Cahaba Sun February 2026

ABOUT US

Editor’s Note By Kyle Parmley

We’re a month into the new year, so consciously or not, we’ve all set the tone for what our year is going to look like. How have things gone so far in 2026? Off to a good start? Keep it up! Struggling to get things rolling? There’s still plenty of time.

Statistics say that by the end of January, 40-45% of people that made New Year’s resolutions have ditched them. If you’re still on track, you should be pretty close to forming a habit. If you’ve fallen by the wayside, you can do it!

If you have a significant other, don’t forget that Valentine’s Day is this month, lest you

find yourself in the proverbial dog house.

Spring will be here before we know it, so keep us in mind when it comes to story ideas, upcoming events and things happening in the business community. Send me an email at kparmley@ starnesmedia.com with any ideas or tips. Thanks for reading!

ON THE COVER: Bill and Liz Roberts have been married for 68 years and have established a legacy of faithfulness in Trussville. Photo courtesy of Bill and Liz Roberts.

Please Support Our Community Partners

Andrews Sports Medicine (9)

Aqua Systems of Birmingham (3)

Birmingham Orthodontics (20)

Children’s of Alabama (7)

Closets by Design (1)

Gaynell Hendricks - Tax Assessor (2)

Leisure Care Salterra at Peachtree (5)

One Man & A Toolbox (7)

South Dallas Turf Farm, Inc. (6)

Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists (3)

Southern Research (11)

STP Heating and Air (19)

Trussville Gas and Water (4)

Jefferson County Homeowners

Publisher:

Managing Editor:

Community Editor:

Staff Writer:

Design Editor:

Graphic Designer: Production Assistants:

Contributing Writers:

Dan Starnes

Kyle Parmley

Jon Anderson

Kelli S. Hewett

Melanie Viering

Ted Perry

Simeon Delante

Jenn Moon

April Coffey

Joshua Gleason

Diane Poole

Market Managers:

Tim Stephens

Stephen Baroody

Warren Caldwell

Don Harris

Cot Tindall

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For advertising contact: dan@starnesmedia.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: kparmley@starnesmedia.com

Client Success Specialist: Business Development Exec: Account Exec: Operations Specialist: PLEASE RECYCLE THIS PAPER

Sarah Villar

the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of Cahaba Sun. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.

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US 11 ramp closed, I-59 project continues

By STAFF

The Alabama Department of Transportation has closed the U.S. 11 ramp onto Interstate 459 northbound until proper traffic control measures are in place to prevent drivers from merging over to Interstate 59 southbound.

The changes are part of a planned I-59 northbound lane shift that took effect Jan. 7. In addition to the U.S. 11 merge blockade, I-59 northbound is now narrowed to one lane at I-459 until it reconnects with the single-lane I-459 northbound ramp traffic.

Motorists are encouraged to find an alternate route to I-59 northbound and southbound from U.S. 11.

These temporary traffic changes could last several months. There are also plans to close both northbound Chalkville Mountain Road (Exit 141) ramps for 40 days in the spring.

Contractor Wiregrass Construction Co. has eight months to open the widened northbound lanes to traffic to receive a

– ALDOT contributed to this report.

CITY

Mayor Short shares vision for parks and rec improvements

By STAFF

In December, Trussville Mayor Ben Short shared part of his vision when it comes to improving some of the chief concerns with the Trussville Youth Sports Facility.

“One of the biggest concerns we hear — especially during peak seasons — is parking,” Short said in a statement. “While we know additional fields are still a major need, improving parking and traffic flow is an immediate issue that had to be addressed first. After weeks of review and on-site evaluation, we now have a conceptual plan that adds 241 new parking spaces across the complex while minimizing the loss of trees and protecting the overall character of the park.”

He gave a detailed breakdown of what those improvements would entail:

WALKABILITY AND SAFETY

► Improved pedestrian routes to move people away from roadways

►

► Safer and more efficient movement between parking lots and fields

TOP SOFTBALL LOT

► Improved traffic flow and adjusted striping

► Creation of a new gravel overflow area that will see 100+ new parking spots added to this top section

TOP BASEBALL LOT

► 10+ new parking spaces

► Redesigned traffic flow with a true turnaround to relieve bottlenecks

MIDDLE LOT

(between baseball and softball fields)

► Expanded footprint

► Updated traffic pattern

► 50+ new parking spaces

SOCCER PARKING AREA

► Reconfigured layout

►

the most pressing issues within our sports complex. It won’t solve every challenge — field capacity is still something we must address — but this is a major first step that will improve safety, reduce congestion and

create a more functional experience for our families, players and visitors,” Short said.

– City of Trussville contributed to this report.

Chris Mills named new director of Parks and Rec

By STAFF

The City of Trussville has announced Chris Mills as the next director of Parks and Recreation, succeeding longtime director David Vinson, who retired at the end of 2025.

