Troopers seize 185 pounds of marijuana during truck inspection near Leeds-Moody exit
By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
Fluid Solutions to relocate headquarters to Irondale
Staff Report
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
IRONDALE, Ala. – Birmingham-based Fluid Solutions announced its relocation to Irondale. The move is expected to take place later this year after completion of nearly $3 million in renovations of a 43,000 square foot commercial building, located at 2601 Commerce
of
See FLUID SOLUTIONS, Page 4
After prolonged political lecture from Mayor Thomas, Springville Council approves pay raise for police
Former Alabama sportscaster Mike Raita arrested in International Motorsports Hall of Fame case
Brady Flanigan, editor
By Terry Schrimscher
SPRINGVILLE, Ala.
The Springville City Council took a detour Monday night before it returned to unfinished business held over from the Feb. 17 meeting. After an extended work session and a short break, the March 3 meeting began around 6:45 p.m.
TALLADEGA, Ala. –Mike Raita, 67, a former Alabama sportscaster, has been arrested and charged with using his office for personal gain following an investigation tied to his time as executive director of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, according to WIAT.
As the meeting got underway, the council approved the minutes from the last meeting in February.
Raita was arrested April 2 and charged with using his position or office for personal gain, WIAT reported.
Talladega County Sheriff Jimmy Kilgore told the station the arrest was related to a grand jury indictment. Raita was released the same day after posting bond for $25,000.
According to WIAT, Raita served as executive director of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega from 2020 until 2024. The station reported his arrest followed scrutiny in connection with a 2025 audit by the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts.
WIAT reported that the
Mayor Dave Thomas motioned 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 de signed to prolong the meeting allowing Thomas to air his displeasure at the lack of
focus on city business.
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.
afterward, Thomas said he just needed to air his frustrations 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 consent calendar for approval. That approach was
Many other cities in the Tribune coverage area approve non-controversial items with a single vote through a consent agenda, a procedural process used to reduce the need for discussion and lengthy meetings.
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
to one-way northbound traffic as construction continues TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – A new traffic pattern is scheduled to begin as early as Thursday, April 9, along North Chalkville Road as construction continues in the area. Under the change, North Chalkville Road from U.S.
Four teens charged in Center Point shooting
Human bones found by local dog are connected, coroner says
audit alleged Raita purchased a 1968 Camaro Convertible Pace Car from the hall commission in 2023 for $15,000 after they had spent nearly $23,000 on repairs for the vehicle. The station
“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
Leeds downtown walking tour to bring back the 1960s on April 11
Staff Report
LEEDS, Ala. – The Leeds Historical Society’s Leeds Trails and Tours committee is set to host the Leeds Downtown Walking Tour: Leeds in the 1960s on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in downtown Leeds.
The event invites visitors to explore history through reenactors, classic cars, live music, and interactive exhibits, centered on life in Leeds during the 1960s. In the event of rain, a follow up date is set for April 25.
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
According to organizers, the walking tour will feature reenactors telling stories from the community’s past alongside displays of vintage vehicles.
IRONDALE, Ala. – Bee enthusiasts will soon be swarming to Irondale to visit a new beekeeping education center designed to teach students and community members about the world of pollinators.
Buicks from noon to 2 p.m.
Visitors will be able to stop by the Leeds Railway Depot to learn about passenger rail travel and interact with members of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society. The Leeds Jane Culbreth Library will host a 1960s exhibit including memorabilia from the time, including the Dental Clinic Trophy.
Birmingham-based Foxhound Bee Company is preparing to break ground on the 5,000 square foot facility
The Roxy Theater stage on Eighth Avenue will have live entertainment during the day, beginning with Leeds High School Jazz Band from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A 1960s-themed music contest with local performers dressed as iconic musicians is set for 11 a.m. to noon, followed by a show by The
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. It will be built across from the all-new Ruffner Sports Complex, which
opened on Saturday.
uled across the city that day, including Springfest at Yellowhammer Antiques, Market on Main and the Drive Out ALS Charity Car Show at The Shops of Grand River.
“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.
In addition to the walking tour, organizers stated that downtown visitors can enjoy local restaurants, food trucks, shopping, and other community activities sched-
The event is presented by Leeds Trails and Tours, a committee of the Leeds Historical Society, with support from The City of Leeds, the Alabama Tourism Department and a number of other local groups and business sponsors.
“Everyone on the project seemed to speak highly of working with Irondale and its leadership. So, when we approached the
More information is available at LeedsTrailsAndTours.com.
See BEES, Page 3
also reported the audit said Raita’s wife bought a 1998 Ford F-150 from the commission for $1,000.
The same audit also explored larger financial issues at the hall, among
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. Speaking to The Tribune
After re-introducing parliamentary rules to the meeting process, 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.
them, an allegation that a former accountant misspent an estimated $236,000 and that other mismanagement happened between 2019 and 2024, according to WIAT.
Items from the February agenda were addressed individually. The purchase
See SPRINGVILLE, Page 2
From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A human skull and a left tibia found by a dog in East Birmingham last year confirmed to have belonged to the same person, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. The link was confirmed
CENTER POINT, Ala. –Four teens were arrested for attempted murder and discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling in Center Point. At 5:38 p.m., Friday, March 20, deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to investigate reports of shots fired on the 10 block of Polly Reed Road NE, in Center
Leeds High School freshmen take action to address rising school shootings
City of Irondale explores separating from Jefferson County Schools
By Tanna McGuire
LEEDS, Ala. – Over
The following story was written by Maddie McQueen of WIAT
$85,000 on a feasibility study to figure out what it would take to operate its own school district.
IRONDALE, Ala.
(WIAT) – The city of Irondale is exploring the possibility of creating its own school district. Currently, the city is a part of the Jefferson County Schools system.
“You can’t make a decision of this magnitude unless you have the correct information to be able to do it,” Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. said. “We are in the exploration stage.”
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 Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), are determined to address this pressing issue through their state conference project.
Stewart says an independent school district is something the community asked him to look into while on the campaign trail. Now, he’s following up on that request.
“We’re not going anywhere. We’re just exploring to see what our opportunities are to be able to either stay or to go, and how much it’s going to cost for our citizens if they decide that’s the direction they want to go in,” he said.
“Number one, there’s no need to be able to create a school system and half of the school is empty,” said Stewart. “Number two, we would not want to go out on a limb to be able to do that if our citizens are not willing to write the check to be able to fund it.”
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 schools.
The city has spent
going to the school system that we can continue to allow them to do it at least until they graduate out of the system,” said Stewart. The feasibility study began last fall, and the mayor estimates it will take another three to four months to wrap up.
