The Trussville Tribune – July 2 - 8, 2026

By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune

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

Trussville mourns loss of Cahaba Elementary Principal Joy Tyner

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –

Cahaba Elementary School

By Terry Schrimscher

Principal Joy Tyner, a longtime educator remembered for her commitment to Trussville City Schools and its students, and a foundational member of the Cahaba Elementary School and the school’s first principal, has died at the age of 62.

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.

Body of missing

Tyner was born in a small town in Mississippi, where she spent much of her career before moving to Trussville in 2016 with her husband, William. She earned a bachelor’s from MSU and two masters from Mississippi State College. Her career spanned more than three decades.

Ala.

By Chris Basinger, News Editor

patriotic colors. See here for a Springville railroad crossing closed July 1-3

New owners of Dobbs Ford celebrate first year of managing dealership

Logan Martin Lake boater recovered

By Chris Basinger, News Editor

Tyner served as Cahaba Elementary’s principal since the school opened in 2016, seeing the school through renovations and expansions of the historic building. She was the school’s first principal under its new structure until she retired in 2026. She was succeeded by Jennifer Bruno in May.

CLAIR COUNTY, Ala. – The body of a Bessemer man who disappeared in Logan Martin Lake during a sailboat race was recovered Monday morning, according to a recent press release by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

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

64-year-old William R. North’s body was recovered

Under Tyner’s leadership, Cahaba consistently ranked among Alabama’s most competitive and successful elementary schools, emphasizing academic rigor, leadership, and a culture that strived to make sure every student felt supported.

“The absolute greatest thing about Cahaba Elementary is the culture,” Tyner said in a 2024 interview.

focus on city business.

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.

1, according to the Alabama Department of

The closure is expected to begin at 7 a.m. Wednesday and remain closed until 10

Tyner often credited her own fifth grade teacher, Miss Norris, with illustrating how strongly a good educator can impact a student’s confidence and sense of self.

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.

“When you walk in the doors of the school, it feels different. It’s a happy place. It’s an

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

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.

ter,” Thomas said. “The ing to adjust salaries wasn’t about their faux martyrdom, sacrificing for the greater

“She told us we were brilliant, and so we thought we were,” Tyner said. “She told us we were the best and I was a good writer, and I believed her. She empowered me to keep on and to think I was something special.”

inclusive place, and we celebrate kids every single day.”

“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-

Tyner said she had never planned to pursue a career in education when she was young. She attended Mississippi State University and studied the field at her mother’s recommendation,

“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.

but she said it was really her first time in the classroom that changed the direction of her life.

“It wasn’t until I met my first class,” she said. “They were the inspiration, and every year after that it’s the kids.”

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.

That attitude became a pillar of Tyner’s approach to leadership at Cahaba, believing the school’s core function was to build a foundation students need to succeed.

“We’re giving these students everything they need

Items from the February agenda were addressed individually. The purchase

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

$1.5 million awarded to Jefferson County agency for weatherization assistance

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. – The Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc. has been awarded $1,505,786 to assist residents with lowering energy bills.

The agency was among 12 others to be awarded grants from the Alabama

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

Clay council upholds firing of former building inspector

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

Nathan Prewett

Clay, Ala.

By Chris Basinger, News Editor

cial-called meeting would be held with her in attendance.

voted in favor of the termination, which was effective June 3.

See SPRINGVILLE, Page 2

Page 4 See LAKE, Page 4

See JOY TYNER, Page 4

Leeds High School freshmen take action to address rising school shootings

K1 Speed brings fun and adrenaline to Irondale

By Tanna McGuire

Terry Schrimscher

LEEDS, Ala. – Over

IRONDALE, Ala. – K1

Speed opened its new Irondale indoor go-kart venue this month, giving local drivers a climate-controlled venue for electric racing just minutes from Barber Motorsports Park. The company, with more than 100 locations internationally, invested $2.3 million in its Irondale location with the expectation of drawing people from around the Birmingham metro area.

schools.

– The termination of a former Clay city employee has been upheld by the city council during a special-called meeting on Thursday.

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

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

Former building inspector Hunter Merola was officially fired following a regular meeting on Tuesday night in which the initial vote failed to pass due to a split and several abstentions. As Councilor Orletta Rush was absent it was determined that a spe-

Merola was initially fired several months prior and was reinstated before being fired again over disputes regarding a city vehicle and paperwork. During the brief meeting on Thursday Councilors Jody Harris, Carla Youngblood, Nathan Thompson and Mayor Jane Anderton retained their original decisions while Councilors Chris Nail changed his to a yes vote and Rush also

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.

“It’s been quite a distraction, and I’m ready to move forward and move on with the city’s business. We’ve got a lot to do,” Anderton commented.

“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.

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

Meetings take place every second and fourth Tuesday at Clay City Hall located at 2441 Old Springville Road. Pre-council begins at 6 p.m. followed by the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are recorded for the city’s YouTube channel.

See BEES, Page 3

“K1 Speed is thrilled to open its doors in Irondale, bringing accessible go-karting and professional motorsport closer together,” said Tom Abbott, public relations representative for K1 Speed. “We are committed to creating lasting memories with veteran and new race fans alike.”

representatives from different city departments competed for bragging rights.

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

Although the Irondale track opened earlier this month, the official ribbon-cutting took place Thursday afternoon, followed by the first official Mayor’s Cup race, where

Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. was on hand to welcome the crowd of about 200 people.

“This is another wonderful occasion in the city of Irondale,” Stewart said.

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

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

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

“We talk about everything we want to do in the city, we wanted to be a destination place. I would say that today is a testament to that by having the only K1 Speed in the Jefferson County area and the state of Alabama.” K1 Speed previously operated a track in Bessemer,

sentiment, emphasizing the emotional and psychological toll that school shootings take on students and their families.

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

which it acquired through its purchase of Autobahn Indoor Speedway in 2024. That facility closed earlier this year as the Irondale project prepared to open. The Irondale location was announced in The Tribune last summer.

“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

“We’re excited about Birmingham’s relocation to Irondale, a community with a strong passion for cars and motorsports,” said Ryan Jurnecka, content marketing manager for K1 Speed. “Being just minutes from Bar-

See STUDENTS, Page

The Trussville Tribune

190 Main Street

Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664

Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com

Brady Flanigan, Editor trusstribeditor@gmail.com

Terry Schrimscher, Interim Managing Editor tribunenews2@gmail.com

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

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

Brannon Dawkins, Tribune Unscripted Producer & Account Manager

Recess on the Road

Sean Dietrich

I am in the backseat of our van, sitting in a tiny, hollowed-out cavern of stuff.

