The Trussville Tribune – June 4 - 10, 2026

June 4 - 10

By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune

19-year-old Center Point employee of Children’s of Alabama dies after medical emergency at work

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –

A 19-year-old woman from Center Point died Tuesday, May 26, after she was found unresponsive at her place of work at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham

Two children dead following incident at Turkey Creek in Pinson

By Chris Basinger, News Editor

PINSON, Ala. – Authorities have identified the two siblings who died Saturday after being pulled from deep water at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson.

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

Trussville Mayor warns Entertainment District violations could lead to stricter enforcement

By Terry Schrimscher

Lovelady

Thrift Store operations director speaks about fire

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

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –

The Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office identified the children as 10-year-old Lola Marie Scott and 12-year-old

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

The Springville City Coun cil took a detour Monday night before it returned to unfinished business held over from the Feb. 17 meet ing. After an extended work session and a short break, the March 3 meeting began around 6:45 p.m. derway, the council ap proved the minutes from the last meeting in February. Mayor Dave Thomas mo tioned for them to reconsid er the minutes noting mem bers 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.

CLAY, Ala. – Management from Lovelady Thrift Store on Old Springville Road in Clay have confirmed they have footage of what they believe to be someone intentionally setting fire to the storage trailers outside the nonprofit early Wednesday morning, May 27, completely de-

Many other cities in theprove non-controversial items with a single vote through a consent agenda, a procedural process used to

challenged members of the council to raise their hands if they agreed never again 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.

come-together point in downtown Trussville for residents but said the city has seen a rise in violations including: smoking in prohibited areas, bringing outside coolers, cups, or beverages, climbing or jumping on furniture, disrespectful conduct towards staff, and engaging in activities that cause safety concerns.

ing to adjust salaries wasn’t about their faux martyrdom, sacrificing for the greater good,” he added.

ing the fun out of downtown,” he said, “it’s about protecting the experience for everyone,” Short said.

“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-

“This isn’t about tak-

“Follow the posted rules, respect staff, and let’s keep the Entertainment District a place people want to come back to.”

Celebration of life for longtime HewittTrussville coach David Dobbs set for June 11

In a post to social media on Monday, June 1, Trussville Mayor Ben Short warned the public that repeated violations of the rules of Trussville’s Entertainment District could lead to stronger enforcement, including possible bans for repeat offenders. Short described the district as an important

“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.

“I want to be candid with you: I would much rather allocate police resources elsewhere in our communi-

ing 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.

ty,” Short said. “However, due to the ongoing nature of these issues, coupled with repeated complaints from staff, businesses, and citizens…we are at a point where we must address them more directly.”

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

Although not technically a filibuster, the lecture was designed to prolong the meeting allowing Thomas to air his displeasure at the lack of

Short also reminded parents that the district is not a playground.

Speaking to The Tribune

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

Clay city employee fired for second time after reinstation by council

Nathan Prewett

CLAY, Ala. – An employee of the City of Clay was reinstated by the council during a meeting on Tuesday, May 26 after being fired by Mayor Jane Anderton several weeks before and then terminated for a second time recently.

By Chris Basinger, News Editor

IRONDALE, Ala. – Bee

The decision follows an appeal hearing held on May 19 where the council adjourned into what turned out to be an hours-long executive session to discuss the matter with the employee, Building Inspector Hunter Merola. It was determined that the council would publicly vote on whether or not to uphold Anderton’s termination on May 26.

“I told the truth. That’s all I can really say about the situation,” Merola told the Tribune.

Items from the February agenda were addressed individually. The purchase See SPRINGVILLE, Page 2

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – The family members of longtime Hewitt-Trussville coach and educator David Dobbs is scheduled to host a celebration of life Thursday, June 11, at Ferus in Trussville’s Entertainment District.

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

See MAYOR, Page 5

See BONES, Page

See PINSON, Page 4 See COACH, Page 5

Irondale and Costco finalize agreement for Grants Mill development

Leeds High School freshmen take action to address rising school shootings

By Tanna McGuire

Terry Schrimscher

IRONDALE, Ala. – After months of due diligence and public discussion, the City of Irondale and Costco officially finalized the development agreement Friday, clearing the way for the national warehouse store to begin the process of building in the city.

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.

The subject came up at the May 12 meeting where it was stated that Merola had been fired because of what Anderton later described as “insubordination”.

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

Afterwards Merola reportedly had a city vehicle that was not delivered back to the city on time, prompting an arrest warrant to be

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

issued. The car was reportedly not handed back over in time because Merola had taken it to an auto shop for repairs. According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office he was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle. The issue was brought back at the May 26 meeting where the council went into a briefer executive session before returning. With the exception of Anderton’s abstention the vote from the council to reinstate Merola was unanimous.

opened on Saturday.

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.

Councilor Nathan Thompson said, “My vote for reinstatement was based on the evidence presented in the executive session.”

“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.

Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. announced the agreement in The Tribune last July, noting that the retail giant had 300 days of due diligence to study the deal. After the property deal closed, Stewart posted a video from the land near Interstate 459 to share the news on social media.

A little more than a week later Merola published a post on Facebook saying that he had been fired by Anderton again. In the post he included a video of a meeting that he had with

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

See BEES, Page 3

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

“The new Costco is coming to the city of Irondale. It took over 1,956 days to be able to bring that project to the city of Irondale, but we are happy that we’ve been able to close the deal,” Stewart said. “I know when we made the announcement July the 29th of 2025, everyone thought it was coming to the city but we had

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.

sentiment, emphasizing the

cal toll that school shootings take on students and their families. “You shouldn’t have to worry about being scared when you’re just trying to learn,” Johnson said.

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

“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

a 300 day due diligence period that we had to work through.” Although the closing extended beyond expectations announced in March, Stewart said the project will bring new opportunities to the city.

McCormick highlighted the importance of turning awareness into action.

“School shootings are such a huge problem, and we

“We are going to have brand new revenue to be able to do infrastructure, to be able to do roads and to be able to do capital projects,” Stewart said. “Hopefully, it will create jobs for over

See AGREEMENT, Page 4

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

The Carpenter’s Hands

Sean Dietrich

Fulton, New York. The year was 1940. The grayhaired man was behind his woodworking bench, clad in an apron. He was feeling around for his spokeshave. He was blind and deaf. His name was Tommy Stringer.

The 18-year-old girl beside him was his assistant for the day. She was lovely and helpful. Her name was Mari. She was deaf.

She noticed Tommy grasping for a tool, so she tried to help him. Tommy could feel her hands furiously searching his bench.

He gripped her wrist.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he signed into her palm.

She replied, “Looking for your spokeshave.”

“I didn’t ask for your help,” he spelled rapidly. His fingers moved so fast she could hardly follow.

“If you truly want to teach blind-deaf students someday,” he spelled, “you must resist the urge to step in and do a task for them.”

The 54-year-old master craftsman was no amateur. He was adept with his tools. To watch him work quickly and comfortably in his shop was like watching a sculptor work with clay.

Mari was not blind, but born mostly deaf. She was learning manual sign language to become an interpreter and teacher for the deaf-blind someday. The Perkins School for the Blind sent her here to Tommy’s shop to learn from him. Tommy was one of Perkins’ most notable alumni.

He was a gifted artist. An expert with numbers, capable of conceiving and calculating complicated engineering equations in his head.

Tommy’s hands finally found the spokeshave. He placed the shave into one of Mari’s hands and spelled

into her other:

“Do you want to try?”

“Yes.”

Tommy stood behind her. He guided her young hands with his own. Mari had never done a thing with wood before. She found enormous pleasure seeing the spokeshave blade remove curls of white wood, like long ribbons, as though peeling a carrot.

“How did you start woodworking?” she signed.