According to the mayor, four schools would fall within Irondale’s school district. Stewart says he would look to purchase Irondale Community School, Grantswood Community School, Irondale Middle School and Shades Valley High School from Jefferson County. The mayor says those schools currently have about 2,400 students enrolled in them with about 1,200 living in the city limits.
Current federal requirements mandate that schools 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.
“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
“What is the number that it would take for us to be able to do it? And even with that, we can also have negotiations with Jefferson County to determine how many kids that are currently
sentiment, emphasizing the emotional and psychological toll that school shootings take on students and their families.
“You shouldn’t have to worry about being scared when you’re just trying to learn,” Johnson said.
“The only thing that usually stops people from pursuing it is because you have to go up so much on the millage. In individuals, we have a lot of seniors in our community, and I can hear them saying, ‘Well, I don’t have any kids that go to school. Why am I footing this bill?’” the mayor said. Jordan Jackson has lived in Irondale for the last ten years but grew up in Blount County. She says, based on her experience in school, she’s in favor of independent city school districts.
“We need to make sure that every school feels safe and ready to handle anything that could happen.”
McCormick highlighted the importance of turning awareness into action.
“School shootings are such a huge problem, and we
“I do hesitate because it’s Jefferson County, but I’m from a county that had their schools incorporated in Oneonta and it boded well for us. So, my parents trans-
See STUDENTS, Page 3
A concept of the new education center in Irondale. (Foxhound Bee Company)
Pictured: Beatrice McCormick, Madilynn Johnson, and Amelia Davis.
Mayor Dave Thomas delivers a lengthy dissertation to members of the city council. (Terry Schrimscher/Trussville Tribune)
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“Yeah, I got a story for you,” said the old woman in the nursing home.
She had midnight skin, dandelion-fuzz hair, and she smoked Newports. Each day she liked to park her wheelchair in the parking lot where she could face the supermarket, and watch all the happy customers walk in and out of Publix.
At the time, I was a cub reporter, looking to scare up a story for the local paper. Back when Americans still read newspapers.
The old woman faced Publix. She flicked her lighter, drew in a breath, then began to speak.
“You ain’t old enough to remember the flood,” she began.
The Great Flood of 1927 is not often remembered in our selective pop-culture history. Historically, we Americans tend to only remember wars, good-looking movie stars, and crappy pop songs. If you ask a schoolkid about the flood, odds are they’ll look at you as though you’ve got three heads, blink twice, then resume texting.
In 1927, the Mississippi remained at flood levels for 153 days. Rain kept falling. Waters kept rising. The icepacks of the north kept melting.
The river in Vicksburg broke 40 feet. Nashville and Chattanooga flooded. Creeks and tributaries as far away as Kansas and Iowa were inundated.
Nationwide, 170 counties and parishes were drowned, seven states flooded, and 900,000 were driven from their homes. The flood claimed lives from Virginia to Oklahoma.
“This story happened to my uncle…” she said.
Her uncle was married with kids. When the floodwaters invaded his home, the family moved upstairs to stay dry. When the second story flooded, the family moved to the roof. When waters finally engulfed the rooftop, her uncle swam ashore to find help, tied at the waist by a rope attached to his chimney.
“I don’t know how he made it to shore against those currents. Shoulda killed him.”
The family found safety in a church with about 200 others. That same night, while everyone was asleep in the pews, waters encroached. The church was soon underwater.
Everyone left for higher ground, hiking on foot, carrying belongings on their backs.
“Like the Children of Israel,” she said between puffs.
Eventually, they found themselves on a natural island, surrounded by miles of chocolate water.
“You ain’t never seen so much water. Dead cows was floating by. Sometimes a whole house would float by.”
They were trapped on this island for three days without food. Before long, people were fainting from exhaustion. Children were screaming.
An elderly preacher among them gathered everyone around and began to pray aloud. Although weakened from hunger, his prayer was not a request for deliverance.
His was a prayer of thanks. He thanked God for this predicament. He thanked God for sparing their lives. For keeping the children alive. And, above all, he prayed:
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
“Just then, a big old wooden crate came bobbing down the river…”
The crate landed ashore.
When men pried the crate open, many were so moved with emotion that they broke down and wept. Inside were hundreds of loaves of fresh bread, wrapped in wax paper, sealed dry from the floodwaters. All ate and were satisfied, and there were twelve baskets left over.
It bears mentioning: For nearly 20 years I’ve searched to verify the old woman’s story. I’ve searched audio-recorded accounts. I’ve searched historic newspapers. I’ve looked through folklore archives. But try as I may, I cannot certify that this tale happened. So, I have no choice but to take it in good faith. Of which I have so little. But as I understand, it doesn’t take much.
Hewitt-Trussville High School Hosts Inaugural Arts Signing Day
TRUSSVILLE, Ala.
– Hewitt-Trussville High School hosted its inaugural Arts Signing Day on Thursday, April 2, 2026, to recognize 16 seniors who committed to pursuing the arts following graduation.
Aaron King said the event marked an important moment for the school’s fine arts department.
“It is always exciting to have the opportunity to celebrate students and today we had the opportunity to celebrate 16 fantastic
seniors who are pursuing the arts beyond high school in the areas of visual arts, band & film, theater and choir,” King said. “Each of these students are exceptionally talented and they have been a true joy to see grow in their accomplishments. While today is the inaugural arts signing day at Hewitt-Trussville High School, it will certainly not be the last. I look forward to seeing our incredible arts department flourish.”
The event honored stu-
dents across multiple disciplines, among them visual arts, band and film, and the-
ater and choir. Teachers and arts directors took part in presenting the students.
Students recognized included, in visual arts, Rylee Millard, Madelyn Kerley, Dakota Lynn Peterson, Marlo Lolley and Ryan Croom. In band and film: Sawyer Glenn Henderson, Jocelyn Van Horn, and Gavin Hall. In theater, the school recognized MacKenzie Danielle McDaniel and Keyarrah Story. In choir, honorees included Julia Morris, Murphy Peterson, Savannah Hill, Rhiley Laminack, Kennedy Sing, and Lora Reese Wolfe.
Students were honored by fine arts faculty, including arts teachers Mrs. Layken Rubin and Mrs. Rebecca Munkachy, band director Mr. Mark Knauss, theatre teacher Mrs. Charlotte Norris, and choir teacher Dr. Ben Cook.
The ceremony is the first of its kind at Hewitt-Trussville to honor the arts and marks a broader effort to spotlight students continuing their education in arts-related fields, much like traditional athletic signing events.
Leeds Main Street presented with $15K to revitalize empty building for public restrooms
Nathan Prewett
LEEDS, Ala. – With the goal of improving walkability and attracting new businesses in mind, the Leeds Main Street program accepted a check of $15,000 to revitalize an empty building on Parkway Drive to be used for public restrooms and a business incubator.