Mills has more than 20 years of leadership experience in education, athletics, facility management and community recreation, as well as deep, longstanding ties to Trussville. His career reflects a demonstrated commitment to youth development, team building and operational excellence.

Mills’ coaching and recreation experience spans two decades and multiple levels — from college athletics to high school programs, youth leagues and community sports. His resume reflects a lifelong commitment to developing young athletes, promoting teamwork and building strong, positive cultures. Across schools and community programs, Mills has served in roles such as offensive coordinator, head football coach, soccer coach, golf coach, assistant track coach, intramural director and youth league coach.

He has coached with Trussville Parks and Recreation for years, including flag football, T-Ball, baseball and Husky Hoops basketball. His coaching record also includes leading teams to multiple championship-level seasons and supporting successful athletic programs across several school systems.

In addition to coaching, Mills brings significant experience managing multi-use facilities, athletic campuses and community spaces. Most recently serving as assistant principal for Springville High School, he oversaw operations and maintenance, supervised staff, managed budgets and capital projects, coordinated athletic and community events, and strengthened safety, emergency response and culture-building initiatives.

His operational experience ranges from scheduling recreational programs to managing fields, gyms, event operations, custodial teams and equipment procurement — skills directly aligned with the needs of Trussville’s recreational system.

As director, Mills will be tasked with:

► Enhancing the organizational culture

within Parks and Recreation by fostering professionalism, communication and teamwork.

► Improving financial solvency — focusing on well-managed budgets, efficient operations and smart use of resources.

► Exploring creative opportunities to expand recreational offerings, increase community engagement and elevate the overall experience for Trussville residents.

His vision includes building programs that promote wellness, family involvement and civic pride — values already reflected throughout his career.

Beyond his professional credentials, Mills has deep personal connections to Trussville. He has coached numerous youth teams, served on the Trussville Youth Football League board and contributed significantly to local programs over many years.

“Chris understands this community because he has lived it — on our fields, in our gyms and alongside our families,” said Mayor Ben Short. “His combination of professional leadership, coaching experience, and passion for Trussville’s youth and quality of life makes him the right leader to guide our Parks and Recreation department forward.”

The City of Trussville expresses its sincere gratitude to Director Vinson for his steadfast leadership and dedication and proudly welcomes Chris Mills as the next steward of Trussville’s recreational future.

– Submitted by City of Trussville.

SCHOOLHOUSE

Casino night to support classroom innovation across Trussville City Schools

By APRIL COFFEY

The Trussville City Schools Foundation will once again turn Trussville into “Truss-Vegas” on Saturday, Feb. 7 as it hosts its annual Casino Night fundraiser — this year featuring a Bellagio-inspired theme designed to deliver both elegance and impact for local students.

Set for 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Ferus Artisan Ales in Trussville, Casino Night is the Foundation’s largest signature fundraising event, with proceeds directly benefiting students and teachers across Trussville City Schools.

“Funds raised through this event will directly support innovative classroom grants, teacher initiatives and programs that enhance educational opportunities for students across Trussville City Schools,” said the Foundation’s Executive Director Lauren Scott.

The Foundation’s goal for the 2026 Casino Night is to raise at least $45,000, building on the success of last year’s event, which generated $42,673. Scott said the increased goal reflects both steady growth and a strong commitment to expanding the Foundation’s reach and effectiveness.

“We are proud of the tangible ways our Foundation supports teachers and students,” Scott said. “For example, through the grants we provided last year, the high school art department was able to purchase a kiln, opening up new opportunities for students to explore ceramics and hands-on creativity.”

Scott added that the grants are also a powerful message of community support. “These grants are more than just funding; they are a way to show teachers that our community values the work they invest in students every day,” she said.

Casino Night provides the financial backbone for many of these initiatives while offering the community an opportunity to engage in a memorable, high-energy event. Attendees can expect classic casino-style games such as blackjack, poker, roulette and craps, all set within an immersive Bellagio-themed environment.

Each year, the venue is elevated by an elaborate floral installation from Whistle Stop Garden Shop. For 2026, the decor will transform the space into a Las Vegas-inspired destination modeled after the iconic Bellagio, complete with elegant design elements and an upscale atmosphere. The evening will also feature food, beverages and prize opportunities, as well as a silent auction with highly sought-after items. Several new surprises are planned to enhance the guest experience and align with the Bellagio theme.

Food service for the event will be provided in partnership with the Hewitt-Trussville High School Hospitality and Culinary Arts Academy, allowing students to showcase their culinary skills while gaining real-world experience. Scott noted that this partnership highlights the Foundation’s commitment to supporting hands-on learning opportunities whenever possible.

