The Trussville Tribune – April 16 - 22, 2026

By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune

Former bookkeeper for International Motorsports Hall of Fame indicted on corruption charge

Nathan Prewett

TALLADEGA, Ala. –Former International Motorsports Hall of Fame bookkeeper Karen Lakey has been arrested and charged—

Planet Fitness headed to former Big Lots space in Trussville, mayor says Brady Flanigan, Editor

By Chris Basinger, News Editor

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –Planet Fitness is headed to the former Big Lots location at 5903 Trussville Crossings Pkwy, Trussville Mayor Ben Short unexpectedly announced Friday, April 10, during a 9 a.m. discussion

of firsts for Dobbs Ford as new owners Joey and Rachel Goshein recently celebrated their first year as managing partners and as members of

See FITNESS, Page 4

Third Jefferson County deputy arrested in under two weeks

After prolonged political lecture from Mayor Thomas, Springville Council approves pay raise for police

By Terry Schrimscher

Brady Flanigan, Editor

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. – A Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputy was charged with domestic violence related offenses on Wednesday, April 8, marking the third deputy assigned to the Jefferson County Jail to be arrested within roughly a week. According to AL.com, 23-year-old Cerell Deon Cole Jr., of Calera, is charged with third-degree domestic violence/harassing communications and

The Springville City Coun cil took a detour Monday night before it returned to unfinished business held over from the Feb. 17 meet ing. After an extended work session and a short break, the March 3 meeting began around 6:45 p.m. derway, the council ap proved the minutes from the last meeting in February. Mayor Dave Thomas mo tioned for them to reconsider the minutes noting members motioned to adjourn before conducting business on the agenda without that motion being recognized. Thomas then proceeded to deliver a dissertation, as he called it, for the next 55 minutes, cross-referencing political history, addressing recent editorials, and quoting Teddy Roosevelt, Jesus, and Socrates along the way. Although not technically a filibuster, the lecture was designed to prolong the meeting allowing Thomas to air his displeasure at the lack of

focus on city business.

first-degree criminal trespassing. Both charges are misdemeanors.

afterward, Thomas said he trations because the council sometimes delays making decisions it needs to make. He discussed his motion to add unaddressed items from the February meeting to a proval. That approach was

At one point, Thomas challenged members of the council to raise their hands if they agreed never again to leave a meeting before the conclusion of business. No hands raised. Along the way, he said the council’s lack of leadership on salaries would be a burden on the city.

AL.com reported that Cole has been placed on leave and was booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail on April 8 before being released on a $600 bond the same day.

Documents allege Cole approached the mother of his 2-year-old daughter at a bar in Birmingham on March 22 acting in an “aggressive manner,” using profanity, and demanding to know the whereabouts of his

“The council had every opportunity to redress the error but chose otherwise, wanting to move on, showing their frustration and the effectiveness of the filibus-

Foxhound Bee Company to bee-gin construction on new education center

New restaurant opens at The Silos in Trussville

Brady Flanigan, Editor

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –

By Chris Basinger, News Editor

IRONDALE, Ala. – Bee

The Farmhouse at The Silos of Trussville officially opened Wednesday, April 8, at 7905 Roper Road. The restaurant is open to the public, with no golf club membership required.

enthusiasts will soon be swarming to Irondale to visit a new beekeeping education center designed to teach and community members about the world of pollinators.

Birmingham-based Foxhound Bee Company is preparing to break ground on the 5,000 square foot facility

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the opening on Wednesday, April 8, and was attended by members of the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Ben Short, members of the Trussville City Council, and other local officials.

The restaurant is operated by Ryan Zargo, owner of The Farmhouse of Springville, which opened in 2020. The new location in Trussville is part of the continued redevelopment of the former Trussville Country Club, which is now operating as The Silos Golf Club.

dered from the golf course by scanning a QR code on carts or calling in an order for pickup.

in the coming weeks, which will serve as an expansion from its current location in Hardware Park.

In addition to educational opportunities and STEM programming, the center will also sell a range of products sourced from bees, including honey and beeswax, as well as supplies for beekeepers.

opened on Saturday.

General Manager Kevin Bailey and owner Zargo said the goal is to offer Trussville a welcoming place that merges top-tier food with top-tier service.

“When looking for a place to build our new beekeeping store, we continued to hear comments about how Irondale was doing great things,” said founder Adam Hickman.

“We look forward to bringing good food and service to Trussville, and a good family environment,” they said.

ter,” Thomas said. “The example they set by refusing to adjust salaries wasn’t about their faux martyrdom, sacrificing for the greater good,” he added.

child. Later that evening, the woman reportedly received an alert from her home security camera showing that Cole had entered her home without permission and removed their 2-year-old without consent.

AL.com reported that the woman returned home and contacted the Lakeview Police Department. She later told authorities Cole continued to harass her by phone until eventually appearing unlawfully inside her home with the child.

“The example they set was that if you make an error it can’t be corrected. That the error becomes a mistake,” he said. “But now the window to act has closed as of last Wednesday, shackling the next administration with the consequences of their actions,” he said.

Cole marks the third Jef-

Speaking to The Tribune

By Tanna McGuire

Many other cities in the prove non-controversial items with a single vote through a consent agenda, a procedural process used to reduce the need for discussion and lengthy meetings. After re-introducing parliamentary rules to the meetprocess, Thomas led the council through new business which involved acceptance of bids for a new sewer project which will need further action for financial decisions. The council also renewed the city’s garbage collection contract with Waste Management.

ferson County Sheriff’s deputy arrested in recent days. All of them were assigned to the Jefferson County Jail in the Bessemer Cutoff.

Trussville schools propose new elementary school

Human bones found by local dog are connected, coroner says From Tribune staff reports

Items from the February agenda were addressed individually. The purchase

On April 7, 21-year-old Deputy Cameron Lee was arrested and charged with use of official position or office for personal gain, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Lee’s bond was set at $10,000, and he was later released from the Jefferson County Jail.

See ARREST, Page 4

See SPRINGVILLE, Page 2

Brady Flanigan, Editor TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – Trussville City Schools is pushing forward a new plan to address overcrowding. The concept is tied to a proposed residential development off Camp Coleman Road and 25 acres pledged to TCS by the developer as

BIRMINGHAM, – A human skull and a left tibia found by a dog in East Birmingham last year are confirmed to have belonged to the same person, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. The link was confirmed

See BONES, Page

Leeds Council delays ordinance amendment on park rules after concerns from councilor

Leeds High School freshmen take action to address rising school shootings

Nathan Prewett

LEEDS, Ala. – An ordinance related to park rules, particularly Moton Park in Leeds, was delayed by the city council after Councilor Sabrina Rose brought up concerns that there were inaccuracies and inconsistencies.

LEEDS, Ala. – Over the past 25 years, school shootings in the United States have surged to alarming levels, with a reported 574 incidents occurring between 2000 and 2025, according to data from Statista. Three Leeds High School freshmen, Amelia Davis, Madilynn Johnson, and Beatrice McCormick, members of the Leeds High School Chapter of Future Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), are determined to address this pressing issue through their state conference project.

The subject was discussed during the work session and the regular meeting where Councilor Ryan Holtbrooks explained that the ordinance was to amend the city rules such as no guns, smoking, no littering, no vandalism, and staying outside of operating hours among others.

sentiment, emphasizing thecal toll that school shootings take on students and their families.