The funding was possible as a partnership between the nonprofit Cawaco RC&D and the Alabama legislature, namely Rep. Susan DuBose and Sen. Dan Roberts.
“I have been working with Cawaco and Main Street Leeds since the beginning of my administration, so for four years,” DuBose said. “And I have partnered with RC&D on many partnerships: volunteers, firefighter grants, the
Red Barn in Leeds grants, Main Street Leeds grants, so I am always looking for opportunities to bring more funding into Leeds, and this Main Street program has just taken off, and I am just so honored to continue to support them.”
Though Roberts was unable to attend a check presentation at the building, DuBose met with Mayor Eddie Moore and members of Cawaco to officially hand over the funds to Leeds Main Street Board President Tiffany Ward and Interim Director Maegan Dockery.
“Investment in Main Street represents exactly the kind of strategic community-driven revitalization that strengthens our local economies from the ground up,” said a message from Roberts. “I’m happy to sup-
port Leeds Main Street as they support small business growth and work to create a more vibrant, walkable and welcoming downtown for the city of Leeds.”
The investment covers sanitary sewer installation, civil engineering drawings, the Jefferson County Impact Fee, rough framing, and subflooring for mechanical and electrical rooms.
The building, located on 8048 Parkway Drive in the downtown area across from the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library, has been in disuse for some time but the side of the structure is emblazoned with the familiar mural of a horse and carriage along with “Welcome to Leeds” in green colors.
“We want our downtown to be walkable and be accessible for all the things that
we have downtown,” said Ward. “And having a space for public restrooms is vital for that. And so whether we have the opportunity in this space or another space if it presents itself that’s something that’s at the top of our priority list, to make sure that we have public, accessible restrooms for all of our community to enjoy.”
It is hoped that the building may serve as an incubator for budding small businesses as well.
“That’s what we would like it to be: a space, a co-working space,” continued Ward. “So, people who don’t necessarily have an office space or a space where a small business can maybe potentially get started and we’re hoping that can be in this space.”
She added that with the
city may be purchasing another building that could be used separately as the incubator.
“I think any space that people can have a co-working space and a meeting space in a neutral area is beneficial for our city and our constituents,” she said.
“And so right now if you work from home and you don’t want to host a meeting in a home office, you don’t have a place to land, and so I think making sure that we have a space that is kind of like a neutral environment that people can rent some space, rent an office at is important, and so I think that’s really wonderful.”
As it is in the infancy of development the building does not have a name or a timeframe of completion yet, though some pre-
liminary planning has been done.
Moore said that this is the beginning of a similar project that he hopes will come to fruition.
“It’s actually the genesis of a larger project that will accentuate our city hall,” he said. “This is in the early stages of planning but we have plans to attempt to repurchase the Water Works room in the city hall complex, convert that to public restrooms also and additionally make that an office space for our Main Street. And I think it will be a beautiful product when it’s over that the people will be happy is there.”
Cawaco RC&D and Leeds Main Street have presences on social media and websites at cawaco.org and leedsmainstreet.com.
nal.
Highway 11 to Hewitt Street will become one-way for northbound traffic only.
Traffic traveling southbound will be redirected using Hewitt Street to Walnut Street, and then through the roundabout and back to Highway 11 via traffic sig-
Center Point
Shooting
Point. Upon arrival, deputies discovered an 18-yearold male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
City officials have stated that all businesses on North Chalkville Road will remain accessible from the northbound lane.
To help reduce disruption and improve safety, calming measures will be implemented along the detour, and police presence will increase to aid with
traffic flow and ensure safety.
Officials said the updated traffic pattern is designed to expedite the construction process and help return the area to normal as quickly as possible.
Motorists are asked to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and follow posted signage.
Boulevard.
“Fluid Solutions represents the kind of forward-thinking, globally impactful company we’re proud to have in Irondale for its continued growth. Creating and retaining nearly 50 high-quality jobs strengthens our local economy and creates real opportunity for families in our community,” said Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr.
The company, founded in 2007, provides fluid management solutions for fuel distribution, water supply and treatment, fire protection systems and storage tanks among other infrastructure design and construction services. The company has completed projects in more than 150 countries for private sector clients, government facilities and embassies.
Fluid Solutions plans to relocate to Irondale later this year. Rendering courtesy Fluid Solutions.
Center Point Fire & Rescue responded to the scene and transported the victim to UAB Hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, four suspects have since been charged in the case. They were identified as Carlos Moore, 16; Zaviar Miller, 16; Arry Gardner, 18; and Skyler Burch, 17. Authorities said each suspect was charged with attempted murder and dis-
charging a firearm into an occupied dwelling. All four were released from the Jefferson County Jail after posting $90,000 bond.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 205325-1450 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Center Point to open Betty Henderson Historical Museum on April 17
CENTER POINT, Ala.
– The City of Center Point will celebrate the grand opening of the Betty Henderson Historical Museum on Thursday, April 17, from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
To facilitate the move,
cording to Capt. Jeremy J. Burkett of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, a trooper assigned to the ALEA Motor Carrier Safety Unit (MCSU) conducted a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspection on a tractor on Interstate 20 near the 143 mile marker near the Leeds/Moody exit that led to a significant drug seizure.
“During the course of the inspection, the driver of the tractor provided an invalid driver license,” Burkett said. “The driver, who was determined to be an illegal immigrant, was later identified as Dajun Sun, 57, of Or-
the Irondale City Council approved a tax abatement for Fluid Solutions LLC in January. According to the resolution, Fluid Solutions will receive an “abatement of noneducational ad valorem taxes” for a period of 10 years and “an abatement of construction related non-educational sales and use taxes.” The resolution also states the total investment in the relocation is expected to reach $5,055,263 including land, building, furnishing and equipment costs.
“We’re encouraged by the impact this news will have on our workforce and our future, as this momentum continues to position Irondale as a destination for high-quality jobs and investment,” Stewart said. The company announced the move on LinkedIn and in a release on the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) website and offered thanks to the BBA and the City of Irondale for making the expansion possible.
egon City, Oregon. Further investigation of the tractor revealed 23 boxes that contained approximately 185 pounds of marijuana.” Sun was arrested and officially charged with drug trafficking and operating
Social Security wise now, I mean for Social Security. So, if I can afford it, then so be it.”
ferred me there specifically because it was a city school and a good school system,” Jackson said. “I like the way Irondale is progressing, so I don’t see why it would be a bad idea under this current administration.”
Stewart says if a city school district is feasible and wanted by the people, it could be up to two years before the change is finalized.
a CMV without a Commercial Driver’s License. He was booked into the St. Clair County Jail with a $1,500,000 bond. No further information is available as the investigation remains ongoing.
Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin released a statement regarding the city of Irondale possibly separating from the district. It reads:
According to the city, Henderson’s work has helped safeguard and protect photographs, keepsakes, and stories from Center Point’s past for posterity.
Officials said every item inside the museum was cu-
City officials said the museum is designed to honor Betty Henderson’s 40-plus years of work collecting, preserving, and protecting the history of Center Point.
rated by Henderson herself.
The city thanked Henderson for her decadeslong dedication to preserving local history, saying her work has left a lasting impression on the community.
Residents are invited to attend the opening and celebrate Henderson’s contributions to Center Point.
If the city does create its own school district, Stewart says property taxes would likely have to increase.
“That would be the only bad thing about it is property taxes. But, you know, it is what it is. And I like Irondale, I love Irondale, so I’m like, it’s not going to make me move or anything,” said Irondale resident Patricia Rowe. “It depends on how much it is, I guess. I’m on
“While we respect the City of Irondale’s right to explore its options, it is imperative that we honestly examine what a potential separation would mean for all students. A move like this wouldn’t just affect city residents; it would impact students living outside the city limits who currently
call Irondale schools home. Furthermore, a potential separation would result in a loss of access to vital educational opportunities housed within Irondale, including our established signature academies and possible future magnet programs, for both students who live in Irondale and those who don’t. And while the schools themselves may be located in Irondale, they have long served families from all over the southern and eastern parts of Jefferson County. The schools in Irondale belong to those families too and we will stand with all of our greater Shades Valley family to make sure that educational opportunities are not limited by whether they happen to live inside the city limits of Irondale or not.”
Daybreak Rotary Club helps fund sensory rooms at TCS
Staff Report
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
Students of Cahaba Elementary and Magnolia Elementary are receiving the benefits of new equipment for a sensory room funded by a Rotary District Grant and the support of the local Trussville Daybreak Rotary Club.
Rotary Club members visited Cahaba Elementary recently to see the equipment in use firsthand and learn about how sensory rooms support students’ emotional and academic development.
Officials at Cahaba discussed with Rotary Club members how sensory rooms offer a calming, structured environment where students can refocus, regulate emotions, and return to class more prepared to learn. Educators said that the space is particularly useful for students prone to sensory overload, challenges with communication, or dif-
ficulty managing emotions.
“This is amazing for so many kids who just need that calm-down space,” Kayla Richards, occupational therapist for Trussville City Schools, said during the visit. “They can come in, regulate, and then go back to class ready to start their day or continue learning.”
The room is designed so teachers can organize scheduled rotations for students and individualized “sensory diets” to help students receive the specific type of sensory input that best fits them. School officials said these strategies not only benefit students with diagnosed disabilities, such as autism, but they also have the potential to benefit children who respond particularly well to movement-based learning and tools to promote emotional regulation.
Staff members shared the story of one student who transferred to the school at
the beginning of the year and was initially struggling with behavior regulation. By consistently using the sensory room, alongside a personalized intervention plan, the student just recently met his behavioral goals and was recognized for his progress. The program is also designed to help students
identify and communicate the specific emotions they are experiencing. Doing this teaches them to recognize the markers of being overwhelmed, upset, or anxious, so they can request a break and develop calming strategies.
“Just like adults find ways to manage stress — whether it’s reading, exercising, or taking a walk — these students are learning what helps their bodies feel calm and in control,” Erin Deck, TCS collaborative specialist, said. “Our goal is to help them understand those feelings and respond in a positive way.”
The Trussville Daybreak Rotary Club meets at 7 a.m. Wednesdays at First Baptist Church Trussville, 128 N. Chalkville Road. For more information, organizers said residents can contact Diane Poole at dlpoole1225@ gmail.com or visit the club’s social media pages.
City of Irondale honors Autism Awareness Month
Brady Flanigan, editor
IRONDALE, Ala. – The City of Irondale is recognizing Autism Awareness Month throughout April with a series of initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity, understanding, and support for individuals and families affected by autism. Throughout the month, City Hall and the Irondale Public Library are being illuminated in autism awareness colors. This is meant to reflect the city’s ongoing commitment to building a community where everyone can feel seen, valued, and supported, according to city officials.
The Irondale Police De-
partment has also had select patrol vehicles wrapped in bright puzzle-piece designs accompanied by messaging about autism awareness.
“These autism awareness wraps are more than just a design — they’re a statement,” the department said in the release. “As we patrol our streets, we’re also carrying a message of understanding, inclusion and support.”
As part of the city’s outreach, the police department is also offering “Occupant with Autism” vehicle decals for local families. The decal is designed to help alert first responders during traffic stops or emergencies.
Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. also recognized Autism Awareness Month with an official proclamation at the City Council meeting on Monday, April 7.
The City Council agenda also included resolutions to offer financial support to two local organizations, with $5,000 proposed for Studio By The Tracks and $2,500 for Glenwood.
“Autism Awareness Month is about more than awareness — it’s about action,” Stewart said in the release. “In Irondale, we are intentional about creating a community where every individual matters and every family feels supported.”
o pinion
Several State Court Seats Up This Year
Steve Flowers
April 8, 2026:
We have a nine-member State Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court is also comprised of nine members. The nine U.S. Supreme Court Justices are appointed for life. When one retires or dies, which is seldom, the President of the United States makes the appointment to fill the rare vacancy.
Our Alabama Supreme Court does not have this “appointment for life” luxury. They are not appointed, they are elected. However, their terms are for six years. Once they are elected, they seem to never get opposed for reelection. They run in staggered years. Since we are a one-party state, all nine justices on our Alabama Supreme Court, as well as all five members of the Court of Criminal Ap-
peals and all five members of the Court of Civil Appeals are Republicans. Since all 19 of these justices are elected in statewide Republican primaries, they are bona fide conservatives.
The description of conservative applies to the two State Supreme Court justices up for reelection this year.
Justice Greg Shaw and Justice Brad Mendheim are up for reelection on May 19. They have done an outstanding job and deserve another term.
Justice Greg Shaw will be returning for his final six-year term on the bench. Our Alabama law prohibits a judge from running for another term after they reach age 70. Shaw will reach that plateau during his next six years on the Supreme Court.
Greg Shaw has been a steady mainstay conservative senior judge on the Supreme
Court. He is on the May 19 ballot seeking his fourth term on the High Court. Shaw has been doing appellate work for the State of Alabama for 40 years now – 16 years as a Staff Attorney for the Supreme Court, eight years as a Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals, and 16 years as a Justice on the Supreme Court. He is very well qualified.
