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By Kim Chandler Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Medical officials on Friday pleaded with people to forgo Christmas parties and large gatherings as the state faces a record-setting surge in COVID-19 cases that looks to only get worse. See GATHERINGS, Page 10
Unprecedented conditions impact local schools and students By Erica Thomas, managing editor
ASHVILLE — School systems across the United States have gone back and forth from traditional, inclass learning to online classes since the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. See COVID AND SCHOOLS, Page 4
Clay City Hall lobby closed due to coronavirus complications and concerns
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Husky Girls Unbeaten
Timecapsule Unearthed
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50 Cents
2020 Trussville Tribune’s Person of the Year: Center Point High School Principal Van Phillips
2 charged with attempted murder of Trussville Police officer From The Tribune staff reports
a positive impact on the community. “The coronavirus has been the story of 2020, no doubt,” said Buttram. “But even in these trying times, two groups of everyday people have distinguished themselves as true American heroes: healthcare workers and educators. Without them, we could not heal and we could not return to any sense of normalcy. ” Throughout his years in education, Phillips has faced many challenges and has continued to conquer many obstacles. He is the voice of reason and truth for those around him and has changed lives. “Van has impacted thousands of lives in a positive way,” Buttram continued. “Jobs that most see as a bad career move, Van sees as a challenge.
By Erica Thomas, managing editor
CENTER POINT — The 2020 Trussville Tribune’s Person of the Year is Center Point High School Principal Van Phillips. Each year, The Trussville Tribune names one outstanding person to take the title of Person of the Year. The person inspires others and embodies what was important about the year. The year of 2020 will forever go down in history as the year of a pandemic, national unrest, the murder hornet and a toilet paper shortage. But as we all continue to move forward, we can be inspired by the actions of Van Phillips. Tribune Publisher Scott Buttram said when considered who would be the Person of the Year, he wanted it to be someone who has made
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www.TrussvilleTribune.com
December 16 - 22, 2020 Jefferson County Health Officer: Please skip holiday gatherings as virus surges
WED THU
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville Police Department arrested two people after a shoplifting case turned into a near-death experience for one officer. See TWO CHARGED, Page 3
Multiple Margaret residents report missing FedEx packages From The Tribune staff reports
MARGARET — With the holiday season upon us, some residents in Margaret are reporting issues with packages scheduled for delivery with FedEx.
See PERSON OF THE YEAR, Page 6
Springville PD and Senior Center teaming up to deliver groceries to elderly
See FEDEX, Page 7
Pinson’s Turner awarded Clerk of the Year From The Tribune staff reports
CLAY — The lobby at Clay City Hall will be closed until further notice due to COVID-19 complications and concerns.
PINSON — The Alabama Association of Municipal Clerks and Administrators recently awarded its “Clerk of the Year” designation to Pinson City Clerk Marie Turner. Clerks are nominated for this award by their peers and are evaluated in five major categories.
See CLAY CITY HALL, Page 7
See CLERK OF THE YEAR, Page 7
From The Tribune staff reports
Hwy 11 widening project update for Trussville: work is out for bid By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — It won’t be long before construction begins on Highway 11, from Chalkville Road to Parkway Drive, in Trussville. See HWY 11 WIDENING, Page 7
Springville Police Officer Maggie Milazzo delivers groceries to Verlie McBrayer on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. By Erica Thomas, managing editor
SPRINGVILLE — A new program aimed at assisting the elderly community in Springville, kicked off on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. The grocery delivery program is possible through a partnership with the Springville Police Department and the Springville Senior Center. Senior Center Director Brenda Weimer has worked to connect the police department
with those in need. The police department then visits the recipient to get money, then picks up the groceries already bagged by Burton’s Food Store, and delivers them to the home of the recipient. “I think it’s great because we have seniors that are at home and can’t drive or get out because they can’t see their loved ones right now,” Weimer said. The first recipient of grocery delivery was Verlie McBrayer. She has lived in Springville for
over 30 years. McBrayer hasn’t been able to see family because of COVID-19. She was thankful to hear of the grocery delivery program, after undergoing shoulder surgery. “Oh it means a lot,” said McBrayer. “It gives me a feeling of independence from my neighbors and children. I really appreciate it.” McBrayer said she hopes more seniors hear about this program so they can get the help they need. Springville Police Officer Maggie Milazzo said it is rewarding to give back and help seniors in the community.
“I think it means a lot to all of us,” said Milazzo. “It helps us to connect with our senior citizens and it helps us put eyes on them often enough to know that they’re living well, doing good and that people are checking on them.” The grocery delivery program will be available as long as the police department is able to handle the demand. Cash, check and cards, including EBT cards, are accepted. For grocery delivery, seniors 60 or older who live in the city limits of Springville, can call the Springville Senior Center at (205) 467-6022.
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Jason Gaston named Trussville City School’s new Public Relations Supervisor From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — Trussville City Schools is hoping to improve communications with the public with a newly hired Public Relations Supervisor. See PUBLIC RELATIONS, Page 2
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Trussville Tribune 190 Main Street Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664 Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com Erica Thomas, Managing Editor news@trussvilletribune.com Erik Harris, Sports Editor erik.harris@trussvilletribune.com SALES STAFF Ryan Jennings, Director of Advertising & Sales Shari Moore, Account Executive Meredith White, Account Executive Lauren Taylor, Traffic Coordinator OFFICE MANAGER Jana Mathews
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December 16 - 22, 2020
Stalls named Trussville Rotary Club Student of the Month From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE – The Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club has named its Don Haisten Student and Teacher of the Month for December from Hewitt-Trussville High School. December’s Student of the Month is freshman Jenna Stalls. Rotary club public relations chair Diane Poole says Jenna is an outstanding student and an excellent representative for her school and the freshman class. She is conscientious, diligent, and is dedicated to achieving her future goal of attending medical school after college. Stalls is described as a silent leader who strives to do her personal best in all situations. Among her honors and awards are Most Outstanding English student (8th grade), Highest Global Scholar Reading Score (7th grade), and National Jr. Honor Society. She
Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club Teacher of the Month Christy Dooley. Submitted photo
enjoys reading, scuba diving, fostering puppies and kittens, and spending time with family and friends. Stalls selected Christy Dooley as her Teacher of the Month. Dooley teaches Advance English 9 classes at HTHS.
Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club Student of the Month Jenna Stalls. Submitted photo
“Mrs. Dooley inspires me to always put my best work forward,” said Stalls. “Her passion for teaching is contagious, and it sparks my own passion to learn and grow as a student. Class is never dull because Mrs. Dooley can teach a topic such as verbals and make it relatable and memorable.” The program is sponsored by Jim ‘n Nick’s Bar-B-Q.
Public Relations From front page
TCS announced the hiring of Jason Gaston during its Board of Education work session on Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, and the board voted to employ Gaston during its regular meeting. During the work session, Gaston said he is excited to work for a growing system and he hopes to build relationships within the community. Gaston has a Master of Science in Strategic Communication, a degree he earned from Troy University. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from
Jason Gaston. Photo: Sandra Vernon, TCS.
Freed-Hardeman University. In addition, he is accredited in Public Relations through the Universal Accreditation Board with APR Certification. Gaston will be leaving
Hoover City Schools where he works as District Coordinator of Public Relations. His first day on the job will be Jan. 18, 2021. “Mr. Gaston has present-
Each honoree will receive a gift card from Jim ‘n Nick’s Bar-B-Q. The Club currently meets at 7 a.m. on the first through fourth Wednesday mornings of each month, mostly by Zoom. For more information on the Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club, or to help with one of our projects, please email Diane Poole at dianepoole1225@centurytel. net.
ed nationally on a variety of school public relations topics in Anaheim, CA, Baltimore, MD, San Antonio, TX, Jackson, MS, and Nashville, TN,” TCS said in a press release. “He was also on the Equity and Diversity Task Force for the National School Public Relations Association.” Additional titles Gaston holds include Southeast Vice-President for National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), current President of the Alabama School Public Relations Association (ALSPRA), and Board of Directors for the Hoover Branch of the Greater Birmingham YMCA. Mr. Gaston was named Hoover City Schools Employee of the Year for 2019.