Tickets for Casino Night are available through the Trussville City Schools Foundation website at tcsf.org. Tickets are limited. Sponsorship opportunities remain available, and individuals or businesses interested in supporting the event are encouraged to email director@tcsf.org for more information.

By blending entertainment with purpose, the Bellagio-themed Casino Night continues to serve as a vital investment in the success of students throughout Trussville City Schools.

Get a Headstart on Spring Landscaping

SCHOOLHOUSE

GET TO KNOW

Hewitt-Trussville High School senior Myles McGee

By APRIL COFFEY

Q: How would your friends or teachers describe you?

A: Based on notes I’ve been written and words that have been said to me over the years, I am described as charismatic, compassionate, a natural-born leader, thoughtful, dependable, well rounded, extremely kind, intellectual and joyful.

Q: What subjects or activities do you enjoy most at school and why?

A: I really enjoy history because my brain is constantly focused on time and how quickly it goes by, which is why I try to make every moment as memorable as possible because every moment we live ends up becoming a part of history.

Q: Are you involved in any clubs, sports or programs that have been especially meaningful to you?

A: I’m in Chamber Choir, and I served as a leader on the 2025 leadership retreat. Chamber Choir to me, just like any kind of choir, is a symbol of what great things can happen when any group of people are joined together with the goal of creating and executing. The leadership retreat, having experienced it from an attendee to then a leader, has further ingrained in me the beauty in the differences we share and how important it is that everyone’s differences are highlighted individually — but then being able to put those differences aside and be something better than the sum of our parts.

Q: Is there a class or teacher that’s had a big impact on you?

A: It just so happens that the class that’s having a big impact on me is taught by the teacher that has had a huge impact on me. Mrs. Deshazo teaches AP literature. She is the embodiment of grace, warmth, beauty on the inside and out, and what it means to be a person that lets love engulf your character and constantly lets it be seen by others in a way that can’t help but to be inspiring. The class resonates with me so much because I value intellectualism. It forces me and my peers to understand just how deep everything really is, and with the current state of the world, I think that’s so important.

Side note: I have Mrs. Deshazo seventh period, which is my last class of the day, and I always tell everyone she is my light at the end of the day.

Q: What is your favorite thing about attending HTHS?

A: My favorite thing about attending HTHS is that it has a strong support system within it because the city runs on community.

Q: What motivates you to keep going when things get difficult?

A: There [are] a few things that keep me going when things get difficult:

► I imagine the life I want to have for myself in the future and the world I want to create for others.

► I love Beyoncé, and she’s never given up on her dreams and she’s done that by consistently pushing forward, and that inspired me in so many different ways.

► As an African American child who, like I stated, values history, I just imagine what my life would be like in the present day if specific historical figures and people whose names I don’t know stopped in the face of difficulty. I then take that thought and understand [that] the future of myself and others in the world I plan to reach is determined by how I push forward in difficult moments.

Q: What is something people may be surprised to learn about you?

A: I value alone time A LOT.

Q: What is next for you? What are your plans following graduation?

A: I am attending the University of Alabama in the fall of this year to study communications and journalism. I plan to build and rebrand my internet personality “sociallymyles” into a household name that will consequently be something that brings people together without them conceptualizing it.

Living with a chronic health condition doesn’t mean childhood has to stop. At Children’s of Alabama, we make sure kids can keep doing what they do best—laughing, playing, and simply being kids. With expert care, advanced treatments, and a team that never stops believing in brighter days, we help families navigate their healthcare journey with confidence, strength, and hope.

Learn more at ChildrensAL.org

We are here in your neighborhood at Pediatrics East. To schedule an appointment at either the Trussville or Deerfoot locations visit www.pediatricseast.org

Business Buzz

HAPPENINGS

NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Cahaba Sun is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration at go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight

Do you have news to share about a business in Trussville or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings

Quoc Jonathan Tran, M.D., a fellowship-trained interventional pain management specialist, joined OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports on Jan. 1. Dr. Tran sees patients in Birmingham at 1801 Gadsden Highway and in Hoover at 118 Mars Hill Road. He specializes in nonsurgical, image-guided procedures for spine and musculoskeletal pain, focusing on minimally invasive care to improve function and reduce pain. 205-228-7600, orthoalabama.com

Moyer’s Garage has expanded its services to include wheel alignments at its Trussville location. The automotive shop recently added new equipment to support the service and is located at 7107 Gadsden Highway, Suite 102. 659-234-2302, moyersgarage.com

The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce reported strong activity and growth in its 2025 year-in-review summary. The organization counted 536 members, including 78 new members, and hosted 29 ribbon cuttings and 18 events throughout the year. The chamber also facilitated 17 networking luncheons and opportunities, awarded $12,000 in scholarships and expanded its outreach with approximately 9,000 Facebook followers, 2,000 Instagram followers and 1,200 newsletter subscribers.

