The Trussville Tribune – March 5 - 11, 2026

March 6

By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune

Jefferson County IB program opens new campus

New owners of Dobbs Ford celebrate first year of managing dealership

From Trussville Tribune Reports

By Chris Basinger, News Editor

Trussville Council approves track financing following vote reversal

Brady Flanigan, Editor

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

By Terry Schrimscher

SPRINGVILLE, Ala. –

The Springville City Council took a detour Monday night before it returned to unfinished business held over from the Feb. 17 meeting. After an extended work session and a short break, the March 3 meeting began around 6:45 p.m.

As the meeting got underway, the council approved the minutes from the last meeting in February.

to suspend the rules and bypass the normal two week layover, allowing the ordinance to pass that night—a necessary step according to bond counsel Rod Kanter.

By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune

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

IRONDALE, Ala. – Jefferson County’s new International Baccalaureate School officially opened its doors to students Monday, March 2, bringing Jefferson County’s JCIB program under one roof for the first time.

Mayor Dave Thomas motioned for them to reconsider the minutes noting members motioned to adjourn before conducting business on the agenda without that motion being recognized. Thomas then proceeded to deliver a dissertation, as he called it, for the next 55 minutes, cross-referencing political history, addressing recent editorials, and quoting Teddy Roosevelt, Jesus, and Socrates along the way.

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

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –After several hard-fought laps and a last-minute vote reversal, the Trussville City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday night authorizing a refinancing plan that’s expected to provide about $922,000 for a new track and related improvements at Hewitt-Trussville High School (HTHS). The measure authorizes the issuance of Series 2026 warrants tied to a refinancing of the city’s 2015 school warrants. Chris Williams, the city’s financial advisor with Rice Advisory, described it as an “apples-to-apples” refinancing: the city keeps the same payment schedule and payoff date, but slides into a lower interest rate. The roughly $922,000 in savings would be sent to the Trussville City Board of Education for the track project. Williams noted the refinancing would not affect Trussville’s credit because neither the debt service nor the maturity date would change. He explained the

focus on city business.

warrants will sell at a premium as part of the pricing structure. In short, buyers pay above par for attractive interest rates, resulting in lower par for the new series.

At one point, Thomas challenged members of the council to raise their hands if they agreed never again to leave a meeting before the conclusion of business. No hands raised. Along the way, he said the council’s lack of leadership on salaries would be a burden on the city.

Mayor Ben Short added that the city’s bond rating remains unchanged following a recent review, saying the report contained “a lot of positive,” indicating Trussville is trending in the right direction.

“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-

But the discussion wasn’t about interest rates alone.

Councilman Jim Miller

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

Alabama’s school voucher program might go universal despite budget concerns

By Andrea Tinker, Alabama Reflector

MONTGOMERY, Ala.

By Chris Basinger, News Editor

IRONDALE, Ala. –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.

– Under current law, Alabama’s school voucher program will extend to every child regardless of income next year. And that has both Democratic and Republican legislators worried about public school funding. The CHOOSE Act ushered in a school voucher program that awards a tax credit up to $7,000 to parents for education-based expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring, educational therapy and school supplies. The law caps eligibility at 300% above the poverty level or $79,950 for a family of three, according to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services.

opened on Saturday.

raised a simpler question: if the city is using public savings connected to public debt, what is the public getting out of it? Miller questioned if it was appropriate to send roughly $900,000 of savings to a school facility if the public at large wouldn’t have access to it. He argued the public’s connection to the project mattered because the redirected savings are still the public’s.

ter,” Thomas said. “The example they set by refusing to adjust salaries wasn’t about their faux martyrdom, sacrificing for the greater good,” he added.

“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.

Speaking to The Tribune

This apprehension became an immediate problem. City procedure required unanimous consent

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.

By Chris Basinger, News Editor

Because while the city could be patient on the issue, the bond market will not be.

When the council voted, Miller voted no, blocking the ordinance from proceeding. What followed was a maelstrom of parliamentary procedure and legal language: talk of a meeting 24 hours later, talk of what the rules allowed, talk of what could be salvaged tonight.

City Clerk Daniel Weinrib said another meeting was an option, but also suggested a faster solution: Miller could motion to reconsider his vote.

Bond counsel Kanter urged council members to grant unanimous consent that night. Delays, he said, complicate time-sensitive transactions and reduce transparency by moving decisions to special meetings with less public attention. He also emphasized that unanimous consent only

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 discusand lengthy meetings. After re-introducing parliamentary rules to the meeting process, Thomas led the council through new business which involved acceptance of bids for a new sewer project which will need further action for financial decisions. The council also renewed the city’s garbage collection contract with Waste Management. Items from the February agenda were addressed individually. The purchase

LEEDS, Ala. – The city of Leeds is set to have an Aldi location after the council approved an agreement to incentivize its development on Asheville Highway. The location is to be 1770 Asheville Highway, Pell City man sentenced for child sex crime

By Isaac Goffin (WIAT)

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

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

PELL CITY, Ala. – A Pell City man was sentenced after he pleaded guilty to distribution and possession of child pornography in September. According to Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine Crosby on Monday, 34-year-old Tyler Robert Curtis was sentenced to 13-and-a-half years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised re-

See SPRINGVILLE, Page 2

See FINANCING, Page 4

See BONES, Page

Leeds High School freshmen take action to address rising school shootings

City of Trussville names Dave Morrette as Chief of Police

By Tanna McGuire

From Trussville Tribune Reports

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –

Trussville Mayor Ben Short announced Monday, March 2, that Dave Morrette has been named as the city’s next chief of police.

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 according to data from Statista. Three Leeds High School freshmen, Amelia Davis, Madilynn Johnson, and Beatrice McCormick, members of the Leeds High School Chapter of Future Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), are determined to address this pressing issue through their state conference project.

The opening drew 45 applicants from both internal and external pools, according to the city. Candidates were evaluated through a multi-tier process that judged candidates based on leadership experience, operational expertise, strategic vision, as well as character and personal fit with the city’s organizational culture.

any parent of an “eligible child,” on Jan. 1. In states with similar programs, particularly Arizona, a lack of income caps contributed to soaring costs and drains on public education budgets.

That cap is set to expire, and the program will become universal, or open to

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

Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, a ranking minority member for the House Ways & Means Education Committee, said the CHOOSE Act threatens to affect funding for programs

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

“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.

under the Literacy Act and the Numeracy Act, which aim to improve students’ reading and math performance.

“For the first time in a very long time, we are seeing gains as it relates to education in the State of Alabama,” Drummond said. “So we’re doing the right things to move us forward.

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

See BEES, Page 3

See CHOOSE, 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 conference in March, aims to raise awareness about the devastating impact of school shootings and propose actionable changes to improve safety protocols in Alabama schools.

