the stickers advocated for various political ideologies and included phrases such as “Support your local Antifa,” “Anti-fascism is community self-defense,”
On Sunday at around 1:30 p.m., patrol deputies arrived at a house on Joel Court in Springville to serve a warrant for second-degree domestic violence on Christopher Layfield. According to the sheriff’s office, Layfield hid inside the home with the help of the other occupants be-
Police Department.
At approximately 5:55 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Main Street on a report of a possible road rage incident.
Officers arrived at the Hamilton Place Shell gas station where the two drivers involved in the incident had pulled off into.
“Eat the rich,” “Never work,” and “Friends don’t let friends become cops.”
Antifa, short for anti-fascists, describes a movement rather than a specific organization, which opposes fascism and far-right ideologies.
Self-described members often hold anarchist, communist, and socialist views, and some have used violence in an attempt to advance their goals.
The footage also captured the explosion, which occurred at 3:42 a.m.
The explosive device was made of a coffee container-like vessel which contained insulation material soaked in a flammable substance, a mortar, firecrackers, and nails, making it more lethal.
The security camera footage then showed Calvert leaving the scene and enter-
Christopher Layfield
fore fleeing on foot. While he was attempting to escape, he allegedly
While the drivers were engaged in an argument, officers attempted to approach them.
One of the drivers, later identified as Taiyelor Analece Hill, 25, ignored officers’ commands and attempted to flee the scene.
As she was attempting to escape, Hill’s vehicle struck the other driver involved.
ing a vehicle, which was registered to him.
The FBI also linked Calvert to the man in the video through a review of his social media.
Calvert had posted a picture of him wearing goggles that were similar to the ones seen in the footage as well as a video of himself detailing a set of stickers he had purchased–16 of which were identical to stickers placed around the Attorney General’s office and the Alabama State Capitol.
Calvert was arrested and charged in April.
He could face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine for malicious damage by an explosive.
Calvert could also face 10 years of imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine for the possession of an unregistered destructive device.
assaulted a sheriff’s deputy trying to take him into custody.
Layfield was then arrested on scene without further incident.
In addition to the active warrant, Layfield has been charged with assault of a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, and attempting to elude.
His bond was set at $15,000.
After a brief pursuit, Hill was taken into custody without incident.
The other driver was transported by Trussville Fire and Rescue to an area hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Hill was charged with felony DUI, first-degree assault, and attempting to elude.
She was transported to the Jefferson County Jail, and her bond was set at $45,000.
No arrests have been made in this case, according to TPD Lt. Clint Riner.
corded a young white man with glasses taking a package off of the porch.
The package had reportedly been delivered Wednesday night around 7:30 p.m.
The suspect was then recorded driving off with the package in a sedan.
At approximately 5:10 a.m., Irondale 911 received several calls regarding a while male running through traffic on Highway 78 near Old Leeds Road.
Officers were dispatched to the area and located the subject, who reportedly appeared to be “under the influence or behaving erratically.”
After making contact with the man, officers believed that medical assistance was needed and contacted the Irondale Fire Department for assistance.
“We all expect our homes to be safe and secure,” Riner wrote.
“The Trussville Police Department is dedicated to working with the community to make the City of Trussville a safe and desirable place to live, work, and visit. We diligently strive to
protect lives and property, improve public safety, and deter crime with excellence and integrity.”
Riner also gave some tips to deter package theft including purchasing a locking delivery box, having packages delivered to the back of a residence or out of view of the street, and installing lights and a doorbell camera.
Officers rendered first aid before paramedics arrived and continued treatment. The
was transported to a local area hospital where he was later pro-
Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert
Taiyelor Hill
man
nounced dead. According to city policy, ALEA is investigating the incident.
Photo courtesy of the Irondale Police Department.
A screenshot of the suspect taking the package from the porch of the residence.
A screenshot of the suspect leaving the scene.
Leeds Police searching for suspect in retail theft case
From Tribune staff reports
LEEDS, Ala.–Crime
Stoppers of Metro Alabama
is offering a cash reward of up to $5,000 for tips that lead to the arrest in a suspected retail theft in Leeds.
According to a report filed with the Leeds Police Department, the theft occurred on Aug. 2 in the 6200 block of Grand River Blvd.
Detectives have obtained photos from a video surveillance camera and are asking the public for assistance identifying the person shown.
Anyone with information about this individual can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling (205) 254-7777.
Jefferson County Coroner searching for families of 2 men
From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –
The Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office is asking the public for help in finding the families of two men who recently died in Birmingham–Lee Campbell Lewis and George Alton Walker.