The Farmhouse offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual setting, with a menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, pasta and steaks that are cut in-house. Food can be or-

It will be built across from the all-new Ruffner Sports Complex, which

“Everyone on the project seemed to speak highly of working with Irondale and its leadership. So, when we approached the

Hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

See BEES, Page 3

The young leaders have not only compiled critical statistics but are also working with local officials and educators to promote stronger safety measures in schools. Their project, which will be presented at the FCCLA state conference in March, aims to raise awareness about the devastating impact of school shootings and propose actionable changes to improve safety protocols in Alabama

The current ordinance makes an exception for Moton Park, and so the amendment sought to include it to have the same rules as all of the others. Holtbrooks said that the amendment will allow the city to provide more upkeep to it as it has fallen into neglect over the years.

perform lockdown or intruder drills; in Alabama, public schools are required to conduct two such drills per semester. However, Davis believes these measures are insufficient and is advocating for more frequent and comprehensive drills.

“And so, what we want to do is we basically want to remove ‘except Moton Park’ and those rules will be in effect at all of our parks,” he said.

“You shouldn’t have to worry about being scared when you’re just trying to learn,” Johnson said.

ing the state of Moton Park. Holtbrooks said that despite the park being in some disrepair the city has begun an effort to restore it.

“We need to make sure that every school feels safe and ready to handle anything that could happen.”

“When people’s lives are on the line, we can’t just do the bare minimum,” Davis said.

“Schools should take intruder drills as seriously as they do fire or tornado drills.” Johnson echoed this

The matter became a subject of disagreement between Rose and fellow councilors Cary Kennedy, Holtbrooks and Mayor Eddie Moore during the work session, especially regard-

McCormick highlighted the importance of turning awareness into action.

“School shootings are such a huge problem, and we

“We’re going to take care of Moton,” he told Rose. “This isn’t the previous administration and this park is in my district; those are my people. We’re trying

See STUDENTS, Page

The Trussville Tribune

190 Main Street

Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664

Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com

Brady Flanigan, Editor trusstribeditor@gmail.com

Terry Schrimscher, Interim Managing Editor tribunenews2@gmail.com

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Sherry J. Parker, Marketing Executive & Photographer, sherry.parker@trussvilletribune.com

Brannon Dawkins, Tribune Unscripted Producer & Account Manager

She helped people die. Or maybe you’d say she helped them transition to the other side—whatever that means. She’s not a big believer in “the other side.”

Either way, she’s been helping people pass away for a long time. She has seen more death than most.

She’s a veteran nurse. She’s been in the business of end-of-life care for over 30 years. As a result, almost nothing startles her anymore. And if she’s being honest, she admits that she’s a little jaded, too. Maybe even cynical about the business sometimes. Bureaucrats.

But what she saw last Tuesday did affect her. In fact, she says it sort of changed her.

As she administered meds to the old man, making idle small talk, something occurred.

The old man was near the end when he saw someone in the room.

There is nothing unusual about this. It happens all the

time. Dying people see deceased loved ones in empty rooms. They’ll have elaborate conversations with a great-grandma. Or they’ll see a miscarried baby, all grown up, sitting in the corner, smiling. Whether these are hallucinations or not, she has learned to just go with it. It’s part of the job.

The brain does strange things when it’s in the process of dying.

“I see a woman,” the old man said.

“Is that right?” she said, still checking his oximeter.

“Yes, it’s a woman. She is standing behind you.”

The nurse glanced behind her and saw nobody.

“Really?” she said absently, going about her work, making notes on her iPad.

“She looks a little like you,” he said.

“Okay,” said the nurse vacantly, checking his pulse again. “What a hottie she must be.”

The old man muttered. “She has brown hair. She says her name is Carol.”

The nurse stopped. She

stared at him.

The old man said, “Carol is talking to me. She’s saying something now.”

The nurse was all ears.

“What’s she saying?”

“She wants me to tell you that she loves you,” the old man said. “She also says you did the right thing. She’s proud of you. Don’t doubt yourself.”

There were tears in the woman’s eyes now.

“She said that?” the nurse replied.

“Yes.”

One week earlier, the nurse left her husband. He had been abusive to her and her teenage daughter. When she finally mustered the courage to leave, her selfdoubt was almost too much to bear. She kept wondering if she’d done the right thing. She kept asking this question to the sky.

“She also says that she likes the new apartment,” said the old man. “You’ll be happy there. Everything is going to work out.”

Only a few nights ago, the nurse had put money

down on a

apartment. This was going to be the biggest step she had ever taken in her life, venturing into the realm of single-motherhood. She hadn’t told anyone about it.

Not even her daughter.

“She also says not to worry,” the old man said.

“She says she’s watching out for you. She’s always with you. She’s always protecting you.”

When the nurse was finished with work, she quietly left the old man’s house.

She stood on the porch with her wet face in her hands. Her body was covered in gooseflesh.

Her coworker was doing paperwork in the car, idling in the driveway. When she saw the nurse crying, her coworker came to her.

“What’s wrong?” the coworker asked.

“Nothing,” the woman said. “I was just thinking.”

“About what?”

“My mom.” The nurse wiped her eyes. “She died when I was eight. Her name was Carol.”

L oca L / R egion

Walking tour in Leeds brings the 1960s back to life

Nathan Prewett

LEEDS, Ala. – Last year downtown Leeds turned its clock back to the 1950s as part of the local historical society’s walking tour, but on April 11 time was dialed back to the 1960s, a time of significant changes but also growth for the city.

Visitors crowded the downtown area in the morning hours, some wearing the familiar tie dye colors of the countercultural movement.

Leeds Historical Society President Randy Ray described Leeds in the ’50s as an era where industry and population was beginning to take root. In the ’60s the city began growing in earnest.

“Leeds population almost doubled from 3,600 to 6,500 in that time,” Ray said. “So, the population growth was just tremendous.”

Local sports took off, Ray said, along with the fire department moving from volunteer to full-time, and the city revenue “skyrocketed” because of the industry expansion.

“They were building in the 50s but in the 60s they were producing,” said Ray. “And so the residents in Leeds could wake up, go to work, come home, go to the ballpark, go to church, go to PTA, go to kids’ things at school and stay right here in this community, shop right in the community, so that was the ’60s.”

Everyone who lived in that decade saw history made as the first men set foot on the moon from Apollo 11.

In what some may consider a happy coincidence or a twist of fate, the event on Saturday took place just after the crew of the Artemis 2 mission splashed down from the latest space adventure around the moon, the first in more than 50 years.

“The space race in the 60s, you know, we landed on the moon in ’69,” Ray said. “Things were changing. The civil rights issues and so everybody was seeking the rights that they deserved, and it was turmoil but in Leeds because of the legacy of the way Leeds had operated over the years there wasn’t that turmoil here.”

Among the changes that Leeds saw was the first female member of the city council, Jane Culbreth, whose name lives on in the title of the local library.

And there is the Vietnam War, a conflict that remains a complicated mark in the history of America in the ’60s where the peace movement of the hippies was just as intimately entwined.

According to Ray, approximately 57 Leeds residents served in the Vietnam War, one of whom died, and two were seriously wounded. The library displayed a memorial for those who went overseas.

There were fewer reenactors this year, but a number of people portrayed notable people, including Leeds Elementary School Principal Joe Shepard, Wolfman Jack, Moton School Principal John Smith, and Fire Chief Walter Layton, who was played by current Chief Chuck Parsons. Police Chief Paul Irwin reprised his role as John “Bull” Pledger, who was chief at that time.

Leeds in the ’60s was presided over by administrations under several mayors, these being Bill Dorrough (1948-1962), A.D. Blair (1962-1964), James H Bailey (1964-1968) and Jack Courson (1968-1972).

