The Trussville Tribune – Feb. 26 - Mar. 4, 2026

Tribune

Feb. 26 - Mar. 4

By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune

Irondale celebrates Black History Month and welcomes firefighters from France

By Terry Schrimscher

IRONDALE, Ala. —

The Irondale City Council welcomed four firefighters from France to Irondale during the council meeting on Feb. 17. Captain David

4

New owners of Dobbs Ford celebrate first year of managing dealership

By Chris Basinger, News Editor

HewittTrussville Middle School Arbor Art Exhibit at Trussville Library

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. —

Special to the Tribune. For the 5th consecutive year, Hewitt-Trussville Middle School art teacher, Kristin Meriam, has encouraged her students to participate in an Arbor Art Exhibit hosted

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –It has been a year of firsts for Dobbs Ford as new owners Joey and Goshein recently celebrated their first year as managing partners and as members of

DOBBS FORD, Page 3

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

By Terry Schrimscher

State of our Schools: Local high schools show wide performance gaps in school report cards

From Tribune Staff Reports

SPRINGVILLE, Ala. –

Council

By Chris Basinger, News Editor

ence from 7.26% to 68.52%.

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.

TRUSSVILLE, Ala.

– High schools across the Tribune area posted a mixed bag of results on the 202425 Alabama School Report Cards, with several high schools excelling while several others struggled with low proficiency rates and high chronic absenteeism. The Alabama State Department of Education’s annual federal accountability reports assign letter grades and numerical scores based on graduation rates, college and career readiness, academic achievement, academic growth and chronic absenteeism. Statewide, Alabama’s K-12 system earned a B with an overall score of 87, but performance varied dramatically among the eight public high schools serving communities in the Trussville Tribune coverage area.

focus on city business.

Hewitt-Trussville High School (Score: 96, Letter Grade: A)

Part of Trussville City Schools.

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 denied.

Key metrics include: Graduation Rate: 98.67% (vs. statewide 91.56%)

By Nathan Prewett,

As the meeting got underway, the council approved the minutes from the last meeting in February. 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 designed to prolong the meeting allowing Thomas to air his displeasure at the lack of

uation and college-career readiness while keeping absenteeism well below the state average. Springville High School also delivered an A. At the other end, four Jefferson County high schools received D grades, with overall scores ranging from 69 to 62 and academic achievement rates lagging far behind state benchmarks.

most 31 percent.

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.

Hewitt-Trussville High School led the pack with an A and a score of 96, posting near-perfect marks in grad-

“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-

• College and Career Readiness: 99.47% (vs. statewide 87.88%)

• Chronic Absenteeism: 7.88% (vs. statewide 12.05%)

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.

For the second year, ClayChalkville High School had the lowest report card grade among Tribune area schools with chronic absenteeism as a contributing factor at al-

“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.

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.

• Academic Achievement (aggregated proficiency across subjects): 83.79% (vs. statewide 66.28%)

• Academic Growth: 100% (vs. statewide 97.08%)

Proficiency Highlights:

• English Language Arts: 69.19% (vs. statewide 56.2%)

• Mathematics: 57.66% (vs. statewide 33.4%)

• Science: 68.52% (vs. statewide 38.9%)

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. Items from the February agenda were addressed individually. The purchase

State of our Schools: Middle schools in Tribune area show strong growth, but proficiency gaps persist in latest state report cards

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

From Tribune Staff Reports

By Chris Basinger, News Editor

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.

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –Middle schools across the Tribune area posted generally solid results on the 2025 Alabama School Report Cards, with strong academic growth and low chronic absenteeism in several cases, though proficiency in core subjects varied widely and some schools faced persistent challenges. The Alabama State Department of Education’s annual federal accountability reports for middle schools assign letter grades and numerical scores based on academic achievement, academic growth and chronic absenteeism. Statewide, Alabama’s K-12 system earned a B with an overall score of 87, but middle school performance showed gains in learning progress and attendance compared to prior years.

ademic growth and exceptionally low absenteeism. Other strong performers included Springville Middle School and Moody Middle School, both earning B grades. At the lower end, four Jefferson County middle schools received D grades, with overall scores ranging from 66 to 68 and academic achievement rates well below state benchmarks. Chronic absenteeism exceeded 20% at several schools, more than double the statewide average of 12.05%.

The reports highlight positive trends in student engagement and growth across the Tribune area, with absenteeism rates often below or near the state average. Proficiency in core subjects showed notable differences: English language arts rates ranged from 26.31% to 77.27%, mathematics from 1.78% to 54.50%, and science from 10.73% to 73.04%.

reviews the 2025 report card results for the middle schools in the Tribune’s coverage area, ranked from highest to lowest overall numerical score. The final installment will explore elementary school report cards.

Hewitt-Trussville Middle School (Score: 92, Letter Grade: A)

The school is part of Trussville City Schools.

Key metrics include:

• Academic Achievement (aggregated proficiency across subjects): 87.87%

• Academic Growth: 100%

opened on Saturday.

• Chronic Absenteeism: 3.73%

The reports highlight both bright spots and persistent challenges in Tribuneland. While graduation rates generally met or exceeded the statewide average of 91.56%, chronic absenteeism remained a concern at several schools, exceeding 30% in two cases—more than double the state rate of 12.05%. Proficiency in core subjects also showed stark differences: English language arts rates ranged from 4.49% to 69.19%, mathematics from 1.86% to 57.66%, and sci-

Pinson Council approves sewer easement for housing development

By Nathan Prewett

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

PINSON, Ala. – The Pinson City Council approved a sewer easement with the Bridges at Hastings project that is developing housing for the elderly on Highway 75. The easement is for a 20-foot wide sewer at a real

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – 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

Speaking to The Tribune

See SPRINGVILLE, Page 2

See HIGH SCHOOLS, Page 5

See BONES, Page

See ART, Page 3 See PINSON, Page 4

Leeds High School freshmen take action to address rising school shootings

By Tanna McGuire

State of our Schools: Tribune area elementary schools shine in state report cards, but struggles start early for some

From Tribune Staff Reports

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –Elementary schools in the Tribune area posted strong overall results on the 2025 Alabama School Report Cards, with several earning A’s and demonstrating high academic achievement and growth, though chronic absenteeism and proficiency gaps in mathematics and science remained challenges in some schools.