Tommy smiled. He spelled into her upturned palm. “It all started when a dog died.”

“A dog?”

He nodded. “Her name was Lioness. She was a Mastiff.”

“How did she die?”

“She wandered into the street and a policeman mistook her for a rabid animal. He shot her. It was a horrible, horrible day.”

Mari didn’t know how to respond, so she simply signed: “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” spelled Tommy. “The dog wasn’t even mine.”

“Whose was it?”

“It belonged to a little girl.”

Mari signed that she was confused. Tommy made rapid shapes into her hand and put the story together.

“My parents were poor when I got sick, which left

me deaf and blind. Things got worse. When I recovered, my mother died. Then my father abandoned me. I grew up in a hospital bed. I was too atrophied to even walk. Unable to feed myself or use the bathroom on my own. They said I would be an invalid.”

Mari tried to keep up with his quick fingerspelling gestures.

“I was an orphan, bound for the almshouse. Things were looking bad for me. My life was over. But then that poor dog died, and everything changed.”

“I don’t understand,” spelled Mari.

Tommy removed his leather apron, then brushed wood chips from his shirt.

“The story of the little girl’s dog made national newspapers. And soon, people from all over the United States were donating money for a new dog. Envelopes filled with cash arrived on the little girl’s doorstep, from all over the nation.

“But as fate would have it, it was around that same time the girl learned of me, a blind-deaf toddler in Pennsylvania. She decided she did not want a new dog. She wanted to send all her money to me.”

“Heavens,” Mari spelled into his hand. “How generous.”

“But the little girl was just getting started,” he shot back. “She took it upon herself to write letters to wealthy people, benefactors, philanthropists, celebrities, famous actors, celebrated authors, poets, politicians, and anyone who had a dime to spare.

“Then, the girl wrote local newspapers, and begged editors to sound the alarm to drum up donations for me to attend Perkins School for the Blind. The newspapers published her letters and raised piles of money. Then, the girl threw fundraiser tea parties for my benefit. She raised thousands.”

“Amazing,” replied Mari.

Tommy’s empty eyes were moist. He used a sleeve to wipe them.

“She raised enough money to send me to Perkins. And she did not stop there. She kept pleading for money throughout the years. She found a way to get my life’s education funded. Enough donations to earn me a stipend for the rest of my life, so I can live independently. I still receive $1,000 per year from a trust fund because of her work.”

“The work of a little girl?” remarked Mari.

“She was only ten.”

“So then what happened?”

He shrugged. “I learned to walk, learned to feed myself, learned a trade. I was at Perkins School for 20 years, working maintenance and carpentry. I have a rich, full life. All because of a child who had the worst day of her life, but transformed it into the best day of mine.”

Now it was Mari who was wiping her eyes. “Did you ever meet this little girl?” she asked.

“Oh, yes. Many times over the years.”

“What’s she like?” He smiled. “Helen Keller is beautiful.”

L oca L / R egion

Birmingham Public Library presenting Bards & Brews at Ferus Artisan Ales in Trussville

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.

(WIAT) – The Birmingham Public Library will host a special Bards & Brews program honoring the late Brian “Voice Porter” Hawkins on Friday, June 5.

The event will take place at Ferus Artisan Ales in Trussville. It will last from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The event will honor Hawkins’ legacy of creativity, community and artistic expression. Hawkins was the host of the Bards & Brews spoken word series for nearly a decade until his passing in 2021.

The event will be hosted

Birmingham man arrested after throwing 5 kittens from vehicle on I-65

Staff Report

HOMEWOOD — A Birmingham man was arrested in Homewood after officers allege he threw five kittens from a vehicle on Interstate 65 on Saturday afternoon. All five kittens were struck and killed in traffic.

According to officials, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at approximately 1 p.m., the Homewood Police Department received multiple 911 calls regarding a person throwing kittens from a moving vehicle driving on I-65 near Lakeshore Drive.

Officers quickly responded to the area and located the suspect vehicle described by witnesses on

Lakeshore Drive. The vehicle was stopped and the driver was detained.

“Homewood officers spoke to multiple witnesses who reported seeing the driver of the vehicle in question throw five kittens out of the window while he was driving on I-65,” officials

said. “Tragically, all five of the kittens were struck and killed on the interstate by other vehicles.”

Following an investigation, Thomas Ronald Liccione, 21, of Birmingham, was arrested for aggravated cruelty to animals. He was transported to Jefferson County Jail with a $15,000 bond.

“The Homewood Police Department takes animal abuse and cruelty calls very seriously,” police officials said. “We would like to sincerely thank the witnesses and motorists who contacted Homewood 911 and provided information to Homewood Police Officers on scene.”

Alabama Red Cross making urgent request for blood donations

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –

The American Red Cross is urgently calling on the public to donate blood and platelets.

According tom the red cross, this time of year marks one of highest demand periods for blood transfusions. According to a spokesperson, this is tied to a usual annual drop in donations. 2026, however, has marked a record high decline.

A blood drive in Trussville is where Jeffrey Hall spent his Tuesday.

“I haven’t donated in a few years, and I just decided to come out and just do it,” Hall told WIAT.

Iron City Comic Con draws thousands to Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.

(WIAT) – The third annual Iron City Comic Con wrapped up Sunday at the BJCC, drawing thousands of visitors from across Alabama and beyond for a weekend filled with celebrities, collectibles, cosplay and community.

Organizers said approximately 10,000 tickets were sold throughout the threeday event, making it the convention’s biggest year yet.

From comic book enthusiasts and pop culture fans to families and first-time attendees, the convention offered something for everyone.

“Seeing the passion of the fans and everything,” attendee Mason Langdale said. “All the different comic book characters dressed up and everything.”

That passion was on display throughout the convention floor, where fans gathered to meet celebrity guests, shop from vendors

and connect with others who share similar interests.

Iron City Comic Con emcee Zach Wilson said one of the most rewarding parts of the event is seeing people from different backgrounds come together through a shared love of fandom.

“I’ve talked to everybody from construction workers to people that are currently on scholarships to play football at their university,” Wilson said. “So many people that I don’t normally contribute to being interested in Comic-Con are able to come together and talk about some of our favorite things.”

For many attendees, cosplay remains one of the convention’s biggest attractions.

Friends Ashley Ward and Lizzie Shultz coordinated their costumes for the event and said Comic Con gives them an opportunity to express themselves in a welcoming environment.

“Being a different per-

son for a day and definitely a confidence boost,” Ward said.

“Obviously you’re not yourself, but you could be yourself, if that makes sense,” Shultz added. “You don’t have to worry about judgment or anything. I just love it.”

Organizers say that sense of acceptance and community is a major reason the convention continues to grow each year.

“If you take a look at that vendor hall downstairs, you’ll see it’s almost shoulder-to-shoulder standing room only,” Wilson said. “A lot of these panel rooms and the main stage are packed. It is incredible to see how supportive Birmingham, Alabama, has been for Iron City Comic Con.”

As another successful year comes to a close, fans are already looking ahead to the future of the event.

Dates for the 2027 Iron City Comic Con have not yet been announced.

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 June 14, 2026.

Project Name: Tapestry Village Phase I Gas Main Extension

Project Number: 2-004-25

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

1. Installation of approx. 1,600 L.F. of 4” PE Gas Main by Directional Bore

2. Installation of approx. 1,700 LF of 2” PE Gas Main by Directional Bore

3. Installation of taps and services

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.

Annette Rowland, a Red Cross spokesperson, stated that donations are down roughly 3%, translating to hundreds of patients who may not be able to receive blood.