CLOSINGS

Steele Hall Brewing announced that Jan. 24 would be its last day of taproom operation at its downtown Trussville location. The locally owned brewery opened in 2023 at 227 Main St. The company indicated that its beer offerings may continue to be available through distribution following the taproom’s planned closure.

Tamburro’s Italian Home restaurant at 5954 Chalkville Mountain Road has permanently closed. Originally founded in 1994 by Dick Tamburro and briefly operating on limited winter hours, the restaurant ultimately shut down after determining

GET TO KNOW

By DIANE POOLE

it could no longer remain in business. The restaurant had reopened in 2023, following a 13-year hiatus.

ANNIVERSARIES

The Golffice is celebrating one year at 3575 Vann Road. The indoor golf facility offers simulators that allow golfers to play year round regardless of weather conditions. Amenities include an indoor driving range and simulated putting greens for golfers of all skill levels. 205-810-2245, thegolffice.com

Toups Family Dentistry is celebrating one year at 4917 Deerfoot Parkway. The dental practice provides preventive, cosmetic and restorative dental services, offering care for patients of all ages. 205-655-7061, toupsfamilydentistry.com

Beth Seeley: building community one customer at

a time

Bookmarked Paperie and Accessories was born from Beth Seeley’s desire to have her own space. But Wildflowers Children’s Resale Boutique was an unexpected opportunity. Now she owns both downtown Trussville businesses and is still learning to balance wearing many hats: running two retail stores, maintaining a household, and making time for her husband Shane and four kids ranging in age from 3 to 8½ years.

Seeley has a background in retail, having worked in bookstores in many areas of service.

“Everything that I’ve learned at all these other jobs — I do an element of it at Bookmarked. I don’t think I could have opened this bookstore even five years earlier than when I did.”

Then last fall, her friend Ricki Mahan, owner of Wildflowers, decided to close the store. The two had become friends as owners of neighboring businesses. Seeley knew Ricki had built a clientele and provided a great service in Trussville. She just couldn’t let it close.

One night, Seeley went home to Shane, expressed concern about the boutique’s closing and told him she wanted to buy the business. Shane does not jump into decisions lightly, and when he told Seeley he thought it was a good idea, Seeley didn’t hesitate.

“I saw the potential in it, obviously, from a business standpoint and the community that Ricki and her family built here. That’s just sparked something in me,” she said.

Bookmarked currently hosts three active book clubs, and

two more are launching soon. They’ve hosted book signings, craft camps, wine and book pairings and other events. These events have led to real friendships (and even a fiancé — one of her book club leaders met her future husband there!).

“Bookmarked has become a gathering space as much as it is a retail shop — and I never expected it to be so deeply felt,” she said.

Even in the short time Seeley has owned Wildflowers, she has seen that kids, as well as adults, feel comfortable and safe there.

“Kids come in and kick their shoes off at the door and run straight to the kids’ room. Wildflowers is a place where you can just be yourself while shopping for your kids. You can nurse. Kids can be loud. We’re in the trenches with you,” she said.

Does Seeley doubt the decision to purchase two businesses?

“Some days I’m exhausted, but I’ve never gone home mad or wondering why I’m doing this,” she said. “You gotta dig down deep and not be afraid [because] failure is not an option.”

Recently sold homes

► ADDRESS: 7698 Dollar Road

► BED/BATH: 3/2

►

►

$579,500 ►

SOURCE:

► ADDRESS: 5112 River St. ► BED/BATH: 5/4 ► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,740 sq. ft. ► NEIGHBORHOOD: Stockton ► LIST PRICE: $539,900

BED/BATH: 3/2

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,009 sq. ft.

$575,000 ► ADDRESS: 5476 Longmeadow Ridge

Catalyst empowers Alabamians to help prevent and manage chronic disease with free genetic testing

Catalyst, a research program created by Southern Research, a Birmingham-based non-profit, is on a mission to provide free genetic testing — and the invaluable health insights it provides — to communities across Alabama.

Catalyst offers genetic testing that individuals can access by registering online and ordering a free athome test kit. Participants complete a simple cheek swab at home and return it by mail. Test results can then be shared with healthcare providers and used to support informed medical decisions.

Catalyst helps families “catch it early,” said Dr. Khalilah Brown, the Chief Medical Officer at Southern Research, meaning that participants can better understand their family health histories and gain insights into their genetic risks for conditions such as diabetes, cancer, stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure.

For Birmingham resident Sam Cargo, participating in Catalyst was an exciting opportunity to learn more about his own health and future risks.

“I was excited to take part in the program and see what I can learn,” Cargo said.

Participants in Catalyst can also learn more about how their bodies may respond to certain medications — something Cargo found especially valuable.

