New owners of Dobbs Ford celebrate first year of managing dealership
HewittTrussville students help design centennial banners
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
Three Hewitt-Trussville High School seniors presented new banner designs Monday, July 20, in honor of the school’s 100th class.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –
It has been a year of firsts for Dobbs Ford as new owners Joey and Rachel Goshein recently celebrated their first year as managing partners and as members of
Henry Donaldson, Levi Buckner, and Angelina Dailey spoke before the Trussville City Schools Board of
After prolonged political lecture from Mayor Thomas, Springville Council approves pay raise for police
Yea Alabama Content Director among 15 arrested in Shelby County human trafficking operation
By Terry Schrimscher
SHELBY COUNTY,
Irondale completes feasibility study for potential school system
Dimler
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.
Ala. — Alabama sports writer and Director of Content for Yea Alabama, Robert Aaron Suttles, better known as Aaron Suttles, was among the 15 people taken into custody Thursday, July 23, during a operation conducted by the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force in north Shelby County to tackle human trafficking.
As the meeting got underway, the council approved the minutes from the last meeting in February.
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office jail records show that Suttles was booked and released July 23 on a charge of prostitution: commercialized sex. He was bonded out for $1,000.
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.
focus on city business.
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.
the operation was to protect people vulnerable to human trafficking.
“We will not tolerate the victimization of vulnerable women here in Shelby County,” Smith said.
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.
“I believe that no woman wakes up each morning and chooses to sell their bodies because they just want to. There is always an underlying reason that they feel they have to do this to live and have no other option.”
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –The Trussville City Council passed a proclamation during Tuesday night’s meeting honoring
High School Physics teacher Melanie Dimler.
IRONDALE, Ala. –In his July 20 newsletter, Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. revealed some of the next steps the city must consider to create a municipal school system. In a discussion with The Tribune, Stewart commented on the
“We have a duty to protect them just like any other citizen,” Smith said.
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
Suttles, of Hoover, who publishes under the byline Aaron Suttles, previously covered University of Alabama sports for The Tuscaloosa News and The Athletic, a sports division of The New York Times, before joining Yea Alabama, the university’s official Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) organization for UA, a subscription-based service whose proceeds support the university.
ter,” Thomas said. “The ing to adjust salaries wasn’t about their faux martyrdom, sacrificing for the greater
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. 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.
Trussville to permanently close community pool
Human bones found by local dog are connected, coroner says From Tribune staff reports
“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 ling the next administration with the consequences of their actions,” he said.
One person arrested during the operation, identified as Jacob Hollingsworth, was a Others arrested were identified as Rodrick Hicks, Quinton Lee, George Brand, Steven Crews, Arthur McClendon, Tremele Perry, Wayne Leslie, Efrem Miller, Naushad Sundrani, Jacob Hollingsworth, Prudhvi Paladugu, Carlos Barba-Sanchez, Bruno Reyes and Carter Lundstrom.
Items from the February agenda were addressed individually. The purchase
4 See BANNERS, Page 5
opportunity to redress the error but chose otherwise, wanting to move on, showing their frustration and the effectiveness of the filibus-
Commander of the Shelby County Drug Enforce-
A Half-Century of Care and Still Going Strong
June Mathews
Foxhound Bee Company to bee-gin construction on new education center
July is a big month for Dr. Hugh Brindley of Trussville. Fifty years ago, he finished his OMS residency and went into private practice as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
A 1967 graduate of Samford University, Brindley worked his way through dental school under a special program at UAB for medical/dental students to serve as nurses at University Hospital and help ease a severe shortage in nursing personnel.
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
practice with Dr. Al Koslin on Birmingham’s Southside then opened his own office in Center Point.
“My main hospital during that era was East End Memorial in East Lake across 2nd Avenue South from Ruhama Baptist Church,” Brindley said.
ment Task Force, Lt. Clayton Smith, said the goal of
All were arrested for at least one count of Prostitution: Commercialized Sex.
Speaking to The Tribune
See SPRINGVILLE, Page 2
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – Trussville’s community pool will close permanently after its current season, Mayor Ben Short announced Wednesday, July 22. According to Short, the pool, which has been operating for 72 years now, has reached the end of its practical lifespan after more than
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
Leeds High School freshmen take action to address rising school shootings
By Tanna McGuire
Trussville mayor joins in federal review of proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger
After graduation, he passed the Alabama dental boards then left for active duty in the USNR Dental Corps at Parris Island, SC. He soon found himself in charge of the surgery division, where he and a team of four officers and nine enlisted revamped operations and eliminated a huge backlog of cases in just over six weeks.
For his accomplishments during his two years of Vietnam-era military service, Brindley was awarded a Certificate of Commendation from the USMC upon leaving active duty in 1973.
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.
Birmingham-based Foxhound Bee Company is preparing to break ground on the 5,000 square foot facility
“I also equipped and taught personnel in the EMS system we had used in the ICU at UAB using the first UAB crash cart that I developed,” he said.
“I had two avenues to go after that,” he said, “an open invitation to train in pediatric dentistry at the University of Southern Illinois with a staff position after graduation, or I could apply for a surgery residency. I chose to apply to UAB for an OMS residency and was accepted.” Post-residency, Brindley spent his first 10 months in
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.
In 1985, East End moved to its current campus near Huffman and was renamed Medical Center East (MCE). Brindley became one of the original investors and occupants of the hospital’s new Professional Building 52, later moving to larger quarters in Professional Building 48. He practiced there until 2020. In the late 1970s, he had also established a Cullman office, which he maintained until 2023.
“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.
But by then, Brindley had circled back to the former East End campus which had been converted into the Lovelady Center, a faithbased residential treatment and recovery center for women struggling with addiction and their children.
“From the beginning, Lovelady clients were
“Everyone on the project seemed to speak highly of working with Irondale and its leadership. So, when we approached the
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –Trussville Mayor Ben Short recently filed a notice of intent to participate in federal proceedings in connection with a proposed merger of Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railroad.
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.
The filings were made with the Surface Transportation Board. Short said he wants the city’s concerns about blocked crossings, emergency access, and quality life considered before a merger be approved.
“This merger cannot be evaluated only by looking at national freight routes, corporate efficiencies, or benefits to the railroads,” Short said. “The Surface Transportation Board must also consider what it would mean for the communities that live with rail traffic every day.”
ods to mitigate the merger’s impact on local communities, including things like bridges, upgrades to infrastructure, and sidetracking.
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.
Trussville is located near a large Norfolk Southern rail yard, meaning the city has dealt with blocked railroad crossings for years. Officials said they have concerns that increased traffic on the railroad or increased train length might worsen the city’s existing problems without necessary improvements to infrastructure being made.
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.