We are traveling to Tennessee and Kentucky this weekend where I will be performing my one-man shipwreck at theaters where, if I’m lucky, I’ll get a standing ovation like a few nights ago. Although to be fair, the ovation was moving toward the exits. Also, they weren’t clapping.

So anyway, my wife is driving. My cousin Randa is in the passenger seat. And here I sit, trapped in the backseat. Boxed in by hordes of cardboard crates, musical instruments, hanging clothes, T-shirt containers, and one female mannequin torso whom I have nicknamed “Dolly.”

Dolly models our T-shirts at the merchandise table after shows. Dolly is extremely shapely and very talented. Currently, due to our overpacked vehicle, Dolly’s talent is shoved directly in my face.

Sometimes, Dolly is my only friend in the backseat. I have long conversations with her because she understands me. Although, sometimes I worry about her. I think that on some level, deep inside herself, Dolly feels hollow.

Meanwhile, Jamie and Randa are blissfully unaware that I am having conversations with foam-core representations of female thoraxes. They’re far too busy talking.

That’s mostly what female persons do on long road trips. They talk. I realize this statement is a broad generalization, but as is so often the case, I don’t care.

Currently, Jamie and Randa are eating their Chick-fil-A salads, and talking with the trademarked hushed whispers females use whenever gossiping.

Sometimes I chime in from the backseat to ask the ladies who they are gossiping about. This annoys them. They assure me they AREN’T gossiping, they’re just TALKING, so mind your own business, dammit.

Then they tune me out.

And I go back to hanging out with Dolly who, as I say, is very talented.

This is the glamour of life on the road. Occasionally, I will open my laptop and try to get some work done on writing projects. But most of the time I just nap. I’ve gotten very good at taking naps in moving vehicles.

Then, I am woken by Jamie.

“Let’s stop and stretch our legs,” she says.

So, we pull over.

We try to pull over frequently on long road trips. Namely, because we’ve read about how blood clots caused by sitting too long can be dangerous to your health. Also, we’ve heard that people who sit too long get hemorrhoids.

We pull over at a country church, outside Dunlap, Tennessee. Ebenezer Baptist Church.

The church is small. The parking lot is empty. And there is a playground behind the church that looks like it was erected during the Woodrow Wilson administration.

“Look!” says Randa. “They have a good swing set.”

She is right. We inspect the playground equipment. This is not your run-of-themill swing set. This is a topshelf adolescent entertainment apparatus.

“Should we swing?” says one of us.

“I don’t see why not.”

And so it is. The sun is shining. The weather is perfect. Why not?

True, we have no business doing something so juvenile and frivolous. True,

we are all middle-aged people who, at some point in our lives, have undergone elective orthopedic surgery. But, in our defense, it is a “good” swing set. And life so rarely gives you such an opportunity.

Swinging is my favorite. I love to swing. As a kid, I used to spend entire days on a swing set and never get tired. My imagination would go wild. My heart would feel lighter. I would make big plans for my life on swing sets.

I had my first kiss on a swing set in first grade. I jumped off the swings and got the wind knocked out of me. Whereupon the Little League coach would jiggle my limp body by my waistband. I don’t know why coaches do this.

And do you know what? Every time I sit on a swing set, it all comes back to me. Youth. Joy. Lightness. Innocence. Carefree feelings of yore. Moreover, I always— always—say the same thing to myself whenever I sit on a swing.

“I forgot how FUN this is!” Something happens when you use a swing set. First, you feel the familiar and pleasant sensation of your stomach dropping into your bowels with each pendulum movement. Then, you instantly drop about 30 years. Your emotions show on your face. The worry of time and the stress of life vanish.

At which point, you start saying dumb things which people cannot help but say

on swing sets. “Look how high!” And “Watch me!” And “I’m gonna jump!”

Once we are emboldened by the joy of swinging, we decide to play on the slide next.

Time slows down. For a moment, I forget my age, name, and rank in life. For a moment, I forget everything. When I was a kid, playground slides were the holy grail of playground activities. They were steep, treacherous, and made of highly polished zinc aluminum. That metal surface would sit in the blazing sunlight all day collecting billions of units of thermal heat, just waiting for hundreds of little thighs to scald.

At recess period, whenever innocent schoolchildren would unwittingly use the slide, usually wearing shorts or skirts, our screams of agony could be heard for miles. The backs of our bare legs became like fat sausages on a Lodge skillet. Today, thankfully, companies manufacture playground slides out of much safer, heat-dispersing rubberized plastic. Granted, you can’t slide as fast anymore, but you still retain your ability to reproduce.

So, Jamie, Randa, and I take turns going down the slide. We laugh and cackle. We holler and shout. We lose all track of schedules. And as motorists pass, sometimes they slow down and start dialing on their mobile phones.

But I don’t care.

I don’t care because, sometimes, I’m afraid I spend so long being an adult that I forget how it feels to be otherwise. I don’t care, because a very wise soul once told me that you don’t stop playing because you get old. You get old because you stop playing. Dolly. It was Dolly who told me that.

L oca L / R egion

Bessemer man sentenced to 10 years in dog-fighting case involving 78 dogs

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –

A man from the Bessemer area has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges connected to dog fighting and criminal firearm possession after officials rescued 78 dogs from three properties across Alabama.

Carlton Lenard Adam plead guilty in January to four counts of possessing dogs for fighting purposes and two counts of possessing firearms after a felony conviction, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Adams was sentenced to 120 months in prison in May. On Thursday, June 25, he was also ordered to pay $548,449 in restitution for the cost of caring for the rescued dogs.

The DOJ said the 78 pit bulls taken from his possession represented the second largest number of fighting dogs rescued from a single individual in a federal case at the time of the arrest.

Authorities found the dogs at two properties in Bessemer and one in Adger. Some carried scars and various other injuries, while others were suffering from severe neglect, according to court documents.

Investigators also recovered two handguns and a short-barreled shotgun. The short-barreled shotgun violated the National Firearms Act and was classified as a destructive device, increasing the penalty.

Search of Adams’ property also uncovered modified treadmills used to condition dogs, injectable veterinary steroids, syringes, suturing materials, skin staples, intravenous equipment, a homemade breeding stand, and a device used to break a dog’s bite hold. “This case demonstrates that the cruelty of dog fighting is not limited to the

brutal injuries inflicted in the fighting pit,” Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson said. “These animals suffer before, during, and after the fights.”