Lee Campbell Lewis, 56, died on Aug. 1 at Oak Knoll Health and Rehabilitation where he was a tenant.
Lewis was under the care of Expert Care Hospice and reportedly died of natural causes.
He is believed to originally be from Longview, Texas but also has previous addresses listed in Pelham, Hoover, Alabaster, Vestavia, Ashville, Shelby, Indian Springs, Wilsonville, Harpersville, Nashville, Tenn., and Centerville, Ga. George Alton Walker, 47, was found dead on Aug. 2 on the sidewalk across the street from Birmingham Fire Station #1.
There was reportedly no evidence of trauma or foul play.
Walker had listed multiple home addresses in Anniston dating back to 1998. Anyone with knowledge of the men’s families can call the JCCMEO at (205) 930-3603.
2 men arrested in Leeds charged with possession of burglary tools
From Tribune staff reports
LEEDS, Ala. – Two Birmingham men were arrested in Leeds last week after detectives found an array of burglary tools in their vehicle, according to the Leeds Police Department.
On July 30 at approximately 10:11 p.m., detectives with Leeds PD’s Special Investigations Unit observed a vehicle with its headlights and taillights off exit from behind a closed business at the 7300 block of Parkway Drive.
After stopping the vehicle, detectives identified the driver as Kenneth Lamont Crawford and the passenger of Ahmad Jamal McMillan.
According to police, McMillan initially attempted to provide detectives with an alias.
Inside the vehicle, detectives located ski masks, gloves, bolt cutters, an angle grinder, narcotics, and a stolen handgun.
The men were arrested without incident.
Crawford was charged with possession of burglary tools, certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm, second-degree receiving stolen property, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and illegal possession of a prescription medication.
He is currently housed in the Jefferson County Jail with a total bond of $55,300.
McMillan was charged with possession of burglary tools, certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm, obstructing justice using a false identity, second-de-
Both Crawford and McMillan are forbidden to possess a firearm based on their lengthy prior criminal convictions, according to police.
gree receiving stolen property, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and illegal possession of a prescription medication. McMillan is also currently housed in the Jefferson County Jail and has a total bond of $70,300.
“I am very proud of our officers,” Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin said.
“I am excited because identifying suspects who are going to great lengths to commits crimes allows us to identify these individuals from crimes in our city or other jurisdictions which will lead to further prosecutions. Hopefully, we will be able to assist others by sharing these photos.”
Shelby County man killed in Irondale crash
From Tribune staff reports
IRONDALE, Ala. –
A single-vehicle crash in Irondale that occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2, has claimed the life of a Vincent man, according to Corporal Reginal M. King of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
“Kevin L. Bowers, 52, was fatally injured when the 1998 Ford F-150 he was driving left the roadway, struck a ditch and several trees before overturning,” King said. “Bowers was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was ejected. Bowers was located in a nearby small body of water on Saturday Aug. 3, and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
The crash occurred on Interstate 459 near the 29 mile marker, within the city limits of Irondale, in Jefferson County. No further information is available as troopers with the ALEA Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
Turn ordinary into Extraordinary . Natural Gas
Lee Campbell Lewis (left )and George Alton Walker (right).
The person captured by video surveillance. Photos via Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama.
Con Huevos
From front page a complete meal.”
“It is so-o-o good,” said Gutiérrez, an Alabama-licensed aesthetician who drives 30 miles for the tasty meal.
Peter Reich indulges in avocado toast several times a week. Reich said the dish is a work of art: Fresh avocado, along with prosciutto fashioned into four “roses,” is topped on pillowy-soft brioche bread with cream cheese and tomatoes.
Reich is bowled over by the food’s quality and the presentation: “Every single element of the avocado toast is done with excellence. It’s fresh; it’s incredibly healthy. Even the bread has a unique flavor.
“They know what separates them from every other Latin American restaurant, and they work in that lane,” said Reich, co-owner of Trussville’s oldest company.
“There are many Latin and South American restaurants,” he said. “But this one is unique in that it is the most similar to the Mexican restaurants I have been to in Mexico. The uniqueness is they are excellent in everything they do; the dishes you find here, you won’t find in any other Mexican restaurant in town; it concentrates on breakfast and lunch; it is privately held by a family, and it is personal to them. It’s not a company-owned or corporately owned place.”
Focus is on freshness
Trucios combines traditional Mexican flavors with innovative twists. The staff of eight creates a culinary journey that delights the palate and awakens the senses.
The goal is to deliver a food experience that prepares customers to greet their day.
“I think the quality of the food is really important, and your humor, the way that you can start your day,” Trucios said. She and her “right-hand man,” Chef Jorge Fuentes, are deter-
mined to make the tastiest, authentic Mexican meals.