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December 16 - 22, 2020
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Local / Region
Pair arrested for Hoover bank robbery now charged with Trussville bank robbery
From The Tribune staff reports
HOOVER — The Trussville Police Department announced charges against two people in connection to the Nov. 25 attempted robbery at
Pinnacle Bank. John Lance Cameron, 56, of Dutton, Ala. and Rose Maria Tucker, 55, of Birmingham, are both charged with robbery first-degree. They were both given $60,000 bonds on the Trussville
charges. Borth Cameron and Tucker are facing the same charges in Hoover after investigators said they left the Trussville bank after failing to get money and went to BBVA Bank on Montgomery Highway. Detectives in Hoover said witnesses reported a man with a mask and a gun entered the bank and demanded money from the teller. Cameron faces an additional charge in Hoover of obstructing justice. He is being held in the Jefferson County Jail on bonds totaling $175,000. Tucker is also being held in the Jefferson County Jail and will have bonds totaling $110,000. Additional charges are expected in Fort Ogelthorpe, Georgia.
New trial date set for former Trussville substitute teacher charged with child porn From The Tribune staff reports
TUSCALOOSA COUNTY — A Northport man, who worked as a substitute teacher at Hewitt-Trussville Middle School, will go on trial for five charges of possession of child pornography, on the week of Jan. 11, 2021. Justin Hrin Stegall, 23, pleaded not guilty in the case out of Tuscaloosa County, according to court documents. Stegall was arrested on May 23, 2019.
Justin Hrin Stegall
Court documents show an anonymous informant came forward with concerns the teacher had suspicious images of students on his phone. According to a court deposition, an investigator went to the home of Stegall and asked him about the allegations. The investigator said Stegall admitted to having a problem with child pornography. The investigator said Stegall said he had been watching child porn for years and he wanted help. Stegall is considered innocent until proven guilty.
Two Charged From front page
Reginald Jermaine Nelson, 39, of Birmingham, and Tavares Prince Nelson, 39, of Ensley, are both charged with attempted murder and robbery. Trussville Police were first dispatched to Walmart on a call about a shoplifting incident at 9:50 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. The suspect was accused of stealing $122.60 worth of assorted merchandise from the store. When the officer arrived on the scene, he said he found Walmart’s Loss Prevention Officer in a scuffle with the suspect, Reginald Nelson. The officer attempted to pull the suspect off of the Walmart
Reginald Nelson (left) and Tavares Nelson (right). Photo: Trussville City Jail.
other officers spotted the vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop. When the driver refused to pull over, police said they followed the vehicle onto Chalkville Mountain Road towards Grayson Valley and onto Sweeney Hollow Road.
Sweeney Hollow Road closed Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, after crash.
employee but the suspect took off through the parking lot, according to a police report. The officer chased Reginald Nelson into the parking lot and next to his car where police said he threw his keys to his cousin, who was standing near the car. Reginald Nelson is then accused of continuing to run and telling his cousin to run over the police officer. The officer reported he was nearly hit by the vehicle and was injured when the car’s mirror hit his hand. Reginald Nelson got into the vehicle and the two left the shopping center, according to police. As they were leaving,
Police chased the vehicle for a short period of time but the pursuit was called off because of high speeds. Police Chief Eric Rush said the officers in charge were concerned that the driver was a threat to public safety because he was traveling around 75 mph.
Rush said the silver 1996 Park Avenue the suspects were in crashed one minute and 30 seconds after the chase was called off. The crash occurred on Sweeney Hollow Road at Tyler Loop Road, in Pinson. The vehicle flipped and the crash caused damage to power lines in the area. The roadway was closed for hours while first responders and Alabama Power worked to clear the scene. Trussville Police and deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office worked together to identify the suspects and take them into custody. Center Point Fire and Rescue responded to evaluate the condition of the suspects. Reginald Nelson and Tavares Nelson were taken to the Trussville City Jail. They will be transported to the Jefferson County Jail on bonds totaling $70,000 each. The officer injured was treated and released by Trussville Fire and Rescue.
The silver 1996 Park Avenue driven by the suspects was removed from the scene after crash.
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December 16 - 22, 2020
ACTA’s ELF the Margaret Lions Club Musical canceled due to welcomes 20 new members coronavirus From The Tribune staff reports
From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — ACTA Theater announced Wednesday that it’s upcoming performance ELF has been canceled. “Due to a positive Covid testing from a cast member, ELF the musical is canceled,” the theater posted on Facebook. “We are sorry for any inconvenience but the health and welfare of our audience is our chief concern.” The theater said information on tickets already purchased will be released soon. Limited seating was available for the show due to social distancing guidelines. Dates for the performance sold out
so quickly, the theater had to add extra shows. “We regret the inconvenience that this may cause for our many patrons who have enthusiastically supported us for the five shows performed
last weekend,” ACTA said in a statement. “Since COVID precautions were maintained, with 6 feet between seats and facial masks worn by all patrons, the cast is confident that no patrons were exposed.”
JefCoEd employees approved for $500 supplement
From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM – Jefferson County School employees received some good news on Thursday morning. The school board approved a resolution for ex-
traordinary compensation to employees, according to a news release. In mid-January, all full-time active employees will receive a one-time supplement of $500 each. This prospective pay, according to the announcement, is for the additional services
that JefCoEd employees will provide during the 202021 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The school board also added additional benefits to its substitute recruitment incentive program, voting to reimburse substitute teachers for the $30 fee to obtain an Alabama substitute license and the $48.15 for the required fingerprint screening. Those reimbursements will only be available to substitutes hired between Nov. 16, 2020 and April 1, 2021. Substitutes will need to have worked at least 10 days in Jefferson County schools to receive the reimbursement.
MARGARET — The Margaret Lions Club welcomed 20 new members during a special membership meeting on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020. The meeting was held at the new Margaret City Hall and only limited attendance was allowed due to safety and health concerns because of COVID-19. First Vice District Governor Brenda Elliott conducted the induction ceremony and outlined the mission of Lions Clubs International, “To create and foster a spirit of understanding among all people from humanitarian needs by providing voluntary service thru community involvement and international cooperation.” With 1.4 million members serving in 47,000 clubs in 200+ countries, Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization. Lions are recognized worldwide for their service to the blind and visually impaired. Past District Governor Pedro Pino, Secretary of the Margaret Lions Club, pointed
out that since 2015 the Margaret Lions Club have been an active part of the community by promoting sight conservation programs and vision
Leadership Forum at Troy University and much more. Anyone interested in joining the Margaret Lions Club or learning more about it,
The Margaret Lions Club welcomed 20 new members during a meeting on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020. Front Row, Tim Herren, Robert Hurt, Faye Merchant, Tilly Frantz, Kelly Beacham, Haileah Hudgins & Destinee Hudgins. Second Row: PDG Pedro Pino, Tim Coshatt, Valerie Harren, Tiffany Fortner, Casondra Hudgins, Derrick Hudgins, Lion Randall Johnston, Dawn Jenkins, Michael Jenkins, Teresa Sherlinee, Charles Bonaser & 1VDG Brenda Elliott. Not pictured are: Diane Castello, Angela Chapman, James Chapman & Bobbie Hanson.
screenings at local schools, hosting the Annual Margaret Health Fair, sponsor local diabetic kids to attend Day Camp at Camp Seale Harris, to learn how to deal with their diabetes, sponsor local high school students to attend the Alabama Lions High School
are encouraged to attend its meetings at 7:00 p.m. on the first or third Thursday, of each month at the Margaret Mexican Restaurant, 183 C.R. 12, next to Dollar General in Margaret, Alabama or contact PDG Pedro Pino at pmpino44@yahoo.com
predictions on what adjustments need to be made and try to plan ahead as much as possible. Planning has been a challenge for teachers, as well. With an ever-changing routine, Howard said teachers have faced challenges like never before. “It’s disrupting the educational process of teachers,” Howard said. “They could be in the middle of a lesson today and be sent home tomorrow.” Teachers also have to ensure their subs are informed and ready to take on the task. The teachers work with administrators and some even work from home, if they are not sick, all for the benefit of the students. “We are trying to touch base with the students the best way we can,” said Howard. And for the teachers who are still in school, added stress is felt as changes are made. “When appropriate, we are having to combine classes,” Howard explained. “So, they are having to teach multiple classes to pick up slack for the teachers who are unable to be in the classroom.”