Classics were performed by the Leeds Greenwave Jazz Ensemble, the Leeds Connection, the Buicks and artist Tiffany Larae took to the Roxy Stage on 8th Street as Aretha Franklin.

Vendors set up shop on Main Street while the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library housed a history museum, and the window of some storefronts were painted with the titles of businesses that occupied their spaces during that decade. The Leeds Depot was displaying its historic items and photographs. Ray noted that the last passenger train arrived and departed in 1965.

“The other thing that the ’60s was so exciting about was the whole era of moving past a world war – it was a regional conflict obviously – but the excitement of learning as we saw the astronauts beginning the space race, that filtered down into the community here,” Ray said. “There was an optimism about tomorrow and when you could see that you had a place to work, you had a school to go to, a church to be involved in, civic organizations to keep you active, there was such a feel of positivity about the future.”

It may go without saying that every decade is a time of change and turmoil, even as some are more tumultuous than others. There are certainly times that are more uncertain than others.

Our penchant for changing technology and conflicting social attitudes often bodes for both the good and the bad as history keeps pointing out over and over again. But evolving history reminds us that we may continue to remain optimistic, if maybe cautiously so at times.

In any case, walking tours on a sunlit day, psychedelic tie dye colors and nostalgic music might offer a break from the complex, ugly and yet still beautiful chaos of time.

A website for the Leeds Historical Society can be found at www.leedshistoricalsociety.org.

Irondale seeks feedback on proposed transit service

Brady Flanigan, Editor

IRONDALE, Ala. – The City of Irondale is looking for residents’ input as it explores adding a new MAX On-Demand transit service in efforts to expand access to transportation in the community.

City officials said the proposed service would function similarly to well known rideshare platforms—offering app-based, affordable transportation for things such as getting to medical appointments, commuting to work, running errands, or other essential services.

Residents are invited to share their transportation needs through a new public survey launched by the city.

Officials said the feedback is designed to help determine how the system should be designed, where it operates, and how it could best serve residents of Irondale.

“Together, we can build a more connected Irondale for everyone,” Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. said in the announcement. “This is about listening to our residents and creating a transportation solution that improves access to opportunity, enhances quality of life, and meets people where they are.”

According to the city, responses to the survey will help strengthen grant applications connected to transportation in the future.

Officials noted that the proposed service could offer on-demand rides similar to Uber or Lyft and provide affordable transportation, improved access to jobs, health care, and groceries.

“We don’t want to guess what our community needs — we want to hear it directly from the people we serve,” Stewart said. “This is an opportunity for citizens to help shape a transportation solution built specifically for Irondale.”

Trussville seeks federal help for Highway 11 traffic

Brady Flanigan, Editor

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –

Mayor Ben Short stated publicly Friday, April 12, that he has applied for federal funding through U.S. Sen. Katie Britt’s office for a Highway 11 traffic project he believes could ease congestion between the bridge adjacent to Cherokee Drive and the section of road leading to Publix on the eastern side of Trussville.

Short described that stretch as the worst bottleneck along the corridor.

“Highway 11, the worst section of it, in my opinion, starts at the Cherokee Bridge and leads up to Publix,” he said. “That’s where everything bogs down.”

According to Short, the

concept he submitted would center on a three-lane configuration with a central turn lane instead of a broader road expansion, which he said is not feasible because of both land constraints and the cost of displacing businesses along the highway. “We’ve looked at four-lane, at fivelane it, whatever the case may be. Five-lane’s not feasible,” Short said. “There’s not enough land there to make it happen. And the dollars and the math don’t make sense. You’d have to knock out a lot of companies.”

He said the proposal could also include a review of traffic signalization at Sherman Oaks and Maplewood, with Sherman Oaks likely to qualify sooner because of heavier traffic counts. “Sherman Oaks would qualify far faster than Maplewood because of the unit count and that volume and that traffic count,” Short said, adding that the numbers could be especially strong “if we do the traffic study during sports season, baseball season.”

Short also noted that Highway 11 is an Alabama Department of Transportation road, meaning any notable changes would require state involvement in addition to potential federal grants. “Ultimately that’s an ALDOT project,” he said.

at City Hall, then later confirmed on social media, Saturday, April 11. Short said the project would involve a $1.7 million renovation of the commercial space, which has stood empty since 2024.

Short disclosed the project during a public meeting that had originally been called to address concerns over Civic Center memberships for seniors, but later broadened into a wider discussion of development, schools, traffic and other city issues.

“Planet Fitness [is] going into where Big Lots was,” Short said during the exchange. He added that the project would involve a

becoming the second person tied to the organization to face charges in its ongoing financial scandal.

56-year-old Lakey has been charged with using her position for personal gain or for the gain of a family member, according to a statement released Friday by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. Her arrest follows former executive director Mike Raita, who was arrested on a similar charge April 2. According to Marshall’s office, Lakey turned herself in at the Talladega County Sheriff’s Office “without incident.”

The charge came after an investigation connected

In a separate case, Deputy Joshua David Nichols,

to take care of it.”

Rose said that the document outlining the ordinance was incomplete and had inaccuracies, namely the hours of operations and its time of closure because policies have changed since the document was created.

Rose went on to say that the rules that apply to other parks are not excluded from Moton but that it excludes times and how long events can be held.

“To say that this is what we’re going to use moving forward and that it excludes Moton from the general rules in ordinances is totally false,” she said.

Photo credit: Bruce Leighty - stock.adobe.com

“$1.7 million renovation” of the former Big Lots building. The mayor did not provide an opening timeline during the meeting. Short also referenced

several other projects that are either coming to Trussville or in the works, among them: Raising Cane’s, a Homes2Suites hotel, Culver’s and another possible hotel near The Pinnacle.

to an audit by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. Marshall’s statement said Lakey is accused of using “all or a portion” of $159,477.55 from the International Motorsports Hall of Fame for herself or a family member.

The charge is a Class C felony. Marshall’s office said it carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $30,000. Marshall also credited the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame for helping with the case.

34, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. According to WIAT, Nichols

She stated that the document says that requests to use the park through the civic center is “not true” and that there is a maximum use of the park for four hours, though it is the most popular option for events such as reunions, which are all-day events. She added that use of the pavilion and paying fees are also not excluded.

Furthermore, she said, the document supposedly did not address the use of baseball and softball fields and also lacks several ordinances approved by the city over a number of years.

“There have been several ordinances that have been approved for our city since 2014 and they are not in here,” she said. “And this is inaccurate, it is not a com-

on Main events.

Two members of MOB Inc. spoke during public comments after the Leeds City Council renewed a one year moratorium on “certain” business licenses during a meeting held on April 13. The resolution affects payday loans, car title loans, gold and silver brokers, tobacco shops, pawn stores, tattoo parlors, vape shops, and used automobile sales.

Afterwards, MOB Inc. member Randall Rysedorph explained that MOB Inc. is a charitable organization that puts on car shows to raise money for nonprofit organizations and that they have not been able to get a permit to host Motors on Main in Leeds.

He also raised concerns about what he said was a lack of communications about an ongoing sidewalk project on Main Street that may affect the show, though Moore said that everything

was found with a substance containing methamphetamine and a burnt glass pipe. He was released the same day on a total $5,500 bond.

plete document, it’s trying to be pushed through tonight and that is not what we promised our community.”

Ultimately, it was decided that discussion on the ordinance would be considered a first reading and carried over to another meeting as its language is reworked.