“We believe food has the power to convey emotions and experiences, and we share our passion for Mexican cuisine with our customers,” Trucios said. Because only the freshest ingredients are used, Con Huevos does not have a freezer. Many ingredients are shipped from Mexico.
“We don’t use freezers because we don’t like frozen food, and we don’t use anything from a box,” Trucios said. “The spicy rubs … everything is made here. Our cocktails are made with natural fruit juices freshly squeezed every single morning.”
“Every dish is made inhouse, including the mole sauce, which has 30 different ingredients,” she added. Trucios’ proprietary recipe includes ancho, chipotle and guajillo chiles, along with her own special ingredients.
“Our tomato sauce and our tomatillo sauce – everything is freshly made here.”
The BLT huevos Benedict includes two poached eggs on toasted ciabatta bread with bacon, lettuce and tomato. Guests can custom order an omelette with ham, bacon or chorizo, along with peppers, onion and tomato. The favorite huevos rancheros comes with two eggs and two tortillas, ham, beans, cheese and salsa.
Offerings include authentic enchilada dishes, made with verde or rojo sauce and sour cream, fresco cheese, onion and avocado, along with one’s choice of flank, ground beef, chicken or eggs.
Five varieties of tortas, or Mexican sandwiches, are featured on house-made bread. Guests select from their choice of protein –eggs, spicy Mexican chorizo sausage, ham, prosciutto or regular sausage – with toppings of beans, tomato, avocado and onion.
The kids’ menu – fried
The Trussville Tribune
sausages with rice and beans or hard-boiled egg decorated with fruit and bacon –pleases youngsters. Fresh juice, tea or soft drinks are available.
Edible, organic pansies and orchid blooms adorn several meals and the “bird’s nest” dessert with seasonal fruit and fresh whipped cream. “Our signature is edible flowers,” Trucios said.
With more than 25 drinks on the menu, customers have several Mexican cocktails at their fingertips. Most popular is the Bloody Maria, whose smoky-tasting mezcal from Mexican agave replaces vodka. Trucios calls the drink “middle-range spicy.”
These food and drink options make Con Huevos more than an eatery: It is an experience.
“The food at Con Huevos is nothing short of spectacular,” said Dr. Dalton Norwood, UAB research scientist – Division of Preventive Medicine.
Making an authentic Mexican eatery in Trussville Trucios and her husband, Anthony, have lived in Trussville for six years, after moving from Missouri.
From the start, they rare-
ly found authentic Mexican fare, especially breakfast. The couple, who have been married for 11 years, enjoy dining out with their four children but found themselves limited to Tex-Mex cuisine.
“I was trying to figure out how all these restaurants sell Mexican food that is not Mexican,” she said, with a laugh. “I always cook at home, and we started having guests, some friends. They liked my cooking skills. So, everybody went like, ‘You need to open a restaurant.’”
Those positive comments sparked Trucios’ desire to open a restaurant. She formerly worked for Alsea, a Mexican multibrand restaurant operator based in Mexico City that has franchises throughout Mexico, South America and Europe.
“I got a lot of experience at Alsea, with the marketing, the processes and the hospitality. And I really like to cook. I started to notice that I can communicate through the food, because my English is still pretty bad,” Trucios said, with a chuckle. “When I was trying to communicate something, it was really difficult for me. So, the food is the best way to do it.”
While looking for restaurant space in their community, the couple found an available building at Trussville’s Entertainment District. The historic building formerly housed a pizza place, a women’s clothing store and a kids’ karate studio.
Trucios spent months retrofitting the building. She installed a commercial kitchen and had the concrete floors polished and painted. While removing the drop-tile ceiling, Trucios was amazed to find Spanish-style wood vigas, an architectural feature seen in New Mexico. Their choice of building seemed “meant to be.”
The walls are a stunning visual treat covered by a mural with jewel-toned hummingbirds, tropical flowers, cactus and an ancient Aztec pup, called a xolo (pronounced “show-low”).
Wanting the space to express the beauty of Mexico “in every single way,” Trucios contracted the painting of the mural by Meiz, a renowned Mexican artist whose works are shown in Europe and the U.S. Meiz spent a month painting the colorful scene and shipped the artwork in four pieces, which Trucios assembled.
She designed the dining room to have elegance and Mexican flair, with 20 black-tablecloth-covered wooden tables, where meals are served on festive, hand-painted plates. She bought the colorful, hand-embroidered fabric on her sturdy chairs in Mexico. These special touches add to the atmosphere of joy that permeates Con Huevos.