“I was able to see how different medications work or don’t work as well with me,” Cargo said. “And then also, the risk percentages on inherited diseases that I would not be aware of.”

With their results, participants can take proactive steps in consultation with their doctors before a condition develops or worsens. Cargo says the information he received helped him think more intentionally about his personal health plan.

“It just allowed me to learn more about what works best for me and helps you set up an individual plan for your health,” he said.

By participating, Alabamians also contribute to a research effort that could change how chronic diseases are managed in the state and improve health outcomes for decades to come.

“For decades, much of our work in drug discovery benefited people outside our state before it ever reached Alabama,” Dr. Brown said. “Catalyst flips that script. This program was designed to give Alabamians access first, and to make sure patients and their providers can actually use the results in real healthcare decisions.”

Catalyst is particularly critical in Alabama, where chronic conditions like heart disease are

Bekah and Sam Cargo

widespread. In addition, half the state is rural, where access to specialized care can often be limited.

Participants receive genetic insights into health risk, pharmacogenomic results that show which medications may work best for them or should be avoided, and information that they can share with their healthcare providers. Participants also have access to a genetic counselor at no cost.

“This program guarantees patients results that are clinically actionable — meaning you can actually use the information in your healthcare,” Dr. Brown said.

For many Alabamians, another major benefit is how easy — and accessible — the entire process is.

“It was extremely easy to work with the people there,” Cargo said. “It was really cool to do the cheek swab instead of giving blood. That was very quick and painless.”

He also said the follow-up process was simple: “Setting up an account and being able to get emails was very easy.”

“I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to do this. It can help you learn more about yourself and then help Alabama as a whole.”

Sam Cargo Catalyst participant

Importantly, only de-identified data — with no personal information attached — is used in research. Participants may share test results directly with their healthcare provider, just like any other lab test.

Cargo said Catalyst is especially appealing because it provides real value at no cost to the participants.

“The fact that it’s free and then also just the fact that everybody wants to know what they’re putting in their body… it can help you,” he said.

He also appreciates that the program helps the larger community.

“Being from Birmingham, I love Birmingham,” Cargo said. “I just think it’s a cool opportunity that anybody can do because of the fact that it’s free. They can learn a lot about themselves, but they can also help people in Birmingham learn more about what’s going on.”

Cargo encourages others to look into the program for themselves.

“I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to do this,” he said. “It can help you learn more about yourself and then help Alabama as a whole.”

To join Catalyst or learn more, go online to www.catalystby southernresearch.org

EVENTS

Save the Date

THE SMARTPLAY 25TH ANNUAL LEAD OFF DINNER

► Where: The Club, 1 Robert S. Smith Drive, Homewood

► When: Wednesday, Feb. 4, 6-9 p.m.

► Cost: $150 and up for individual tickets, sponsorships $600 and up

► Contact: thesmartplay.org/25th-lead-off-dinner or casey.grammer@thesmartplay.org

► Details: The signature Lead Off Dinner, under the rebranded name, honors student-athletes, celebrates character and academic achievement, and spotlights the intersection of sports and integrity. The featured speaker will be Trussville’s Tyler Tolbert of the Kansas City Royals. The event will include reflections on past accomplishments, speeches from professionals who’ve made it to the big leagues and a look ahead to future goals.

FEBRUARY CHAMBER LUNCHEON

► Where: Trussville Civic Center, 5381 Trussville-Clay Road

► When: Thursday, Feb. 19, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

► Cost: $25 by cash or check, $26 by card. Reservations are required by noon on Feb. 17.

► Contact: Heather Weems at 205-655-7535, heather.weems@trussvillechamber.com or trussvillechamber.com

► Details: Join the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce for its February luncheon, sponsored by Petra Risk Management Services.

► For more events news, connect with the Cahaba Sun online by scanning the QR code.

► Have an upcoming event to share? Email Kyle Parmley at kparmley@starnesmedia.com.

CULT CLASSIC CINEMA — “GROUNDHOG DAY” (RATED PG)

► Where: LBK Auditorium, Trussville Public Library, 201 Parkway Drive

► When: Thursday, Feb. 12, 5:30-8 p.m.

► Cost: Free

► Contact: Register at trussvillelibrary.com

► Details: Join the Trussville Public Library for Cult Classic Cinema night. Enjoy a fun, nostalgic evening each month celebrating beloved films from Trussville’s Core Collection. Free popcorn and snacks are provided at each screening. Movie ratings vary.

TRUSSVILLE CELEBRATES ARBOR WEEK

► Where: North Pavilion Mall, 225 Parkway Drive

► When: Saturday, Feb. 28, 9 a.m. to noon

► Details: The Trussville Tree Commission is celebrating Arbor Week and the city’s fourth consecutive Tree City USA designation. The event will include a celebratory planting of 42 trees, tree giveaways, posters, face painting, guided tree walks and tree consultations. A tree art display featuring local student artwork will run all week at the Trussville Public Library, Feb. 22 to March 1.

TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION’S NIGHT TO SHINE 2026

► Where: CrossPoint Church, 8000 Liles Lane

► When: Friday, Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m.

► Cost: Free

► Contact: 205.655.0364 or info@cpct.org to register or volunteer

► Details: Night to Shine is a special prom night experience celebrating people ages 14 and up with special needs. Churches around the country and in more than 50 countries host the local faith-based events.

WILD GAME DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION

► Where: Trussville Civic Center, 5381 Trussville-Clay Road

► When: Saturday, Feb. 28, 6 p.m.

► Cost: Tickets $74.99 each, table sponsorship $799. Visit thetroyellisfoundation.com for tickets.

► Details: The Troy Ellis Foundation invites the community to its 4th annual dinner and auction, supporting youth through sports, outdoor experiences and faith-based programs. Guests will enjoy wild game dishes, fellowship and the chance to bid on auction items that directly benefit local youth initiatives.

Huskies soccer previews season at media day

By JOSHUA GLEASON

The Hewitt-Trussville High School boys soccer team enters the new campaign focused on taking the next step forward. The Huskies took the stand at a preseason media day at Carver High School on Jan. 8 to discuss the season ahead.

The Huskies finished 12-11-1 last season and now return under the direction of head coach Daniel Decker, who is entering his fifth season at the helm. While Hewitt-Trussville graduated a large senior class, Decker believes the foundation is in place for continued progress.

“We’re trying to get the whole team to take that next step up,” Decker said. “Getting the younger guys up to the level of the upperclassmen so that no matter who comes off the bench, we are reaching that level. That’s been our offseason goals and expectations.”

Despite losing 11 seniors from last year’s roster, the Huskies bring back a core group of experienced contributors, led by senior winger Brennan Greer. A first-team Class 7A all-state selection, Greer is a dynamic left-footed threat who tallied 12 goals last season and remains a focal point of the attack.

Senior winger Jason Merriweather and senior midfielder Jonathon Emmerich also return and are expected to play key roles for a team that lists only four seniors overall. Their leadership will be crucial as Hewitt-Trussville integrates a number of new faces into the starting lineup.

“

” We’re going to have a few more tools at our disposal. Our style is our style, and we’re getting better at what we do well.

DANIEL DECKER

Steven Richards will move into the holding midfield role, providing stability between the back line and the attack.

Hewitt-Trussville has traditionally been known as a ball-control team, and Decker believes the current roster may be even better suited for that style of play.

“We’re going to have a few more tools at our disposal,” he said. “Our style is our style, and we’re getting better at what we do well.”

Several underclassmen are expected to step into expanded roles. Freshman attacker Stephen Delfin is a name to watch as the Huskies add to their offensive production, while junior

In goal, sophomore Bryant Steele is expected to anchor the defense, gaining valuable experience early in the season as the Huskies navigate a challenging schedule.

That challenge is amplified by Hewitt-Trussville’s placement in one of the area’s most competitive regions, which includes perennial powers Hoover, Vestavia Hills and Oak Mountain. Rather than shy away from the task, Decker embraces it.

“That’s a hill we’re going to climb this year,” Decker said. “If anything, they have to get through us. I am calling that out now because I feel very confident and the team does, too.”

Postseason football accolades roll in; basketball postseason on horizon

By KYLE PARMLEY

Several Hewitt-Trussville High School football players were recognized for the strong 2025 seasons they put together.

On the Alabama Sports Writers Association all-state team, wide receiver Dylan Cope and linebacker Parker Floyd were among the players to be named first team in Class 7A. Floyd finished the year with 103 tackles and 11 for loss. Cope posted 905 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.

Linebacker Woogie Crawford and defensive back Will Phillips were named to the second team. Crawford had a big season, with 100 tackles and 20 for loss, adding eight sacks. Phillips does it all for the Huskies and posted 75 tackles on the year.

A few Huskies played in some postseason all-star games, as well. In the AHSAA North-South All-Star Football Game, Crawford intercepted a pass and had seven tackles while Floyd also played on the North team. Cope and running back Deuce Alston represented the Huskies in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic.

BASKETBALL POSTSEASON ON THE HORIZON

The Hewitt-Trussville High School basketball teams are aiming to play deep into February, as the postseason takes place throughout the month.

The Huskies are in an area with Hoover, Vestavia Hills and Oak Mountain, and the area tournaments will be played at the top seed’s gym Feb. 5-11. The top two teams from the area tournament will advance to the following round.