During public comments

Ronald Miller, who has spoken in previous meetings, reiterated his request that the council consider a public pool and urged action to be taken for Moton Park, saying that there are no lights or concession stands. Moore vowed that the park would be put in rotation and its needs addressed.

In other business the council:

Approved a $2 raise for city employees, and

• Approved an ABC classification to Rex Lake Hospitality, doing business as Springhill Suites.

Leeds City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of every month at City Hall on 1400 9th Street Northeast. Agenda packets can be seen online on the City of Leeds’ website.

a donation.

In a video statement released on Friday, April 10, Mayor Ben Short, Councilor Brian Jackson, and Superintendent Dr. Patrick Martin framed the proposal as part of a broader discussion regarding the Riggins property, where a residential development is expected to arrive before City Council in the coming weeks.

Short noted that the original proposal included more than 325 homes, but after nine revisions and several months of negotiations, that number was reduced to no more than 235. He said the arrangement also includes a commitment to donate 25 acres for a future elementary school.

Martin said TCS revisited its plans after a vote to increase property taxes in Trussville, expected to generate $12 million, failed in 2024.

“With that said, a few years ago, our school system proposed a $12 million ad valorem increase to address growth,” Martin said. “The community voted no and we heard that. Since then, we’ve gone back to the drawing board to find a solution that is both responsible as well as forward thinking.”

The newest plan is to

was being done to maintain that.

Rysedorph clarified that he believed the problem came from the state and contractors rather than the city.

MOB. Inc. Vice President Scott Pierce then spoke and pointed out that the organization has generated more than $1 million in economic impact to Leeds after hosting four shows.

Motors on Main was a relatively recent addition to the city, having been introduced in 2025.

“Motors on Main became more than a car show,” he said. “It became a movement. And it brought life to the downtown effort, especially on Friday nights.”

to the property by the homeowner ’s dog.

The coroner’s office per-

He expressed some doubts about the partnership between MOB Inc. and the city, saying that it was “in question” as they have not been able to receive a new permit to host upcoming shows, adding that the show can be taken elsewhere if no permit is approved.

He then requested that a permit be issued that night.

Moore stated that the reason for the delay in permitting is that the city government is also working with the Leeds Arts Council, which also holds events on Fridays.

“We have been in discussion about Motors on Main practically every day,” he said. “And we’ve run into a brick wall so far, but we’re trying to accommodate the arts council on Friday nights and you have your Motors on Main on Fridays, so that’s simply been a problem.”

Moore expressed the city’s support for the show and assured Pierce that a solution may have been found to balance the two.

Councilor Cary Kennedy invited the members to speak with the council further after the meeting concluded.

Leeds City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of every month at City Hall on 1400 9th Street Northeast. Agenda packets can be seen online at the City of Leeds website.

construct a new elementary school on the donated land and shift all elementary schools in the district to a K-6 model. Martin said this would help alleviate overcrowding and address cafeteria and capacity issues at the middle school.

“We’ve evaluated known residential growth data across Trussville and projected what our student population’s going to look like over the course of the next 10 years,” Martin said.

city officials as both an infrastructure and public access project. Short said the agreement is set to include a greenway trail running through the property and deeded access to the site’s lakes, which are intended to be a future park, provided the lakes are brought to city standards first.

“This approach allows us to plan not just for current needs, but for the long-term success and stability of our entire school system.”

According to Martin, the district originally estimated roughly $90 million in costs. The revised plan, however, has brought costs down to about $35 to $45 million, but funding is still being finalized.

Councilor Jackson said the developer has agreed to build, at its own expense, a road that connects Gadsden Highway to Camp Coleman Road. He said the road would improve traffic flow and improve public safety, likely becoming the primary access point for the future school.

The proposed development is being framed by

Martin said neither the school nor the development will occur overnight, but officials wished to share the project early so citizens could understand where the city and school system stand on the issue and where they are headed.

Leeds Arts Council presented $22K from Rep. Dubose

Prewett

Nathan

LEEDS, Ala. – Rep.

Susan Dubose presented a check to the Leeds Arts Council during a meeting of the city council on April 13.

The arts council received $22,000 from Dubose, who said that this was the third check it had received from the state.

“One of the things I said when I was elected was I wanted to help you all be the best you can be,” she said. “And in the four years I’ve been working we’ve been able to get y’all three grants.”

Dubose named members

of the council who were present, including Linda Miller, Beverly Wilson, Brandi McClaran, Sandra Bailey, Jamie Jones, Darlene Self, Karen Carroll, Patricia Noel, John Gregory, Connor Hart, and Doris Jarvis. She said that the grant would be used for the facility.

“Y’all, this is a hard working group,” Dubose said. “And this performing arts center that you have is a gem. I am so proud of them, it is so professional, they do so much with so little, and it’s my pleasure to help them be the best that they can be.”

She stated that the funding comes from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

“From the bottom of my heart we appreciate your efforts,” said Mayor Eddie Moore. “These people make Leeds a better place to live.”

Miller, who is chair of the Leeds Arts Council, expressed her appreciation to Dubose for the grant.

Leeds City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of every month at City Hall on 1400 9th Street Northeast. Agenda packets can be seen online at the City of Leeds website.

Trussville shifts away from free Civic Center memberships for 65 and up

Brady Flanigan, Editor

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – A crowd gathered at Trussville’s City Hall Annex at 9 a.m. Friday, April 10, after a letter issued by the city to select members of the Trussville Civic Center stirred concerns that seniors might be required to pay for memberships in the future.

For years, the Civic Center has allowed residents 65 and older to join free of charge. Mayor Ben Short told attendees Friday that the city is now creating a formal fee structure so it can enroll with insurance-backed fitness programs such as SilverSneakers and seek reimbursement for seniors who were already carrying benefits through their insurance.

Short said current Civic Center members age 65 and older would continue receiving free memberships if their insurance does not cover the benefit. But going forward, the city’s senior membership model will no longer operate exclusively on sweeping free access. Rather, the city’s new model will be structured around either insurance reimbursement, a discounted monthly rate or, in some cases, financial assistance.

“In order to onboard with these insurance companies, we had to establish a fee,” Short said. He added that the city’s goal was not to charge existing seniors, but to collect money from insurers to offset lost revenue.

According to Short, the Civic Center has about 2,000 members, and more

than 1,000 of them are 65 and older and are not charged membership fees. He said the city believes many may already have fitness benefits through private insurance. Short estimated that if roughly half of eligible members enrolled, the Civic Center could generate between $75,000 and $100,000 in additional revenue annually.

“If you’re an existing member of the Civic Center and your insurance program does not qualify or you don’t have a fitness benefit, you will continue to get free membership at the Civic Center,” he said.

Under the model described, the more significant shift will apply to future members. Those turning 65 going forward, he said, would generally need to use an insurance fitness benefit, pay the monthly rate or, in cases of demonstrated need, seek assistance.

Parks and Recreation

Director Chris Mills said the reduced senior rate will also begin at age 60 instead of 65 under the new structure.

When attendees asked whether the grandfathering

language would be put in writing, Short said it would be, but only after the city completed the insurance onboarding process.

Short framed the policy shift as part of a broader fiscal effort by the city to capture new sources of revenue. He said the city has been cutting costs and consolidating positions in an effort to avoid shifting larger expenses onto residents.

“I’ve been making cuts left and right,” Short said.

“This is just one of those.” City officials also said other Civic Center rates are changing. Short and Mills said rental costs for event spaces have already increased, and memberships for other groups are expected to rise in the coming months as well.