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

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

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

“The City of Trussville continues to be a highly desirable place to work,” Short said. “The level of interest and the quality of applicants reflect the strength of our organization and the reputation of our Police Department. After a thorough and deliberate process, I am confident that Dave Morrette has the knowledge, character, and confidence to lead this department into its next chapter.” Morrette has spent more than 25 years with the Trussville Police Department, beginning as a patrol officer and working his way to deputy chief, a title he earned in June 2023. As deputy chief, Morrette’s responsibility consisted of overseeing daily operations, managing the department’s major divisions: Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Communications, Corrections, School Resource Officers, the Direct Enforcement Unit, Traffic, K9, Training and Fleet Operations, as well as all non-sworn personnel.

The city said Morrette has personally managed

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

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

“We need to make sure that every school feels safe 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

internal personnel investigations, assisted the implementation and update of policies and procedures within the department, and collaborated with groups within the community regarding issues of public safety. Before earning the title of deputy chief, Morrette served as captain from 2020 to 2023, where he oversaw Patrol, Direct Enforcement, K9, Training, Traffic, the Special Response Team, Corrections and Communications. Prior to that, from 2018 to 2020 he served as a lieutenant overseeing Patrol, Training, Fleet, Traffic, Special Response and Communications. From 2009 to 2018, he served as a sergeant supervising patrol shifts, leading the Traffic Unit and managing operational and investigative responsibilities. Morrette began his career with the department in 1999 as a police officer. Short also pointed to the city’s organizational values—integrity, respect,

See STUDENTS, Page

The Trussville Tribune

190 Main Street

Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664

Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com

Terry Schrimscher, Interim Managing Editor trusstribeditor@gmail.com

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

Teri Thomas, Office Manager

Brannon Dawkins, Tribune Unscripted Producer & Account Manager

Sean of the South: The state of the airplane address

By Sean Dietrich

A crowded airliner. We were somewhere above Virginia. I was sandwiched between two passengers like Prince Albert in a can.

It has been said, if you’re a bad person in this lifetime; if you treat your fellow man poorly; if you live by the code of violence; if you are cruel to elders and children and UPS men; when you die you will wake up in economy class, riding in the middle seat.

Which is where I was.

The guy on my right was tapping on a laptop. The guy on my other side was scrolling TikTok. I had no armrests to speak of.

Throughout the flight, I noticed TikTok Guy kept staring at Laptop Guy. Like he recognized the man. Finally, TikTok Guy leaned over my passenger body to speak to Laptop Guy.

“Excuse me,” said TikTok. “Are you who I think you are, sir?”

Laptop nodded. “I am.”

“Omigod,” said TikTok.

“Can I get a picture with you?”

And here is where things got awkward.

Because there I was. Stuck between them. Like a man trapped in hell. Or worse, the DMV.

There was no way to snap a selfie without also capturing the buck-toothed, redhead in the middle seat between them. And I wasn’t wearing any makeup.

I cleared my throat.

“Maybe you should wait until we get off the plane to take pictures,” I suggested.

TikTok gestured to Laptop. “Do you KNOW who this is?”

“Yes. He is a man who will still be here when the plane lands.”

“This guy’s famous.”

Laptop shook my hand and recited his name. He was a young guy. Dressed nicely. Matinee-idol smile. I’d never heard of him, but that doesn’t mean anything. I live under a brick.

Laptop gave his signature to a few passengers nearby. Then Laptop Guy turned to me. “Would you like me to sign anything for you?”

I smiled. “I left my autograph book at home.”

Then, it happened. TikTok and Laptop started having a political conversation. It became a long, drawn out conversation about heated political matters. Turns out Laptop Guy is a well-known political commentator.

Nearby passengers kept shooting dirty looks at us.

At some point in the conversation, they were talking about the economy. Laptop turned to me and spoke. My eyes were closed

because I was trying to disappear.

“Tell me,” Laptop asked in a TV voice. “What do you do?”

“About what?” I said.

“About work?”

“Try to avoid it.”

“I mean, how do you make a living?”

“I’m in the process of retiring.”

“What are you retiring from?”

“This conversation.”

So they went back to ignoring me and talking about heavy political matters.

Things escalated when people in nearby seats got involved in the discussion. The woman ahead of me was practically shouting to make her point. One guy was waving his hands and half-screaming.

People were irate. I would have killed to be at the DMV.

By the time the flight was over. Some of the peo-

ple on the plane were getting selfies with the controversial commentator.

Others were storming away, angry, mumbling various things about the commentator’s mother. It was one of the weirdest flights I’ve ever been on. Even worse than the flight I sat next to the guy who sold elevators. (“Right now, business is up and down.”)

Before Laptop Guy deboarded, the famed man said to me, “Did you need a picture with me before I leave?”

I shook my head. “I’m Amish.” We pumped hands. As he made his way off the plane, one of the flight attendants said, in a voice strong and clear: “And that’s why I don’t discuss religion or politics on Facebook.”

A slow, but steady applause broke out on the airplane.

Choose

From front page

Why would you want to take money out of the system when we know what we’re doing is working?”

Drummond, alongside all other Democrats and six Republicans, voted against the CHOOSE Act when it passed the House in 2024.

Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, chair of the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee, said because of the limitations on Alabama’s budgets for the next two fiscal years, there might not be enough money to fund the CHOOSE Act as a universal program.

“I do not believe we will go from 300% poverty to being able to fully fund, in year three, all comers,” Orr said in a recent interview. “There’d be a serious impact across the budget to do that.”

But in recent interviews, two key House leaders signaled support for letting the income tax caps expire. Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, the chair of the House Ways and Means Education Committee, said in an interview last month that the program won’t damage the Education Trust Fund, which funds most public education programs in the state.

“While everybody may be eligible, it is subject to the amount we appropriate,” he said. “And I think there will continue to be some priority given to who receives that appropriation. There’s certain priorities for special needs, for military, for a percentage of poverty, high needs, things like that.”

Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, said in an interview Thursday that he anticipates the program going universal.

“I mean it’s amazing to me to see how popular the CHOOSE Act has been,” he said. “It’s going to be really interesting to see what happens when it’s opened up and people are taking advantage of it.”

Lean times?

The Education Trust Fund grew rapidly in the first half of the decade thanks to federal assistance and economic growth. But leaner times could be com-

L oca L / R egion

ing. In January, Gov. Kay Ivey proposed a $10.479 billion Education Trust Fund budget, the largest in state history, which included a requested increase of about $570 million. But most of that increase would go to a proposed pay raise for teachers and employees and a $210 million increase in the Public Education Employee Health Insurance Plan to address rising costs. The proposal was less than the $380 million PEEHIP requested.

Other educational programs relying on the Education Trust Fund, including the RAISE Act, which awards school money based on the presence of groups like rural students, children in poverty and English Language Learners, remain level funded. Ivey’s proposed budget does include an increase in CHOOSE Act funding, from $180 million to $250 million.

Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, the chair of the Senate Education Policy Committee, said he thinks income caps are needed to maintain the voucher program.

“I think we have to have the ability to control it (the income limit),” Chesteen said. “We can continue funding these programs as long as we have the money there.”

With the Alabama Legislature’s 2026 session over halfway complete, there have been no proposals to extend income tax limits.

Alabama State Schools Superintendent Eric Mackey said in an interview earlier this month that income limits are needed.

“In my opinion, there should always be some kind of cap, because you’ve got to be able to budget and plan around it,” he said. “I would hate to see them remove that and say it go immediately to

like $500 million, which I think is possible if there’s no limitation on income.”

A warning from Arizona Arizona’s school voucher program, Empower Scholarship Accounts, went universal in 2022. In 2023, the program was expected to cost $65 million. During that same year, the estimated cost skyrocketed to $900 million. Last year, the program’s cost was expected to reach $1 billion.

Beth Lewis, executive director for Save Our Schools Arizona, an organization founded in 2017 to push back against universal voucher programs in the state, said in a recent interview that the ESA program’s growth has been increasing since it went universal.

“We continue to see that it is not really stopping. Private schools and private entities have invested a ton of money into marketing the program, and the legislature actually gave our Department of Education $10 million to market the program instead of to benefit children,” she said.

Proponents like Matt Beienburg, director of education policy for the conservative and libertarian Goldwater Institute, say the universal program has helped families.

“We’ve seen parents testify at the state legislature, at the state board of education, saying things like ‘I’m a parent of three children, but I also have a master’s degree in elementary education, and ESA has saved the educational lives of my three children,’” he said.

CHOOSE ACT participants

When passed in 2024, supporters argued the CHOOSE Act would help parents of children in struggling public schools find a

better education. Last year, the Department of Education saw about 5,800 students — out of just over 714,000 students — leave public school. Roughly 3,000 students received CHOOSE Act funds.

“People want flexibility,” Garrett said. “And if more and more citizens want creativity and flexibility, we’re going to support those education opportunities.”

But about two-thirds of applicants in 2025 were either current private school (15,436) or homeschool students (9,070).

Drummond said those numbers show the CHOOSE Act is detrimental to public education.

“The CHOOSE Act, as well as other initiatives that take money away from public education, it’s not making that system better. It’s making it worse. If you continue to take money from Peter, Paul is not going to get any better,” she said.

Allison King, governmental affairs manager for the Alabama Education Association, said Friday that funding public education is key.

“The more support public schools have, the more they’re able to thrive. And we have seen that over recent years that we have invested additional dollars into the schools, and we are seeing the growth and the return come back on those investments, and that’s what you want to see,” King said.

For fiscal year 2026, K-12 local boards of education were given $5.5 billion from the Education Trust Fund. Local boards used the money to fund the At-Risk Student Program, RAISE Act and the

TEAMS Act among other things. The TEAMS Act was passed in 2021 to incentivize potential teachers for teaching science and math.

King said public schools are facing more challenges than “they’ve ever had before” including clerical demands like data collection and paper work, curriculum demands and challenges with children who have behavioral concerns, mental health challenges and special needs and accommodations.

“It’s not just about teaching reading and math. We absolutely have to still teach reading and math, and that is the basic foundation of schools and the curriculum side of it, all academic subjects,” King said. “But in addition to their primary responsibility of instructing students, you also have all these other demands that are on you that are more pressing and more numerous than they’ve ever been.”

Other concerns from those who oppose vouchers include misuse of funds and fraud. In Arizona, there were multiple cases of misused funds provided to parents through the program. A local news investigation found that parents bought diamond rings, appliances and lingerie, among other purchases after parents were automatically reimbursed for any purchases made under $2,000. Arizona also saw fraud with its voucher program last year when two Colorado residents pled guilty to committing $110,000 in ESA fraud for enrolling more than 40 real and fictional students into ESA.

Garrett said the CHOOSE Act has more re-

strictions than other states like Arizona on how the money can be spent by parents.

“Money does not go directly to the individual, the money goes straight to the educational institution and if the parent is homeschooling, the money doesn’t go to the parent, it goes to the service provider,” Garrett said.

Parents can gain access to funds granted by the program through an education savings account, known as ClassWallet.

Mackey said he doesn’t anticipate a large number of public school students making the switch to private education because of lack of space.

“Private schools are in many areas. They’re pretty well inundated, they don’t have additional space without building. And even though $7,000 is a pretty good tuition voucher, it does not necessarily give you enough money to go out and add a new wing to your school without doing some private fundraising at all,” he said.

Another reason Mackey doesn’t expect a dramatic increase in public students accepting CHOOSE Act funds is because of where some private schools are located.

“In some parts of the state, we had private schools that were just drying up and dying. I mean, we were closing more than opening every year for a long time, and this will be a lifeline to some of those schools, and so they would be able to add more students, but most of them are in areas where there’s all the public schools are also in sharp decline because there just aren’t a lot of young people.”

Man charged in triple homicide that claimed life of Center Point 5-year-old

From Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM Ala.

Leeds

From front page

Jacorrian McGregor, 25,

Ma shot t Gr

Summer Drive, just outside of Center Point.

Officers found the vehicle with multiple bullet holes in the side of it wrecked in the front yard of residence.

All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

which is owned by Alabama limited liability companies

Akin Holdings and Jones Properties, according to the resolution.

with capital murder (two or more persons) and is being held in the Jefferson County Jail with no bond.

go better than expected we can pay it off at any moment. We don’t have to wait ten years.”

Police believed it was a targeted shooting and that the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle.

It is projected to create 50 to 60 jobs in the area, Moore said.

In the past, the program has run from two campuses. For grades 6-8, the program operated out of Pleasant Grove, and for grades 9-12: Irondale. With students now attending class together at the new facility, located at the former Fultondale High School on Carson Road North, district leaders say the merger will consolidate resources and foster a more connected academic experience for middle and high schoolers enrolled in the program.

On July 13, 2024, Ashley (28), Berry (28), and Brooks (5) were shot in their car in the 1700 block of Indian

Bones

A public hearing was held during a meeting of the Leeds City Council on Monday where real estate representatives spoke and showed renditions of the proposed store.

From front page

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

“It’s going to add money to our coffers,” Moore said on the potential impact on the city. “This is one of the easiest business deals I’ve ever been associated with. The people are very easy to work with. So, it will en

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

The estimated date of completion is March 31 in 2027. Leeds Mayor Eddie Moore estimated that the developers will begin setting up shop in the next six weeks.

following a DNA analysis of the bones, though authorities still do not know the identity of who they belonged to.

“We are extremely excited about this new campus opening,” said Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin. “It is a beautiful facility that will house some of the best and brightest students in the county. Being able to have all grades under one roof will allow for us to streamline our resources and offer a better experience for students, one centered on rigorous academic standards and high achievement.”