The dogs were placed in a care program under the administration of the U.S. Marshals Service. Following a separate civil forfeiture case, the animals were not returned to Adams but instead rehabilitated and evaluated for potential adoption.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, FBI, and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

The Trussville Tribune grabs 11 Alabama media awards

TRUSSVILLE, Ala.

– Eleven statewide media awards, including seven first-place titles, were awarded to The Trussville Tribune in this year’s annual Alabama Press Association Media Awards.

This year’s awards recognized the Tribune’s excellence in spot news coverage, editorial writing, sports feature writing, creative use of multimedia, online breaking news coverage, best use of social media, best podcast series, and best use of video in Division E.

This year’s competition included over 1,500 entries from more than 50 publications across Alabama. Entries are judged annually in collaboration with another state press association. The 2026 APA Media Awards were judged by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association.

Tribune writer Terry Schrimscher earned first place for Best Spot News Story for his coverage of Irondale’s 2025 city council vote to censure Councilor Cindy Cuellar.

The story covered a contentious meeting following Cuellar’s public critique of Irondale’s financial practices. It included the city clerk’s defense of city employees, Cuellar’s ongoing concerns about the city’s debts and spending, the public’s reaction, and the council’s unanimous decision to censure Cuellar.

The Tribune’s publisher, Scott Buttram, earned first

place for Best Editorial Column for his piece “AHSAA flips the finger at Alabama law,” where he challenged the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s call to require student-athletes using financial aid through the CHOOSE Act to sit out a year of sports upon transferring. Buttram argued the association’s decision conflicted with the language of Alabama state law, including commentary from Rep. Danny Garrett and Sen. Chris Elliott.

The Tribune also earned several awards for its involvement in live and multimedia journalism, earning first place for its Municipal Candidate Forum where it interviewed a wide range of local candidates in the paper’s nine-city coverage area, as well as earning second place for its weekly live broadcast, Tribune Unscripted. Tribune Unscripted also earned first place for Best Use of Video Longer than Two Minutes and second place for Best Use of Social Media.

The Tribune’s sports department also received five honors.

Tribune sports writ-

er John Goolsby earned first place for Best Sports Feature Story for “Floyd completes Clay-Chalkville Grand Slam with 6A State Title.” Goolsby’s piece traced Floyd’s connection to Clay-Chalkville football from quarterbacking the Cougars to their 1999 state championship, to helping win titles as an assistant before leading the program to the 2025 6A championship as head coach.

Goolsby and Shane Paschal also received second place in the same category for “A stadium that never stopped winning: The history of Mountie Stadium and its final chapter at Clay-Chalkville,” which followed the 75-year history of Shades Valley High School’s grandstand before being moved to Clay-Chalkville. It also documented its history being used by Mountain Brook, Howard College, and Rosedale High School during segregation.

Johnny Sanders and Goolsby earned first place for Online Breaking News Coverage for their reporting on Jake Ganus leaving Moody following a Class 5A championship to become head football coach at Pell City. TribSportsLive, The Tribune’s live sports show, also received first place for Best Use of Social Media.

The Green Flag, a racing podcast hosted by Goolsby and Andrew Pinkerton, earned second place for Best Podcast Series.

Railroad

From front page

p.m. Friday, July 3. Travel in either direction will be detoured from SR-174 to U.S.

K1 Speed

From front page

ber Motorsports Park puts us in the heart of Alabama’s racing culture, and we look forward to welcoming both local residents and visiting motorsport fans to experience the excitement of K1 Speed.”

“With so many professional drivers starting their careers in go-karts, it makes sense for K1 Speed to be just a quick drive from such a prominent track,” Abbott added.

Irondale is only a few miles from Barber Motorsports Park and a short drive from Talladega as well. Earlier in June, the City of Birmingham sold land near

11, and on to Interstate 59 before returning to SR-174. ALDOT advised drivers to accommodate for extra travel time and use caution along detour routes.

Leeds to a developer to build a professional go-kart racing track.

“We’re so excited to be here. We could have been a lot of places, but this was the place. This felt [like] home,” said Will Stokes, general manager for the Irondale K1 Speed. “We want to be part of the community. You guys have really made us feel welcome.”

K1 Speed is open at 11 a.m. on weekdays and at 10 a.m. on weekends. It also features dining options, an arcade, meeting rooms for events and a viewing area. Drivers can buy single races or multiple-race packages to compete for points with other K1 racers around the world.

Drivers compete for times at K1

The Trussville Tribune

Lake

From front page

around 11:12 a.m. June 29, near the location he entered the water on the southern part of the lake. North had been serving as a spotter for the Pell City Sail Club during a race Sunday afternoon.

ALEA said North attempted to move from a

Assistance

From front page

Department of Community and Economic Affairs or ADECA. Residents with disabilities, the elderly and low-income households with children are given priority. Energy audits are conducted at each home in order to determine cost-effective measures.

“High energy costs can be a significant burden on people

Joy Tyner

From front page

to be successful in the future,” Tyner said. “It starts with things like celebrating them, letting them know they’re appreciated, setting high, high expectations and giving them a rigorous curriculum and opportunities to serve and learn leadership skills.”

In 2022, The Trussville Tribune named Tyner its Person of the Year at its annual Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Toast of the Town event. At the time, the Tribune’s publisher Scott Buttram referenced Cahaba’s renowned culture of academic achievement and Tyner’s strong leader-

Parade

From front page

list of rules. Participants and parents

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION FOR BIDS

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

Pavement Replacement July 2026

Project Number: 7165-02, 7165-03

Bid Date and Time: July 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM Local Time

The work of the asphalt pavement replacement will be let under one contract, the principal items of work are as follows:

1. Remove Ex. Cold Patch Asphalt

2. Furnish and Install Hot Mix Asphalt Paving

3. All miscellaneous work as required by drawings and specifications

Plans, Specifications, Contract Documents and Contractor

Prequalification Requirements for the project described above are open to public inspection at Trussville Gas and Water Engineering Dept., 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173. Telephone: (205) 228-1108.

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

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

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

Contractor agrees to comply with all specifications and plans as furnished by Trussville Gas and Water. Contractor must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34 Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975 and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered.