Judge Brad Mendheim is pursuing his second, full six-year term. He is unopposed. He was born to be a judge. He was born and raised in Dothan. His father was a local pharmacist. He became a Circuit Judge for Houston and Henry Counties at a young age. He served as a Wiregrass Circuit Judge for a decade. He is very well respected in his hometown. He is a pillar of the First Baptist Church of Dothan. He is only 57 years old and should be
a mainstay of the Supreme Court for several more decades.
Both Brad Mendheim and Greg Shaw are immensely qualified, proven conservative Republican jurists.
There are two female jurists running for reelection to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals – Mary Windom and Beth Kellum. These women work long, hard hours, as this appellate Court has an immense workload.
Mary Windom is running for her fourth, six-year
term on the Court. She is the presiding judge on the five-member panel. She does an excellent job.
Beth Kellum is running for her fourth term on the Court of Criminal Appeals.
Beth is a Tuscaloosa native and is approaching the record for longevity on this appeals panel. She got there at a young age.
Beth Kellum and Mary Windom both have done a stellar job as judges on the Court of Criminal Appeals and deserve another term.
The five member Court of Civil Appeals has two of their male members up for reelection. Judges Ben Bowden and Matt Fridy are unopposed.
Ben Bowden was recently appointed by Gov. Ivey to the Court of Civil Appeals. He will be reelected on May 19 to a full six-year term. Ben Bowden is imminently qual-
ified. He has been Probate Judge of Covington County and was also a Circuit Judge prior to joining the Court of Civil Appeals. He is a good man. Matt Fridy is seeking his second term on the Court of Civil Appeals. Matt served as a legislator from vote rich Shelby County prior to joining the Court of Civil Appeals. He is a real gentleman. Judge Fridy has a judicial law clerk, Madison Clark, who has a bright future in judicial politics in Alabama. The May 19 primary elections are right around the corner.
See you next week.
Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at steve@steveflowers.us.
Problem with secretive backroom House GOP caucus meetings
Jeff Poor
The late Alvin Holmes left an indelible mark on Alabama politics. Some of it was good, some of it not so much.
In 2005, the Democrat-led Alabama Legislature passed the state’s Open Meetings Act, a longsought law by the media and then-Attorney General Troy King intended to break up the backroom dealings of the state’s government agencies, from city hall to Montgomery.
Of course, it being Alabama, the legislature at the time exempted so-called coalitions or legislative caucuses from the law that required meetings to be “open.” Holmes was an early critic of the law.
“I think they should be open,” he said to the Montgomery Advertiser on the day the law went into effect in October 2005. “Anytime more than two elected officials meet to discuss issues concerning the public, it should be open to public
scrutiny, whether it’s standing committees or the Legislative Black Caucus.”
How prescient he was.
A lot has changed in Alabama politics in the two decades since. Republicans completed their takeover of state government, which began with the election of Gov. Guy Hunt in 1986. Every statewide office, from governor to auditor, is held by a Republican. And both chambers of the Alabama Legislature have Republican supermajority control.
It took a generation, but Alabama transitioned from a one-party Democratic state to a one-party Republican state.
Now, here we are in 2026. In what was advertised as mundane, this year’s legislative session will probably be most remembered for what happened behind closed doors at the secretive House Republican caucus meetings.
Every week, most of the 76 House Republicans gather for their caucus meeting, which includes a catered lunch, often paid for by an outside third party, and is closed to the public.
For the last two months, the public has been lectured about how vital these closed-door meetings are to our state-level representative democracy. Members claim they need a forum where they can speak frankly to one another about the important issues of our time.
Instead, what it appears to be from the outside looking in is a venue for lawmakers to speak with impunity about one another and the public they serve, where they can contradict their public remarks on questionable legislation and accuse their colleagues of crimes without the threat of public backlash.
It is a meeting that is totally off-limits to any public discussion, held in the Alabama State House.
If a county commission or city council wanted to meet in such a fashion, they would have to call an executive session with the
approval of a city or county attorney.
In addition, reportedly, lawmakers can engage in campaign activities, including “discussing 2026 election preparations and fundraising numbers,” according to an Alabama Daily News story.
The story was about how State Rep. Arnold Mooney, R-Indian Springs, was caught attempting to use his cell phone to take an unauthorized photograph during one of these sacrosanct gatherings. Ironically, it was leaked to the press in an apparent attempt to bolster the claim that Mooney was a leaker. But all of this is the least of the problems with these private caucus meetings held in a second-floor committee room at the Alabama State House.
With Republicans holding 76 of the 105 seats, they are, in theory, able to convene a pseudo-legislative session out of the public’s sight. It is that simple.
Deliberations about significant bills, like reconstituting the Public Service Commission, with all the necessary “frank” dialogue, are literally taking place in a back room.
Of course, for legislation to be enacted, it still must go to the floor where all the obligatory debate takes place, including questions from other members, including the minority caucus.
In the Alabama House, with Democrats in the superminority, they typically get steamrolled.
Often, the floor action on a major legislative push is nothing more than a legally required formality. House Republican leadership already knows the bill will pass. The roll call tally is a loyalty test to see who is aligned with the Speaker of the House and his leadership team.
How did we get here?
Elections have consequences, and years ago, Alabamians decided at the ballot box that they much preferred Republicans over Democrats. Republicans in the early 2000s probably never thought that their Republican lawmakers would do the same thing their Democrat predecessors had done decades earlier — an affinity for backroom dealing and a campaign cash-linked fidelity to the same trade associations and special interests that have been working the corridors of power in Alabama for more than a century.
We have not even gotten to another gambling bill, which is likely to come early in 2027.
Whether you care or want legalized gambling in Alabama or not, does it seem like a great idea for lawmakers to convene a top-secret meeting in what will be a new statehouse to determine the fate of something that could change the state for decades?
That is Goat Hill politics.
We may have to accept it for what it is, but we do not have to take their word for it when they tell us what it is.
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Georgia Nichols Sewell
may 8, 1943 — april 1, 2026
Georgia Nichols Sewell was born May 8, 1943 to Paul Cameron and Etura Megginson Nichols in Thomasville, AL (Clarke County)
She graduated from Jackson High School and studied at the University of Montevallo before receiving an Executive Secretarial Degree from Alverson Draughon Business School in Birmingham.
She was preceded in death by her husband Henry Sewell
She is survived by; her son Randall Lee Sewell (Lori); two grandsons, Ronin and Duncan Sewell; her sister: Judy Nichols Knight (John); and a number of cousins.
She worked at Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce; Allied Paper Company; Rust Engineering Company; First Baptist Church of Center Point; Sun Building Company, Internal Revenue Service and First Baptist Church of Springville. Her favorite jobs were wife, mother, and Gigi
She was a member of Crosspoint Baptist Church in Trussville. She passed away on April 1, 2026. Visitation will be at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville AL, Wednesday April 8, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM with service following at 10:00 AM. Interment will be at Jefferson Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity close to your heart.