While keeping students safe is a top priority, Howard said he is afraid that the longterm effects on students’ education will be drastic. In fact, school districts across the country, both big and small, have reported an increase in the number of students failing classes. But Howard doesn’t think we will see the real impact for years. “There’s nothing that beats in-person instruction,” Howard added. “As for the long-term implications, I don’t know if we’ll truly see the effects for 10 years or so. What’s going to happen once COVID is over, to the grades following these students, will have to pick up whatever deficiencies they have due to the lack of in-face instruction during this pandemic.” St. Clair County Schools has put together a detailed plan for keeping schools open as long as possible. The sixstage plan is a foundational model that would be considered for each community, not system-wide. Howard presented the plan in a video posted on the St. Clair County Schools website.
COVID and Schools From front page
With an unprecedented start to the year due to the coronavirus pandemic, school leaders have been forced to shuffle teachers and students while ensuring safety and the best education possible. St. Clair County Superintendent Mike Howard oversees around 9,000 students and 1,200 employees. His school system is one of many that was forced to go to online-only classes for a period of time because of the high number of teachers in quarantine. For seven days in November, St. Clair County Schools turned to virtual learning. Howard said there were not enough substitute teachers to cover 25% of vacancies. He said since returning to school, things have not gotten any easier. “Over the past few weeks, it has been increasingly more difficult,” Howard said. “People are having to quarantine due to exposure to those with positive test results. It’s harder on our staff because they have lives outside of school and they get exposed outside of school. The schools end up having to make adjustments to make sure we have adequate coverage within the buildings.” The school system monitors quarantines, local coronavirus cases and statewide trends on a day-to-day basis. The Superintendent and school administrators make
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December 16 - 22, 2020
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Page 5
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Litter Gitter installed in Trussville’s Pinchgut Creek By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — A new device has been installed in Pinchgut Creek, in Trussville, and the purpose is to help keep the waterway clean. The “Litter Gitter” is one of 10 across Jefferson County. The device in Trussville was funded by the Jefferson County Department of Health, which also funded a device in Brighton. The Litter Gitter will be in place for at least a year but could be there longer if Freshwater Land Trust is able to continue or establish a long-term funding source. “We’re hoping we can find other corporate sponsors or cities that may be willing to take on funding long-term,” said Sally Larue, the Outreach Coordinator with Freshwater Land Trust.
Person Of The Year From front page
He doesn’t see problems, he sees people in need of encouragement, faith and positive role models and he has filled the building with teachers, counselors and coaches who share that belief.” Phillips has been at Center Point High School since its doors were opened in 2011. In fact, he helped with the design of the building. After 20 years of experience as a principal and previous experience as an assistant principal and coach, Phillips knew it was his calling to infuse his knowledge into the lives of the children in Center Point. While some refer to him as “the man, the myth, the legend,” Mr. Phillips is very real. As he sits in his office, gospel music playing in the background, he is able to speak about his impact, throughout the past 28 years as a principal, as a carpenter speaks about his daily grind. Phillips was born into a Christian family. His father was a World War II veteran and a Pentecostal pastor. His mother had 15 children. At a
December 16 - 22, 2020
Time capsule uncovered after 74 years at Palmerdale church By Erica Thomas, managing editor
The in-stream litter collection devices are made by Osprey Initiative. The first six placed in county waterways were purchased through a $500,000 grant from the EPA to Freshwater Land Trust. Those will be in place for three years. Other entities that
have helped get Litter Gitters into county waterways are the city of Homewood and the Coca-Cola Foundation. Osprey Initiative installs and maintains the Litter Gitter. The devices are checked every two weeks and after a heavy rain event.
very young age, Phillips said he learned from his parents. “I think the lessons I learned from my mom and dad are lessons that I teach to my children at Center Point High School,” said Phillips during an interview in 2019. “Some of the words that my father and mother spoke to me, I speak those same words to my children here. One of those was: do right or I’m going to do you!” That stern yet simple upbringing is how Phillips grew to develop his philosophy for education and for life. “My mom taught us that the law is designed for folks who don’t show good character, good citizenship and don’t do the right thing,” said Phillips. “They would say, ‘If you do the right thing all the time, you keep God first in your life, you don’t have anything to worry about, the police or anything else.” Students know Phillips has zero-tolerance for nonsense and they have come to expect a motivational speech or prayer over the intercom. Those motivational speeches are given from Mr. Phillip’s office. On his desk, Phillips keeps neatly stacked papers and binders. Among
the memos and folders are a Bible and a brown leather Bible cover that reads: “Trust: Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.” Trust, Phillips said, is very important as he molds young minds and touches lives. The expectations are clear and never sugar-coated. Phillips is a truth-seeker and a truth-teller. While he likes to “call a thing a thing,” he still wants to investigate those “things” and create change. He calls himself a drum major for social justice change and educational and economic empowerment. His strength and commitment he said, are gifts from God. Phillips takes his job seriously and he believes in transparency. His natural desire to help others and his Biblical knowledge as a pastor have given him the ability to deal with unique situations in unique ways. Phillips wants his students to learn how to speak up for themselves and how to advocate for themselves. “Van has always been about something bigger than himself,” Buttram added. “For that reason, he’s the perfect choice for the 2020 Tribune Person of the Year.”
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PALMERDALE — A 74-year-old time capsule was unearthed at Encounter Church in Palmerdale, on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. Pastor Brad Wortham said the capsule was placed in the wall of the former First Baptist Palmerdale Church in 1946. Since then, the building has undergone several renovations, add-ons and name changes. Inside the time capsule, there was a Bible, some letters and a list of charter members of the church inside. A wall monument sealed the hollow bricks that held the items. The time capsule was supposed to be opened 50 years later. In fact, a nearby Methodist Church did the same thing and actually opened theirs in 1996. But members of the Baptist Church could not remember where their time capsule was. Over the years, Wortham said he had heard of where the items might be. “Some of the older people would say, ‘it’s here or it’s there,’ and they were telling you places that were close to where it was but nobody remembered exactly where it was,” said Wortham. That was until a man who was eight-years-old when the capsule was placed in the wall remembered exactly where to look. He contacted members of the church and gave them directions.
Since the placement of the capsule, concrete steps had been built in the area so the only way to access it was through the crawl space of the church. Pastor Wortham and for-
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James Rogers and Pastor Brad Wortham hold wall monument removed from crawl space of Encounter Church on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020.
mer Deacon Chairman James Rogers worked for hours after work Thursday to uncover the church building’s history. “We had to go in with grinders and cut the marker out of the wall then bust open some of the brick that was behind it to find where they had encapsulated these things inside that wall cavity,” Wortham explained. The wall monument had the name of the pastor on it. TC Walden was the pastor at First Baptist Palmerdale in 1946. After reading through some of the letters, Wortham found out details about how much money it took to build the church. “In the letter, it said that they started the church and in the building process they had $2,100,” Wortham said. “When they put the stone in place, they had $550 left. It’s crazy that’s what it cost to build that thing back then,” Wortham owns the building now and is the pastor of Encounter Church, a non-denominational church. But even he has memories of the old building when it was Palmerdale First Baptist. “I grew up in Pinson,” Wortham said. “Funny thing is, I went to that church as a teenager. When Palmerdale and Grandview merged into another building, I went back as a youth pastor and then now I have planted in the old building. So, it’s neat to unfold that history.”
The wall monument and other plaques will be placed into a brick column to form a new monument. Wortham wants to display all of the items found in the time capsule in a special-made cabinet. A lot of the letters were hard to read after years of aging, but Wortham said the old church possibly has copies of the letters in a file. They are going to try and find those copies and add them to the cabinet.
As for the Word of God, Wortham said the Lord’s house has protected it over the past seven decades. “The Bible is a little brittle, but just looking at it, it looks like it was put in there yesterday,” Wortham said. “It is in perfect condition.” Church leaders have decided to put together a new time capsule and place it to be opened 50 years from now and hopefully continue a tradition for generations to come. Encounter Church is located at the corner of Highway 75 and Miles Springs Road, in Palmerdale. Church services are every Sunday at 10 a.m.