For current senior members, Short said the city would shoulder the costs of any administrative gaps while insurers are still being brought into the fold. If a renewal date arrives before the process is complete, he said, staff will roll the membership forward rather than interrupt access.

Revisiting an Alabama House ‘Freedom Caucus’

Jeff Poor

For years, the notion of the most conservative lawmakers in the Alabama House could band together to form a so-called "freedom caucus," like that on Capitol Hill, has been floating around.

It seems logical that if the U.S. House of Representatives could support a freedom caucus, then Alabama, a state with a verifiably conservative voting populace, could easily do the same.

Since the invention of such a thing in Washington, D.C., Alabama's existing power structure has been on guard against the formation of a state-level freedom caucus that could undermine its ruling authority.

Around this time every year, upon the conclusion of the legislative session, we are bombarded by news reports inspired by the press statement touting the accomplishments of the session, which create the perception that your rock-ribbed Republican legislature lived up to its expectations.

But if you were to conduct a thorough examination, you would find that it did not.

"We added four members to the Public Service Commission? How is that going to make my power bill go down?"

There are all kinds of theories as to why there seems to be an ideological gap between the Republicans we elect to represent us in Montgomery and the likely Republican voters of Alabama.

Is it because we have a legacy Democrat problem? Did the former Democratic Party crossovers from the

1990s and 2000s bring their politics with them to the Republican Party?

Perhaps, but there are few left.

The answer is that it is not the candidates.

It is the groups that back the candidates. Since the end of Reconstruction, our state's kingmakers have been a coalition of big business and agriculture, or as they were called in the 20th century, the big mules and planters.

That remains true today, although the term "big mule" could apply not only to industrialists but also to the teachers' union, trial lawyers, the state's two flagship universities and groups rep-

resenting the various special interests of the state — Indian gaming, municipal and county governments, etc.

These guys all write the checks that finance the political infrastructure that gets most of our lawmakers elected.

It is people who have a vested interest in the laws, regulations and expenditures of the State of Alabama.

Essentially, it is a system that allows a small group of people representing the above-mentioned vested interests to give their candidates a significant advantage on Election Day.

Some candidates can overcome an opponent with

the backing of the establishment: self-funders, candidates with built-in name ID, and long-time incumbents.

But that is a minority.

Once these guys are elected, they owe an unspoken debt of gratitude to those who helped them win their race, and that can take many forms beyond just a vote on a piece of legislation. This convoluted system stands in the way of the formation of a "freedom caucus."

There is a lot more to it than finding like-minded conservatives, meeting at the local coffee shop and agreeing to vote as a bloc. It gets back to campaign financing. Those who have

joined the House Freedom Caucus on Capitol Hill sometimes find themselves on the outside looking in. They may "caucus" with Republicans to elect a speaker or a majority leader.

Beyond that, they are on an island to themselves, often cut off from resources granted to the more loyal members of the body's leadership. But being "cut off" gives them the independence to oppose their own party, if necessary. That independence can be used as leverage for a seat at the table, committee chairmanships, office space and more. That forces the Freedom Caucus, as we current-

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION FOR BIDS

ly know it, to raise its own funding, build its own political infrastructure and recruit its own candidates.

To their credit, they have had success, gained chairmanships and have had an outsized voice in picking leadership.

Could it work in Alabama?

Alabama voters would absolutely tolerate a freedom caucus. There would not likely be election consequences from voters for lawmakers to join a self-proclaimed conservative group.

But where would the money come from to finance such a group?

Consider that groups like BCA, the roadbuilders, the Farmers Federation, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Alabama Power and others are willing to put their money where their mouth is, and that is why they win.

There are more of them than there are those willing to offer financial support to a group built around the notion of less government and more freedom.

Any effort to form a self-proclaimed freedom caucus needs financial backing. It also needs those who dare to walk away from the status quo. Once someone declares fidelity to a splitoff group, it will not be just resources that go away.

It could be more difficult to get a bill on the calendar or to secure state government support for projects within his or her district. Is it worth it to join the Freedom Caucus? For now, even the most conservative Republican lawmakers might say no, but more would say yes than ever before.

Sealed Bids will be received by Trussville Gas and Water located in Trussville, Alabama, until the local time set forth below, for furnishing all equipment and materials along with technical assistance for startup, testing, and training following installation according to Specifications and Contract Documents on file in the office of Trussville Gas and Water, the project hereinafter described. No bid will be received after the time set forth below; and the Bids will be publicly opened and read at Trussville Gas and Water Operations Facility, 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173.

Interested contractors can obtain additional information from TG&W via mail at: 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173; Telephone: (205) 655-3211; Email: jwebb@trussville.com

Project Name: ON-SITE HYPOCHLORITE SYSTEM

Project Number: 3-001-25

Bid Date and Time: April 30, 2026 at 10:00 A.M.

Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents for the project described above are open to public inspection at Trussville Gas and Water Operations Department, 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173. Telephone: (205) 655-3211.

Trussville Gas and Water reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid, and to accept any bid considered advantageous to the Owner.

No bid may be withdrawn after the time for opening bids has passed. Trussville Gas and Water reserves the right to hold the bids for a period of Sixty (60) days after the date of receiving Bids.

Contractor agrees to comply with all specifications, plans and contract documents as furnished by Trussville Gas and Water.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Margaret Talley Compton, Deceased

Letters Testamentary (or Letters of Administration) upon the Estate of Margaret Talley Compton, deceased, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

All claims should be presented to:

Robert Compton

1301 Fuller Street

Old Hickory, TN 37138

Dated this 16th day of April, 2026.

Robert Compton

Personal Representative of the Estate of Margaret Talley Compton

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●Trussville City Council Meetings:2nd and 4thTuesday of eachmonthat6 p.m.

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●Trussville BoardofEducation Meetings:3rd Monday of eachmonthat6 p.m.,

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● Trussville City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.,

TCSCentral Office

City Council Annex

● Trussville Board of Education Meetings: 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m.,

●ClayCityCouncil Meetings:2nd and 4thTuesday of eachmonthat6 p.m.

TCS Central Office

●PinsonCityCouncil Meetings: 1stand 3rdThursday of eachmonthat7 p.m.

● Clay City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

● Pinson City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.

●CenterPoint City Council Meetings:1st and 3rdThursday of eachmonth, at 6:30 p.m.

●ArgoCityCouncil Meetings:2nd and 4thMonday of eachmonthat5 p.m.

●Yarn Manglers: Thursday, July 25 at 2p.m.- Knitters and crocheters, join us for fellowshipand creativity!

● Irondale City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

Bicentennial Park:Thursday, July 25 at 4p.m.- It’stimeto saygoodbyetoanother wonderfulSummerReading Program!Enjoy free access to theSplashPad, crafts,food trucks,& so much more!

● Leeds City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m.

●Parks and RecTrivia: Thursday,July25at6 p.m.

● Moody City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 6 p.m.

●ClassicCinema: Friday, July 26 at 2p.m.- Come and watchaclassicmovie in the library auditorium!

Pinson Public Library

●SplashBashatPinson

● Center Point City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, at 6:30

p.m.

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●Springville City Council Meetings:1st and 3rdMonday of eachmonthat6 p.m.

● Argo City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 5 p.m.

●IrondaleCityCouncil Meetings:1st and 3rdTuesday of eachmonthat6 p.m.

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●Moody City Council Meetings:2nd and 4thMonday of eachmonthat6 p.m.