“Seeing that 3% drops means that hundreds of patients who may not be able to get the blood they need,” Rowland said. To bridge the gap, the Red Cross is offering new rewards that can be taken advantage of, according to Rowland. “Right now, just for rolling up your sleeves and helping save lives, we’re giving donors as a thank you $15 gift cards for Amazon,”

she said. “But it also registers you to get a possibly a $500 gift card. It enters your name in that pot that will be drawn at the end of June.”

Hal told WIAT donating blood is simple, everyone eligible should do it.

“It really is, especially if you have a good person like Mariano,” Hall said. “She is sneaky, real good. She explained the process, and it was simple. No problem. So it doesn’t hurt anything. Like, super easy, man. Super easy.”

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.

stroying one trailer along with its contents and damaging another.

Beau Gregory, director of operations for the Lovelady Center, said the organization captured security camera footage of the incident and had given it over to investigators.

“This person clearly had a mission,” Gregory said.

“They weren’t stealing. They weren’t … they came to set it on fire.”

According to Gregory, the assailant appeared to go straight to the trailer.

“We got pretty distinctive footage of him walking around the building,” Gregory said. “He goes straight to the trailer, opened it up. I mean, he came to do it.”

Gregory also said the video seemed to show the arsonist using some kind of cloth or rag to help start the fire.

“It did appear that they had something that they did put on a rag,” Gregory said.

According to Gregory, a passerby called 911 around 2:50 a.m., and security camera footage suggested the fire may have started to spread closer to 1:50 a.m. He said only one trailer fully burned, and the contents of the second trailer was destroyed by smoke damage.

“It was in flames before they got here,” Gregory said, referring to Center Point Fire District, who arrived on scene to put out the fire. “It got one full trailer, and then the contents of the second is also destroyed just due to smoke damage.”

The investigation is being handled by the Jefferson

Clay

From front page

Anderton in which she stated that if he wanted to continue working for the city he would need to fill out new paperwork. Merola can be heard saying that she had told him that he could wait for a lawyer, to which she replies that she changed her mind and was notified by her attorney that Merola did not have that right. Merloa refused to fill out the paperwork without a lawyer and was subsequently fired and told to leave. He states in the video that he would appeal the decision again.

County Sheriff’s Department. The Center Point Fire District is handling the fire portion of the investigation.

“They took it as a very serious investigation,” Gregory said. “I was so impressed with them.” The arsonist’s motivation remains unclear. Gregory said the incident could have stemmed from any number of things ranging from vandalism to retribution against an employee, which he said the store has dealt with previously. But he said the incident did not appear to be an attempt to steal any of the tractor trailers’ contents.

According to Gregory, the loss was significant. Lovelady serves roughly 1,000 women daily with food, shelter, employment, and clothing.

“It’s a lot more merchandise than it looks like,” Gregory said. “It’s definitely a costly deal.”

Regardless, he believes they will recover.

“It’s definitely a low blow, but God’s good to us,” Gregory said. “And the community’s always good to us. I’m confident we’ll bounce back.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

Moody Fire Department offers free smoke detector installation

MOODY, Ala. – The Moody Fire Department is offering to install smoke detectors for free to residents of Moody.

Instillations will be available on the fourth Saturday of July, August, and September.

Residents must register by the second Thursday of the given months. Only 12 homes can be scheduled for each day.

The program includes installation, smoke detector checks, recommendations for replacement, fire safety education, and home escape planning.

The department noted that it cannot install smoke detector in apartment buildings or rental properties.

To register, contact the Moody Fire Department Fire Prevention Division at 205-640-0318 or jmulkey@ moodyalabama.gov.

Gov. Ivey orders

flags lowered in Jefferson County to honor former State Sen. John Amari

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff Thursday, June 4, in honor of former Alabama State Sen. John E. Amari. Amari passed away Wed., May 27, at 77 years old.

Anderton declined to comment.

During public comments Ken Galbreth requested that the council consider installing signage on Cosby Lake to warn drivers of geese and other wildlife crossing the road. Afterwards Maureen Thompson requested that the council consider opening seal bids during meetings. In other business the council:

Granted a liquor license to Liquor Discount Clay doing business as Deerfoot Liquor, Authorized a contract with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society for animal control, Held the first reading for a resolution clarifying nuisance and abandoned vehi-

In the post Merola said that the paperwork consisted of a new application along with forms listing 43 questions that he believed could classify him as a new employee and therefore be rejected by the city. According to his information Anderton told him that his previous employment documents have gone missing. He was also reportedly told that she would not drop the criminal charges regarding the use of the vehicle.

cle abatement procedures, Held the first reading for an ordinance establishing city towing contractor and rotation procedures and for a resolution, Held the first reading for a resolution to adopt towing and abandoned vehicle abatement policies and procedures,

Held the first reading for an ordinance to establish policies for funding outside agencies discussed at the April 21 meeting, and Carried discussion of paying for refurbishing or replacing helmets for the Clay-Chalkville High School football team for the next meeting on June 9.

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.

Flags will be flown at half-staff within the State Capitol Complex in Montgomery and across Jefferson County from sunrise until sunset on the day of Amari’s interment.

Amari was a Jefferson County native who worked on his family farm at Huffman Curb market. He graduated from Banks High School in 1966, where he was a state champion wrestler before studying at the University of Montevallo and later earning a law de-

200 to 400 people to be employed,” he said.

The project, a $105 million retail development, represents one of the largest single investments in Irondale’s history aside from the AutoMall. According to Stewart, the development will be a

gree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. In 1974 he founded the Amari Law Firm and worked as an attorney for more than five decades.

game changer for the city — bringing substantial in creases in sales tax revenue, supporting job creation and further fueling Irondale’s economic momentum.

lyst for more economic de velopment to take place in the city,” Stewart said.

foot warehouse store will be

In 1978 Amari began public service after being elected to the Alabama House of Representatives. In ’82 he was elected to the Alabama State Senate where he served for more than 16 years.

Ivey said Amari had “a rare ability to make complicated issues understandable.” In 2008 Amari became the district judge for Alabama’s 10th Judicial Circuit, serving for a decade.

“Republicans liked him. Democrats liked him. Judges respected him. Lawyers trusted him. Constituents believed in him,” Ivey wrote. “His accomplishments were impressive. The man behind them was unforgettable.”

35173.

located at 4514 Grants Millcedes-Benz of Birmingham. The development will also

The city is expected to announce a community meeting in the near future to discuss blasting plans with -

of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and Palmerdale Fire & Rescue responded around 4:02 p.m. Saturday, May 30, to 3906 Turkey Creek Road

after getting reports that two siblings had gone underwater in Turkey Creek.

Irby said deputies, firefighters, and citizens assisted in searching for the children after getting to the scene.

The coroner’s office said the incident occurred at roughly 3:58 p.m. on the 3900 block of Turkey Creek Road. The children were located around 4:15 p.m. and transported to Children’s Hospital in Bir mingham.

pronounced dead at 5:15 p.m. Lola Marie Scott was pronounced dead two min utes later at 5:17 p.m.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office continues to -

tion is asked to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s

tion shows that the children were at the preserve with their mother near the bank when they went underwater,

“While we absolutely want families downtown, we need everyone helping us maintain an environment that is safe and respectful

Coach

From front page

The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and is designed to honor Dobbs as his family wanted—a celebration sharing food, drink, and memories.

“Please join us for an evening of celebrating David’s abundant life in his own usual style — humbly sharing food and drink and swapping stories and memories,” the family said.

Attendees are encouraged to bring photos and “love for Coach.”

for all patrons.”

Short said Trussville wants TED to remain a place for live music, local businesses, and something to enjoy with friends and family.

“The overwhelming majority of people follow the

rules,” Short said, “but after years of repeated issues and ongoing complaints from both businesses and residents, we’ve reached a point where we have to be more intentional about enforcement.”

ALEA K9 outfitted with new protective vest

MONTGOMERY, Ala.