Friday, Feb 20 marked

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.

The agreement entails that the city grants a rebate up to no more than $1,834,000. The public funds will be paid from one half of municipal sales tax generated from the business for a period that is not to exceed ten years, the resolution states.

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.

“They get 50% of our 4%,” Moore said. “We’re splitting the revenue on tax, which is a very good thing. As businesses go in municipalities, as far as I’ve seen that’s a good deal for them and us, which is the essence of a deal.”

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-

In regard to the ten-year rebate he added, “If things

Personnel

From front page

aid meant to repair potential legal issues regarding the city’s split from the Jefferson County Personnel Board—as the prior law remains tangled up in the courts. Governor Kay Ivey signed the bill into law on Tuesday.

District 44 Rep. Danny Garrett, who represents the broader Trussville area, stated the bill was rerun after the Alabama Supreme Court raised procedural questions about the earlier law.

“Although multiple courts have upheld Trussville’s right to separate from the Jefferson County Personnel Board, the State Supreme Court raised the question of whether the legislation…should have been advertised,” Garrett said in

lease. Curtis was ordered to pay a $3,000 special assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.

Teachers took the week to prepare classrooms prior to students’ arrival.

the last day students attended the program at their former campuses. Then the district shifted to remote learning Feb. 23-27 as maintenance crews for Jefferson County Schools moved supplies and equipment into the new location.

The district inaugurated the new campus with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Feb. 27, and families were given a chance to tour the campus during its

open house Sunday, March 1 from 2-4 p.m.

“I am excited for the JCIB administrators, teachers, and students,” Gonsoulin said. “I have no doubt that this will soon become one of the top performing schools in the state.”

Leeds PD ask public to help identify organized retail theft suspect

From Tribune staff reports

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

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.

second and fourth Mondays of every month at City Hall on 1400 9th Street Northeast. Agenda packets can be seen online at the City of Leeds website. Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@ gmail.com.

a statement to the Tribune.

“While that question is pending, the legislature has now passed the legislation for a second time—this time advertising the bill prior to passage.”

The legislature cleared the second version on Feb. 10, 2026, when HB 153 passed the Senate, and the bill was listed as “Ready to Enroll” on Feb. 12.

According to the plea agreement, the Alabama

JCIB

From front page

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.

excellence and care for people—as part of the decision.

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

The original law, Act 2023-460, emerged from HB 471 in 2023, constructing a legal pathway for Trussville to opt out of the broader Jefferson County personnel system, which includes the city of Birmingham. The Alabama Supreme Court case over that law is still active. The court’s opinion highlighted concerns over whether the act was passed in compliance with the Alabama Constitu-

tion, specifically whether it was subject to the public notice and advertising requirements outlined in Article IV, Section 106.

The City of Trussville voted in September 2023 to leave the Jefferson County Personnel Board and form its own civil service system after city officials argued the county personnel process was too slow— bogged down by the size of Birmingham—and that this hindered Trussville’s growth, including for hiring police and fire.

Pragmatically speaking, the second bill is not so much designed to change the policy adopted in 2023 as to protect the one Trussville already passed. Garrett’s bill is designed as a legislative repair as the court’s challenge to the 2023 law continues.

State Bureau of Investigation received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children pm September 4, 2024. Kik, an instant messaging mobile app, reported to the NCMEC that Curtis uploaded images of child pornography.

The SBI, according to the

“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.

“These values are not simply words,” Short said. “They guide our hiring decisions, our leadership expectations, and our daily

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

Financing

CrimeStoppers of Met-

plea agreement, found that the IP address used to access the account originated from a Pell City residence. The SBI then executed a search warrant at the residence on September 11, 2024. According to the plea agreement, agents seized Curtis’ cell phone. Images of child pornography were found during an examination of the device. Curtis searched for and downloaded child phonography on the cell phone, according to the plea agreement.

operations. Chief Morrette embodies these principles, and I am confident he will continue building a culture of professionalism,

ro Alabama also released information about the incident.

“According to a report filed with the Leeds Police

was related to two things: the size of the savings and -

Homeland Security Investigations and the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office were also involved in the investigation of the case.

accountability, and service within the Police Department.”

Morrette will assume the role immediately.

Department, a retail theft occurred on February 23, 2025 in the 8900 block of Weaver Avenue in Leeds,” the organization reported.

“First, the savings westantial, and they come from public debt,” Miller wrote.

“That makes the savings public dollars. When we spend city money, I believe it should be for something -

Council President Jaime Melton Anderson paused the current discussion and took up Miller’s motion. This time, Miller voted yes on reconsideration. A new vote on unanimous consent followed, and Miller voted yes. The council voted on the ordinance, and Miller voted yes. The approval was unanimous.

In a later statement, Miller said his initial hesitation

He said he was not initially unsure if the public would have access to the facility outside school use.

During the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Patrick Martin described the track as a safety issue and highlighted the school system’s use of the facility for major meets and programs. When Miller pressed the question of broader access, Martin said the school system already

accommodates limited outside use in certain cases and was open to further conversation with the mayor and the parks director, Chris Mills, about how public access could work.

That clarification, Miller said, changed his mind.

“Detectives obtained these photos from video surveillance and are asking the public for help with identifying the person shown.” If you recognize this individual, or have any information about this crime, please contact Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama. You may remain anonymous, and if your tip leads to an arrest, you could receive a cash reward of up to $5,000.

“As the conversation continued, Dr. Martin stated clearly that he was open to allowing members of the public to use the track and was willing to continue discussions about how that would work,” Miller wrote.

“He provided specific examples. That clarification mattered to me.” Miller also said he “took a moment to pray about the decision” before motioning to reconsider and voting yes. The ordinance does not outline all specific improvements. Rather, it authorizes the financing for school capital improvements under the Board of Education, specifically the athletic track. In the end, Tuesday saw a unanimous final vote—but only after sequential agenda item translated into layspeak: when public debt savings are sent to a school project, the public will inevitably ask what, exactly, it gets in

o pinion

Go ahead and close the primaries, Alabama

By Jeff Poor

For the last 40 years, Alabama’s power structure has been grappling with accusations that party crashers are interfering with the state’s two political parties’ primaries.

For most of its history, Alabama has been a one-party state, first under the Democratic Party banner and, for the last decade and a half, under the GOP banner.

The 1980s brought a transitional phase in Alabama politics. Republicans were gaining numbers on Democrats.

In 1986, it was the beginning of the end for Alabama Democrats. Then-Attorney General Charles Graddick won a heated runoff against then-Lt. Gov. Bill Baxley by nearly 10,000 votes.

The Alabama Democratic Party would invalidate that outcome by claiming Graddick had violated the party’s rules by encouraging Republicans to vote in the Democratic primary.

Baxley was ultimately granted the Democrat nomination but would lose in stunning fashion to Guy Hunt months later, making Hunt the state’s first Republican governor in 114 years.