Trussville Public Library

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● The M.W. Hosey American Legion Post 205, Clay-Trussville, meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Clay Community Center. Meetings are open to all veterans. Post 205 also meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Trussville Applebee’s for a Veteran’s Pub night. tion Me

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LEGAL NOTICE

INVITATION FOR BIDS

Sealed Bids will be received by Trussville Gas and Water located in Trussville, Alabama, until the local time set forth below, for furnishing all labor, equipment and doing the work of constructing, according to Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents on file in the office of Trussville Gas and Water, the project hereinafter described. No bid will be received after the time set forth below; and the Bids will be publicly opened and read at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173.

C alendar

Local Meetings

● Trussville City Coun-

cil Meetings: 2nd and 4th

Tuesday of each month at

6 p.m., City Council Annex

o bitua R ies

Carol Stalnaker

march 21, 1938 — april 9, 2026

Carol Ann Evans Anderson Stalnaker of Hayden, Alabama passed away on April 9, 2026, at her home with her family at her side. She was born on March 21, 1938, to Derwood Evans and Ima Lee Bridges Sebren in Mer Rouge, Louisiana.

March 9 at 1:30 p.m. - Extensive ACT review class

Interested contractors can obtain prequalification applications from TG&W Engineering Department (“ngineering Department”, 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173; Telephone: (205) 655-3211 and must submit the completed prequalification application to the Engineering Department at the above address, no later than 4:00 p.m. on May 7, 2026.

● Trussville Board of Education Meetings: 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m., TCS Central Office

● Clay City Council Meet-

● Chess Club: Monday, March 10 at 5 p.m. - Learn the basics, cool tricks, strategy, opening, and tactic in chess from a ChessKidsNation coach

to pick up our “Dahl’s Delightful Kits.” Packed with exciting games, activities, & crafts inspired by Dahl’s beloved stories

Project Name: Tapestry Village Phase I Gas Main Extension Project Number: 2-031-24

● Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison: Friday, March 7 at 10 a.m.

Carol Ann is preceded in death by her parents, husbands Bill Anderson and Pete Stalnaker, brothers Bobby Wayne Evans, Eddie Lee Evans, Herbert Hope Evans, Ernest Dean Sebren as well as her great-granddaughter Elisabeth Rayne Guerra. She is survived by her daughters Elizabeth (Libby) Gaines and her husband Tim of Monroe, Louisiana. Rebecca (Becky) Everett and her husband Mike of Gore Springs, Mississippi. Stepson

Ken Stalnaker and his wife Kay of Birmingham, Alabama, and stepdaughter Lynn Cleveland and her husband Robert of Trussville, Alabama, and sister Gail Booker and her husband Farrell of McKinney, Texas.

Bid Date and Time: May 21, 2026 at 10:00 A.M.

ings: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

● Books & Brews: Monday, March 10 at 7:15 p.m.

- Our theme is Smell. We’ll read books, have fun, do a craft, & have a snack

Grandchildren: Jeremy Everett, Jon and Kim Everett, Jessica and Tyler Hinton, Sarah and Alex Odom, Kathryn Stalnaker, Greg and Tiffany Cleveland, and Dana Cleveland.

Great grandchildren: Dr. Ashleigh Everett, Matthew and Calleigh Schiele Everett, Starla Jade Parker, and Skylar (Morgan) and Patrick Wiltsie. Mary Carlisle Odom, Elizabeth Odom, Sam Odom, Easton Cleveland, Lila Cleveland, Hattie Cleveland, and Griffin Cleveland.

1. Installation of approx. 80 L.F. of 2”H.P. Stl. Gas Main by Open Cut

● Pinson City Coun-

2. Installation of approx. 60 L.F. of 4”PE Gas Main by Open Cut

cil Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.

- An evening Adult Book Club meeting at Ferus Artisan Ales

3. Installation of approx. 250 L.F. of 2”PE Gas Main by Directional Bore

4. Installation of approx. 3,600 L.F. of 2”PE Gas Main by Open Cut

● Ukulele Club: Tuesday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. - Beginner ukulele club

5. Installation of approx. 100 L.F. of 1”PE Gas Main by Open Cut

● Center Point City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, at 6:30 p.m.

6. Installation of service taps and services.

7. Installation of 2 2”2” Regulating Station in Underground Vault

● Argo City Council Meet-

ings: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 5 p.m.

● Preschoolers at Play: Wednesday, March 12 at 10:30 a.m. - Join us for a short movement and story with Ms. Alicia followed by free play with various toys

● Goat Yoga: Saturday, March 8 at 1 p.m. - Announcing “Goat Yoga” with our friends at Olive Valley Farms & our host, “Yoga with Kayla.” This will be a day of yoga, laughter, & the adorable company of friendly goats! Registration required

Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents for the project described above are open to public inspection at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173. Telephone: (205) 655-3211.

● Springville City Council

Meetings: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m.

● Irondale City Coun-

Great great grandchildren Evangeline Rayne and Velma Elaine Jade Wiltsie. She is also leaving behind a host of nieces and nephews, neighbor and friend Byron (Moose) Hall and long-time friend Jimmy Burns. The family would like to acknowledge and thank Carol’s care team: Gentiva Hospice Care with nurse

Lauren Sellers and aide Ariel Chastain, as well as her weekly stylist and beautician Caitlyn Mize.

A visitation will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, Alabama on Thursday, April 16, at 1:00pm with a Celebration of Life service

● Children’s Storytime: Thursday March 13 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. - Join Ms. Alicia for stories, songs, bubble time, and lots of fun

● Tech Tuesdays: Tuesday, March 11 at 10 a.m.Drop by for helpful tech tips and tricks with Mr. Keith! Please bring your device with you if you are able

Trussville Gas and Water reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid, and to accept any bid considered advantageous to the Owner

cil Meetings: 1st and 3rd

Tuesday of each month at

6 p.m.

No bid may be withdrawn after the time for opening bids has passed.

● Leeds City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m.

Trussville Gas and Water reserves the right to hold the bids for a period of Sixty (60) days after the date of receiving Bids.

● Moody City Council

Meetings: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 6 p.m.

● Homeschool Hangout: Thursday, March 13 at 1 p.m. - A place for homeschool teens to hang out, socialize, and play games

● Geek Guild D&D (Teens): Tuesday, March 11 at 4:30 p.m. - We’re playing Dungeons & Dragons! Delve into the Forgotten Realm in this fantasy Role-Playing Game.

If said bid equals $20,000.00 or more, a certified check or bid bond must accompany each bid in an amount of not less than five percent (5%) of the total bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00. The payee of such check, or the obligee of such bond, shall be Trussville Gas and Water

Trussville Public Library

● Young Adult D&D: Friday, March 7 at 4 p.m.D&D for ages 18-25

● ACT Prep: Saturday, March 8 at 10 a.m. - Extensive ACT review class

● Cult Classic Cinema: Thursday, March 13 at 5:30 p.m. - An evening highlighting the other half of Trussville’s Core Collection of movies–Cult Classics. This month’s feature: “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986) Pinson Public Library

● Junior Jamz: Wednesday, March 12 at 10 a.m.

- Bring your little kiddos to jam at the library! We’ll provide a variety of musical instruments for the children to explore

Contractor agrees to comply with all specifications, plans and contract documents as furnished by Trussville Gas and Water. Contractor must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34 Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975. Prior to submitting a bid for this project, contractor must be prequalified as a Gas Line Utility Contractor for Trussville Gas and Water Contractor prequalification applications may be obtained at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173.