– Toby, a K9 with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, earned himself a bullet and stab protective vest this week following a donation from the nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

Toby’s vest was sponsored by Manitou Cliff Dwellings of Manitou Springs, Colorado and was embroidered with “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”

Toby is a 2-year-old Dutch Shepherd and mem-

ber of ALEA’s SWAT Team, trained in apprehension and tracking.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. was founded in 2009 to provide protective equipment and aid to police K9s across the country. Accord-

ing to ALEA, the organization has provided more than 6,500 vests to K9s in all fifty states, coming to a total value of $6.9 million.

The vests are American made and custom fitted and certified by the National Institute of Justice. Each vest is worth roughly $1,800 and weighs around 4 to 5 pounds.

The program is open to K9s that are at least 20 months old and actively working with law enforcement agencies.

The family noted that Anita is still recovering and may be in and out of the event depending on how she is feeling.

“We kindly ask you [to] be mindful of your interactions with her during this time,” they wrote.

Dobbs was killed April 15 in a crash on Interstate-59 near Trussville. His wife, Anita Dobbs, was critically injured, but has since been discharged from UAB Hospital after 38 nights across four units.

Morgan

From front page

around 4 a.m. She was transported to UAB Hospital and pronounced dead less than an hour later.

Morgan’s death has generated much attention and anger online, with friends and family raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her death, including claims that she reported feeling unwell before being found unresponsive.

Children’s of Alabama released a statement Friday extending their condolences to her family and coworkers.

“Children’s of Alabama is saddened to confirm the sudden loss of our employee, Jakoya Morgan, this week,” hospital officials

Dobbs spent three decades at Hewitt-Trussville High School, helping build HTHS’ track and cross-country programs into one of Alabama’s most respected sports programs. He was also remembered as a teacher, mentor, volunteer, and loving parent.

said. “We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and her colleagues.”

“In any emergency like this involving a patient or employee, our care teams respond immediately and initiate appropriate life-saving measures as they are trained to do,” Children’s of Alabama further said.

An autopsy found no evidence of trauma or foul

play, according to Jefferson County Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates. According to the report, the autopsy revealed an “acute and significant medical event” that can be associated with a chronic health condition Morgan had been diagnosed with in the past. The final cause of death is pending additional laboratory studies.

ALDOT seeks input on I-59/20 widening project near Fairfield

JEFFERSON COUNTY,

Ala. – The Alabama Department of Transportation is looking for public input on a proposed project to widen Interstate 59/20 between Hueytown and Fairfield.

The proposal would add one lane in both directions along a stretch of the interstate from Valley Road north to Fairfield Boulevard. The project would include replacing two bridges at Aaron Aronov Drive and Valley Road.

According to ALDOT, about 70,000 vehicles travel that stretch every day, which has generated a need for additional road capacity.

Construction would be completed one direction at a time. During southbound construction, all southbound lanes would be closed. Local traffic would need to use alternative routes, and through traffic would be directed towards I-65 to I-459

as the primary detour. During northbound construction, ALDOT plans to use a contraflow pattern.

Two of the newly built southbound lanes would carry southbound traffic, and the other two would carry northbound. The project is currently

scheduled to begin by the end of 2027. Construction is expected to last up to 24 months.

ALDOT has posted an online public involvement presentation for residents to review. Public comments may be submitted through June 26.

Joe Hobby

There are moments in life when the distance between an ordinary day and tragedy is measured in inches.

I’ve thought about that a lot lately.

A few days ago, my wife Carol, my son Matt, and I went to a funeral home to pay our respects to a family of dear lifelong friends who had just suffered a loss of their own.

As strange as it sounds, it turned into one of those bittersweet gatherings that reminds you how deeply connected your life is to other people. We saw old friends we hadn’t laid eyes on in decades. There were hugs, old stories, laughter, and the kind of catching up that somehow picks right back up where it left off. A wonderful gathering, though it was wrapped in sadness.

Afterward, the three of us went to eat. Nothing fancy, just a pleasant meal and good conversation before heading home. It felt like a completely normal evening.

It Wasn't My Time

Ordinary in every way. And then, within a matter of seconds, it almost wasn’t. We pulled up to a traffic light and waited. When it turned green, I did what I always do - paused for a second or two before easing into the intersection. I’ve always believed that extra moment can save you from somebody trying to beat the light.

As we pulled out and began a left-hand turn, I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. A full-size Chevy truck was barreling toward the intersection at what I’d estimate was 40 or 50 miles an hour. He wasn’t slowing down. My guess is the driver was on his phone, though I’ll never know for certain.

What I do know is this: he was absolutely going to run that traffic light and slam into us at a high rate of speed.

Most people, when danger appears suddenly, slam on the brakes. That’s human nature. But by the grace of God, my instinct did the opposite. I floored it.

Our little Honda CR-V lunged into the intersection. The truck driver swerved ever so slightly at the last possible second, and somehow - somehow we cleared him. Barely.

I kept waiting to feel the explosion of metal against the rear of the car. I can still feel that sensation today - the certainty that impact was coming. But it never did. He missed us by inches. Just inches.

I pulled off the highway seconds later because I was too shaken to keep driving. Carol and Matt were shaken too, though thankfully unharmed. We sat there quietly for a minute, each of us replaying what had just happened.

And the truth hit me hard. If I hadn’t accelerated, that truck would have T-boned us directly on the driver’s side door. A fullsize truck traveling that fast into a Honda CR-V would not have ended well for me. In fact, I’m almost certain I wouldn’t have survived it.

I know because I’ve lived through something

similar before. This near-collision tore a scab off an old wound. My mother was killed in a T-bone automobile accident years ago. So, when I say I understand the violence of that kind of impact, I do. It’s not abstract to me. I’ve already seen the devastation it leaves behind.

This morning, Carol and I talked about the accident again. I asked her, “Do you think that driver would’ve gone to jail?”

“Yes. Most likely involuntary manslaughter.”

And she’s right. What struck me after-

ward was how one careless act - not malicious, not intentional, just irresponsible - could have changed the course of so many lives forever. Mine. My family. The driver’s. My friends. In an instant, over half a dozen futures could have been rewritten.

That’s the frailty of life.

We make plans. We assume tomorrow is waiting for us. We complain about small inconveniences and put off important conversations because we think there will always be another opportunity.

Then suddenly, a truck runs a traffic light.

Yesterday simply wasn’t my time. I understand that, and I’m grateful for it. More grateful than I can properly express.

But I’ll also tell you this: when you come within inches of never seeing your family and friends again, it changes you a little. It reminds you that even ordinary moments are not guaranteed. They are gifts. And sometimes, you don’t fully realize that until you almost lose them.

All eyes on Alabama’s second congressional district

Jeff Poor

In 2017, on the eve of his special election loss, Roy Moore made his final campaign appearance in Midland City in Dale County, right outside of Dothan. It was a curious choice for the campaign to spend the last night of such a pivotal election.

The national political media had descended on Alabama throughout the election cycle. It was an election to decide who would fill the unexpired term of Jeff Sessions, a test of then-new President Donald Trump’s

power, with allegations of sexual harassment of underage girls in the backdrop. As we know, Moore would lose to Democrat Doug Jones by 21,000 votes, roughly 1.5% of the 1.3 million cast in a mid-December election. While there were a lot of reasons why a Republican lost to a Democrat in an unprecedented outcome for Alabama, one had to ask: Why was Roy Moore spending election eve in the Wiregrass as opposed to anywhere in the Birmingham TV market? It wasn’t as if the Moore

campaign had a shot at winning Democrat-leaning Jefferson County. However, to win, he was going to need Republicans in the state’s most populous areas to turn out.