A quarter century later, it was Republicans’ turn to deal with the potential for the insurgent minority party to meddle in their primary elections.

After a slugfest against Tim James, then-State Rep. Robert Bentley eked his way into the 2010 Republican gubernatorial runoff against Bradley Byrne.

Byrne was the favorite in the primary runoff, and we’ll never really know. But

he later lost the Republican nomination to Bentley, who would go on to be governor. The claim at the time was that the liberal-leaning Alabama Education Association was encouraging its longtime, dependable Democrat-voting membership to participate in the primary runoff by voting for Bentley. Years later, Alabama moved to close its primary runoffs. If you voted in one party’s primary, you were prohibited from voting in the other party’s primary runoff election in that cycle.

It begs the question: Why didn’t they go ahead and close the primary elections off all the way?

As of late, Alabama has had low turnout for primaries.

Sure, the state lives and breathes Republican politics. The problem, however,

is that most Alabama Republicans identify as such out of the Republican Party’s conservative brand related to national politics.

We are a one-party Republican state, and Republicans thrive in Alabama. But the reason for that success doesn’t run very deep in the state’s Republican Party offerings.

It’s Donald Trump. It’s Fox News. It’s pro-American traditional values. It’s anti-liberal.

Very few, if any, cast a ballot in a general election for a Republican motivated by their state-level officials. Closing the primaries never seemed necessary. Sure, every couple of decades, it might matter, but that was never enough for an act of the legislature to make drastic changes.

Now could be the time.

We know of one instance in recent memory: a voter from the opposition party crossed over to change the outcome of a significant Republican primary.

In 2022, then-State Sen. Tom Whatley lost to challenger Jay Hovey by one vote.

In an op-ed published in The New York Times of all places, Auburn University creative writing professor Anton DiSclafani, a self-proclaimed “left-leaning Democrat,” took credit for Whatley’s single-vote loss.

DiSclafani reportedly cast a vote for Hovey, then took a victory lap in the Times after Whatley’s loss. Whatley wasn’t just some backbencher in the Alabama Senate. He was the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

In theory, that affected the entire state.

Later this month, the Alabama Republican Party will meet while the Alabama Legislature remains in session.

Apparently, because of some derogatory, ill-advised remarks from House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter about the Alabama Republican Party made in a closed-door meeting that were recorded and leaked to the media, a measure to close Alabama’s partisan primary elections is on the table.

Ledbetter, hoping to improve his image among the ALGOP executive committee, has agreed to shepherd legislation through his chamber. Based on his past performance in moving legislation, Ledbetter is likely to make that happen if and when the time comes.

Beyond that, that effort will likely succeed in the Senate.

At this point, what possible justification would there be for not to close Alabama’s primaries?

The growth of Huntsville, Tuscaloosa and Auburn could disrupt the current balance, potentially favoring more Democrat-leaning voters. Certainly, there is a demonstrable need to protect the primaries.

However, let’s say it happens. Will Alabama see a quality-of-life-altering tangible change in public policy?

Assuming you are of the mindset that this is needed because you’re dissatisfied with those elected under the GOP banner, it will likely take more than adding an additional hurdle for voters.

What’s to stop likely Democratic general election voters from registering as Republicans to vote in Republican primaries, especially as Democrats often have little to offer on their primary ballot?

To change the ideological direction of government, it takes more than closed primaries or even leadership changes.

The state’s influential conservatives must change the perception that primary elections are small potatoes. Right now, those elections are decided by a small group of people who may not reflect the entire public.

It’s a six-to-eight-year process. In the meantime, you have to start somewhere. Might as well go ahead and try to close the primaries while you can.

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Local Meetings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

● The M.W. Hosey American Legion Post 205, Clay-Trussville, meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Clay Community Center. Meetings are open to all veterans. Post 205 also meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Trussville Applebee’s for a Veteran’s Pub night.

Children’s Storytime Thursday, March 5 9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Trussville Library LBK Auditorium March 5th: Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Join Ms. Alicia for stories, songs, bubble time, and lots of fun! The event will be held in the library auditorium every Thursday at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. This story time is designed for preschoolaged children and their families! Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. No snacks allowed at the program. All preschool ages. Every Thursday at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

YA - D&D AdventuresRise of Tiamat

Thursday, March 05

4:00pm - 5:30pm Trussville Library Parkway Room

Dungeons and Dragons is a classic tabletop roleplaying game that encourages creativity and cooperation. The players form a party, go on quests, explore ruins, and (probably) save the world. Registration for the event is required as space is limited. Please only sign up for one of the Teen D&D groups or the other. This campaign will be continuing our adventure that’s full of dragons! Please try and coordinate with friends to end up in the same groups. If you have any questions about D&D or about groups you can reach out to us at Jacob.Sartain@jclc.org or at 205-655-2022. Snacks and refreshments are provided at the event. This is group is more beginner friendly. (Photographs may be taken during the program and used by the TPL. If you do not want pictures of your child to be taken please let the Librarian in charge of the event know).

Pokemon Club

Thursday, March 05

4:00pm - 5:00pm

Trussville Library LBK Auditorium

Are you a fan of Pokémon?

Bring your friends for an hour to play the card game, make a craft, and watch a classic episode in the library auditorium. Kids are welcome to bring their own cards, but staff cannot supervise trading. Parents are welcome to join and monitor their child’s trading. Extra playing decks and cards will be available for use during the program. This club is open to elementary students. Registration Required!

Adult D&D Group 2

Thursday, March 05

5:30pm - 7:45pm Trussville Library Cahaba Room

Join us to play Dungeons & Dragons! We will meet every other Thursday playing Spelljammer: Adventures in Space. Home of the stars and gateway to the heavens, the Astral Plane teems with excitement and possibility. With the help of magic, spelljammers can cross the oceans of Wildspace, ply the silvery void known as the Astral Sea,

and hop between worlds of the D&D multiverse.

Para Swim Open Series March 7-8

Birmingham Crossplex Lakeshore is hosting a Para Swim Open Series at the Birmingham Crossplex March 7 and 8. Come out and cheer on the athletes throughout the weekend! Admission is free, but there will be a $10 parking fee at the event venue. Visit www.lakeshore.org for more information.

Chess Club Monday, March 09 4:00pm - 5:00pm Trussville Library LBK Auditorium Learn the basics, cool tricks, and strategy in chess with a ChessKidsNation coach. All supplies provided. Parents and caregivers are welcome to join the fun! Open to K - 8th grade students. Registration is encouraged to account for supplies.

Books & Brews

Monday, March 09

7:15pm - 8:30pm Ferus Artisan Ales Event Room

March 9: Sphere by Michael Crichton. Join us for Books & Brews, an evening adult book club from the Trussville Public Library! Connect with your community and share your thoughts about this month’s book while enjoying delicious food and drinks at Ferus. We will meet each month on the second Monday of the month at 7:15 PM in the event room at Ferus. Contact the Adult Dept (205655-2022 or tr.adult@jclc. org) if you need assistance in obtaining books or if you have any questions.