● ACT Prep: Sunday

Anna Marie Wagner

Anna was a woman of strong faith and devoted member of Grace Temple Church in Springville. When Anna wasn’t watching a “Jaws” marathon she could be found at church, the gym, simply spending time with friends and family or adopting all of the neighborhood cats. She had a huge love for animals and was a proud member of the ASPCA.

Anna is preceded in death by her father & mother, George & Jacqueline.

● Dahl’s Delightful Kits: March 3-8, All week - Join us as we celebrate the imaginative world of Roald Dahl! Stop by the library

● Let’s Jam!: Thursday, March 13 at 4 p.m. - Are you learning to play an instrument or have you been playing for years? Come jam at the library!

She is survived by her husband, Daina Wagner, her daughter Amethyst Floyd (Brandon), her grandsons Carson & Cooper, her daughter Adrienne Cleckler (Christian), her brother James “Jimmy” Deaver, her sister-in-law Tonya Deaver, her niece Carmen Burson, her nephew Tyler Deaver, as well as countless others that she loved.

Anna’s life will be celebrated in the Chapel of Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, Wednesday, April 15th at 11:00am with service to follow at 12:00pm. Internment will be held after service inside of the mausoleum. Pastor Frankie Harris to be officiating.

Before Barber: Irondale’s Quarter-Midget Club Put Birmingham Kids on Track in 1959

By John Goolsby, Motorsports Editor

IRONDALE, Ala. –

Long before IndyCars’ engines roared through Barber Motorsports Park, families in eastern Jefferson County were building race cars in garages and gathering at a small oval track off Ruffner Road in Irondale.

The Irondale Quarter-Midget Racing Corporation, Inc. was officially incorporated in Jefferson County on Dec. 2, 1959, becoming one of the earliest organized youth racing programs in the Southeast.

Led by Craty Corbett, Robert Chandler, and others, including Tommy Graham, George Lainer, Red Beck, W.T. Graham Jr., Eldred Sims, Mrs. W.W. Gardner, B.R. Anderson, E.G. Nordon, Baxter McDaniel, Eddie Gregg, and Mrs. J.C. Corbett, the club was built entirely through volunteer labor, with members constructing the track, organizing race programs, and writing the rulebook.

Quarter-midget racing began in the 1930s and grew rapidly across the United States during the 1950s and 60s as families sought safe, affordable ways to get into motorsports.

Corbett, a stock car racer and car owner, led the effort to bring this growing trend to Irondale. He even hand-

built a miniature wrecker for the kids to tow cars around the track.

Quarter-midget racing, then as now, is an important step in developing drivers. It teaches young racers throttle control on oval tracks, racecraft and passing skills, basic chassis setup, teamwork with crew members and practical vehicle mechanics.

Over the years, quarter midget cars have produced NASCAR and IndyCar champions such as Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Joey Logano, Kyle Larson, and Josef Newgarden.

The Irondale track, first built on the current Irondale Sports Park location off Ruffner Road, began as a 1/20th-mile dirt banked oval before being paved later. The track had a small grandstand, racing lights, and a concession stand.

“At one time, we were big in Alabama,” said Jim, the son of founding member Herb Chandler.

“I mean, it was a big deal,” he said. “We had huge crowds, bigger than the ones next door playing baseball.”

Many of the cars displayed local sponsorship. Corbett’s four children, Saundra, Suzanne, Sharon, and Buddy, all competed under the Corbett Wrecker Service or Chandler’s Garage banner.

Many of the teams weren’t satisfied to race

only in Irondale and traveled across the Southeast.

The small cars were built to strict guidelines, with wheelbases from 42 to 50 inches and a maximum length of 76 inches. The height was limited to 34 inches, including the roll bar. They had to weigh between 150 and 225 pounds. All-metal frames, firewalls separating the engine and cockpit, and roll bars extending above the driver’s helmet for safety were required.

As safe as the cars were, accidents still occurred. Chandler remembered an incident involving Steve Yessick, who later performed with the band The Swingin’ Medallions.

“Steve hit me one day on

the left side and crawled up in my lap,” Chandler said. “The back wheel hit my arm and broke it and cut it really badly. I still carry a scar on my arm because of that.”

Engine regulations focused on affordability and fairness, restricting competitors to simple four-cycle engines fueled mainly by gasoline, though more advanced classes allowed methanol-powered engines.

While stewards worked to keep the cars within the rules, others, like Max Chandler, Jim’s uncle, searched for every possible advantage.

“He worked on my car some, and he was very good. He really knew what he was doing,” Chandler said. “For a long time I had one of the

old Continental Red Seal engines that we raced.

“Uncle Max helped build an engine one time, and if I remember correctly, we set the track record with it,” Chandler said. “Back then, when you set a track record, officials would always inspect the car to make sure everything was legal.

“The story I heard was that Uncle Max had taken some old valves from another engine, put them on a lathe, turned them down, and made lifters out of the valves. That gave the engine a little more power,” Chandler said. “They checked the rule book, and they couldn’t find anything that made it illegal. So we were able to keep the track record.”

The cars were divided into four divisions: Stock: entry-level configuration with limited modifications.

Modified Stock: allowed minor performance adjustments but retained stock architecture. “B” Modified: allowed additional engine tuning within limits. “AA”

Modified Open Fuel: more advanced division allowing methanol or gasoline fuel, larger bore dimensions, broader engine modifications, and optional twowheel drive

The Irondale club’s official rulebook, adopted on May 9, 1961, shows that the founders created a structured organization

with elected leaders, technical committees, and safety oversight.

Membership dues were set at $5 per family annually, with race-day entry fees of just 25 cents per participant, emphasizing the program’s accessibility and the founders’ focus on participation rather than profit.

Drivers were allowed five warm-up laps before qualifying attempts, with timed laps determining starting position. Rolling starts were standard, and race officials could invert starting orders to encourage competitive racing.

Safety requirements included helmets, goggles, gloves, and protective clothing approved by a technical committee.

It is believed that the track existed for several years before closing around 1963 or 1964. Many of the cars were sold to parents whose children raced in Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile.

Although the Irondale track no longer exists, its legacy endures through generations of families who discovered motorsports through the program and created memories that last a lifetime.

If you have more information about the track, email John Goolsby at john. goolsby@trussvilletribune. com

Blue Devils lock playoff spot with area series comeback over Jacksonville

By Henry Williamson, For the Tribune

MOODY, Ala. – Down one game in the area series, the Moody Blue Devils needed a spark, rising to the occasion with back-to-back wins against Jacksonville on Thursday night to secure a bid in the playoffs for the fourth straight year.

“It’s four years in a row for this group, which is a huge feat,” Kelly said.

“Now next week, we get to go play for an area championship.”

JB Leatherwood got the starting nod, working through all seven innings to complete the shutout. He finished with seven strikeouts and gave up four hits in game 2.

A couple errors in the field allowed Jacksonville to load the bases during

the first inning, but Leatherwood remained poised, humming it into the zone for strike three to leave the Golden Eagles empty handed. Moody ended the silence offensively for both teams in the fifth. JP Sands reached on an error and stole second after a wild pitch. Carter Mitchell singled on a liner to center field that scored Sands to go ahead 1-0.

In the sixth, Jagger Ludolf entered as a pinch runner, moving to third on a ball that was overthrown. He then made a key decision to head home on a groundout to the pitcher, avoiding the tag to add some insurance and push it to 2-0. Leatherwood retired the side in the seventh, tying the series at one apiece, winning 2-0.

Moody built on the ur-

gency in the series finale, putting up a pair of runs off consecutive RBI singles by Levi Crowe and Bryant Hardin in the first to take a 2-0 advantage.