“I am really happy when I see people taking pictures of my food,” Trucios said, her eyes brimming with happiness. “They make these joyful faces when they are getting some food. I love that.”
“I am really proud of my roots, and I am trying to show what is really Mexico, because the idea of Mexico here is really a distortion. We are hard-working people; we are honest people. We are trying to bring some happiness through our food and our service.”
‘The perfect way to start your day’ Con Huevos staff welcome guests warmly and with a smile – gestures that draw in customers over and over again.
O’Dell, who dines at Con Huevos several times a week, said, “It’s a restaurant in town that takes pride in not only its food, but the presentation of all of it. I think that’s important. The wait staff takes the time to explain to you what everything is, so you understand it.”
Con Huevos is the outward expression of Trucios’ desire to provide a welcoming and enjoyable experience for every customer.
“I am all about quality,” Trucios said. “We cook with passion, with love, with the intention to make people happy. When you have a good meal in your tummy, you can be happy the rest of the day. We love Trussville; we love our neighbors. We are here to bring some real, traditional Mexican food, and we are happy to be here.”
Trucios and Con Huevos staff see every customer as family, and welcome guests with a smile and a helpful attitude. (Phil Free / Alabama News Center)
L ifesty L e
How To Enjoy (and survive) Pickleball
By Ken Lass Lass But Not Least
Well, that didn’t take long. I just started playing pickleball, and already I have my first injury. I’m not sure whether to be embarrassed, or to wear it as a badge of honor.
As you may know, pickleball has been growing like wildfire in popularity in recent decades, particularly among old people. I’ll let you define that demographic any way you like. Seems all of my friends are playing it, so I decided to give it a try, and immediately became addicted. However, the trick to enjoying pickleball is to survive it. I learned this the hard way. It was about my fourth time playing at the Trussville Civic Center when, apparently under the illusion I was playing for the gold medal in the Summer Olympics, I made a diving lunge at a ball and felt a pop in my left calf muscle. I knew immediately
what it was. I remembered it from my softball days, after hitting a pitch and making that first, sudden, lunging stride toward first base. The next day I limped into my doctor’s examining room and she flashed a broad smile and told me pickleball is keeping doctors busy. She’s not wrong. One study shows that pickleball-related injuries have increased 200 percent in the last twenty years. Sprained ankles, pulled hamstrings, tennis elbow (now renamed pickleball elbow of course), hip, heel and arch injuries, doctors are seeing them all. Especially on relics like me. 85 percent of reported pickleball injuries happen to people over the age of sixty.
One article I read informed me that calf injuries such as mine can be avoided by adding certain stretching exercises to my warm-up routine. Oh, wait. I’m supposed to have a warm-up routine? Well, that could ex-
plain a lot. The only part of my body that gets warmed up before playing is my mouth, as I yak with my friends before taking the court. Sometimes we hit a few volleys and serves before beginning a game, but usually one of us will quickly say “well, we’re not going to get any better”, and off we go to start playing.
And about actually playing, one must learn the proper positioning and strategy on the court. For example, when your opponent hits a shot that requires you to move sharply to reach it, the proper form is to lift your paddle and your free hand into the air in front of you, make a clapping gesture, and utter the words “good shot”. Then slowly walk to retrieve the ball and begin the next point. This strategy will not help you win the game, but it will help you avoid limping into your doctor’s examining room the next day.
I’m told it is also helpful
to learn the proper way to fall. Because, chances are, sooner or later, you will fall. It often happens when your opponent loops a ball high over your head, and you, still believing you are twenty-five years old, start backpedaling to set yourself up for that incredible overhead smash you used to make on the tennis court fifty years ago. Only now your feet get tangled up, you lose your balance, and start flailing around like one of those inflatable tube dancers, as you crash to the floor. The key, according to experts, is to try to fall on your side, not your back. This way, your head is less likely to hit the floor, and your arms and wrists are less susceptible to injury because you didn’t have to use them to break your fall. This will be helpful when you use your arms and hands to read a book and operate the TV remote control from your sofa, as you recover from the sore hip you got from falling
on your side. If you are new to the game, it will not be unusual to experience pain and tightness in your paddle arm. This is due to the pressure exerted on your deltoid and shoulder muscles from the repetitive motion of throwing your paddle into the bleachers after losing yet another game. The arm soreness will heal with simple rest. The damage to the bleachers will have to be settled up with your local Park & Rec department.
Good shoes are important. A pair of reinforced
court shoes are recommended. These will hold up to the punishment from kicking your ball across the court after yet again blowing that easy shot. Make sure the shoes are not laced up too snugly, so as not to irritate your blisters.