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December 16 - 22, 2020
Fedex
From front page
At least seven residents in the Brookhaven and Lakeside at Brookhaven subdivisions say their packages were marked delivered but never made it to their doorsteps. Many of them have doorbell cameras that never captured a delivery. Although the FedEx tracker has the packages listed as delivered, some say they have still not seen them two weeks after the scheduled delivery date. Cheryl Kellum said she ordered a birthday present for her husband on Nov. 15. She received an email on Dec. 5 stating that her package had
been delivered. “When I called them, they told me that I would have to call the person that I bought it from and they would have to issue a refund or resend it,” said Kellum. FedEx responded to a media request stating some shipments may be temporarily delayed in transit due to record package volume in the FedEx network. “The security of our customers’ shipments is a top priority,” FedEx stated. “A recipient who suspects a shipment has been lost should contact the shipper to begin the claims process.” But, Kellum’s husband’s birthday is on Dec. 11, so she
The Trussville Tribune
Page 7
Drive-thru nativity planned in Clay; city working on traffic plan for Old Springville Road is sad to know he won’t be getting his present on time. “It makes me very unhappy and it’s important because it’s my husband’s birthday present,” Kellum added. FedEx said it has not received any widespread reports of issues regarding missing shipments. Customers with questions about their shipments can track their packages on fedex.com.
Clay City Hall
By Crystal McGough
CLAY — Clay City Councilor Bo Johnson reminded the public that Covenant Church International and Refuge Church will be teaming up to host a drive-thru live nativity at Covenant Church International on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Johnson made the announcement during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 8. “It is a drive-thru nativity scene with six separate
scenes,” Johnson said. “There will be direction on what to do once you pull into the parking lot. But again, it is a drive-thru, so people will not be parking and getting out. The people participating in the nativity will be masked up and observing every protocol possible since there’s been such an outbreak of Covid cases.” City Manager Ronnie Dixon said that the city and police department are working to address concerns about the traffic on Old Springville
Road during the nativity. “There’s a possibility that we will have to stage cars on Joni Circle and then let them drive across so that we don’t back up Old Springville Road,” he said. “If Joni Circle fills up, we will move up to the Church of Christ and stage it in that parking lot. … Be aware that if you come up on Covenant Church International, right there on Old Springville Road, there could be a delay, just depending on how many cars are there at any given time.”
said. “It will be four lanes, plus a full turn lane and a new sidewalk will be installed as well.” On the southbound side, there will be grading work, new drainage and new sidewalks.
Road project includes a new traffic light to be installed at Vann Circle, in front of Edgar’s Bakery. Choat said that work will be done during the widening project. Also, Cedar Street will be widened and the ditch along-
“We think it will definitely be an improvement through and around the downtown area,” Choat added. “All of the roads will be in top condition and once finished, it will tie into all the improvements in downtown.” The widening project is a federal project but the city is also working on improvements in the area. The Loop
side the roadway will be covered. The city will curb and gutter the side of the roadway and add on-street parking. Choat said the city has designated funds for its part of the project and money will not be borrowed. The cost of the project will be determined after a bid for the work is accepted.
From front page
City leaders expect the lobby to remain closed through the end of the year. According to the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH), the region where City Hall is, Region 8, has 249.64 cases per 10,000 people. Surrounding regions are seeing higher numbers as cases across the state continue to increase. Jefferson County is averaging around 502 new cases a day. On Wednesday morning,
HWY 11 Widening From front page
Alabama reported 3,522 cases statewide with 2,532 of those being confirmed and 990 of those being probable. There were 43 deaths reported. Anyone needing building
Clerk of The Year From front page
Including years of service, additional duties performed and accomplishments, contributions to the community, and service to the state and international clerk associations. Turner has served as city clerk for more than 14 years. In addition to her customary duties as clerk, she serves on the finance committee, planning and zoning commission, board of zoning adjustments,
Pinson City Clerk Marie Turner. Submitted photo
and also performs human resource duties. She has also been very
permits or building inspections can call the inspections department, and those who need to renew automobile tags can do so online or at the Center Point Courthouse.
active in the state and international clerk’s associations. Turner served as treasurer, secretary, president-elect and president of the AAMCA, as well as committees and district leadership positions. She was host clerk for the International Institute of Municipal Clerks Region III Conference, which was held in Birmingham in 2017. Her community work includes PTA, Boy Scouts, the annual Christmas parade, the Alabama Butterbean Festival, and fund-raising drive for Multiple Sclerosis.
Mayor Buddy Choat gave an update on the Highway 11 widening project during a council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020. Choat said work is now expected to begin in January or February of 2021. Bids have been received and are being reviewed at this time. The project will be managed by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) but the city of Trussville has been working for years to gain permissions and access right of ways for the project. The project will span from Chalkville Road to Parkway Drive. In the northbound lane (on the side of Region’s Bank and Bryant Bank) the roadway will be widened and there will be a left turn lane installed. “This will allow us to have full turn lane access that will provide safer stops and more continuous traffic movement through downtown,” Choat
Page 8
The Trussville Tribune
December 16 - 22, 2020
Highway 11
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The Trussville Tribune
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December 16 - 22, 2020
O b i t u a ry
Albert E. Dawson, Sr.
Ervin Clay Pope
5, 1929 ~ december 5, 2020 (age 91)
november
march
Albert Eugene Dawson (Gene), age 91, of Trussville, AL, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2020. He was born on March 5, 1929, in Tarrant, Alabama. He served in the Korean Conflict from 1950-1952. Gene was a member of North Park Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Mary Dawson, brothers, Sandy Dawson (Imogene) and Frank Dawson (Jeannie). He was married to his loving wife of 67 years, Barbara Speed Dawson, before her passing just two months prior. Still here to honor his memory is his daughter, Pat Turnipseed (Dwight), son, Al Dawson (Robin); four grandchildren, Nick Dawson (Kristen), Lacy Renda (Chris), Lori Crumley (Jamie), Clint Dawson; seven great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Isabella, Haley, Emma, Ty, Mason, Anna Joy; and brother, Jimmy Dawson (Mary). His greatest joy was his great-grandchildren and he enjoyed supporting them in the activities they were involved in. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Serving You Ministries (6523 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama, 35206; www.servingyou.org
Ira Frank Eugene Pair november
28, 1928 ~ december 5, 2020 (age 92)
Ira Frank Eugene Pair, 92, passed away Saturday, December 5, 2020 after a brief illness. He was born in Birmingham on November 28, 1928, grew up in Center Point, Woodlawn, and Montgomery, and returned to Birmingham in 1963. He served in the Naval Reserve and was employed with the telephone company for 38 years. During his lengthy retirement he was generous with his time and skills in helping numerous people and organizations. He was a dedicated member of Brookview Wesleyan Church and served there for over 50 years in many capacities. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Clifford Pair, Sr., and Edres Coe Pair, his brother Henry Clifford Pair, Jr., his sisters Louise Pair Oliver and Margaret Pair Marchant, his first wife Billie Wiggins Pair, his second wife Madeline Lovell Pair, his son Vincent Vess, and his daughter Karen Pair Reaves. He is survived by his daughters Susan Vess Iglehart (Don) of Williamsboro, NC, Cheryle Pair Eiland (Charles) of Birmingham, and Kathryn Vess Coplin (Kenneth) of Sylacauga, and by his son Jonathan Grant Pair (Missy) of Raleigh, NC, as well as eleven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family, including special friend Margie Delony. The family especially appreciates the help of Mike Pair as advisor and caregiver. In lieu of flowers the family would welcome a donation to the charity of your choice.
James Gary Hutson
30, 1930 ~ december 4, 2020 (age 90)
september
James Gary Hutson, age 90, of Trafford, passed away on December 4, 2020. He was an avid golfer and passionate Alabama Fan. He was also a US Navy Veteran and a member of County Line Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Jo Hutson; his parents, Ed and Thelma Hutson; his granddaughter, Wendie Mitchler; and his step-daughter, Tammy Lawler. He is survived by his wife, Johnnie Louise Hutson; his children, Charles E. Hutson (Linda), Gary Wayne Hutson (Glenda), Pam Kennedy (Skip), Steven Hutson (Teresa); his step-children, Lou Cowart and Murray Simpson (Sherrie); 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren; 2 step-great-grandchildren; his sister, Joyce Wilburn; and step son-in-law, Thad Lawler.