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 Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), are determined to address this pressing issue through their state conference project.

School led with A’s and scores of 99, reflecting near-perfect achievement and growth with low absenteeism. Other strong performers included Magnolia Elementary School (A, 97) and Springville Elementary School (A, 90). At the lower end, Center Point Elementary and Erwin Intermediate received D grades, with scores of 62 and 64, respectively, and academic achievement rates lagging behind state benchmarks.

Hewitt-Trussville Middle School led the Tribune area with an A and a score of 92, driven by perfect ac-

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

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

This second installment in the series examining the state of local education

“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.

Proficiency Highlights: English Language Arts: 77.27% Mathematics:

Letter Grade: B)

The school is part of St. Clair County Schools.

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

Page 5

See BEES, Page 3

The Alabama State Department of Education’s annual federal accountability reports for elementary schools assign letter grades and numerical scores based on academic achievement, academic growth and chronic absenteeism. Statewide, Alabama’s K-12 system earned a B with an overall score of 87, but elementary performance contributed to gains in proficiency and attendance.

In the Tribune area, Cahaba Elementary School and Paine Elementary

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 reports highlight positive trends in early learning progress across the Tribune area, with absenteeism rates often below or near the statewide average of 12.05%. Proficiency in core subjects showed variation: English language arts rates ranged up to 90.78%, mathematics up to 73.64%, and science up to 76.71%.

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 and comprehensive drills.

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

(Note: Proficiency data is not reported for K-2 schools due to the absence of ACAP testing in those grades.)

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

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.

“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

This final installment in the series examining the state of local education reviews the 2025 report card results for the elementary schools in the Tribune’s coverage area, listed from highest to lowest

See STUDENTS, Page 3

The Trussville Tribune

190 Main Street

Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664

Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com

Terry Schrimscher, Interim Managing Editor trusstribeditor@gmail.com

Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor John Goolsby, Sports Editor news@trussvilletribune.com

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

Teri Thomas, Office Manager

Brannon Dawkins, Tribune Unscripted Producer & Account Manager

By Sean Dietrich

Sean of the South: The Invisible Man

There I am, watching him. He sits on the steps of the Shell Station. A backpack beside him. His skin is rawhide. His beard is white.

His name is Buck. He’s from North Carolina. He says he completed two tours in Vietnam.

He’s not here begging, he’s resting his feet.

“My old feet hurt more’n they used to,” says Buck. “Hard getting old, buddy.”

There is a half-smoked cigar next to him. He dug this used cigar from an ashtray. It still has life in it, he says.

He’s sipping coffee.

“First cup’a joe I had in a week. Fella gave me a quarter a few minutes ago. Piled my coins together to buy me

a cup.”

A quarter. When Buck went inside to buy it, there were only cold dregs left in the pot. He asked the cashier if it were possible to brew a fresh pot. She told him to get lost.

“But I’m paying for it,” he insisted. She escorted him to the door.

So, he’s drinking dregs for which he paid full price—for which he is grateful.

There are holes in his shoes. He found these sneakers in a sporting-goodstore dumpster. Buck estimates he’s put nearly eight hundred miles on them. Who knows if he’s exaggerating or not. Buck has a flare for the dramatic.

Still, his bloody toes

poke through the fronts. His middle toenail is missing.

Buck explains, “God says, ‘Don’t worry what you’ll eat, drink, or wear.’ And I believe it. But it’s hard sometimes. ‘Specially when you ain’t eaten and you don’t have [cussword] to wear.”

So I walk inside the gas station on a mission. I ask the aforementioned cashier to brew a fresh pot of coffee—I tell her it’s for me. I am very polite about it. She smiles and says, “Sure, sweetie.”

Ain’t she sweet.

I buy a hot cup, an armful of snacks, and a pack of Swisher Unsweetened Mini-Cigars. I give them to Buck on the sidewalk, and I tuck a bill into his hand. I wish I had something bigger, but I don’t. You would think helping someone down on their luck would make you feel good all over. Instead, it just makes me feel like I can’t do nearly enough.

Buck starts crying.

And the truth is, I’m embarrassed to even be telling you all this. Because this story isn’t about me—it’s about Buck.

Buck says with glazed eyes, “Did you know that I see God in you?”

And now I’m the one who has some major eye-glazing going on.

I stumble over my own words. All I can get out is, “Thank you for your service.”

He smiles. He stands to walk away. His big backpack must weigh eighty pounds.

“Going to Walmart,” he says. “Gon’ buy me some new shoes. Gon’ get me a hot pizza, man. Yessir, just saw God on the street corner.”

And he’s gone. I’m a middle-aged American. I’ve never known hunger. I’ve never not had a Sheetrock ceiling to cover my head. In many ways I’m spoiled. I’m lazy. I’m selfish. And sometimes, I get so lost in my own self-centered world that I can’t see.

But.

I just met someone. An invisible someone. A man who—despite whatever his problems may be—isn’t lost at all. A man who knows things, different truths than I will ever know.

Yes, he smokes secondhand cigars. But he also sees mankind. He sees us at our most charitable. And he sees us at our worst every time we tell him to get lost.

He sleeps in the open air, counting stars, covered by his military-surplus blanket. He prays for heaven to feed him every day. And somehow heaven does.

He is a man who people overlook because it’s easier that way. A man who asked me for nary a thing.

Mister Buck, sir. Today, you met a young redhead who happened to have a few extra dollars in his pocket. A guy who wishes he could do more for an American serviceman, but is too ignorant to know how sometimes.

So you were wrong, Buck. You didn’t see God on a street corner today. I did.

I’m a bumbling fool. The words sounded better in my head than they sounded coming out of my mouth. They seem so… Lightweight.

night, which also approve a storm drainage project on Meyers Road.

The Blue Devils teams were recognized with state resolutions that were drawn up by Rep. Jim Hill, who did not attend the meeting as he had taken ill that night. They were honored for their achievements made in 2025.

“Most of you know that we had three state champions in the last year at Moody High School, something that has never been done in the history of this county as far as I know,” said Mayor Nick Rutledge.