Jeanne C. Price
may 22, 1944 — april 2, 2026
Sillma Jeanne Crider Price took her first breath in heaven on April 2, 2026. Jeanne was full of joy, with an infectious laugh and a radiant smile. She was genuine and kind, always taking time to listen and encourage. Jeanne loved well and was dearly loved by her family and friends.
Jeanne was born in Savannah, Georgia on May 22, 1944. In 1946, her family migrated to Birmingham where Jeanne grew up. She met her future husband, Truman, at West End High School in 1960. After losing touch when her family moved to Montgomery in 1961, Jeanne reconnected with Truman when she moved back to Birmingham a few years later. Truman and Jeanne married on March 2, 1968 and in August of 1971 they welcomed their daughter Michele. Their home was always full of family and friends and love and laughter.
For most of her professional life, Jeanne was a clerk at U.S. Bankruptcy Court. She was beloved and respected by her coworkers, from fellow clerks to lawyers to judges. Many of those working relationships became lifelong friendships. Another testament to how well she loved everyone around her. She was an intentional, encouraging mom, making sure her daughter always knew how loved and treasured she was. One of her greatest joys in life was being a Nonna to her four grandkids. She adored her grandkids and they adored her right back.
If laughter is the best medicine, Jeanne’s stories could cure any ailment. She loved to share tales of her childhood and teenage years with her grandchildren. She was the personification of fun and she made every moment lighter and everyone around her better.
But she would say the greatest story of her life was her story of salvation. She loved so well because she was filled with the greater love of Jesus Christ. Coming to Christ in her thirties, Jeanne reflected His mercy and grace and steadfastness throughout her adult life. She was a faithful member of Westwood Baptist Church. One of her greatest joys was studying the Bible with her daughter at Community Bible Study Gardendale the last 15 years of her life. Because she surrendered her life to the great love of Christ, she knew her true home was in heaven. That truth brought her such peace through much personal loss and her own health struggles.
Jeanne is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years Jesse Truman Price, her daughter Michele Price Mann, her much loved son-in-law Jeff, and her grandchildren, Mary Catherine, Maggie, Nate, and Nolan. She is preceded in death by her parents, Herman Sillman Crider and Grace Eugenia Caddell Crider, and her brother Fretwell Lee Crider.
Michael Fred Hosey
december 7, 1949 — april 2, 2026
Michael Fred Hosey, age 76, passed away on April 2, 2026. He was a US Army veteran of Vietnam and a member of the SSG Michael W. Hosey American Legion Post #205. Mr. Hosey was a member of Faith United Methodist Church. He was a workaholic in the printing industry. Michael was preceded in death by his son SSG. Michael Wesley Hosey and his father Fred Hosey and mother Ellen Moore.
Mr. Hosey is survived by his wife Condi Hosey and daughter Laurie (David) Brookshire; three brothers, Fred Hosey Jr., Randall Hosey, Chris Hosey; two sisters, Brenda Cosby, Robin Quinn and many other nieces, nephews and many other loving family members.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Faith United Methodist Church in Clay, AL.
Shirley B McClure
april 10, 1935 — april 3, 2026
Shirley B. McClure, age 90, passed away on April 3, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband Ernest J. McClure; son, Jimmy McClure; parents, William Clarence and Rute Mae Blume; sister, Billie Lyons. Mrs. McClure is survived by her two daughters Patty (Ralph) Norris, Killi (Frank) Coffey; two grandchildren, Michael (Megan) McClure, Lauren McClure; four great-grandchildren, Carson McClure, Olivia McClure, Hunter McClure, Aurora Bodiford; brother, William Clarence "Bill" (Ricki) Blume.
Virginia Lois Moore
june 26, 1938 — april 3, 2026
Moore, Virginia Lois, age 87, went home to be with her Savior on April 3, 2026, at Grandview Hospital in Birmingham, AL, after surgical complications. She was born in Ponce De Leon, FL on 6/26/38. She was the only child of Dock Gafford and Nancy Elizabeth Outlaw Gafford. She moved to Birmingham, AL at the age of 18 to pursue Business College and met Hughvon Moore, whom she married at age 19 in Mississippi. They lived briefly in Delaware and then moved back to AL. She had her first and only child in Cullman, AL in 1958. They were married for over 45 years. She had secretarial jobs, then was acting City Clerk at the City of Tarrant. She retired in 1978 when they moved to Centerpoint to pursue other ventures, including leading the UMC Methodist Women group at Rock United UMC, Garden Club, flower show judge and being a good friend and neighbor. She then took over full time caregiving duties for her husband and Mother, who both died in 2003.
Due to ill heath, including complication of diabetes, Virginia had to give up her home and move to Assisted Living in 2024. She very quickly became popular with staff and residents and met a special friend, Richard. The following 2 years were painful and complicated, but she was a very strong woman through it all. She is remembered for her kindness and wit, as well as her beautiful smile.
Virginia was predeceased by her parents, husband, and grandson, Taylor Keith Pike. She is survived by her daughter, Connie Moore Pike; special son-in-law, Robert Pike; grand-daughter, Megan Pike Nash (Stephen); great- grandchildren, Freya and Felix , and many special bonus families and cousins, friends, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be April 10, at 10am, with visitation at 9am at Jefferson Memorial, Gadsden Highway in Birmingham. Virginia loved flowers, especially pink, white and purple. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Glen Iris Baptist or any church of choice are a welcome option.
2025-26 Boys Basketball All-Trussville Tribune Team
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor and Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
TRUSSVILLE – It was another year of ups and downs for our Tribuneland boys, but the fact still remains that there is great talent in our area. Multiple playoff teams, a player that overcame injury to have a great senior season, and some spectacular individual performances have become the norm for our young me on the hardwood and this season was no different.
As with the girls, we had help from all of the coaches of our teams, our sports department, our publishing editor Scott Buttram, and numerous expert sources. We present to you our Coach of the Year, Player of the Year, and our 2025-26 All-Tribune Boys Basketball team.
Coach of the Year:
Audwin Howard – Shades Valley
In his sixth year as head coach of the Mounties, Howard posted his best record yet at 22-7 overall, making it to the subregional matchup against the Homewood Patriots where Shades Valley came up just two points shy of advancing. Wins over tough teams such as Huff-
man, Clay-Chalkville, and Vestavia showed that Howard’s team has arrived. The Mounties also spent the entire season ranked in the top 10 of 6A basketball.