Short said Trussville is not opposed to railroad infrastructure or economic development. Rather, it is seeking assurances that would address the local impact of a larger rail network on the community.
“Blocked crossings are not simply an inconvenience,” Short wrote. “They affect quality of life, public safety, school traffic, commute times, business access, and emergency response.”
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.
“Trussville already carries a significant burden from blocked crossings, and we cannot afford additional rail impacts without real solutions,” Short said.
“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
Short issued an additional opinion piece, saying any review of a merger should also include discussion of meth-
“For Trussville, the answer is clear: no merger should move forward in a way that worsens rail blockages, reduces mobility, threatens emergency response, or diminishes quality of life without binding commitments to solve the infrastructure issues that already exist,” Short wrote.
“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
Short said approval should include a clear plan to address blockages in Trussville and towns across America.
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
Robert Aaron Suttles / Shelby County Sheriff’s Department
Dr. Hugh Brindley / photo provided
The Trussville Tribune
190 Main Street
Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664
Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com
Trussville Cannot Afford More Rail Impacts Without Real Solutions
Ben Short, Trussville Mayor
The proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern is being presented as a major step forward for America’s freight rail system. Supporters have described it as a way to create a coast-tocoast rail network, improve supply chains, and move freight more efficiently across the country. On paper, those goals may sound worthwhile. But for communities like Trussville, the question is not whether a merger benefits a national railroad company. The question is whether the people who live, work, worship, go to school, and respond to emergencies in our community will be forced to carry the burden.
As currently proposed, this merger would not be in the best interest of Trussville.
Trussville already experiences an extraordinary volume of rail blockages. Our community lives with the consequences of train traffic every day. Blocked crossings are not simply an inconvenience. They affect quality of life, public safety, school traffic, commute times, business access, and emergency response. When a train blocks a crossing, it can separate neighborhoods from schools, residents from medical care, employees from work, and first responders from the people who need them.
That reality cannot be ignored.
The concern with this merger is simple: if the merger leads to increased rail traffic and longer trains through an already strained corridor, the impact on Trussville could be sig-
nificant. We are located in close proximity to a major railyard, and that proximity already creates challenges that many communities do not face at the same scale. Adding more rail volume and longer trains without first addressing the infrastructure problems on the ground would only compound an existing issue.
This is not an anti-rail position. Rail is an important part of our economy. Freight movement matters. Regional commerce matters. But economic efficiency for a national railroad cannot come at the expense of the daily lives and safety of local residents.
For Trussville, any serious discussion about this merger must include serious discussion about mitigation. That means a bridge solution. That means sidetracking. That means infrastructure improvements that reduce blocked crossings, protect emergency access, and give our community realistic relief before more rail traffic is introduced.
Without those improvements, the merger
would place an unfair burden on Trussville.
We have already been working regionally to address rail blockages because this is not a minor issue and it is not a new issue. The people of Trussville understand the frustration of sitting at a blocked crossing with no clear end in sight. Our police, fire, and emergency personnel understand the operational challenges created when crossings are blocked. Our families understand what it means when a routine drive across town becomes unpredictable because of rail activity.
That is why any regulatory review of this merger should look beyond national freight maps and corporate projections. It should look at the lived experience of communities along these corridors. It should ask whether the merger improves service without harming local communities. It should ask whether the benefits are being shared or whether the burdens are being pushed onto cities like ours.
The Surface Transportation Board has already paused its review and re-
quested more information from Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, including details about the broader impacts of the proposed transaction. That is appropriate. This merger would create a massive rail network spanning tens of thousands of miles, and federal regulators should require a full accounting of how increased rail operations would affect communities along the line.
For Trussville, the answer is clear: no merger should move forward in a way that worsens rail blockages, reduces mobility, threatens emergency response, or diminishes quality of life without binding commitments to solve the infrastructure issues that already exist.
If the railroads want the benefits of a larger national system, they must also accept responsibility for the local impacts of that system. That means working with communities, investing in solutions, and ensuring that places like Trussville are not left to deal with the consequences alone.
A merger of this size should not be judged only by what it does for shareholders, shipping routes, or national logistics. It should also be judged by what it does to communities.
And for Trussville, as proposed, the harm is too great unless real infrastructure solutions come first. Before this merger is approved, there must be a clear, enforceable plan to address rail blockages in and around Trussville. That plan must include a bridge and sidetracking improvements designed to protect public safety, improve mobility, and preserve quality of life.
Anything less would be unacceptable for our community.
Culver’s, Raising Cane’s Chicken
construction
Tribune Staff Report
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
Two highly anticipated new to the market Trussville eateries are under construction and progressing.
It was announced in February that Culver’s had closed on the property, but no timeline for construction had been set at the time. The, however, building is now well underway.
The Wisconsin based burger restaurant will be located at 5905 Trussville Crossings Boulevard in the former BancorpSouth building across from the former Whataburger building just off of Chalkville Mountain Road
The restaurant opened
in Sauk City, Wisconsin in 1984. They opened the first Alabama location in 2018.
Culver’s is known for their ButterBurger, cheese curds and frozen custard.
Representatives from Raising Cane’s appeared before the Trussville Design Review Committee in February to present plans for a new fast-casual restaurant at the former Pet Supplies Plus location on U.S. Highway 11.
The committee reviewed architectural and site design elements for the proposed chicken finger chain outlet at 1672 Gadsden Hwy., where the Pet Supply Plus closed late last year. The restaurant received concept approval from the DRC.
Cane’s website, the Louisiana-based chain — founded in 1996 by Todd Graves — specializes in “ONE LOVE” chicken finger meals featuring fresh tenders, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, coleslaw and the signature Cane’s Sauce. With more than 800 locations nationwide, the brand emphasizes fresh, hot food and a simple, high-quality menu. The Trussville location would be the fourth Raising Cane’s Alabama location, which includes open stores in Tuscaloosa and Mobile, plus a confirmed Birmingham location on U.S. 280. The opening dates for neither of the restaurants has been announced at this time.
Gov. Ivey awards over $176,000 in grants to
Construction for Culver's (left) is underway just off of Chalkville Mountain Road in the former Bancorp South location. Raising Cane's (right) is being built on U.S. Hwy 11 in the Tutwiler Promenade.
1, and Saturday, Aug. 2, at Springville Middle School.
Shows will begin at 2 p.m.
Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. All seating will be general admission.
The story follows two kids, Shawn and Penny, who set out to help an enchanted lion become a man again. Throughout their journey, they meet three magic circus performers, an evil magician and his sidekick Igor, three witches, and Prince Dallydingdong on Mount Creepy Crawly.
The first production was performed in the summer of ’76 after a summer job fell through for June Morgan Mack, now the theater’s director. Mack said Springville was full of talent, and a group of local performers decided to take to the stage.