Shortly after you begin playing you will want to buy a roomy pickleball bag. You’ll need this to store your paddle, balls, wrist band, wallet, watch, keys, muscle pain cream, health insurance card, and phone numbers of next of kin.
Okay, perhaps I exaggerate a bit. Really, I can see why the sport is growing so fast. Pickleball is truly great fun and fellowship and a good way to get some exercise. I can’t wait for my leg to heal so I can get back out on the court. This time I’m going to take it easy. It’s just a game. At least, that’s what my friends kept telling me as they carried me out of the gym.
A Letter to Marigold’s Previous Owner
By Sean Dietrich, Sean of the South Commentary
To the dog abuser in rural Mississippi. The hound you left chained behind the tire shop is with us now. Her name is Marigold. We got her a few years ago.
You beat Marigold so hard she went totally blind. She wasn’t even two years old. And you blinded her. I can’t imagine what she did to make you so mad. She is a gentle dog. Painfully gentle. Plus, she can’t weigh more than twenty-five pounds.
I can only assume that you were not in your right mind.
She had one eye removed, one eyelid stitched shut. The other eyeball is just for show. It doesn’t work, the iris is bloodred and vacant. But it’s a beautiful eye.
Because, you see, she is a beautiful girl.
It’s taken a few years to relearn how to get around. She bumped into furniture, she walked headfirst into walls. She uses her nose to lead her. She is a professional now.
Being blind is still brand new for her. And it’s a fulltime job. She is constantly working, constantly trying to map out her new world. Constantly deciphering new smells. Constantly trying to determine whether a nearby sound is friendly or otherwise.
She walks with a careful gait. Often, she high-steps,
like she’s walking through quicksand. Other times she tests every step, like she’s on a tightrope. It took a while to relearn stairs. She tripped over curbs. She fell over thresholds. She needed help finding her food bowl sometimes. She loves toilet water. But I don’t want you feeling sorry for her. I don’t know if you are capable of such feelings. I just want you to know what you did to her. You made her afraid. She cowers at booming noises. Probably because she can’t
see what’s making the noise. Benign objects, such as, for example, vacuum cleaners, sound like monsters. The sound of a garbage disposal is like a nuclear weapon.
I still find myself inspecting her wounded eyes. I find myself wishing she could see me.
I wish she knew how much I care about her. I hate that the last image her brain will ever remember is the image of you attempting to smash her head in. She is a lovely girl. Pure-
bred coonhound. Her ears are long. Her body, like a pixie. Her muscles, long and lean. When she gets excited, she opens her mouth and bays. It’s not a bark. It’s a hound sound. Maybe the most lovely song on earth. The sound of her ancestry. She comes from a proud lineage of scent hounds. The quintessential American hunter. I took her to a public place yesterday. I wish you could have seen what happened.
People kept asking if they could touch her. Lots of people. She was an instant celebrity. Everyone fell in love with Marigold, although she could not see them. A small crowd actually stood in line to touch her. They all lingered near and waited their turn. Four or five little kids got their pictures made with her. That’s how incredible this animal is. The animal
you almost broke. She is one in a trillion. No, one in an octillion. One in an infinity. When she falls asleep in my arms, sometimes I weep thinking of how grateful I am to know her. She is, perhaps, one of the bravest creatures I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I’m only sad that you didn’t see it. Perhaps it is not Marigold who is blind.
Ken Lass, Tribune columnist
o bitua R y
Carline Tucker Devenyns
april 25, 1931 — july 27, 2024
Carline T. Devenyns, 93, of Moody, AL went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 27, 2024. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend. She will be greatly missed.
Carline is survived by her daughter, Cheryl (Daryl) Ellis, son, Brad (Sheri) Winnett, grandchildren, Joshua (Sachi) Winnett, Amy (Thomas) Bagby, Crystal Wilson and Philip Trocola, great grandchildren, Andrew Trocola and Hailey Wilson, cousin, Joan Kopp, caregiver, Melody Blackwell, nieces, nephews and friends.
She is preceded in death by her first husband, James R. Winnett, second husband, Howard C. Devenyns Jr., son Derrick Winnett, her parents and three sisters.
Carline loved Jesus, her Lord and Savior, her family, friends, square dancing, Alabama football and playing Penny Poker with her family.
Audie Barrett
may 23, 1931 — august 1, 2024
Audie M. Barrett, 93, passed away on August 1, 2024 in Birmingham, AL. Audie is survived by her sister Devon Stewart and a host of nieces and nephews.
Audie worked for the State Employment Office for over 30 years
Audie enjoyed going to church, music, traveling, doing puzzles and reading. Some of the family’s fondest memories of Audie are her ability to ask the craziest questions at family gatherings. And, Audie will always be remembered for her orange goop.