The first was the girls flag football team for winning the Alabama High School Athletic Association

Class 1A-5A State Championship on Dec. 3. They won against the Montgomery Catholic Knights with a score of 27-18. This was the first state title for the team.

The second was the varsity football team for winning the Alabama High

at the Trussville Public Library. With appreciation for their creative work, the Tree Commission donates $200 to the HTMS Art Department each year. With trees being an investment in future generations, the Trussville Tree Commission incorporates family oriented education and events through Arbor Week. Finalists for student art are Emma Kate Pannell who took first place, Elijah Beard earned second place and Megan Parks won third place. The exhibit at the library

L oca L / R egion

School Athletic Association

Class 5A State Championship against Vigor with a score of 25-0 on Dec. 4.

“The (MHS) Blue Devils’ noteworthy success is a tremendous source of pride for the families, classmates and the entire community,” Rutledge read from the resolution.

And thirdly was the varsity softball team for winning the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 5A State Championship on May 13. They emerged victorious against Huston Academy with a score of 7-4. This was their first state championship title.

Shortly afterwards the council approved the project in which the funding is not to exceed $55,000 and comes from the Rebuild Alabama Act Fund.

The area will be backfilled with stone before allowing it to settle. After it settles the pavement will be replaced with the next paving project in the city.

Though an exact date has not been established,

Rutledge said that it should begin within the next month.

Additionally, St. Clair County Economic Development (EDC) Executive Director spoke to the council to introduce himself and other

began Feb. 22 and runs through Saturday. On Saturday, there will be an Arbor Day tree giveaway at the Historic Mall Pavilion on

Parkway Drive. Activities will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 1 p.m.

Activities on Saturday include a tree giveaway and

members to some of the new councilors following their election in November 2025. In her introduction EDC Grants and Leadership Director Kandice Hill said that the city was recently award-

consultations with a variety of bare root and 3 gallon trees. Friends of Pinchgut Creek will sponsor face painting followed by a trail clean up. Alabama Power will consult on “Right Tree,

ed a grant from Innovate Alabama. Rutledge later said that there was $45,000 in funds from the grant that will be used for design phase plans and an additional $138,000 in for projects, particularly in upgrading playground equipment.

In other business the council:

Approved a request from Police Chief Reece Smith to purchase an ice machine for the department for $2,500.

• Approve Staggs’ request to repair expandable wall in meeting rooms at the Civic Center to $964.

• Approved a request from Library Director Sara Roberts to spend up to $4,000 for Summer Reading program performers and supplies.

Approved a request from Fire Chief Larry Horton for emergency repairs to Engine 3 for $1,840.

Approved a request from Fire Department Lt. James Mulkey to reimburse $58,000 from an ALEA grant for the

Right Place” and Girl Scout Troop 30679 will plant their annual Arbor Day tree donated by ACE Tree Service. Sponsors for the local Arbor Day festivities include the City of Trussville

purchase of two light towers.

• Approved a request from Councilor Linda Crowe to release street project funds to the Alden Glenn Subdivision HOA of $2340.38. Entered into an agreement with the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, for a project titled “Moody Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations Updates” for $62,620, and • Approved a request from Councilor Ellis Key to amend the 2025-2026 budget to include the RSA increase of $28,000 payroll to fire department personnel who are working under post-retirement guidelines.

Moody City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at Moody City Hall on 670 Park Ave.

Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@ gmail.com.

in coordination with Trussville Tree Commission, Alabama Forestry Commission, Hewitt-Trussville Middle School, Trussville Public Library, ACE Tree Service, and Alabama Power.

Pinson

From front page

Bones

property owned by the city that is located behind Pinson Valley High School. It is adjacent to the abandoned Cheney railroad line.

An ordinance approving the easement stipulates that the city is willing to grant it on the condition that the city is also able to tie it onto any of the Bridge’s sanitary sewer lines in the area if needed.

The project seeks to establish a retirement community building at 6970 Highway 75.

In his report Mayor Hoyt Sanders began with announcing that the city has been given an award by the Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation or AMIRC, which he said was given out to cities that have little to no loss to insurance claims.

“They do a great job and they provide essential insurance to protect cities from all kinds of potential losses and the fact that (the city has it) is a wonderful thing,” said City Attorney Shane Black. “There’s not a lot of cities across the state that don’t have claims against them and, knock on wood, right now there’s no claims against the city of Pinson.”

Sanders then announced that the schedule for Jefferson County Household Waste Collection event will appear on the city’s Facebook page the following day and advised residents to see the guidelines before disposing of certain hazardous materials.

Lastly, he mentioned that the lawsuit involving the Simplified Sales User Tax or SSUT that was discussed last month has been dropped but that a bill has been filed to take 40% of the revenue

be opposing that,” Sanders said. “And we hope that that does not gain traction but it seems like every time we turn there’s a bill to chip away at municipal revenue, and like we’re talking about at one of our meetings this week, you know, we’re the ones that put out the fires and arrest the criminals and pick up the trash and pick up the streets.”

Toward the end of the meeting the council recognized four city employees for serving the city for more than 10 years. These were Operations Manager Eric Winfrey, Pinson Public Library Director Allison Scanlan, library employee Jessica Reed and library employee Edward Keith Eggleston, Jr. Sanders read a proclamation for each one, detailing their histories as employees for the city.

Center Point Fire Chief Brandon Dahlen gave a report for the month of January. During that time there were 949 calls district-wide,

11 of which were structuregency medical service calls, with 365 being transported. He said that firefighters installed 10 smoke detectors and invited residents to call 205-853-5098 to schedule a smoke alarm installation.

In other business the council:

Accepted a low bid for the demolition of a structure near city hall for $14,950

Notice is hereby given that Hand Service Company, Inc., 110 Greenbrook Dr., Hazel Green, AL 35750, has completed all work on the Well #17 and #18 Project 3-010-23 and 3-011-23, for Trussville Gas and Water. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project, should immediately notify the above named contractor and Trussville Gas and Water, 127 Main Street, Trussville, AL 35173.