Prospective bidders must pre-qualify to bid on this project. Specific requirements are provided in the contract documents under “IV. MINIMUM CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARD”. The deadline for submission of pre-qualification package is also listed.

sailboat to an unoccupied jon boat around 3 p.m. near the Pell City Sail Club when he fell into the water and disappeared beneath the surface. Search and rescue efforts resumed around 6 a.m. Monday, before his body was recovered several hours later.

ALEA Marine Patrol troopers are continuing to investigate the incident.

who are already struggling to make ends meet,” said Gov. Kay Ivey in an announcement. “This assistance allows Alabama families to sustainably lower energy bills while creating a safer and healthier living environment.”

In addition to Jefferson County, the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc. serves Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson, Marshall, and St. Clair. For assistance, call

ship during a difficult transitional period for Trussville City Schools.

“When the system goes through an upheaval like it did this school year, it’s easy to forget that there is actually great leadership in every one of those schools that never missed a beat,” Buttram said. “I feel like Joy epitomizes that leadership.”

TCS Superintendent Patrick Martin remembered Tyner as a tireless believer in her students. He announced that the Board of Education is considering naming an outdoor classroom at Cahaba in her honor.

“I cannot think of a bigger advocate for students and Cahaba Elementary School then Joy Tyner. I

will meet at the Pavilion by the Miracle League Field at 4:30 p.m., followed by the parade at 4:45 p.m. The parade will conclude at 5:30 p.m.

256-638-4430 or visit www. caaneal.org.

“The Weatherization Assistance Program benefits some of the most vulnerable residents in communities throughout the state,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell.

“ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in support of these grants, which will help families reduce the cost of heating and cooling their homes.”

loved the three years that I had the opportunity to work with her. No one fought harder for students. She would come into my office with a project or proposal and give it everything that she had. Just as I was ready to render my decision, she would flash that smile and make it nearly impossible to say no.”

“Joy Tyner will be missed, but I am so appreciative that her legacy will live on through this space that students and teachers will be able to enjoy for decades to come,” Martin said.

“Joy was a dear friend who inspired everyone around her,” Buttram said.

“She and her colleagues were an enormous factor elevating Trussville City Schools to one of the best districts in Alabama. Like so many others, I’m grateful that she and Bill chose Trussville. She’ll be missed, but never forgotten.”

“On Thursday, July 2nd, the Board will hold a called meeting to give consideration to the Joy Tyner Outdoor Classroom for Cahaba Elementary School. I love that Joy herself was able to put in time with our system Architect Ryan Vernon in the design of what this space will look like. A special thank you to Representative Garrett, Senator Shelnutt, Zeke Smith, and the Cahaba Elementary PTO for raising nearly $175,000 for this project.”

A veterans memorial ceremony precedes the parade at 4 p.m. Following the parade will be family activities at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m.

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION FOR BIDS

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

Interested contractors can obtain prequalification applications from TG&W Engineering Department (“Engineering Department”), 6620 Green Drive, Trussville, Alabama 35173; Telephone: (205) 655-3211 and must submit the completed prequalification application to the Engineering Department at the above address, no later than 4:00 p.m. on July 14, 2026.

Project Name: Magnolia Street Gas Main Relocation

Project Number: 2-006-25

Bid Date and Time: July 28, 2026 at 10:00 A.M.

1. Installation of approx. 1,300 L.F. of 2” PE Gas Main by Directional Bore

2. Installation of approx. 1,300 L.F. of 3/4” PE Gas Service Line by Directional Bore

3. Installation of new service taps, EFVs, risers, and cutoffs for all new service lines

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

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

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

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

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

Jeff Poor

Under any other circumstances, election night in November should be a good night for Democrats.

The loyal Democratic Party opposition has defied the laws of physics for more than a decade by capturing voter enthusiasm by opposing Donald Trump.

Obviously, it hasn’t always worked, given Trump’s 2024 win. But it has been useful for Democrats and will continue to be through November 3.

Add to that, Democrats will have the added benefit of a motivated voting bloc after the Louisiana v. Callais redistricting decision, which has empowered state legislatures to redraw congressional maps.

If you’re a Democrat, you have a lot of reasons to be motivated to cast a ballot on Election Day.

There is a “but,” however. For the U.S. House of Representatives, Republicans have been the net beneficiary of redistricting. There are more Republican state legislatures than Democratic ones, and the GOP has redrawn maps to blunt

Joe Hobby

That, my friends, is the sound of a very distinctive holiday: the Fourth of July.

Sure, we've got more important ones. Like Thanksgiving, that glorious celebration of food, football, and silently wondering, "How can I possibly be related to these people?" The thing most of us are truly thankful for is the sight of our relatives backing out of the driveway.

Then there's Christmas, which isn't so much a holiday as it is a two-month season of overspending, followed by ten months of apologizing to your Visa card.

But the Fourth of July is different because we celebrate our country's independence with fireworks. Yes, New Year's Eve has fireworks too, but the holiday most associated with them is July 4th. There's even a song about it: "The rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air."

You know Independence Day is getting close when fireworks stands start popping up like Dollar General stores.

I've never understood fireworks vendors - it’s the only business where mental instability is a marketing strategy. There’s Crazy Bill's, Insane McCain's, Nutty Norman's, and no telling how many more. I’ve never seen it anywhere else.

"Hey Bob, who did you say prepared your income taxes?"

"I took them down to Wacky Willie’s."

"I hope you don’t get audited.”

I was about twelve years old when I was allowed to light real fireworks. Not those sissy sparklers, although those things get hot enough to be used for welding. I'm talking Black Cat firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles—the gateway drugs of pyrotechnics. For beginners, Black Cat firecrackers were the gold standard. Most kids never lit just one or two. It was much

some of the anti-Trump enthusiasm heading into November.

Prognostications are mixed. The prediction markets favor Democrats. Longtime political watchers like Cook Political Report and Larry Sabato favor Republicans but still leave an opening for Democrats, with a high number of “tossup” races.

The U.S. Senate is also complicated. Democrats should pick up North Carolina’s open U.S. Senate seat. However, there are toss-up races in Michigan, Maine, Alaska and Ohio. Additionally, Democrats have to win an additional seat, since Republican Vice President JD Vance holds the tie-breaking vote.

And then there is what happened in New York City last week.

Self-proclaimed socialist Democrats won three marquee Democratic congressional primaries in New York City.

That isn’t necessarily a bellwether for the rest of the country. New York City has always been quirky about who it sends to represent it in Washington, D.C., and it isn’t quite yet time to con-

Jacorrian

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. The

The looming Democrat civil war

County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man was shot at a bingo hall near Grayson Valley early Monday morning.