He lost Jefferson County by 28 points. A year earlier, Trump lost Jefferson County by only 7 points to Hillary Clinton.

We’ll never know why Roy Moore’s campaign chose a county in the Wiregrass, a place he was supposed to win anyway, but had just a fraction of the votes up for grabs compared to a dozen other places

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 June 14, 2026.

Project Name: Dew Drive and Birch Street Gas Main Replacement Project Number: 2-004-25

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

1. Installation of approx. 2,000 L.F. of 4” PE Gas Main by Directional Bore

2. Installation of approx. 1,700 LF of 2” PE Gas Main by Directional Bore

3. Installation of taps and services

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.

around Alabama.

Nearly a decade later, the Wiregrass is outkicking its coverage in Republican Party politics. It is entirely possible that when the 2026 election cycle is all said and done, both of Alabama’s U.S. Senators and the congressman representing Alabama’s second district will have ties to Enterprise, which is 25 miles away from Midland City.

Katie Britt, who now officially hails from Montgomery, grew up in Enterprise. Barry Moore, one of the frontrunners for Alabama’s open U.S. Senate seat, claims Enterprise as his home.

And Rhett Marques, technically now a candidate for the second congressional district for the congressional map in the middle of a legal challenge, is also from Enterprise.

Should the so-called “6-1 map” prevail in court, Marques will be the frontrunner for the Republican nomination in a district that spans from Wetumpka in Elmore County to the Alabama-Florida state line.

In this district, as in the congressional map Alabamians have lived under since the 1990s, the most populous area shifts from the Mobile area to Montgomery.

Also, of note, U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures was the only Democrat to qualify, meaning whoever emerges from the crowded field of six to be the GOP nominee on the November 3 ballot will have to face an incumbent.

Even though the socalled “6-1 map” was drawn to favor a Republican candidate, is it possible that Figures could win another term in the U.S. House of Representatives?

He has a legitimate shot, given the current circumstances. One thing we learned from the primary election last month is that there is an enthusiasm gap favoring Democrats in Alabama.

That can be attributed to a couple of things. First off, nationally, midterm elections typically favor the out-of-power party. There is a palpable anti-Trump sentiment that not even Alabama is immune to. Trump Derangement Syndrome is real, and it will motivate voters across the country to vote on November 3.

Second, the Louisiana v. Callais decision has stoked anti-Trump sentiment.

Similar to the Dobbs decision that struck down Roe v. Wade on abortion, Democrats are even more motivated, especially in southern states now able to change congressional maps after the high court effectively gutted the reapportionment restrictions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Democrats are more mo-

tivated than ever.

What motivation will Republicans have on November 3?

It is Alabama. There will likely be more Republicans statewide who show up for the November election. However, when you break it down precinct by precinct, things become a little more complicated for Republicans.

What might a hypothetical Figures-Marques general election look like?

As an incumbent member of Congress, Shomari Figures can raise a million dollars for his campaign by walking out to his mailbox.

The geographic aspect of this match-up would also be problematic for Marques. Marques will be strong in the Wiregrass, as he showed in the so-called ghost primary against Jerry Carl. However, Figures would be a prohibitive favorite in Montgomery County, the population center of that congressional district.

A well-funded Figures could run up the score in Montgomery, which would be a significant disadvantage for any Republican.

The thing is it has happened before.

In 2008, Democrat Bobby Bright narrowly defeated Republican Jay Love to win a similarly drawn district to fill the seat vacated by Terry Everett.

Bright rode Barack Obama’s coattails to victory in 2008. He lost the seat to Martha Roby two years later.

Who’s to say that could not happen again?

If such a scenario unfolded where an African American Democrat defeated a white Republican, what message might that send to the three-judge panel that declared the map that created that congressional district “intentional race-based discrimination?”

Supreme Court allows Alabama to use 2023 congressional map

–

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.

The U.S. Supreme Court decided on Tuesday, June 2, to allow Alabama to use its 2023 congressional map for the 2026 elections, overruling a lower court’s initial decision declaring that the map was intentionally discriminatory. The court’s three liberal justices dissented.

Not long after the ruling, Gov. Kay Ivey confirmed that Alabama will use the map in affected districts in its Aug. 11 congressional primaries.

“The U.S. Supreme Court confirmed what I have said all along and that is that Alabama knows our state, our people and our districts best,” Ivey said. “Today’s decision is a win for the people of Alabama and our elections.”

This marks the latest development in Alabama’s long contest in federal courts to redraw congressional districts. A panel of three judges had previously required Alabama to use a map approved by the courts for its 2024 elections.

Republican leaders praised the order as a win in the battle to let Alabama draw its own districts.

Secretary of State Wes Allen said the ruling returned elections to “the congressional maps approved by the legislature instead of the maps drawn by unelected bureaucrats.”

Attorney General Steve Marshall called the decision “a major victory for Alabama and for the principle of self-governance.”

“The United States Supreme Court confirmed what we always knew: that Alabama’s Congressional maps are constitutional and lawful under the Voting Rights Act,” he said. Democrats contended that the ruling permits Alabama to use redistricting to dilute black voting power.

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell said the Supreme Court’s call allowed Alabama Republicans to use what she described as “a racist congressional map” that lower courts previously declared was intentionally discriminatory.

“Black voters in Alabama deserve more than just some representation,” Sewell said. “We deserve fair representation.”

“The Supreme Court’s decision gives cover to Al-

abama and others to deliberately and openly discriminate against Black voters without fear of any consequence,” said Deuel Ross, director of litigation for the Legal Defense Fund.

The ACLU also condemned the decision, pledging to continue to challenge its constitutionality.

The decision follows Louisiana’s recent redistricting case victory, which weakened parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, shifting the legal landscape around race and districting.

Alabama followed quickly to return to its 2023 map drawn by state legislators.

Lower courts previously blocked that map, claiming there was “undisputed evidence” of it being racially discriminatory. The Supreme Court and its conservative majority disagreed, saying lower courts ignored the “presumption of good faith.”

Justice Sonia Sotomayor claimed the ruling would cause “a chaotic election” by using a map that intentionally discriminates/

The special primaries in the affected districts are scheduled for Aug. 11.

More details emerge in Irondale Costco agreement

Terry Schrimscher

IRONDALE, Ala. –

Members of the Irondale City Council were on hand as Mayor James D. Stewart held a brief press conference on Monday to officially discuss the signed agreement with retail giant Costco. The gathering was held on the site at 4514 Grants Mill Road next to Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham.

The agreement, announced in July 2025, was finalized on Friday after months of due diligence, and Stewart posted a video on social media later that day to share the news before announcing the Monday conference.

“It has taken us 2004 days to get to where we are today,” Stewart said. “At the end of the day, it’s taken a long time for us to be able to get to the end of this journey that we’re on,” he said, noting how all of the hard work and perseverance had paid off.

In material supplied to The Tribune, Stewart shared his first meeting with Costco was on December 1, 2020 which led to the initial announcement in July of last year. He noted that the public perception of a 10-month deal, from announcement to signature, was more than a five year process.

“There were several different places that were along the way as we were trying to bring Costco to the city of Irondale. I am so happy that they didn’t give up on us because we did not give up on them,” Stewart said.

Plans for the Irondale Costco were on display at the press conference. Courtesy City of Irondale.

The Grants Mill location was one of four locations in

the city viewed by Costco, according to reports. When completed, the development is expected to bring hundreds of jobs to the city.

This is a landmark moment for Irondale,” Stewart said in a release to the media prior to the meeting.

“The completion of this agreement represents years of hard work and collaboration, and we are excited to share what this development means for our residents, businesses, and the future growth of our community. This project reflects the vision we have for Irondale and the momentum we are building as a city.”

Part of that vision, which he outlined in press materials, includes Costco as

a milestone in a vision to get more than $1 billion in investments in the city by 2033.