Player of the Year: Jer-
emy Chatman – Shades Valley Chatman, the clear leader for the Mounties, had a stellar senior season. He was selected to represent his team in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game. He also averaged 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game.
First Team
• Dalton Black –Hewitt-Trussville
• Demar Hinton – ClayChalkville
• Rayshon Lambert –Shades Valley
Jalen Pritchet – Pinson
Valley
• Josiah Dozier – Moody
Second Team
• Rashad Rolley –Hewitt-Trussville
Thomas Tubbs – ClayChalkville
• Colton Jeffers – Shades
Valley
Dajon Swann –Springville
• Price Bittner – Leeds
Honorable Mention
• Tyler Wilson –Hewitt-Trussville
Lucas Scroggins –Springville
• Jalijah Rutledge –
Moody Jacauri Swain – Leeds
• Taylen Johnson – Pin-
son Valley
• Quay Lynch – Pinson Valley
2025-26 Girls Basketball All-Trussville Tribune Team
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor and Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
TRUSSVILLE – Once again, Tribuneland was well represented on the court as we covered a historic season for one young lady, her coach, and her team, as well as multiple playoff runs, programs continuing to be built, and a plethora of bigtime seniors who will be sorely missed in our coverage area.
With the help of the coaches of our teams, our sports department, our publishing editor Scott Buttram, and numerous expert sources, we present to you our Coach of the Year, Player of the Year, and our 2025-26 All-Tribune Girls Basketball team.
Coach of the Year: Becca Davis – Moody Blue Devils
Coach Davis, in her fourth year as the head coach of the Lady Blue Devils, led her very young squad to a 20-12 overall record despite a slow start to the season. Her team, made up of sophomores and freshmen, caught fire in the playoffs and made it all the way to the state championship game where they jumped
out to a big lead in the first half, but eventually fell to Guntersville in the championship. Many are predicting a rematch for the state title next year.
Player of the Year: Serenity Rutledge – Moody Blue Devils
The “do everything” athlete (who also plays quarterback on the state champion flag football team) served as the team’s leader this year both on and off the court. Rutledge eclipsed 1700 career points as a sophomore, making her the school’s highest scoring basketball player in history. Not just for girls, but for boys as well. One of her biggest moments may have come in the semifinal game where she fouled out with a few minutes to go in the game and immediate-
Basketball team:
First Team
• Ryleigh Martin –Hewitt-Trussville
• Kimora Brewster –Clay-Chalkville
• Georgia Chancellor –Springville
Zoey Little – Shades Valley
• Lauryn Holley –Hewitt-Trussville
Second Team
• Caycee Burton –
See BASKETBALL, Page 11
ly turned her attention to be ing the most passionate per son in the arena, cheering on and coaching her team to victory despite the tears of disappointment that filled her eyes. Here is the rest of the 2025-26 All-Tribune Girls
Wingo gets 200th win as Leeds defeats Ramsay 4-0 at Rickwood Field
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
BIRMINGHAM – The Leeds Green Wave (15-9) rolled into the oldest baseball park in America Thursday and rolled out with a 4-0 win over Ramsay. The vic-
tory gave Leeds head coach Jake Wingo his 200th win. It was a scoreless affair until Leeds got on Rickwood’s board in the fourth inning when Taylon Gaiter’s RBI scored Jackson Drake. In the sixth, the Greenies’ Hudson Hollis singled to
score Drake before Bennett Schorfhaar’s double brought home Hollis and Gaiter to give Leeds a 4-0 lead and the win.
Drake got the win, giving up six hits in six innings of work with six strikeouts and no walks. Joseph Bryant got
the save.
Hollis and Schorfhaar had two hits. Schorfhaar was 2-for-3 with two RBIs.
Schorfhaar and Hollis combined for five of Leeds’ seven stolen bases.
Leeds will host Springville in a doubleheader Saturday.
Lady Tigers win Terry Vest Memorial Tournament
By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
RAINSVILLE – The Springville Lady Tigers softball team are one of the hottest teams on the diamond of late, extending their winning streak to nine straight with a Monday night win at Lawrence County 6-2. Before that game, the Tigers reeled off six wins on Friday and Saturday to take home the biggest prize in the gold bracket of the Terry Vest Memorial Tournament held at the Field of dreams complex in Rainsville.
Game one was an 11-3 victory over Etowah. The game started out close with Etowah taking a 3-2 lead into the third. However, Springville broke things open with nine runs in the next two innings while shutting out the Blue Devils on the way to the blowout win. Kennadi Samuelson and Georgia Chancellor each had two RBI in the contest. Chancellor went the whole four innings allowing three hits, three runs and striking out nine.
Game two was a tougher contest that was tied 2-2 before Springville broke things open in the bottom of the fourth with four tuns to snag the 5-3 victory over the
Eagles of Hokes Bluff. Aida Locklear and Maddie Nolan each had two RBI and Samuelson pitched the complete game allowing four hits and two runs and getting seven strikeouts. Saturday started very well for Springville as they put up 15 runs in the first inning to blast Spring Garden in the day’s first game. Leah Bowden had 4 RBI in the game, three of which came on a home run later in the first. Lyllian Grier and Addi Kearby combined for
a no-hitter and one strikeout each in the blowout win. Next up were the Glencoe Yellowjackets and the Tigers would keep rolling, putting four runs on the board in the first while putting an extra one up in the third to complete the 5-0 win and give them back-toback shutout wins. Locklear and Nolan both had two RBI. Chancellor pitched the first three innings and allowed no hits while striking out eight batters. Samuelson came in and allowed just
one hit and struck out three in her two innings. The Plainview Bears would go down 3-0 early to Springville in the third game of the day before giving it their best in the top of the fourth, but coming up just short. The Tigers would get the 3-2 win. Bowden, Chancellor, and Izzy Brantley would get an RBI each while Chancellor allowed 10 hits and two runs and struck out 8. A five-run first inning would help Springville get
a 7-0 win over the West End Patriots in the next game. Chancellor and Locklear each had two RBI and Chancellor got the complete game win allowing three hits and no runs and striking out nine.
In the day’s final game, the Tigers continued their quick starts and dominating play as they beat Lawrence County 6-2. Kynlee Taruc had three RBI while Chancellor finished the tournament by allowing six hits, two runs and striking out
nine.