Bones

From front page

suspect fled the scene in a vehicle.

Following an investigation, BPD’s BPD’s Crime Reduction Team partnered with the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force and the State of Alabama

vene Joseph McCarthy-style “red scare” hearings on Capitol Hill.

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.

It does reveal cracks in the Democratic Party’s foundation. These “socialist” Democrats were the preferred choice of party leadership, especially fellow New Yorkers Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries.

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.

The single unifying principal Democrats have is an animosity for Trump. If that goes away, then what?

An inevitable civil war is on the way, and not necessarily over policy. Policy will come after who wins the fight for leadership.

In 2022, Republicans

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-

trol in 2027, it isn’t expected to be by a sizeable margin. The same thing Republicans

Jacorrian McGregor

Pardons and Parole to apprehend McGregor on Tuesday, Feb. 24 in the 900 Block of Von Dale Lane.

The 120th United States Congress will convene on January 3, 2027, and someone will have to be elected speaker. Hakeem Jeffries, by virtue of being the House Minority Leader, is widely assumed to be the favorite.

He will have to mend fences with the handful of newly elected Democrats he opposed in the primary, which could take the formtee assignments, fundraising

The Democratic Party in office in Washington, D.C., right now could look very

Almost immediately after the new Congress istial election cycle will begin

Does a narrowly held

Rogers will forever be immortalized as having to be restrained after a reluctant Matt Gaetz continued to vote against McCarthy in

formed an autopsy on the skull and determined that the victim had been shot.

The same dog found the second bone, a left tibia, on Dec. 12, 2024.

da for 2028? It will take more than a contest over who is decidedly the most anti-Trump to win in early presidential primary states.

Democrats have not had

Using GPS trackers, officials have outlined the dog’s roaming range, but searches of the areas frequently visited have not turned up any additional remains.

Pop! Boom! Ohhhhh!

more satisfying to ignite the entire pack at once. I usually taped them to some poor little green plastic army man. He served his country bravely, but not for very long.

As teenagers, we graduated to Cherry Bombs and M-80s. Not the watered-down versions they sell today. The ones we bought were stronger than a hamper full of dirty gym socks. Every one of my high school buddies swore they contained one-sixteenth of a stick of dynamite.

I don't know if that was true, but here's what I do know: they could destroy an unpopular teacher's mailbox.

Of course, we kept quiet about this sort of activity because everyone claimed damaging a mailbox was a federal offense. Not that I ever heard of anybody actually going to prison for it, but can you imagine?

"Yo, what you in for? Armed robbery? Car theft? Did you off somebody?"

"Nope. Assaulting a mailbox with a deadly weapon. Blew it clean off the post with an M-80. Thought I got away with it but the doorbell camera got me."

Teenagers and fireworks can be a dangerous combination. One of my old high school friends learned that lesson the hard way.

Byron and three other buddies came to pick me up in his mom's Chevrolet Impala. When they arrived and I opened the car door, I was greeted by the unmistakable smell of burned gunpowder.

"What in the world did y'all do in here?" I asked.

"Barry can tell you," By-

ron replied.

From the back seat came Barry's voice, dripping with pain.

"I was lighting Cherry Bombs and tossing them out the window. But, the back windows don't roll all the way down. One bounced off the glass and landed right between my legs."

I gasped.

a roller coaster perched on top of a forty-story building. I've performed stand-up comedy in front of 10,000 people.

Every one of those experiences was terrifying. But, none of them can compare to the terror of watching a lit Cherry Bomb land on Sly and the Family Stones.

Barry continued.

I've nearly stepped on a water moccasin. I've ridden

"I managed to flip it into the floorboard right before it went off."

Then he pulled up his pant leg. It looked like halfcooked hamburger meat.

Shades of gray and purple surrounded an open wound where fabric used to be. The pants leg itself had been transformed into a collection of burnt threads.

Still, I knew he was lucky. Had that Cherry Bomb exploded a few inch-

Deputies responded to the bingo hall, located at 5712 Chalkville Road, shortly after 5 a.m. where they found a male employee suffering from a gunshot wound.

Center Point Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and transported the victim to UAB Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. According to the sher-

a truly contested presidential primary since 2008, when Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama faced off. Obama, a once-in-a-lifetime political talent, was the presumptive 2012 nominee after defeating John McCain in the 2008 presidential election. In 2016, it was Hillary Clinton’s turn, which ended badly for her. In 2020, Democrats thought their best shot to defeat Trump was an aging Joe Biden. They were right, but he had an assist from COVID-19.

And 2024 was a fiasco for Democrats, with a last-minute, almost hopeless Kamala Harris stepping in for an obviously ailing Joe Biden.

Leeds PD help ide retail

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.

Heading into 2028, the younger and fresher faces of the Democratic Party will be the so-called Democrat socialists. Would Democratic presidential candidates look to capitalize if that’s the direction the wind is blowing? We shouldn’t expect the existing Democrat power structure that has held on for decades to go down without a fight. They will have resources and the infrastructure to put up a fight, but it won’t be pretty.

“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.

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

CrimeStoppers of Met-

es higher, Barry might still be singing soprano with the Vienna Boys Choir.

"We've got a plan," Byron announced. "We're gonna tell his mom and dad a dog attacked him."

Never mix immaturity with low-grade explosives.

As an adult, the whole concept of fireworks looks different than it did when you were a kid.

As a child, fireworks were magic. The sparks, the colors, the noise, the smell. When you lit that fuse, you felt like you were harnessing the power of Zeus himself.

As a grown up, fireworks mean putting up with the neighbor who spent a week's pay on a grocery sack full of incendiary devices, and intends to detonate every one of them until two o'clock in the morning. Every time another explosion jolts you awake, you find yourself wondering whether this guy has to work tomorrow.

At the first bang, my dogs dive under the bed and shake like paint mixers. I have to use about half a bottle of CBD oil—and then I give some to the dogs.

The next morning, Facebook fills up with posts that read: "Lost cat. Answers to the name Fluffy. Last seen during last night's mortar barrage."

So, now my role in fireworks has changed. I don't light them. I don't tape them to army men. I don't blow up mailboxes. I just sit on the porch, watch the sky light up, and hope nobody gets hurt doing something stupid.

Because I know exactly what that looks like.