Elementary Schools

From front page

Appointed Heather Lind as city clerk after the retirement of Marie Turner, Amended the budget for the upcoming CityFest event to $22,000 as a whole for additional features, and

• Appointed Daniel Manning to the Pinson Public Library board. Pinson City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of every month at City Hall on 4410 Main Street. Live-streamed meetings can be seen on the city’s Facebook page. Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@ gmail.com.

Irondale

From front page

Brasher introduced the four men during the meeting.

The men trained with Irondale for three days before attending the Alabama Fire College to participate in the Fire Explorer Weekend in Tuscaloosa. The firefighters were the first international participants at the Alabama Fire College.

Leeds PD ask public to help identify organized retail theft suspect

From Tribune staff reports

LEEDS, Ala Police in Leeds are asking for the public’s help in identifying an individual believed to be involved with an organized retail theft investigation.

“They are already in the program to become professional firefighters in France,” Brasher said. “They are volunteers. They’re in the officer training program and this is going to be awesome on their resume when they go back,” he said.

“The Leeds Police Department requests the public’s assistance in identifying this individual,” officials said on social media “He is a suspect in an Organized Retail Theft Investigation.

“Hopefully, in a year to 18 months, I will be sending four or five of our firefighters to France to shadow French firefighters in an exchange program.”

On the regular agenda, the council approved $96,016 for Rast Construction to install new water pipe at Irondale Fire Station #3.

If you recognize this individual or have any information about this crime, please contact Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama.”

CrimeStoppers of Met-

The council also con-

opment Authority.

In his report to the council, Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. recognized several local students who participated in the Black History Month Art Challenge. The theme this year was “The Beloved Community,” and the stu-

dence Mullins, Alina McAdory, Kinsley Terry, Zakaious Mackey, Aaliyah Moore, and Lauryn Skipwith. Stewart presented each student with an art kit and a new tablet device. Stewart honored threety as part of the “Forgottenry” awards. Dr. Simpson Berry was honored as a-

ro Alabama also released information about the incident. “According to a report filed with the

can City Councilor. The late Reverend Dr. James Phillip Parnell, Sr. was honored asty Shepherd for his devoted service as pastor of Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church — the oldest African American congregation in the City of Irondale. The late Bernice Kelley was honored with The Heart of Irondale Hospitality for six decades of service at Golden

Stewart also presented $5,454.65 in grant funding from the Education & Youth Fund to 13 teachers serving in schools within the city. Recipients from Irondale Middle School were Colia Cobbs, Anthony Jackson, JaCobie Rudolph, Erin Baxter and Nicole McMickens. Hannah Frost and DeeDee Brasher received grants for Grantswood Community School and Kimberly Cook for Shades Valley High School. Five educators from Irondale Community School received the grants. Those recipients were Georgette Lester, Jenna Hudson, Daina Mason, Morgan Averitte and Alexis Christian.

The next meeting of the Irondale City Council will be held at 6 p.m. on March 3 at Irondale City Hall. An agenda for the meeting can be found on the Irondale website prior to the meeting.

Middle Schools

From front page

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Proficiency Highlights: • English Language Arts: 54.32% Mathematics: 22.25% • Science: 49.66%

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Moody Junior High School (Score: 73, Letter Grade: C) The school is part of St. Clair County Schools. Key metrics include: • Academic Achievement (aggregated proficiency across subjects): 59.45%

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• Academic Growth: 83.14%

• Chronic Absenteeism: 9.51%

Local Meetings

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

CityCouncil Annex

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(aggregated proficiency across subjects): 47.45%

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

Irondale Middle School (Score: 73, Letter Grade: C) The school is part of Jefferson County Schools.

Key metrics include:

TCSCentral Office

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

• Academic Growth: 86.56% • Chronic Absenteeism: 20.72%

●Parks and RecTrivia: Thursday,July25at6 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!

High Schools

From front page

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Springville High School (Score: 90, Letter Grade: A)

Part of St. Clair County Schools.

Key metrics include:

• Graduation Rate: 94.58% (vs. statewide 91.56%)

• College and Career Readiness: 92.17% (vs. statewide 87.88%)

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• Chronic Absenteeism: 12.14% (vs. statewide 12.05%)

EDUCATION

• Academic Achievement (aggregated proficiency across subjects): 67.27% (vs. statewide 66.28%)

• Academic Growth: 100% (vs. statewide 97.08%)

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Proficiency Highlights:

• English Language Arts: 50.00% (vs. statewide 56.2%)

HEALTH/BEAUTY

• Mathematics: 40.91% (vs. statewide 33.4%) Science: 54.55% (vs. statewide 38.9%)

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Moody High School (Score: 87, Letter Grade: B)

Part of St. Clair County Schools.

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Key metrics include:

• Graduation Rate: 92.59% (vs. statewide 91.56%)

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• College and Career Readiness: 88.15% (vs. statewide 87.88%)

• Chronic Absenteeism: 6.33% (vs. statewide 12.05%)

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• Academic Achievement (aggregated proficiency across subjects): 57.01% (vs. statewide 66.28%)

• Academic Growth: 100% (vs. statewide 97.08%)

Proficiency Highlights:

• English Language Arts: 38.04% (vs. statewide 56.2%)

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• Mathematics: 30.48% (vs. statewide 33.4%) Science: 37.97% (vs. statewide 38.9%)

Leeds High School (Score: 82, Letter Grade: B) Part of Leeds City Schools.

Key metrics include:

• Graduation Rate: 95.27% (vs. statewide 91.56%)

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• College and Career Readiness: 83.78% (vs. statewide 87.88%) Chronic Absenteeism: 11.7% (vs. statewide 12.05%)

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• Academic Achievement (aggregated proficiency across subjects): 47.64% (vs. statewide 66.28%)

Proficiency Highlights:

• English Language Arts: 51.54%

• Mathematics: 18.51% Science: 36.90%

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• Academic Growth: 91.01% (vs. statewide 97.08%)

Proficiency Highlights:

• English Language Arts: 29.58% (vs. statewide 56.2%)

• Mathematics: 21.68% (vs. statewide 33.4%)

• Science: 39.16% (vs. statewide 38.9%)

Shades Valley High School (Score: 75, Letter Grade: C)

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Part of Jefferson County Schools.