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21, 1927 ~ december 14, 2020 (age 93)
Ervin Clay Pope passed from this life into Heaven on December 11, 2020. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Joan. Ervin is survived by his children Sheree Pair (Lawrence) and Jeff Pope (Ginger); grandchildren Jacquelyn Underwood (Todd), Allen Pair (Amanda), and Shane Pair (Andrea); great-grandchildren Cade and Maci Underwood, Ava and Anna Pair, and Max, Lucy, and Judy Pair. Ervin was born November 21, 1927. He lived in a time when mothers told their children to go out and play in the morning and didn’t see them again until dinner time. Ervin often shared stories of bicycling from his home in Woodlawn to Cascade Plunge three times a day and crawling through storm sewers at Forest Hill Cemetery. After graduating from his beloved Woodlawn High School, Ervin enlisted in the Army in 1946 and served in Seoul, Korea until 1948. He was proud to play clarinet in the 7th Infantry Division Band. Ervin was a salesman for 50 plus years. In 1968 he was promoted to manage the Center Point Moore- Handley building and supply store. Ervin was also a beloved and active member, deacon and Adult Choir president of First Baptist Church of Center Point. He was an avid follower of the Alabama Crimson Tide. At age 89, Ervin moved from his home in Center Point to Legacy Ridge Assisted Living in Trussville. His life was enriched by the activities provided, but more so the companionship of the other residents and the “loving”, “teasing”, and encouragement provided to him by his caregiver, especially Susie, Michelle, Shannon, JJ, and Sandra. Until his wonderful move to Legacy Ridge, neighbors Peggy and Doug Ligon took special care of Ervin- cutting grass, home cooked meals and rolling his garbage can to the street. Special thanks to Compasses Hospice at St. Martin’s in the Pines. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Center Point. Services will be Wednesday December 16, 2020 at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, AL. There will be a graveside service in the adjoining cemetery at 3 P.M. and family viewing in the funeral home in the parlor an hour prior.
Betty McKinnon september
3, 1938 ~ december 10, 2020 (age 82)
Betty Chappell McKinnon went to be with The Lord on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at age 82. Betty was born to Edward Chappell and Jeanie Frances Nelson September 3, 1938. She married Raymond A. McKinnon, Sr. June 1, 1957. Raymond and Betty lived many years in Pinson, AL where they raised their family. Later, they moved to Springville, AL. Betty is survived by her children Raymond McKinnon, Jr. (Susan), Anita Wilson, Robert McKinnon, Lillian Bromley (Tim), and Kevin McKinnon (Terra); grandchildren Jennifer Derrick (Don), Jessica McKinnon, Rebecca McKinnon, Michael Wilson, Stephanie McKinnon, Malorie McKinnon, Justin Bromley, Austin Bromley, Katelyn McKinnon, Jase McKinnon, Jacob Smith, Summer Smith and Cadence Smith; great-grandchildren Katelyn, Sarah, Ryan and Aubrey. Betty was predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years Raymond as well as her son John D. McKinnon and daughter Christina McKinnon. Over the years Betty has had many titles; daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, friend, devout Christian and follower of the Lord. In all these roles Betty has touched and shaped many lives. She will be dearly missed.
Michelle Andrews february
17, 1970 ~ december 7, 2020 (age 50)
Michelle Renee Andrews passed away Monday, December 7, 2020, following a brief illness. Michelle was born February 17, 1970 to Parents, Rev. John H. and Janette Black Andrews. Michelle was a graduate Gardendale High School, Birmingham-Southern College, and completed a Masters of Library Science at the university of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. For over fifteen years Michelle worked with the city of Birmingham Public Library, Specializing in government documents. Michelle greatly enjoyed foreign travel through the years and attending many Birmingham Symphony and arts events. Each year Michelle looked forward to participating in the Alabama Civic Chorale’s Performance of Handel’s Messiah at Bessemer First Methodist and River Chase United Methodist Churches. Michelle lived on the Birmingham-Southern campus on Greensboro Road for many years, and in 2015 moved to Mount Royal Towers. The family wishes to thank the Mount Royal team and family for their attentive and compassionate care through her years of residence
The Trussville Tribune
Page 10
M e t r o / S tat e
Meals on Wheels, Home Instead partner to provide holiday cheer to seniors From The Tribune staff reports
JEFFERSON COUNTY — For the fourth consecutive year, Meals on Wheels is teaming up with Home Instead Senior Care to deliver Christmas gifts to homebound seniors in Jefferson County through Be a Santa to a Senior. The program is taking extra steps this year due to the increased isolation and loneliness the pandemic has brought. For the first time in the program’s 17-year history, Home Instead is teaming up with Amazon Business to create a contactless gift-giving experience for volunteers
and recipients. According to an announcement from United Way of Central Alabama, the new Amazon Business collaboration will provide the same holiday cheer to local seniors while also prioritizing the safety and wellness of all who are involved. “The Be a Santa to a Senior program brings so much joy to seniors in our community,” said Dan Pahos, owner of the Birmingham Home Instead franchise. “We’ve all felt isolated at some point during the pandemic, but seniors are especially at risk of feeling isolated and a simple gift can show them that we are thinking of them. And that’s more important this
year than ever.” This year, 500 seniors in the Meals on Wheels program will receive gifts such as gloves, calendars, blankets, combs, puzzles, and bath towels. For many clients, this will be the only gift they receive this holiday season. Meals on Wheels Director, Becky Wright, said, “The Meals on Wheels team looks forward to Santa to a Senior all year long. It’s one of our favorite partnerships, and we are very thankful for Home Instead.” For more information about the program, visit BeaSantatoaSenior.com or call 205-822-1915.
December 16 - 22, 2020
U.S. Marshals arrest 2 in connection to vehicle break-ins
From The Tribune staff reports
TUSCALOOSA — The Tuscaloosa Police Department announced the arrest of two people suspected in vehicle break-ins at hotels across Alabama. Ro’daryus Mitchell is charged with 18 counts of breaking into a vehicle and Jae’Vontea Taylor is charged with 22 counts of breaking into a vehicle. Both men are from Birmingham and are currently charged in Tuscaloosa County. Authorities believe the
Ro'daryus Mitchell and Jae'Vontea Taylor. Photo: Tuscaloosa Police Department.
two were caught on camera stealing guns out of vehicles.
The pair could face charges in other jurisdictions.
3rd suspect charged in connection to 2019 Birmingham Police Riverchase Galleria investigating after baby dies after blunt-force parking deck shooting injuries
From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified a one-year-old girl who died after being treated at the hospital for over three
weeks for blunt-force injuries. Kar’Mynn Brachelle Gaines was rushed to Children’s of Alabama from a home in the 600 block of Carraway Boulevard, on Nov. 16, 2020. Gaines died on Dec. 10. “The nature of how the
decedent sustained the injuries is under investigation by the Birmingham Police Department,” said Jefferson County Coroner Bill Yates. No arrests have been made in connection to the baby’s death.
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Michael Jaran Brown. Photo: Jefferson County Jail. From The Tribune staff reports
HOOVER — A third person is facing a murder charge in connection to the death of a man shot and killed in the Riverchase Galleria Parking deck on June 26, 2019. Michael Jaran Brown, 21,
Gatherings From front page
Dr. Mark Wilson, the health officer for Jefferson County, delivered the plea in a press conference with doctors from UAB Hospital in Birmingham as the state set multiple COVID-19 records in the wake of Thanksgiving gatherings. “Holiday parties are just not a good idea right now,” Wilson said. “This Christmas please have a small gathering
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Dannarious De Shon Washington and Michael Jabari Akamune. Photo: Hoover Police Department.
of Birmingham, is charged with capital murder. Two others were previously arrested in connection to the death of Zachariah Taylor Music, a UAB student. Dannarious De Shon Washington, 20, of Hoover is charged with capital murder and Michael Jabari Aka-
with just those people who live in your household.” Wilson said he understands this is an additional sacrifice after people have already changed so much of their daily lives, but said it is needed to keep people alive until there is access to the vaccine. Alabama this week hit record highs for daily cases and the number of COVID-19 patients in state hospitals and as well as a jump in the number of reported deaths. The seven-day rolling average of daily deaths in Alabama has risen over the past two weeks from nearly 22 deaths per day on Nov. 26 to almost 37 deaths per day on Dec. 10. The state also set a record low for the percentage of intensive care beds available with 7% of ICU beds empty statewide. The number of COVID-19 patients at UAB has doubled since Thanksgiving, and hospitals officials said projections indicate it could double again by Christmas. “Most of these cases are attributable to travel and small gatherings,” said Dr. Sarah Nafziger, co-chair of UAB’s Emergency Management Committee. Nafziger urged people to treat everyone they encounter as if they have COVID-19 by wearing a mask and socially distancing. “We’ve got to stop this now,” Nafziger said. Since the pandemic began, the state health department has reported more than
mune, 20, of Birmingham, is charged with murder. Music was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was inside a car on the fifth level of the North Parking Deck. Hoover Fire medics responded to the scene and pronounced him dead at 1:39 p.m.
Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson. File photo.
280,000 confirmed and probable virus cases and more than 4,000 confirmed and probable virus deaths in Alabama. While the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms in most people, it can be deadly for the elderly and people with other, serious health problems. The doctors said the bright stop on the horizon is the coming vaccine, although it is expected to be some months before it is available to the average Alabamian. State Health Officer Scott Harris said Wednesday that hospitals should begin receiving vaccine allotments next week, although health care workers and nursing home residents have priority for the initial doses. “It’s likely to be early summer before we have enough for the average Alabamian to receive their vaccine,” Harris said Wednesday. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey this week extended a statewide mask order until January 22.
December 16 - 22, 2020
The Trussville Tribune
Page 11
FOOD SAFETY: Latest score inspections from Jefferson County From The Tribune staff reports
The Jefferson County Department of Health regularly inspects establishments in Jefferson County where food is prepared or sold for human consumption. Two types of inspections, scored and alternative (non-scored), are performed throughout the year. The following is a list of the most recent scored inspections: Permit
Score
26547
93
26655
99
24830
97
6877
92
26743
97
17155
99
22726
88
22724
94
21196
92
22723
93
7871
98
4646
95
21169
96
WING IT 700 9TH AVE SW BESSEMER 35022 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/04/20 AU BON PAIN 1802 6TH AVE S BIR21299 96 MINGHAM 35233 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/04/20 PILOT TRAVEL CENTER #369901 22390 100 BANKHEAD HWY W BIRMINGHAM 35204 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/04/20 STARBUCKS – UAB HOSPITAL NORTH PAVILLION 615 18TH ST S 21396 100 BIRMINGHAM 35233 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/04/20 HARDEES #1501473280 WARRIOR 25322 91 JASPER RD WARRIOR 35180 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/04/20 WENDYS 2931 MORGAN RD BES14358 95 SEMER 35022 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/04/20 SAKURA JAPANESE SUSHI STEAK HOUSE 156 RIVER SQUARE PLZ 22444 92 HUEYTOWN 35023 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/04/20 PIGGLY WIGGLY DELI 415 CALD7205 99 WELL DR WARRIOR 35180 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/04/20 THE BASEMENT CAFE @ CITY HALL 24376 80 710 20TH ST N BIRMINGHAM 35203 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/04/20 WINN-DIXIE #595 SEAFOOD 2910 8626 100 MORGAN RD BESSEMER 35022 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/04/20 TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE 3049 JOHN HAWKINS PKWY BIRMING22243 92 HAM 35244 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/03/20 PUBLIX #1069 BAKERY 5150 OLD 14422 95 SPRINGVILLE RD PINSON 35126 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/03/20 WALMART SUPERCENTER #1158 -DELI 2473 HACKWORTH RD BIR14521 99 MINGHAM 35214 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/03/20 TRIM TAB BREWING COMPANY TASTING GALLERY 2721 5TH AVE S 20773 99 BIRMINGHAM 35233 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/03/20 CHINA GARDEN 3102 ALLISON BONNETT MEMORIAL DR HUEY26723 96 TOWN 35023 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/03/20 22740
Name
MUGSHOTS GRILL AND BAR 3339 LOWERY PKWY FULTONDALE 35068 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/08/20 LOS REYES MEXICAN STORE 817 ALLISON BONNETT MEMORIAL DR HUEYTOWN 35023 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/07/20 DAIRY QUEEN 2924 MORGAN RD BESSEMER 35022 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/07/20 JACKS #1671460 GADSDEN HWY TRUSSVILLE 35235 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/07/20 GRAYMONT FOOD 541 GRAYMONT AVE BIRMINGHAM 35204 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/07/20 MT. PILGRIM CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 6746 GRASSELLI RD FAIRFIELD 35064 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/07/20 GHD YOUTH BASEBALL STAND #42501 BROOKLANE DR HUEYTOWN 35023 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/07/20 GHD YOUTH BASEBALL STAND #22501 BROOKLANE DR HUEYTOWN 35023 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/07/20 MCDONALDS #8245 1960 EDWARDS LAKE RD TRUSSVILLE 35235 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/07/20 GHD YOUTH BASEBALL STAND #12501 BROOKLANE DR HUEYTOWN 35023 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/07/20 PIGGLY WIGGLY 32 PHILLIPS DR MIDFIELD 35228 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/07/20 ARBYS #5515996 FORESTDALE BLVD BIRMINGHAM 35214 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/04/20 SUBWAY 810 ALLISON BONNETT MEMORIAL DR HUEYTOWN 35023 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/04/20
93
15790
97
21785
95
23210
99
22793
94
14421
91
1717
99
21533
93
16276
98
26640
95
21624
99
17908
95
20300
96
15910
97
22999
98
11874
98
FAMILY DOLLAR STORE #622313 36TH ST FAIRFIELD 35064 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/03/20 SUBWAY @ WALMART 2473 HACKWORTH RD BIRMINGHAM 35214 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/03/20 CHINA PALACE 1930 EDWARDS LAKE RD BIRMINGHAM 35235 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/03/20 KUMO SUSHI & ASIAN 835 ODUM RD GARDENDALE 35071 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/03/20 PUBLIX #1069 DELI 5150 OLD SPRINGVILLE RD PINSON 35126 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/03/20 GUSS HOT DOGS 224 BROOKLANE DR HUEYTOWN 35023 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/03/20 UNIVERSITY MEXICAN GRILL LLC 2009 UNIVERSITY BLVD BIRMINGHAM 35233 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/03/20 SUBWAY 1205 LAKE DR SE BESSEMER 35022 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/03/20 SUBWAY 2105 RICHARD ARRINGTON JR. BLVD N BIRMINGHAM 35203 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/03/20 PAPA JOHNS #45891201 LAKE DR BESSEMER 35022 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/03/20 EL CAZADOR 1930 EDWARDS LAKE RD BIRMINGHAM 35235 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/03/20 HUEYTOWN HS BASKETBALL CONCESSION 4881 15TH STREET RD HUEYTOWN 35023 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/03/20 FAMILY DOLLAR STORE #945639 BESSEMER SUPER HWY MIDFIELD 35228 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/03/20 BACK FORTY BEER COMPANY BIRMINGHAM 3201 1ST AVE N BIRMINGHAM 35222 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/02/20 WINN-DIXIE #500 PRODUCE 4701 CENTERPOINT RD PINSON 35126 Smoke Free: Y Date: 12/02/20
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The Trussville Tribune
December 16 - 22, 2020
December 16 - 22, 2020
The Trussville Tribune
Calendar
Letters to Socks December 1 @ 8:00 am December 31 @ 5:00 pm
(All ages) We know that many of you miss seeing Socks in the library! He definitely misses seeing all of you. For the month of November, you can write a letter to Socks & he will respond. Be sure to include your return address so Socks will know where to send his response. You can mail letters to: Socks the Library Cat Pinson Public Library 4509 Pinson Blvd. Pinson, AL 35216 Or you can visit the library Monday-Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM to drop off your letter. Please give Socks a week or two to respond, he is just a cat after all! Venue Pinson Public Library Comedy Night At Ferus December 17 @ 8:00 pm 10:00 pm Free
Comedians will get 3-5 minutes of time depending on the amount of people signed up. There will be a bucket that the audience can throw their name into for a chance to do a spot as well if time permits. Interested in participating? Email winters902@gmail. com Our open mic is for both amateur talent, and visiting na-
tional comedians to work on their material (…or to help rebuild their confidence)! You will see people doing jokes for the first time, expanding on current jokes, and some times just plain eating it… which is pretty awesome! Regardless, Ferus supports comedy as an Art Form, and as an art form, watch us explore, expand, die, laugh, and strike gold! Venue Ferus Artisan Ales Virtual Holiday Hangout December 18 @ 4:00 pm 6:00 pm
43rd Annual Christmas Concert, virtual edition, Friday, December 18th at 7:00 pm.