Audie will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, as a cancer survivor, Audie has requested that donations be made to UAB Cancer research address WTI 210, 1720 2nd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35294.
Marjorie Jane Tipton Bailey
april 17, 1928 — august 1, 2024
Funeral Services for Mrs. Marjorie Jane Tipton Bailey, age 96 of Trussville, will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home with her friends and family officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining gardens.
Marjorie Jane Tipton Bailey stepped into her Heavenly Home on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Born on April 17, 1928, she was 96 years old and had lived a long, good life. Marjorie lived her teen years in Blount County where she met her husband, Jay Bailey, Jr. They eventually made their home in Trussville. Marjorie was retired from Amsouth Bank, the Irondale Branch. She and Jay had been a part of West Woodlawn Baptist Church in their early years in Birmingham but had moved their membership to 85th Baptist Church (now Deerfoot Baptist), where she was a faithful member for over 60 years. In earlier days Marjorie had enjoyed cooking, sewing and she spent hours reading her Bible and many devotion books.
She leaves behind 3 sons, Carl (Nancy) of Oneonta, Charles (Donna) of Trussville and Paul (Cheryl) of Cullman, 4 grandchildren, Clair (Steve) Shoemaker of Vestavia, Chad (Alison) Bailey of Vestavia, Samantha Bailey of Atlanta and Jade Bailey of Washington, D.C. and 3 great-granddaughters. She is also survived by one of her 6 siblings, Phyllis Smith of Wetumpka.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Jay Bailey, Jr., 1 brother and 4 sisters.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. until service time at 11:00 A.M. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Big Oak Ranch or St. Jude Hospital. The family gives our utmost appreciation to Kelley Self and her staff at Peachtree Assisted Living in Trussville where Marjorie resided. Also, to Michele at ACG Hospice and staff. Thank you for your excellent care and love.
AskEddie
What is an Honorarium and Why Does it Matter?
An honorarium is a monetary token of appreciation given to someone who has provided a service without charge. Typically, honorariums can be cash or check and it is traditional to include a hand-written thank you note alongside the specified amount.
Honorariums are commonly offered to the officiant or clergy member who conducts a funeral service. However, soloists or musicians who perform at the funeral may also receive an honorarium as well. The amount typically ranges from $100 to $300 for officiants, depending on the complexity and length of the service. Musicians or soloists generally receive between $50 to $100, but the exact payment can vary based on the specific services rendered and specialized requests.
Offering an honorarium acknowledges the time, effort, and meaningful contribution of these individuals in creating a respectful and memorable farewell for the deceased.
Carolyn “Carol” White
august 16, 1947 — august 1, 2024
Funeral Services for Mrs. Carolyn “Carol” White, age 76 of Locust Fork, will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home with Pastor Cam Price officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining gardens.
Mrs. White passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at her home. Born in Alabama, she was a truck driver for many years and worked at Bevill State Community College as a Driving Instructor for several years. Mrs. White helped establish the first CDL Certification Institute in Montgomery and was the first female truck driver at 5 different companies throughout her life.
She loved making floral arrangements and baking cookies for her family. Her and her husband, Fred, enjoyed traveling together from visiting the lower 48 states, Canada and Mexico. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother that will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Fred A. White, seven children, Dale (Donna) Owens, Randy (Cheryl) Owens, Terry (Cindy) Owens, Cherrie (Mike) Trammell, Carrie (Keith) Noles, Cathy Carden and Cindy Crawford, 19 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, her brother, Ronal Wilcutt and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, J.C. and Letha Wilcutt, her brother, Coy Wilcutt, two sisters, Wanda Sanders and Doris Nerud and three great-grandsons, Tanner Johnson, Connor Johnson and Brantley Tucker.
Her grandsons will serve as active pallbearers.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and service time at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday.
Donald Markus
march 21, 1932 — july 29, 2024
Donald Andrew Markus, known as Don, was born on March 21, 1932, in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. He passed away peacefully on July 29th, 2024.
Don was the last surviving member of St. Gregory’s High School, where he graduated in 1950. Following high school, he joined the Navy in 1951, serving as a Radar Equipment Foreman 2nd Class on the USS Lowry during the Korean War. During his service, he had the unique experience of sailing around the world twice.
After completing his military service, Don pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma City University in 1959. His professional career began with Champlin Oil Company, which led him from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Birmingham, Alabama, in 1969.
In 1977, Don transitioned into real estate, starting with Garner and Grabowski in Huffman, Alabama, and eventually moving to Remax Realty, where he dedicated the remainder of his career.