The group spent the summer practicing the play’s song and dance routines, painting sets, sewing costumes, and practicing lines before performing one free show.
“It was a sellout, they had a ball, and the Springville Community Theater was born,” Mack said.
Over the last half-century, the theater has produced shows including The Music Man, South Pacific, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins and many more, as well as five original musicals.
Mack said the theater’s philosophy focuses on community, family, and memory making.
“We’re here to make memories, to allow parents to see their children, and children to see their parents, in a new light — through the eyes of an adoring audience,” Mack said.
She said the group has always believed in casting anyone who wants to participate and valuing the process as much as the performance.
“Underneath everything, our purpose is to make people proud of themselves,” Mack said.
The 50th anniversary production is designed to be a thank you to the community of Springville and the hundreds of people who have taken part throughout the years.
“This show is a gift to all of the people who have worked on these shows — a thank you gift for making the journey possible, and a message of ‘wow, you should be so proud,’” Mack said.
The original production featured Shawn Cushen as Shawn, Penny Burgess as Penny, John Savasta as the Lion, Jerry Hill as the Magician, Donna Lesley, now Donna Smith, as Igor, and Doug Lesley as Prince Dallydingdong.
excitement he has heard from the community and some of the challenges the city will face if the process continues.
The City Council approved funding to commission a feasibility study in October of last year. The results of the study, which was recently completed, will help the city understand whether a city school system would be feasible and sustainable. Stewart said he hopes to have enough information by next March to determine whether separation is “a conversation worth continuing.”
“March isn’t a decision to separate — it’s a checkpoint to decide whether this is even worth continuing to look at,” he said. “Between now and then, we reconstitute the Board of Education, the board’s attorney gets a firm answer on the state-law funding question, and if that clears, we bring on staff to price what it would cost to run our own schools.”
One challenge faced by other cities, including the successful separation in Trussville and a failed attempt in Gardendale, is reaching an agreement on school property ownership. Currently, schools serving Irondale are part of the Jefferson County School System.
When Trussville separated from the Jefferson County system, the city agreed to assume a portion of the system’s bond debt and negotiated a transition plan that allowed students already attending affected schools to continue their education.
Gardendale’s proposed separation involved a differ-
This year, Shawn will be played by Emmett Missios on Saturday and Caleb Ponce-Rodriguez on Sunday. Penny will be played by Lilah Bergeron on Saturday and Abby Shaw on Sunday. Harrison Kuykendall will play the Lion, Nick Missios will play the Magician, Joely French will play Igor, and Scott Walker will play Prince Dallydingdong.
The cast also includes Abigail Cox, Anna Claire Cox, Leah Deweese, Mary Alice Deweese, Amara Dicken, Arabella Dicken, Griffin Dicken, Henley Ervin, Layla Ervin, Destanie Kuykendall, Jaylynn Miller, Khaza Miller, Santana Ortega-Skuza, Piper Peffer, Ava Pyle, Elizabeth Jones, Aronda Renda, Shelia Oakley Brate, John David Russell, and Beth Walker.
For more information, contact Springville Community Theater at 205-5523023.
a half-century in service.
“For more than seven decades, Trussville’s community pool has been a special part of our city,” Short said. “Originally opened in 1954, the pool is now 72 years old and has provided generations of families with a place to swim, gather, learn, and make lasting memories.”
Short said the facility requires significant repairs and maintenance each season just to operate. He pointed to recent problems with equipment at the splash pad, which he said has also reached the end of its lifespan and has remained closed for part of the season.
In addition to maintenance issues, Short said the pool operates at a large deficit annually. He said the facility’s size limits mem-
ent financial issue. The city hoped to acquire the nearly new Gardendale High School, which had been funded through a county sales tax rather than school bond debt. Jefferson County opposed transferring the school without compensation, arguing that losing the facility could require the county to incur significant costs to replace it.
following a DNA analysis of the bones, though authorities still do not know the identity of who they belonged to.
The coroner’s office has reported that multiple missing person cases have been ruled out by the DNA analysis as the identity of the remains.
Ultimately, Gardendale’s separation request was denied by the federal courts because the proposal would have impeded the county’s ability to comply with federal desegregation orders.
The skull was discovered by a homeowner on the shoulder of the roadway next to his residence near the 1300 block of 5th Place NW on Aug. 20, 2024.
Stewart called the issue a serious concern that would need to be addressed by legal counsel but said the next step would be to reconstitute the Board of Education.
Investigators believe the skull was moved from its original location, which remains unknown, to the property by the homeowner ’s dog. The coroner’s office per-
“Irondale already has a city Board of Education on the books from years ago, and under state law, the legal question ahead has to come from that board – not from the City Council,” he said. “So, the first step is to seat five residents on it and let the board pursue the answer through its own attorney. Its job isn’t to separate; it’s to get the honest answers the rest of this depends on.”
Other concerns would
involve how to handle students currently attending schools in Irondale. Although state law doesn’t require the city to allow them to continue attending, other cities have negotiated agreements allowing students living outside the new district to remain in their schools.
“I’d want us to do it as a good neighbor, and goodfaith arrangements with the county and the families around us would matter,” Stewart said. “The board will make that decision and will work through it with the community if we ever get there.”
and determined
the victim had been shot. The same dog found the second bone, a left tibia, on Dec. 12, 2024.
Other factors to consider include school budgets, facility upgrades and city funding, including a potential property tax vote. Stewart said his goal is to be as transparent as possible with the people who will ultimately decide — the citizens of Irondale.
“What I can promise is that nobody gets surprised. I’m writing about it publicly as we go; we’ll hold a town hall before any real proposal, and the biggest decision of all — if it comes to a property-tax vote — belongs to the residents, not to me and not to the council,” Stewart said.
bership, which makes it difficult to justify the large overhead costs on an aging facility that only serves a relatively small portion of people in Trussville.
“After carefully reviewing the operational costs, maintenance needs, participation levels, and long-term condition of the facility, I have made the difficult decision that the pool will not reopen following the conclusion of this season,” Short said.
Short said the city will begin saving money and planning for the future of the site. Money currently spent on its operation could be redirected toward improvements in the future, he said.
As part of that, Short said he plans to speak with a professional landscape architect and develop a plan for the area. The process will look at future improvements that could serve the residents of Trussville in the future, he said.
Irondale Middle School (pictured), along with Shades Valley High School, Irondale Community School and Grantswood Community School could be part of a new Irondale City School System if the city ever breaks away from Jefferson County Schools. File photo.
Shawn Cushen, Donna Tucker, Penny Burgess (photo provided by Springville Community Theater)
Photo Courtesy of Trussville Historical Society
Leeds Council approves Memorial Park improvements, condemns Montevallo Road property
Nathan Prewett
LEEDS, Ala. – A derelict apartment property on Montevallo Road in Leeds was condemned by the city council at a meeting on Monday night where they also approved improvements to the Leeds Memorial Park.