ATTENTION HOMEOWN-

Key metrics include:

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• Graduation Rate: 92.53% (vs. statewide 91.56%)

• College and Career Readiness: 85.77% (vs. statewide 87.88%)

Chronic Absenteeism: 23.55% (vs. statewide 12.05%)

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• Academic Achievement (aggregated proficiency across subjects): 44.88% (vs. statewide 66.28%) Academic Growth: 77.33% (vs. statewide 97.08%)

Proficiency Highlights:

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• English Language Arts: 28.91% (vs. statewide 56.2%)

• Mathematics: 28.63% (vs. statewide 33.4%)

• Science: 30.92% (vs.

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

• Academic Achievement (aggregated proficiency across subjects): 47.72%

• Academic Growth: 91.72%

• Chronic Absenteeism: 10.7%

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

Proficiency Highlights:

• English Language Arts: 39.76%

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

• Mathematics: 3.40%

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

• Science: 20.00%

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

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

Rudd Middle School (Score: 68, Letter Grade: D) The school is part of Jefferson County Schools. Key metrics include: Academic Achievement

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

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

statewide 38.9%)

Trussville Public Library

●SummertimeStories: Thursday,July25at9:30 and 10:30 a.m. -JoinMs. Alicia fora summer-themed

Center Point High School (Score: 69, Letter Grade: D) Part of Jefferson County Schools.

Key metrics include:

• Graduation Rate: 89.8% (vs. statewide 91.56%)

• College and Career Readiness statewide 87.88%)

Chronic Absenteeism 10.57% (vs. statewide 12.05%)

• Academic Achievement (aggregated proficiency across subjects): 13.38% (vs. statewide 66.28%) Academic Growth: 71.08% (vs. statewide 97.08%)

Proficiency Highlights:

• English Language Arts: 38.21% Mathematics: 8.55%

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

• Science: 20.91%

Pinson Public Library ●SplashBashatPinson

Clay-Chalkville Middle School (Score: 67, Let ter Grade: D) ferson County

●GlowParty:TeenFinale: Thursday,July27at4 p.m. -Celebrate theend of another successful teen summer readingprogram duringour Glow PartyTeenFinale. Enjoysnacks,games,music,& otherglow-in-the-darkactivities!

Schools.

College and Career Readiness: 85.04% (vs. statewide 87.88%)

• Chronic Absenteeism: 30.14% (vs. statewide (vs. statewide 66.28%)

• Academic Growth: 67.1% (vs. statewide 97.08%)

Proficiency Highlights: English Language Arts: 8.23% (vs. statewide 56.2%)

Proficiency Highlights:

• English Language Arts: 4.49% (vs. statewide 56.2%)

• Mathematics: 1.86% (vs. statewide 33.4%)

• Science: 7.45% (vs. statewide 38.9%)

Pinson Valley High School (Score: 65, Letter Grade: D)

• Mathematics: 3.63% (vs. statewide 33.4%)

Science

TherapySouth Trussville 1483 GadsdenHighway, Suite Birmingham,AL35235 (205)

School (Score: 62, Letter Grade: D) Part of Jefferson County Schools. Key metrics include: • Graduation Rate: 85.55% (vs. statewide

TherapySouth Clay/Pinson 6723 Deerfoot Parkway, Suite 105 Pinson, AL 35126 (205) 681-5131 Clin h,

o pinion

On Alabama statehouse-style palace intrigue

By Jeff Poor

Scott Stadthagen's upset of Joe Lovvorn in the Alabama House of Representatives majority leader election during the 2023 organizational session had all the makings of a historical moment in Alabama legislative history.

For the first time in 205 years, the Alabama Legislature had elected a bona fide traditional conservative Republican to a leadership position.

Sure, there had been Republicans, and even some Democrats, with conservative leanings in elected leadership roles. But they never completely checked all the boxes — opposed to the gas tax increase and gambling, while adhering to the legislature's recent history of backing social conservatism.

Might this be the beginning of a trend in Alabama politics? One could have only hoped.

In the end, it wasn't meant to be.

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, who preceded

Stadthagen as majority leader, never fully relinquished those duties. For the last three-plus years, Ledbetter served as the de facto majority leader while being Speaker of the House.

A conflict of interest?

Perhaps, but there was nothing in the rulebook against it.

By design, the Speaker serves as the leader of the entire House chamber, including both Republicans and Democrats.

The majority leader has a different function. In the Alabama House, he or she serves as the political leader of the party in power, in this case, the GOP. Those duties include fundraising, incumbent protection, and promoting legislative priorities to strengthen Republican lawmakers' standing.

Ledbetter built political machinery while serving as majority leader from 2017 to 2023 to do just that, and apparently well enough to win enough support among caucus members to become Speaker.

For him and those who helped him along the way, it would have been foolish to

cede what he built to a successor who probably wasn't his first pick to serve in that role.

Last week, the dream came crashing down after Stadthagen stepped aside in dramatic fashion to seek the Alabama Republican Party's open chairman position, vacated by John Wahl, who is running for lieutenant governor.

Even with leaked audio (more on that in a mo-

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ment) and secondhand accounts, the public will never fully know exactly what went wrong in the Ledbetter-Stadthagen marriage, whose abrupt late-quadrennium departure was not ideal for all those involved.

For whatever reason, Stadthagen's ouster couldn't wait.

Within 100 days of the May 19 Republican primary, with numerous incumbents facing challengers, Stadthagen's detractors made their move — even with an election right around the corner that would have allowed House GOP caucus members to select a new

majority leader.

This was supposed to be a no-drama legislative session. It was the fourth year of a quadrennium. Pass the budgets, go home. Come back in 2027 with a new governor and get to work.

Those were the expectations, but we got rolled.

Within a month of the end of partisan qualifying to determine who would be on the May 19 primary ballot, someone decided it would be a good idea to push to eliminate the often maligned but elected Public Service Commission and replace it with an appointed commission.

The proposal, steeped in an intellectually dishonest PR campaign to protect Alabamians from radical George Soros-funded environmentalists, was not something anyone had anticipated, especially on the eve of elections.