Don was a devout member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Huffman until 2019 when he moved to the Robert L. Howard Veterans Home and began attending Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Pell City, Alabama.
Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha Markus. He is survived by his sons, Andrew (spouse Barbara, grandchildren Patrick, Erin, and Nick) and Matt (spouse Jodi, grandchildren Avery, Emily and Keith), and his daughter, Karen Key (spouse Jason, grandchildren Jared and Jacob).
Don was a devoted husband and father. He cherished his wife Martha, loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, and enjoyed watching classic movies, especially war movies and westerns. Don’s life was a testament to his dedication to his family, his country, and his community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Visitation was set for 2:00 on Thursday, August 1st at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in Trussville. In lieu of flowers,
Eddie Seal, General Manager
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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
● Yarn Manglers: Thursday Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. - Knitters and crocheters, join us for fellowship and creativity!
● Garden Work Day: Monday, Aug. 12 at 9 a.m. - Help keep our butterfly garden healthy and happy!
sports
Tribune Sports LIVE! runs Massey simulation for 2024 high school football season
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor and Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
The Trussville Tribune’s Tribune Sports LIVE! editors were given the opportunity to use Kenneth Massey’s Massey Method to simulate the 2024 high school football season.
Tribune Sports LIVE! applied the Massey Rating system to the schedules of all eight teams in the Tribune’s coverage area ahead of the Tribune’s media days next week.
Massey, a professor at Carson-Newman, created his formula in 1997 while attending Bluefield College.
After being used as one of six computer programs in the NCAA’s Bowl Championship Series, his formula
gained national attention. His method uses statistical modeling to assess the relative strength of teams based on their performance against opponents. The rating considers various factors to provide a comprehensive ranking and becomes more accurate as the season progresses. The system primarily uses game outcomes, scores from previous games, schedule strength, home-field advantage, and iterations (refining algorithms).
While studies have shown that the system is accurate 70-75% of the time, it does, as all computer modeling, have limitations such as not accounting for real-life variables, teams not always performing up to their potential or performing above
it, margins of victory over opponents, and comparative performance, to name a few.
With all the “fine print” out of the way, it is time to unveil the 2024 regular season simulated results:
• Hewitt-Trussville: 8-2, 5-2
J.A.G. 42-7
• Gadsden City 41-14
• Vestavia 24-28
• Hoover 31-24
Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa 3421
• Pinson 41-14 Thompson 17-36 Prattville 41-14
• Oak Mountain 44-13
• @ Tuscaloosa Co. 42-14
Clay-Chalkville: 8-2, 6-0
• Hueytown 40-20
• Ramsay 35-20
• Pell City 42-7
Shades Valley 41-7
Thompson 14-34
• Mountain Brook 34-21
• Huffman 48-6
Oxford 37-17
• Pinson 40-14
• Vestavia 22-28
• Center Point: 8-2, 4-2
Bessemer City 28-21
• Fultondale 41-8
• Lincoln 42-14
Jacksonville 27-32
• St. Clair County 40-7
• J.A.G. 27-24
• Moody 28-25
Leeds 21-24
• Springville 35-14
• Woodlawn 41-13
• Leeds: 8-2, 5-1
Mortimer Jordan 28-27
• Shades Valley 28-23
• Springville 31-14
Lincoln 35-7
• Jacksonville 28-27
• Briarwood 14-28
• St. Clair County 42-7 Moody 24-27
Center Point 24-21
• Pelham 21-20
• Moody: 5-5, 5-1 Gainesville, GA 14-42
• Oxford 14-35
• Jacksonville 29-28 St. Clair County 40-7
Helena 20-37
• Auburn 10-42
• Center Point 25-28
Leeds 27-24
• Springville 35-18
• Lincoln 42-14
• Shades Valley: 4-5, 2-4 Woodlawn 41-14
• Leeds 23-28
• Oxford 14-36
Clay-Chalkville 7-41 Pinson 21-31
• Cherokee Co. 28-26
• Huffman 40-14
Pell City 31-23
• Mountain Brook 13-41
• Springville: 4-6, 1-5
• Ashville 42-14 Fairview 23-30
Leeds 14-31
• Alma Bryant 21-28
• Lincoln 28-20 Jacksonville 20-38
• St. Clair County 35-14
• Moody 18-35 Center Point 14-35
Corner 32-27
• Pinson Valley: 3-7, 3-3
• Central – Phenix City 7-42
• Gardendale 27-28
• Huffman 42-7
• Oxford 21-32
Shades Valley 31-21
• Hewitt 14-41
• Mountain Brook 14-32
Pell City 35-14 Clay-Chalkville 14-40
• Hueytown 21-31
Massey Ratings can be found at https://masseyratings.com
On3 can be found at https://www.on3.com
Massey Ratings. Photo credit: Massey
Impressive records for area football coaches
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
The eight head football coaches in the Tribune’s Tribune Sports LIVE! coverage area have a wealth of experience, wins, and championships.