“This project is $105 [million], so I assume we are 1/9 of the way there,” Stewart said. “This is not the end, the best is yet to come.”

In conclusion, Stewart cited other recent projects including the purchase and planned redevelopment of Pine Tree Country Club near the Costco location and the Subaru dealership slated to open this month.

There will be a meeting at City Hall at 6 p.m. on June 16 to discuss blasting plans with local residents who may be concerned about the work on the land.

John Emanuel Amari

o bitua R ies

C alendar

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

2nd and 4th

Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., City Council Annex

● Trussville Board of Edu-

cation Meetings: 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m., TCS Central Office

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

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

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

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

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

fireworks?” He loved treasure hunting at garage sales and Lovelady Thrift Stores. If there was an occasion worth celebrating, chances are it happened at Palace Chinese Restaurant. Whether birthdays, victories, family milestones, or simply a random Tuesday, John could often be found at “The Palace.”

There was a certain

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.

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

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

span more than five decades and impact countless families throughout Alabama. John’s passion for helping people soon led him to public service. In 1978, he

● Argo City Council Meet-

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

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

of Representatives, which he credits the victory to being Mae and Joe’s son from the curb market. In 1982, John was elected to the Alabama State Senate, where he served for more than sixteen years. John had a rare ability to make complicated issues understandable. No matter what bill was being debated, he could somehow connect it to a story about his family, his childhood, or someone he had met along the way. Secretaries and staff members often slipped into the gallery just to listen.

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

● Springville City Council

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

● Irondale City Coun-

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

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

In 2008, John was elected as a District Judge for Alabama’s 10th Judicial Circuit, where he served the community for another decade.

Every political campaign was kicked off with a watermelon cutting. Even when there was not a campaign, one of John’s greatest joys was slicing into a watermelon surrounded by family and immediately giving away the very best piece, the heart in the center. There was something deeply “John” about that. He always wanted people to feel included and valued, and somehow sharing the heart of a watermelon accomplished exactly that. The accomplishments were impressive. The man behind them was unforgettable. Republicans liked him. Democrats liked him. Judges respected him. Lawyers trusted him. Constituents believed in him. Complete strangers somehow found themselves telling him their life story within minutes of meeting him.

cil Meetings: 1st and 3rd

Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

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

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

Chance Mitchell Lawrence Taylor

He could walk into a room full of people who disagreed about everything and leave with them laughing together.

Whether he was in a courtroom, a church fellowship hall, a restaurant, or a grocery store aisle, people naturally gravitated toward him. And John loved every second of it because, for John, it was always about people. He never met a stranger, never entered a room quietly, and never told a short story when a longer one would do. John had a rare gift. No matter who you were or where you came from, when you were with him, you felt like you mattered.

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

Trussville Public Library

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

● 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)

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

Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. at Jefferson

Memorial Funeral Home with Pastor Daniel Brown officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining gardens.

In 1980, John married his wife of 46 years, Terri Parker. It took six months to schedule their first date, but they married after just two months of dating. Together they built a large, lively family centered around love, loyalty, laughter, and staying connected to the people who mattered most.

Pinson Public Library

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

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

Chance Mitchell Lawrence Taylor was born on September 25, 1987, in Birmingham, Alabama. He tragically died in a car accident on Thursday, May 21, 2026, while driving to work. Chance was a devoted husband, fantastic father, beloved son and brother.

If you asked John about his greatest accomplishments, he would not have talked about politics, courtrooms, elections, or titles. He would have talked about his family. Especially his children and grandchildren. He loved passing along lessons, whether anyone requested them or not. He taught his family to work hard, be kind, respect others and always back into a parking space. He often said, “Good manners is good politics.” “What you should have done was…” became one of the many phrases family and friends will never forget. Sometimes he would begin with, “May I make a suggestion?” which was never really a question, but rather John’s polite way of preparing you to hear exactly what he thought you should do. Often times, he was right. John was funny, charismatic, colorful, stubborn, generous, wildly entertaining, and completely authentic. John was proud to be Italian. He cherished family traditions, relished long conversations, loved gathering people together, and enjoyed a good debate almost as much as he enjoyed a good meal. He loved Costa Rica, where he found adventure and peace. John was spontaneous, if he woke up and decided he wanted to be in Costa Rica, he booked the flight and went. Planning was optional, adventure was not.

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

● ACT Prep: Sunday

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

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

John loved fireworks and would often show up to your house with a trunk full of them and ask, “y’all need some

Chance was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Belton Taylor, Jr. and his grandparents, Ed and Lawana Lawrence. He is survived by his wife, Chelsea Walrond Taylor, his sons, Jaxon Ray and Levi Oakley, his daughters, Lucy Sky and Winnie Rose, his parents, Sunny and Eric Love, his siblings, Ryan (Christy), Dalton (Taylor), Brayden and CoraBeth, his nephews, Hudson and Jude, his in-laws, Derek and Alexis Walrond, Corey and Paula Gunter, cousins, Laurel Gilchrist, Todd Armstrong, Alex McDonald, and Alyce Armstrong and a host of friends.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Taylor, Dalton Taylor, Brayden Love, Justin Hodgens, Sean Walrond, and Brett Byars. Chance was employed at The Off-Road Connection in Fultondale. He was a talented wood worker, musician and enjoyed tinkering with electronics. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his wife and four children. Chance’s

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Former Clay-Chalkville standout Nico Collins lands revised deal with Texans

By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor

CLAY – Former ClayChalkville star and All-Tribune selection Nico Collins is now among the NFL’s highest-paid wide receivers after the Houston Texans reworked his contract last week. According to reports, Houston added $17 million to Collins’ deal over the next two seasons, increasing his 2026 salary by $9 million and his 2027 salary by $8 million while also guaranteeing his 2027 compensation. Collins is expected to earn $29 million in 2026, tying him for fifth among NFL wide receivers. He is sched-

uled to earn $29.8 million in 2027. Under coach Jerry Hood, Collins was a three-time AllState selection and helped

lead Clay-Chalkville to the 2014 Class 6A state championship and a runner-up finish in 2015. Houston drafted Collins in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft after playing collegiately at Michigan.

Springville’s Warren House inducted into AHSVCA Hall of Fame

By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor

SPRINGVILLE –

Springville head volleyball

coach Warren House has been inducted into the Alabama High School Volleyball Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame for the 2026 class. House, who serves in many capacities at Springville including girls’ basketball coach and athletic director, has coached the Lady Tiger volleyball team for 36 years. During this time, he has amassed a 1,199-568 overall, putting him in the upper echelon of volleyball coaches in AHSAA history. He has 27 area championships, four final

four appearances, nine elite eight appearances, and a class 2A state championship in 1995. On the basketball court, House has more than 500 wins with multiple area championships, elite eight and final four appearances, including the 2025-2026 season’s appearance in the final four, as well as one

state championship. House has been a staple in the Springville community for many years and has served in many capacities at the high school.

The Class of 2026 was selected by the AHSVCA Board of Directors and AHSVCA Awards and Recognition Committee from nominations submitted by

AHSVCA member coaches and others involved in the Alabama high school volleyball community. The induction ceremony will be held during the 2026 AHSAA Summer Conference – Volleyball Coaching School following the second set of the All Star Match on Thursday, July 23, at the Montgomery Multiplex at Cramton Bowl.

Hamlin wins in Nashville

By John Goolsby, Motorsports Editor

LEBANON, Tenn. –

Denny Hamlin overcame an opening-race penalty and won a late battle between teammates Sunday night, capturing the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway.

Hamlin became the first Toyota driver to win at

Nashville after driving from the rear of the field. The pole sitter was penalized for jumping the start and sent to the back of the pack before eventually working his way to the front.