Tune in to our website, www.birminghamboyschoir. org, to view this beloved Birmingham holiday tradition in a reimagined way. Plan your watch party with family and friends to enjoy the sounds of the season from the comfort of home. Game Time: Among Us Edition December 21 @ 4:00 pm 6:00 pm
(Teens, 6th-12th graders, only) We’re hosting a virtual holiday hangout for teens! Register below to pick up a package of festive activities before the event on Friday, December 18th at 4 PM. Please only register for a package if you plan to attend the event. Register here: https://forms. gle/krhg5Btzo79Ujuhf8 Venue Pinson Public Library 19th Annual Center Point Christmas Parade December 19 @ 11:00 am 12:30 pm The parade will take place on Saturday, December 12 at 11:00 a.m. Parade entries will line up at Cathedral of the Cross Church (1480 Center Point Road) beginning at 9:00 a.m. The parade route will begin at the church and end in the Post Office parking lot. For more information, contact Tim Gann at timgann294@ gmail.com Birmingham Boys Choir Christmas Concert December 18 @ 7:00 pm 8:00 pm The Birmingham Boys Choir is pleased to announce our
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(Teens, 6th-12th graders) Don’t be sus, join us for Game Time! We’ll be playing Among Us together online. We’ll start out meeting on Google Meet (message us for the link) & then we’ll join a private room to play the game. You’ll need to download the game BEFORE our event starts so that you’ll be ready to play. The game is free for Android & iOS. Android: https://bit. ly/317ku03 iOS: https://apple.co/3dvnp7N It is also available on Steam for $5. Disclaimer: Among Us contains cartoon violence. Our game will be private & controlled by library staff. However, the game can be played online with random people & Pinson Public Library is not responsible for any content outside of the private sessions. Venue Pinson Public Library
Page 13
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The Trussville Tribune
Page 14
December 16 - 22, 2020
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Keeping Co Community 1st Always
Clay-Chalkville boys vs. Oak Mountain High School at Oak Mountain Thursday, Dec. 17 TBA
Pinson Valley boys vs. Grissom High School at Grissom Saturday, Dec. 19 TBA
Springville girls vs.Spring Garden High School at Spring Garden Saturday, Dec. 19 at 3:30 p.m.
The Trussville Tribune December 16 - 22, 2020
Still unbeaten Huskies stay perfect with big 3rd quarter push By Erik Harris, sports editor
TRUSSVILLE — The Hewitt-Trussville girls basketball team exploded for 25 points in the third quarter to polish off a scrappy Park Crossing team 79-68 last Friday night, improving the Huskies to 12-0 on the year. Hewitt fed Middle Tennessee State signee Amiya Payne throughout the devastating third frame. Payne did it from inside and out, leading all scorers with 29 points in
Hewitt-Trussville guard Jordan Hunter brings the ball up the floor during a senior night win over Park Crossing last Friday night. Photo by Erik Harris
the win. Her 15-point outburst in the third broke open what had been a back-and-forth contest. The visitors jumped out to a 9-2 advantage in the opening few minutes and later went to the half locked up at 34-all. But Payne poured it on after the break. She started the third with a runner in the lane and went on to score three of her team’s next four field goals, as Hewitt’s lead swelled to 50-42. Payne ended the third with a triple that
put the Huskies out front 5944 with eight minutes remaining. Sitting on a comfortable lead, Hewitt pounded it inside in the fourth. Payne, freshman guard Jordan Hunter and sophomore forward Chrischandria James each worked inside for a pair of makes down the stretch. Hunter provided 14 points in the win to go with 15 from April Hooks and eight points from Audreonia Benson.
TRUSSVILLE — It was a spirited effort from the Hewitt-Trussville boys basketball team last Friday night at Bryant Bank Arena. The Huskies fought feverishly for every loose ball and scored 22 fourth-quarter points on their way to a 6436 victory over Chelsea on senior night. Prior to tipoff, the team recognized its Class of 2021. Which includes Brelyn Turner, Ryan Harper, Cole Trest, Carter Hollis and Tyler
Pickett. Hollis, a 6’2” forward, would pace the Hewitt offense with 17 points, seven of which came in the final frame. The Huskies went to the fourth with a 15-point advantage and outscored Chelsea 22-9 during the final eight minutes of play to punctuate a dominant outing. Head coach Jeff Baker got an energetic outing from his guys, especially in the second half when their transition offense began to click. Hollis set the tone early in the fourth when he pushed the tempo and found sophomore
Hewitt-Trussville senior Brelyn Turner (1) defends the ball during a home win over Chelsea last Friday night. Photo by Erik Harris
From The Tribune staff reports
Raymond Rolley open in the corner for a triple that was quickly followed by a Emeka Anwah 3-pointer. Those back-to-back makes swelled the lead to 52-31 with 4:33 remaining. Rolley finished with 11 points, while Trest added nine points to go with seven more from Pickett on senior night. Hewitt-Trussville started in a 4-0 hole, but Pickett answered with seven first-quarter points to put his team on the right side of a 15-9 score going to the second.
MONTGOMERY – Alabama’s All-Stars ended a three-year drought last Saturday afternoon with a convincing 19-7 win over the visiting Mississippi All-Stars in the 34th Alabama-Mississippi AllStar Football Classic at Cramton Bowl Saturday afternoon. Alabama, coached by Steve Mask of St. Paul’s Episcopal, used a big-play defense and time-consuming offense to pile up 357 total yards to Mississippi’s 133. The Alabama secondary, led by Alabama’s game MVP Ga’Quincy McKinstry of Pinson Valley, had an AllStar Classic record. McKinstry recorded two interceptions to match Saraland defensive back Terrente Hinton. Auburn’s Noah Warren also grabbed an interception for the Alabama all-stars, who broke a threegame skid to improve their series record to 23-11 overall. Those five INTs were returned for 120 yards. Alabama took a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter when quarterback Will Crowder of Gardendale found big-play receiver Christian Lewis of Pleasant Grove in the right corner of the end zone for a 28-yard touchdown to cap a five-play, 63-yard drive at the 1:33 mark.
See SENIOR NIGHT, Page 17
See ALL-STAR GAME, Page 17
See HEWITT GIRLS, Page 17
Hollis drops 17 points as Hewitt clears Chelsea By Erik Harris, sports editor
McKinstry named MVP at 34th AllStar Classic
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The Trussville Tribune
December 16 - 22, 2020
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Hewitt Girls From page 15
Hewitt honored its three seniors on Friday night fol-
Senior Night From page 15
All-Star Game From page 15
Alabama, which 238 total yards in the first half, took a 10-0 lead late in the second quarter when Drake Tabor of Spain Park booted a 25-yard field goal to cap a 14-play, 82-yard drive with 1:07 left
The Trussville Tribune
lowing the win. Those players include Payne, Amir Brown and Londyn Johnson-Yates. The Huskies finish the
week at 4-0 with additional wins over Center Point (68-33), Pleasant Grove (52-36), Mortimer Jordan (50-34).