Jacksonville sliced into the deficit in the third, hitting a double out in left field to bring in a run. JP Sands was pulled in the fourth with two runners on. The Golden Eagles continued to deliver at the plate, snatching the lead at 4-2.

The sixth inning determined the outcome. The Blue Devils surged back on top 5-4 as William Dutton lived up to the moment, launching a three run bomb into left field. Later in the inning, Dewayne Whitsey smashed a two-run double off the fence in left-center to score Leatherwood and

See BLUE DEVILS, Page 11

Tigers dominate, get 400th win for Ford

By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor

HAYDEN – The Springville Tigers traveled to Hayden over the weekend to finish off a threegame series with the area rivals. Hayden took an 8-2 win on Springville’s home field Tuesday night and won 4-0 in the first of a Thursday night doubleheader at the Wildcats’ house. Springville bounced back in a big way in game two on Thursday, coming away with a 10-4 victory that also earned head coach Jonathan Ford his 400th win as a head coach.

“Winning the 400th game was very special,” said Ford. “But, in the moment, it was more about getting an area win than getting number 400 for me.”

The game opened with a scoreless first inning, but Springville woke up in the second and tacked three runs on the board. Nate Brown bunted and brought home Matthew Murray who was waiting on second base to start the scoring. Trigg Murdoch and Luke Hale scored on a Ryan King single with two outs to go to make it 3-0 Tigers.

Springville got two more runs in the third before allowing Hayden to get on the board in the bottom of the inning. Hale brought Grant Martinez home on a grounder and then stole home for the final score of the inning.

The fourth inning would be scoreless and Hayden would add a run in the bottom of the fifth before Springville pounded out five runs in the top of the sixth inning to make it 103. Gabe McCain hit a single that brought Murdoch across the plate. Cooper

Dorsett was walked with the bases loaded, which brought Carter Goodwin home before a single by Murray to right field drove in McCain and Martinez to make it 9-2. Hale would single to right to bring Dorsett home for the final Springville run of the game. Hayden would get one final chance but only muster a single run in the bottom of the seventh to make it 10-4 Tigers.

King, Murray and Hale all had two RBI each from the plate. Hunter Fulmer pitched five innings and gave up three hits and two runs with six strikeouts. Martinez came in to pitch the final two innings with two hits and two runs allowed and two strikeouts to finish the win.

“I wasn’t going to say anything (about the 400 wins) if it were to happen

this season, but one of my assistants asked me a few weeks ago how many I had,” continued Ford. “That began the countdown. What is truly special is to hear from former players who reach out and congratulate me and thank me and I am able to thank them for contributing to those wins. Weather I finish with 405 wins or 600, it will always be about the relationships and bonds made with these young men. Something that goes unmentioned is all of the great men who have been assistants with me.

The role they play to get us ready and help us have success is undeniable. I have been blessed to have had many great assistants.” With the win, the Tigers improve to 17-13-1 on the season. They get some time off before taking on Shades Valley on Friday, April 17.

Blue Devils

Hardin, growing the margin to three.

Moody would go on to win 7-4. Jake Whiddon, who relieved from the fifth onward, held Jacksonville scoreless.

“We let them in the game, and they went up,” Kelly said.

“I told our guys, don’t worry about it. We’re gonna get another shot and we did. Two base hits, a home run, win the ball game. That’s what good teams are made of.”

Hardin went three for four with an RBI in Game 3. Leatherwood was a perfect 4-for-4.

Now sitting at 20-6, the Blue Devils hosted Westbrook Christian on Saturday and won 7-6. They will face Lincoln at home on Tuesday, April 14th for a chance at a title in 5A Area 11.

Lady Huskies fall to Oak Mountain

By Tyler Lacey, For the Tribune

TRUSSVILLE – The Hewitt-Trussville Lady Huskies (28-6-1) came up short Thursday night, falling 5-4 against the Oak Mountain Eagles.

The Huskies held an early lead over the Eagles, but a fifth-inning rally and a late home run proved too much to overcome.

Hewitt-Trussville struck first in the bottom of the second-inning when Kylie Hendrick singled off a ground ball, allowing Emily Renda to score and give the Huskies a 1-0 lead. The momentum seemed to favor the Huskies early, but shifted in the fifth-inning.

Oak Mountain found success at the plate, scoring four runs at the top of the inning. This pushed the score to 4-1, with Oak Mountain firmly in the lead. The Huskies re-

Tribuneland soccer roundup: HewittTrussville, Springville among state’s best; Shades Valley rising

By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor

TRUSSVILLE – HewittTrussville and Springville continue to rank among the top soccer programs in the state, with both schools’ teams ranked. Hewitt’s boys and girls teams are both ranked No. 4 in Class 7A, while Springville’s boys and girls are each ranked No. 2 in Class 5A.

Shades Valley’s girls are on the cusp of entering the 6A rankings. In the Alabama Super Poll (all classifications), Hewitt’s boys team is ranked No. 7 while the Lady Huskies are ranked No. 6.

Hewitt-Trussville’s girls team holds a 13-2-2 record. The Lady Huskies face Vestavia on Tuesday. The Huskies’ boys’ team is 11-2-6 and will face Vestavia on Tuesday.

The Springville boys team has compiled a 13-1-2 record and will face Leeds on Thursday.

Springville’s girls team, with a 12-1-1 record, will face Leeds on Thursday.

The Lady Mounties, 9-51 and ranked 19th in 6A, face Parker on Tuesday.

sponded back at the bottom of the inning, scoring three runs to even the score 4-4. Erin Coleman hit one to deep center field, allowing Presley Hull and Corey Goguts to score, before Chloe Krackenberger hit a sacrifice ground ball that allowed Coleman to score.

The game remained tied until the top of the seventh-inning when Oak Mountain hit a solo home run to left field, making it a 5-4 ball game. The Huskies were not able to respond back.

The Huskies finished with 7 hits. Renda led with 2 hits and a run, while Coleman added a hit, a run, and two RBIs The Lady Huskies return to action Tuesday, April 14, in Hoover.

Lady Blue Devils win fifth straight on “411 Day”

By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor

MOODY – The Moody Lady Blue Devils are hitting their stride after starting the season 8-10 and have won five straight games with the latest coming in the form of a 4-3 victory over the Pell City Panthers on Friday as the school and community celebrated a monumental day for all involved.

Earlier in the day, Moody High School celebrated the ribbon cutting of the new school, the state champion flag football team received their championship rings, food trucks and vendors set up shop and the entire city came out to celebrate “411 Day” as only the Moody community can.

In a nailbiter of a game, the softball team held on

to get the victory over the Lady Panthers.

Moody jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning as Peyton Harry hit a grounder that brought a waiting Abi Gray home to start things off. On the next at-bat, Cheyenne Moore grounded to short and Zoey Terry crossed the plate to make it 2-0 Moody.

In the second, Gray would hit a solo home run over the fence in left field to add to the Blue Devil lead and make it 3-0.

Not to be outdone, Har-

ry smashed a solo

over the

in the third

to make it 4-0 Blue

The Panthers would come roaring back with two runs in the top of the sixth and another in the top of the seventh while the Moody bats turned cold. But the Lady Devils would hang on and get the one-point win despite the efforts of the Pell City girls.

Harry led at the plate with two RBI and she and Abi Grey each had a home run in the game. Laney Saunier would go the full seven innings allowing five hits and three runs to go with six strikeouts.

With five straight wins, the Lady Devils sit at 13-10 overall as they prepare to travel to Ramsay on Monday and then to Leeds on Tuesday.

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