Preschoolers at Play Wednesday, March 11 10:30am - 11:30am Trussville Library LBK Auditorium

Join us for a short circle time followed by free play at several themed stations set up around the large auditorium. A special playtime program for preschoolaged children. Circle time will begin at 10:30, followed by free play at several themed stations around the large auditorium. Grownups are asked to stay with their child and travel with them as they play with the different selections of toys. Best for ages 2-5 years old. No Registration Needed.

LEGAL NOTICE: To all parties seeking to make a claim. Toro, Luis Eduardo is doing business as LUIS EDUARDO TORO and all derivatives thereof. Notice of fee schedule(s): Each and every use not authorized by Toro, Luis Eduardo requires a $15,000.00 USD fine payable to: LUIS EDUARDO TORO within 30 days of notice and the fines must be settled in full. In order to authorize, contact must be made with the Name Holder for a contract to do so. Failure to timely notify the name holder, produces an agreement that the user’s contract is invalid. Additionally, this notice is retroactive. All parties prior to this notice must contact the Name Holder within 180 days of this notice for an update to the contract. Be advised that this notice is applicable to the use of each and every account associated with LUIS EDUARDO TORO and all derivatives thereof. A written request must be, signed under penalty of perjury and sent to the Name Holder at Care of: 109 Glen Cross Circle, Trussville Alabama 35173, all other deviations will be returned as invalid to sender.

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Irwin Eugene Hillhouse

march 23, 1941 — february 19, 2026

Irwin Eugene Hillhouse, age 84, passed away February 19, 2026.

He was born in Birmingham, Al and graduated from Tarrant High School in 1959. He served in the US Marine Corps Reserves for 8 years with Honorable Discharge. Irwin also retired from the CBRE. After Retirement he lived in Oneonta, AL where he enjoyed keeping up with current events both local and national.

He is survived by his sister Deborah Hillhouse Bostic; two nieces, Katie Elizabeth Bostic and Kameron Hudson Fivecoat; nephew, Trent Fivecoat; grandnephew, Brandon Fivecoat; two grand nieces, Mallory Fivecoat and Addison Fivecoat.

He is preceded in death by his parents Robert Erwin Hillhouse and Ruby Upshaw Hillhouse; sister, Rebecca Hillhouse Hudson; and two brother in laws Curtis Lee Hudson and Jeffrey Lee Bostic.

James Samuel Warnick

august 22, 1955 — february 17, 2026

In loving memory…

James Samuel Warnick, a man with charisma who brought laughter and joy to so many, died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on February Seventeenth, Twenty Twenty-Six. James preferred to be called Sammy by most who knew him except for his two loving sons, Mitchell and Eli, to whom he was simply called “Dad”. Sammy was born on the Twenty-Second of August, Nineteen Fifty-Five to Lillian Dot Newton and Charles Leonard Warnick into a family already rich with two sisters, Charlene and Sylvia-Ann. Lillian was a tough and independent woman. Sammy’s biological father, Leonard, died an early death leaving Lillian a single mother in the mid-fifties. For the early lives of the three children, they lived in a small unit in the Birmingham Projects with the help Lillian’s mother and Sammy’s loving grandmother, Ada Inez Newton, called Dina. Sammy would admit that his grandmother was quite partial to him being the youngest child and the only boy. Another wonderful talent Sammy possessed in spades—Sammy could spin any tale into a yarn that would leave the room slapping their legs or wiping their eyes or squeaking the very breath from their lungs. In July of Nineteen Seventy-One, Lillian would find love again with Clyde Cureton and remarry. Clyde, a veteran of the Korean War, and Lillian would go on to open a restaurant and make a loving home in Morris, Alabama. Clyde became a much cherished member of the family and was loved by Charlene, Sylvia and Sammy, but especially by his Grandchildren.

Sammy graduated from Phillips High School in Nineteen Seventy-Three and he would go on to a storied career in the sale of industrial pumps and air compressors. His co-workers will remember him as a wonderful salesman whose communicative strengths left him with no shortage of friends or customers. Most tightly held to Sammy’s chest, though, were his two sons Mitchell and Eli. Sammy would maintain contact with his sons so long as it was physically possible to do so. He was a perpetually gentle father, and his children would think of him for his strong morals and his memorable moral lessons. Finally, Sammy leaves a little Boston Terrier, who he calls his grandson, Kobe.

Glenn Franklin Edwards

november 4, 1967 — february 16, 2026

Glenn Franklin Edwards, born on November 4th, 1967 was called home on February 16th, 2026. Glenn was a God fearing man who lived his life sharing the word of God with everyone that he knew or came across. Spreading God’s love was his greatest passion that he took great pride in. He was a loving son, father, husband, brother, and friend. His family was the joy of his life and the center of all he did. Glenn had many hobbies and interests never doing anything halfway, especially when it came to loving those closest to him. He was an aviation enthusiast, sports fan of all, and a man who loved this country. Glenn kept this constitution in his bible and that was just the man he was, proud of where he came from and who guided his life. Glenn will always be remembered as someone who loved, honored, and gave his life to our Creator.

Survivors include his wife Melissa Edwards: four kids, Donald Edwards and wife Karley Houk, Sarah Franks and David Franks, Katherine Edwards, Abigail Levesque, his mother Janet Edwards, brother Jason Edwards. Proceeded by Donald Edwards Sr. and Jeff Edwards.

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Linda Kaye Isbell

FORSALE

june 23, 1951 — february 21, 2026

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Linda is survived by her husband Brent Isbell; two daughters, Bridgette (Richard) Godwin and Tiffany Hopper; three grandchildren, Sky (Justin) Reno, Lindsay (Daniel) Hicks, Reese Hopper; eleven great-grandchildren, Harper Reno, Maddox Reno, Sawyer Reno, Blakley Hicks, Tenley Hicks, Everley Hicks, Micah Godwin, Brennen Godwin, Jude Godwin, James Godwin, Elliott Godwin; three brothers, Roy Gill, Pat (Cindy) Gasaway and Daniel Gasaway.

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.

Allen James Golightly

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january 12, 1954 — february 21, 2026

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Allen James Golightly was born on January 12, 1954, in Mount Clemens, Michigan, to Hilairia Dekiere Golightly and Gene Houston Golightly. He was a man known by many names — Allen, Al, Allen James, Honey, Hon, Dad, Daddy, Peepaw, Great Peepaw, and Friend — each one spoken with love.