Discussion began in the work session of the property located on 970 Montevallo Road. Councilman Cary Kennedy said that the area housing multiple apartment structures has become a nuisance overtime due to apparent neglect in their upkeep.
Over the years the units have degraded, with roofs collapsing and floors becoming unstable. Pictures taken by inspectors were shown depicting the state of the buildings. Discussion then began
Brindley
brought to my MCE office for free treatment,” he said.
“After we closed that office, we would see them in my Cullman office. But around 12 years ago, I was one of three clinicians who started the Lovelady Dental Clinic at the Lovelady Center, where I practice today.”
The two major goals of the clinic, said Brindley, were to remove all non-restorable teeth which could cause infection and pain interfering with withdrawal from drugs, and to restore a smile to boost self-esteem and help the women find employment.
A member of Trussville Noon Rotary (formerly, Birmingham East Rotary) for
for some time about the process of ordering ordinance signs, with Kennedy raising concerns about who in the city government has the duty to place orders.
“I don’t know what’s going on but I think we have more important things to do than worry about these ordinance signs, personally,” he said. “That’s my opinion. The community, they like the changes they see. I think we have to prioritize our duties.”
Mayor Eddie Moore said that the issue was “fixable” and that it would be addressed.
During the regular meeting the property was unanimously condemned.
Additionally, the council voted to amend the budget to fit in improvements for the Leeds Memorial Park. Moore explained that these include lighting, concrete
on a walkway where there is currently gravel and an additional field.
The soccer and flag football fields will have additional lighting. An architectural circle will be placed around the flagpole and will also have lighting, he said.
“It should be a total 180 on what we’ve had in the past,” Moore commented. “From the flag all the way to the forest.”
According to the resolution that can be found online, the amount was $1,300,000 from the Capital Improvements budget line to the Parks and Recreation Capital Improvements budget line.
Several spoke during public comments, among them was tattooist David Strickland, who advocated that the city allow him to open a tattoo shop, arguing that it can benefit Leeds
40 years, Brindley is also heavily involved in Rotary Partners in Health, a club project in partnership with Mega Missions of Oneonta. This ongoing mission provides free dental, medical, and minor surgical care to the public, homeless, poor, orphans, special-needs in-
dividuals, and prisoners in Ciudad Victoria, Mexico. Brindley, who will take his 20th annual trip to the Mexico clinic next February, has treated thousands of patients there.
“We also provide medications, surgical supplies, technology, and equipment,
economically. Moore said that the request will be considered for discussion in the future.
In other business the council: Authorized a one-time longevity bonus for retirees in the amount of $15,951, Amended a section of Ordinance 2014-07-01 to establish the hours of the tennis and pickleball courts as Monday through Sunday at 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Approved a contract with Waste Management for garbage services.
Leeds City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of every month at City Hall on 1400 9th Street Northeast. Agenda packets can be seen online at the City of Leeds website.
and we share knowledge with the local medical/ surgical and dental professionals,” he said. “We have developed strong bonds of friendship with the community through our Rotary and religious connections there.”
Brindley attributes much of his success in his career and charitable activities to his wife, Carole, to whom he has been married 59 years. The couple are the parents of two daughters and seven grandchildren and will be welcoming their first great grandchild in early 2027.
“It has been an amazing time in our lives,” he said. “God has blessed us so much through the years by enabling us to continue serving him doing what I sincerely love to do.”
Banners
Education at its scheduled monthly meeting about the process of designing the 100th class logo and banners, and the thinking that was behind the design. 2027 marks the 100th graduating class at HTHS.
Hewitt-Trussville and the years 1927-2027.
The group said the large “100” was designed so what is being celebrated would be visible to everybody from the road. The years 19272027 were also added to reflect the school’s legacy and the classes that came before the class of 2027.
TCS officials said the goal was to create a student-driven design that memorialized the centennial instead of it being the creation of administrators.
The group worked with Birmingham marketing agency Knight Eady on the logo, where they fleshed out what elements should represent the school, its students, and Trussville at large.
The group said the design was built around four themes: tradition, community, belonging, and legacy.
During the presentation, the students described HTHS as a school shaped by its traditions, such as homecoming, powderpuff, and other events that drawn in more than just parents and students but the whole community.
They said they also wanted the logo to reflect the supports students consistently receive from their teachers, coaches, and administrators.
The final design features a large “100,” with a Husky head inside the zero. The design includes a banner for
The students presented alternate versions of the logo as well, including a red-and-white variation, and one paired with an “HT” logo.
TCS officials said the banners are expected to be displayed along Husky Parkway from Deerfoot Parkway to Trussville-Clay Road.
The group said they wanted the project to leave a visible mark for the centennial class, giving students something to be proud of as they drive to the school.
“Once a Husky, always a Husky,” they said.
Saturday, August 1st
UAB Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, 1976 L-R:
Dr. Charles C. Alling, Dr. C.A. McCallum, Dr. John Ballard, Hugh Brindley (senior resident), Richard Davis (senior resident), Dr. Victor Matukas, and Chris Oden (senior resident) / photo provided
The nightmare scenario for closed primary opponents
Jeff Poor
Earlier this year, the Alabama State Senate opted not to take up a hastily conceived bill to close partisan primary elections.
The legislation was passed by the State House, part of an apparent gesture of goodwill from House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter after being surreptitiously recorded making a derogatory gesture about the Alabama Republican Party.
Essentially, if passed into law, one would be required to “register” with a political party to vote in its primary elections.
Obviously, there are pros and cons to instituting such a requirement.
Supporters say it is important because it ensures fidelity to the values associated with the parties, and it would prevent crossover voters attempting to play spoiler in a primary election.
Opponents argue that closing primaries would discourage voting and further lower Alabama’s abysmal primary and primary runoff voter participation rates. And there’s the topic not discussed in public. Some Republican candidates need a certain percentage of crossover votes to win their primary.
In a one-party Republican state that was once a
one-party Democrat state, some incumbents could not beat a candidate running to their right without crossover voters.
The 2026 session effort to close primary elections was castigated by some, who claimed it was a solution looking for a problem. According to those critics, such occurrences of crossover voting impacting an election were few and far between.
In recent years, there have been two high-profile races impacted by Democrats voting in Republican primary – the 2010 gubernatorial race between now-former Gov. Robert Bentley and then-Rep. Bradley Byrne, and former State Sen. Tom Whatley’s loss to current State Sen. Jay Hovey. Still, that was not enough for some Republican lawmakers to agree to support the closed-primary movement.