As if this was not enough to grapple with, Stadthagen announces his bid for ALGOP chairman, setting in motion one of the ugliest weeks of statehouse politics since Republicans solidified their control of the House of Representatives in 2010.

To add rocket fuel to this dumpster fire, someone thought it would be a good idea to record the closed-

door caucus and pass it around to media outlets.

Yes, Ledbetter said he did not give an [expletive] about the Alabama Republican Party in a closed-door setting.

In context, it was relative to the House GOP caucus but probably not something a former Democrat, who was allowed to be on the Republican ballot by the grace of those who serve on the Alabama Republican Party's executive committee, should have said. The substance of the audio gave us a rare glimpse into how business is conducted in the halls of power in Alabama. However, the leak itself was a cardinal sin that suggested dissension among Republican lawmakers, one would not have gleaned from watching floor or committee action. It took a few days, but the official responses were crafted. As an added feature, anonymous lawmaker comments were given to a media outlet attacking Stadthagen. Maybe it was a rebellion, but whatever the events of those days were supposed to be, it was promptly swatted down. Speaker Ledbetter emerged in better standing in the end than he was before this entire saga.

Paul Lee of Dothan, a loyal ally of Ledbetter (except for that time he backed Steve Clouse against him in the last speaker election), won an election to become majority leader. Depending on what happens over the remainder of the legislative session, we just lived through the climactic prelude to the sequel starring Governor Tommy Tuberville. To be continued.

c a L enda R

Local Meetings

● Trussville City Coun-

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

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

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

● Pinson City Coun-

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

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

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

● Springville City Council

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

● Irondale City Council

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

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

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

● The M.W. Hosey American Legion Post 205, Clay-Trussville, meets on the 2nd Mon-day 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.

Children’s Storytime

Thursday, February 26

9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Trussville Library LBK Auditorium

February 26th: Fairy Tales. Join Ms. Alicia for stories, songs, bubble time, and lots of fun! The event will be held in the library auditorium every Thursday at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. This story time is designed for preschool-aged children and their families!

Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. No snacks allowed at the pro-gram. All preschool ages. Every Thursday at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Books & Cook Pizza Party!

Thursday, February 26

4:00pm – 4:45pm and 5:00pm - 5:45pm Trussville Library Cahaba Room

Make a treat from a book!

Join us this month as read a favorite picture book all about pizza! Then we will bring the treat to life as we learn basic kitchen skills. Open to elementary ages (K - 5th grades). Space is limited. Registration is required. WAITING LIST.

YA - Magic the Gathering - Card Game

Thursday, February 26

4:00pm - 5:30pm

Trussville Library Parkway Room

Come learn Magic the Gathering or find people to play with! Teens (6th-12th) Learn the highly strate-gic card game, Magic the Gathering. During the game, players will take turns battling one another by casting spells,

summoning creatures and using artifacts depicted on individual cards drawn from their personalized decks. All supplies will be provided! This program is open to 6th through 12th graders. (Photographs may be taken during the program and used by the TPL. If you do not want pictures of your child to be taken please let the Librarian in charge of the event know)

Puzzle Competition Thursday, February 26

6:00pm - 8:00pm Trussville Library LBK Auditorium

Compete against other teams to finish your puzzle fastest! Winner gets a prize. Do you think you could complete a puzzle in an hour and a half? Get a team together, up to 5 people per team (please “regis-ter more people” to add team members), and compete against other teams for your chance to prove you are the ultimate puzzlers. A puzzle themed prize will go to whoever completes their puzzle first (or whoever gets the closest in the timeframe). Registration opens January 26.

Author Talk: Poisoning the Well by Sharon Udasin

Friday, February 27

11:00am - 12:00pm Trussville LBK Auditorium

Join Sharon Udasin as she discusses her book: Poisoning the Well: How Forever Chemicals Contami-nated America. In Poisoning the Well, we trace an ugly history of corporate greed, military impunity and community devastation, based on original reporting in four highly contaminated places. We intro-duce readers to people who, while fighting for their own lives, take action to fix a broken regulatory system. And we provide searing evidence as to how PFAS producers were aware of the deadly risks for decades while the government failed to protect its citizens.

Sharon Udasin is a Colorado-based environmental journalist and author of Poisoning the Well: How Forever Chemicals Contaminated America. She was a Ted Scripps Fellow in Environmental Journalism at the University of Colorado Boulder in 2019-2020 and received a SEAL Environmental Journalism Award in 2023. A graduate of both the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia Journalism School, she has reported for numerous publications over the past two decades — most recently for The Hill. Registration encouraged but not required.

USA Para Powerlifting National Team Qualifier Friday, February 27 9 am - 12:00pm Lakeshore Foundation Free Admission. 14 athletes from across the country will vie for a spot on the National Team, giving them the opportunity to represent the United States internationally throughout the year. Athletes partic-ipating in the qualifying event include Paralympians Bobby Body, Ashley Dyce, and Ahmed Shafik, as well as eight oth-

er returning athletes. All 11 returning athletes most recently represented the United States at the 2025 World Championships in Cairo.

YA - Miniature Monday Monday, March 02

4:00pm - 5:30pm

Trussville Library Cahaba Room

Miniature painting club for teens. Join the Trussville Public Library as we explore the world of minia-tures! Miniatures, or minis, are tiny models used in various tabletop games. Tiny skeletons, fierce drag-ons, and mighty heroes are all things you might paint! The library will provide a selection of miniatures to paint and keep, or you are welcome to bring your own to paint.

Crafty Collective

St. Patrick’s Day Fabric Wreath

Monday, March 02

5:30pm - 7:30pm

Trussville Library LBK Auditorium

Get in on the luck of the Irish by creating a St. Patrick’s Day inspired fabric wreath. Registration is required and will open at 9a on February 2nd.

Creative Writing for Tweens (4th - 8th Grades)

Tuesday, March 03

4:00pm - 5:00pm

Trussville Library Cahaba Room

Do you enjoy writing and want a space to share your words with other tweens? Join us monthly for a creative writing group just for tweens (4th - 8th grades).

Develop your skills with writing activities, and get feedback from your peers about your stories. Snacks and supplies provided! Space is limited. Registration is required.