FORSALE

cLassified

SERVICES

WATER DAMAGE CLEAN-

UP & RESTORATION: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals dry out the wet area and do repairs to protect your family and your home’s value! If you have water in your home that needs to be dried, Call 24/7: 1-833-879-1371

18 months!Lifetime warranty &professionalinstalls.Senior &Military Discountsavailable. Call: 1-855-405-8901

Have zip code of service location ready when you call!

2adjoining funeralplots at Jefferson Memorial Gardensin

Trussville.Located in thegardenofThe Last Supper, shaded close to theroad. Very reasonably priced.Call205 910-8139.

Call (205) 533-8664

and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-877385-7131

Twoprime-located cemetery plots(Section76A,plots 5& 6) in theGardenofLove at JeffersonMemorialGardens.$4,750 forBOTHplots or BO -contact BobCardwell@ (205) 4106006. Will split transfer fee.

nancingavailable.CallSafe Step 1-844-871-6175

GoGo.Liveand ageyour way. Gethelpwith rides, groceries, mealsand more.Memberships startaslow as $1 perday.Available 24/7nationwide. BBB Rated A+ Business. Call GoGo to getstarted.1-844-952-3266

Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-877-8174697 www.dental50plus. com/alabama #6258

Local Meetings

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

CityCouncil Annex

storytimeinthe library auditorium withstories,songs, bubbletime, andlotsoffun!

c a L enda R

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

Local Meetings

TCSCentral Office

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

●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!

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

Twocemeterylotsfor sale at JeffersonMemorialGardens in Trussville.For information pleasecallTim Cash at 256225-0347.

AFFORDABLE TV & IN-

TERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-877-541-5677

DENTAL INSURANCEfrom Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for400 plus procedures.Realdental insurance- NOT just adiscount plan.Donot wait! Call now!Get your FREE Dental Information Kitwith allthe details!1-877817-4697 www.dental50plus com/alabama #6258

NEED NEW FLOORING?

NEW AUTHORSWANTED! Ourpublishing staffwill help you self-publishyour ownbook. FREE author submission kit! Limitedoffer!Why wait? Call now:1-877-567-9754

APPLIANCE REPAIR:

Prompt local service available for appliance repair. Washer/Dryer, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Stove/Oven and all major appliances. Certified, Insured techs. Satisfaction guaranteed. Call to schedule your appointment now! 1-877-441-0132

AFFORDABLE TV &INTER-

HEALTH/BEAUTY

Call today to schedule a FREE in-home estimate on Carpeting & Flooring. Call Today! 1-877-403-4821

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

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

City Council Annex

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

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

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

TCS Central Office

Pinson Public Library

●SplashBashatPinson

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

LONG DISTANCEMOVING: Call todayfor aFREEQUOTE fromAmerica’sMostTrusted Interstate Movers.Let us take the stressout of moving!Speak to a RelocationSpecialist, call844925-3534

BEAUTIFUL BATH UP-

DATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-877-583-6484

SELLING a RV, Tractor or Golf Cart? ADVERTISE

WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP &RESTORATION: Asmall amount of watercan lead to majordamageinyour home. Our trustedprofessionals dryout the wetareaand do repairstoprotect your familyand your home’s value! If you have waterinyour homethatneedstobedried,Call 24/7: 1-877-727-2344 Have zip code of servicelocationready when you call!

STATEWIDE or by region in over 100 Newspapers, reaching over 1 million readers each week! Run your ad in our Classified Network for just $210 per week! Make

NET. If you areoverpayingfor your service, callnow fora free quoteand seehow much you can save!1-866-816-3535

ATTENTION OXYGEN

THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-833-650-7885

Donate your car,truck,boat, RV andmoretosupportour veterans! Schedule aFAST, FREE vehiclepickup andreceive atop taxdeduction! Call VeteranCar Donations at 1-877-724-3049 today!

DirecTVSatellite TV Service

Startingat$59.99/month! Free Installation! 160+ channels available. Call NowtoGet the MostSports &Entertainment on TV!844-594-7108

NEED NEWFLOORING? Call todayschedulea FREE in-home estimate on Carpeting& Flooring. Call Today! 1-877-5682248

Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-877-6518016

FOR SALE

SunSetter. America’s Number One Awning! Instant shade at the touch of a button. Transform your deck or patio into an outdoor oasis.

UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful NewBlinds & Shades.FREEin-homeestimates make it convenientto shop fromhome. Professional installation. Topquality -Made in the USA. Call forfreeconsultation: 1-855-405-8839. Ask

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 1-833-683-2005 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 warranty and offer details

Jacuzzi Bath Remodelcan installa new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. Fora limitedtime,wavingALL installationcosts!(Additional termsapply. Subject to change andvarybydealer.) Offerends 6/30/24. Call 1-877-205-0836

Replace your roof with thebest looking andlongest lasting material steel fromErieMetal Roofs! Threestylesand multiplecolorsavailable. Guaranteed to last alifetime!LimitedTime Offerupto50% offinstallation +Additional10% offinstall (formilitary, health workers& 1stresponders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-833-955-3163

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trussville Public Library

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

● Moody City Council

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

o bitua R ies

Betty Jean Hardy

november 21, 1941 — june 19, 2026

C alendar

Betty Jean Dudley Hardy, born in Birmingham, AL on November 21, 1941, peacefully entered the presence of her Heavenly Father on June 19, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Bernis and Willetta Dudley, her sister Judy Dudley Towery and her brother Leon Dudley.

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

Above

trusted confidante, and loyal companion.

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

Sandra Rust Joganic

january 28, 1941 — june 19, 2026

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

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

Betty Jean is survived by her daughters Kim Harville (Steve) of Gulf Shores, AL, Kelly Hardy (Sherry Pruett) of Leeds, AL, her son Brannan Hardy (Lea Anne) of Trussville, AL, her grandchildren Nora Hardy and Anders Hardy of Trussville, AL, and her niece Cindy Goode (Wayne) of Lincoln, AL.

Sandra Lynn Rust Joganic, 85, of Trussville, Alabama, passed away on June 19, 2026. Surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 28, 1941, in Bells, Tennessee to Ewell D. Rust and Beatrice Ozell Rust Himes. After graduating from Bells High School in 1959, she then graduated from UT Martin where she earned her BA in education with concentrations in English and Physical Education. She moved to Orlando, Florida and began her career teaching at Oak Ridge High School. While in Florida she met the love of her life, Ron, on February 16, 1964, while playing in a softball game. After 18 months of courting, they married August 8, 1965, and moved to Memphis, Tennessee.