Should the Hewitt-Trussville boys or girls teams advance, they would move on to the regional tournament. The Huskies would play in the Northeast Regional at Jacksonville State University. The opening round of the regional tournament for the Class 7A teams is set for Feb. 23, with the regional final to be played on Feb. 25.

The state final four for all classifications is set for March 2-7 at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena.

Class 7A semifinals will be March 4, with the finals to be played March 7.

Metro South middle school football players of the year announced

By KYLE PARMLEY

The Metro South has announced its all-metro team to recognize the top players from the league in the 2025 season. Players from each team in seventh and eighth grades were honored with selection to the team.

CLAY-CHALKVILLE

7th Grade

► Aaron Jones

► Montrez Thomas

► Elijah Ross

► Messiah Allen

8th Grade

► Kam Kelley

► Harrison Richburg

► Obrion Hill

► Amari Walls

7th Grade

► Kendall Young

HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE

► Banks Dahlke

► Ander Woodley

► Max Jones

8th Grade

► Graham Jackson

► Landon Donner

► Jackson Wideman

► Jace Kidd

– Jason Watson and Barry Stephenson contributed to this report.

Enduring love

Bill and Liz Roberts

mark 68 years of faith and service

By DIANE POOLE

For nearly 68 years, Bill and Liz Roberts have shared a life shaped not by grand gestures but by faithfulness — faithfulness to each other, to their church and to the community they call home.

Married at 17 and 18 years old with little more than determination and trust, the two started with nothing, but they didn’t know it.

“Neither one of us ever lived in a home with a bathroom before we got married. But we didn’t know what we didn’t have,” Bill said.

On their wedding day, funds were short.

Bill recalled, “I had $40. I gave the preacher $20.”

When Liz realized what he had done, she quickly reminded him, “We haven’t even bought groceries yet.”

What’s the key to a long and happy marriage? For years, Bill and Liz taught young married couples at church, often sharing the same principles he and Liz lived by — lessons some still quote decades later.

Bill shared, “We’ve always lived within our means. If you’ll save 10% of what you make and give at least 10% of what you make, you will never have financial struggles.”

Their faith has always guided Bill and Liz, and church is a regular necessity.

“Church has been constant in our lives — all 68 years of marriage,” Bill said. “Church has been very important in our lives. It’s almost like eating. It’s just us.”

He continued, “I made three major decisions within six months early on — got married, started my only job and made a profession of faith. Church became constant from that point on.”

Their relationship seemed meant to be right from the start. Things were different then, and nobody seemed concerned about the two teenagers getting married. In proposing to Liz, Bill told her if she’d get a job, they could get married. She went out and got a job right away at the phone company, asking to apply for the job that paid the most money.

“They asked me if I knew how to read a phone bill,” Liz said. “I told them our family had never even had a phone.”

They hired her for a customer service position right away. She worked there for three years until their first child was born.

Bill and Liz have never had a serious argument.

“People wouldn’t believe it, but in 68 years of marriage, we’ve never had any serious issues — never any thought

of leaving. I never really thought about it not being forever even from the beginning,” he said.

Liz has kept Bill grounded, something that has helped their marriage succeed. Bill worked at the same company, Tractor and Equipment, all his adult life. He shared an experience following one of his promotions.

“We got in the car after I’d just been promoted, and I asked her, ‘Aren’t you proud of me?’ And she said, ‘I was more proud of you for saying the prayer.’ Every man needs somebody to keep him grounded. That’s what she’s always

done for me.”

When Bill retired, he knew he didn’t want to just sit around. That’s not his personality. He told then-Mayor Gene Melton that he wanted to serve somewhere in the community, preferably on the school board.

Melton suggested that he run for city council, where he’d at least get paid a little for his efforts, but Bill was sure of his desire to serve on the school board. Melton put Bill’s name on the list as a candidate, and he was not only appointed but also reappointed, serving a total of 10 years,

including multiple years as board president.

“Serving on the school board was probably the highlight of my career because everything we did was about making things better and safer for our kids,” Bill said.

He then added, “Of everything we did, the thing I’m the proudest of is putting a bridge across the Cahaba River. That bridge did more than people realize. It made things safer for our kids, saved parents time and changed everyday life for students.”

Liz brought her own quiet leadership to their life together, serving as a church pianist from a young age and later earning the titles of Ms. Senior Trussville, Ms. Jefferson County and Ms. Alabama — honors Bill still speaks of with pride.

In recent years, their commitment to students has been formally recognized. Bill was inducted into the inaugural Trussville City Schools Hall of Fame last year, and recently the new Roberts Softball Stadium was named for the couple. The softball stadium holds special meaning for both of them. Bill’s longtime support of girls’ sports, combined with Liz’s own experience playing softball at a time when girls’ sports barely existed, made it a natural commitment of opportunity for young women.