Lunch and Learn

Wednesday, March 04

11:00am - 12:00pm

Trussville Library LBK Auditorium

Join us on the first Wednesday of every month for our Lunch and Learn program! Each month will have a different presenter discussing a new topic. Patrons are welcome to bring their own lunch or have some of the light refreshments that will be provided by the library. 2026 topics will be updated as pre-senters are booked so check back often!

MARCH 4TH: Designing and Managing a Native Plant Garden with Jefferson County Master Garden-er, Larry Stephens

YA - History Book ClubRefugee Wednesday, March 04

4:00pm - 5:00pm

Trussville Library Cahaba Room

Alan Gratz book club diving into the history surrounding each book. Join Mr. Jacob and the Trussville Teen Department for a historical fiction trip through history! We’ll be reading and talking about Refu-gee by Alan Gratz in March. We’ll discuss the book with historical context and have an activity that ties into the book. This month we’ll be talking spies! Snacks and refreshments will be provided at the event.

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Consumer Cellular - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-3585270

HEALTH/BEAUTY

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NEED NEW FLOORING?

No more cleaning out gutters. Guaranteed! LeafFilter is the most advanced gutter protection for your home, backed by a no-clog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty. Call today 1-833-6832005 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate. Plus get 20% off! Seniors and military save an additional 10%. Restrictions apply, see representative for war-ranty and offer details

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-877-3235516 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

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AUTOMOTIVE

Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-877-724-3049 today!

GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? DONATE IT TO PATRIOTIC HEARTS. Fast free pick up. Pat-riotic Hearts’ programs help veterans find work or start their own business. Call 24/7: 1-833-426-0193.

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Barbara Johnson Hayes

o bitua R y

Linda Diane Walker Finley

january 24, 1952 — february 6, 2026

Linda Diane Walker Finley, age 74, (January 24, 1952 – February 6, 2026) died in her home February 6, 2026. Graveside service provided by

Savage will be held February 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM. She is preceded on death by her parents E. Clyde and Sybil Walker, her grandparents Robert and Velma Lusk, Clarence and Jeanette Walker, and Aunt Vivian Lusk Edminster. She is survived by her sister Brenda Walker Iddins (Chris) and brother Eddie C. Walker (Melisa) as well as Aunt Mary Lusk Summer and numerous cousins.

Patricia Ellen Brantley

october 6, 1940 — february 13, 2026

Patricia E. Brantley (“Patsy”), age 85, of Hoover, Alabama, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, and went home to be with Our Lord.

Patsy grew up in Chalkville and was a cheerleader during her days at Hewitt Trussville High School before receiving a vocal scholarship to Birmingham Southern. She dedicated more than 35 years of service to SouthTrust Bank in Hoover. She was also a faithful member of Hunter Street Baptist Church for over 25 years and loved to sing in the choir. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family deeply.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hoke S. Brantley, Jr.; her parents, Robert “Cage” Jennings and Laura Jennings; her brother, Jim “J.J.” Jennings; and her brother-in-law, Harold Kizzire.

Patsy is survived by her two sons, Jeff (Ashley) Brantley and Brian (Meg) Brantley; her three grandsons, Murphy (Brighton) Brantley, Blake (Maria) Brantley, and Mason Brantley; her four granddaughters,

Lady Huskies rally late to take first win in Bill Roberts Stadium

By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor

that scored Cate

Emily

and Chloe

enberger to give the Lady

a 4-1 lead and the win. Harper Looney threw five and two-thirds innings and gave up three hits and one run with four strikeouts without giving up a walk.

Hewitt-Trussville returns to action Tuesday at home against Central-Phenix City.

Huskies take two in season opener

By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor

LINCOLN – The Hewitt-Trussville Huskies opened their season with games against Oxford and Lincoln and came away with two wins in two very different ways.

The Huskies (2-0) began the day with a 12-0 win over the Oxford Yellow Jackets. Hudson Mitchell led Hewitt’s offense with four runs on two hits, with a tworun homer and a two-run double.

Hewitt took control early after a Cale McIntosh RBI scored Bryson Clements before a Mitchell homer gave the Huskies a three-run lead in the first. The Huskies then pushed the margin to 4-0 in the second.

The Huskies blew the game wide open with eight runs in the third inning. Wes Hardy’s single scored Andrew Walker. Jace Riggan drew a walk to score Clements. Koal Duckett doubled, scoring Blake Bales and Hardy. Mitchell’s double

scored Lane Bilodeau and Duckett. Taylor Alfano’s single scored McIntosh and Mitchell.

Riggan earned the win, allowing just one hit through

four scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. Braylon Townes pitched one relief inning.

Hewitt-Trussville finished with 11 hits and four

stolen bases.

Game two required a different script for the Huskies to get the win.

The Huskies jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but the

Golden Bears battled back to take a 3-2 lead in the second. The Lincoln lead would hold up until Hewitt’s bats exploded for five runs in the fourth inning.

Lincoln added two runs in the fifth and sixth to knot the game at seven apiece as the two teams headed to the top of the seventh.

A Mitchell walk scored Riggan to give the Huskies an 8-7 lead. Alfano’s threerun double scored Duckett, Bilodeau, and Mitchell to push Hewitt to an 11-7 lead.

A Walker single scored Alfano to make the score 12-7 heading to the bottom of the seventh.

Bales held Lincoln scoreless to earn the win in relief after working two and one-third innings with four strikeouts. Mitchell got the start and recorded seven strikeouts.

Riggan: 3 hits with 2B & 3

RBIs

Duckett: 3 hits with 2B & 2

RBIs

McIntosh: 2 hits with 2B

Mitchell: 3 hits with HR, 2B, 6 RBIs

Alfano: 3 hits, 2B, 6 RBIs

Bales 2 hits

Hewitt-Trussville returns to action Thursday when they host Pelham at 6 PM.

Springville and Moody girls set for Elite 8 clash

By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor

JACKSONVILLE – Tri-

buneland’s final two basketball teams will face off Wednesday in a game that will punch a ticket to the Final Four at Legacy Arena next week. Moody (18-11; 4-2) and Springville (238; 6-0) girls had big Sweet 16 wins to earn the right to play one more game at Jacksonville State as they face off Wednesday at 4:00 pm where one team will advance and one will go home.