While in Memphis, Sandra taught at Westside High School until 1969 and then became a stay-at-home mom. Ron and Sandra moved to Trussville, Alabama in 1973 and have been here ever since.

● Books & Brews: Monday, March 10 at 7:15 p.m. - An evening Adult Book Club meeting at Ferus Artisan Ales

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

Betty Jean was a graduate of Woodlawn High School and began a 34-year career with Bellsouth following graduation in 1959. In retirement she continued to serve the Birmingham community through her volunteer work with the Telephone Pioneers of America.

The funeral service was held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25 at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Trussville followed by burial at Jefferson Memorial’s adjoining gardens.

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

William Culver Robinson

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

april 16, 1962 — june 24, 2026

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

William (Bill) Culver Robinson passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama. He was born on April 16, 1962, to Urmand and Phyllis Maxine Robinson and grew up in Roebuck, Alabama. William graduated from Huffman High School, where he played football for the Huffman Vikings.

Sandra will be remembered for her incredible kindness, generosity, and unwavering love she had for her family. She was a substitute teacher within the Jefferson County School System and became a full-time teacher in the early 90s, teaching at Huffman High School and coaching soccer. She retired as a special education teacher finishing her career at Wright Elementary School. She is fondly remembered for teaching and helping children. She was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Trussville Library, and Faith Community Fellowship. She also coordinated yearly reunions for Huffman High School and continued to keep in touch with fellow friends and teachers from Wright Elementary. She is survived by husband, Ron Joganic; children, Victor (Jeana) Joganic, Steven Joganic, David (Jill) Joganic, and Ronda (Chris) Chrisenberry; her grandchildren, Alex (Emma) Joganic, Garrett (Kyndal) Chrisenberry, Ella and Molly Joganic, and Addison Chrisenberry; great grandchildren, Zara and Roslyn Joganic; sister, Joan (Darrell) Finney; and brother-in-law, Don Meacham. She is preceded in death by her parents Ewell D. Rust and Beatrice Ozell Rust Himes; stepdad, Raymond “Gramps” Himes; brother, Walter (Sue) Rust; sister, Jean Meacham; and other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ms. Sandra will be missed by all who knew her. She took great joy in being with people — sharing meals, making memories, and doing life alongside the family and friends she loved so dearly. A celebration of life service will be held at Faith Community Fellowship located

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

● Homeschool Hangout: Thursday, March 13 at 1

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

His passion was fishing, hunting, Auburn football and anything to do with John Wayne. The one thing that brought the most joy to his heart is his love for his grandchildren. Even in his darkest days, they were the light that kept him going.

He is survived by his children, Russ Banks (Meagan) and Misty Stokes; grandchildren, Aaron Decker, Ryleigh jones (Christian), Kaylee Gilley (Clay), Emily Higdon, Oliver Banks; great grandchildren, Wesley Decker, Zechariah Gilley and Silas Jones. His nephews, Cody and Jesse Robinson, his aunt, Martha Robinson and many cousins. He is preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Urmand and Phyllis Robinson.

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

p.m. - A place for homeschool teens to hang out, socialize, and play games

Wanda Jean Campbell

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

february 13, 1930 — june 23, 2026

Trussville Public Library

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

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

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

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

● ACT Prep: Sunday

Bobby Lee Brand

Wanda Jean (Hathcote) Campbell, age 96, went to be with the Lord on June 23, 2026. She was born in Hanceville, AL, on February 13, 1930, to Lee and Ida (Cone) Hathcote. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Cleo Campbell, and daughter, Susan Diane Campbell, and several brothers and sisters. She is survived by her sons Mickey (Peggy) Campbell and Tommy (Cindy) Campbell; Grandchildren – Mandy (Phillip) Cate, Allyson Campbell, Valerie (Jeremy) Benson, Rebecca (Jason) O’Dell, Lesley (Jeremy) Avant; Great-Grandchildren – Kara Benson, Brayden Benson, Bailey O’Dell, Logan O’Dell, Brock Avant, Elizabeth Cate, Zoe Cate and Hannah Cate. Jean, or Grandmother as she was affectionately known, worked as a hairdresser in her younger years, as a sales associate for Yeilding’s department store and a pharmacy associate at Big B Drugs, but for the most part was a housewife and stay at home mother. She enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables, making ceramics, and loving on her grandchildren. Jean was a member of Lake Highland Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Center Point.

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

strument or have you been playing for years? Come jam at the library!

Bobby was proceeded in death by his parents, John and Cora Lee Hatchet Brand; brothers, Archie Brand, of West Point, Mississippi, Randolph Brand of West Point, Mississippi, and John Edd Brand, of Woodland, Mississippi; sister, Beatrice Brand Sanders; and son, Jason Allen Brand. He is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Linda Mize Brand; daughter, Tamara Brown; grandson, Casey Brand; granddaughter, Amanda Leopard (Dylan); great-grandsons, Preston and Mason Leopard; brother, Wayne Brand (Lucy) of Cedar Bluff, Mississippi; sister, Peggy Shifflet (Charles) of Kennesaw, Georgia; a number of nieces, nephews; his church family, their beloved dog, Gracie; grand puppies, Gizzy and Frog; other relatives, and friends.

Funeral service for Bobby will be Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church in Trussville. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. until service time. Rev. Josh Warren and Rev. Bobby Shipp will officiate. Interment will follow at Sulphur Springs Church Cemetery in

2026 All-Tribune Baseball Team

John Goolsby, Prep

Sports

Editor and Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor

Player of the Year: Jace Riggan, Hewitt-Trussville

Coach of the Year: Jeff Mauldin, Hewitt-Trussville

The Huskies finally climbed their way to the top of the mountain after many seasons of getting very close to reaching their main goal of obtaining the coveted blue map. The final record was 34-9 for the championship season.

Under Mauldin, the Huskies are 395-123-1 overall. Mauldin has three state championships with his others coming in 2013 with Hewitt and 2003 at ClayChalkville. Mauldin’s overall record is 789-236-1.

Jace Riggan, a junior for the Huskies, was a clear leader on Mauldin’s squad this season, picking up multiple awards such as a spot on the Super All-State team, first team All-State, 7A pitcher of the year by the Alabama Sports Writers. He was 8-3-1 as a pitcher with a 1.05 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 60 innings. At the plate, he batted .422 with 33 runs, 30 RBI, 11 triples, a triple and a home run. He is also committed to play college baseball for the Florida State Sminoles.