However, there is a possible nightmare scenario for those who opposed the effort, setting up for the August 11 Republican special election primary in congressional districts 1, 2, 6 and 7. Earlier this month, Alabama Democratic Party vice chairwoman Tabitha Isner called on Democrats to cross over and vote in the Republican primary.
It’s not clear that would mean very many voters par-
ticipating in the GOP primary next month. But it would not take many to alter an outcome.
Given time constraints, Gov. Kay Ivey’s special primary election call will not have a runoff, meaning whoever wins a plurality in the Republican and Democrat contests will be the respective party nominee in four congressional districts.
It is still a long shot, but not by as much as one might think.
The August 11 vote could set record lows for turnout. Because it was a hastily called election due to a late announcement from the U.S. Supreme Court following the Louisiana v. Callais verdict, there has been little time for candidates to campaign as of August 11 and for interested parties to
raise awareness of the election.
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In Alabama’s second congressional district, candidate quality is expected to prove to be very important for the general election.
State Rep. Rhett Marques is perceived to be the front-runner in the second congressional district contest. His opponents are Hampton Harris, Chris Horn, David Matthews, Joshua McKee and James Richardson.
Six candidates in a congressional primary election is by definition “crowded.”
Democrats are also motivated by the aforementioned Louisiana v. Callais SCOTUS decision and the rulings that followed it, which allowed Alabama to hold this round of special election primaries.
Additionally, the map drawn by the Alabama Legislature in 2023 is not exactly the same as it had been before the lower federal court’s congressional map that Alabama used in the 2024 election.
Joe Hobby
Every house has at least one. And ours has several.
There’s one beside my dresser in the bedroom. And another one in the kitchen just below the counter. The basement has one too. Searching through it is like a small archaeological dig.
They’re junk drawers.
Junk drawers are the great equalizer of American homes. Rich or poor, young or old, every family has at least one. They’re one part time machine, one part museum, and one part landfill.
A junk drawer is where useful things go to wait until they become uselessor where useless things go because you just can’t part with them.
Mine contains, among other things: several pairs of fingernail clippers, a couple pairs of toenail clippers, golf tees, dead watches, an expired driver’s license, charging cords for phones we got rid of three upgrades ago, pocket knives too dull to cut a banana, an eyeglass repair kit, a VCR instruction manual, a half dozen mystery keys, enough loose screws to assemble a lawn mower, four old batteries, three plastic pens, two toy
cars, and a partridge in a pear tree. And underneath all that clutter is a pile of more pennies than you’d find in a mall wishing well.
If my whole life were like this, I would have already appeared on Hoarders.
Every junk drawer contains a number of items no one can identify. Parts that look like they might be important, but you can’t remember what they go to.
“What’s this little plastic doohickey?”
“I don’t know.”
“Should we throw it away?”
“Absolutely not. The minute we do, something in the house will quit working.”
I use the junk drawer as a general depository - I’ll put something in there so I’ll know where to find it when I need it. That works - in theory. However, when I begin putting everything in the drawer, it defeats the purpose. Six months later, I’m digging through a tangled mess of charging cords that looks like a bowl of linguine. What was I thinking?
My junk drawer is so heavy it nearly falls out
of the dresser when I open it. That is, if I can even pull it out. Usually, it’s so overstuffed that something makes it hang up. About the only way to pry it loose is with a tire tool. Which is in the basement junk drawer. Naturally.
Of course, once I finally get the drawer open, I spend five minutes rummaging through paper clips, expired coupons, and enough twist ties to secure every loaf of bread in Alabama - only to discover the item I needed wasn’t in there after all. It was in the kitchen junk drawer. Naturally.
When did opening a drawer become a visit to the Twilight Zone?
And I tell myself I’m going to organize it someday. I’ll buy little plastic trays, label the sections, and finally bring order out of chaos - for a little while. Then about two weeks later, I’ll casually toss in a key chain, a handful of change, and a couple of leftover screws. And the next thing I know, nature has begun to reclaim the habitat.
And the answer is not a bigger junk drawer. Junk is like water, it seeks its own level. A bigger junk drawer just means more junk.
There may be a sizeable chunk of likely voters in other normally scheduled elections who are unaware of the party primaries and the opportunity to vote their preference.
The winner of the Republican primary will face incumbent U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures on the November ballot.
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Figures, by virtue of incumbency, will be a well-funded opponent for whoever GOP voters select on August 11.
Even though they were overruled by the district court, lawmakers at the time were tasked with drawing so-called opportunity districts and argued that they had done so for the 2024 cycle.
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And given there’s no requirement for the winning candidate to achieve the 50%-plus-one threshold, a candidate could win with an unprecedentedly low raw vote total.
Every vote will count, and that could make a Democrat’s crossover vote that much more significant in the grand total.
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Should Republicans nominate anyone other than Marques, there will be a significant fundraising disparity for the Republican candidate.
Advantage: Figures.
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Alabama’s second congressional district will not lean as Republican as it had in 2022. And, as we saw in the 2008 election cycle with former Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright’s defeat of Jay Love, Democrats, given the right circumstances, could win that congressional election.
There will be other factors that could aid Figures’ effort in the redrawn second congressional district.
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Nationally, enthusiasm is expected to favor Democrats because Donald Trump, a Republican, is in the White House. Midterm elections tend to favor the party that is out of power.
The Junk Drawer
LONG DISTANCEMOVING:
Shomari Figures winning reelection against a weak Republican candidate is not yet beyond the realm of possibility. That might have been avoided if the Alabama Senate had gone along with a closed primary bill earlier this year.
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As I rummaged through this mess, I discovered that somewhere beneath the rubber bands, dried-up markers, and mystery parts are little pieces of my life. A ticket stub. An old Boy Scout pocketknife. A key to a house we no longer own. For example, the most recent addition to my junk drawer was my dad’s self-winding watch. Sadly, the repairman said parts for it were no longer available. But that old timepiece still seems far too important to throw away. I suppose it’s the same reason I don’t take my Mom’s contact information out of my cell phone. I know she’ll never answer. But somehow, deleting it would feel like losing her one more time.
Maybe a junk drawer isn’t just full of junk. Maybe it’s just where memories wait until we need them again. Except for the toenail clippers.
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Dave C Ingram
june 17, 1933 — july 21, 2026
Dave C. Ingram, Jr. age 93, passed away on July 21, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his first wife, Peggie Campbell Ingram, with whom he shared two children, Tim and Jeff. Dave is survived by his wife, Doris Latta Ingram; his sons, Tim (Becky) and Jeff (Elana); his stepson Todd Parrish; his grandchildren, David, Katelyn (Kyle Deckelbaum), Xan (Jonathan Flowers), and Jack; and his great-granddaughter, Stella Mae Flowers.