In 2020, Bill and Liz established the Bill and Liz Roberts Character Scholarship to encourage students who reflect the values they hold dear. Since its inception, the scholarship

has awarded approximately 20 scholarships, providing two to four $2,500 awards each year to Hewitt-Trussville students.

Bill and Liz continue to be active members at First Baptist Church Trussville. Liz sings in the choir, and Bill serves on various committees as needed.

A longtime deacon at First Baptist, Bill was recently named Deacon Emeritus at the conclusion of his final term in recognition of decades of faithful service. When the title is mentioned, he brushes it off with characteristic humility, calling it simply “a sign of getting old.”

No matter how much Bill did in the community, Liz’s support made everything possible.

“I could not have done any of this — business, service, any of it — without her support. I just couldn’t have,” he said.

Bill and Liz receive so much joy from giving to others.

“One of the things that makes me the happiest now is when I do something for other people,” Bill said. “I just want people who know me to know that I love the city and the school … and have put forth a lot of time and effort to help make it better.”

Together, Bill and Liz raised two sons, Scott (wife Alandra) and Jeff (wife Darcy), and are now the proud grandparents to Jared, Jonathan, Joseph, Garlyn and Grant — and

great-grandparents to Billie Lyn — a growing family that reflects the same values of faith, work and commitment that Bill and Liz have lived out for decades.

It hasn’t all been easy. Liz has had cancer diagnoses three times: colon, breast and thyroid cancers. Bill was also diagnosed with colon cancer in 2012, and their son Scott had surgery for bladder cancer just a few months ago. All have had positive outcomes thanks to early detection.

“We’ve been very blessed,” Bill said. “All of our cancers were caught early. We’ve always believed in going to the doctor and staying on top of things.”

What’s the foundation of their relationship?

“Trust, respect and 68 years of being faithful to one another,” Bill said.

What do Bill and Liz think matters most at the end of life?

“The thing that matters most is where we’re going to spend eternity. All these things — if we’re not right, none of it matters.”

And how would they summarize their love story in one word?

“Faithfulness. We’ve been faithful: faithful to the Lord and faithful to each other,” Bill said.

In a world that often rushes past commitment, the Roberts’ story is a quiet reminder that faithfulness still matters.

COMMUNITY

GET TO KNOW

By APRIL COFFEY

Rachel Gunn, author of ‘Impact Parenting’

Q: Please tell our readers about yourself.

A: I am a parent educator who parlayed my master’s degree in education and middle school classroom experience into a career I am genuinely passionate about: encouraging and equipping parents. … My most important job, though, is that of mom. I live in Birmingham with my husband, Brent, our two teenage daughters and [our] Sheepadoodle, Pearl, where we embrace the joys and chaos of family life.

Q: You emphasize “intentional parenting” throughout your book, “Impact Parenting.” What does that mean in practice for busy families?

A: When we understand that our actions have an impact, we can start to be more intentional with our responses. One thing I teach is that how we treat their small problems tells our kids how we will treat their big problems. Most of us want our teenagers to trust us enough to bring their problems to us. But that doesn’t just happen. We can’t just wake up on their 13th birthday and say, “Being a teen is hard; you can trust me with your problems,” if we haven’t built that trust. So by predetermining that we will always treat our children’s problems with respect, we are building a foundation of trust through consistent, intentional interactions.

Q: How does impact parenting differ from more traditional or rule-based parenting approaches?

A: Rule-based approaches can tend to focus on behavior

modification and often rely on consequences or punishment to maintain control. Impact parenting differs in that it is far more relationship-focused, relying on trust and relationship to guide our children over time. Rules play a role, for sure, but they are more foundational than fundamental. They support the relationship; they aren’t the relationship.

Build trust with local homeowners.

With impact parenting, we start early, around age one, by establishing our authority. This means setting clear boundaries and holding them constantly and calmly. The goal at this stage is to establish a healthy parent-child relationship in which the parent is clearly the authority. This foundation is what allows us, over time, to focus less on control and more on building the relationship and helping our children develop wisdom and character.

Q: You focus heavily on relationships and communication. Why do you see those as foundational to a healthy home?

A: I often say that how we respond in everyday moments teaches our children whether we are safe people to come to. When a home is built on trust and open communication, kids don’t just learn how to follow rules; they learn how to think, reflect and make wise choices. And while giving them space to make their own choices while they are still under our authority may seem counter-intuitive, it is actually one of the most important ways we prepare them for life outside our home — when we’re no longer there to guide or protect them.

Q: If parents take away just one principle from “Impact Parenting,” what do you hope it is?

A: If parents take away just one principle from “Impact Parenting,” I hope it’s this: parenting is less about how our children behave and more about how we respond to them. Our responses shape the relationship, and the relationship is where our real influence comes from.