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Allen spent his early years in Mount Clemens. After his honorable discharge from the United States Army, he made Alabama his home. He and his beloved wife of 42 years, Beverly, lived in South East Lake and Huffman before building their retirement dream home on a small private lake in the Woodhaven Community of Pinson, Alabama. As a young boy, Allen loved collecting baseball cards, playing Little League baseball, and riding his bike. In high school, he discovered a passion for singing, and his chorus group traveled to England to perform a memorial presentation of Fiddler on the Roof — a cherished memory he often shared with family and friends. Though he faced hardships in his early years, Allen was determined to build a better future, and he succeeded in whatever he set his mind to accomplish.

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Allen loved to travel and visited many states, especially enjoying camping during the last four years of his life. One of the most meaningful experiences of his faith journey was traveling to the Holy Land, where he was baptized in the Jordan River near the site where Jesus was baptized — a moment he treasured deeply. Allen began working while still in high school in a hospital laboratory. After graduation, he joined the United States Army, trained as a medic, and served in Germany. Following his military service and move to Alabama, he attended Samford University, where he earned his nursing degree. He worked at Princeton Hospital, East End Memorial Hospital, Carraway Hospital, and UAB Hospital. He also served as a travel nurse in California and New Mexico. While in New Mexico, he cared for many Native Navajo patients, developing a deep respect for their resilience, patriotism, and enduring strength. During that time, he attended Gallup Church of God.

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While working full-time in the hospital, Allen attended Birmingham School of Law at night and earned his Juris Doctor degree — a true testament to his determination, discipline, and strong work ethic.

Allen enjoyed fishing, playing cards (especially Canasta), bowling, chicken foot dominoes, camping, and riding his e-bike. Like many in his family, he was delightfully competitive — and often ruthless at the card table.

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Allen never met a stranger. He had a remarkable gift for making people laugh and made it his mission to bring joy to those around him. He leaves behind a host of friends whose lives were made brighter by knowing him.

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While much of the family proudly cheered for the University of Alabama, Allen faithfully supported Auburn University. He often said his loyalty was inspired by his brother-in-law Greg, an Auburn graduate.

If you knew Allen, you knew how deeply he loved his family — and how proudly he spoke of them. He was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. His face would light up whenever he talked about them.

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In his 72 years, Allen became a legend within his family and left a lasting impact on countless people. He was a faithful member of The Healing Place Church in Trussville. He loved the Lord deeply and treasured his time in Bible study with his men’s group.

HEALTH/BEAUTY

Allen passed away on February 21, 2026, with Beverly by his side. We find comfort in knowing that when he took his final breath, he was holding the hands of Jesus.

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He was preceded in death by his mother, Hilairia DeKiere Wilson; his father, Gene Houston Golightly; his brother, Nelson Brown; and his beloved granddaughter, Baylee Grace Peterman.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Beverly Golightly; his daughters, Jamie Burgess (Ronnie) of Prentiss, Mississippi; Amy Percha (Andy) of Columbus, Michigan; and Samantha Wyss (William) of Pelham, Alabama; and his sons, Jonathan Peterman (Amy) of Springville, Alabama; Jeremy Golightly (Amie) of Springville, Alabama; and Jason Peterman (Julie) of Pelham, Alabama. Allen was blessed with 13 grandchildren (including Baylee in Heaven) and five great-grandchildren.

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Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Austin Peterman, Aaron Johns, Devon Johns, Joseph Golightly, Zachary Golightly, Andrew Golightly, Hunter Wyss, and Carter Peterman.

Michael Waldrop, Pastor of River of Life Worship Center in Alexander City, Alabama, and brother-in-law; and Leslie Lupton, Senior Pastor of The Healing Place Church in Trussville, Alabama, and friend, will officiate.

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The family welcomes flowers and suggests that memorial donations be made to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (CureSMA.org) or to The Healing Place Church in Trussville, Alabama.

C alendar

Local Meetings

By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor

Moody

Devils

basketball team continues to make history on the

wood as they now prepare for the Final 4 in Birming

ham next week after

80-60 win over cross-town rivals, the Springville Tigers on Wednesday afternoon.

The Blue Devils jumped out early and, despite the gritty effort by Springville in the second and third quarters, Moody was just too much for the Tigers.

In the first, the Blue Devil defense smothered Springville, causing multiple turnovers and allowing just eight points in period. Leah Bowden led the way for Springville with three of the team’s eight points. On the offensive side, Moody got out to a fast start scoring 21 in the first quarter. Serenity Rutledge set the pace for her historic night with eight points in the first to lead Moody.

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The Tigers got things going in the second, putting up 20 points with Georgia Chancellor putting up nine points in the period to lead the Tigers. Moody would score 16 in the second, led by Rutledge once again, who had 10 of the team’s points in the second. Moody went into the halftime break with a 37-28 lead, but Springville

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outscoring Springville 2312. Rutledge had her best quarter of the night, scoring 13 of her team’s 23 points followed by five points from Aleigha Rhetta. Gabbi Allison would have five for the Tigers in the fourth.

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Georgia Chancellor was the leading scorer for Springville with 16 points on the night while Gabbi Allison added 12.

Serenity Rutledge set a new region finals record with 43 points. Aleigha Rhetta scored 14 and Sophie White scored 11.

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“Last night was a historic night for Moody basketball and continues to be a historic year for Moody athletics,” said Becca Davis, Moody’s coach. “Our kids did an outstanding job all week preparing for the rematch with Springville. They executed the game plan and kept their composure all four quarters.

Basketball is a game of runs, and we knew Springville would get theirs. Our kids adjusted and found a way to answer. I could not be more proud of my girls and I could not be more proud to be a Blue Devil.”

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The third quarter would be a battle between two great teams as both teams put up 20 points. Moody

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was led once again by Rutledge, this time with 12 points while Kennedy Hockman would add four. Springville’s leading scorer in the quarter would be Leah

quarter of the game with a trip to Legacy Arena and the Final 4 on the line. Moody would get back to first quarter form in the final period of the game,

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Moody, now 19-11 on the season, moves on to their first-ever Final 4 where they will take on Charles Henderson next Wednesday at 6:00 pm.

Springville’s season ends in the Elite 8 as their final record is 23-9.

Lady Huskies win seven to capture Rocket Invitational

By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor

GARDENDALE

– The Hewitt softball team won seven games and outscored the competition 69-24 at the Rocket Invitational Friday and Saturday. Taylor Burt’s Lady Huskies closed out the tournament with a dramatic last-inning 11-10 win over host Gardendale to take the title.

The Lady Huskies opened the tournament Friday was a 3-2 win over Hayden.

Hannah Claire Miller’s RBI single in the sixth inning clinched the game, Rachel Reed picked up the win, and Maggie Bell closed out the game in relief.

Later Friday, Hewitt got an 8-2 win over Pell City.

Corey Goguts blasted two home runs and drove

By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor

MADISON – The Huskies’ pitching power was on full display Saturday as Hewitt (5-0) picked up two wins in Madison.