Born in Clear Springs, Blount County, Alabama in 1933, Dave was the youngest of 11 children of the Dave and Bessie Ingram family. He attended Clear Springs school and church, graduating from Blount County High School in Oneonta. In 1951, he joined the U.S. Air Force, trained at Keesler Field, Miss., and served at Far East Air Force Headquarters in Tokyo until his discharge in 1954. He was employed by the American Cast Iron and Pipe Company from 1954 until 1973, then joined his brother, Bob, at East Lake Auto Sales Company, Inc., where he worked until his retirement in 2008. Dave attended evening courses at Jefferson State Junior College, earning an associate degree in business in 1975.
Dave and Peggie June Campbell were married in the Clear Springs Methodist Church. Peggie and Dave became members of the Huffman United Methodist Church in 1955.
Dave married Doris Latta Parrish, also a member of Huffman United Methodist Church, in February 1988 and they have remained members of that church to this day. Many days and nights were spent with Doris, friends and family traveling to Alabama football and basketball games around the Southeast as well as countless hours spent at home watching sports of all kinds including NASCAR.
Throughout his life, Dave was proud of his Blount County heritage. He was often heard to introduce himself to new people by asking where they were from, always looking for fellow Blount County residents. He and his brother, Mark, loved to spend an afternoon driving to Blount County revisiting favorite places and talking to all of the locals. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider making a donation to Huffman United Methodist Church, 711 Gene Reed Road, Birmingham, AL, 35235 or Big Oak Ranch, 6000 Shelley Drive, Springville, AL, 35146.
Richard “Rick” Allen McKeen
may 22, 1965 — july 23, 2026
Richard “Rick” Allen McKeen, age 61, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama.
Rick was born on May 22, 1965, in Fort Ord, California, to Robert W. McKeen and Constance McKeen, both of whom preceded him in death.
As the son of a military family, Rick had the opportunity to experience life in different places, including Germany, where he graduated from Heidelberg American High School in 1984. He later attended Valdosta State University and continued his education at Control Data Institute, where he studied computer technology and discovered a career that suited his curious mind and talent for solving problems.
Rick was an entrepreneur at heart. He founded RAM Wireless, providing computer support and system integration services to businesses throughout the Atlanta area. Later in his career, he worked across the Southwest, including Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. He took pride in his work and enjoyed the challenges that came with an ever-changing field of technology.
Those who knew Rick will remember him most for the simple things that brought him happiness. He loved taking long drives with the music turned up, talking with friends, and striking up conversations with people wherever he went. He had a tender heart for stray animals, often befriending and caring for those that crossed his path. His family will remember his sense of humor, his gentle soul, and the moments of laughter and connection they shared together.
Rick is survived by his daughter, Samantha Cal (Eric); his sister, Susan McKeen Bruno (Sam); his nieces, Sara Bruno and Katie Bruno; and his aunt, Jan Walker (Mark).
Edith Ellen Buhler
june 5, 1940 — july 19, 2026
It is with great sorrow the family of Ellen Buhler announce her passing on July 19, 2026, at the age of 86. She leaves behind to cherish her memories her three children, Robert Keiter (Joni), Tammy Barger (Darrell), Sheila Everette, three grandchildren, Robert Barger (Julie), Austin Barger (Michelle), Jennifer Lovitte (Joe), eight great grandchildren, Madison, Payton, Wyatt, Ava, Mason, Lawson, Ethan, Zoey, one great-great granddaughter, Lennox, and numerous dear friends. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing Bunco, being a member of Angels Earning Wings, shopping, traveling the country in her motor home, and her trips to Japan and Hawaii.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity that holds a special place in your own heart.
Joyce Simmons Marsh
january 17, 1942 — july 23, 2026
Joyce Simmons Marsh, 84, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away peacefully at Kirkwood By the River on July 23, 2026.
She was born on January 17, 1942, in Columbus, Ohio.
Known to family and friends as Joy, she lived a life devoted to faith, family, and service. She graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1960 and later worked at UAB, where she met her beloved husband, David Marsh. They married on April 15, 1967, and shared many happy years together raising their two sons, Brian and Brett Marsh. Joy later returned to work in the UAB Athletic Department, retiring in 2010 after 23 years of dedicated service.
Joy found joy in flower gardening, bird watching, crossword puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Trussville and cherished time spent with her family and friends.
She is lovingly remembered by her son, Brian Marsh; daughter-in-law, Carrie Marsh; and granddaughter, Teagan Marsh.
She was preceded in death by her husband, David Marsh; her son, Michael Brett Marsh; her parents, Janie Simmons and Del Simmons; and her brother, Larry Simmons. Though she will be deeply missed, Joy’s love, kindness, and gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the adjoining gardens.
Charles E. Agnew
november 26, 1933 — july 12, 2026
Charles Edward Agnew moved to his heavenly home on Sunday, July 12, 2026. He was born in Blount County, Alabama, on November 26, 1933. After marrying the love of his life, he settled in Birmingham, Alabama, and most recently resided in Clay, Alabama.
Mr. Agnew was a loving husband, daddy, father-in-love, granddaddy, and great-granddaddy. Above all else, he was a devoted Christian who truly walked the walk. He was an active member of the former Clearview Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon. Mr. Agnew was truly a jack of all trades and, in the eyes of his family, had mastered them all. He could fix just about anything, especially cars. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and get you back up and running. Mr. Agnew was a veteran who served during the Korean Conflict in both the United States Army and the United States Air Force. During his military service, he served as both a tank commander and a crew chief. He retired after many years with the Jefferson County Board of Education, where he served as the Parts Supervisor for the Transportation Department.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Annie Ruth Agnew; his parents, Elbert and Eleanor Agnew; and his stepfather, Johnny Grigsby.
He is survived by his children, Yvonne Agnew Orr Spaulding (Randy) of Clay, Alabama, and Elbert Agnew(Andrea) of Troy, Alabama. He is also survived by his three grandsons, Jason Orr (Cindy), Jaret Orr, and Joel Agnew (Kaley); his granddaughter, Amanda Agnew Dewey (Nolan); and six great-grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Papa Charles.” Words cannot express how deeply he loved his family or how deeply they loved him in return. His grandchildren describe him as special, loving, gentle, and a blessing in their lives. He faithfully showed them what it means to follow Jesus, and his legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed. Active pallbearers will be Jason Orr, Jaret Orr, Hunter Orr, Joel Agnew, Dennis Agnew and Jimmy Agnew.
Leo Glenn Th ompson
august 6, 1938 — july 20, 2026
Leo “Glenn” Thompson, 87, passed away Monday, July 20, 2026.
Glenn was born the youngest of two children to Marvin and Leona Thompson in Birmingham, Alabama on August 6, 1938. In his early life he worked for State Farm, as well as being a Methodist minister. Working in several areas throughout his life, he found Olan Mills to be his best and last job. He was the national sales trainer for the church division, where he trained others to sell church directories.