Tournament stats: Leah Bowden .416 BA (5-12), .563 OBP (9-16), 1.00 Slug Pct. (12-12) 1.56 OPS, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 11 Runs Georgia Chancellor .636 BA (7-11), .643 OBP (9-14), 1.27 Slug Pct (14-11), 1.92 OPS, HR, 2 3B, 6 RBI, 6 Runs Pitching 4 wins, 1.5 WHIP, 2.81 ERA, .258 Opp. BA, 18.5 K per 9 16 IP, 16 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 33 K, 8 BB Izzy Brantley .454 BA (5-11), .571 OBP (8-14), 545 Slug Pct (6-11), 1.12 OPS, 2B, 3 RBI, 4 Runs Kynlee Taruc .500 BA (5-10), .500 OBP (7-14), .600 Slug Pct (6-10), 1.1 OPS, 3B, RBI, 6 Runs Maddie Nolan .500 BA (5-10), .545 OBP (6-11), .800 Slug Pct (8-10), 1.35 OPS, 3 2B, 8 RBI, 2 Runs Kennadi Samuelson .555 BA (5-9), .545 OBP (6-11), .555 Slug Pct (5-9), 1.1 OPS, 6 RBI, 6 Runs Pitching 1.16 WHIP, .1.50 ERA, 200 Opp BA, 15 K per 9 6 IP, 5 H, 3 R, ER, 10 K, 2 BB Aida Locklear .400 BA (4-10) .357 OBP (5-14), .800 Slug Pct. (8-10) 1.16 OPS, 2B, HR, 8 RBI, 6 Runs The Tigers are now 194-1 on the season and will host Pell City on Tuesday.
Springville Tigers Softball wins the 2026 Terry Vest Memorial Tournament. Credit: SHS Softball
Hewitt girls edge
Homewood, improve to 12-2-2
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
TRUSSVILLE – Hewitt
got a non-region win Thursday night, defeating Homewood 2-1 behind a pair of goals and a milestone moment for one of the program’s senior leaders. Before kickoff, senior Kate Willoughby was honored for making her 100th career start. Willoughby, who has signed with Auburn University at Montgomery, has been a steady presence in the Lady Huskies’ lineup throughout her career. The Lady Huskies scored first in the first half
when Emma Claire Stuart netted a goal assisted by Lauren Melton.
The Lady Pats responded later in the half to tie the match at 1-1 as the two teams headed into the break.
Catherine Mize scored with an assist from Emmie Willoughby to give tHewitt a 2-1 lead. The Lady Huskies held on to win and improve to 12-2-2 on the season.
Hewitt heads to Hoover for a crucial regional game on Tuesday.
Lady Huskies pick up five wins in Saraland tournament
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
SARALAND – Hewitt
turned in a strong two-day showing at the Saraland Tournament, going 5-1-1 across seven games Friday and Saturday.
The Lady Huskies (316-1) opened the tournament with a 2-2 tie against Spanish Fort. Corey Goguts drove in both runs, first with an RBI single in the opening inning and later with a game-tying home run to center field in the sixth. Harper Looney put in four and one-third innings, allowing three hits and two runs.
The Lady Huskies followed with a 19-2 victory over Bryant, collecting 19 hits in the run-rule win.
Chloe Krackenberger, Kenzie Noblin, and Emily
Renda each had RBI doubles during a seven-run second inning that saw Goguts hit an RBI triple that drove in three runs. Presley Hull added an RBI triple that drove home three runs in the third to put the game away. Hewitt rallied from an early deficit to beat Auburn 6-4 in the final game Friday. Trailing 4-0 in the second inning, Hewitt responded with six runs in the bottom half of the inning. Goguts came up big with an RBI triple to give the Lady Huskies a 6-4 lead. Looney picked up the win in relief.
Hewitt started Saturday with a 15-0 victory over Jackson. Goguts homered twice and drove in four runs, while Hull added three hits.
Sophia Shubert and Taylor McLaughlin each had RBIs as the Lady Huskies scored
in every inning.
In the second game, Hull led the Lady Huskies to a 5-2 win over Apollo, with three hits and an inside-the-park home run in the fifth. Erin Coleman and Hannah Claire Miller each had RBIs. Lauren Whitaker got the win, and Looney got the save.
Hewitt continued its winning ways with a 16-1 victory over Baldwin County. Goguts turned in three triples, and Coleman added four RBIs in the Lady Huskies 14-hit performance. Hull and Krackenberger had two hits apiece. Maggie Bell earned the win.
The Lady Huskies’ only loss of the tournament came against host Saraland in the final game, 5-0. Cate Bruce led Hewitt with two hits.
Hewitt travels to Gardendale Tuesday.
Hewitt sweeps Altamont in doubleheader at Phil English Field
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
TRUSSVILLE – Hewitt put 25 runs on the Phil English scoreboard as the Huskies swept a doubleheader from Altamont on Friday.
In Game 1, Hewitt started strong, scoring seven runs in the first inning and winning 13-2.
Koal Duckett opened the scoring in the first inning with an RBI that brought Jace Riggan home. Taylor Alfano was hit by a pitch to score Duckett from third. Andrew Walker’s two-run RBI brought home Hudson Mitchell and Cade McIntosh. Blake Bales’ RBI groundout scored Alfano. Riggan’s two-run RBI scored Walker and Jackson, giving the Huskies a 7-0
Basketball
From page 9
Hewitt-Trussville
Mackenzie Hale – ClayChalkville
• Gabbi Allison –Springville Sophie White – Moody
lead.
Hewitt added two more runs in the second on an RBI groundout by Alfano that scored Duckett and a Mitchell steal of home.
The Huskies added two more runs in the third inning when Duckett’s sacrifice fly scored Bales. A walk by McIntosh scored Jackson. Alfano’s RBI single brought home Riggan. Hewitt finished the scoring with a Walker sacrifice fly that scored Mitchell.
Rylan Clark earned the win, allowing three hits and two runs over five innings while striking out four.
Walker and Alfano had three RBIs and Duckett had two hits. The Huskies stole 11 bases. In Game 2, Hunter Futrell had five RBIs in the Huskies 12-1 win.
Kennedy Hockman –Moody
Honorable Mention
Livie Bullington –Hewitt-Trussville
• Somer’Rayn Addison –Pinson Valley Tamia Williams – Pin-
Mitchell got the scoring going with a sacrifice fly that scored Riggan in the first inning.
The Huskies added three runs in the second on a Futrell single that scored Walker, and a Duckett single allowed Bales and Bilodeau to score on errors.
Hewitt got four more runs in the third on two walks and two passed balls.
Futrell’s three-run double scored three and Riggan’s sac fly closed out the scoring in the fourth.
Duckett, Walker, Futrell and Cale McIntosh each had two hits.
Devan Kizer got the win, allowing three hits and one run in five innings of work with three strikeouts. Hewitt-Trussville will travel to Vestavia Hills Monday.
son Valley Leah Bowden –Springville
• Ava Vaughn –Springville
• Makyah Willis – Shades Valley
• Aleigha Rhetta –Moody
Kate Willoughby. Credit: HTHS
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