Rylan Clark and Hudson Mitchell powered Hewitt to a 14-2 win over Scottsboro and a 2-0 shutout of James Clemens.

Clark turned in a strong performance in the opener.

The right-hander struck out 14, allowed five hits, and two runs in the win over Scottsboro.

With the game tied 2-2, the Huskies scored four runs in the fourth inning: Jace Riggan scored on a sacrifice fly by Cale McIntosh, Koal Duckett scored on an error, Hudson Mitchell scored af-

in three, while Kylie Grace Hendrick added a three-run homer in a five-run fifth inning that broke the game open.

The Lady Huskies opened Saturday play with an 8-1 win over Spain Park. Hewitt got off to a fast start with a five-run first inning. Hendrick, Chloe Krackenberger, Taylor McLaughlin, and Miller all had RBIs in the win over the Lady Jags.

The Lady Huskies then squared off against Geneva and came away with a 14-2 win.

Erin Coleman went 3-for-4, and the Lady Huskies exploded for eight runs in the fourth. Presley Hull added a three-run double in the win.

Hewitt then turned in a 15-0 blowout win over Mortimer Jordan.

Goguts went 3 for 3 with

four RBIs, a two-run double, and a homer. Coleman added a three-run homer in a 12-run second inning that put the game away early.

In a second matchup with Pell City, the Lady Panthers jumped out to a 6-1 lead before the Lady Huskies came back for an 8-7 win. Hendrick, Miller, and Coleman hit home runs in the second inning to tie the game. Miller and Emily Renda added runs to take the win. Bell secured the win in relief.

Late that night, in the championship game, the Lady Huskies, down 10-7 entering the bottom of the fifth against host Gardendale, stormed back.

Hull’s two-run single scored Miller and Cate Bruce. Coleman’s RBI scored Hull. An error on a Krackenberger grounder scored Coleman for the win.

Hewitt pounded out 12 hits in the win. Coleman finished 3-for-4 with three RBIs.

The Lady Huskies go on the road to face Curry on Monday.

Rocket Invitational Stat Leaders:

Hewitt-Trussville (7-0, 69 runs scored)

Huskies move to 5-0

ter tagging up on an Andrew Walker flyout, and Blake Bales’ RBI scored Taylor Alfano to give Hewitt a 6-2 lead to take control.

The Huskies banged out 11 hits and stole six bases. Mitchell, Riggan, Duckett, and McIntosh each had two hits.

In game two, Mitchell delivered six and two-thirds scoreless innings against James Clemens, allowing just three hits while striking out nine Jets.

The Huskies got on the board first when Kaleb Kynard’s single scored McIntosh in the fourth. An Alfano double scored Duckett in the sixth for insurance.

Bales closed the game out to get the save. Hewitt hosts Cullman on Tuesday.

Huskies Finish Runner-Up on Both Sides in Loaded Field

By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor

TRUSSVILLE – HewittTrussville’s boys and girls delivered one of their most complete meets of the young outdoor track season at the Husky Classic.

On the boys’ side, Hewitt scored 109 points to place second behind Auburn High School (132.5). Vestavia Hills High School was third (96), followed by Northridge High School (78.5) and Oak Mountain High School (59).

The girls mirrored that finish, totaling 105 points to finish second behind Auburn (138). Northridge (73), Oak Mountain (63), and Mountain Brook High School (53.5) rounded out the top five in a 17-team

field.

GIRLS: Junior Caylin Kennemur dominated the ambulatory division, sweeping the 100m, 200m, discus, and shot put. Sophomore Sarah Thomas added a shot put win and runner-up finish in the 100m.

Senior Jaliyah Edwards won the discus (120-2) and shot put (39-8.25) while placing sixth in javelin. Hewitt went 1-3-4 in discus and 1-2-4-5 in shot put, with Savannah Bullock, Maci Brown, and Dorit Boakye-Yiadom adding points.

Freshman Olivia Reese scored in three events: 3rd in 100m hurdles (15.16) 4th in 200m (26.26) 7th in 100m (12.67)

Mary Durham – 2nd in 1600m (5:10.26)

800m (2:21.31)

Lia Carter – 3rd in long jump (16-7)

Kaylee White – 5th in high jump

4×100 relay – Runner-up (49.21)

BOYS: Senior Raphael BoakyeYiadom scored 28 points for the Huskies and delivered one of the meet’s top overall performances: 1st – 110m hurdles (14.67)

1st – Triple jump (449.25)

2nd – Long jump (22-0)

Junior Demetri Hall Jr.: 1st – 300m hurdles (39.45) 1st – 400m (48.75)

Noah Jordan: 4th in 1600m (4:22.13) 8th in 800m John Paul Amari – 5th in 1600m

Moody picks up win over Leeds

Max Ryan – 5th in 800m (1:59.41)

Maddox Turner – 6th in 800m.

Ben Reeves – 3rd in pole vault (13-6), plus javelin

By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor

LEEDS – The Moody

Blue Devils crossed the I-20 bridge on Monday night to take on rival Leeds Greenwave in baseball’s version of the Battle of the Bridge. The visiting Blue Devils picked up a 7-4 win over Leeds.

Moody found success right out of the gate, putting up two runs in the first. Will Dutton hit a sacrifice fly with no outs on the board to bring Marshall Teofilo home to pick up the first run. The second would be scored by Jayden Hicks. Leeds would be unable to put any runs up in the opening frame.

The Greenies would get on the board in the second after holding Moody scoreless in the top of the inning.

Taylon Gaiter would hit a

single to third that drove home Gavin Howard to narrow the Moody lead to 2-1.

Both teams would go scoreless in the third and fourth before the Blue Devils put up four runs in top of the fifth. Dutton would bring Teofilo followed by runs from Jagger Ludolf, JB Leatherwood, and Levi Crowe to put Moody up 6-1 as Leeds came to the plate to close the inning. The Greenwave would get runs from Gaiter and Bennett Schorfhaar in the bottom of the inning, making it 6-3 Moody after five.

Hicks would scratch a final run across the plate for Moody on a wild pitch in the sixth before Howard scored the last one for Leeds in the bottom of the inning. Both teams would fail to score in the seventh, ending the game at 7-4 with the Blue

Devils coming out on top.

Gavin Howard led Leeds with two hits and two runs at the plate while Taylon Gaiter and Brady Smith each drove in a run.

On the mound for the Greenies, Brooks Ford took the loss, pitching just over four innings, allowing three hits and striking out four.

For Moody, Marshall Teofilo, Jayden Hicks and Will Dutton all had a hit with Dutton driving in two runs to lead the Blue Devils.

JP Sands picked up the win for Moody, allowing three hits and three runs (two earned) to go with five strikeouts in his five innings.

Moody improved to 6-1 overall and they head to Gardendale on Thursday.

Leeds now sits at 4-4 as they will host Tuscaloosa Academy on Tuesday.

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