Glenn married the love of his life, Patty Ann Horton, in 1958. In 1959, they welcomed their first child Kelly and 4 years later they welcomed their second child Brian. He raised his family to love the Lord as much as he did. Through the years Glenn enjoyed playing golf and cooking. He and Patty were active members at Center Point United Methodist and Trussville United Methodist, where they both enjoyed teaching and singing in the choir.
Glenn was preceded in death by his mother, Leona, his father Marvin, his brother Marvin Jr, and his beloved wife Patty Ann.
Glenn is survived by his daughter Kelly, his son Brian (Tracy), his grandchildren Daniel (Jessica) Contorno and Emily (Reid) Bowen, his great grandchildren Hayes, Hattie, and Parker.
Leeds expects experienced roster to take next step in 2026
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
LEEDS – After a season of fielding a young team due to injuries, Leeds head coach Jerry Hood believes those growing pains could pay off this fall.
The Green Wave finished 6-5 in 2025 before losing in the opening round of the Class 5A playoffs, but almost every key contributor returns from that squad.
Hood, entering his eighth season at Leeds, is 58-25 and has led the Green Wave to six straight playoff appearances. Leeds is looking for their first region title since 2022.
“I like this bunch,” Hood said. “Most of them played last year and went through the season as a very young group. We’re still relatively young on offense, but ten of those kids started last year, and seven or eight on defense started. You can see throughout the summer that it’s a much more veteran group.”
That early playing experience has produced a mindset that Hood likes.
“They’re very serious about their work,” Hood said. “I don’t think they particularly enjoyed being 6-5 and getting beat in the first round, to be honest with you. We had an awesome summer. They’re bigger and stronger, so we’re looking
forward to competing.”
Hood wants to see complementary football from his squad this season.
“I expect that when each side gets on the field, they do their job,” he said. “Whatever that job consists of throughout a game and whatever is necessary, that’s what we expect. I need it to be consistent so that we know what to expect each game. Your effort is going to be there, your execution is going to be there, and you’re playing smart.”
Leading the offense is senior playmaker Taylon Gaiter, who had almost 1,300 all-purpose yards last season.
“Taylon is unbelievable,” Hood said. “This is his fourth year playing varsity football. He’s got a couple of offers, and he is just dynamic. We do so many things with him, and he has grown up to be quite a leader for us.”
The Green Wave have two new options at quarterback. Rising sophomore Bennett Schorfhaar impressed Hood throughout the spring and summer, while Brennan Archer transferred from Springville. Schorfhaar has grown to 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds and continues to develop.
“We feel really good about the quarterback position with those two,” Hood said.
The receiving corps features emerging Division I prospect Jacauri Swain, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound sophomore who already holds scholarship offers from Florida, Georgia Tech and UAB. Swain saw action as a freshman before missing time with an injury.
Hood also expects Brody Chambers, Jordan Smith, and versatile athlete Sam Minnifield to contribute. Minnifield could see action on both sides of the ball.
“He’s kind of a Swiss Army knife-type fellow,”
er Byers at left tackle, Luke Bell at left guard, Houston Jackson at center, Chris Bates at right guard, and KJ McGuinness at right tackle.
Last season’s group included three sophomores, a freshman and a junior. The unit now enters the fall with a full season of experience together.
“They’re seasoned,” Hood said. “They understand what we do, and we can get down into the details with it. I really expect them to be the smartest bunch on the field.
“With all the different stuff we’ll see, we need them to make adjustments and calls to get us in the right stuff. I expect they’ll be a really good unit.” Leeds also returns much of its defensive unit after starting seven or eight firstyear students a season ago.
Hood said. At the running back position, the Green Wave will have Marquintis Meadows and Jacarrious Davis available. Both missed significant time with injuries last season.
“They’re back, and they’re healthy,” Hood said. “We expect really big things from both of them. The key is, can we keep them healthy?”
Hood is optimistic about his offensive line, where all five starters return. The projected lineup includes Tuck-
Tylin Moultrie and James Langford return on the defensive line, while Sebastian Nava moves back to defensive end after playing offensive tackle last season.
Chase Tidwell and sophomore Walker Wingo are also expected to contribute on the edge. Wingo has developed into one of the team’s strongest players, according to Hood.
Leading the linebackers is senior Reggie Franklin, who has started since his sophomore season. Franklin has grown into his frame
and now stands approximately 6-foot-3 and weighs 223 pounds.
“He can run, and he’s just now hitting that part where you grow into your frame,” Hood said. “He’s a super kid, and he’s going to be a great leader for us.”
Joining Franklin are returning starter Javone McCrayer, who moves from defensive back to outside linebacker, and Kenneth Howard on the weak side.
“The thing that stands out about them is all three of those kids are fast, and they can really run,” Hood said. “They’re all physical and smart, so we feel really good about that group.”
The Green Wave also returns an experienced secondary. Amillion Burt, Malachi Paul, and Aiden Williams are expected to handle the cornerback positions, while senior Eddie Brown and sophomore Jordan Lockhart will work at safety.
Lockhart could also contribute offensively after stepping in at running back during the final six games of last season.
Grayson Camp has emerged as the leading option to handle place-kicking and kickoff duties, while Schorfhaar and Archer could share punting responsibilities depending on the
See LEEDS, Page 10
By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
TRUSSVILLE – Each December, after all of the high school football championships have been decided, the rumor mills get started up and coaches are reported to be heading elsewhere. Sometimes they leave and sometimes they stay, but it captivates the eyes and hearts of many as we spend a good portion of the offseason looking for the headlines telling us which coaches are heading where.
In Tribuneland, it is no different. Each year we see turnover and this year was much the same. While Josh Floyd (13th year at Hewitt-Trussville), Stuart Floyd (third year at ClayChalkville), Jerry Hood (eighth year at Leeds), and George Bates (second year at Shades Valley) all return this season, Springville, Moody, Center Point, and Pinson all found themselves in need of a new coach.
Moody got things started in the offseason as Jake Ganus took his coaching staff and headed to Pell City not long after winning the Blue Devils’ first-ever state championship as their head coach. Principal Chris Walters and his crew interviewed countless candidates and landed on Briarwood assistant and former UAB defensive coordinator Kyle Tatum. Tatum comes to Moody with no head coaching experience; however, he has years of coaching
situation.
“He definitely has a good leg,” Hood said. “He’s played defensive back, too, so he’s been through the hitting part of football. He’s got an edge to him.”