Josh Floyd: HewittTrussville, Stuart Floyd: Clay-Chalkville, Jerry Hood: Leeds, Rueben Nelson: Shades Valley, George Bates: Center Point, James Thompson: Pinson, and Jon Clements: Springville have coached nearly 1,000 games and hold a 632-333-1 record. Floyd of Hewitt is the only coach with a tie on his record.
The group has compiled 22 regional titles among them.
Floyd, Hood, Nelson, and Thompson have taken their teams to 11 state
championship games. Floyd, Hood, and Nelson have combined for six state titles. Floyd won four in Arkansas with Shiloh Christian, Hood won one while at Clay-Chalkville, and Nelson won one at Ramsay.
The collection of coaches has a combined 82 seasons of head coaching experience, 63 seasons of making the playoffs, coached in 142 playoff games, and compiled 89 playoff wins. Floyd leads the group with 35 playoff victories. Hood has won 23, and Nelson 17. Floyd has 20 years of head coaching experience, while Hood and Nelson have 18. Bates has a dozen, Thompson has six, Clements has five, Ganus has two, and Stuart Floyd has one year under his belt.
2024 Media Days a success
From Tribune staff reports
Tribune Sports LIVE!’s 2024 Media Days was a success. The Trussville Tribune streamed over four hours of interviews over two evenings.
Sports Editors John Goolsby and Johnny Sanders conducted eight interviews in studio, which garnered over 25,000 views on the Tribune’s Facebook page alone.
Shades Valley head coach Rueben Nelson kicked off Monday night’s show by talking about his Mountie program as he enters his fourth year at Valley.
Jerry Hood of Leeds brought running back ZJ Dale, defensive back Reece Bittner, and Greenwave offensive coordinator Jeremiah Millington.
New Pinson Valley head coach James Thompson brought center Gabe Lando and defensive end Jamaricus Thomas.
Third-year Moody head coach Jake Ganus brought quarterback Chalie Johnston, a Georgia Southern commit, defensive back Sydney Walton, a Tennessee commit, and defensive coordinator Brandon Campbell.
Clay-Chalkville, the defending 6A state champions, closed out the evening. First-year head coach Stuart Floyd brought wide receiver Marlon Compton, defensive lineman Junior Cole, and defensive coordinator Jake Helveston.
Jon Clements of Springville got things started Tuesday evening. Clements brought senior quarterback Jake Connor and lineman Talan Swallows.
George Bates was next up with All-State player and Austin Peay commit Deon Moore, lineman Willie Kimble, Jr., and offensive coordinator Geoff Walker.
The Hewltt-Trussville Huskies wrapped up the interviews. Head coach Josh
Floyd brought wide receiver Jacob Serena, defensive back Michael Igbinoghene, and defensive coordinator
or
Hoover High School places coaches Drew Gilmer, Adam Helms on leave
From Tribune staff reports
HOOVER — Hoover City School Superintendent Kevin Maddox placed Hoover High School football head coach Drew Gilmer and defensive coordinator Adam Helms on administrative leave on Tuesday, according to multiple media reports
A press release from Maddox was circulated on Tuesday afternoon.
The press release stated the two had been placed on immediate leave.
“The decision to place these two athletic coaches, Mr. Gilmer and Mr. Helms, on administrative leave
was made to ensure a thorough and impartial review of recent developments,” according to the statement.
“The district is committed to maintaining transparency and upholding the highest standards or professional conduct.”
While the statement did not offer specifics, Maddox said the well being of students and staff was a top priority and the matter was being taken seriously. He said he would work diligently for a fair and prompt resolution.
Video from a Hoover Buc practice show coaches hitting and pulling the helmets off of players during
a practice. After one play, a coach charged in and leveled a lineman, ripping off his helmet in the process.
Following another play, two coaches converged on a player on the ground. One of the coaches appeared to thrust his crotch in the player’s face as another coached pulled off the player’s helmet. Maddox said students, parents and staff would be kept updated on the investigation.
Gilmer was the 6A state championship coach of the Clay-Chalkville High School Cougars before taking over the Hoover program last Spring.
Sean Talsma. All eight interviews can be seen on the Tribune’s website
Facebook page.
Trib Sports
Tribune Sports LIVE! Media Days
Clay Chalkville's Drew Gilmer looks on as his team wins the 2023 State Championship. Photo by: Ron Burkett