The home team tightened its defense and Hollis found his first of two 3-pointers to send Hewitt
to the half with a 23-14 advantage. It was all Huskies in the second half.
before intermission. McKinstry, a 5-star Alabama commit, turned in the most exciting play of the game on what was unofficially the last play of the first half when he intercepted a Mississippi pass at the Alabama 3-yard line, made an incredible spin move
to evade two tacklers and then sprinted 97 yards for a touchdown. The score was called back on a blind-side block penalty and Alabama got one untimed down for the effort to end the half with the 10-point lead. McKinstry also had two catches in the first half for 51 yards – including a 43-yarder for the longest reception in the game. He finished with three catches for a team-leading 76 yards. He also had 26 yards in interception returns officially, netting no yards on his 97yard return due to a penalty and sprinting 26 yards before stepping out of bounds in the final minute to end Mississippi’s last possession. Mississippi got on the board midway through the fourth when Keyzhawn Lawrence shot free for a 94-yard scoop-and-score that cut Alabama’s lead to 13-7. Alabama answered right back when Crowder went to Lewis for the pair’s second scoring connection of the game. Lewis made a spectacular grab and tight-roped the end zone line for an 11-yard TD. Hewitt-Trussville’s Armoni Goodwin led all rushers with 68 yards on 11 carries. Alabama had 19 first downs, 61 offensive plans and kept the ball for 28:35 of the game’s 48 minutes. Crowder finished 9-of-12 passing for 152 yards and two TDs. Trey Higgins of Oxford was 6-of-9 for 95 yards as Alabama finished 15-of-21 overall for 247 yards.
Pinson Valley senior Ga’Quincy McKinstry earned MVP honors at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Football Classic. Submitted photo
Page 17
Hewitt-Trussville names new cross country coach
From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — Hewitt-Trussville High School has named its next cross country coach.
2021 cross country season, which will begin next fall. While coaching both distance running and track and field at Hewitt Middle, Michalke led the boys cross country team to one Metro
over a decade leading our middle school program. He has certainly earned this opportunity. He deserves a lot of credit for getting students involved in cross country and track and field. His work in
Matthew Michalke will take over as Hewitt-Trussville High School’s next cross country coach, replacing longtime coach David Dobbs. Photo from Hewitt-Trussville Athletics
Matthew Michalke was introduced as longtime Huskies coach David Dobbs’ replacement on Monday at the Trussville City Schools board meeting. According to the school’s athletics department, Michalke has been teaching and coaching at Hewitt-Trussville Middle School since 2010. He is expected to be in place in time for the Huskies’
South Championship in 2016 and added top-three finishes in 2015, 2017 and 2018. The school also says he led the boys indoor track and field team to championships in 2017 and 2020. “I am excited for coach Michalke to begin this new role with us,” said Trussville City School Athletics Director Lance Walker. “He has done an outstanding job for
that area has helped our varsity program tremendously over the years. I am excited to work with him as we build on the rich tradition of Hewitt-Trussville Cross Country.” In November, the Hewitt-Trussville girls placed third in Class 7A at the AHSAA State Cross Country Championships, while the boys finished in fourth.
The Trussville Tribune
Page 18
December 16 - 22, 2020
Payne named Hewitt linebacker AHSAA Female reports for NorthAthlete of the Week South All-Star Classic By Erik Harris, sports editor
By Erik Harris, sports editor
TRUSSVILLE — Hewitt-Trussville senior Amiya Payne has been on a tear throughout the early part of the high school basketball season. The 5-foot-11 wing drew some recognition on Monday morning when the AHSAA Radio Network named her their Female Athlete of the Week. Payne posted massive numbers as her Huskies improved to 12-0 with four double-digit victories last week over Center Point (6833), Pleasant Grove (52-36), Mortimer Jordan (50-34) and
MOBILE — Hewitt-Trussville linebacker Landen Berguson is set to compete in the 62nd annual North-South All-Star Football Classic. The game will be played for the first time at the University of South Alabama’s new Hancock Whitney Stadium this Friday, Dec. 18, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. “We are very excited to be playing this game in December and to be playing at USA’s beautiful Hancock Whitney Stadium,” said Jamie Lee, Director of the Alabama High School Athletic
Hewitt-Trussville senior Amiya Payne looks up the floor during a home win over Park Crossing last Friday night. Photo by Erik Harris
Park Crossing (79-68). On Monday, she put 22 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks on Center Point, and finished the week with a 29-point outing on senior night, matching her output against Priceville on Dec. 4. Payne is a two-time Class
7A first-team all-state selection and is considered the No. 89 overall player in the 2021 cycle, according to ESPN. She has signed with Middle Tennessee State. Her and the undefeated Huskies are scheduled to visit Deshler on Dec. 22.
Directors & Coaches Association (AHSADCA) which hosts the annual game. “We are also thankful for the City of Mobile, the Mobile Sports Authority and the University of South Alabama for their interest and support of one of our premiere events,” said Lee. “We look forward to partnering with them the next three years.” Berguson is one of 37 players listed on the North roster, which is coached by Jeff Smith of Walter Wellborn. Both teams will work in five on-field practices before kickoff on Friday night. The 5-foot-11 linebacker led Hewitt-Trussville in tackles with 91 solo stops to go
Landen Berguson. Photo courtesy of Hudl.
with 44 assists. Berguson also recorded eight tackles for loss for the No. 3-ranked Huskies. Friday’s game will be televised live by WTOM TV over the AHSAA TV Network and will be live-streamed over the NFHS Network. Tickets can be ordered through GoFan. No paper tickets will be sold.
Auburn fires Malzahn after 8 seasons By The Associated Press
AUBURN — Auburn fired football coach Gus Malzahn, ending an eight-year run that began with a trip to the national championship game. Athletic director Allen Greene announced the firing Sunday, a day after the Tigers finished the regular season with a 24-10 victory over Mississippi State. Auburn is 6-4 in a pandemic-shortened season of all Southeastern Conference opponents, losing by double digits to highly ranked teams Alabama, Georgia and Texas A&M. The Tigers also were upset by a struggling South Carolina, which wound up firing coach Will Muschamp during
the season. “After evaluating the state of the Auburn football program, we’ve decided that it was time to make a change in leadership," Greene said in a statement. “We appreciate everything that Gus did for the program over the last eight seasons. We will begin a search immediately for a coach that can help the Auburn program consistently compete at the highest level.”” Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will be interim coach. Auburn will owe Malzahn a $21.45 million buyout for the remaining four years of a seven-year, $49 million deal. The school must pay half of that within 30 days.
Malzahn went 68-35 in eight seasons and was 39-27 against SEC opponents. He led the Tigers to an SEC title in 2013, his first season, losing to Florida State in the national championship game. Auburn said Greene recommended the firing to President Jay Gogue after conducting a “thorough analysis” of the program. Known for his his up-tempo, no-huddle offenses that have since become more prevalent, Malzahn was offensive coordinator in 2010 when quarterback Cam Newton won the Heisman Trophy and led the Tigers to the national title. He called offensive plays for much of his tenure, but he struggled to develop other passers, including
Jarrett Stidham and Jeremy Johnson. Nick Saban, coach of rival Alabama, said Malzahn was among those “at the forefront of” a move to up-tempo offenses that even the topranked Crimson Tide has adopted — with great success. “I guess playing against those guys, you almost get to the point where you say if you can’t beat them you might as well join them,” Saban said. "I guess that’s why we’ve changed some of the things we do around here.” Current starter Bo Nix was a prized recruit but has been inconsistent in his two seasons and hasn't appeared to progress much as a sophomore. Other quarterbacks have transferred, including
Malik Willis (Liberty), Joey Gatewood (Kentucky) and Woody Barrett (Kent State). The Tigers are tied for 86th in scoring this season, averaging 25.7 points per game. They're 80th in passing at 212.3 yards a game, despite having playmaking receivers like Seth Williams and Anthony Schwartz, along with freshman tailback Tank Bigsby and a second-year starter in Nix. Besides the South Carolina loss, Auburn wilted against No. 10 Georgia (27-6), No. 1 Alabama (42-13) and No. 5 Texas A&M (31-20). Malzahn started his tenure in impressive fashion, leading the Tigers to a turnaround from 3-9 in Gene Chizik's final year to 12-2 in 2013. But
they lost at least four games in each of his remaining seven seasons, despite making it to the SEC championship game in 2017 after knocking off No. 1 Alabama in the Iron Bowl. Malzahn was already pointing to next season after the loss to Texas A&M. “We’re not happy with a six-win season,” he said the next day, Dec. 6. "But under the circumstances of being an inexperienced team, having a couple injuries, not having a nonconference schedule — which, in the past, we’ve been very good in nonconference. But make no mistake, our goal is to win championships. “I will say this: I’m extremely excited about next year.”
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