New coaches in Tribuneland
experience and a reputation for being a players’ coach as well as a very impressive rolodex that will give his players plenty of access to colleges for recruiting purposes. Despite a lot of offseason drama, Tatum has not shied away from the challenge and he looks to keep the Moody train rolling and defend the state championship in 2026 with “Operation 411” in full effect. The Blue Devils have been competitive in some fairly large 7-on-7 tournaments against some of the state’s best teams. All of this while breaking in a new quarterback and replacing 26 seniors and an entire coaching staff. There is a good bit of talent on this team and the revolving door of colleges who are watching them is proof.
Center Point fired Dre’Mail King after one season in which the Eagles went 1-9 despite improvements as the season went on. In late January, Center Point’s administration settled on Grady Griffin as their new head coach. Griffin, no stranger to Tribuneland, comes to the Eagles after spending the previous two seasons at Pinson Valley as their offensive coordinator, putting together some of the most high-powered offenses for the Indians since Sam Shade was the head coach. Griffin has been a head coach before, posting a 29-27 record at Francis Marion and Aliceville respectively. During his
Leeds also enters the season with continuity on its coaching staff.
Chad Slade joins Nick Bradford in working with the offensive line following the departure of Ovid Ellis, who became an assistant principal.
time at Aliceville, Griffin’s teams made the playoffs in each of his three seasons with his best season coming in 2022 where they went 11-2 and made it to the third round of the playoffs. Griffin has managed to keep a good core of his kids around and, though the Eagles will be young, there seems to be a renewed spirit at Center Point.
The Pinson Valley Indians decided to go in a different direction this year as
Jeremiah Millington returns as offensive coordinator. Jesse Turner coaches the receivers, Jordan Welch handles the running backs, and Lorenzo Patty also works with the receivers.
they fired James Thompson soon after the season ended at the Reservation. Thompson appeared to have the program headed in the right direction and his coaching staff, though a bit slim, was poised to come back for what promised to be a successful third season. However, an improvement from 1-9 to 4-6 was not enough to keep Thompson and his guys around. Just before the calendar flipped to February, the Indians
Neil Chambers will oversee the cornerbacks, and Drew Gilmer joins the staff to coach the safeties.
“He brings a wealth of experience,” Hood said of Gilmer.
While Hood likes where
On defense, Curtis Coleman and Judah Walton coach the defensive line, while Jake Wingo works with the linebackers alongside Hood.
his team stands entering the season, he knows navigating its Class 4A region will be anything but easy.
“I would argue that it’s the toughest region in Class 4A,” Hood said. “You’ve got Jacksonville, Moody and Central-Clay, who are really good football teams.
Finally, the Springville Tigers found themselves needing a new head coach after Chris Metcalf decided one season with the purple and gold was enough and took his talents to Mountain Brook to be an assistant on Chris Yaeger’s Spartans staff. Getting a bit of a late start, the Tigers administration decided on former assistant coach Jeff Lumpkin as the next leader for Springville. Lumpkin spent the past two seasons at Gadsden City where he served as interim head coach last year for the final eight games for the Titans. Lumpkin comes in, much like Moody’s Kyle Tatum, with no head coaching experience but a plethora of experience as an assistant.
Lumpkin is also no stranger to Springville as he served on the staff under Jon Clements, including the Tigers’ most successful season since 2009 when they went 5-6 in 2023 and made the playoffs. Despite the late start, Lumpkin has hit the ground running with offseason workouts and taking advantage of the extra summer work that the Tigers get for not participating in spring football, and he looks to have his Tigers ready for the difficult task that awaits them in 5A’s best football region this season.
decided on Logan Colafrancesco as the new man for the job. “Coach Cola” as he is referred to, comes to Pinson with years of experience as an assistant and some head coaching experience at John Carrol. Despite a 6-34 overall record and offseason challenges at his new gig, Coach Cola is turning heads as the new head man for the Indians. His guys have been very competitive in 7-on-7’s during the summer and they are attracting a lot of eyes in their offseason work outs thus far. Look for this team to potentially surprise some folks when the lights come on this season.
I expect Lincoln to be so much better. Sylacauga is going to be a tough game. Anniston is in there with us now, and Alexandria.
“There’s not an easy region game on the schedule. The way I see it, you better be ready to fight hard every week.”
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
TRUSSVILLE – HewittTrussville head coach
Josh Floyd and former Hewitt-Trussville, ClayChalkville and Erwin head coach Hal Riddle received statewide recognition this week.
Floyd was selected to coach in the annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Football Classic, one of the state’s highest coaching honors. Floyd enters the 2026 season with a 197-701 career record, sitting just three victories shy of 200 career wins.
In 12 seasons at Hewitt, he has compiled a 98-41 record while establishing the program as a perennial contender.
Riddle, the former Hewitt, Clay and Erwin
Floyd and Riddle honored
head coach, was named the recipient of the ALFCA Lifetime Achievement Award. Riddle will be recognized during the ALFCA banquet in Montgomery in January.
Riddle coached 21 seasons as a head coach, 20 in Tribuneland, finishing with a 150-90 career record.
Riddle got his first head coaching job at Erwin in 1993 and led the Eagles to a 39–20 record in his five seasons in Center Point.
He spent three seasons at Clay, compiling a 26-12 record and guiding the Cougars to the 1999 Class 6A state championship.
During his 12-year tenure at Hewitt, he posted a 79-55 mark and guided the Huskies through one of the program’s most successful stretches.
Tribuneland well represented at AHSAA AllStar Sports Week
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
MONTGOMERY –
Fourteen student-athletes from Tribuneland were selected to participate in the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association NorthSouth All-Star Week, while Springville softball coach John Taruc was chosen to lead the North softball team.
Hewitt-Trussville led the way with 10 selections across seven sports.
Jace Riggan was selected to the North roster after helping lead the Huskies to the Class 7A state championship.
The Huskies also placed a pair of athletes on the basketball rosters, with Dalton
Black selected to the North boys team and Lauryn Holley named to the North girls squad.
Jonah Turner earned selection to the North golf team, while Jordan Carter was chosen to represent the Huskies in boys tennis.
Soccer standout Catherine Mize and state champion outfielder Presley Hull were selected to the North soccer and softball teams, respectively.
Hewitt-Trussville’s cross country program was also well represented as John Paul Amari, Noah Jordan and Mary Durham were selected. Durham turned in a runner-up finish in the girl’s 5K race. Springville had three all-star selections.
Midfielder Will Millender and Madalyn Howard earned spots on the North boys and girls soccer teams, while Georgia Chancellor was selected to the North softball squad. In addition to the three athletes, Springville’s John Taruc was selected as the North softball head coach. Moody was represented by standout infielder Kennedy Hockman, who was selected to the North softball roster.
The AHSAA NorthSouth All-Star Week, organized by the Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association, took place in Montgomery this week and showcased many of the state’s leading upcoming seniors.
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