The Huskies certainly set the tone for Tribuneland teams, but impressive seasons by Springville, Moody, and Leeds made these selections very competetive.

First Team

• Cale McIntosh, Hewitt-Trussville Hudson Mitchell, Hewitt-Trussville

• Rylan Clark, Hewitt-Trussville Koal Duckett, Hewitt-Trussville

• Andrew Walker, Hewitt-Trussville

• Bryant Hardin, Moody

• Will Dutton, Moody

• Ryder Chambers, Leeds Grant Martinez, Springville

Second Team Sawyer Jackson, Hewitt-Trussville

• Taylor Alfano, Hewitt-Trussville

• Wes Hardy, Hewitt-Trussville

• Blake Bates, Hewitt-Trussville

• Charlie Hare, Springville Raymond Howard, Pinson

• Landon Kyle, Shades Vallley JB Leatherwood, Moody

Hewitt-Trussville

• Bennett Schorfhaar, Leeds

Honorable Mention

• Walker Smith, Hewitt-Trussville Hunter Futrell,

•

•

• Ryan King, Springville Semaj Snow, ClayChalkville

• TK Smith, Clay-Chalkville

• Kedrick Thomas, ClayChalkville

2026 All-Tribune Softball Team

John Goolsby, Prep

Sports Editor and Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor

Player of the Year: Corey Goguts, Hewitt-Trussville Coach of the Year: Tay-

lor Burt, Hewitt-Trussville

The Lady Huskies won the Class 7A state championship, their fifth since 2019, with a final record of 49-10-1 under Burt, who now has 456 career wins. Goguts, Alabama Miss

Softball and Gatorade Alabama Player of the Year, led the Lady Huskies to the championship with an outstanding offensive season, batting .618 with 29 home runs, 91 RBIs, and 109 runs scored. Goguts heads to Ox-

ford to play for Ole Miss. While Hewitt once again set the standard in Tribuneland, Springville and Moody also had outstanding seasons, making the All-Tribune selection very competitive.

First Team

• Harper Looney, Hewitt-Trussville Presley Hull, Hewitt-Trussville

• Erin Coleman, Hewitt-Trussville Cate Bruce, Hewitt-Trussville

• Chloe Krackenberger, Hewitt-Trussville Georgia Chancellor, Springville

• Leah Bowden, Springville

• Abi Gray, Moody

• Kennedy Hockman, Moody

Second Team

• Chesney Robison, Leeds Emily Renda, Hewitt-Trussville

• Hannah Claire Miller, Hewitt-Trussville Aida Locklear, Springville

• Kennadi Samuelson, Springville Peyton Harry, Moody

Zoie Terry, Moody

• Tanner Galloway, Leeds

• Kynlee Taruc, Springville

Honorable Mention

• Zoie Garner, Leeds Jelani Rogers, Leeds

•

Tigers building stability in Lumpkin’s first year

Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor

SPRINGVILLE

– The Springville Tigers have seen a good bit of turnaround at the head football coach position over the past few years with the longest-tenured coach in recent memory being Keith Maple who coached the Tigers from 2001 – 2013. Jon Clements was with the Tigers for four years more recently and Chris Metcalf led the Tigers last season before heading to Mountain Brook earlier this year.

Now, Jeff Lumpkin takes over a Springville squad that went 1-9 last season in 5A (now 4A) and graduated several key players and lost some others via transfer.

Regardless of those things, paired with the fact that the Tigers are now in the region with Clay-Chalkville, Oxford, and others, Lumpkin’s boys will face the challenges ahead with anticipation and pride. “We are not going to back down from the challenges at all,” said Lumpkin. “We are excited to get to play in one of the toughest regions in the state. It’s an opportunity and a monumental challenge, but one we will not shy away from.”

The new head coach got a late start, getting the job in late April this year, but he

has been able to settle into the role nicely despite that. “The kids are working hard and excited to be here,” said Lumpkin. “Just them getting to know the staff and better know each other, it’s been a lot of fun so far. There’s a good core of kids that I’m familiar with and some new ones that are there. Just developing relationships and trust with them. It has been really positive and the kids are working their tails off. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind coming in as late in the spring as I did, but it has been good.”

One of the first things Lumpkin had to do was get

some assistants hired to help coach the Tigers. A couple of familiar faces will continue serving along with some new faces as well. “Coach Drew Barnett is going to be our defensive coordinator. We coached together at St Clair County. He is coming from Oak Mountain. I have always thought a lot of him as a coach and I was glad to be able to get him. He does a good job with our kids. Coach Chris Martin has been on staff at Springville and he will be offensive coordinator. He’s very good no matter what he coaches. Matthew Lee will coach offensive line and he

is one we retained. Ken Storie is still a volunteer for us, he’s our linebackers coach. Matt Smith is coming from Ragland and he will coach defensive backs. Nathan Fuller is someone Drew and I coached at St Clair and he will come on. We have Justin DeMarco as defensive line coach.”

Despite some major player turnover, the Tigers’ head coach has discovered that the cupboard is no bare at Springville. “There’s a genuine love for one another in this program and they want to play for each other and be successful,” contin-

Credit: Jeff Lumpkin

ued Lumpkin. “They just need a little stability. Franklin Tripp is a wide receiver and defensive back for us. He was sort of skinny when I was here before and he has really committed to the weight room and now he’s becoming a prospect. His attitude is infectious. He shows the young kids how it’s supposed to be done. Tyler Tatum is a linebacker and he is our spiritual leader. He prays for us each day and you can tell what comes out of his mouth is from the heart. He wants what’s best for everyone out there. Anytime I’m asked to go

anywhere and speak, Tyler is going with me. They are outstanding individuals and players as well. Offensive line will be a strength. Damian Smith and Noah Gill will lead us there. Michael Pearson, our kicker, is a loud voice we get out there every day. Running back Savonte Killian has done an outstanding job for us this summer. Colton Hill, a linebacker, has really shown out in workouts and competitions. Linemen Cason Cornwell and Jake Morgan are doing an outstanding job and Alec Swallows is an absolute dude for us at linebacker and tight end.” Lumpkin looks to restore some community pride in a program that has not seen a winning record since 2009. “I want these kids to know I care about them. This is not a stepping stone job for me. This is the school I want to be at and the community I live in. I know what the school has done in the past and I want to get it back to that point. There were some really good runs and getting it back to where it used to be and restoring the pride in our program, that’s important. We want to take care of the kids first and get this thing back to where it needs to be.” The Tigers get the season started August 21 as they travel to Ashville.