Springville defeated Jacksonville 54-51 in a great battle on the hardwood on Friday to advance to Wednesday’s Elite 8 matchup with Moody. Georgia Chancellor led scoring with 17 points in the game. Gabbi Allison had 12 points and Ava Vaughn had 10 points and 15 rebounds to go with Leah Bowden’s five points, nine assists and six steals.

pen.”

“It was a good win against a good team,” said Springville coach Warren House. “We came out hot and then had to hang on to win due to us missing some shots we were making early on, but we got the win and it was a good one. Moody is a rival and this will be the fourth time we have played.

They got us the first two and we figured some things out and got them in county. We are rivals and we respect

them and they respect us and getting to play your rivals with this much on the line does not always hap-

Moody beat Northside on Friday 55-45 to earn the right to play the Tigers in the Elite 8. This is the first time in school history that the Lady Blue Devils have made it this far in the postseason.

“Our girls made history Friday night by beating a very good 22-3 Northside team,” said Moody coach Becca Davis. “I was proud of our defense for controlling the tempo and surviving Northside’s fourth quarter push. I respect Coach House and these Springville girls more than anyone on our schedule,

but we are focused on our team, not the rivalry. They got the better of us in the county tournament and it is our job to make corrections and to be ready to compete on Wednesday. We can’t wait to see everyone at Pete Mathews Wednesday.” The Tribuneland clash on Wednesday will be the fourth meeting between these two teams this season with Moody taking two of the first three. The Blue Devils beat Springville 6358 in the first game and 5646 in the second. The Lady Tigers took the last meeting 68-50 in the St Clair County championship game.

Moody begins baseball season with two big wins

By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor

MOODY – Baseball

season is upon us and the Moody Blue Devils have opened their 2026 campaign with a pair of blowout wins on their home turf this past Saturday.

The day started with a game against the Paul W. Bryant Stampede. Moody wasted no time getting started as they scored nine runs in the opening two innings while allowing no one from Bryant to cross the plate. After a scoreless third, Bryant would get a run in to make it 9-1. Moody’s six runs in the bottom of the fourth made it 15-1 and that

would be how things would end after Bryant could not score in the top of the fifth and the mercy rule took effect.

Will Dutton started his season with two home runs in the game and drove in five runs against the Stampede. JB Leatherwood struck out 10 in the five-inning win, giving up six hits and one run while walking one. Jaydon Hicks ended the game with two hits, one of which was a home run, joined by Levi Crowe’s two hits.

In game two, the Blue Devils took on the Jasper Vikings and won 13-2 in another five-inning mercy rule game. Jasper took a

1-0 lead in the first, but the Moody bats continued to be on fire from the first game as they put up two runs in their first time at the plate, followed by four in the second. Jasper would manage another run in the third before Moody’s seven-run fourth proved to be too much for the Vikings who could not score in the top of the fifth, ending the game at 13-2.

Jaydon Hicks had three hits in the game to lead Moody, driving in two RBI. Marshall Teofilo had two hits that drove in four runs on the day and JB Leatherwood got it done at the plate in this one, driving in five runs on his three hits. On

the mound, Bryant Hardin matched his teammate from game one with 10 strikeouts. Hardin allowed just three hits and two runs in the five-inning effort.

Moody coach Eamonn Kelly said,” Pitching was great in both games. I thought our guys did a good job at the plate being patient and getting what they wanted. From there they played good defense and made all the routine plays. I am proud of my guys, but we have a long way to go to achieve our goals.”

Moody (2-0) will travel to Paul Bryant on Tuesday in a rematch of their Saturday contest.

Tigers split Saturday games of opening weekend

By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor

SPRINGVILLE – The Springville Tigers opened their 2026 baseball season with an opening-week split picking up an 8-5 win over Hokes Bluff followed by a walk-off 11-9 loss to Sardis to begin the year 1-1.

The Hokes Bluff Eagles were up first in the day’s first game. The Tigers jumped out 3-0 in the first inning before a scoreless second. The Tigers piled up three more runs, going up 6-0 before the Eagles scored their first run in the fifth. Springville matched the Eagles’ single run in the fifth and both teams scored a run in the sixth making it 8-2 in the Tigers’ favor after six innings. Hokes Bluff rallied in their last effort at the plate, scoring three runs, but came up short with Springville getting the 8-5 victory. Charlie Hare led from the plate for Springville,

piling up two hits and an RBI. Cooper Dorsett, Nate Brown, Matthew Murray, Grant Martinez, and Caysen Reyer all had RBI for the Tigers. Grant Martinez got the win, giving up just two hits and no runs in four innings. Ryan King picked up the save. In game two of the day, the Tigers dropped a close game that saw them dig an early hole, dig out of it and eventually fall to the Sardis Lions on a single that broke a 9-9 tie, scoring two to make it 11-9. Neither team scored in the first, but Sardis jumped on the board in the second with four runs. The Tigers began chipping away with a run in the third and fourth, but Sardis held them at bay with two in the bottom of the fourth to make it 6-2. The fifth was scoreless, but the sixth is where it got very interesting. Springville put seven runs on the board in the top of the sixth to make it 9-6. Sardis tide the game at 9 before the single that drove in two runners made it 11-9, the final score. Due to a scheduling mishap, the Tigers and Lions did not start playing

until 9:30. The lights at the park were on a timer that caused them to turn off at midnight, which happened with one out in the bottom of the sixth and Hokes Bluff at the plate. The rule is that you cannot begin an inning after midnight, which made the game a final.

Grant Martinez had a triple that brought three Tigers to home plate. Matthew Murray had two hits as well. On the mound for the Tigers, Cooper Dorsett pitched three innings, giving up four hits and four runs. Caysen Reyer stepped in late and took the loss.

“All in all, it was a pretty good opening day,” said Springville coach Jonathan Ford. “I was aware and knew that rule was there, but it was tough to know that we did not get another shot. But, we learned a lot about ourselves.”

The Tigers look to rebound from the loss with a Tuesday evening game at home against Welborn.

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