The race began after a weather delay and was marked by numerous failures of the right-front brake rotors that plagued teams throughout the evening.

Hamlin patiently worked his way to the front and was leading with 100 laps remaining, putting himself in position to win.

A late caution set up a four-lap sprint to the finish between the three Joe Gibbs Racing teammates. Christopher Bell led Hamlin and Chase Briscoe to the restart, but the Toyota trio quickly found themselves locked in

a heated battle for the lead. They crossed the start-finish line three-wide coming to the white flag before Hamlin used a lower entry into Turn 1 to gain the advantage.

“I fail in these situations so many times,” Hamlin said. “A lot of times this year, I try for a few laps to overdrive the corner and clear them. I realized he

wasn’t going to let me do it. When we took the white, I said, ‘I’m going to wrap the bottom. I think he’s going to drive in really deep.’ … He drove in so deep it just let me clear there.”

AJ Allmendinger won Stage 1 ahead of Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott and Tyler Reddick. Daniel Suarez took Stage 2 ahead of Alex Bow-

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LIFE IN FULL BLOOM.

Husky Athletics celebrate record-setting year

John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor

TRUSSVILLE, Ala.

– Three state championships, three more top-three finishes and a couple of Final Four appearances highlighted a successful year for Hewitt-Trussville Athletics.

The 2025-26 school year saw 10 of Hewitt’s 25 teams finish among the top four teams in Class 7A. Baseball, softball, and boys’ indoor track and field set the bar high with a record three state titles.

Jeff Mauldin’s baseball team captured the second state championship in program history, the first since 2016.

The Lady Huskies softball team, coached by Taylor Burt, won their fifth state title in the last eight seasons and reached the championship series for the sixth time during that stretch.

The boys’ indoor track and field team added the second state championship in program history, the first since 2021. Raphael Boakye-Yiadom won the triple jump title while the 4×200 and 4×400 relay teams won titles.

Jimmy Johnson’s squads nearly added another state title to the trophy case in the spring as the boys’ outdoor track and field team finished runner-up at the state meet. The girls outdoor track team placed third, while the girls indoor track team also finished third at state, where Hadley Turner won the 1600 meter title for the Lady Huskies.

Individually, Devin Kouanvih captured the Class 7A state championship in the 200 meters, Demetri Hall Jr. won the 300-meter hurdles and the Lady Huskies’ 4×800-meter relay added another title. Matthew Michalke’s cross country program

continued its strong run as well. The girls finished third, while the boys finished fourth.

Andie Freedman’s volleyball team reached the Final Four for the first time in school history, and Daniel Decker’s boys soccer squad advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 1991. Sean Gibson’s girls soccer team also reached the Final Four, marking the program’s best finish since Class 7A was created.

Individually, Merritt Daniel, coached by Maggie

Rasberry, finished as the Class 7A state runner-up in girls golf after shooting the lowest round of the final day at RTJ Magnolia Grove in Mobile.

Trip Cole won the 175lb title for Chris Pike’s wrestling squad that sent eight to state.

Josh Floyd’s football team climbed to No. 1 in the state rankings during the regular season for the first time since 1991 and only the third time in school history.

The Huskies now own

23 state championships and 26 state runner-up finishes across all sports. Hewitt’s success extended beyond AHSAA-sanctioned sports as well. The cheerleading squad, led by coaches Jenny Williams, Adam Purdy, Grace Cole, and Lesley Munche, won the National High School Cheerleading Championship in the Super Varsity Division.

The Hewitt mountain bike team, coached by Lee Neal, won the 2026 Alabama state championship, the program’s third consecutive title and seventh overall.

“I would like to congratulate our athletes and coaches on an outstanding year,” athletic director Lance Walker said. “We had tremendous fan support and we enjoyed moments that will be remembered forever. I am encouraged by all the support our students gave each other and it

is great to see our coaches pulling for one another.” Walker credited the support throughout the community for the success.

“We have great support from our Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Martin and school principals,” Walker said. “Our mayor and city council are tremendous supporters as well. Our corporate partners and Athletic Foundation help us give our students a first-class experience. It takes a team to be successful and we have that here.”

Even with one of the best years in school history now complete, Walker said the work has already started on next season.

“We are proud of our past year, but we are already preparing for 202627,” Walker said. “TCS is about AAA excellence, so we are excited to continue supporting our athletes as they represent our city and school.”

Hewitt-Trussville athletics reaches new heights under Lance Walker

This was a different kind of year for Lance Walker.

For one, it was the first time since he’s been athletic director at Trussville City Schools that he went from graduation ceremonies at Hewitt-Trussville High School to watching some of those same students trade out caps and gowns for bats and gloves a few days later during the AHSAA baseball and softball state championships. For the baseball team, the Huskies’ win over Auburn was only the second in the program’s history, the last being in 2016, while the softball team clinched its 5th title in seven years against Thompson.

For another, the past season of play showed Trussville athletics at an all-time high, from Hewitt-Trussville’s football team being ranked No.1 across the state in a program first to the boys indoor track team claiming its own state championship title back in January.

“This year in particular, it was fun to see some of the sports accomplish things that have never been done or haven’t been done in a long time,” Walker said.

Walker, who will soon begin his 10th year as athletic director, was really

proud of all the players and coaches who made the year so special and, for a day or two, celebrated everything they accomplished. Now, as far as he’s concerned, Walker is back at square one. With summer camps starting up soon, as well as making sure other sports teams have what they need going into the fall, Walker knows how important this particular time is to set both coaches and players up for success.

“I want all of our kids to

be part of something special. I am thankful for the impact coaches had in my life so it is our turn to give back and help create these memories for our students,” he said. It’s a philosophy he saw up close at the University of Alabama, where he worked with student-athletes as assistant director of the Bill Battle Academic Center for nearly a decade. Here, he saw how seriously coaches like Nick Saban and Kirby Smart took the off-season, how every day was an opportunity to keep building onto

“It makes you thankful to be part of those things and gives you the drive toward making the best it can be,” Walker said of his gratitude to help shape sports programs. “That’s what we do. We just want to give our best every day, so kids have everything they need to be successful.”

Walker is modest when he describes his role within the 23 varsity teams at Hewitt-Trussville.

“I think a huge part of my job is getting the right people on the bus and the

right people leading the program,” he said. “They do all the work.”

But part of that also has to do with the relationships he has held onto through the years, many of whom he made as a student at Hewitt-Trussville. For example, there’s Jack Wood, who coached him in football and called him a few weeks ago to congratulate him on the latest state championship wins for the school.

“I don’t score any points or touchdowns,” he said.

“I’m just fortunate to be sur-

rounded by these people.” Walker said that between new rules and changes from the Alabama High School Athletic Association, no season feels like the last, something that Walker feels keeps him on his toes.

“I don’t think we ever feel comfortable because every year is different and presents different challenges,” he said. “We want to avoid complacency and look forward.” Something different this year will be the roll out of the school system’s official branding guide, a feat nearly two years in the making to establish Hewitt-Trussville’s colors, its image and how it is used in merchandising across the community.

“It’s a new thing, but a fun thing,” he said. “We put in good work and a good product.”

For Walker, high school is the last avenue left for amateur sports, so he takes it very seriously, knowing that a good team or season can stay with a student for the rest of their life.

“I know how much people our age remember these kinds of things in high school,” he said. “These are memories that they will have forever, so I’ m happy to be a small part of it.”

Hewitt-Trussville Varsity Huskies Softball — Spring 2026 Schedule & Results

Hewitt-Trussville Huskies sweep Auburn to grab 7A Baseball State Championship

Gavin Justice

JACKSONVILLE,

AL

– An historic day for Hewitt-Trussville High School as both Baseball and Softball won the AHSAA 7A Baseball and Softball Championship. The Hewitt-Trussville Baseball Huskies returned to the championship stage for the first time since 2022, throttling the Auburn Tigers in the 2026 AHSAA 7A High School Baseball Championship on Friday evening with the final score 8-0. The Huskies secured their first state baseball title of the decade, the last being in 2016.

Hewitt-Trussville wasted absolutely no time, jumping on an Auburn error to open the game and pushing across two runs in the first on an RBI single from Hudson Mitchell and a run-scoring groundout by Cale McIntosh. Jace Riggan then added a two-run single in the second to push the lead to 4-0 at the top of the 2nd inning.

McIntosh was incredibly dominant on the mound until he hit the pitch count limit after 6 2/3 innings. He retired Auburn’s first three batters before escaping a bases-loaded jam in the second by striking out the Chattahoochee Valley CC commit Wilson Foster to maintain the Huskies’ lead at 4. Husky Head Coach Jeff Mauldim could have kept the Trussville ace in his pocket for a possible game 3, but said after the game that the decision was made on Friday to pull the trigger in game 2.

Mauldin said he asked McIntosh following game 1 on Friday to start game 2.

He said the senior responded with, “let’s get this over with,” setting the tone for game 2. Hewitt kept their foot fully pressed on the gas in the third, sending eight batters to the plate and extending the lead to 7-0. Duckett drew a walk, and Mitchell singled to set the table before McIntosh drove a double to center, scoring Duckett. With runners on second and third and nobody out, Auburn pulled starter Lawson Hare and turned to Central Alabama CC commit Max Autrey — but the Huskies’ damage continued. A walk loaded the bases, and a dropped fly ball in centerfield then pushed the lead to 6-0. The Tigers then made a

call to the bullpen, but even that couldn’t stop the bleeding, as Blake Bales singled to left to score McIntosh and make it 7-0.

McIntosh continued to be in control on the mound, stranding two Auburn runners in the bottom of the half after Angelo Santiago singled and Bryson Sheppard was hit by a pitch. McIntosh struck out the next batter for his fourth punchout of the day before the Tigers grounded out to end the threat, leaving Hewitt firmly in control after three at 7-0.

McIntosh made quick work of Auburn in the bottom of the 4th, as the Tigers went down in order, keeping the score at 7-0. He remained in com-

mand on the mound, now sitting at seven strikeouts on the day. Angelo Santiago picked up his second hit of the game — accounting for two of Auburn’s three hits — but the Tigers couldn’t string anything together, and a groundout ended the inning with the score still 7-0.

McIntosh maintained his dominant performance until the pitch count ended his day. His final stat line read 6.2 IP, 4H, 0ER, 0R, 9K, 3BB.

As Hewitt-Trussville held a 7-0 lead in the top of the 7th , they then add one more insurance run as Duckett drew a walk as the bases were loaded, walking in Andrew Walker making the score 8-0.

The Huskies’ run to the championship is all-themore impressive given that Hewitt-Trussville made it this far while replacing Steele Hall from last year’s team, who was selected

ninth overall in the 2025 MLB Draft. The Huskies looked to their five seniors to fill that void and carry the team back to the title game.

Hewitt-Trussville is the first team to win both AHSAA Softball and Baseball Championships since 2019 when GW Long and Mars Hill Bible both secured their titles.

Jace Riggan secured the tournament MVP after going 4-8 in the series and driving in two runs in game 2. Another notable achievement of this Hewitt-Trussville team is as a team in game 2, only struck out one time today at the plate.

In the press conference after the game, McIntiosh described his approach today.

“It’s the same going into today as it was last week and every start of the season,” he said. “It was just another game” Over a year ago, Mauldin said his daughter began

suggesting he should read the Bible everyday. This morning, as he sat in his office he came across this verse that reminded him of his team.

Psalms 133:1; Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.

“To me, that’s this team,” Mauldin said. “Over the last six-seven weeks, these guys have formed a brotherhood, they’ll never forget” At the end of last season, McIntosh told Mauldin, “Coach, I want to be like Christian Helmers, I want to be the guy you’re counting on.” and Mauldin responded, “I don’t want you to be Christian Helmers, I want you to be the best version of Cale McIntosh” Mauldin reflected on the unity of the team and the bond they had formed.

“God is good,” Mauldin said. “God put these guys together at this time for a reason.”

Burt: Toughness, Belief Drove Hewitt To 7A Championship

John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor

TRUSSVILLE, Ala.

– For Hewitt head coach

Taylor Burt, Friday morning’s Class 7A state championship was the payoff for a season built on resilience, toughness and belief.

The shiny new 2026 blue map marked the Lady Huskies’ fifth title in the last eight years. Hewitt was also runner-up in 2022 and the top-ranked team in 2020 before COVID ended the season without a champion.

In short, Burt’s Hewitt program has been the standard in Alabama for nearly a decade.

After battling through the loser’s bracket at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Hewitt answered a 15-3 loss to nationally-ranked Thompson with back-toback wins over the Warriors to capture the 7A crown.

“It was just fighting grit, toughness and playing our absolute best when we needed it,” Burt said. “Harper Looney was just gutsy. She did anything that was asked of her. We’ve been a pitch-by-committee team all year long, and she really stepped up to the challenge. I’m super proud of her.

“We hit the ball, made big defensive plays and had some incredible catches that really set the tone. Nobody thought we would even compete, especially after the way the ballgame went on Wednesday. I’m proud of how they bounced back and kept fighting. We took it one pitch, one play, one out at a time.”

Burt, with 456 career wins, credited the entire roster and coaching staff for helping guide the Lady Huskies through the grueling postseason run.

“We’ve got 23 kids on

that team, and it took all of them,” Burt said. “The dugout was huge, the defense was huge, the offense was huge. It couldn’t be one person. And our coaches deserve so much credit. They spent hours and hours watching film over the last eight days preparing for seven different teams. They put our kids in the best place possible.”

The Lady Huskies’ defense came up big in the championship round. Corey Goguts had multiple highlight-reel plays in the outfield.

“We had really good pitch selection from the start, and we were aggressive on good pitches,” Burt said. “We kept adding one or two runs every inning and tried to keep them on their heels. Then in the second game, we had a game plan on how to pitch them and we stuck to it. Defensively, we made exceptional plays. Corey Goguts made two insane catches in the outfield that made a huge difference. “A lot of people are go-

ing to talk about controversy or the weather and all of that, but our kids worked

Lady Huskies claim 7A championship this morning with 2-1 win over Thompson

John Goolsby,

Prep Sports Editor

TRUSSVILLE – The Hewitt Lady Huskies won the 7A title at Jacksonville State this morning with a 2-1 win over Thompson.

The game was postponed after rain stopped the game in the top of the seventh inning late Thursday night.

The Lady Huskies took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when a wild pitch brought home Corey Goguts. Thompson tied it in the third, but Hewitt regained the lead in the fifth when an error allowed Goguts to score again for the game winner.

From there the Lady Huskies played dominate defense to secure the win and title.

Harper Looney earned the win, allowing one unearned run in seven innings of work.

Cate Bruce, Taylor McLaughlin, Presley Hull and Kylie Grace Hendrick each had one hit.

The Lady Huskies had a busy day working their way out of the loser’s bracket to advance to the championship yesterday.

Hewitt opened the day with a 14-4 victory over Austin before defeating Vestavia Hills 14-4 and Thompson 11-0.

Against Austin, Hewitt took the lead in the fourth inning when Hendrick’s two-run double gave the Lady Huskies a 6-4 lead.

Hewitt put the game away with six runs runs in the fifth inning.

Hull went 4-for-4 with two doubles and two

Hendrick was 3-for-3 with four RBIs. Goguts and